Access Management Ordinances

Oshtemo

(Section 67) Access Management Guidelines
This outlines the Driveway Approval Process to be presented to the Township Planning/Zoning Department. The approval process is outlined to ensure safety of those using the driveway and also to ensure the least amount of disruption of the traffic flow. The guidelines also include which type of driveway for each specific building, i.e. apartment, restaurant, light industrial. This section also outlines the spacing, side street driveways, and shared driveways. Each type of driveway has a different width standard. In addition, the speed limit of the street also determines how far apart each driveway should be (i.e. 30mph/125ft, 55mph/350ft; posted speed limit and driveway spacing, respectively).

Portage

(Chapter 66) Streets, Sidewalks, and other Public Places (Article 3) Access Management
This lists objectives deemed important to access management such as smooth traffic flow and the maintainance of lessening conjestion. An access permit for driveway construction is needed for public and private drives and those parties construsting a driveway must adhere to measurement standards and sight distance standards. The standards include the distance from a driveway to a street intersection. The maximum driveway width is 13ft. (both an ingress and egress lanes are 26ft total). Chapter 66.Article3.Sec81

Land Division Ordinances

Kalamazoo City

(Chapter 20 A) Land Division
This ordinance is to regulate the division of land. Land divisions (parcels) must be approved by the City Assessor's office. Individuals who request land divisions must follow certain and specific criteria such as a application fee, completed application form, and a description of the land parcel via maps. Land parcel maps must contain detailed description of the physical features and the location of public and private streets and/or driveways in close proximity to the specific land parcel. Chapter20A.

Light Ordinances

Kalamazoo Township

(Section 12) Light, Ventilation, and Billboards (20.994) Lighting and Screening Requirements
The source of any lighting, regardless of zone, must not be visible from neighboring lots or property or a nuisance to neighboring residents or occupants. Section12/20.980/20.994

 

Oshtemo

The light ordinance is to control the spillover of light, to light the designated area reasonably, and to provide adequate safety. No lights can blink, flash, or rotate except for public safety. Landscape fixtures, signs, flag pole statues, or the like must not exceed 175 watts per lamp. Pole mounted lighting greater than 35 ft. shall not exceed 400 watts per lamp.

Noise Ordinances

Kalamazoo City

(Chapter 21) Noise Ordinance
This is to place limitations on loud and excessive noise detrimental to the well-being, health, safety, and comfort of Kalamazoo and its residents. The ordinance addresses the maximum decibels allowed in private property, noise from motor vehicles and automobiles, and other noises that need to be controlled through the ordinance. In most residential areas, the maximum decibels allowed between 7a.m. and 10 p.m. are 50 dB(A). Exceptions are public entertainment events, safety machinery or vehicles, and regulated aircrafts. Chapter21.

Kalamazoo Township

(128.000) Anti-Noise and Public Nuisance (Ord. No. 324)
This ordinance prohibits excessive noise from an object such as automobile, vehicle, radio, television to disturb reasonably nearby residents. In residential areas excessive noise must not exceed 55 dB(A) between the hours of 7a.m. and 10 p.m. In agricultural areas, noise must not exceed 65 dB(A). 128.000.

Portage

(Chapter 24) Community Quality (Article 4) Noise
This prohibits offensive and excessive noise that could offend citizens and property owning residents. Limitations are on the health, safety, and comfort of those exposed to the noise. In addition, excessive motor vehicle and motor boat noise are prohibited. In residential areas, the maximum number of decibels allowed is 55 dB(A). There is a list of criteria that prohibits excessive noise beyond property lines. Excessive noise near a church, school, hospital, or court is prohibited, and noisy animals or birds are also not allowed. Chapter24.Art.4.

Setback Ordinance

Kalamazoo Township

(20.000 Zoning Sect.9 Setback and line spacing)
There are must be a setback length from the house to the streeet of no less than 25 feet in specific residential areas. Other buildings in this provision include porches, desks, gazebos, hot tubs, and jucuzzis. The minimum setback for stores is also 25 feet and for poultry, animal shelters, and barns the setback is 75 feet. 20.830.Sect.9

Sidewalk Ordinance

Kalamazoo City

(Chapter 33) Streets and Other Public Grounds (Article II) Construction and Repair of Sidewalks, Crosswalks, and Driveways
This ordinance addresses both the public construction of sidewalks and private construction. In addition, parties are prohibited from interfering in the destruction, altercation, or other changes of sidewalks without permission from the city commission. Sidewalks must be constructed coinciding with the property line and adacent to the street and they must be a minimum width of five feet on standard streets. When the city commission finds deterioration, the sidewalk will be repaired. Chapter33.Art.2.

Kalamazoo Township

152.000 Sidewalk Maintanence Ord. No. 159
This ordinance states that the owners of premises must keep the sidewalks in good and usable condition. A sidewalk is considered in bad condition if there is presence of potholes, cracks, or other breakages on the surface. If a sidewalk is not repaired, the Township Building Department can deliver a notice to the property owner. All sidewalks must be four feet in width.152.000.159

Additional information:

Kalamazoo City Code of Ordinances

Kalamazoo Township Code of Ordinances

Portage Code of Ordinances

Land Use and Sustainability
Michigan in Brief: 2002-3 is published by the Public Sector Consultants, Inc. which examines public policy issues in Michigan. The land use and sustainability section provides information regarding recent legislation and public acts, how statewide issues can influence local counties, and a concise background of the topic.