Frequently Asked Questions

Do you enforce homeowners association restrictions?

The Township did not sign HOA documents and is not a participant in that private agreement. Meeting particular subdivision or condominium restrictions is the responsibility of the property owner and his/her builder.

What is the purpose of zoning?

The Charter Township of Garfield Township Zoning Ordinance is designed to implement and be consistent with the goals, objectives, policies, and strategies of the adopted master plan through complete, integrated, effective, and concise land development regulations.

 

The zoning and land-use regulations set forth in ARTICLE 2, Definitions, and ARTICLE 3, Zoning, of this ordinance promote the public health, safety, morals, or general welfare of the state, the region, and the local government, and protect and preserve places and areas of historical, cultural, architectural, or environmental importance and significance.

 

The subdivision regulations set forth in ARTICLE 4, Procedures, and ARTICLE 5, Development Standards, of this ordinance promote the health, safety, morals, or general welfare of the local government and the safe, orderly, and healthful development of the local government, taking into account all factors both on and off the site of the subdivision. The processing procedures set forth in ARTICLE 4 consolidate regulations governing the processing of approvals for the development of land. They ensure that notification and procedures comply with state law, provide ample opportunity for public participation in the land development process, provide for the efficient and timely processing of development approvals, and promote the readability of the document for the general public and for applicants requesting development approvals. The development standards in ARTICLE 5 consolidate the substantive standards relating to the issuance of development approvals for zoning and subdivision approval in order to provide clarity and certainty in the development approval process.

 

ARTICLE 6, General Use Regulations, of the ordinance establishes specific standards and exceptions to standards, for certain uses, structures, and facilities.

 

ARTICLE 7, Supplemental Use Regulations, of the ordinance provides specific development standards for designated uses. These establish supplemental conditions that protect the public while establishing predictable standards for the applicant.

 

ARTICLE 8, Nonconformity, of the ordinance protects legal nonconforming uses and vested rights in accordance with state and federal decisional and statutory law.

 

ARTICLE 9, Submittal Requirements, of the ordinance provides standards for Application submittal requirements to provide guidance to applicants in the submittal of development approval applications, to avoid the unnecessary expenditure of public resources for the processing of incomplete applications, and to avoid unnecessary delay in the approval of applications for development approval.

 

ARTICLE 10, Administration, of the ordinance establishes various administrative agencies involved in the development approval process, as well as the role of administrative and legislative bodies.

 

ARTICLE 11, Legal Status, establishes the validity and severability of the ordinance.

What is a setback?

A setback is the minimum distance a structure is required to be located from the property line, road right of way, lake, river, stream, etc.

Where is the setback measured from?

A setback is measured from the furthest extruding point of the structure (typically the roof overhang).

When do I need a Land Use Permit?

A land use permit is needed for a change of use, any addition to an existing structure, a new structure of 100 square feet in size or more (including sheds and decks), or the disturbance of 100 square feet or more of earth.  Please give us a call so we may guide you through the process.

How long does it take to review a permit application?

It depends on the application but usually 24-48 hours.

Does my shed / accessory building have to be outside of the setback?

This depends on the zoning district. Within all districts EXCEPT the residential and agricultural districts, an accessory building must comply with all setbacks. Generally, this applies to non-residential areas such as commercial or industrial. 

In the residential and agricultural districts, sheds or pole barns must comply with front and side setbacks, but may be located a minimum of 10-feet from the rear yard property line, which is actually within the regular setback.

For additional information please see Zoning Ordinance Section 611.

What is the setback from Silver Lake?

The waterfront setback is 50 feet from the Ordinary High Water mark.

Are short-term rentals allowed?

Short-term rental of a residential dwelling for any period of less than 30 days is currently not allowed in Garfield Township. Although not allowed within a residential dwelling, short-term rentals may be permitted in certain zoning districts as bed and breakfasts, hotels and motels, campgrounds and other similar uses. For more details, feel free to check out our zoning ordinance or contact our office to speak with our staff.