9-1-1: PURPOSE:

In accordance with State law, this Code regulates structures and land uses in order to preserve, protect, and promote the public health, safety and welfare. More specifically, this Code is intended to assist in achieving the following objectives:

   A.   To encourage the development of buildings and uses on appropriate sites in order to maximize community wide social and economic benefits while accommodating the particular needs of all residents;

   B.   To discourage development of buildings and uses on sites not suited for development;

   C.   To protect the character and stability of sound existing residential, commercial and industrial areas;

   D.   To conserve and increase the value of taxable property throughout this City;

   E.   To ensure the provision of adequate light, air and privacy to the occupants of all buildings;

   F.   To provide adequate parking and access for all buildings and lots;

   G.   To reduce congestion on the public streets and highways;

   H.   To protect property from damage caused by fire, or by flooding and poorly controlled storm water runoff;

   I.   To guide the provision of water, sewer, storm water, and other utilities and municipal services;

   J.   To reduce the initial costs and future maintenance expenses of public and private improvements and services through thoughtful planning; and

   K.   To gradually eliminate existing structures and uses that impede achievement of the above objectives.

(Ord. passed 8-3-2022)

9-1-2: SCOPE:

In order to achieve the objectives enumerated in section 9-1-1, this Code:

   A.   Divides this entire City into districts, and permits in each district only those structures and uses that are compatible with the character of such district;

   B.   Regulates sizes of lots, and the bulk, setbacks, lot coverage, and manner of use of structures;

   C.   Imposes supplementary regulations to control certain potentially troublesome structures and uses;

   D.   Sets forth standards for off-street parking areas;

   E.   Restricts nonconforming lots, structures, and uses that adversely affect the type of development appropriate in each district; and

   F.   Establishes zoning administrative and enforcement procedures.

(Ord. passed 8-3-2022)

9-1-3: JURISDICTION:

This Code shall be applicable within the corporate limits of this City.

   A.   Annexed Territory: Whenever, any territory is annexed to the City, the annexed area shall retain its existing district classification until such time that an amendment is passed in accordance with the provisions of section 9-8-11 of this Code.

(Ord. passed 8-3-2022)

9-1-4: INTERPRETATION:

Every provision of this Code shall be construed liberally in favor of this municipality, and every requirement imposed in this Code shall be deemed minimal. Whenever the requirements of this Code differ from the requirements of any other lawfully adopted ordinance, regulation, deed restriction, or covenant, the more stringent requirement shall prevail.

(Ord. passed 8-3-2022)

9-1-5: DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY:

   A.   Except as may be provided otherwise by statute or ordinance, no officer, board member, agent or employee of this Municipality shall render himself personally liable for any damage that may accrue to persons or property as a result of any act required or permitted in the discharge of his duties under this Code.

   B.   Any suit brought against any officer, board member, agent, or employee of this municipality, as a result of any act required or permitted in the discharge of his duties under this Code, shall be defended by the Municipal Attorney until the final determination of the legal proceedings. (See "Local Governmental and Governmental Employees Tort Immunity Act", 745 ILCS 10/1-101)

(Ord. passed 8-3-2022)

9-1-6: SEVERABILITY:

If any provision of this Code is declared unconstitutional or invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, that decision shall not affect the validity of the remainder of this Code.

(Ord. passed 8-3-2022)