11-1-3: APPLICATION AND INTERPRETATION OF PROVISIONS:
   A.   No building or structure shall be erected, converted, enlarged, reconstructed or structurally altered, nor shall any building or land be used for any purpose other than is permitted in the district in which the building or land is located. (1996 Code app. A § 5.1)
   B.   No application for a building permit or other permit or license, or for a certificate of occupancy, shall be approved by the administrative officer of this title, and no permit or license shall be issued by any other city department which would authorize the use or change in use of any land or building contrary to the provisions of this title or the erection, moving, alteration, enlargement or occupancy of any building designed or intended to be used for a purpose or in a manner contrary to the provisions of this title. (1996 Code app. A § 5.2)
   C.   In interpreting and applying the provisions of this title, they shall be held to be the minimum requirements for the promotion of the safety, health, convenience, comfort, prosperity and general welfare. The adoption of this title is not intended to amend or repeal any ordinance, rules or regulations previously adopted and not in conflict with any of the provisions of this title; nor is it intended by the adoption of this title to interfere with or abrogate or annul any easements, covenants or other agreements between parties; except, that where this title imposes a greater restriction upon the use of buildings or premises or upon the height of buildings or requires larger open spaces than are imposed or required by such other ordinances or such easements, covenants or other agreements, the provisions of this title shall control. (1996 Code app. A § 16; amd. 2010 Code)
   D.   Nothing in this title shall prevent the continuance of the present occupancy or lawful use of any existing building or zoning lot except as may be necessary for the safety of life and property, and except as provided in this section and chapter 5 of this title. (1996 Code app. A § 14.2-4)
   E.   Should any section, clause or provision of this title be declared by the courts to be invalid, the same shall not affect the validity of the title as a whole or any part thereof, other than the part so declared to be invalid. (1996 Code app. A § 19)