(a) Scope. The provisions of this Planning and Zoning Code shall be the minimum requirements adopted for the promotion of the public health, safety, morals, convenience, order prosperity, and general welfare. Where this Planning and Zoning Code imposes a greater restriction on the use of a building or premises, or on the height of buildings, or requires larger yards, courts, or other open spaces than are imposed or required by such existing provisions of law or ordinance, or by such rules, regulations, or permits, the provisions of this Planning and Zoning Code shall prevail and control.
Unless expressly made lawful, no building, structure, or use which was not lawfully existing at the time of the adoption of the Original Planning and Zoning Code or any amendment thereto, or the adoption of the July 17, 1995 Planning and Zoning Code, or Zoning Code, shall become or be made lawful solely by reason of the adoption of an amendment thereto, and to the extent that, and in any manner, that, such unlawful building, structure, or use is in conflict with the requirements of this Planning and Zoning Code, such building, structure, or use remains unlawful hereunder.
(b) Purpose. The purpose of this Planning and Zoning Code establishes certain districts and regulates the ways in which land can be used and subdivided in order to promote the public health, safety, morals, convenience, order,prosperity, and general welfare. More specific purposes are to:
(1) Promote orderly, beneficial, and future development of the City so as to bring about the gradual conformity of land and building uses in accordance with the objectives of the master plan and land use policies;
(2) Encourage compatibility between different land uses and protect the scale and character of existing development from the encroachment of incompatible uses;
(3) Regulate and restrict the location, bulk, height, design and land coverage of buildings, and area and dimension of lots, yards, and setbacks to protect the character and value of the City's residential, business, industrial, institutional and recreational areas;
(4) Endorse efficient traffic circulation, manage congestion on the streets and improve public safety;
(5) Facilitate the adequate provisions of public utilities and facilities such as schools, recreation facilities, sewer, water, transportation and other public necessities;
(6) Provide regulations, standards, and procedures for the administration, amendment and enforcement of this Planning and Zoning Code; and,
(7) Accomplish the general intent and purpose set forth in each of this Planning and Zoning Code's respective chapters.
(Ord. 074-10. Passed 12-20-10.)