1.   Identification. The official zoning map shall be identified by the signature of the Mayor attested by the Clerk under the following words: “This is to certify that this is the official zoning map referred to in the Zoning Ordinance as first adopted on the first day of March, 1988.” If, in accordance with the provisions of this Zoning Ordinance and Chapter 414 of the Code of Iowa, changes are made in district boundaries on the official zoning map, copies of such changes shall be filed with the official zoning map promptly after the amendment has been approved by the Council. Regardless of the existence of purported copies of the official zoning map which may from time to time be made or published, the official zoning map, together with amending ordinances, shall be the final authority as to the current zoning status of land and water areas, buildings and other structures in the City.

   2.   Interpretation. Zoning districts that are bounded by streets, highways, alleys or other public rights-of-way shall be construed to follow such centerlines on the official zoning map. Where there is uncertainty as to the boundaries of districts as shown on the official zoning map, the Board of Adjustment shall interpret the district boundaries.

   3.   Maintaining Map. In the event that the official zoning map becomes damaged, destroyed, lost or difficult to interpret because of use, the Council may adopt a new official zoning map which shall supersede the prior official zoning map. The new official zoning map may correct drafting or other errors or omissions in the prior official zoning map, but no such correction shall have the effect of amending the original zoning ordinance or any subsequent amendment thereof. The new official zoning map shall be identified by the signature of the Mayor attested by the Clerk, under the following words: “This is to certify that this official zoning map supersedes and replaces the official zoning map adopted (date of adoption of map being replaced) as part of the Earlham Zoning Ordinance.”

   4.   Amendments. Amendments changing the boundaries of districts as shown on the official zoning map shall be in form of an ordinance amending this chapter and refer to the official map, and shall set out the identification by legal description of the area affected and identify the zoning district in which the area has been located, and the new district designation applicable to the property area. The ordinance, after adoption and publication, shall be recorded by the Clerk and a certified copy thereof shall be attached to the official zoning map. Such amendatory ordinance, however, shall not repeal or reenact said map, but only amend it. The official zoning map, together with amending ordinances, shall be the final authority as to the current zoning status of land and water areas, buildings and other structures in the City. From time to time the amendments can be drawn onto map in the manner provided by subsection 3. (See EDITOR’S NOTE at the end of this chapter for ordinances amending the zoning map.)