The zoning map for Lowell, Indiana, officially labeled "Lowell Zoning Map," is hereby included as part of this chapter. The map may also be known as and referred to as the official zoning map.

(Ord. 2013-02, passed 3-11-13; Am. Ord. 2019-01, passed 1-28-19; Am. Ord. 2019-02, passed 1-28-19)

   Copies of the official zoning map may be made and distributed to interested persons. The official zoning map copies shall be labeled as copies and have the date which they were last modified printed on them.

(Ord. 2013-02, passed 3-11-13)

   The official zoning map will be located in the office of the town Plan Commission.

(Ord. 2013-02, passed 3-11-13)

   The zoning district boundaries shall be shown on the official zoning map. The abbreviations for the zoning districts appearing in this chapter shall be used to identify the zoning districts on the official zoning map.

(Ord. 2013-02, passed 3-11-13)

   The official zoning map should be formally revised annually, or as the Plan Commission determines necessary. During interim periods of time, hand drawn lines and text on the official zoning map will be appropriate to note zoning changes. Copies may be made after the amendments are noted, and each copy shall be noted as an update with the "date last changed" noted on the map. Other revisions may be made to correct drafting or other errors or omissions in the prior map, but shall not have the effect of amending the official zoning map except as adopted by the Town Council.

(Ord. 2013-02, passed 3-11-13)

   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 Town Council may, by resolution, adopt a new official zoning map which shall, to the extent possible, duplicate the accuracy of the damaged, destroyed or lost map.

(Ord. 2013-02, passed 3-11-13)

   District boundaries on the official zoning map shall be interpreted as follows:

   (A)   District boundaries shown within the lines of roads, easements, and transportation rights-of-way shall be deemed to follow the center lines.

   (B)   District boundaries indicated as following section or fractional sectional lines, platted lot lines, or county or county corporation lines shall be construed as following such lines.

   (C)   District boundaries indicated as parallel to or extensions of the above listed features shall be construed as so.

   (D)   District boundaries indicated as approximately following the center line of streams, rivers, or other bodies of water shall be construed to follow such center lines.

   (E)   Where a district boundary line divides a lot at the time such line is adopted, the district in which the majority of the area of the property is included shall apply to the entire property. In cases where a property is divided equally between two or more zoning districts, the most restrictive district shall apply to the entire property. The Planning Director or the official designee shall determine the applicable zoning for properties divided into several zoning districts consistent with this section.

   (F)   If the Planning Director cannot definitely determine the location of a district boundary by such center lines, by scale or dimensions stated on the official zoning map, or by the fact that it does not clearly coincide with a property line, immediate action on any application shall be refused and the Plan Commission shall interpret the location of the district boundary with reference to the scale of the official zoning map and the purposes set forth in all relevant provisions of this chapter.

   (G)   Any ruling of the Planning Director or official designee pertaining to the district boundaries may be appealed to the Board of Zoning Appeals.

(Ord. 2013-02, passed 3-11-13)

   Whenever any street, alley, public way, railroad right-of-way, waterway, or other similar area is vacated by proper authority, the zoning districts adjoining each side of vacated areas shall be extended automatically to the center of the vacated area. All areas included in the vacation shall then be subject to all appropriate regulations of the extended zoning districts. In the event of a partial vacation, the adjoining zoning district, or zoning district nearest the portion vacated, shall be extended automatically to include all of the vacated area. The resolution of any disputes as to the exact zoning district boundaries shall be determined by the Planning Director or the official designee. Appeals of the Planning Director's determination may be brought before the Board of Zoning Appeals

(Ord. 2013-02, passed 3-11-13)