(A) Establishment of zone maps. The zone maps adopted with this chapter are hereby established as the official zone maps and zoning districts of the county. Said maps designate the respective zoning districts in accordance with this chapter. In addition, special maps of the floodplain districts as prepared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are also designated as part of the official zone maps.
(B) Zone maps included. The following maps are specifically identified and become a part of this chapter:
(1) County general zoning map; and
(2) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) maps for the county.
(C) Determination and interpretation of district boundaries.
(1) In determining the boundaries of districts, and establishing the provisions applicable to each district, due and careful consideration has been given to existing conditions, the character of buildings erected in each district, the most desirable use for which the land in each district may be adapted, and the conservation of property values throughout the areas of the county under the Commission’s jurisdiction.
(2) Where uncertainty exists as to the exact boundaries of any district as shown on the zone map, the following rules shall apply.
(a) In unsubdivided areas, or where a distinct boundary subdivides a lot, the exact location of the boundary shall be determined by use of the scale of the official aerial maps prepared by the County Auditor.
(b) Where a zoning district boundary divides a lot, the Plan Commission may extend the boundaries of a zoning district to a lot boundary, provided such extension shall not exceed 400 feet.
(c) In the case of further uncertainty, the Commission shall interpret the intent of the zone map as to the location of the boundary in question.
(D) Procedure relating to vacated areas. Whenever any street, place, alley, public way, railroad right-of-way, waterway or other similar area is vacated by proper authority, the districts adjoining each side of such street, alley, public way, railroad right-of-way or similar area shall be extended automatically to the center of such vacation and all areas included in the vacation shall then and thenceforth be subject to all appropriate provisions of the extended districts. In the event of a partial vacation, the adjoining district, or district nearest the portion vacated, shall be extended automatically to include all of the vacated area.
(E) Zoning of streets, alleys, public ways and railroad rights-of-way. All streets, alleys, public ways and railroad rights-of-way, if not otherwise specifically designated, shall be deemed to be in the same use district as the property immediately abutting upon these alleys, streets, public ways and railroad rights-of-way. If the centerline of a street, alley, public ways or railroad right-of-way serves as a district boundary, the zoning of those areas, unless otherwise specifically designated, shall be deemed to be the same as that of the abutting property up to that centerline.
(Ord. passed 7-20-1992)