16-1-1: TITLE:

This title shall be known and may be cited and referred to as the UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE of the city of Dubuque, Iowa, herein referred to as this title. (Ord. 52-09, 10-19-2009)

16-1-2: PURPOSE:

   A.   This title as herein established has been made for the purpose of promoting the health, safety, sustainability and general welfare of the community, and for the protection and preservation of places and areas of historical and cultural importance and significance.

   B.   This title has been designed to lessen congestion in the streets; to secure safety from fire and other hazards; to provide adequate light and air; to prevent the overcrowding of land; to avoid undue concentration of population; to facilitate the adequate provision of transportation, water, sewage, schools, and parks; and to encourage sustainable design and development.

   C.   This title has been made with reasonable consideration of the character of the district and its suitability for the particular uses, and with a view of conserving the value of buildings, encouraging the most appropriate use of land throughout the community. (Ord. 52-09, 10-19-2009)

16-1-3: MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS INTERPRETATION:

In their interpretation and application, the provisions of this title shall be held to be the minimum requirements for the promotion of the public health, safety, morals, convenience, comfort, prosperity, sustainability and general welfare. (Ord. 52-09, 10-19-2009)

16-1-4: RELATIONSHIP TO CITY CODE:

The use of buildings and land within the city shall be subject to all applicable provisions of this code and other ordinances, as well as this title, whether or not those other provisions of this code are specifically cross referenced in this title. Cross reference to other provisions of this code found in this title are provided for the convenience of the reader; lack of a cross reference should not be construed as an indication that other provisions of this code do not apply. (Ord. 52-09, 10-19-2009)

16-1-5: RELATIONSHIP TO COMPREHENSIVE PLAN:

It is the intention of this title to implement the goals, principles, and objectives reflected in the comprehensive plan as adopted by the city. While the city reaffirms its commitment that the provisions of this title and any amendment made to this title shall conform to adopted planning policies, the city acknowledges its intent that neither this title nor any amendment of this title may be challenged merely on the basis of an alleged nonconformity with the comprehensive plan. (Ord. 52-09, 10-19-2009)

16-1-6: APPLICABILITY OF PRIOR REGULATIONS:

   A.   All violations of prior zoning or other regulations of the city, existing on the effective date hereof, shall continue to be violations and shall not be considered to be legal nonconforming situations under this title. The city shall have the same authority to secure civil remedies for violations of those regulations to the same extent that it may secure civil remedies for violations of this title.

   B.   All permits, applications, certificates and other authorizations submitted or approved prior to the effective date hereof shall be governed by the regulations in effect at the time of the submission or approval. (Ord. 52-09, 10-19-2009)

16-1-7: ADMINISTRATION:

The provisions of this title shall be administered and enforced by the city planner. (Ord. 52-09, 10-19-2009)