This title and herein referred to maps shall be known and cited as the "Laurel Zoning Ordinance" for the incorporated limits of the city and any additional territory authorized by either state statute or county commissioners.

(Prior code § 17.16.010)

A.

The zoning regulations, classifications and districts as herein set forth are in accordance with Sections 76-2-301 to 76-2-328, 76-1-101 to 76-1-606, and 76-2-201 to 76-2-228, MCA, 1979.

B.

They have been made in accordance with the comprehensive planning process, and have been deemed necessary and developed with consideration among other things, to the character of each zoning district and its peculiar suitability for particular uses, to conserve the value of buildings, to stabilize property values, to preserve recreation and agricultural lands from conflict with urban development, to promote the interest of health, safety, and general welfare, to secure safety from fire, and to provide adequate open space for light and air, and to facilitate the economic provision of adequate transportation, water, sewer, schools, parks, and other public requirements.

C.

The Laurel city council further declares the zoning plan is adopted for the following specific purposes:

1.

To promote and guide development consistent with the goals and objectives of the comprehensive planning process;

2.

To prevent waste and inefficiency in land use;

3.

To encourage innovations in residential development and renewal so that the needs of the community for housing may be met by greater variety in type and design of dwellings and by conservation of open space; to preserve and enhance housing values and maintain residential neighborhood aesthetics; and

4.

To provide adequate land and space for the development of commercial and industrial uses and to encourage such development in locations calculated to benefit the community at large and in a manner consistent with the goals and objectives of the city's comprehensive planning process.

(Ord. 96-5 (part), 1996; prior code § 17.16.020)

A.

This title applies to all lands in the incorporated limits of the city; and any additional territory authorized by either state statutes or the county commissioners.

B.

In their interpretation and application, the provisions of this title may be regarded as the minimum requirements for the protection of the public health, safety, comfort, prosperity and welfare;

C.

This title is not intended to abrogate or annul any building permit, certificate of occupancy, variance or other lawful permit issued prior to the effective date of the ordinances codified in this title.

(Prior code § 17.16.030)