The City Commission makes the following findings:

1.

The use of land in the City has a direct bearing on the public health, safety, and welfare.

2.

Standards are needed to ensure that new development is done in a coordinated manner.

3.

The provisions contained in this chapter are adopted consistent with the provisions of State statutes.

4.

Each parcel in the City is intended to have a zoning designation.

5.

The provisions in this chapter are adopted in accordance with the City's adopted growth policy.

This chapter is established to promote the public health, safety, and welfare and is intended to accomplish the following purposes:

1.

Promote a sound development pattern by separating the City into various districts where each has uniformly applicable development standards

2.

Separate incompatible land uses to the greatest extent possible

3.

Encourage the most appropriate use of land throughout the City

4.

Regulate and restrict the erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, and use of buildings, structures, and land

5.

Provide for a wide range of housing options

6.

Allow different, but compatible land uses (i.e., mixed uses) to occur in specified areas of the City

7.

Avoid, or as a less preferred alternate, minimize congestion

8.

Avoid, or as a less preferred alternate, minimize environmental degradation

9.

Implement the City's adopted growth policy

10.

Prohibit any use of land within the City of Great Falls that is in violation of federal, state or local law.

(Ord. No. 3054, § 1, 6-1-2010)