The ordinance codified in this title shall be known and may be cited as the Byron Zoning Ordinance.

In their interpretation and application, the provisions of this title shall be held to be minimum requirements, adopted for the promotion of the public health, morals, safety, or the general welfare. Wherever the requirements of any other lawfully adopted rules, regulations or ordinances are at variance with the requirements of this title, the most restrictive, or that imposing the higher standards, shall govern.

The purpose of this title is to guide development in accordance with existing and future needs in order to protect, promote and improve the public health, safety, morals, convenience, order, appearance, prosperity and the general welfare of the citizens of the city. These regulations are made in accordance with the comprehensive plan, as amended from time to time. More specifically, this ordinance is intended to assist in achieving the following objectives:

1. To encourage the development of buildings and uses on appropriate sites in order to maximize community-wide social and economic benefits while accommodating the particular needs of all residents, and to discourage development on inappropriate sites;
2. To protect and enhance the character and stability of existing residential, commercial and industrial areas, and to gradually eliminate nonconforming uses and structures;
3. To conserve and increase the value of taxable property throughout this municipality;
4. To ensure the provision of adequate light, air and privacy for the occupants of all buildings;
5. To provide adequate and well-designed parking and loading space for all buildings and uses, and to reduce vehicular congestion on the public streets and highways;
6. To provide for efficient administration and fair enforcement of all regulations set forth herein; and
7. To clearly and concisely explain the procedures for obtaining variances, special use permits, amendments and the like.