Hillsville City Zoning Code
ARTICLE III
Legal Status Provisions
§ 171-9 Interpretation.
In their interpretation and application, the provisions of this chapter shall be held to the minimum requirements for the promotion of the public health, safety, morals and general welfare of the residents of Hillsville.
§ 171-10 Relationship to other laws and private restrictions.
A.
Where the conditions imposed by any provisions of this chapter upon the use of land or buildings or upon the height or bulk of buildings are either more restrictive or less restrictive than comparable conditions imposed by any other provision of this chapter or of any other law, resolution, ordinance, rule or regulation of any kind, the regulations which are more restrictive shall apply.
B.
This chapter is not intended to override any easement, covenant or any other private agreement, provided that where the regulations of this chapter are more restrictive (or impose higher standards or requirements) than such easements, covenants, or other private agreements, the requirements of this chapter shall govern.
§ 171-11 Provisions to be cumulative.
The provisions of this chapter are cumulative with additional limitations imposed by all other laws and ordinances previously passed or which may be passed after the adoption of this chapter, governing any subject matter appearing in this chapter.
§ 171-12 Provisions not to constitute permit.
Nothing contained in this chapter shall be deemed to be a consent, license or permit to use any property or to locate, construct or maintain any building, structure or facility or to carry on any trade, industry, occupation or activity.
§ 171-13 Scope.
A.
Compliance with provisions of chapter. Except as provided in §§ 171-14 and 171-15 of this Article, no building, structure or land shall hereafter be used or occupied and no building or structure or part thereof shall hereafter be erected, constructed, reconstructed, moved, expanded, converted to another use or structurally altered except in conformity with all of the regulations specified for the district in which such building, structure or land is located and with all other applicable provisions of this chapter.
B.
Reduction from requirements of chapter. No lot area, yard, open space, parking space or other feature required by this chapter shall be reduced or eliminated except in conformity with the regulations established by this chapter. Any such reduction resulting from a taking for public purpose by a governmental authority shall not be considered to be a violation of this chapter. Any property so affected by such taking shall be subject to the applicable provisions of Article XV of this chapter pertaining to nonconforming uses and features.
C.
Requirements to be met for each building or use. No part of any lot, yard, area, open space, parking space or other feature required for a building, structure or use shall be considered as lot, yard, area, open space, parking space or other feature for any other building, structure or use, except as may be specifically permitted by this chapter.
§ 171-14 Existing uses, buildings and structures.
Uses, buildings and structures lawfully existing at the effective date of this chapter or subsequent amendment thereto may be continued subject to the provisions of Article XV of this chapter pertaining to nonconforming uses and features.
§ 171-15 Permits issued prior to ordinance.
Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed to require any change in plans, construction or intended use of any building or structure for which a zoning permit, building permit or certificate of use and occupancy was lawfully issued prior to the effective date of this chapter or subsequent amendment thereto, provided that construction is commenced or occupancy occurs prior to the expiration of such permit or certificate as specified by the provisions of this chapter or other applicable laws. In any case where a zoning permit, building permit or certificate of use and occupancy expires or ceases to be valid or where construction is abandoned for a period of 12 consecutive months or longer, further construction and use shall conform with applicable provisions of this chapter.
§ 171-16 Lots recorded previously recorded.
Any lot of record which was lawfully established prior to the effective date of this chapter or subsequent amendment thereto and which does not conform with the requirements for minimum lot area or lot width for the district in which the lot is located may be devoted to single-family dwelling use if such use is normally permitted in the district, provided that all other applicable provisions of this chapter and other ordinances and health regulations are met.