The Hartland Township Board of Trustees is scheduled to adopt the new Hartland Township Zoning Ordinance during their regular meeting on December 4. The new Zoning Ordinance is simplified, graphics based, and interactive. 

“The Township believes it will prove to be user-friendly for property-owners, developers, and Township staff,” said David Campbell, Hartland Township Planning Director.

In early 2012, the Township began working with Clearzoning, Inc. on the process of re-formatting the existing Zoning Ordinance. 

The process took several months, and included several “housekeeping” tasks including clarification, consolidation, and removal of conflicting language.  Also included in the scope of work was creation of an updated, interactive Zoning Map. 

While the majority of the standards and processes outlined in the Zoning Ordinance remain unchanged, the re-formatted Ordinance allows users to quickly and easily access the information that best applies to them.  The re-formatting process brought to light a number of issues within the former Zoning Ordinance that will require further analysis by Township staff, the Planning Commission, and the Township Board. 

In 2013, the Township will work toward amending those outstanding items in the Zoning Ordinance that went beyond the simple “housekeeping” items resolved during the re-formatting process. 

The new Ordinance is most useful when accessed online in its digital form, so that users can take advantage of the hyperlinks throughout the document.  The digital Zoning Ordinance will be available on the Township’s website (www.hartlandtwp.com), or at the counter of the Township’s Planning Department. 

Users that may still prefer a paper copy of the new Zoning Ordinance will be able to view or purchase a copy available at the Township. 

Campbell said, “Residents and property-owners are invited to explore the new Zoning Ordinance, and to take advantage of the many interactive features it now offers.”