04/04/2025

Coastal Solutions Compendium

Coastal District

A coastal district is a type of zoning district that regulates land use and development on properties that are adjacent to the water. This approach usually applies to a group of properties with similar uses and coastal characteristics and is structured like a residential or commercial zoning district. A coastal district is different from a coastal overlay zone, which provides an additional layer of regulations that span an existing zoning district or districts.

Why it supports resilience:

A coastal zoning district can include a comprehensive set of requirements for the unique needs of coastal properties, including protection from erosion, flooding, and rising lake levels. It also highlights the special character of properties along the coast.

How it is used:

Zoning requires an amendment to the zoning ordinance to add a new zoning district, and an amendment to the map to include properties in the district. Coastal districts will typically include a list of allowable uses and special land uses as well as area, height and placement requirements, similar to other zoning districts. A coastal district may address specific natural features as well as view protections.

A coastal district ordinance may combine with other tools to implement a setback, impose buffer requirements, restrict coastal armoring, and include waterfront uses such as marinas and resorts. Where it establishes a setback or buffer requirements, a regular review schedule and procedure is necessary to address changing conditions.

Possible obstacles to implementation:

• Creating a new district is an intensive process that must be clearly linked to the Zoning Plan in the master / comprehensive plan
• Existing development within the new district may become nonconforming if the new zoning requirements are more restrictive than the previous district.

Example:

Garfield Township (Mackinac County) Great Lakes Shoreland District 

Section 3.14: The Great Lakes Shoreland District is “intended to protect the fragile ecosystem in the coastal area, while at the same time permitting residential and recreational development and limiting other uses that are incompatible with the area. Any development in the Great Lakes Shoreland District must be accomplished in a manner that preserves the qualities found within the Lake Michigan coastline as well as protecting any endangered species.”  

See also: Fruitland Township Lake Michigan Shoreline District

Tasks for implementing this tool:

• Engage the community about the potential change (see Community Engagement Approaches in Chapter VI).
• Use GIS and historical data to determine what parcels would benefit most from being included in a coastal zoning district.
• Review the principal and accessory uses allowed by right in the current zoning district and determine which of these should be included in the coastal district. If special land uses are proposed, list these and link to the related review standards and approval process (usually in a different section of the ordinance).
• Identify requirements for development in the district, such as a coastal setback, natural features protection, parking limitations, armoring limitation, septic tank placement, etc. If building form or viewshed restrictions are to be included, create diagrams to illustrate the regulations.