This chapter is adopted for the purposes of:

1. Protecting the public health, safety, comfort, convenience, and general welfare;
2. Implementing the city comprehensive land use plan;
3. Promoting orderly development of the residential, commercial, industrial, recreational and public areas;
4. Conserving the natural and scenic beauty and attractiveness of the city;
5. Conserving natural resources in the city;
6. Minimizing environmental pollution; and
7. Conserving energy through the siting of buildings and encouragement of solar and earth-sheltered structures where appropriate.

This chapter is adopted pursuant to the authorization contained in M.S.A. ch. 462, or successor statutes.

This chapter shall be applicable to all lands and waters within the corporate limits of Lake Elmo, Minnesota.

Any development, redevelopment, plat, or other subdivision of property may be denied by the city council if it is deemed by the city council to be premature for development pursuant to the criteria listed in LEC 103.00.025. The burden of proof shall be on the applicant, property owner, or subdivider to demonstrate to the city council that the proposed development, redevelopment, plat, or subdivision is not premature for development or redevelopment.

Except as this chapter specifically provides, no structure shall be erected, converted, enlarged, reconstructed or altered, and no structure or land shall be used for any purpose in any manner which is not in conformity with this chapter.

The following rules of construction and interpretation apply to this chapter:

1. Minimum requirements. 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 and welfare.
2. Conflict. Where the conditions imposed by any provision of this chapter are either more restrictive or less restrictive than comparable conditions imposed by any other law, chapter, statute, resolutions or regulation of any kind, the regulations which are more restrictive or which impose higher standards or requirements shall prevail.

It is hereby declared to be the intention that the several provisions of this chapter are severable in accordance with the following:

Validity. If any court of competent jurisdiction shall adjudge invalid the application of any provision of this chapter to a particular property, building, or structure, such judgment shall not affect other property, buildings or structures.

This chapter shall be in full force and effect from and after the date of the passage and approval by the city council of the ordinance from which it is derived.