Land use zoning encourages the most appropriate use of land and protects all property against adverse effects of neighboring developments. In general, the public health, safety and welfare are promoted through zoning in the following manner:

(1)

Property values are protected in residential areas since, by way of example, factories, gasoline filling stations or other such uses generally cannot locate next to homes and thus make such residences less desirable places in which to live.

(2)

Established business areas are protected against the indiscriminate development of business buildings wherever vacant or cheap land exists.

(3)

Industrial potentiality is increased by the reservation of adequate land for such use.

(4)

The public tax base is stabilized and maintained.

(5)

Increased safety against fire and consequent lower fire insurance rates result from the prevention of overcrowding and the segregation of hazardous uses.

(6)

Property owners are protected against possible loss of light and air due to the bulk and proximity of neighboring developments.

(7)

Where public water supplies are not available, the purity of individual water sources is maintained by adequate lot areas.

(8)

Fire-fighting efficiency is aided by the reservation of front, rear and side yards.

(9)

Public health is protected from diseases resulting from unsanitary and overcrowded conditions.

(10)

Street and highway congestion, safety and construction costs are influenced by off-street parking requirements, specifications for adequate sight distance at intersections and major front yard setback lines.

(11)

Utility mains and other public facilities may be more efficiently designed and extended where zoning indicates future land use and densities.

(12)

The attractive environment of the Town, supported through the Design Review Standards and Guidelines.

(13)

It is the intent of the Planning Commission and Elizabeth Historic Advisory Board to encourage the preservation of the historical buildings and structures where it is possible so as to retain the old-time flavor of the Town.

(Ord. 12-02 §1)