Stand-alone ordinances are often drafted to protect Michigan's natural resources and wilderness.
In Michigan, a stand-alone ordinance is an alternative to a comprehensive zoning plan. It encompasses multiple local ordinances into one ordinance to provide guidance to the community. It does not represent a community-wide zoning plan and exerts less control over the community's activities than a zoning ordinance. Stand alone-ordinances are most commonly used in environmental settings to control riparian or water resource issues.
Instructions
1. Speak to all interested parties with input to add to the ordinance. If the ordinance is to control natural resources, it is wise to speak to groups who have researched the area and who are familiar with the needs of the indigenous plants and animals. It is also important to engage local elected officials, engineers and planners.
2. Describe the purpose and highlights of the ordinance. This preliminary section will assist readers by providing a short summary about the ordinance and its general purpose. Include what the ordinance is designed to protect against and what the benefits of the ordinance will be. If the ordinance has drawbacks or any negative consequences, briefly describe how the negative impact will be outweighed by the positive purpose and effect of the ordinance. Describe the physical area to be included in the ordinance and whether specific plants, animals, buildings or structures are targeted.
3. Provide organized visual images to help the reader understand where the ordinance takes effect and which towns or communities are included in the regulation. If citizens are unsure whether they are governed by the ordinance, it will be difficult to expect adherence to the regulations. Topographical maps may be included. Ensure that they are easy to understand and not too highly technical. Provide street names and common landmarks in the map. If the ordinance regards animals or vegetation, provide clear pictures of species.
4. Provide a written application section with specific situations where the ordinance applies or does not apply. Many ordinances regard noise or nuisance violations. The application section should explain the specific noise levels which are outlawed and at what specific times of day. If citizens are required to apply for a permit to effectuate compliance, explain precisely apply for the permit and what other documentation will be required.
5. Provide a definitions section to explain to readers any terms which would not be understood by the average reader. As ordinances routinely deal with structural or legal issues, the language contained in the ordinance may be difficult for citizens to understand. The definitions section should provide plain English explanations of complicated legal or engineering terms.
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