(a)

The purposes of this chapter are to achieve the objectives of the Zoning Act, M.G.L. c. 40A, and to promote the health, safety and general welfare of the inhabitants of the city.

(b)

The objectives include, but are not limited to, the following:

(1)

To lessen congestion in the streets;

(2)

To conserve health;

(3)

To secure safety from fire, flood, panic, congestion, confusion and other dangers;

(4)

To provide adequate light and air;

(5)

To prevent overcrowding of land;

(6)

To avoid other dangers, to avoid undue concentration of population;

(7)

To encourage housing for persons of all income levels;

(8)

To facilitate the adequate provision of transportation, water, water supply, drainage, sewerage, schools, parks, open space and other public requirements;

(9)

To conserve the value of land and buildings, including the conservation of natural resources and the prevention of blight and pollution of the environment;

(10)

To encourage the most appropriate use of land throughout the city; and

(11)

To preserve and increase amenities.

(Ord. of 6-20-2005, § 1.1)

This chapter is adopted under the authority provided by, and in accordance with the provisions of chapter 103 of the Acts of 1994, the Charter Act; the provisions of chapter 200 of the Acts of 1991, an act establishing a receivership for the City of Chelsea; the Zoning Act, M.G.L. c. 40A; and article 89 of the amendments to the state constitution.

(Ord. of 6-20-2005, § 1.2)

(a)

Force and effect. The adoption of the ordinance from which this chapter is derived shall have the force and effect of repealing all presently existing zoning ordinances and regulations and amendments thereto, heretofore adopted by the city. This chapter and the repeal of all presently existing zoning ordinances and regulations heretofore in force shall not affect any act done, any right accrued, or any penalty or liability incurred on any suit, prosecution, or proceeding pending at the time the ordinance from which this chapter is derived becomes effective.

(b)

Effective date. The effective date of the regulations and restrictions of this chapter and the establishment of the respective districts shall be May 19, 2003, except as otherwise modified or amended by specific or general provision enacted after the date set out in this subsection.

(c)

Other regulations. In general this chapter is supplementary to other ordinances affecting the use and dimensions of buildings, structures and premises. Where this chapter imposes greater restrictions than imposed by other ordinances, the provisions of this chapter shall control.

(d)

Uniformity. Nothing in this chapter shall be construed as establishing regulations or restrictions which are not uniform for each class or kind of buildings, structures or land, and for each class or kind of use in each district.

(Ord. of 6-20-2005, § 1.3)

(a)

Generally. This chapter may be amended from time to time by a two-thirds (8 of 11) affirmative vote of the city council in accordance with the provisions of M.G.L. c. 40A, § 5.

(b)

Public hearing. No amendment to this chapter shall be adopted until after the planning board and the city council have each held a public hearing, together or separately.

(c)

Notice. Notice of the time, place and subject matter of each required hearing shall be given as provided in M.G.L. c. 40A, § 5.

(d)

Action. After the appropriate hearings have taken place the city council may adopt, reject, or amend and adopt any such proposed ordinance.

(Ord. of 6-20-2005, § 1.4)

State Law reference— Amendments, M.G.L. c. 40A, § 5.