This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "Putnam Township Zoning Ordinance," "this chapter," "the ordinance," or phrased in similar fashion. In all cases, such terms and phrases shall refer to Chapter 340, Zoning, of the Putnam Township Code.

This chapter shall be subject to the requirements of the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, P.A. 110 of 2006, as amended.

This chapter is based upon the Putnam Township Master Plan and provides for the establishment of zoning districts and district uses, standards, and regulations designed to promote the public health, safety and general welfare; to encourage the use of land in accordance with its character and adaptability and limit the improper use of land; to conserve natural resources and energy, to meet the needs of the state's citizens for food, fiber and other natural resources, places of residence, recreation, agriculture, industry, trade, service and other uses of land; to insure that uses of land shall be situated in appropriate locations and relationships; to avoid the overcrowding of population, to provide adequate light and air; to lessen congestion on the public roads and streets; to reduce hazards to life and property; to facilitate the adequate provision of a system of transportation, sewage disposal, safe and adequate water supply, education, recreation and other public requirements; and to conserve the expenditure of funds for public improvements and services so as to obtain the most advantageous uses of land, resources and properties.

This chapter is adopted with reasonable consideration, among other things, of the character of each district, its peculiar suitability for particular uses, the conservation of property values and natural resources, and the general and appropriate trend and character of land, building and population development.

Zoning affects all structures and land uses within the Township.

This chapter shall not repeal, abrogate, annul or in any way impair or interfere with existing provisions of other laws, ordinances or regulations, except those repealed herein by specific reference, or with private restrictions placed upon property by covenant, deed or other private agreement, or with restrictive covenants running with the land to which the Township is a party.

Where this chapter imposes greater restrictions, limitations, or requirements upon the use of buildings, structures, or land; the height of buildings or structures; lot coverage; lot areas; yards or other open spaces; or any other use or utilization of land than are imposed or required by such existing laws, ordinances, regulations, private restrictions, or restrictive covenants, the provisions of this chapter shall control.

Uses not expressly permitted are prohibited. Uses for enterprises or purposes that are contrary to federal, state, or local laws or ordinances are prohibited.

The Township of Putnam Zoning Ordinance, adopted September 23, 2004, as amended, and any prior zoning ordinances of Putnam Township are hereby repealed effective coincident with the effective date of this chapter. The repeal of said ordinances shall not have the effect of releasing or relinquishing any penalty, forfeiture or liability incurred under the previous ordinance, or any part thereof, and the previous ordinance shall be treated as still remaining in force for the purpose of instituting or sustaining any proper action for the enforcement of such penalty, forfeiture or liability.

Conditions which have been attached to land, buildings, structures, and uses resulting from actions under a prior ordinance shall remain in effect unless specifically waived by this chapter, or through proper amendment, subject to the requirements of this chapter.