Zoning Ordinance of the City of Albany, California, is hereby adopted. The Zoning Ordinance is consistent with and is based on the adopted General Plan for the City, and consists of the establishment of various districts within which certain regulations shall be in effect, as set forth in this chapter. The regulations specified in the chapter shall be subject to the general provisions and exceptions as set forth in the various sections. The Zoning Ordinance consists of the Zoning Ordinance text and Zoning Map.

To guide community growth along sound lines.

To insure a harmonious, convenient relationship among land uses.

To provide appropriate locations for needed community facilities.

To promote commercial and industrial activities of appropriate types.

To protect and enhance real property values within the City.

To improve the City's appearance and to conserve and enhance its natural assets.

To promote the achievement of the policies and recommendations of the General Plan.

To provide opportunities for housing of all ages and economic groups.

Any violation of this chapter is a public offense and the first three (3) violations may be treated as infractions, which are enforced and punishable in the manner prescribed by the Albany Municipal Code, the Penal Code, the Government Code of the State of California or other applicable law. To the fullest extent allowed under the law any penalty imposed shall be cumulative to any other penalty or remedy allowed under the law. The Community Development Director, or a designee of the Director, may arrest a violator and/or issue a notice to appear in the manner prescribed by Chapter 5c of Title 3, Part 2 of the Penal Code (or as the same may hereafter be amended). It is the intent of the City Council that the immunities prescribed in Section 836.5 of the Penal Code be applicable to public officers or employees pursuant to this subsection. Bail for infractions shall be as set by resolution of the City Council.

Any person, firm, corporation or organization violating any provision of this chapter more than three (3) times in any twelve (12) month period may be charged with a misdemeanor and upon conviction by a court of competent jurisdiction thereof shall be punishable by a fine of not more than five hundred ($500.00) dollars or by imprisonment for a term not exceeding six (6) months, or by both such a fine and imprisonment.

A person, firm, corporation or organization shall be deemed guilty of a separate offense for each and every day during any portion of which a violation of this chapter is committed, continued or permitted by the person, firm, corporation or organization and shall be punishable as herein provided.