This ordinance shall be known as the Township of Thomas Rural Zoning Ordinance.

(Ord. 97-Z-03, 11-3-1997, eff. 12-12-1997)

It is the general purpose of this ordinance to provide for the establishment of zoning districts within which the proper use of land and natural resources may be encouraged and regulated, and further to:

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Promote the public health, safety and general welfare.

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Encourage the use of lands in accordance with their character and adaptability and to limit the improper use of land.

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Conserve natural resources and energy.

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Meet the needs of residents for food, fiber and other natural resources, places of residence, recreation, industry, trade, service and other uses of the land.

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Ensure that uses of the land shall be situated in appropriate locations and relationships.

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Avoid overcrowding of the population.

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Provide adequate light and air.

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Lessen congestion on the public roads and streets.

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Reduce hazards to life and property.

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Facilitate adequate provision for a system of transportation, sewage disposal, safe and adequate water supply, education, recreation and other public requirements.

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Conserve the expenditure of funds for public improvements and services to conform with the most advantageous uses of land, resources and properties.

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Adopt provisions for each designated zoning district which shall control the use of land and property; the use, size and location of buildings; the minimum yards, courts and other open spaces; and the maximum number of families to be housed in buildings and structures.

(Ord. 97-Z-03, 11-3-1997, eff. 12-12-1997)

Any use not specifically permitted herein or any use which is unlawful by state or federal law or local ordinance is prohibited; provided, however, a use not specifically permitted herein may be permitted under any applicable provisions of this Zoning Ordinance so long as said use is not unlawful by state or federal law or local ordinance.

(Ord. 11-Z-06, 8-10-2011, eff. 9-10-2011)

his ordinance is enacted pursuant the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, PA 110 of 2006, as amended. The continued administration of this ordinance, amendments to this ordinance and all other matters concerning operation of this ordinance shall be done pursuant to PA 110 of 2006, as amended.

(Ord. No. 08-Z-04, 11-12-2008, eff. 12-15-2008)

Whenever any provision of this ordinance imposes requirements for lower heights of buildings, or a lesser percentage of lots that may be occupied or require wider or larger courts or deeper yards than are imposed or required by existing provisions of law or other ordinances of the Township of Thomas, the provisions of this ordinance shall govern. Wherever provisions of any other ordinance or regulation of the Township of Thomas imposes requirements for lower height of buildings or lesser percentage of lots that may be occupied, or require wider or larger courts or deeper yards than are required by this ordinance, the provisions of the other ordinance or regulation shall govern.

(Ord. 97-Z-03, 11-3-1997, eff. 12-12-1997; Ord. No. 08-Z-04, 11-12-2008, eff. 12-15-2008)

Note— Formerly § 10-1-3.

It is the legislative intent that this ordinance be liberally construed and should any provision or section of this ordinance be held unconstitutional or invalid such ruling shall not be construed as affecting the validity of remaining portions of the Ordinance, it being the intent that this ordinance shall stand notwithstanding the invalidity of any provision or section therein.

The provisions of this ordinance are hereby declared to be severable and if any part is declared invalid for any reason by a court of competent jurisdiction, it shall not affect the remainder of the ordinance, which shall continue in full force and effect.

(Ord. 97-Z-03, 11-3-1997, eff. 12-12-1997; Ord. No. 08-Z-04, 11-12-2008, eff. 12-15-2008; adopted March 2012)

Note— Formerly § 10-1-4.

The existing zoning regulations of the Township of Thomas, as amended, are hereby repealed. The adoption of this ordinance, however, shall not affect or prevent any pending or future prosecution of, or action to abate, any existing violation of the prior ordinance, as amended, if the use, so in violation, is in violation of the provisions of this ordinance.

All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with this ordinance are hereby repealed.

(Ord. 97-Z-03, 11-3-1997, eff. 12-12-1997; Ord. No. 08-Z-04, 11-12-2008, eff. 12-15-2008; adopted March 2012)

Note— Formerly § 10-1-5.

This ordinance shall become effective thirty (30) days after publication thereof.

(Adopted March 2012)