12789 Erie, Albion, MI 49224

Agricultural District

The purpose of this district is to preserve, for agricultural activity, to the greatest extent possible those areas in the township which have been designated as essential agricultural lands in the township’s land use plan, while allowing a limited amount of non-farm housing. To this end the number of non-farm dwellings allowed on a parcel of land, which is a parcel of record at the time this chapter is adopted, shall be based on a schedule of density contained in 154.044. However, it should be noted that the primary intended use of this district is agricultural activities and that there may be odors, dust and noise associated with these activities which are not compatible with residences.; It is recognized that the public health and welfare of the citizens of the township and the United States are greatly dependent upon the sustenance and economic benefits provided by a viable agricultural industry. This district is intended to ensure that land areas within the township which are well suited for production of food and fiber are retained for such production, unimpeded by the establishment of incompatible uses which would hinder agricultural practices and irretrievably deplete agricultural lands.; The Essential Agricultural District has the following specific purposes and objectives: Protect prime farmland from speculative increases in land values; Prevent fragmentation of farmlands by division into small parcels; Prevent loss of prime farmland; Prevent conflicts between agricultural activities and residences; Prevent encroachment of urban and suburban services into agricultural areas; Minimize cost of providing services to rural areas; Encourage long-term investment in improvements needed to maintain and expand agricultural production by creating a stable environment for such production; Reduce the amount of land consumed in rural areas for nonagricultural use; Prevent intrusion of uses into farm areas which are incompatible with general farming activities.