(A) Minimum Regulations. The regulations set by this chapter shall be held to be the minimum requirements deemed necessary for the promotion of the public health, safety, morals and welfare and shall apply uniformly to all lots, uses, buildings, and structures, or portions thereof, except as hereinafter provided.
(B) Existing Restrictions. Where this chapter imposes a greater restriction upon land, buildings, or structures than is imposed or required by existing provisions of law, ordinance, contract, or deed, the provisions of this chapter shall govern.
(C) Relationship with Other Laws. Wherever the requirements of this chapter vary with the provisions in another part of the Municipal Code, the most restrictive or higher standards, shall govern.
(D) Uses Not Specifically Permitted. Uses, other than those uses specified as permitted, shall be expressly prohibited, except when it is determined by the Zoning Administrator, that a proposed use is similar in nature to a use specified as a permitted or special use in the appropriate section of this chapter. Unspecified uses may be added to the list of specified uses by amendment to this chapter.
(E) Open Spaces. No yard, court, or open space, or part thereof, shall be included as a part of the yard, court, or open space similarly required for any other buildings, structure, or dwelling, except as otherwise specifically provided for by this chapter.
(F) Existing permits. This chapter is not intended to abrogate or annul any building permits, certificates of occupancy, variances, or other lawful permits issued before the effective date of this chapter.
(G) Completion permitted. Any building or structure for which a building permit has been issued prior to the date of enactment of this chapter may be completed and used in accordance with the plans, specifications, and permits on which that building permit was granted, provided construction commences within 180 days of passage of this chapter and is diligently prosecuted to completion.
(H) Measurements. All measured distances shall be to the nearest integral foot and if a fraction is one-half (½) foot or more the integral foot next above shall be taken.
(I) General Interpretations. As part of the administration and enforcement of this chapter certain words, provisions and requirements will occasionally have to be interpreted in regards to their applicability to situations under consideration, or in general. The Zoning Administrator shall have the authority to make such interpretations. Interpretations shall be made in writing and included in a file for further reference. Appeals of the Zoning Administrator's interpretation(s) may be made to the Zoning Board of Appeals by the party directly affected.
(Ord. 8612, passed 12-2-08)