(A) Title. This chapter shall be known and may be cited and referred to as the "North St. Paul Zoning Ordinance;" when referred to herein, it shall be known as "this chapter."
(B) Application.
1. Interpretation. The provisions of this chapter shall be held to be the minimum requirements for the promotion and protection of the public health, safety, morals, and general welfare.
2. Scope. When any condition imposed by any provision of this chapter is either more restrictive or less restrictive than similar conditions imposed by any provision of any other applicable law, City Code provision, statute, resolution or regulation of any kind, the more restrictive one which imposes higher standards or requirements shall prevail. This chapter is not intended to repeal any easements, restrictions, or covenants relating to the use of land or imposed on lands within the community by private declaration or agreement.
3. Conformity. Except as specifically provided for herein, no structure or land shall be used for, nor shall any structure be constructed, converted, enlarged, reconstructed or altered in any manner for any purpose which is not in conformity with the provisions of this chapter. Any existing building or structure and any existing use of properties not in conformity with the regulations may be continued, extended or changed, subject to the special regulations herein provided with respect to nonconforming properties or uses.
(C) Rules.
1. For the purpose of this chapter, words used in the present tense shall include the future; words in the singular shall include the plural, and the plural the singular; the word "building" shall include the word "structure" the word "lot" shall include the word "plot" and the word "shall" is mandatory and not discretionary.
2. All measured distances shall be to the nearest tenth of a foot.
3. Whenever a word or term defined hereinafter appears in the text of this chapter, its meaning shall be as set forth in such definition.
4. A use which is not allowed or authorized by this chapter is prohibited.
(D) Zoning coordination. Any zoning district classification change to land adjacent to or across a public right-of-way from an adjoining county or community shall be referred to that county/community's governing unit for review and comment prior to final action by the City Council. A period of at least ten days shall be provided for receipt of comments; such comments shall be considered as advisory only.
(E) Zoning and the Comprehensive Plan. The North St. Paul Comprehensive Plan establishes the goals, objectives and strategies that serve as a basis for this zoning code. All regulations or amendments adopted pursuant to this chapter shall be generally consistent with the Comprehensive Plan as adopted and revised or updated. The Comprehensive Plan will be modified and updated from time to time based on the requirements of state statutes and the rules of the Metropolitan Council. A plan amendment may be initiated by the City Council, the Planning Commission or upon application of a property owner. The process for application, review, and amendment shall be consistent with state law and with policy adopted by the city.
(F) Repeal of conflicting ordinances. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with this zoning ordinance, or inconsistent with the provisions of this chapter, are hereby repealed to the extent necessary to give this chapter full force and effect.
(G) Validity. Should any section or provision of this chapter be declared by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid or unconstitutional, such decision shall not affect the validity of the chapter as a whole or any other section.
(Ord. 739, passed 8-18-2015)