This ordinance has been prepared in accordance with the provisions of 30-A M.R.S.A. § 4351 et seq., as amended.

This ordinance and the accompanying Official Zoning Map shall be known as and may be cited as the "Zoning Ordinance, City of Biddeford, Maine."

The purpose of this ordinance is to promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the residents of the City. Specifically this ordinance is intended to promote and protect quality of life factors that could be threatened by uncontrolled or unregulated growth or development. At the same time, realizing that growth and development are both essential and unavoidable for the well-being of the community and its economic future and vitality, this ordinance provides specific guidance for reasonable development; to encourage the most appropriate use of land throughout the municipality; to promote traffic safety; to provide safety from fire and other elements; to provide adequate light and air; to prevent overcrowding of real estate; to promote a wholesome home environment; to prevent housing development in unsanitary areas; to provide an allotment of land area in new developments sufficient for all the requirements of community life; to conserve natural resources; and to provide for adequate public services, as an integral part of a comprehensive plan for municipal development.

The provisions of this ordinance shall govern all land and all structures within the boundaries of the City of Biddeford.

This ordinance shall not repeal, annul, or in any way impair or remove the necessity of compliance with any other rule, regulation, bylaw, permit, or provision of the federal, state, or local government. Where this ordinance imposes more restrictive standards than federal or state regulations, this ordinance shall control.

Should any section or provision of this ordinance be declared by the courts to be invalid, such decision does not invalidate any other section or provision of this ordinance.

No proposed change in this ordinance which has been unfavorably acted upon by the City Council shall be considered on its merits by the City Council within two years after the date of such unfavorable action unless adoption of the proposed change is recommended by unanimous vote of the Planning Board.

The effective date of this ordinance is December 20, 1990.