(A) Repeal of conflicting ordinances. When provisions of this chapter are adopted or amended, they shall supersede and repeal any conflicting provisions previously adopted.
(B) Conflict with other county ordinances. Whenever this chapter is at variance with the requirements of any other lawfully adopted county, state, or federal statutes, rules, regulations, or ordinances, the most stringent of the applicable provisions shall govern.
(C) No county guarantees of development suitability. The zoning of any land and/or the granting of any permit or certificate for the use of land and/or structures shall not be interpreted as a guarantee or assurance or any kind by Northampton County of the suitability of such land or structure for development or use.
(D) Severability clause. Should any section or provision of this chapter be declared by a court to be unconstitutional or invalid, it is the legislative intent of the Board of Supervisors that such decision shall not affect the validity of this chapter as a whole or any other part thereof other than that part so declared to be unconstitutional or invalid.
(E) Nonexclusionary intent. It is not the intent of this chapter to exclude any economic, racial, religious or ethnic group from enjoyment or residence, land ownership or tenancy within the county; nor is it the intent of this chapter to use public powers in any way to promote the separation within the county of economic, racial, religious or ethnic groups.
(F) Territory affected. This chapter shall apply to all lands, wetlands, islands, dunes and water areas within Northampton County, but not including the lands, wetlands, islands, dunes and water areas tying within the corporate limits of the county's municipalities unless a municipality has adopted this chapter and by resolution requested Northampton County to exercise zoning control over its incorporated area and the Board of Supervisors, by resolution, has accepted such authority, in which case this chapter shall also apply to all lands, wetlands, islands and water areas within the requesting municipality.
(G) Policy of county relating to homes for certain handicapped persons. It shall be the policy of Northampton County that physically handicapped, mentally ill, mentally retarded, and/or other developmentally disabled persons should not be excluded from the benefits of normal residential surroundings consistent with the regulations set forth herein and in VA Code § 15.2-2291, as amended.
(Ord. passed 4-12-2016)