This Ordinance is based upon the Watson Township General Development Plan and is designed (1) to promote the public health, safety, morals and general welfare; (2) to encourage the use of land in accordance with its character and adaptability and limit the improper use of land; (3) to avoid the overcrowding of population; (4) to provide adequate light and air; (5) to lessen congestion on the public roads and streets; (6) to reduce hazards to life and property; (7) to facilitate the adequate provision of a system of transportation, sewage disposal, safe and adequate water supply, education, recreation and other public requirements; and (8) 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 Ordinance is adopted with reasonable consideration, among other things, of the character of each zoning 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.

This Ordinance 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annul or in any way impair or interfere with existing provisions of other laws, ordinances or regulations, except those repealed herein by specific reference, or with private restrictions placed upon property by covenant, deed or other private agreement, or with restrictive covenants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 Ordinance imposes greater restrictions, limitations, or requirements upon (1) the use of buildings, structures, or land; (2) the height of buildings or structures; (3) lot coverage; (4) lot areas; (5) yards or other open spaces; or (6) 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 Ordinance shall control.

This Ordinance is enacted pursuant to the terms of the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, Act 110 of the Public Acts of Michigan of 2006, as it may be amended from time to time. (Amended Ord. 2007-1Z, effective 7-24-07)