The provisions of this section apply to the A/R district. The A/R district is established to provide areas of both residential and general agricultural development. This area is intended to regulate the development of nonfarm use within primarily open land farm areas. It is the purpose of the regulations to promote the maintenance of farm areas while at the same time to permit a residential environment of a compatible low-density ratio.

(Ord. No. 144, 8-13-2019)

All principal, accessory and conditional uses and structures in the A/R district shall be subject to the area, location and height restrictions as specified in the Article 35, Schedule of Zoning District Regulations.

(Ord. No. 144, 8-13-2019)

Land and buildings in this district may be used for the following uses only:

(a)

Permitted uses and structures as allowed in Section 109-5.03, A-1 Agricultural District.

(b)

Governmental buildings are allowed only on parcels larger than one-half acre in size subject to site plan approval by the Planning Commission per Article 23 herein.

(c)

Public parks, playgrounds, indoor and outdoor recreational uses and historical sites are allowed only on parcels larger than one-half acre subject to site plan approval by the Planning Commission per the Article 23 herein.

(d)

Short-term rental operations per Section 109-3.48 herein.

(Ord. No. 144, 8-13-2019)

The following uses may be permitted in the A/R, Agricultural/Residential District upon authorization as a Conditional Use by the Planning Commission in accordance with the requirements of Article 24 herein:

(a)

Veterinary clinics per Section 109-24.22 herein.

(b)

Commercial kennels per Section 109-24.14 herein.

(c)

Churches, synagogues, temples, and similar places of religious worship.

(d)

Group child care home (7—12 minor children) per Section 109-24.21.

(e)

Private schools not under the jurisdiction of the Michigan Superintendent of Public Instruction.

(f)

Mineral extraction and processing of on-site minerals per Section 109-24.32 herein.

(g)

Rooming houses per Section 109-24.18 herein.

(h)

Wireless communications towers over thirty-five (35) feet in height per Section 109-3.29 herein.

(i)

Medium wind energy turbine(s) (MWET) and large wind energy turbine(s) (LWET) in accordance with Article 29.

(j)

Facilities used in the research and testing of farm products and techniques.

(k)

Private landing fields.

(l)

Ponds when not accessory to agricultural activities maintained on the premises.

(m)

Convenience stores per Section 109-24.12 herein.

(n)

Clubs and lodges per Section 109-24.11 herein.

(o)

Golf courses and country clubs. Dining and restaurant facilities, retail sales of golf equipment, driving ranges and similar related accessory uses may be allowed if specifically approved by the Planning Commission.

(p)

Outdoor commercial recreation establishments such as miniature golf, go cart tracks, golf driving ranges, batting cages, athletic fields, and ball courts.

(q)

Bed and Breakfast establishments per Section 109-24.31 herein.

(r)

Rural Recreation/Special Events which utilize farmland or farm equipment for commercial uses which take place substantially outdoors, in conjunction with an active farm operation and in accordance with Section 109-24.28 herein. Such uses include indoor and outdoor weddings, wedding receptions, company picnics, graduation parties, reunions, and similar gatherings as may be specifically approved by the Planning Commission, but not including musical concerts.

(s)

Wineries, breweries and distilleries on the same premises as an active farm, which involve the sale of wine, hard cider, or other alcoholic beverages which are primarily produced on the site from farm products grown on the premises or on land under the control of the person selling or producing such products, subject to any applicable Federal or State of Michigan law per the requirements of Section 109-5.07 herein.

(t)

Bakeries, cooking demonstrations, food service, and on-site food consumption when incidental to and on the same premises as an active farm operation and subject to all State of Michigan and Mason County Health Department regulations.

(u)

Processing and bottling of dairy products on the same premises as an active farm, produced from farm animals which reside on the premises or on land under the control of the person selling or producing such products; and processing of meats, fruits, and vegetables on the same premises as an active farm, from products which are produced on the site from farm products grown on the premises or on land under the control of the person selling or producing such products, subject to any applicable Federal or State of Michigan law.

(v)

Biofuel production facility accessory to and conducted in conjunction with an active farm operation which produces not more than one hundred thousand (100,000) gallons annually and which complies with Sections 109-5.03(l)(1) and (l)(2) but which does not comply with Section 109-5.03(l)(3) herein. Such facility shall also comply with the requirements of Section 109-24.29 herein.

(w)

A biofuel production facility accessory to and conducted in conjunction with an active farm operation which produces more than one hundred thousand (100,000) gallons but less than five hundred thousand (500,000) gallons annually as regulated by Section 109-24.29 herein.

(x)

Essential public services structures and buildings per Section 109-3.20 herein.

(y)

Home-Based Business per Section 109-24.30 herein.

(z)

Agricultural indoor storage of unprocessed fruits and vegetables.

(aa)

Accessory dwelling units per Section 109-24.33 herein.

(Ord. No. 144, 8-13-2019; Ord. No. 158, § 1, 10-22-2024; Ord. No. 156, § 5, 12-9-2025)

All dwelling units constructed after the date of adoption of this amendment shall contain the following minimum amount of floor area:

One-story: 900 sq. ft. on the ground floor

Two-story: 800 sq. ft. on the ground floor

Split or bi-level: 800 sq. ft. above grade

(Ord. No. 144, 8-13-2019)

(a)

General Requirements:

(1)

Keeping of Animals. Section 109-3.26.

(2)

Accessory Buildings. Section 109-3.12.

(3)

Private Roads. Section 109-3.45.

(4)

Landscaping for Non-Residential Uses. Article 26.

(5)

Parking of Recreational Vehicles. Section 109-3.25.

(6)

Signs. Article 28.

(7)

Off-Street Parking. Article 27.

(8)

Sidewalks. Article 30.

(b)

Development Procedures:

(1)

Site Plan Review. Article 23.

(2)

Conditional Land Uses. Article 24.

(3)

Site Condominiums. Article 25.

(c)

Appeals and Administration:

(1)

Non-Conforming Lot and Uses. Article 31.

(2)

Zoning Board of Appeals. Article 32.

(Ord. No. 144, 8-13-2019)