This chapter shall be known as the Zoning Ordinance for the city.

(Ord. No. 24-674, § 2(Exh. A), 1-22-24)

In the interpretation and application of the provisions of this chapter, its terms shall be held to be the minimum requirements adopted for the promotion of the public health, safety, morals and general welfare; to encourage the use of lands in accordance with their character and adaptability and to limit the improper use of land; to avoid overcrowding of population; to provide adequate light and air; to lessen congestion on public roads and streets; to reduce hazards to life and property; to facilitate adequate provisions for sewerage, water supply, education, recreation and other public requirements; and to conserve the expenditure of funds for public improvements and services to conform with the most advantageous uses of land, resources and properties having in view 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.

(Ord. No. 24-674, § 2(Exh. A), 1-22-24)

It is not intended by this chapter to repeal, abrogate, annul or in any way impair or interfere with existing provisions of other laws or ordinances, except those specifically repealed by this chapter, or of any private restrictions placed upon property by covenant, deed or other private agreement. Where this chapter imposes a greater restriction upon the use of buildings or premises or upon the height of buildings or lot coverage, or requires greater lot areas or larger yards, courts or other open spaces than are imposed or required by such existing provisions of law or ordinances, or by such rules, regulations or permits, or by such private restrictions, the provisions of this chapter shall control.

(Ord. No. 24-674, § 2(Exh. A), 1-22-24)

Provisions of this chapter shall be liberally construed to promote the purposes set forth in this chapter.

(Ord. No. 24-674, § 2(Exh. A), 1-22-24)

(a)

This chapter and the zoning districts established under this chapter may be supplemented or amended from time to time as provided by the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, Act No. 110 of the Public Acts of Michigan of 2006 (MCL 125.3101 et seq.), as amended. Amendment may be initiated by the city commission on its own motion or the planning commission may initiate amendments to this chapter and recommend such amendments to the city commission for adoption.

(b)

The planning commission shall, from time to time at intervals of not more than one year, examine the provisions of this chapter and the location of district boundary lines and shall submit a report to the city commission recommending changes and amendments, if any, which the planning commission deems desirable in the interest of public health, safety and the general welfare.

(c)

Amendments process. See section 94-18.11.

(Ord. No. 24-674, § 2(Exh. A), 1-22-24)

Sections of this chapter shall be deemed separable, and should any section, clause or provision of this chapter be declared by the courts to be invalid, such declaration shall not affect the validity of the chapter as a whole or any part thereof, other than the part so declared to be invalid.

(Ord. No. 24-674, § 2(Exh. A), 1-22-24)

The zoning ordinance of the city adopted November 6, 1963, together with all amendments thereto is hereby repealed. Also, any other ordinance or ordinances or part or parts of ordinances of the city which are in conflict with the provisions of this chapter are hereby repealed.

(Ord. No. 24-674, § 2(Exh. A), 1-22-24)

The ordinance from which this chapter is derived shall be published in accordance with section 4.5 of the Charter by placing not less than 100 copies in the office of the clerk for public distribution and inspection and by publishing notice of this fact in a newspaper having general circulation in the city.

(Ord. No. 24-674, § 2(Exh. A), 1-22-24)

Except as specified in this chapter, no building, structure or premises shall be used or occupied, and no structure or a part thereof shall be erected, raised, moved, placed, reconstructed, extended, enlarged or altered, except in conformity with the regulations specified in this chapter for the district in which it is located, provided that nothing in this chapter shall prevent the strengthening or restoring to a safe condition of any part of any building or structure declared unsafe by the building inspector. No building or other structure shall be erected or altered (i) to exceed the height or bulk; (ii) to accommodate or house a greater number of families; (iii) to occupy a greater percentage of lot area; or (iv) to have no or smaller rear yards, front yards, side yards or other open spaces than required in this chapter, or in any other manner contrary to the provisions of this chapter, except as provided in this chapter.

(Ord. No. 24-674, § 2(Exh. A), 1-22-24)

All territory which may be annexed to the municipality shall be considered to be in the most restrictive single-family district until otherwise classified.

(Ord. No. 24-674, § 2(Exh. A), 1-22-24)