The following listed rules of construction apply to the text of this Ordinance:

1. The particular shall control the general.
2. With the exception of this Chapter, the headings which title a chapter, section or subsection are for convenience only and are not to be considered in any construction or interpretation of this Ordinance or as enlarging or restricting the terms and provisions of this Ordinance in any respect.
3. The word "shall" is always mandatory and not discretionary. The word "may" is permissive.
4. Unless the context clearly indicates to the contrary, (1) words used in the present tense shall include the future tense; (2) words used in the singular number shall include the plural number, and (3) words used in the plural number shall include the singular number.
5. A "building" or "structure" includes any part thereof.
6. The word "person" includes a firm, association, partnership, joint venture, corporation, trust, or equivalent entity or a combination of any of them as well as a natural person.
7. The words "used" or "occupied", as applied to any land or building shall be construed to include the words "intended", "arranged", or "designed to be used", or "occupied".
8. Any word or term not defined herein shall be considered to be defined in accordance with its common or standard definition.

The following listed terms and words are defined for the purpose of their use in this Ordinance; these definitions shall apply in the interpretation and enforcement of this Ordinance unless otherwise specifically stated.

A use, building or structure on the same lot with, and of a nature customarily incidental and subordinate to, the principal use, building or structure.

The production, keeping, or maintenance, for sale, lease, or personal use, of plants and animals useful to man, including but not limited to: forages and sod crops; grains and seed crops; dairy animals and dairy products, poultry and poultry products; livestock, including beef cattle, sheep, swine, horses, ponies, mules, or goats or any hybrids thereof, including their breeding and grazing; bees and apiary products; fur animals; trees and forest products; fruits, including grapes, nuts, and berries; vegetables; nursery, floral, ornamental, and greenhouse products; aqua-culture; or lands devoted to a soil conservation or forestry management program. (Amended Ord. 2000-4Z, 5/23/00)

A tract of land and all tents, vehicles, buildings, and other structures pertaining thereto which is established, occupied, or used as living quarters for five or more migratory workers engaged in agricultural activities including related food processing, as licensed under the provisions of PA 289 of 1965, as amended. (Amended by Ord. 91-1, 3/21/91)

Agricultural service establishments engage in performing agricultural, animal husbandry, or horticultural services on a fee or contractual basis, including but not limited to centralized bulk collection, refinement, storage, and distribution of farm products to wholesale and retail markets (such as grain cleaning and shelling; sorting, grading, and packing of fruits and vegetables for the grower, and agricultural produce milling and processing); the storage and sale of seed, feed, fertilizer, and other products essential to agricultural production; hay baling and threshing; crop dusting; fruit picking; harvesting and tilling; farm equipment sales, service, and repair, veterinary services; and facilities used in the research and testing of farm products and techniques. (Amended by Ord. 91-1, 3/21/91)

Any location, either on land or water, that is used for the landing or take-off of aircraft, and includes the buildings and facilities, if any, on that location. (Amended Ord. 2003-1, Adopted 5/1/03, Effective 5/20/03)

Any change in the supporting members of a building or structure such as bearing walls, columns, beams or girders, any substantial change in the roof, or an addition to or diminution of a structure or building.

A place, including buildings, structures or land where bees are kept. (Amended Ord. 2003-1, Adopted 5/1/03, Effective 5/20/03)

General repair, rebuilding, or reconditioning of engines, or vehicles, collision service (including body repair and frame straightening), painting or upholstering; or vehicle steam cleaning and undercoating.

Minor repairs, incidental replacement of parts, or motor service to passenger automobiles and trucks not exceeding two (2) tons capacity; provided, however, there is excluded any repair or work included in the definition of "Automobile Repair-Major".

A portion of a building, or a portion of a room, located wholly or partially below grade, but not including any part thereof not so located.

A device, structure, fixture, or placard using graphics, symbols, and/or written copy designed specifically for the purpose of advertising or identifying any event, establishment, product, good, service, or displaying or depicting other information. (Amended by Ord. 93-1, 10/28/93)

1. Sign Area - The entire face of a sign, including the advertising surface and any framing, trim, or molding, but not including the supporting structure. Only the area of the largest face of a double faced sign is used in calculating sign area. The area of a wall shall be calculated by computing the area within a continuous polygon encompassing all associated letters, words, or graphics, or if the wall sign is back-lit, the entire illuminated surface. (Amended by Ord. 93-1, 10/28/93)
2. Billboard - Any structure, including the wall of any building, on which lettered, figured, or pictorial matter is displayed for advertising a business, service, or entertainment which is not conducted on the land upon which the structure is located or products not primarily sold, manufactured, processed or fabricated on such land. (Amended by Ord. 93-1, 10/28/93)
3. Business Sign - Any structure, including the wall of any building, on which lettered, figured, or pictorial matter is displayed for advertising a business, service, or entertainment conducted on the land where the structure is located, or products primarily sold, manufactured, processed, or fabricated on such land. (Amended by Ord. 93-1, 10/28/93)
4. Portable Sign - A sign not permanently affixed to the ground, a structure, or building. (Amended by Ord. 93-1, 10/28/93)
5. Development/Building Identification Sign - A sign which identifies a development or building by its recognized name, not including a product or service. (Amended by Ord. 93-1, 10/28/93)
6. Pole Sign - A freestanding sign mounted on a pole or poles, braces, or other support structure. (Amended by Ord. 93-1, 10/28/93)
7. Political Sign - A sign used in connection with a local, state, or national election or referendum. (Amended by Ord. 93-1, 10/28/93)
8. Real Estate Sign - A sign advertising the real estate upon which the sign is located for the purpose of offering the property for sale, lease or rent. (Amended by Ord. 93-1 10/28/93)
9. Wall Sign - A sign including painted, individual letter, and cabinet sign, and signs on a mansard which are attached, parallel to, and extending not more than fifteen (15) inches from the wall of a building. (Amended by Ord 93-1, 10/28/93)
10. Window Sign - A sign placed inside or upon a window facing the outside which is intended to be seen from the right-of-way or exterior. (Amended by Ord. 93-1, 10/28/93)

Anything which is constructed or erected, including a mobile home, having a roof supported by columns, walls, or other supports, which is used for the purpose of housing or storing of persons, animals, or personal property or carrying on business activities or other similar uses.

The vertical distance measured from the top of the main or ground level foundation wall, whichever is lowest, to the highest point of the roof surface of flat roofs, to the deck of mansard roofs, and to the mean height level between eaves and ridge of gable, hip, and gambrel roofs.

The measurement from the property line to the nearest point of the main wall of the building or structure. Steps may be located within the building setback. Porches are considered as part of the building or structure and may not be located within the building setback. For the purpose of this definition, the front property line shall mean the street right-of-way line. (Amended 90-1 3/15/90)

A facility, other than a private residence, receiving one (1) or more children for care for periods of less than twenty-four (24) hours a day, and where the parents or guardians are not immediately available to the child. Child care center includes a facility which provides care for not less than two (2) consecutive weeks, regardless of the number of hours of care per day. Child care center does not include a Sunday school, a vacation bible school, or a religious instructional class that is conducted by a religious organization where children are in attendance for not greater than three (3) hours per day for an indefinite period, or not greater than eight (8) hours per day for a period not to exceed four (4) weeks, during a twelve (12) month period, or a facility operated by a religious organization where children are cared for not greater than three (3) hours, while persons responsible for the children are attending religious services. (Amended Ord. 2003-1, Adopted 5/1/03, Effective 5/20/03)

Shall mean a building, including a temple or other place of religious worship, together with its accessory buildings and uses, where persons regularly assemble for religious worship and which building, together with its accessory buildings and uses, is maintained and controlled by an organized religious body. Rescue missions, tent revivals and other temporary assemblies are not included in this definition. (Amended Ord. 2003-1, Adopted 5/1/03, Effective 5/20/03)

The use of land and/or structures for the growing and/or production of farm products for income. (Amended by Ord. 91-1, 3/21/91)

An area, buildings or space established on a premises for the purpose of housing, storing, stacking, maintaining or parking of equipment, supplies and/or materials associated with the building trades, utility and road building, petroleum and well field operations or public works. Such yards may be characterized by open storage areas and structures providing enclosure of materials and equipment. (Amended Ord. 2003-1, Adopted 5/1/03, Effective 5/20/03)

A lot located at the intersection of two (2) or more streets where the corner interior angle formed by the intersection of the streets is one hundred thirty-five (135) degrees or less or a lot abutting upon a curved street or streets if tangents to the curve, at the two (2) points where the lot lines meet the curve, form an interior angle of one hundred thirty-five (135) degrees or less.

A private residence in which the operator permanently resides as a member of the household in which one (1) but less than seven (7) minor children are received for care and supervision for periods of less than twenty four (24) hours per day, unattended by a parent or legal guardian, except children related to an adult member of the family by blood, marriage or adoption. Family day care home includes a home that gives care to an unrelated minor child for more than four (4) weeks during a calendar year. (Amended Ord. 2003-1, Adopted 5/1/03, Effective 5/20/03)

A private residence in which the operator permanently resides as a member of the household in which more than six (6) but not more than twelve (12) minor children are given care and supervision for periods of less than twenty four (24) hour a day unattended by a parent or legal guardian, except children related to an adult member of the family by blood, marriage, or adoption. Group day care home includes a home that gives care to an unrelated minor child for more than four (4) weeks during a calendar year. (Amended Ord. 2003-1, Adopted 5/1/03, Effective 5/20/03)

Any building or portion thereof which is occupied in whole or in part as a home, residence, or sleeping place, either permanently or temporarily, by one or more families, but not including motels, hotels, tourist rooms or cabins, or mobile homes.

1. Dwelling, Single Family - A building designed for use and occupancy by one (1) family only.
2. Dwelling, Two Family - A building designed for use and occupancy by two (2) families only.
3. Dwelling, Multi Family - A building designed for use and occupancy by three (3) or more families.

One (1) room or suite of two (2) or more rooms designed for use or occupancy by one (1) family for living and sleeping purpose with housekeeping facilities.

A dwelling unit located on a farm which is used or intended for use by the farm's owner, operator, or person employed thereon. (Amended by Ord. 91-1, 3/21/91)

A dwelling unit located within the A-1 or A-2 District which is not a farm dwelling unit and which is designed for occupancy by a single family. (Amended by Ord. 91-1, 3/21/91)

The erection, construction, alteration, or maintenance of utility systems whether underground, surface, or overhead. These systems include storm and sanitary sewer, water, electric, gas, telephone (including cellular) and cable television facilities and their required accessory facilities. (Amended Ord. 2003-1, Adopted 5/1/03, Effective 5/20/03)

For the purposes of Section 5.04 (d) of this ordinance an exempt parcel of land is any parcel or tract in the A-1 Conservation District containing a minimum of 40 acres. The use of an exempt parcel for a single family residence is not restricted by the maximum lot size provisions of Section 5.04 (d), paragraph (3). (Amended Ord. 2000-4Z, 5/23/00)

A building or place in which raw material and semi-finished or finished materials are converted to a different form or state or where goods are manufactured, assembled, treated or processed. (Amended Ord. 2003-1, Adopted 5/1/03, Effective 5/20/03)

1. An individual or group of two or more persons related by blood, marriage, or adoption, together with foster children and servants of the principal occupants, with not more than one additional unrelated person who are domiciled together as a single, domestic, housekeeping unit in a dwelling unit, or
2. A collective number of individuals domiciled together in one dwelling unit whose relationship is of a continuing non-transient domestic character and who are cooking and living as a single nonprofit housekeeping unit This definition shall not include any society, club, fraternity, sorority, association, lodge, coterie, organization, or group of students or other individuals whose domestic relationship is of transitory or seasonal nature or for an anticipated limited duration of a school term or terms of other similar determinable period. (Amended by Ord. 91-1, 3/21/91)

A farm is a form of business enterprise intended for the production of raw agricultural products in which the entrepreneurial decisions (what shall we produce, how shall we produce it, for whom and for how much) are made by a family or other persons or entity engaged in the production of agricultural products, as described herein, for sustenance or profit. A farm is further defined as all the contiguous, neighboring or associated land, along with the plants, animals, structures, ponds, machinery, equipment and other appurtenances which when taken collectively, functions as a single unit, for the commercial production of agricultural products. Stone quarries, gravel and sand pits, sawmills, retail sales, livestock auction houses, and meat and dairy processing plants are not considered farms or farm uses hereunder. (Amended Ord. 2000-4Z, 5/23/00)

Those plants and animals useful to man and includes, but is not limited to, forages and sod crops, grains, and feed crops, dairy and dairy products, poultry and poultry products; livestock, including breeding and grazing, fruits, vegetables, flowers, seeds, grasses, trees, fish, apiaries, equine and other similar products; or any other product which incorporates the use of food, feed, fiber, fur or flora. (Amended Ord. 2000-4Z, 5/23/00)

A condition or activity which occurs on a farm in connection with the commercial production of agricultural products and includes, but is not limited to, marketed produce at roadside stands or farm markets, noise odors, dust, fumes, operation of machinery and irrigation pumps, ground and aerial spraying and seeding, the application of chemical fertilizers, conditioners, insecticides, pesticides, and herbicides and the employment of and use of labor. (Amended Ord. 2000-4Z, 5/23/00)

The gross floor area of all floors of a building or an addition to an existing building. For all office buildings and for any other building, except dwelling units where the principal use thereof shall include the basement, the basement floor area shall be included except that part thereof which contains heating and cooling equipment and other basic utilities.

An area in which wild animals are allowed to exist out of captivity and in their natural habitat. Within a game or wildlife preserve various forms of wildlife and wildlife management may be carried out by humans including but not limited to the release of game and the hunting of game for sport. Game and wildlife preserves may be public lands (government ownership) or private lands which use may be authorized or regulated by the state department of natural resources and or agricultural department and further limited by charter covenants or easements. A shooting range where facilities are made available for individuals to partake in firearm target practice, skeet, trap or other forms of sport shooting is not included in the term game or wildlife preserve. (Amended Ord. 2003-1, Adopted 5/1/03, Effective 5/20/03)

A planting or buffer strip. Where required, a greenbelt shall be maintained in as good condition as when installed and shall be at least ten feet in width. (Amended by Ord. 90-1, 3/15/90)

A place, including buildings, structures or land for hatching poultry or fish eggs. (Amended Ord. 2003-1, Adopted 5/1/03, Effective 5/20/03)

A gainful occupation traditionally and customarily carried out in the home or on the residential premise as a use that is incidental to the use of the home and premise as a place of residence. (Amended Ord. 2003-1, Adopted 5/1/03, Effective 5/20/03)

A place where junk, waste, or discarded or salvaged materials are bought, sold, exchanged, stored, baled, packed, disassembled, handled or recycled, including wrecked vehicles, used building materials, structural steel materials and equipment, and other manufactured goods that are worn, deteriorated, or obsolete. The term junkyard shall not apply to any solid waste processing facility that involves a process of site separation of material thereby requiring licensure under the provisions of act 641 of 1978 as amended, being the Solid Waste Management Act of Michigan. (Amended by Ord. 90-1, 3/15/90)

Any land, building or structure where five (5) or more cats and/or dogs are boarded, housed, or bred.

Any location, either on land or water, that is used for the landing or take-off of aircraft. (Amended Ord. 2003-1, Adopted 5/1/03, Effective 5/20/03)

For the purpose of this Ordinance, a lot is a measured, described and recorded continuous area of land. The word "lot" includes the word plot and parcel. In the context of the Condominium Act, Act 59 of the Michigan Public Acts of 1978, the word "lot" shall also mean the same as building site and is that portion of a site condominium subdivision project designed and intended for separate ownership and/or exclusive use, as described in the site condominium subdivision project's Master Deed and which meets minimum zoning requirements for use, coverage accessibility, and area as required for the zoning district in which it is located.

In the context of the Condominium Act, lot may be further defined as:

1. A condominium unit consisting of the area under a building or building envelope and the contiguous area around the building or building envelope; or
2. The contiguous limited common element under and surrounding a condominium unit that is or shall be assigned to the owner(s) of the condominium unit for the owner(s) exclusive use. (Amended by Ord. 91-1, 3/21/91)

For the purposes of this ordinance, a "building lot" is a lot, development site or building site that has been approved by the Township for development purposes and which has a measured, described and recorded continuous area of land with sufficient dimensions and area to meet the minimum and/or maximum requirements for configuration and area, as are required by this Ordinance for the support of building development.

Lot Area Calculation. Lot area shall be calculated as the total area within lot lines of a lot For building lots or parcels of less than forty (40) acres having property lines extending to the center line of a public or private streets, the minimum lot areas required by this ordinance shall be calculated and met by excluding all right-of-way and easement areas established for public or private street use. (Amended Ord. 2000-4Z, 5/23/00)

Movable or portable dwelling constructed to be towed on its own chassis, connected to utilities and designed with or without a permanent foundation for year-round living as a single family dwelling A mobile home may contain parts that may be combined, folded, collapsed, or telescoped when being towed and expanded later to provide additional cubic capacity. Mobile homes are manufactured homes constructed to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development requirements entitled Mobile Home Construction and Safety Standards, effective June 15, 1976, as amended. In contrast, modular homes are manufactured homes transported to the site in more than one section, are constructed to the adopted Township building code and are placed on a permanent foundation. (Amended Ord. 95-2Z, 3/9/95)

1. "Single Wide." A mobile home with a longitudinal width of no greater than sixteen (16) feet for its entire length. (Amended by Ord. 95-2Z, 3/9/95)
2. "Double Wide." A combination of two (2) mobile homes designed and constructed to be connected along the longitudinal axis, thus providing double the living space of a conventional single wide unit without duplicating any of the service facilities such as kitchen equipment or furnace.

A measured parcel of land within a mobile home park which is delineated by lot lines on a final development plan and which is intended for the placement of a mobile home and the exclusive use of the occupants of such mobile home.

That portion of a mobile home lot reserved for the placement of a mobile home, appurtenant structures, or additions.

A parcel of land under single ownership which has been planned and improved for the placement of mobile homes on a rental basis for non-transient use.

A mobile home park except that the mobile home lots are subdivided, surveyed, recorded, and sold in accordance with Michigan Act 288 of 1967, as amended.

A building or group of buildings on the same lot, whether detached or in connected rows, containing sleeping or dwelling units which may or may not be independently accessible from the outside with garage or parking space located on the lot and designed for, or occupied by, automobile travelers. The term shall include any building or building groups designated as motor lodges, transient cabins, or by any other title intended to identify them as providing lodging, with or without meals, for compensation on a transient basis.

Every vehicle which is self-propelled.

An area which human activities are very limited and where the natural environment is protected from manmade changes. Nature preserves may be public lands (government ownership) or private lands which use is restricted by charter, covenants or by conservation easements. (Amended Ord. 2003-1, Adopted 5/1/03, Effective 5/20/03)

An off-street open area, the principal use of which is for the parking of automobiles, whether for compensation or not, or as an accommodation to clients, customers, visitors, or employees. Parking area shall include access drives within the actual parking area.

A hard surface area adjacent and connected to, but distinct from, a street intended for parking motor vehicles.

Passive recreation refers to non-motorized activities conducted on undeveloped land or minimally improved lands which may include landscaped area, natural area, ornamental gardens, non-landscaped green space, greenways picnic areas, water bodies or trails. (Amended Ord. 2007-3Z, effective 10-23-07)

Concrete posts embedded in the ground to a depth below the frost line at regular intervals along the longitudinal distance of a mobile home and intended to serve as a base for supporting the frame of the mobile home.

The Watson Township Planning Commission.

The primary or predominant use of a lot.

A facility which provides resident services in a private residential setting to unrelated individuals. These individuals are handicapped, aged, or disabled, are undergoing rehabilitation or are otherwise in need or adult supervision and are provided services in the home to meet their needs. This category includes facilities licensed or supervised by any care homes (all ages), halfway houses, resident schools, resident facilities, and adult foster care (small group and large group) homes or boarding homes. (Amended by Ord. 95-2Z, 3/3/95)

The following classifies residential care facilities by type of social concern, and by size:

1. Residential Care Homes, Class I. Licensed foster homes for children (not including nursing homes), homes for handicapped and physically disabled, and homes for those with developmental disabilities. Residential Care Homes, Class 1 are sub-classified as follows:
   1. Class I-A: a maximum of 6 residents.
   2. Class I-B: a maximum of 12 residents.
   3. Class I-C: a maximum of 20 residents.
2. Residential Care Homes, Class II. Group-care homes for juvenile delinquents, halfway houses providing residence in lieu of institutional sentencing, halfway houses providing residence to those needing correctional or mental institutionalization and residential centers for alcohol and drug abusers. Residential Care Homes, Class II, involve the delivery of care or supervision for periods of time that exceed 16 hours in a 24-hour period and are sub-classified as follows:
   1. Class II-A: a maximum of 6 residents
   2. Class II-B: a maximum of 12 residents.
   3. Class II-C: a maximum of 20 residents.

A temporary building or structure designed or used for the display and/or sale of agricultural products produced on the premises upon which the stand is located.

The area utilized by aircraft for landing or take-off. (Amended Ord. 2003-1, Adopted 5/1/03, Effective 5/20/03)

A factory where logs are sawed into boards. (Amended Ord. 2003-1, Adopted 5/1/03, Effective 5/20/03)

Include uses of land not essentially incompatible with the zoning of the land and the uses permitted in the zoning district where the land lies, but which uses require individual review by the Planning Commission according to the terms of this ordinance. Reference 16b State of Michigan Township Zoning Act, Public Act 184, 1943. (Amended Ord. 2003-1, Adopted 5/1/03, Effective 5/20/03)

A structure or place that is used for the shelter or care of horses or cattle. A commercial stable is a stable where the shelter, care, training or use of the animal is provided as a service to others for profit or without profit. (Amended Ord. 2003-1, Adopted 5/1/03, Effective 5/20/03)

An accessory building, structure or area designed, intended or used for the keeping of horses or other livestock for the exclusive use of the land owner or occupants of a dwelling located on the same lot. (Amended Ord. 2003-1, Adopted 5/1/03, Effective 5/20/03)

Any prefabricated structure designed for transporting goods or for the temporary storage of property, such as pods, steel shipping containers, and cargo containers. Storage containers are considered accessory buildings in this ordinance, subject to specific standards as stated in Section 22.09(f).

A publicly or privately owned and maintained right-of-way which affords traffic circulation and principal means of access to abutting property, including any avenue, place, way, drive, lane, boulevard, highway, road, or other thoroughfare, except an alley. (Amended by Ord. 90-1, 3/15/90)

Any road or thoroughfare for vehicular traffic contained within a private road easement which is privately owned and maintained and which provides the principal means of access to three or more parcels abutting the private road easement. (Amended by Ord. 91-1, 3/21/91)

Anything except a building, constructed or erected, the use of which requires permanent location on the ground or attachment to something having a permanent location on the ground.

A building, other than a hotel, boarding house, lodging house, or motel, where lodging is provided by a resident family in its home for compensation, mainly for transients.

The Watson Township Board.

Watson Township, Allegan County, Michigan.

Michigan Act 243 of 1959, as amended.

A transportable unit intended for occasional or short-term occupancy as a dwelling unit during travel, recreational, or vacation use.

A natural state preserving natural resources, natural features, scenic or wooded conditions, agricultural use, open space, or similar use or condition. Unless otherwise allowed or restricted by the specific terms of this ordinance land in an undeveloped state does not include a golf course but may include a recreational trail, picnic area, green way, or linear park. (Amended Ord. 2007-3Z, effective 10-23-07)

The floor area of a dwelling exclusive of garages, porches, basement or utility area.

Every device in, upon, or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a highway, excepting devices propelled by human power or used exclusively upon stationary rails or tracks.

A required open space other than a court, unoccupied and unobstructed by any structure or portion structure from the ground upward except as provided otherwise in this ordinance. (Amended by Ord. 93-1, 10/28/93)

A yard extending across the full width of the lot, the depth of which is the distance between the street right-of-way line and the main wall of the building or structure. In the case of waterfront lots, the yard fronting on the street shall be considered the front yard.

A yard, unoccupied except for accessory buildings, extending across the full width of the lot, the depth of which is the distance between the rear lot line and the rear wall of the main building.

A yard between a main building and the side lot line, extending from the front yard to the rear yard. The width of the required side yard shall be measured from the nearest point of the side lot line to the nearest part of the main building.

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)

The Watson Township Zoning Inspector or Zoning Administrator.