This ordinance is enacted for the following purposes: to encourage the most appropriate use of land throughout the municipality while conserving the value of property, with reasonable consideration for the character of various zoning districts and their peculiar suitability For particular uses that will be compatible with development patterns in neighboring municipalities and the surrounding region; all in accordance with the comprehensive plan designed to lessen congestion in the streets; to secure safety from fire, panic and other dangers; to promote the public health, safety, morals and general welfare; to provide adequate light, air and open space; to promote the establishment of appropriate population densities and concentrations that will contribute to the well-being of persons, neighborhoods, communities and for a variety of agricultural, residential, recreational commercial and industrial uses and open space; to promote a desirable visual environment through creative conservation of open space and valuable natural resources and to prevent urban sprawl and degradation of the environment through improper use of land; to prevent the overcrowding of land; to avoid undue concentrations of population; and to these ends, to regulate the height, design, appearance, number of stories and size of buildings and other structures as well as their placement on the land.