This ordinance is designed to assist the citizens, the board of supervisors, and administrative officials of Amherst County in guiding land development of the county. The ordinance has been formed with a recognition that orderly development of natural growth rates is essential for the preservation and protection of the safety, health and general welfare of the citizens of Amherst County.

The general purpose of this ordinance shall be to promote the health, safety or general welfare of the public and of further accomplishing the objectives of Section 15.2-2200 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended. To these ends, this ordinance is designed to:

(1)

Provide for adequate light, air, convenience or access, and safety from fires, flood and other danger;

(2)

Reduce or prevent congestion in public streets;

(3)

Facilitate the creation of a convenient, attractive and harmonious community;

(4)

Facilitate the provisions of adequate police and fire protection, disaster evacuation, civil defense, transportation, water, sewerage, flood protection, schools, parks, forests, playgrounds, recreational facilities, airports and other public requirements;

(5)

Protect against destruction of or encroachment upon historic areas;

(6)

Protect against one (1) or more of the following: overcrowding of land, undue density of population in relation to the community facilities existing or available, obstruction of light and air, danger and congestion in travel and transportation, or loss of life, health, or property from fire, flood, panic or other dangers;

(7)

Encourage economic development activities that provide desirable employment and enlarge the tax base;

(8)

Provide for the preservation of agricultural and forestal lands;

(9)

Assure the orderly subdivision of land and its development; and for other purposes as defined in Section 15.2-2283 of the Code of Virginia, 1950, as amended.

It is not the intent of this ordinance to exclude any economic, racial, religious, or ethnic group from enjoyment of residence, land ownership, or tenancy within Amherst County; nor is it the intent of this ordinance to use public powers in any way to promote the separation within Amherst County of economic, racial, religious, or ethnic groups, except as may be the incidental result of meeting the purposes outlined in Section 201 herein.