This chapter and the zoning map, which constitute the City of Palo Zoning Code, are adopted with the purpose of improving and protecting the public health, safety, comfort, convenience, and general welfare of the people. The fulfillment of this purpose is to be accomplished by seeking:

1.   To lessen congestion on the public streets.

2.   To establish adequate standards for the provision of light, air, and open spaces.

3.   To facilitate the provision of adequate transportation, and of other public requirements and services such as water, sewerage, schools, and parks.

4.   To zone all properties with a view to conserving the value of buildings and encouraging the most appropriate use of land throughout the City.

5.   To protect all areas from incompatible uses.

6.   To avoid the inappropriate development of lands and provide for adequate drainage, curbing of erosion and reduction of flood damage.

7.   To fix reasonable standards to which buildings and structures shall conform.

8.   To prevent such additions to, and alterations or remodeling of, existing buildings or structures as would not comply with the restrictions or limitations imposed herein.

9.   To foster a more rational pattern of relationship between residential, business, commercial, and manufacturing uses for the mutual benefit of all.

10.   To isolate or control the location of unavoidable nuisance-producing uses.

11.   To prescribe penalties for any violation of the provisions of this chapter or of any amendment thereto.

12.   To complete streets, sustainable development, and encouraging green practices to the intents and purposes of the City’s Zoning Code.