The city is hereby divided into zones, or districts, as shown on the official zoning map which, together with all explanatory matter thereon, is hereby adopted by reference and declared to be a part of this chapter.

(a)

The official zoning map shall be identified by the signature of the mayor attested by the city clerk, and bearing the seal of the city under the following words: "This is to certify that this is the Official Zoning Map of the City of Fort Payne, Alabama," together with the date of the adoption of the ordinance from which this chapter is derived.

(b)

If, in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, changes are made in district boundaries or other matter portrayed on the official zoning map, such changes shall be entered on the official zoning map promptly after the amendment has been approved by the city council. No amendment to this chapter which involves matter portrayed on the official zoning map shall become effective until after such change and entry has been made on the map.

(c)

No changes of any nature shall be made in the official zoning map or matter shown thereon except in conformity with the procedures set forth in this chapter. Any unauthorized change of whatever kind by any person shall be considered a violation of this chapter and punishable as provided under section 44-651.

(d)

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 which shall be located in the office of the city clerk shall be the final authority as to the current zoning status of land and water areas, buildings, and other structures in the city.

(Ord. of 4-15-2008, § 2-3)

(a)

In the event that the official zoning map becomes damaged, destroyed, lost or difficult to interpret because of the nature or number of changes and additions, the city council may by resolution 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 official zoning map or any subsequent amendment thereof. The new official zoning map shall be identified by the signature of the mayor attested by the city clerk and bearing the seal of the city 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 Zoning Ordinance of the City of Fort Payne, Alabama."

(b)

Unless the prior official zoning map has been lost or has been totally destroyed, the prior map or any significant parts thereof remaining shall be preserved, together with all available records pertaining to its adoption or amendment.

(Ord. of 4-15-2008, § 2-4)

Where uncertainty exists as to the boundaries of districts as shown on the official zoning map, the following rules shall apply:

(a)

Boundaries indicated as approximately following the centerlines of streets, highways, alleys, streams, rivers or other bodies of water shall be construed to follow such centerlines.

(b)

Boundaries indicated as approximately following platted lot lines shall be construed as following such lot lines.

(c)

Boundaries indicated as approximately following city limits shall be construed as following such city limits.

(d)

Boundaries indicated as following railroad lines shall be construed to be midway between the main tracks.

(e)

Boundaries indicated as parallel to or extensions of features indicated in subsections (a) through (d) of this section indicated on the official zoning map shall be determined by the scale of the map.

(f)

Where physical or cultural features existing on the ground are at variance with those shown on the official zoning map, or in other circumstances not covered by subsections (a) through (e) of this section, the board of adjustment shall interpret the district boundaries.

(g)

Where a district boundary line divides a lot which was in single ownership at the time of passage of the ordinance from which this chapter is derived, the board of adjustment may permit, as a special exception, the extension of the regulations for either portion of the lot not to exceed 50 feet beyond the district line into the remaining portion of the lot.

(Ord. of 4-15-2008, § 3-1)