Project Purpose

The Township of Bearinger is developing its own township level zoning ordinance. At the present zoning for the Township is administered under the Presque Isle County zoning ordinance. The new Zoning Ordinance will be written in accordance with Public Act 110 of 2006, as amended (Michigan Zoning Enabling Act).

Township officials and residents have recognized their rural coastal community is in transition as seasonal cabins are being converted to year round homes and large tracts of forest land are being divided into smaller parcels. During the preparation of the Master Plan, a community-wide visioning session and three focus groups (Huron Beach, Black Lake and Forest Interior) were used to gain an understanding of key issues within the community. Residents voiced their desires for a community that places a high importance on natural resources and the rural character.

Approach

The Township has researched and considered implementing innovative zoning techniques to guide future development. The Master Plan, through its goals and future land use plan, clearly states a long term vision for the conservation and preservation of the rich coastal and inland resources of the community. The Township intends to utilize information, techniques, and tools (including sample ordinance language) for local governments outlined in “Filling the Gaps: Environmental Protection for Local Governments” (by the Michigan DEQ) to develop zoning provisions and approval procedures that will preserve and protect the natural resources of Bearinger Township.

Development of the new Township of Bearinger Zoning Ordinance has been facilitated by a planning consultant with oversight and coordination responsibilities lying with the Township Planning Commission. The Township is a member of the Northeast Michigan Council of Governments (NEMCOG), which provides planning services for member jurisdictions within its eight county service area. Bearinger Township worked with NEMCOG to develop its first Master Plan. Given the staff gained in depth knowledge of the community needs and issues, the Township of Bearinger icontracted with NEMCOG for the preparation of the Township’s new Zoning Ordinance. The Township wishes to sustain the positive momentum of successfully completing the Master Plan and step directly into the process of creating this new Zoning Ordinance. Much of the thought process and policy formulation needed to support a Zoning Ordinance is contained in the Township Master Plan. Goals for the Township that were determined during the Master Plan process will be employed during the development of the Zoning Ordinance.  Additionally, the future land use map developed for the plan will be used as a guide to develop the zoning district boundaries.

 The Zoning Ordinance incorporates all recent state mandates and responds to all relevant court decisions on zoning matters.  Regulations for new forms of development such as site condominiums or manufactured housing are addressed.  Because surface water and groundwater resources are especially important in Bearinger Township, special care was taken to incorporate “state-of-the-art” water resource protection measures. Finally, clear administrative and enforcement provisions of the ordinance have been drafted.