This title and the maps adopted pursuant hereto shall be known as, and shall be cited and referred to as, the "Columbia Falls Area Zoning Ordinance" in accordance with and exercising the authority of the laws of the State of Montana, Section 76-2-301, M.C.A.

The purpose of this title is to:

1. implement and promote the Growth Policy;
2. securing safety from fire, panic, and other dangers;
3. promote public health, safety, and general welfare;
4. provide adequate light and air;
5. promote compatible urban growth;
6. facilitate the adequate provision of motorized and nonmotorized transportation systems, water, sewerage, schools, parks, and other public requirements;
7. give reasonable consideration to the character of the districts;
8. give consideration to peculiar suitability of the property for particular uses;
9. conserve the value of buildings; and encourage the most appropriate use of land throughout the jurisdictional area.

In interpretation and application, the provisions of this title shall be held to be minimum requirements.

Wherever these regulations require a greater width or size of yards, courts, or other open spaces; require a lower height of building or less number of stories; require a greater percentage of lot to be left unoccupied; or impose other higher standards than are required in any other statute or local ordinance or regulation, these regulations and the provisions of the regulations made under authority of this part shall govern.

Wherever the provisions of any other statute or local ordinance or regulation require a greater width or size of yards, courts, or other open spaces; require a lower height of building or a less number of stories; require a greater percentage of lot to be left unoccupied; or impose other higher standards than are required by the regulations made under authority of this part, the provisions of such statute or local ordinance or regulation shall govern.

A growth policy is not a regulatory document and does not confer any authority to regulate that is not otherwise specifically authorized by law or regulations adopted pursuant to the law. The City may not withhold, deny, or impose conditions on any land use approval or other authority to act based solely on compliance with a growth policy. However, the City authorities must be guided by and give consideration to the general policy and pattern of development set out in the growth policy when making decisions concerning the matters set forth in Sec. 76-1-605, M.C.A.

When applications for a single project, including zone map amendment, conditional use permit, planned unit development and/or subdivision are simultaneously submitted and to be considered at the same time, the hearing body may allow a single hearing before the body to receive comments on said applications.