This chapter shall be known and may be cited as "The City of Hitchcock Zoning Regulations."

This chapter is adopted pursuant to the authority granted by the Constitution and laws of the State of Texas, including but not limited to, that contained in V.T.C.A., Local Government Code tit. 7, ch. 211, and the City of Hitchcock Charter, as they may be amended. The zoning regulations shall be effective throughout the corporate limits of the City.

If any section, paragraph, subdivision, clause, phrase, or provision of this Chapter shall be adjudged invalid, or held unconstitutional, the same shall not affect the validity of this Chapter as a whole or any part of provisions thereof, other than the part so decided to be invalid or unconstitutional.

This chapter shall become effective from and after the date of its approval and adoption as provided by law.

This chapter is adopted for the purpose of protecting the health, safety, and general welfare of the residents, citizens, and inhabitants of the City of Hitchcock, Texas. These regulations are designed to:

1.

Lessen congestion in the streets;

2.

Secure safety from fire, panic, and other dangers;

3.

Promote health and general welfare;

4.

Provide adequate light and air;

5.

Prevent the overcrowding of land;

6.

Avoid undue concentration of population; and,

7.

Facilitate the adequate provision of transportation, water, sewers, schools, parks and other public requirements for the benefit of the citizens of Hitchcock.

If any provision of these regulations imposes a higher standard than that required by any other City regulation not contained in these zoning regulations, the provisions of this Chapter control. If any provision of any City regulation not contained in these zoning regulations imposes a higher standard, that regulation controls.

It is the intention of the City that these regulations are adopted in accordance with and to implement the policies adopted for the City, as reflected in the Hitchcock Land Use and Development Policies. All zoning district amendments shall conform to the City's Land Use and Development Policies.

The provisions of this Chapter are not intended to abrogate any deed restriction, covenant, easement or any other private agreement or restriction on the use of land. Provided that where the provisions of this Chapter are more restrictive or impose higher standards than a private restriction, the requirements of this Chapter shall control. Private restrictions shall not be enforced by the City.

1.

It is unlawful for any person to violate any provision or requirement of these zoning regulations.

2.

If a building or other structure is erected, constructed, reconstructed, altered, repaired, converted, or maintained or if a building, other structure or land is used in violation of this Chapter, the City may institute appropriate action to:

a.

Prevent the unlawful erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, conversion, maintenance or use;

b.

Restrain, correct, or abate the violation;

c.

Prevent the occupancy of the building, structure, or land; or

d.

Prevent any illegal act, conduct, business, or use on or about the premises.

A violation of any provision of these zoning regulations is unlawful, a misdemeanor, and may be punished by a fine in accordance with § 10.99, General Penalty, of the City Code of Ordinances.

1.

Existing Permits. This chapter is not intended to abrogate or annul any permits issued before the effective date of the provisions of this Chapter.

2.

Preserving rights in pending litigation and violations under existing ordinances. By the passage of this Chapter, no presently illegal use shall be deemed to have been legalized unless such use falls within a use district where the actual use is a conforming use. Otherwise, such uses shall remain nonconforming uses where recognized, or an illegal use, as the case may be. It is further the intent and declared purpose of this Chapter that no offense committed, and no liability, penalty or forfeiture, either civil or criminal, shall be discharged or affected by the adoption of this Chapter; but prosecutions and suits for such offenses, liabilities, penalties or forfeitures may be instituted or causes presently pending may proceed in all respects.

3.

Completion of existing buildings. Nothing in these regulations nor in any amendments hereto shall require any change in the plans, construction or designated use of a building which shall be completed in its entirety within one (1) year from the effective date of the provisions of this Chapter, provided such building either was legally under construction at the time of the effective date of the provisions of this Chapter or was authorized by building permit before the effective date of the provisions of this Chapter, and further provided construction shall have been started within ninety (90) days from the effective date of the provisions of this Chapter.