Host of revisions to Highland code book considered

A measure to update Highland Township’s Code of Ordinances will go before the Board of Trustees next month following a list of recently proposed changes.

The board introduced a list of 33 proposed amendments to existing township ordnances that range from “minor technical amendments” to incorporating the township’s zoning ordinance into the Code of Ordinances.

Highland Township Supervisor Triscia Pilchowski said the changes are primarily housekeeping measures.

“It’s been a goal of the board for some time,” she said.

Among the proposed updates are:

• Minor technical changes to ordinance chapters regarding general provisions; administration; fire prevention and protection; garbage and rubbish; parks and recreation; streets, sidewalks and other public places; vegetation; and waterways;

• Rescinding or removing language to have the Code of Ordinances match current state law or regulations already covered under other local ordinances in the general code;

• Incorporating regulations from the “Buildings and Building Regulations” chapter and “Land Use Fee Schedule” chapter into a new chapter regarding fees and deposits, which would also include a new fee schedule;

• Establishing a process for approval of condominium subdivisions; revising the list of required design standards and improvements for new subdivisions; and bringing the entire process into compliance with state law.

• Incorporating noise ordinances into the chapter of the general code regarding noise, blight and other nuisances. The chapter would also include a temporary “exception” permit for activities otherwise classified as a nuisance;

• Significant revisions regarding offenses to bring the code into compliance with state law, including adding new or revised provisions regarding loitering; resisting and obstructing; fleeing and eluding; and tampering with entry points to buildings;

• Eliminating regulations regarding housing discrimination, which is to be handled by county, state and federal agencies; and

• Rescinding the township’s soil erosion and sedimentation control provisions, as Highland isn’t an enforcing agent and jurisdiction falls to Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner’s Office.

Pilchowski said the changes will also include rescinding some permits that are currently required.

“Some permits we require won’t be required anymore, and I think that will sit well with businesses,” she said.

In addition to the proposed amendments, the board has approved a resolution to retain a minimum fund balance equal to 40 percent of expenditures beginning in 2013. The resolution came at the recommendation of the Michigan Township Association.

“Trying to maintain 40 to 60 percent of our unrestricted fund balance is something we felt comfortable with and something we have been doing all along,” Pilchowski said.