The purposes of this chapter include but are not limited to the following: to lessen congestion in the streets; to conserve health; to secure safety from fire, flood, panic and other dangers; to provide adequate light and air; to prevent overcrowding of land; to avoid undue concentration of population; to encourage housing for persons of all income levels; to facilitate the adequate provision of transportation, water, water supply, drainage, sewerage, schools, parks, open space and other public requirements; to conserve the value of land and buildings, including the conservation of natural resources and the prevention of blight and pollution of the environment; to encourage the most appropriate use of the land throughout the Town, including consideration of the recommendations of the Comprehensive Plan, if any, adopted by the Planning Board and the Comprehensive Plan, if any, of the Montachusett Regional Planning Commission; and to preserve and increase amenities by the promulgation of regulations to fulfill these purposes under the provisions of MGL c. 40A.

In accordance with these purposes, the use, erection, establishment, movement, repair, alteration, enlargement, height, appearance, location and occupancy of buildings and structures and the uses and occupancy of premises in the Town of Groton are hereby regulated and restricted as hereinafter provided.