(a)

The city is divided into zones, or districts, as shown on the official zoning map which, together with all explanatory matter thereon, is adopted by reference and declared to be a part of this chapter.

(b)

The official zoning map shall be identified by the signature of the mayor, attested by the clerk-treasurer, and bear the seal of the city under the following words, "This is to certify that this is the Official Zoning Map of the City of Muscle Shoals, Alabama," together with the date of the adoption of the ordinance from which this chapter is derived.

(c)

No changes of any nature shall be made in the official zoning map or matter shown thereon except in conformity with the procedures set forth in this chapter. Any unauthorized change of whatever kind by any person or persons shall be considered a violation of this chapter and punishable as provided under section 1-7.

(d)

Regardless of the existence of purported copies of the official zoning map which may from time to time be made or published, the official zoning map which is located in the office of the clerk-treasurer shall be the final authority as to the current zoning status of land and water areas, buildings and other structures in the city.

(Code 1979, ch. 40, § 1)

Where uncertainty exists as to the boundaries of districts as shown on the official zoning map, the following rules shall apply:

(1)

Boundaries indicated as approximately following the centerlines of streets, highways or alleys shall be construed to follow such centerlines.

(2)

Boundaries indicated as approximately following platted lot lines shall be construed as following such lot lines.

(3)

Boundaries indicated as approximately following city limits shall be construed as following such city limits.

(4)

Boundaries indicated as following railroad lines shall be construed to be midway between the main tracks.

(5)

Boundaries indicated as approximately following the centerlines of streams, rivers, lakes or other bodies of water shall be construed to follow such centerlines.

(6)

Boundaries indicated as parallel to or extensions of features indicated in subsections (1) through (5) above shall be so construed. Distances not specifically indicated on the official zoning map shall be determined by the scale of the map.

(7)

Where physical or cultural features existing on the ground are at variance with those shown on the official zoning map, or in other circumstances not covered by subsections (1) through (6) above, the zoning board of adjustment shall interpret the district boundaries.

(8)

Where a district boundary line divides a lot which was in single ownership at the time of the passage of the ordinance from which this chapter is derived, the zoning board of adjustment may permit, as a special exception, the extension of the regulations for either portion of the lot not to exceed 50 feet beyond the district line into the remaining portion of the lot.

(Code 1979, ch. 40, § 2)

For the purpose of this chapter, the city is divided into the types of districts designated as follows:

Ag-1 Agricultural district

R-1 Residential district (single-family)

R-2 Residential district (single-family)

R-3 Residential district (two-family)

R-4 Residential district (single-family units)

R-6 Residential district (single-family, semi-attached)

P.R.D. Planned residential development

RMF-1 Residential district (multifamily)

MH-1 Mobile home district (mobile home parks)

B-1 Business district (neighborhood business)

B-2 Business district (general business)

B-2A Business district (special)

M-1 Manufacturing district (light industry)

M-2 Manufacturing district (heavy industry)

FP-1 Floodplain district (agriculture, open space)

O-I Office and institutional district (offices and institutions)

WS-1 Wholesale and services district

(Code 1979, ch. 40, § 5(1); Ord. of 3-15-83; Ord. No. 1107-92, 1-23-92; Ord. No. 1108-92, 1-23-92)