5 things to know about Holland Township’s zoning ordinance rewrite 

HOLLAND TWP. – Holland Township officials are making changes to the township’s zoning ordinance, and the changes made will have an impact on residents.

Community Development Director John Said is one of the officials spearheading the rewrite, along with Holland Township’s planning commission, planner and consultant Williams & Works. The reason for the rewrite is to make the ordinance jive better with the 2014 master plan, Said told the Sentinel.

“We want to try to have a good companion document, a close correspondence between master planning efforts and the zoning ordinance,” he said. “I also think there’s some emerging trends in zoning and land use the township wanted to wrap its arms around a little bit. The zoning ordinance gave us the chance to look at some of the things we were doing already.”

There have been more than 25 meetings on the rewrite and efforts to get it done have spanned the last year. Before it is passed by the Holland Township Board of Trustees, there will be a public hearing. A date has not been set yet.

The draft of the ordinance continues to evolve and is not set in stone; the planning commission continues to meet to discuss amendments.

But now that the rewrite is nearing its finish, here are some points from the drafted zoning ordinance.

1. Only one recreational vehicle can be stored outside.

In the current zoning ordinance, there’s no regulations on the number of recreational vehicles – boats, RVs, ATVs, etc. – that can be stored outside a home. That could change if the new ordinance is passed, which limits it to one recreational vehicle that can be stored outside in residential districts, explained Said.

“There has been discussion in the community about excess and the unsightliness of it,” he said. “It’s an effort to support neighborhood attractiveness and wanting to support and maintain that in the community.”

2. Bees can be kept as long as state standards are followed.

Bees may be kept in accordance with Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices, which outline several standards like providing a water source and distance from a neighboring lot. As long as residents comply with the state code, bees are allowed. A proof of compliance is required.

3. The ordinance makes room for potential wind/solar power.

The draft ordinance defines height requirements, setbacks and other regulations for solar and wind power, which was not mentioned in the current ordinance.

“We’re trying to be proactive instead of reactive,” Said explained, saying the addition was not sparked by any specific request, but made with the knowledge that more areas are allowing solar and wind energy projects.

4. It allows for in-law suites as long as regulations are followed.

Accessory dwellings or “in-law suites” are allowed under the draft ordinance, as long as a main entrance is shared between the additional unit and the primary unit. There can be an interior door for a separate entrance. The additional unit needs to include sleeping accommodations, a kitchen and restroom facilities.

5. Food trucks are allowed, outdoor sales are not.

The draft allows for food truck service, as long as they serve an established business’ employees for up to two hours a day. It’s not intended that the food truck be available for the general public.

Third-party outdoor sales are still not allowed; this is the same regulation as the current ordinance. Sales on property, like a tent pop-up selling fireworks, that are not affiliated with the business on the lot are prohibited.

Holland Township planning commissioners will hear an update of the zoning ordinance amendments during their Jan. 2 meeting. It begins at 7 p.m. at the township offices, 353 N. 120th Ave.