This chapter is enacted for the following purposes: to lessen congestion in the streets; to conserve health; to secure safety from fire, flood, panic, and other dangers; to provide adequate light and air; to prevent overcrowding of land; to avoid undue concentration of population; to encourage housing for persons of all income levels; to facilitate the adequate provision of transportation, water, water supply, drainage, sewerage, schools, parks, open space and other public requirements; to conserve the value of land and buildings, including the conservation of natural resources and the prevention of blight and pollution of the environment; to encourage the most appropriate use of land throughout the City, including consideration of the recommendations of the City's Master Plan, adopted by the Planning Board, and the Comprehensive Plan of the Pioneer Valley Regional Planning Commission; and to preserve and increase amenities by the promulgation of regulations to fulfill said objectives.

It is made with reasonable consideration to the character of the district and to its peculiar suitability for particular uses, with a view to giving direction or effect to land development policies and proposals of the Planning Board, including making Northampton a more viable and more pleasing place to live, work, and play.

Amendment. This chapter may be amended from time to time in accordance with Section 6 of the Zoning Act.[1] During the amendment procedure, subdivision plans in process or review by the Planning Board under the Subdivision Control Law shall be subject to the provisions of the Zoning Act.

Validity. The invalidity, unconstitutionality, or illegality of any provision of this chapter or boundary shown on the Zoning Map shall not have and effect upon the validity, constitutionality, or legality of any other provision or boundary.

Effective date. This chapter shall take effect on its enactment.