This title shall be known as the "Town of Apple Valley Development Code", hereinafter referred to as the "Development Code" or "Code".

This Development Code is designed to address in one unified text regulations more typically contained in separate zoning and subdivision ordinances and related chapters of the Municipal Code. The purpose of this Development Code is to protect and promote the public health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Apple Valley. The standards and guidelines in this Code are intended to preserve and enhance the property values of the Town. This Code is also intended to:

A.

Implement the goals and objectives of the General Plan in guiding the future growth of the Town by regulating the location and use of structures and land between industry, business, residents, open space, including agriculture, recreation, enjoyment of scenic beauty and uses of natural resources, and other purposes;

B.

Protect the physical, social, and economic stability for residential, commercial, industrial, and other land uses to assure orderly and beneficial development;

C.

Reduce hazards to the public resulting from the inappropriate location or use of improvements; and

D.

Maintain Apple Valley's distinctive character.

A.

This Development Code is adopted pursuant to the authority granted to the Town of Apple Valley by the California Constitution, and pursuant to the California Planning and Zoning Law (Government Code Section 65000, et seq.), the State Subdivision Map Act (Government Code Section 66410, et seq.), the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code 21000, et seq.) and other applicable State and local requirements. This Development Code is the primary tool for implementing the goals, objectives, and policies of the Town of Apple Valley General Plan. All development within the incorporated area of the Town shall be consistent with the General Plan. All development within the Town's unincorporated Sphere of Influence should also be consistent with the General Plan.

B.

The provisions of this Development Code are such that they specify uses or structures permitted within a zoning district. If such uses or structures are not listed as permitted or otherwise provided for within this Development Code then these uses or structures shall not be permitted except as provided for under Section 9.05.070, Similar Use, of this code.

C.

Minimum Requirements. When interpreting and applying the regulations of this Development Code, the provisions contained herein shall be the minimum requirements, unless otherwise stated.