TOWNSHIP OF MECOSTA
COUNTY OF MECOSTA, MICHIGAN
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS GIVEN that on October 6, 2020 at 6:00 p.m., the Mecosta Township Planning Commission will hold a public hearing at the Township Hall, 19729 – 11 Mile Road, Big Rapids, Michigan 49307, to hear and consider comments on proposed amendments to the Township’s zoning ordinance. A summary of the proposed amendments is as follows:
Seasonal/In-Law Cottage. District regulations for the AG, AF and RR zoning districts would be amended to allow seasonal cottage or in-law homes, in addition to a dwelling, subject to special use approval.
HI District. Dealerships for the sale of automobiles or recreational vehicles would be added as a permitted use in the HI district.
Mineral Extraction. Section 5.2(L) of the zoning ordinance would be amended in its entirety for mineral extraction operations. The amendment would adopt by reference the standards of Public Act 113 of 2015, as incorporated into the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act. Conditions on operation would include setbacks for extraction areas, regulation of haul routes, dust control, hours of operation, setbacks for crushing activities, and other operational requirements.
Communication Towers. The requirements for fencing would be amended to require a six-foot fence around wire cable supports.
Waterfront Setback Regulations. The setback regulations would be amended to make the special rules for increased or reduced setbacks for waterfront lots in the LR District applicable to structures abutting a body of water located in any zoning district.
Uses in C District. Hospitals, kennels, and tool and die machine shops would be added to the uses permitted by right in the C Commercial district.
Chickens. Section 3.30 would be added to the Township zoning ordinance to permit and regulate the keeping of chickens in the RR, RR-2, A, AF, AG and C districts, subject to the Michigan Right to Farm Act with respect to properties involved in the commercial production of poultry products.
Camping. Section 3.19 of the zoning ordinance, pertaining to camping and recreational use, would be amended to clarify and standardize the provisions for storage and use of recreational units within the Township.
Solar Energy Systems. Section 3.31 would be added to the zoning ordinance to define and regulate solar energy systems. Systems supplying energy for the site where located would be permitted as accessory structures, subject to regulations in the ordinance. Detached solar energy systems in the front yard would require special land use approval. Solar energy systems which generate power primarily for off-site use would be allowed in the A, AF and AG districts with special land use approval.
Sawmills. The average daily production limit for sawmills operated as a home occupation would be increased to 6,000 board feet.
Reference Changes. Cross-references within the ordinance would be amended, and any reference in the zoning ordinance to the “Zoning Board” would be changed to the “Planning Commission” to reflect current terminology in State law and common usage.
Rezoning. The Planning Commission will also consider rezoning from the R-R district to the R-1 district a portion of the annexed plat of Green Acres Estates in Section 24, with street addresses of: 21270, 21290, 21304, 21354, 21360, 21394, 21416, 21436, 21450, and 21486 8 Mile Road, Stanwood, MI 49346; and parcels located in Section 28 with street addresses of 7784, 7787, 7808, 7811, 7834, 7837, 7858, 7861, 7887, 7908, 7911, and 7977 Sandy Lane, Stanwood, MI 49346; also 21794, 21799, 21809, 21819, 21829, 21839, 21849, 21859, 21869, 21879, 21889, 21899, 21904, 21919, 21929, 21930, 21939, 21940, 21959, and 21960 Hilltop Circle, Stanwood, MI 49346.
All persons are invited to attend the public hearing or submit written comments to the attention of the Zoning Administrator at the Township Hall up to the time of the public hearing. A complete copy of the proposed amending ordinances, including the full description of the lands proposed to be rezoned described above, may be inspected or obtained at the Mecosta Township office, 19729 11 Mile Road, Big Rapids, Michigan, during Township office hours.
Dated: September 10, 2020 LOIS BRENNAN, CLERK
TOWNSHIP OF MECOSTA