This chapter shall be known and may be cited and referred to as the city zoning ordinance.

(Ord. of 2-16-2010, § 100)

(a)

Pursuant to the Mississippi Code of 1972 Annotated, the purpose of this section is to promote the public health, safety, morals, or general welfare, and to protect and preserve places and areas of historical, cultural, or architectural importance and significance. These regulations are adopted in accordance with the comprehensive plan and are designed to:

(1)

Lessen congestion in the streets;

(2)

Secure safety from fire, panic, and other dangers;

(3)

Promote health and general welfare;

(4)

Provide adequate light and air;

(5)

Prevent the overcrowding of land;

(6)

Avoid an undue concentration of population; and

(7)

Facilitate the adequate provision of transportation, water, sewers, schools, parks, and other public requirements.

(b)

Consistent with the goals and objectives listed in the comprehensive plan, these regulations are designed to foster the following subsidiary purposes:

(1)

Distribute land uses to meet the physical, social, cultural, economic, and energy needs of present and future populations;

(2)

Ensure that new development is compatible with surrounding development in use, character, and size;

(3)

Provide for land uses that serve important public needs, such as affordable housing and employment generators;

(4)

Promote mixed-use buildings and mixed-use neighborhoods;

(5)

Promote infill housing and downtown retail and residential development;

(6)

Integrate civic uses into neighborhoods;

(7)

Protect natural resources; and

(8)

Encourage retail development in urban, neighborhood, and regional centers, including the historic downtown and "Main Street."

(c)

In accordance with the foregoing purposes, this section establishes regulations governing the following:

(1)

The height, number of stories, and size of buildings and other structures;

(2)

The percentage of a lot that may be occupied;

(3)

The size of yards, courts, and other open spaces;

(4)

Population density; and

(5)

The location and use of buildings, other structures, and land for business, industrial, residential, or other purposes.

(Ord. of 2-16-2010, § 101)