Board Looks to Improve Online Access to Zoning Ordinance

Representatives from Birchler Arroyo Associates touted a way to bring White Lake Township's online copy of the zoning ordinance into the 21st century during Tuesday night's Township Board meeting.

The Lathrup Village-based planning consulting company gave a presentation on ClearZoning, a system for making digital versions of zoning documents.

A scanned PDF copy of the township's zoning manual is now online, though it is hard to find, David Birchler, Birchler Arroyo Associates president, pointed out to the Township Board.

In addition, the copy is not searchable and must be scrolled through to find what you are looking for, Birchler said. ClearZoning offers an easier alternative, he said.

"When we use ClearZoning, we cut out 40 percent of the bulk," Birchler said. "We eliminate all the redundancies within the zoning ordinance and present it in a clear and concise manner."

ClearZoning utilizes hyperlinks to condense ordinances and make them seachable, easy to navigate and more dynamic, Birchler said.

"With ClearZoning you cut back on time spent at the counter in Township Hall answering questions," he said. "Instead of having to look up zoning requirements, coming to the township to pick up the proper form, taking it home, filling it out and then returning it, an applicant can simply fill the form out online through ClearZoning and bring it in."

Townships such as Bloomfield Township already utilize ClearZoning and, according to Birchler, view it as a great asset.

After a quick discussion among Township Board members, Supervisor Greg Baroni pointed out that all seemed to be in agreement about ClearZoning and asked that Birchler put a quote together on how much it would cost to convert to the system.

Other items approved at the meeting include:

• The second reading of the proposed rezoning for the property near White Lake Township offices.
• The adoption of an updated fire prevention and protection ordinance amendment.
• The purchase of a van for the township water department not to exceed $19,000.
• A request for proposal to provide audit services for the township.
• First reading of the cemetery ordinance.

Following the end of the regular meeting agenda, the board went into executive session to consider matters of attorney/client privilege. The board was not expected to return to take action and no other details were given when asked for specifics.