TITLE 11
ZONING REGULATIONS
CHAPTER 1
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS
SECTION:
11-1-1: Title
11-1-2: Authority
11-1-3: Intent And Purpose
11-1-4: Jurisdictional Area
11-1-5: Application Of Regulations
11-1-6: Official Zoning Map
11-1-7: Zoning Administrator
11-1-8: Zoning Commission
11-1-9: Zoning Board Of Adjustment (ZBA)
11-1-10: Plan Appeals Procedure
11-1-11: Fees, Charges And Expenses
11-1-12: Violations And Penalties
11-1-13: Text Amendment And Rezoning Changes
11-1-14: Severability
11-1-1: TITLE:
This title shall be known and cited as the ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF ENNIS, MONTANA. (Ord. 131, 3-14-2002)
11-1-2: AUTHORITY:
This zoning ordinance is adopted under the authority of the municipal zoning enabling act 1 . (Ord. 131, 3-14-2002)

 

Notes

1
1. MCA §§ 76-2-301 through 76-2-328.
11-1-3: INTENT AND PURPOSE:
The intent and purpose of this title is to implement applicable goals, objectives and policies of the 1996 comprehensive plan. The comprehensive plan's stated policies set forth below are concrete commitments to act. They are few in number but of overriding importance to the future of the Ennis community. The operative word in each statement is "shall":
   A.   Stop Suburban Sprawl: All governmental actions, including infrastructure development, regulatory procedures or administrative practices, shall be designed and executed to stop "suburban sprawl". For example, enact regulations and incentives to control the development of lands abutting existing highways and to concentrate development in existing neighborhoods that can be more efficiently serviced by community infrastructure and facilities.
   B.   Protect Natural Environment: Measures shall be enacted and enforced to protect the area's natural environment. Such measures include, for example: storm water management, wetland and flood susceptibility areas protection and agricultural land/open space preservation.
   C.   Retain Small Town Character: Measures appropriate and essential to maintaining the "small town" character and the unique Ennis quality of life shall be implemented. Such measures include: facilitating affordable housing, keeping Main Street traffic lanes and parking as they are presently configured and enacting new zoning and other regulatory provisions providing in town development incentives balanced by qualitative design requirements.
   D.   Protect Agricultural Lands: Agricultural lands shall be protected from infringement by urban development. Protective actions include: adopting and enforcing regulatory codes designed to preserve economically sustainable agricultural units while affording farmers and ranchers opportunity to market a limited number of development rights consistent with the other goals, objectives and policies of this plan; and, by rejecting development proposals that will result in farm and ranch operational conflicts and higher real estate and special interest district taxes.
   E.   Promote Basic Sector Jobs: Private and public entities providing basic sector employment opportunities shall be afforded assistance and reasonable incentives to locate and expand in the Ennis area provided they do not adversely impact the "plan's goals, objectives and foregoing policies". (Ord. 131, 3-14-2002)
11-1-4: JURISDICTIONAL AREA:
The zoning jurisdiction of the town shall include the land within the town's corporate limits and within the extraterritorial zoning jurisdiction boundaries established and shown on the "Official Zoning Map, City of Ennis, Montana". The ordinance provisions and procedures shall be in accordance with this title. (Ord. 131, 3-14-2002)
11-1-5: APPLICATION OF REGULATIONS:
   A.   Compliance Required: Land and structures within the jurisdictional area may only be used or occupied, and structures or parts thereof may only be erected, moved, or altered, in accordance with the provisions of this title.
   B.   Responsibility Of Owner: The owner of land or structures shall be responsible for tenants' compliance with this title.
   C.   Zoning Relationship To Other Codes: The requirements of this zoning ordinance operate in addition to those requirements established under other town codes, except that where conflicts with other town codes may occur these zoning requirements shall govern.
   D.   Zoning Relationship To Covenants: Recorded covenants and restrictions, more restrictive than these zoning provisions, shall govern provided they are properly drafted and recorded and are enforceable at law. Zoning requirements that are more restrictive than covenants and restrictions shall govern. The town of Ennis shall not be held responsible for the enforcement of private covenants and restrictions.
   E.   Existing Property Uses Exempt: All regulations adopted by the town shall pertain to future use of property and not affect the existing use of property. Any change of land use or structures are subject to the provisions set forth in this title. (Ord. 131, 3-14-2002)
Loading...