The provisions of Chapter 21 have been enacted in order to protect and promote the public health, safety and general welfare of the people of the city. Specifically, the provisions are designed to achieve amongst others the following objectives:

   (1)   Adequate light, air and safety from fire for occupants of structures;

   (2)   Conservation of the value of land and buildings;

   (3)   A balanced tax base as between residential, commercial and industrial uses;

   (4)   Avoidance of business failures through improper location;

   (5)   A minimum of congestion in the public streets;

   (6)   Compatibility between different land uses; and

   (7)   Reasonable standards to which structures and uses shall conform.

(Ord. 2024-28, passed 11-18-2024)

   Chapter 21 may be referred to as the "zoning ordinance" or "Zoning Code" of the city.

(Ord. 2024-28, passed 11-18-2024)

   In the event that the provisions of this chapter are inconsistent with one another or if the provisions of this chapter conflict with provisions found in other adopted regulations of the city, the more restrictive provision will control. When the provisions of this chapter impose a greater restriction than imposed by any easement, covenant, deed restriction or private agreement, the provisions of this chapter control. In the event of a conflict between the city’s Comprehensive Plan and zoning ordinance, the city reserves the right to reconcile the conflict in any manner it legislatively determines to most effectively promote the public health, safety and welfare.

(Ord. 2006-35, passed 9-11-2006)

   If any article, division, section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase of this chapter is for any reason held to be invalid, such decision does not affect the validity of the remaining portion of this chapter. The City Council hereby declares that it would have adopted the ordinance in each article, division, section, subsection, sentence, clause or phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more articles, divisions, sections, subsections, sentences, clauses or phrases be declared invalid.

(Ord. 2006-35, passed 9-11-2006)

   Violation of any provision of this chapter shall be a misdemeanor. Civil penalties may also be issued pursuant to § 12.15 of the City Charter and § 1.19 of this city code. However, nothing in this chapter shall be construed to limit the city’s other available legal remedies for any violation of the law, including without limitation, criminal, civil and injunctive actions.

(Ord. 2020-37, passed 11-23-2020)