CRYSTAL LAKE TOWNSHIP IN BENZIE COUNTY MICHIGAN
  • HOME
  • Staff
  • Meetings & Minutes
    • Upcoming Meeting Info
    • Meeting Minutes
    • Archived Minutes
  • A - E
    • ADA Compliance
    • Assessment
    • Airport
    • Audits
    • Blight
    • Board of Review
    • Budget & Finances
    • Cemeteries
    • Clean Up Days
    • Elections & Voting
    • Environment
    • Enforcement
  • F - Z
    • Fireworks
    • Fire Protection & Rescue
    • Newsletters
    • Planning
    • Policy & Procedure Manual
    • Records & FOIA
    • Roads
    • Support Services
    • Taxes
    • Volunteering
    • Zoning
    • Zoning Board of Appeals
  • General Township
    • Fun Facts
    • History
    • Maps
    • Roles & Responsibilities
    • Salaries
    • Township Law
  • PAYMENTS
  • Quick Forms
  • Message Us

​ZONING

Picture
Tom Kucera, Zoning Administrator
  
Phone:(231) 352-9791 (office)
Email: zoning.clt @gmail.com
Office Hours:  Wednesdays 9 a.m. - 12 noon

​
Click here for Forms & Information​
​Click here for a PDF of the entire Township Zoning Ordinance (ZO)
OR see bottom of this page for breakouts PDFs of each chapter.

Looking for the Township Zoning Map?  Go to page 307 of the ZO
OR see a link at bottom of this page.

​CRYSTAL LAKE IS A ZONED TOWNSHIP
Picture
"Talk about Byzantine!  Try pulling a permit for a flying
​buttress in this neighborhood.”


What is Zoning?
As it applies to township zoning, zoning means that all the land encompassed within township boundaries has been divided into different areas, each subject to particular restrictions on development and usage.

How does Crystal Lake Township being zoned effect me and plans for my property?  
Any time you are going to "do" something to your property (modify, demolish, build, rebuild or remodel, add on, regrade, change the shoreline, construct a fence, cut down trees on a slope in the watershed, buy a backyard shed, starting business out of your home, and more) you need to consult the township.  Specifically, that involves BEFORE GOING ANYWHERE ELSE, talking to our Zoning Administrator (ZA) and/or reading the Zoning Ordinance (ZO). 

What is the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act?
The Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, MCL 125.3101 et seq. (MZEA), authorizes municipalities to create zoning ordinances that regulate land use within their borders. The MZEA also requires that zoning ordinances create a Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA) for each municipality.  Click here to quickly access the ZBA page.

What is a Zoning Administrator (ZA)?
The ZA is hired by the township and is responsible for the overall administration and enforcement of the Zoning Ordinance. He/she accepts and reviews zoning permit applications, as well as determines compliance with the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance and completeness of the application.

Where can I find the Zoning Ordinance (ZO)?
The ZO is available below, separated into sections for better access.  It is a lengthy document and may need some expert interpretation, so we highly recommend consult it AND ALSO chat with the ZA.  No permits, such as a building permit from the county, can be issued without either complying with the township zoning ordinance or getting confirmation that the ZO does not require a permit in your case, in which the next step can be taken.

ZONING MAP
TITLE PAGE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARTICLE 1
ARTICLE 2
ARTICLE 3
ARTICLE 4
ARTICLE 5
ARTICLE 6
ARTICLE 7

ARTICLE 8
ARTICLE 9
ARTICLE 10
ARTICLE 11
ARTICLE 12
ARTICLE 13
ARTICLE 14
ARTICLE 15
ARTICLE 16
ARTICLE 17
ARTICLE 18
ARTICLE 19
ARTICLE 20
ARTICLE 21
ARTICLE 22
ARTICLE 23
ARTICLE 24
ARTICLE 25
ARTICLE 26
ARTICLE 27
Att A & B to Article 27 (XXVII)
ARTICLE 28
ARTICLE 29
ARTICLE 30

ARTICLE 31




​
Picture
1651 Frankfort Highway | PO Box 2129 | Frankfort, MI 49635​
Phone: (231) 352-9791 | Fax: (231) 352-6689
© Copyright 2023 Crystal Lake Township
  • HOME
  • Staff
  • Meetings & Minutes
    • Upcoming Meeting Info
    • Meeting Minutes
    • Archived Minutes
  • A - E
    • ADA Compliance
    • Assessment
    • Airport
    • Audits
    • Blight
    • Board of Review
    • Budget & Finances
    • Cemeteries
    • Clean Up Days
    • Elections & Voting
    • Environment
    • Enforcement
  • F - Z
    • Fireworks
    • Fire Protection & Rescue
    • Newsletters
    • Planning
    • Policy & Procedure Manual
    • Records & FOIA
    • Roads
    • Support Services
    • Taxes
    • Volunteering
    • Zoning
    • Zoning Board of Appeals
  • General Township
    • Fun Facts
    • History
    • Maps
    • Roles & Responsibilities
    • Salaries
    • Township Law
  • PAYMENTS
  • Quick Forms
  • Message Us