In interpreting and applying the provisions of this chapter, they shall be held to be the minimum requirements for the promotion of the public safety, health, convenience, comforts, morals, prosperity and general welfare. It is not intended by this chapter to interfere with or abrogate or annul any ordinance, rules, regulations or permits previously adopted or issued, and not in conflict with any of the provisions of this chapter, or which shall be adopted or issued pursuant to law relating to the use of buildings or premises and likewise not in conflict with this chapter, nor is it intended by this chapter to interfere with or abrogate or annul any easements, covenants or other agreements between parties, except that if this chapter imposes a greater restriction, this chapter shall control. Any petition or appeal involving the development of land that is pending or has been granted by the planning and zoning commission or by the board of adjustment under ordinances now in existence shall not be affected by the passage of this chapter.

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the "City of Bellefontaine Neighbors Zoning Ordinance".

Should any section, clause or provision of this chapter be declared by the courts to be invalid, the same shall not affect the validity of the chapter as a whole or any part thereof, other than the part so declared to be invalid. The board of aldermen of the city of Bellefontaine Neighbors hereby declares that it would have passed this chapter and each section, subsection, clause or other portion thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one (1) or more other sections, subsections, clauses or provisions be declared unconstitutional.