Chapter 5

RCG (River and Creek Greenbelt) Overlay District

Section 5.01    Purpose

This District shall provide for the preservation of the natural features and view of the Cut River and Backus Creek to preserve the high quality of the river and creek and to prevent the deterioration thereof.  The RCG District shall overlay the existing zoning district, and includes land within three hundred (300) feet from the ordinary high water mark on both sides of the Cut River, and four hundred (400) feet from the ordinary high water mark on both sides of Backus Creek.

Section 5.02    Permitted Uses

No land or buildings in the RCG District shall be used, erected, altered, or converted, in whole or in part, except for the following purposes by right:

A.                 Any permitted use in the underlying district.

Section 5.03    Special Land Uses

No land or buildings in the RCG District may be used, erected, altered, or converted except for the following purposes when approved in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 16:

A.                 Any special land use in the underlying district.

B.        Hunting Reserves.

C.        Public or private boat launches.

D.        Public and parks and recreation areas.

Section 5.04    Site Development Requirements

All Permitted Uses and Special Uses are subject to the following Site Development Requirements:

A.                 Additional setbacks and lot widths for structures.

1.                   Notwithstanding any other provision of this Ordinance, no dwelling, accessory building, or septic system shall be hereafter constructed, erected, installed, or enlarged within a minimum of forty (40) feet from a shoreline or ordinary high water mark.  Exception:  For every one (1) foot of bank height above a minimum of seven (7) feet above the ordinary high water mark new structures may be placed five (5) feet closer to the shoreline or ordinary high water mark.  However, no structure shall be located closer than twenty-five (25) feet to the shoreline or ordinary high water mark.

2.                   No dwelling shall be constructed or placed on lands which are subject to flooding, or on banks where four (4) feet between the finished grade level and high ground water line cannot be met.  Land may be filled to meet the minimum requirement of four (4) feet between the finished grade level and high ground water line, only under the following conditions:

a.                   No material is allowed to enter the water either by erosion or mechanical means.

b.                   The fill material is of a pervious nature, such as gravel or sand.

c.                   Any necessary permits shall have been acquired as required by the laws of Roscommon County, the State of Michigan, and the rules and regulations of the Department of Natural Resources of the State of Michigan.  It shall be unlawful to alter the shoreline of any river or creek in the Township by soil removal or fill.

d.                  All filling or grading work shall be accomplished so as not to alter the natural drainage of adjoining land.