Zoning FAQs

Zoning - Frequently Asked Questions

Zoning Map

Following is a list of commonly-asked questions regarding zoning and other rules regarding property in Ada Township. Click on the question to scroll down to the answer.

If you have a question that is not answered in this list, please contact the Township Zoning Administrator, at 676-9191, Ext. 24, or send an This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

What is a site plan and do I need one?

What are the titles, descriptions and abbreviations for the various zoning districts in Ada Township?

What are the minimum lot size, lot width and building setback requirements in the Township?

What are the regulations on Accessory Buildings?

What are the rules for snow removal on sidewalks in the Township?

What are the regulations regarding flood plain development?

Where can I place real estate signs?

What are Ada Township's Sign Regulations?

Are there regulations for home occupations or home-based businesses?

What are the rules and procedures for dividing property? Can I divide my land?

Where can I park my Recreational Vehicle?

What are the Township's rules concerning inoperable vehicles?

What regulations apply to construction of swimming pools in Ada Township?

What is the minimum floor area required for a home in Ada Township? What other requirements apply to dwelling units in the Township?

What are the regulations for fences in the Township?

I live on a corner lot. What do I consider my front yard?

Where may I display my vehicle for sale?

Can I keep horses on my property?

How can I find out how my property is zoned?

What is a site plan and do I need one?

A site plan is an accurate drawing of your property, with the size, shape and location of existing and proposed buildings accurately depicted. A site plan is required in order to obtain a building permit for a new home, a new garage or other accessory building, a building addition, or a swimming pool. Homeowners often have a survey of their parcel, and this makes a good site plan if kept up-to-date. A site plan must be to scale (1":10', 1":20', 1":30', 1":40', 1":50', 1":60' or 1":100' preferred). BUILDING PERMITS WILL NOT BE ISSUED WITHOUT AN ACCURATE SITE PLAN.

What are the titles, descriptions and abbreviations for the various zoning districts in Ada Township?

AG Agricultural district.

This district is established with the intention of designating and preserving certain portions of the township for farming and animal husbandry, dairying, horticulture and other agricultural activities. At the same time, in order to provide a degree of flexibility, it is intended that single-family dwellings be permitted in the AG district.

AGP Agricultural Preservation district.

The purpose of this district is to preserve the integrity and viability of agriculture land uses in those portions of the township having land an soils best suited to agriculture, to minimize the fragmentation of large lots into multiple small lots, to minimize the extent of nonagricultural uses in the district that may interfere with or conflict with agricultural operations, and to minimize the need for additional public facilities and services that would occur from more intense development. A limited number of nonfarm residential uses are permitted, subject to standards contained herein intended to minimize conflict with agricultural uses and maintain the viability of agricultural uses.

RP-1 Rural Preservation 1

This district is established with the intention of designating certain lands located north and east of the Grand River for single-family dwellings in a very low density, rural setting. The maximum residential development density permitted in this district is intended to ensure that the distinct natural and rural character existing in this area, as documented in the Ada Township Master Plan, is preserved. In addition, certain nonresidential uses that are compatible with the rural character of this area are also permitted.

RP-2 Rural Preservation 2

This district is established with the intention of designating land in the northwestern portion of the township that is located west of the Grand River for single-family dwellings in a rural setting. In addition, certain nonresidential uses that are compatible with the rural character are also permitted.

RR Rural residential district.

This district is established with the intention of designating certain portions of the township primarily for single-family dwellings. In order to provide flexibility, certain other uses may be permitted as special uses.

R-1 Low density single-family residential district.

This district is established with the intention of limiting certain portions of the township exclusively for low density, single-family dwellings; particularly those areas which will not be served with urban type services, and consequently will require the provision of complete on-site services. Certain complementary religious, educational and recreational facilities may also be permitted as special uses in this district.

R-2 Single-family residential district.

This district is established with the intention of limiting certain portions of the township to use for single-family dwellings. Such areas generally are or will be served with the full complement of urban type services. Certain complementary religious, educational and recreational facilities may also be permitted as special uses.

R-3 Medium density single-family residential district.

This district is established with the intention of limiting certain portions of the township to use for medium density single-family dwellings. Such areas generally are or will be served with the full complement of urban type services. Certain complementary religious, educational and recreational facilities may also be permitted as special uses.

R-4 Medium density multiple family residential district.

This district is established with the intention of limiting certain portions of the township to use for two-family and multiple-family developments. Mobile home yards are permitted as a special use. Certain other related and complementary uses are also permitted.

V-R Village residential district.

This district is intended to provide opportunities for living in a compact, traditional village environment, in single-family dwellings on small lots, within walking distance of commercial support services.

PO Professional office district.

This district is intended for areas of limited size which because of proximity to commercial uses or major highways are not feasible for residential use, and where the use of the premises for professional offices will provide a suitable transitional residential area.

C-1 Village business district.

This district is established with the intention of designating the Ada Village area as a compact community activity center with a mix of retail establishments, service businesses, governmental services and cultural facilities serving the needs of the entire community, with an emphasis on traditional building architecture, small-scale buildings and pedestrian traffic. In addition to meeting the convenience needs of the local community, businesses located in this district also serve a significant visitor and tourist clientele.

C-2 General business district.

It is the intent of this chapter to designate certain portions of the township for retailing, wholesaling, and warehousing. When any of these types of enterprises are permitted, they are to be regulated in a manner that will protect any abutting residential districts.

I Industrial district.

This district is established with the intent of providing land in the township for manufacturing and other industrial uses, construction contractors' and trades facilities, as well as professional and administrative offices. Retail uses, or other uses with high traffic generation and parking needs, and needs for extensive signage, are discouraged in this district. Uses in this district should be visually screened and buffered from adjoining residential uses, and should present an attractive appearance from major adjoining public roads.

LI Light industrial district.

The LI light industrial district is designed so as to primarily accommodate wholesale activities, warehouses, and industrial operations whose external, physical effects are restricted to the area of the district and in no manner affect in a detrimental way any of the surrounding districts. The LI district is so structured as to permit along with any specified uses, the manufacturing, compounding, processing, packaging, assembly or treatment of finished or semifinished products from previously prepared material. It is further intended that the processing of raw material for shipment in bulk form, to be used in an industrial operation at another location, not be permitted.

P-1A Planned Development Natural Resources district.

The P-1A planned development-natural resources district was established by Ordinance No. 1010661 on February 13, 1967, and continued in effect pursuant to the provisions of Section 26.03 of the Ada Township Zoning Ordinance [section 78-31], as adopted April 26, 1982. The purpose of this zone is to provide for the orderly extraction of natural resources, in accordance with the Application and Development Plan dated December 14, 1966 (the "development plan"), submitted in connection with adoption of Ordinance No. 1010661, to provide for temporary uses which are accessory to active mineral removal operations, and to provide for the development of agricultural or residential uses following the decline or completion of mineral removal activities.

U Unique use district.

The district will be established only upon application for rezoning of property for a unique use. The district and the regulations hereunder reflect the fact that certain uses cause or have the potential to cause unique problems of land use management so as to require the special attention and review.

What are the minimum lot size, lot width and building setback requirements in the Township?

These requirements vary for each zoning district, and are summarized in the following table:

ADA TOWNSHIP LOT AREA, WIDTH AND BUILDING SETBACK STANDARDS

ZONE	MINIMUM BUILDING SETBACKS	MINIMUM LOT AREA	MINIMUM LOT WIDTH
AGP RP-1 RP-2	Front: 50 Ft. Side: Minimum 20 Ft. Total 50 Ft. for both sides. Rear: 50 Ft.	AGP: 1 Lot per 10 Acres For a single family dwelling, min. 1 Acre, max. 3 Acres ______________________ RP-1: 5 Acres ______________________ RP-2: 3 Acres	AGP: 200 Ft. __________________ RP-1: 270 Ft. ________________ RP-2: 200 Ft.
RR	Front: 50 Ft. Side: 25 Ft. Rear: 50 Ft.	2 Acres	200 Ft.
R-1	Front: 40 Ft. Side: 25 Ft. Rear: 50 Ft.	1 Acre	150 Ft.
R-2	Front: 35 Ft. Side: Minimum 10 Ft. Total 25 Ft. for both sides. Rear: 50 Ft.	19,000 Sq. Ft.	120 Ft.
R-3	Front: 30 Ft. Side: Minimum 10 Ft. 25 Ft. on street frontage of a corner lot. Rear: 50 Ft.	Without both public sewer and water: 15,000 Sq. Ft. With both public sewer and water: 13,500 Sq. Ft.	Without both public sewer and water: 100 Feet With both public Sewer and water: 90 Feet
R-4	Front: 25 Ft. Side: Single Family Homes: Minimum 10 Ft. Total 25 Ft. for both sides. Multifamily Dwellings: 20 Ft. Other uses: 25 Ft. Minimum distance between buildings: 20 Ft. Rear: 30 Ft.	Single Family: Without both public water and sewer: 15,000 Sq. Ft. With both public water and sewer: 13,500 Sq. Ft. Two Family: Without both public water and sewer: 28,000 Sq. Ft. With both public water and sewer: 18,000 Sq. Ft. Multiple Family: Without both public water and sewer: 14,000 Sq. Ft. per dwelling unit. With both public water and sewer: 4,356 Sq. Ft. per dwelling unit.	Single Family: Without both public water and sewer: 150 Ft. With both public water and sewer: 90 Ft. Two Family: Without both public water and sewer: 120 Ft. With both public water and sewer: 100 Ft. Multiple Family: 100 Ft.
VR	Front: 15 Ft., except for an attached garage with doors facing front: 20 Ft. Side: Minimum 7 Ft. 10 Ft. on street frontage of a corner lot. Rear: 50 Ft.	7,000 Sq. Ft.	50 Ft.

What are the regulations on Accessory Buildings?

Accessory buildings are buildings that are customarily associated with a single family home, such as detached garages, storage sheds, and pole barns. The zoning rules place limits on the location, size and height of accessory buildings, depending on the size of your property and the zoning district it is located. A building permit is not needed if the floor area of the accessory building does not exceed 200 square feet. However, these buildings must comply with the setbacks of the zoning district. The following table summarizes these rules.

ADA TOWNSHIP ACCESSORY BUILDING REGULATIONS
	Lot Area or Bldg. Size	RR	RP-1, RP-2, AGP	R-1	R-2	R-3	VR
Permitted in Front Yard		Yes **		No	No	No	No
Minimum Side and Rear Setback	If building size is 240 Sq. Ft. or less	Minimum Side and Rear setback is 10 feet					3 feet
	Over 240 Sq. Ft. to 1,200 Sq. Ft	20 feet
	Over 1,200 Sq. Ft.	50 feet
Maximum Side Wall Height	If lot area is < 3 acres	10 Ft.
	3 acres or more	14 Ft.
Maximum Ground Level Floor Area of all Accessory Buildings Combined	If lot area is < .5 acres	480 Sq. Ft., if there is an attached garage. 720 Sq. Ft., if there is no attached garage.
	.5 acres or more, but less than 3 acres	1,200 Sq. Ft.
	3 acres or more	1,800 Sq. Ft.

** Subject to the following standards:
1. Permitted only on lots of at least 2 acres in the RR district, and 3 acres in the RP-1, RP-2 and AGP districts.
2. Subject to a minimum setback requirement of 50 feet from any lot line.
3. Façade materials and color, and roof pitch, shape, material and color of the accessory building must be substantially the same as the home.

What are the rules for snow removal on sidewalks in the Township?

It is the obligation of each owner and occupant of property adjoining a public sidewalk to keep the sidewalk free and clear of snow, ice, physical encroachments, debris or other obstructions which will impair or impede safe use of the sidewalk by the public. After a snowfall of three or more inches, public sidewalks are required to be cleared and safe for passage within 24 hours of the accumulation.

What are the regulations regarding building in a flood plain?

Placement of fill or building in a regulated floodplain is permitted only after permits have been issued for floodplain development by both Ada Township and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. The approximate boundaries of the regulated floodplain of the Grand River and Thornapple River are depicted on maps published by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. These maps are available for review in the Planning and Zoning Department at the Township offices.

Detailed information regarding the floodplain development regulations should be obtained directly from the Planning and Zoning Department. Major aspects of these regulations include the following:

1. Placement of fill within the floodplain is only permitted if an equal volume of earth is excavated from the floodplain in the same vicinity, to compensate for the loss of flood water storage area occupied by the fill. There is an exception allowed for very small amounts of fill, up to 300 cubic yards, for which no compensating storage volume is required.

2. Any new or substantially improved residential structure placed in the floodplain must have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated to or above the 100-year flood elevation.

3. Any new or substantial improvement of commercial, industrial or other non-residential structure must either have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated to or above the 100-year flood elevation, or meet flood proofing construction standards and be certified by a registered professional engineer.

The Township's floodplain development application form is located on the "Forms" page of the Planning and Zoning Department section of this site.

Where can I place real estate signs?

Real estate signs may only be placed on the property that is for sale. The zoning administrator will impound signs placed in the road right-of-way or at the intersection of two public streets when they are not located on the property that is for sale.

What are Ada Township's Sign Regulations?

A permit must be obtained from the Zoning Administrator before a sign is constructed. A site plan to scale and elevation sketch must accompany a permit application. The fee for a sign permit is $50.00. Application forms are provided on the "Forms" page of the Planning and Zoning Department section of this site.

C-1 District
(1)	One wall sign per business, not exceeding 12 square feet.
(2)	One projecting wall sign per building, provided the following conditions are met:
	A.	The sign shall not exceed 6 square feet in area.
	B.	There shall be a minimum clearance between the ground and the bottom of the sign of 10 feet, if the sign projects over a public sidewalk.
	C.	The sign shall not project more than 4 feet from the building wall, nor extend closer than 2 feet to the curb line.
(3)	One Freestanding sign per property or parcel, subject to the following limitations:
	A.	The sign shall not exceed 16 square feet in area, unless the sign identifies the premises of a business center, in which case the sign shall not exceed 24 square feet in area.
	B.	The sign shall not exceed a height of 5 feet.
	C.	The sign shall not project over any street right-of-way line.
PO, C-2, LI, and I Districts
(1)	One wall sign per business, subject to the following limits: A. For a business having 1,200 square feet or less of floor space, a minimum of 24 square feet. B. For a building having more than 1,200 square feet of floor area, the lesser of one square foot per 50 square feet of building floor area occupied by the business or 40 square feet.
(2)	One freestanding sign per property or parcel, subject to the following limitations:
	A.	The sign shall not exceed 40 square feet in area, unless the sign identifies the premises of a business center, as defined herein, in which case the sign shall not exceed 60 square feet in area.
	B.	The sign shall not exceed a height of five feet.
	C.	The sign shall be set back a minimum of five feet from any property line.
(3)	One pair of driveway entry signs, not exceeding one sign per driveway, provided the following conditions shall be met:
	A.	Such signs relate only to drive-in establishments.
	B.	Such signs shall, in the opinion of the zoning administrator, be necessary to direct vehicles into or out of driveways designed for one-way traffic only and to eliminate motorist confusion concerning access to the establishment.
	C.	No sign shall be located within the road right-of-way.
	D.	The maximum height shall not exceed three feet.
	E.	The maximum sign area shall not exceed four square feet per sign.
	F.	No words other than "enter" or "exit" shall be permitted on each sign.
	G.	The corporate logo and/or other recognizable symbol associated with the business, but not including words, may appear on the driveway entry sign, provided that use of such symbol shall cause the maximum permitted size of a freestanding sign to be reduced by 25 percent.
(4)	One billboard per lot in the C-2 and I districts along Fulton Street (M-21), subject to the provisions of Public Act No. 106 of 1972 (MCL 252.301 et seq.), the Highway Advertising Act. Such billboards shall be set back a minimum distance of 50 feet from the street right-of-way line and shall be located in a way that will not obstruct visibility of oncoming traffic or adjacent uses. A billboard shall be considered a principal use and shall not be located on a lot or parcel with any other principal use.

Internally illuminated signs- Light shall not be emitted from greater than 35 percent of the area of any sign face. The illuminated portion of any sign face may include lettering or other graphic symbols.

Real Estate signs-

(1) Dwelling or dwelling site- One sign not exceeding 4 square feet
(2) Property other than dwelling- One sign not exceeding 12 square feet
(3) Construction- One sign identifying the proposed use and/or building and persons or firms involved during the period of construction not exceeding 32 square feet.

Temporary signs-

(1) Issuance of a permit for Temporary Sign shall authorize the display of the sign for seven (7) days.
(2) A maximum of four (4) permits authorizing display of a temporary sign shall be issued in any calendar year for an individual business premises.
(3) A Temporary Sign shall not be located in the road right of way.
(4) All Temporary Signs shall be constructed of materials and shall be installed in such a manner in which ensures that the sign will not constitute a safety hazard in the event of high winds, as determined by the Zoning Administrator.
(5) Maximum Area: 32 Sq. Feet; Maximum Height: 6 Feet. If free-standing, minimum setback of 10 feet from the front lot line. If building mounted, the sign shall not extend above the top of the building wall. A temporary sign shall not be located in a parking area or driveway.

Sidewalk Message Signs-

(1) Sidewalk Message Signs: In the C-1 zoning district, a maximum of one (1) sidewalk message sign shall be permitted for each business or establishment, subject to the following standards:
1. A sidewalk message sign shall not exceed three (3) feet in width and four (4) feet in height, shall be constructed in a "sandwich board" or "A-frame" style, and shall not be illuminated.
2. A sidewalk message sign shall not be permanently anchored to the ground surface or to any other object or structure, but shall be designed tor weighted to prevent instability or movement by wind or other natural forces.
3. A sidewalk message sign shall only be displayed between the hours of 7 a.m. and 9 p.m.
4. Except as provided in subsection (5) below, a sidewalk message sign may only be placed on the property of the business or establishment to which the sign pertains.
5. Where a public sidewalk exists within a public right-of-way, a sidewalk message sign may be placed on the sidewalk abutting the property to which the sign pertains, provided the sidewalk has a minimum width of eight (8) feet, and provided the sign placement is aligned with raised planting eds or municipal street light poles located thereon, so as not to unreasonably interfere with use of the sidewalk by pedestrians.
6. A sidewalk message sign shall not be placed in a parking area or driveway.

Community Special Event Signs-

Community special event signs are permitted in any zoning district, subject to the following restrictions:
(1) A community special event sign may be located either on or off the lot on which the special event is held.
(2) For a reoccurring event which takes place on more than five (5) occasions within a period of 12 consecutive seeks, the number, size, height, duration of display and location of community special event signs pertaining to the event shall be as determined by the Zoning Administrator.
(3) Fro all other community special events, the maximum number, size and height of signs pertaining to the event shall be as follows:

1. A maximum of two community special event signs shall be permitted for a special event, on all lots on which such sign is displayed.
2. The display of the signs shall be limited to the 14 days immediately preceding and including the date of the special event.
3. The signs shall have a maximum size of 40 square feet in area, and a maximum height above ground level of six feet. The front setbacks shall be as required for signs in the zoning district in which the sign is to be located.

4. The signs shall be removed within 48 hours of the conclusion of the special event which is being advertised.

Are there regulations for home occupations or home-based businesses?

Yes, compliance with certain standards is required in order to be considered for home occupations. There are two types of home occupations, Type I and Type II.

Home occupations which comply with all of the following standards are defined as type I home occupations, and are permitted by right in all residential zoning districts.
(1)	No person other than members of the household residing on the premises shall be engaged in the conduct of the home occupation on the premises.
(2)	The use of the dwelling unit for the home occupation shall be clearly incidental and subordinate to its use for residential purposes by its occupants, and not more than 25 percent of the floor area of the dwelling unit, or 300 square feet, whichever is less, shall be used in the conduct of the home occupation.
(3)	There shall be no change in the outside appearance of the building or premises or other visible evidence of the conduct of the home occupation. No sign identifying the home occupation shall be permitted.
(4)	No home occupation nor storage of goods, materials, equipment or products associated with the home occupation shall be permitted in any accessory buildings on the premises, regardless whether attached or detached from the principal residence.
(5)	Exterior storage and/or display of equipment, materials, goods, merchandise over one ton in capacity on the premises.
(6)	The home occupation shall not involve the use or storage of commercial vehicles over one ton in capacity on the premises.
(7)	There shall be no vehicular traffic generated by the home occupation, other than occasional, incidental visits by clients or small parcel delivery services not exceeding an average of four vehicle trips per weekday.
(8)	No equipment or process shall be used in such home occupation which creates noise, vibration, glare, fumes, odors or electrical interference detectable to the normal senses off the lot, In the case of electrical interference, no equipment or process shall be used which creates visual or audible interference in any radio or television receivers off the premises, or causes fluctuations in line voltage off the premises.
(9)	The sale or offering for sale on the premises of any article, goods or merchandise on the premises is prohibited.
Any home occupation having one or more of the following characteristics is considered a type II home occupation, and is permitted only upon the approval of a special use permit by the Planning Commission.
(1)	The home occupation will employ on the premises any persons other than occupants of the residential dwelling on the premises.
(2)	The home occupation is of a type in which customers or clients of the business are required to visit the residential premises.
(3)	A business sign is proposed to be located on the premises.
(4)	The home occupation involves the exterior storage of any materials, merchandise or products.
(5)	The home occupation has any other characteristics which exclude it from considering as a type I home occupation.
In addition to complying with the standards for approval of a special land use, no type II home occupation is issued a special use permit unless all of the following standards are met:
(1)	The type II home occupation shall only be conducted on the premises of a detached single-family dwelling. Type II home occupations shall not be permitted within two-family or multiple family dwellings.
(2)	No more than two persons other than members of the household residing on the premises shall be engaged in the conduct of the home occupation on the premises.
(3)	The use of the dwelling unit for the home occupation shall be clearly incidental and subordinate to its use for residential purposes by its occupants, and not more than 25 percent of the floor area of the dwelling unit, or 300 square feet, whichever is less, shall be used in the conduct of the home occupation.
(4)	There shall be no change in the outside appearance of the building or premises or other visible evidence of the conduct of the type II home occupation, other than signs as permitted.
(5)	Storage of goods, materials, equipment or products associated with the home occupation shall be permitted only within the dwelling or in an enclosed accessory building, or in an outside area enclosed on all sides by a solid fence or wall, so as to be entirely screened from view from surrounding properties and the public road.
(6)	Outdoor display of equipment, materials, goods, merchandise or supplies used in the conduct of the home occupation is prohibited.
(7)	The home occupation shall not involve the use or storage or more than one commercial vehicle on the premises. Any vehicle over one ton capacity shall be parked or stored in an enclosed garage or accessory building.
(8)	No traffic shall be generated by such home occupation in greater volumes than would normally be expected in a residential neighborhood. Any need for parking generated by the conduct of such home occupation shall be met off the street and other than in a required front yard. The number of off-street parking spaces provided for the home occupation shall not exceed two spaces, exclusive of parking required for the residential use of the dwelling.
(9)	No equipment or process shall be used in such home occupation which creates noise, vibration, glare, fumes, odors or electrical interference detectable to the normal senses off the lot. In the case of electrical interference, no equipment or process shall be used which creates visual or audible interference in any radio or television receivers off the premises, or causes fluctuations in line voltage off the premises.

What are the rules and procedures for dividing property? Can I divide my land?

Division of property in the Township is subject to requirements of the State Land Division Act, as well as requirements of the Township's zoning regulations. All land divisions are subject to the approval of the Township Assessor and the Zoning Administrator. Land divisions creating 3 or more lots, not counting the original lot, are also subject to the review and approval of the Planning Commission.

Land Division Act Requirements:

The requirements of the Land Division Act include the following:

(a)	Each resulting parcel has an adequate and accurate legal description and is included in a tentative parcel map showing area, parcel lines, public utility easements, accessibility, and other requirements of this section and section 108 of the Act. The tentative parcel map shall be a scale drawing showing the approximate dimensions of the parcels.
(b)	Each resulting parcel has a depth of not more than 4 times the width. (Note: In Ada Township, this standard has been modified, as allowed by the Act, to limit the depth of a parcel to 3 times the width).
(c)	Each resulting parcel has a width and area meeting Township zoning requirements.
(d)	Each resulting parcel is accessible.
(e)	The number of proposed divisions does not exceed the maximum number specified by the formula set forth in Section 108 of the Land Division Act. You should consult the statute to review this formula, or seek qualified advice regarding compliance with the Act.
(f)	Each resulting parcel that is a development site has adequate easements for public utilities from the parcel to existing public utility facilities.

Persons desiring to divide property should contact the Township Assessor, to ensure that the property is eligible to be divided under the provisions of the Land Division Act. Property owners should also take care to ensure that property taxes do not become delinquent at any time during the processing of a land division, as this may interfere with completion of the land division process.

Zoning Requirements:

Zoning standards applicable to land divisions in the Township include the following:

(1)	The proposed lots must meet minimum square footage for the zoning district the property is located in.
(2)	Shapes of all parcels shall be rectangular, to the extent practicable.
(3)	In no case shall any lot, including the remainder of a parent parcel, have a length-to-width ratio in excess of three-to-one (3:1)
(4)	All parcels created by a land division must have legal access to a public street.
(5)	All parcels created by a land division must have a suitable area for building.
(6)	Size, shape, and arrangement of lots and building envelopes:
	(a)	Building envelopes are located such that they are least visible from the adjoining public road and adjoining properties.
	(b)	Building envelopes are located so that sensitive natural features are not disturbed and buffers are maintained adjacent to wetlands and streams.
	(c)	Building envelopes are located to avoid placement of building on prominent hilltops and ridgelines, in order to maintain scenic views and the natural visual qualities of the township.

Where can I park my Recreational Vehicle?

Recreational vehicles may be stored behind the front setback of the home. Recreational vehicles may be parked in the front yard for a period not exceeding 72 hours.

What are the Township's rules concerning inoperable vehicles?

An inoperable vehicle is any vehicle that does not have current registration, plates, or any vehicle that is incapable of being propelled under its own power, or which is unsafe for operation on the streets and highways of this state because of inability to comply with the state motor vehicle code. Inoperable vehicles are not permitted to be stored outdoors. They must be stored in a wholly enclosed building or removed from the property to conform with the inoperable vehicle ordinance.

What regulations apply to construction of swimming pools in Ada Township?

A building permit must be applied for and issued by the building inspector before construction may begin on any swimming pool.

Pools are subject to the following standards:

(1)	Swimming pools shall not be constructed in any front yard and, measured from the water's edge of the pool, shall not be any nearer than seven feet from the side or rear lot lines.
(2)	Any electric wire within 25 feet of the water's edge of the pool shall be placed underground and in an appropriate conduit approved for such purposes to prevent electricity from being conducted into the water. No electric wires of any kind shall cross or be over the water surface. Any underwater lighting shall be accomplished by the use of methods and materials approved for such purposes.
(3)	There shall be no cross connections of any public water supply with any other source of water supply for the pool. The line from the public water supply to the pool shall be protected against back flow of water by means of an air gap and shall discharge at least six inches above the maximum high-water level of the makeup tank or the pool.

Pool fencing requirements:

(1)

All swimming pools shall be enclosed by a fence which shall be at least four feet in height from the ground level of a type not readily climbed by children. However, if the entire yard of the residence is enclosed, then this provision may be waived by the building inspector upon inspection and approval of the yard's enclosure, or if the pool is of a portable type with a wall height of at least four feet above the surrounding ground surface and of such construction as not to be readily climbed by children then the ends of the fence may be attached to the pool structure and the fence need be erected only around the immediate area of the ladder and other means of access to the pool.

(2)

Gates shall be of a self-closing latch type with the latch on the inside of the gate, not readily available for children to open.

What is the minimum floor area required for a home in Ada Township? What other requirements apply to dwelling units in the Township?

(1)	For single-family and two-family dwellings, the minimum floor area required is 720 square feet. Minimum floor area for a multiple family dwelling unit is 500 square feet.
(2)	All dwelling units must be constructed upon and attached to a solid permanent foundation located under the entire perimeter of the ground floor, with a depth at least 42 inches below grade. The foundation must comply with the township building code.
(3)	All dwellings must have a minimum height between the floor and ceiling of 7.5 feet.
(4)	All dwelling units must have storage areas (either within a basement or in an attic, or in a separate, fully enclosed structure) of not less than 15 percent of the living area of the dwelling unit. Such storage areas do not count toward meeting the minimum floor area requirements.
(5)	The width of any single-family dwelling unit must be at least 22 feet for at least 67 percent of its length.
(6)	All dwelling units must provide a minimum of two separate points of ingress and egress.
(7)	All single-family dwelling units must have steps or a porch permanently attached to the foundation, when there is an elevation difference of more than one foot between a door and the surrounding grade.
(8)	Interior access to basement or crawl space. All dwelling units shall provide from within the dwelling unit at least one means of access to any basement or crawl space.
(9)	Mobile homes are permitted to be located on a lot that is not located in a state-licensed mobile home park, in any zoning district in which single-family dwellings are permitted, subject to compliance with all of the above requirements, and all other requirements applicable to other single-family dwellings, provided that the mobile home meets all standards of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development Mobile Home Construction Safety Standards in effect at the time the mobile home is located in the township.

What are the regulations for fences in the Township?

Fences in any residential zoning district may not exceed seven feet in height in a rear or side yard, or four feet in height in a front yard. A permit is not needed to install a fence. However, before constructing a fence, you should be certain as to the location of your property boundary, to ensure that your fence does not encroach on to a neighbor's property.

I live on a corner lot. What do I consider my front yard?

On a corner lot, the front lot line is defined as the shortest boundary line adjacent to the street right of way. Contact the Zoning Administrator if you have any questions regarding setbacks or front yards on unique parcels.

Where may I display my vehicle for sale?

In summary, only on your own property. A maximum of one vehicle may be displayed for sale on a residential property. The vehicle must be at least five feet away from any lot line or public right-of-way. Display of vehicles for sale is prohibited in business parking lots, and on street corners and vacant lots in the Township.

Can I keep horses on my property?

Horses and other farm animals may be kept only in the RP-1, RP-2, AGP and RR districts. Stable buildings that house animals must be located at least 150 ft. from all property lines.

How can I find out how my property is zoned?

Zoning information, as well as property tax assessment information for property in the Township can be found by clicking on the Property/Tax/Utility Lookup link on the main menu above. Other information can be obtained by contacting the Zoning Administrator or by purchasing a Township zoning map, available at the Clerk's office for $1.00.

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