Site Plan Review

The Spring Arbor Township Zoning Ordinance recognizes that there is a value to the public in establishing safe and convenient traffic movement to higher density sites, both within the site and in relation to access streets; that there is a value in encouraging a harmonious relationship of buildings and uses both within a site and in relation to adjacent uses; further that there are benefits to the public in conserving natural resources. Toward this end, the Ordinance requires site plan review by the Planning Commission for certain buildings and structures that can be expected to have a significant impact on natural resources, traffic patterns, and on adjacent land usage.

Site Plan reviews are required for the following buildings, structures, and uses:

• A multiple-family building containing six (6) or more dwelling units
• More than one multiple-family building on a lot, parcel, or tract of land, or on a combination of lots under one ownership
• A mobile home park
• An office in any Residential District
• Any gasoline service station abutting a Residential District
• Condominium projects as defined and subject to Act 59 of 1978, as amended. This also applies to site condominium projects.
• Planned Unit developments

The Township Planning Commission has the authority approve Site Plans. The Planning Commission will request that the Site Plan be revised, if necessary, to achieve conformity to the standards specified in the Ordinance prior to approving the Site Plan.

Any obligation for the Planning Commission to act on a Site Plan Review request shall not commence until all of the required information is available to the Planning Commission. Four (4) copies of the Site Plan Review documents are to be submitted with the request.

It is strongly suggested that persons requesting a Site Plan Review obtain a copy of the Township’s Zoning Ordinance.

The applicant shall post a cash bond in an amount estimated by the Township to cover the cost of the Site Plan Review.  The Township shall draw on the bond at the current billing rate of professionals retained by the Township, including an attorney, engineer and others as needed.  The Township shall draw on the bond at the above rates until 90% of the bond is expended, at which time the cash bond shall be increased based on a re-estimate by the Township.  The above fees shall apply for each phase as developed.

To obtain a Site Plan Review Application, stop by the township office, or download a copy. The application is an Adobe Acrobat file (PDF). If you don't have Adobe Acrobat, you can download a free copy here.