The purpose of this title is to implement the city of Edgewood comprehensive plan, as adopted and subsequently amended. The goal is to protect and promote the health, safety, and general welfare of Edgewood's citizens by guiding planning and land use decisions. This title promotes development, reduced street congestion, and enhanced fire and public safety. It also encourages adequate public infrastructure, such as transportation, domestic water, sanitary sewer, sanitary septic, schools, parks, and storm drainage. Additional goals of this code are to:

The standards and regulations contained herein are enacted for the benefit of the public at large and not for the benefit of any one person or groups of persons. The city does not intend to create a duty to enforce this code except to the public at large.

The development standards is EMC Title 18 (this title). This title contains many chapters, which are enumerated and represented in a format in conjunction with EMC Title 18. For example, Chapter 10, Introduction, is represented as Chapter 18.10 EMC.

Each chapter contains sections and subsections. Sections are enumerated and represented in the following format: EMC § 18.10.020, Intent and purpose. Subsections are enumerated in the following format:

Each chapter begins with a listing of the sections and a statement of that chapter's purpose and applicability. General definitions and abbreviations are contained in Chapter 18.20 EMC, Definitions. In some instances, specialized definitions may be found within the chapter where those definitions are used. Cross-references to other chapters and sections of this title and to other titles within the Edgewood Municipal Code can be found throughout this title.