This chapter divides the city into zoning districts, establishes minimum requirements to achieve its intent and purpose, and establishes regulations which control the location, construction, reconstruction, alteration and use of structures and land. The intent and purpose of this chapter is to:
(A) Promote and protect the public health, safety, morals, and general welfare of the city;
(B) Promote land uses and development patterns that are consistent with the implementation of goals, policies and plans established in the city's Comprehensive Plan and officially adopted plans and overlays;
(C) Preserve the overall quality of life for residents and visitors;
(D) Promote the most appropriate phased and orderly growth and development of land for residential, commercial, industrial, recreational, and public areas;
(E) Provide adequate light, air, open space and convenience of access to property;
(F) Prevent or limit congestion in the public right-of-way;
(G) Promote pedestrian, bicycle and transit use as well as provide for off-street parking and loading areas;
(H) Foster a strong and balanced tax base for the economic vitality of the city;
(I) Protect, stabilize, and enhance the value of land, buildings and structures throughout the city;
(J) Protect and preserve the natural environment and resources of the city including environmentally sensitive areas, wetlands and shorelands;
(K) Protect against fire, natural hazards, flooding, contamination and other dangers;
(L) Encourage the protection, conservation, restoration and enhancement of historic resources in the city;
(M) Encourage energy conservation through the use of renewable and alternative energy systems;
(N) Enhance the aesthetic desirability of the city through the design and appearance of buildings, compatible land uses, and design and development standards in relation to surrounding properties;
(O) Require developments to have adequate provisions for city water, city public sanitary sewer, and other public services;
(P) Encourage reinvestment in the city's established residential neighborhoods while protecting their character and creating a sense of place;
(Q) Maintain a variety and range of housing and commercial building options to satisfy the city's social and economic goals;
(R) Define the powers and duties of the administrative officers and bodies, as provided hereinafter; and
(S) Provide effective administration and enforcement of this chapter.
(Ord. 739, passed 8-18-2015; Am. Ord. 806, passed 7-26-2022)