New or unlisted uses will be referred to the Planning and Zoning Commission, who will make a determination as to the appropriate classification of the new or unlisted use based on findings of fact in relation to the nature of the new or unlisted use. The Planning and Zoning Commission shall consider the nature and described performance of the proposed use and its compatibility with the uses permitted in the various districts and determine the district or districts within which such uses will be permitted.

The zoning districts created by this UDC are intended to implement the City’s Comprehensive Master Plan, which may be amended from time to time. When a lot or parcel is zoned in a manner that is consistent with the City’s Comprehensive Master Plan, then the City Council may find that approvals granted pursuant to the standards of this UDC are consistent with the intent of this adopted plan.

Zoning districts are shown on the map entitled “official zoning map” of the City. The Official Zoning Map shall be available to the public at all hours when the City Hall is open to the public. Regardless of the existence of purported copies of the Official 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 Secretary, shall be the final authority as to the current zoning status of land and water areas, buildings and other structures in the City.

The Official Zoning Map shall be made current from time to time to reflect the changes and amendments, if any, that are approved by the City Council. Any unauthorized change of whatever kind in the Official Zoning Map by any person is prohibited.

In the event that the Official Zoning Map becomes damaged, destroyed, lost, or difficult to interpret because of the nature or number of changes and additions, the City Council may by resolution adopt a new Official Zoning Map which shall supersede the prior Official Zoning Map. The new Official Zoning Map may correct drafting or other errors or omissions in the prior Official Zoning Map and bring the Official Zoning Map up-to-date to reflect any and all amendments or changes in the same.

Where boundaries are shown to follow streets or alleys, the centerline of such streets or alleys, as they exist at the time of adoption of these regulations shall be the zoning boundary; or

Where boundaries are shown to enter or cross platted blocks, or property lines of lots, such lines as they exist at the time of adoption of these regulations, shall be the zoning boundary; or

Where boundaries are shown on unsubdivided property, the location shall be determined by scale shown on the map unless dimensions are given on the map; or

Boundaries indicated as approximately following city limits shall be construed as following such city limits; or

Boundaries indicated as following railroad lines shall be construed to be the centerline of the right-of-way or if no centerline is established, the boundary shall be interpreted to be midway between the right-of-way lines; or

Boundaries indicated as following shorelines shall be construed to follow such shorelines, and in the event of change in the shoreline, shall be construed as moving with the actual shoreline; or

Boundaries indicated as approximately following the centerline of streams, rivers, canals, lakes, or other bodies of water shall be construed as following such centerlines; or

Boundaries indicated as being parallel to or as extensions of features indicated in items “a” through “g” [4.3.1 through 4.3.7] shall be so construed. Distances not specifically indicated on the Zoning Map, shall be determined by the scale of the map; or

Whenever any street, alley, or other public way is vacated by official action of the City Council, or whenever such area is franchised for building purposes the zoning district lines adjoining each side of such street, alley, or other public way, shall automatically extend to the centerline of such vacated street, alley, or way, and all area so involved shall then and henceforth be subject to all regulations of the extended districts.

The Development Officer or the City Secretary shall refer the question concerning any new or unlisted use to the Planning and Zoning Commission, requesting an interpretation as to the zoning classification into which such use should be placed. The referral of the use interpretation question shall be accompanied by a statement of facts listing the nature of the use and whether it involves dwelling activity, sales, processing, type of product, storage, and amount or nature thereof, enclosed or open storage, anticipated employment, transportation requirements, the amount of noise, odor, fumes, dust, toxic material and vibration likely to be generated and the general requirements for public utilities, such as water and sanitary sewer.

The Planning and Zoning Commission shall consider the nature and described performance of the proposed use and its compatibility with the uses permitted in the various districts and determine the zoning district or districts within which the use should be permitted.

The Planning and Zoning Commission shall transmit its findings and recommendations to the City Council as to the classification proposed for any new or unlisted use. The City Council shall, by ordinance, approve the recommendation of the Planning and Zoning Commission or make such determination concerning the classification of such use as it determines appropriate, based on its findings.