The provisions of this Zoning Bylaw shall be interpreted to establish minimum standards adopted for the promotion of the purposes enumerated in § 200-2 of this Zoning Bylaw and shall supersede all prior Zoning Bylaws of the Town of North Reading. The provisions of this Zoning Bylaw are not intended to amend, abrogate, annul, repeal or in any way impair or interfere with any lawfully adopted bylaw, rules or regulations. Whenever the provisions of this Zoning Bylaw differ from those prescribed by any conflicting statute, bylaw or other regulation of any governmental authority, that provision which imposes the greater restriction or the higher standard shall govern.

Except as hereinafter provided, the provisions of this Zoning Bylaw shall apply to the erection, construction, reconstruction, relocation, alteration and use of buildings, structures, land, wetlands and bodies of water. It shall further apply to any change or substantial extension of such use or structure and to building and special permits.

In case of mixed uses, the regulation for each use shall apply to the portion of the building or land so used. Where mixed uses of the same space exist, the more restrictive regulations shall apply.