In determining the boundaries of districts, and establishing the regulations applicable to each district, due and careful consideration has been given to existing conditions, the character of buildings erected in each district, the most desirable use for which the land in each district may be adapted, and the conservation of property values throughout the City. Unless otherwise specified or where uncertainty exists with respect to the precise location of any of the aforesaid districts shown on the zoning map, the following rules will apply:

1.   Boundaries shown as following or approximately following streets, highways, or alleys will be construed to follow the center lines of such streets, highways, or alleys.

2.   Boundaries shown as following or approximately following platted lot lines or other property lines will be construed to be said boundary lines.

3.   Boundaries shown as following or approximately following railroad lines will be construed to lie midway between the main tracks of such railroad lines.

4.   Boundaries indicated as following shorelines will be construed to follow such shore lines, and in the event of change in the shore line, will be construed as moving with the actual shore line.

5.   Boundaries indicated as approximately following the center lines of streams or other bodies of water will be construed to follow such center lines taken at a mean low water mark.

6.   All areas within the corporate limits of the City which are under water and are not shown as included within any district will be subject to all of the regulations of the district which immediately adjoins the water area. If the water area adjoins two or more districts, the boundaries of each district will be construed to extend into the water area in a straight line until they meet another district or until they meet the City corporate limits, whichever occurs first.

7.   Boundaries shown as following or closely following the City limits will be construed as following such limits.

8.   Boundaries indicated as parallel to or extensions of features indicated in Subsections 1 through 7 above will be so construed. Distances not specifically indicated on the Official Zoning Map will be determined by dimensions, by the scale of the map.

9.   Where a zoning district boundary line divides a lot in single ownership on the effective date of this Zoning Code or amendment, the regulations of this Zoning Code for either portion of such lot may, at the owner's discretion, apply to the entire area of the lot or 25 feet beyond the zoning district boundary line, whichever is the lesser distance.

10.   Where the application of the aforesaid rules leaves a reasonable doubt as to the boundaries between two districts, the regulations of the more restrictive district will govern the entire parcel in question, unless otherwise determined by the Board of Adjustment in accordance with the provisions contained in Section 170.34(9)).

11.   Whenever any street, alley, or other public easement is vacated, the district classification of the property to which the vacated portions of land accrue will become the classification of the vacated land. (See City Attorney's opinion letter dated June 17, 1991.)

12.   See Section 170.27 for interpreting Floodplain Map boundaries.

13.   See Section 170.29 for interpreting Greenway District Boundaries.