A.

It is the intent of this article to establish zones (zone districts or zoning districts) wherein compatible uses of land may be located to create, protect, and maintain a desirable living environment; to stabilize and protect residential harmony; and to conduct profitable businesses. It is also the intent of this article to make it possible to efficiently and economically design and install public facilities of such size and capacity to adequately meet the needs resulting from a defined intensity of land use.

B.

To carry out the provisions of this article, the city is hereby divided into the following zone districts in which the erection, construction, alteration, reconstruction, repair, or use of buildings, structures, and land shall be regulated and restricted. The regulations in each district shall be uniform throughout each district but may differ from those in other districts.

Table 27-200.1. Zone Districts Established.

(Ord. No. 21-5748, § 3(Exh. A), 1-25-21)

A.

The boundaries of the zone districts are shown on the official zoning map which, together with all explanatory matter thereon, is hereby adopted by reference and declared to be a part of this article. The official zoning map shall be identified by the signature of the mayor, attested by the city clerk, and shall bear the words "the official zoning map of the City of Billings". Regardless of the existence of purported copies of the official zoning map which from time to time may be made or published, a copy of the official map shall be located in the offices of both the planning division and the Billings city clerk. An electronic version of the official map may be displayed on the City of Billings website or other online venue at the discretion of the city administrator.

B.

All references in this zoning code to the zoning map shall be construed as references to the official zoning map.

C.

Changes made in district boundaries shall be promptly entered on the zoning map after amendment by the city council. Amendments to the zoning map shall not become effective until entered on the map.

D.

No changes of any nature shall be made in the zoning map or matter shown thereon except in conformity with the provisions set forth in this zoning code. In the event the hard copy of the official zoning map is damaged or destroyed, a new version shall be printed and submitted to the city council for review. No such map shall have the effect of amending the official zoning map or any subsequent amendment thereof.

(Ord. No. 21-5748, § 3(Exh. A), 1-25-21)

A.

The following rules shall be applied as necessary to interpret the official zoning map. Rules of interpretation may be applied either singularly or jointly, as needed.

1.

Boundaries indicated as appearing to follow the centerline of streets, highways, or alleys shall be construed to follow such centerlines.

2.

Boundaries indicated as appearing to follow platted lot lines shall be construed as following such lot lines.

3.

Boundaries indicated as appearing to follow the city's jurisdictional boundary shall be construed as following the jurisdictional boundary.

4.

Boundaries indicated as following railroad lines shall be construed to be midway between the main tracks.

5.

Boundaries indicated as following shorelines shall be construed to follow such shorelines. In the event of change in the shoreline, they shall be construed as moving with the actual shoreline.

6.

Boundaries indicated as approximately following the centerlines of streams, rivers, canals, lakes or other bodies of water shall be construed to follow such centerlines. In the event of change in the location of streams, rivers, canals, lakes or other bodies of water, the boundaries shall be construed as moving with the actual body of water and following the centerlines.

B.

Boundaries indicated as parallel to or extensions of features indicated in above subsections A.1 through A.6 shall be so construed.

C.

Distances not specifically indicated on the official zoning map shall be determined by the scale of the map or by specific distances enumerated in a resolution amending the official zoning map.

(Ord. No. 21-5748, § 3(Exh. A), 1-25-21)

A.

Within the various zone districts and as indicated on the zoning map and subject to the requirements of those districts in articles 27-300 through 27-900, no building or structure shall be erected, reconstructed, or structurally altered, nor shall any land, building or structure be used for any purpose except as allowed in the zone district in which such building, land, or use is located unless otherwise regulated by the provisions of article 27-1500, Nonconformities.

B.

The regulations set forth by this zoning code within each zone shall be minimum regulations and shall apply uniformly to each class or type of structure or land except as otherwise specifically stated in this zoning code.

(Ord. No. 21-5748, § 3(Exh. A), 1-25-21)