It is the purpose of this planning and zoning code to promote and protect the public health, safety, comfort, prosperity, convenience, and general welfare of the people of the City of Mount Vernon through the establishment of minimum regulations governing the subdivision, development, structures, and use of land. Furthermore, the more specific purpose of this planning and zoning code is to:
(a) Implement the City of Mount Vernon Strategic Plan and other policies or plans adopted or approved by the City as they relate to the development of land;
(b) Encourage and facilitate orderly, efficient, and appropriate growth and development;
(c) Ensure and encourage the proper use of land to stabilize and preserve property values, to protect against congested and unsafe traffic conditions, to provide safety from hazards such as fire, flood, water and air contamination, and guarantee adequate light, air, and open space to all residents, property owners, and businesses of the City;
(d) Facilitate development of land uses according to a comprehensive design that ensures the availability of and provision for adequate traffic capacity, water and sewer service, schools, public parklands, and other such public facilities;
(e) Specify and regulate uses of land and the type, size, and use of structures within each separate zoning district;
(f) Delineate zoning district boundaries in a manner which is comprehensive and includes all land and structures similar in nature and circumstance to the extent feasible;
(g) Provide for adequate access to all areas of the City by people of all abilities and by varied modes of transportation;
(h) Preserve unique historical and natural features of structures and land within the City;
(i) Encourage interconnectivity of developments in order to provide multiple access points in and out of developments for safety purposes and traffic dispersion;
(j) Improve the quality of life through protection of the City's total environment including, but not limited to, the prevention of air, water and noise pollution;
(k) Avoid the inappropriate subdivision or development of lands and provide for adequate drainage, curbing of erosion, and reduction of flood damage;
(l) Foster a more rational pattern of relationship between recreation, conservation, residential, business, commercial, industrial, and institutional uses for the mutual benefit of all;
(m) Implement the provisions of Ohio Revised Code Chapter 713; and
(n) Implement any other common law rulings.
(Ord. 2024-032. Passed 7-22-24.)