The purpose of this title is to promote and protect the public health, safety and general welfare, by regulating the location and size of buildings and other structures; the percentage of a lot which may be occupied; the size of yards and other open spaces; the density and distribution of population; the uses of buildings and structures for trade, industry, residence, recreation, public activities or other purposes; and the use of land for trade, industry, residence, recreation, agriculture, forestry, soil conservation, water supply conservation, conservation of shorelands, flood control and other purposes, and establishing standards and procedures regulating such uses. (Prior Code § 20-1-2)