The purpose of this Code is to protect, promote, and enhance the public health and safety; to provide for planned and orderly development in the City of Hiawatha in a manner consistent with constitutional rights of property owners; and to balance the needs of a changing population with legitimate environmental concerns. It is the intent of this Code to establish a balance between the legitimate rights of property owners and the achievement of community goals important to the protection of public welfare. More specifically, this Code is adopted to achieve the following objectives:
1. Relate proposals for development to the goals, policies and provisions in the Hiawatha Comprehensive Plan and to use the plan as a guideline in evaluating development proposals.
2. Provide a comprehensive regulatory system for the development and use of land in the City of Hiawatha.
3. Secure equitable handling of all development proposals through uniform application of procedures and development standards.
4. Coordinate the development of land with the City’s and other agencies’ ability to provide essential services.
5. Promote the development of a safe, efficient circulation system.
6. Encourage the economic health of the City of Hiawatha.
7. Preserve and enhance the natural environment in and around Hiawatha through sound development practices.