§ 153.02 PURPOSE.

   (A)   This chapter is adopted for the following purposes:

      (1)   Securing adequate light, air, convenience of access, and safety from fire, flood, and other danger;

      (2)   Lessening or avoiding congestion in public ways;

      (3)   Promoting the public health, safety, comfort, morals, convenience, and general welfare;

      (4)   Otherwise accomplishing the purposes of I.C. 36-7-4; and

      (5)   Implementing the Comprehensive Plan of the town.

   (B)   In order to accomplish these purposes, this chapter does the following:

      (1)   Establishes districts for agricultural, commercial, industrial, residential, special, or unrestricted uses and any subdivision or combination of these uses;

      (2)   Regulates how real property is developed, maintained, and used, including the following:

         (a)   Requirements for the area of the front, rear, and side yards, courts, other open spaces, and total lot area;

         (b)   Requirements for site conditions, signs, and non-structural improvements, such as parking lots, ponds, fills, landscaping, and utilities;

         (c)   Provisions for the treatment of uses, structures, or conditions that are in existence at the time this chapter takes effect;

         (d)   Restrictions on development in areas prone to flooding;

         (e)   Requirements to protect the historic and architectural heritage of the community;

         (f)   Requirements for structures, such as location, height, area bulk, and floor space;

         (g)   Restrictions on the kind and intensity of uses;

         (h)   Performance standards for the emission of noises, gases, heat, vibration, or particulate matter into the air or ground or across lot lines;

         (i)   Standards for population density and traffic circulation; and

         (j)   Other provisions that are necessary to implement the purposes of this chapter.

      (3)   In districts containing areas with special or unusual development problems or needs for compatibility, requires that the Plan Commission approve development plans for consistency with general development standards;

      (4)   Provides for planned unit development; and

      (5)   Establishes in which districts the subdivision of land may occur.

(Ord. passed - -1989)