The provisions of this article are intended to permit groupings of single-family residences on larger tracts of land for purposes of preserving natural features such as wooded areas, watercourses or bodies, and land forms, and to permit better adaptation to existing topography. The provisions apply only to single-family dwellings and are intended to be used only in conjunction with the subdivision plat review process. Single-family dwellings may be detached or attached, in accordance with the provisions of this article.

(Comp. Ords. 1994, § 15.661; Ord. No. 1, § 52.01, 8-19-1974; Ord. of 5-15-1980)

Residential cluster development shall be permitted in LR and SR1 zoning districts.

(Comp. Ords. 1994, § 15.662; Ord. No. 1, § 52.02, 8-19-1974; Ord. of 5-15-1980)

The land area per dwelling unit shall not be less than one acre. Individual lots may be less than an acre in area, provided the excess area is included in permanent open space or common lands.

(Comp. Ords. 1994, § 15.663; Ord. No. 1, § 52.03, 8-19-1974; Ord. of 5-15-1980)

(a)

Single-family dwellings may be detached or attached in cluster developments. Attached single-family dwellings shall be permitted by means of:

(1)

A common party wall which does not have over 30 percent of its area in common with an adjoining dwelling;

(2)

An architectural wall that does not form part of an interior room of the dwelling; or

(3)

A common party wall in only the garage portion of abutting dwellings.

(b)

No common part wall relationships shall be permitted through any other part of the dwelling unit.

(c)

The number of dwelling units which may be attached shall not exceed four.

(Comp. Ords. 1994, § 15.664; Ord. No. 1, § 52.04, 8-19-1974; Ord. of 5-15-1980)

Minimum required yards in a cluster development shall be provided as follows:

(1)

Front yard: Not less than 35 feet.

(2)

Side yards: Detached dwellings shall be not less than 20 feet apart. A minimum distance of 20 feet shall be provided between clusters of attached dwellings. Corner side yards shall be at least 35 feet.

(3)

Rear yards: Not less than 35 feet.

The requirements of this section shall apply to every lot, building or structure within this district and all measurements shall conform to sections 30-5 and 30-182.

(Comp. Ords. 1994, § 15.665; Ord. No. 1, § 52.05, 8-19-1974; Ord. of 5-15-1980; Ord. of 9-1-1990)

A final site plan shall be approved as set forth in article II, division 2 of this chapter, for attached dwellings.

(Comp. Ords. 1994, § 15.666; Ord. No. 1, § 52.06, 8-19-1974; Ord. of 5-15-1980)

(a)

An application for cluster development approval shall be filed with the preliminary plat which is filed for tentative approval. The filings may be combined with a rezoning petition for the subject land, if applicable.

(b)

A public hearing shall be held by the township planning commission on the cluster development request. Notification of the hearing shall be provided as set forth in section 30-118(c)(1).

(c)

The township planning commission shall review the cluster development request and shall recommend action thereon to the township board, together with the commission's recommendation concerning tentative approval of the preliminary plat.

(d)

Cluster development shall not be approved except in conjunction with the township board's final approval of the preliminary plat.

(e)

Within three days allowing township board approval of cluster development the township supervisor shall enter a notation of said approval on the official zoning map, as provided in section 30-178.

(Comp. Ords. 1994, § 15.667; Ord. No. 1, § 52.07, 8-19-1974; Ord. of 5-15-1980)

The application for cluster development approval shall provide, as a supplement to the information required for preliminary plat review, the proposed location of buildings and drives, delineation of open or common areas, and location of wells, septic tanks, and drain fields.

(Comp. Ords. 1994, § 15.668; Ord. No. 1, § 52.08, 8-19-1974; Ord. of 5-15-1980)

The township board shall determine that the proposed layout of lots, streets, buildings, and open space/common areas meets the intent and regulations of this chapter and properly preserves and protects existing natural features on the subject property.

(Comp. Ords. 1994, § 15.669; Ord. No. 1, § 52.09, 8-19-1974; Ord. of 5-15-1980)