This title shall be known and may be cited as the Cosmopolis comprehensive zoning ordinance as amended by the city council in 1979.

(Ord. 698(part), 1979).

The general purpose and scope of this title is to protect and promote public health, safety, morals and general welfare through a well considered plan for the use of land. It implements the comprehensive development plan for the city, adopted by Ordinance Number 532,* ^[1] passed June 19, 1968. It classifies land within the town into various land use districts, each with appropriate designations and within each district this title limits the use of land and limits the height, size, use and location of buildings and structures, and requires space for off-street parking. The economic stability of land use areas and conservation of building values are promoted and protected thereby.

Its provisions are designed to provide adequate light, air, and access, to secure safety from fire and other dangers and to avoid excessive concentration of population in order to lessen traffic congestion, and to facilitate adequate provisions for transportation, water, sewerage, schools, parks and other public requirements.

(Ord. 698(part), 1979).

No building or structure shall be erected and no existing building or structure shall be moved, altered, added to, or enlarged, nor shall any land, building, structure or premises be used, designed or intended to be used for any purpose or in any manner other than a use permitted by this title, as permitted in the use district in which such land, building or structure is located.

(Ord. 698(part), 1979).

No building or structure shall be erected, nor shall any existing building or structure be moved, reconstructed, or structurally altered to exceed the height limit established by this title, for the use district in which such building or structure is located.

(Ord. 698(part), 1979).

No building or structure shall be erected, nor shall any building or structure be moved, altered, enlarged, or rebuilt, nor shall any open space around any building or structure be encroached upon or reduced in any manner, except in conformity with the building site requirements and the area and yard requirements established by this title, for the use district in which such building or structure is located. No yard or other open space provided about any building or structure for the purpose of complying with the regulations of this title, shall be considered as providing a yard or open space for any other building, or structure. No lot, as defined in Chapter 18.08, may be created which does not provide sufficient area to meet the minimum lot size, width, yard or access requirements as specified for the district in which such land is located.

(Ord. 698(part), 1979).

In interpreting and applying the provisions of this title, they shall be held to be minimum requirements adopted for the promotion of the public health, safety, and general welfare. Except as specifically provided in this title, it is not intended by this title to repeal, abrogate, annul, or in any way to impair or interfere with any existing provision of law, regulation, rule, or permit previously adopted or issued, or which shall be adopted or issued pursuant to law, relating to the use of buildings or land or relating to the erection, construction, establishment, moving, alteration, or enlargement of any building or improvement; nor is it intended to interfere with or abrogate or annul any easement, covenant, or other agreement between parties, provided, that whenever this title imposes greater restrictions upon the erection, construction, establishment, moving, alteration, or enlargement of buildings, or the use of any building, or of any land in any of the districts established by this title, than are imposed or required by such existing provisions of law or regulations, rules, or permits, or easements, covenants, or agreements, then the provisions of this title shall control.

(Ord. 698(part), 1979).

In case of uncertainty or dispute as to meaning, intention, or application of the terms of the text of this title, or of the use district map covering the area, a request for clarification or decision shall be submitted in writing to the commission and the commission shall reply with a written ruling thereon within thirty days unless additional time is authorized by the council.

(Ord. 698(part), 1979).