This ordinance shall be known as the Land Development Code of Oxford, Mississippi and may be so cited. Further reference elsewhere as "this Code," "the code" or "this ordinance" shall imply the same wording and meaning as the full title.

This Code is promulgated under the authority of MCA 1972, tit. 17, ch. 1, §§ 17-1-1 through 17-1-27, as amended, which delegates the powers necessary for municipalities to adopt zoning regulations designed to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare of its citizens.

From and after the date of adoption, the land development code shall govern all development, land development, zoning, land uses, and land subdivision located within the corporate limits of the City of Oxford, Mississippi.

Except as specifically provided in this Code, no building, structure, sign, or land shall be used, graded, excavated, occupied, subdivided, or altered; nor shall any building, structure, or part thereof be erected, constructed, reconstructed, moved, removed, enlarged, or structurally altered; nor shall any use be established or changed within an existing building, structure, or plat of land, unless in conformity with the requirements of this Code and the specific provisions for the district in which it is located.

The Oxford guiding principles establish fundamental design and planning principles for Oxford's future growth. These principles shall guide day-to-day decisions of the governing authorities, boards and city staff.

1.5.1.

Recognize Oxford's historic ways of town building and use those traditions to provide a framework for future growth.

1.5.2.

Understand the Mississippi Hill Country landscape and guide growth responsibly within it by growing compactly and using natural features to establish city boundaries.

1.5.3.

Protect natural water systems to preserve water quality, provide open spaces, and reduce future stormwater management costs.

1.5.4.

Establish a densely-connected network of streets and roads to guide future growth that equally serves automobiles, pedestrians, bicycles and future possibilities of transit.

1.5.5.

Relate existing and future development to the network of streets, roads and natural drainage areas, emphasizing appropriate mixes of land uses instead of single-use districts.

1.5.6.

Recognize that design of buildings, landscapes and streets is a central part of Oxford's plan for preservation, redevelopment and new growth.

1.5.7.

Pursue intergovernmental and institutional coordination that will further the common interests of Oxford, Lafayette County, the University of Mississippi, and major community institutions.

This Code has been prepared in accordance with a comprehensive city plan and is enacted to preserve and promote the public health, safety and general welfare of the inhabitants of the City of Oxford and the public generally, and to encourage and facilitate the orderly growth and expansion of the municipality. These regulations were given substantial consideration as to the intended character of zoning districts, and their suitability for specific uses, with the intention of conserving the value of buildings and encouraging the most appropriate use of land throughout the city. Specifically, this Code is designed to:

1.6.1.

Stimulate and guide positive economic and commercial growth.

1.6.2.

Accommodate the unique and special development needs of downtown Oxford and areas adjacent to the university campus.

1.6.3.

Provide appropriate housing affordable to a range of incomes, and convenient and attractive neighborhoods.

1.6.4.

Better control congestion in the streets including conflicts between vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians.

1.6.5.

Require adequate open space for traffic, recreation, drainage, light, and air.

1.6.6.

Provide attractive community landscaping and protect the city tree canopy.

Unless otherwise specifically stated herein, whenever the requirements of this Code or any other lawfully adopted rules, regulations, codes, or ordinances are in conflict with the provisions of this Code, the most restrictive law or requirements shall govern.

If for any reason any one or more sections, headings, clauses or parts of this Code are held invalid, such judgment shall not affect, impair or invalidate the remaining provisions of this Code but shall be confined in its operation to the specific sections, headings, clauses or parts of this Code held invalid and the invalidity of any section, heading, clause or part of this Code in any one or more instances shall not affect or prejudice in any way the validity of this Code in any other instance.

The omission of any specific use, dimension, word, phrase or other provision of this Code shall not be interpreted as permitting any variation from the general meaning and intent of this land development code as commonly inferred or interpreted and should occasion arise as to such intent or meaning, the interpretation of the planning director shall hold.

This Code shall become effective immediately upon adoption.