13368 Lilypine Dr, Marne, MI 49435

Rural Preservation-Planned Unit Development District

The RP Rural Preserve District is intended to provide for residential land uses in a rural setting that is near to agricultural land uses and zoning districts. With a minimum density two and one half acres per one dwelling unit, this zoning district will also permit general farming activities but on a smaller scale than the activities allowed in the Agricultural District. To minimize the detrimental impacts of farming practices on residential properties, intensive specialized farming operations are prohibited. The larger residential lot sizes and limited agricultural activities permitted in the RP District are intended to satisfy a desire for a semi-rural lifestyle within areas which for the most part is not considered prime for agricultural uses do to soil limitations or land fragmentation, but which is also not suitable for intensive residential land uses as a result of topography or on-site septic system limitations. Residential subdivisions are deemed incompatible with the intent of this district, except as might be desirable or necessary to accommodate the in-filling of existing parcels. Primary objectives in establishing this district are to: provide an appropriate transition between the Agricultural District and higher density singlefamily residential districts.; preserve woodlands and wetlands which are necessary as water retention and ground water recharge areas and which have important ecological value.; encourage residential development at low densities where soil conditions, topography, vegetation and the lack of public sewer and/or water service preclude more intensive land uses.; This Chapter provides enabling authority and standards for the submission, review, and approval or rejection of applications for Planned Unit Developments. It is the intent of this Chapter to authorize the consideration and use of PUD regulations for some or all of the following purposes: To encourage the use of land in accordance with its character and adaptability; To promote the preservation and conservation of natural features and resources; To encourage innovation in land use planning and development; To promote the enhancement of housing, employment, shopping, traffic circulation, and recreational opportunities for the people of the Township; To promote and ensure greater compatibility of design and use between neighboring properties and to coordinate architectural styles, building forms, and structural relationships within developments; To provide for the regulation of legal land uses not otherwise authorized within this Ordinance; To encourage underground utilities which can be more efficiently designed when master planning a larger area; and To facilitate phased construction with the knowledge that subsequent phases will be approved as originally planned and approved by the Township. The provisions of this Chapter are not intended as a device for ignoring this Ordinance or the planning upon which it has been based. To that end, provisions of this Chapter are intended to result in land use development substantially consistent with the underlying zoning, with modifications and departures from generally applicable requirements made in accordance with standards provided in this Chapter to ensure appropriate, fair, and consistent decision-making. A PUD must comply with this Chapter.