(A) The headings in the following Schedule of District Regulations are self-explanatory. However, prior to any reference to the Schedule, refer to the following General Statement of Intent which is to be used as a guide in any interpretation of the various Statements of Intent and Regulations for Land Use Districts established by this Ordinance.
(B) GENERAL STATEMENT OF INTENT.
(1) The zoning districts hereby established are to effect a plan of land use which will:
(a) Create order out of chaos.
(b) Be based upon existing land use.
(c) Provide a pleasant and economical living environment for inhabitants of the Community through the establishment of a variety of districts to meet individual preferences and overall community needs.
(d) Utilize governmental and public utilities facilities in the most economical manner possible which in turn should provide the most service for the least cost.
(e) Preserve and enhance property values throughout the community by keeping like and compatible uses together, and to separate incompatible uses from each other by designation on the ZONING DISTRICT MAP which is an integral part of this Ordinance.
(2) Land values are highest in the Central Business District Area (CBD), and diminish as the distance from the CBO increases. Therefore, it is the purpose and intent of this Ordinance to conserve, protect, enhance, and utilize to the fullest extent possible these land values which the community has created. Consequently, in establishing these districts, the general objectives are to:
(a) utilize the existing CBD as the starting point and allowing within the CBD only appropriate uses,
(b) land adjacent to the CBD should permit high density (more people per acre) residential uses, and
(c) land further out to be utilized for lower density residential purposes.
(3) Existing ownership of land is generally in relatively small lot sizes and which often will be non-conforming to this ordinance. To implement the general intent of this ordinance, it is hoped that consolidation of these smaller parcels will be achieved either through private acquisition or some type of privately owned but unified control, and that planned developments will be the rule rather than the exception, especially in non-residential areas.
(4) (a) Portions of the existing thoroughfare network are the logical place for certain types of commercial uses, but should only be permitted in certain compact spots not only for their own welfare, but for the welfare of the entire community and its inhabitants. Land for industrial purposes should be provided, but location should be determined by
1. existing industrial uses,
2. relationships to the other land use districts, and
3. supporting transportation facilities in the thoroughfare system of the community.
(b) The intent for the remaining variety of land uses are stated in the individual statement of intent for each district. Perpetuation of non-conformities to the various Land Use Districts will be discouraged in the administration and interpretation of this ordinance.
(5) It is further intended that in the territorial limits outside the City limits the General Agriculture district be utilized as far as is practical until residential, commercial or industrial development is proposed as the case may be. It is also intended that any development proposed in the territorial limits outside the City limits be considered in conjunction with annexation agreements.
(C) THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN.
(1) The City of Mt. Vernon officially adopted a Comprehensive Plan on February 17, 1964. It is the intent of this Zoning Ordinance that the Comprehensive Plan and its subsequent officially adopted amendments be the guide for any development in the jurisdiction of this ordinance.
(2) In the event of any proposed amendment to this Zoning Ordinance which is in contradiction to the Comprehensive Plan, such amendment shall be preceded by an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan.
(Prior Code, Art. 21, § 21-300)