For the purpose of this chapter, the following classifications of zoning districts are hereby established for use within the City of Gulfport:

(Ord. No. 93-14, § 3, 10-5-93)

The locations and boundaries of zoning districts established within the City of Gulfport shall be shown on a map entitled "Zoning Map of the City of Gulfport, Florida," as amended from time to time, which is hereby incorporated into this chapter.

(Ord. No. 93-14, § 3, 10-5-93)

The zoning map shall be identified by the signature of the Mayor of the City of Gulfport, attested by the city clerk, and bearing the seal of the City of Gulfport under the following words: "This is to certify that this is the Official Zoning Map referred to in section 22-3.02 of the Gulfport Zoning Ordinance."

(Ord. No. 93-14, § 3, 10-5-93)

If, in accordance with the provisions of this zoning code and applicable provisions of Florida Law, changes are made in district boundaries or other matter portrayed on the official zoning map, such changes shall be entered promptly on the official zoning map after the amendment has been approved by the city council. The official zoning map shall contain a listing of the identification numbers and dates of approval of all ordinances involving changes of district boundaries or other matter portrayed on the official zoning map.

(Ord. No. 93-14, § 3, 10-5-93)

No change of any nature shall be made in the official zoning map or any matter shown thereon, except in conformity with the procedures set out in this chapter. Any unauthorized change of whatever kind by any person or persons shall be considered a violation of this chapter and shall be punishable as provided in this chapter.

(Ord. No. 93-14, § 3, 10-5-93)

Regardless of the existence of purported copies of the 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 all lands and waters within the City of Gulfport.

(Ord. No. 93-14, § 3, 10-5-93)

(a)

If the official zoning map becomes damaged, lost, destroyed or difficult to interpret, by reason of the nature or number of changes, the city council may by resolution adopt a new official zoning map, which new map shall supersede the prior official zoning map. The new official zoning map may correct drafting errors or omissions in the prior official zoning map, but no such corrections shall have the effect of amending the original official zoning map.

(b)

If, in the process of adopting the replacement official zoning map, district boundaries are changed or altered, then action in regard to such change of district boundaries shall be taken only in the form of an amendment to this zoning chapter.

(c)

The new official zoning map shall be authenticated as for the original, with wording to the following effect: "This is to certify that this Official Zoning Map replaces the Official Zoning Map adopted ________ as part of Ordinance No. _____ of the City of Gulfport, Florida".

(d)

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

(Ord. No. 93-14, § 3, 10-5-93)

The location of any zoning district boundaries shown on the zoning map shall be determined by the following rules:

(a)

Zoning district boundary lines are intended to follow the center lines of streets or alleys, street or railroad rights-of-way or water courses, or to be parallel or perpendicular thereto, unless said zoning district boundary lines are fixed dimensions shown on the zoning map.

(b)

Where zoning district boundaries approximately follow platted lot lines on the zoning map, said lot lines shall be construed to be said boundaries.

(c)

Where zoning district boundaries approximately follow city corporate limits, said limits shall be construed to be said boundaries.

(d)

Where zoning district boundaries approximately follow section lines or subsection lines, said lines shall be construed to be said boundaries.

(e)

Where the foregoing rules cannot be applied to a zoning district traversing unsubdivided property, or where a zoning district boundary divides a platted lot, the location of any said boundary shall be determined by dimensions as may be shown on the zoning map or by use of the scale shown on said map.

(f)

If, after the application of the foregoing rules, uncertainty exists as to the exact location of the zoning district boundary, the chief building official shall interpret and determine said location in accordance with the intent and purpose of this chapter. Appeal from the interpretation of the chief building official shall be to the board of adjustment in accordance with procedures prescribed in this chapter.

(g)

Where inconsistencies exist between the zoning map and the adopted City of Gulfport Year 2000 Land Use Plan map, the City of Gulfport Year 2000 Land Use Plan map shall take precedence.

(Ord. No. 93-14, § 3, 10-5-93)