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

The official zoning map shall be identified by the signature of the mayor, attested by the city clerk, and bearing the seal of the city under the following words: "This is to certify that this is the Official Zoning Map referred to in Article III of Ordinance Number 1979 (42) of the City of Petal, Mississippi," together with the date of the adoption of this ordinance.

If, in accordance with the provisions of this ordinance and MCA 1972, tit. 17, ch. 1, as amended, changes are made in district boundaries or other matter portrayed on the official zoning map, such changes shall be entered on the official zoning map promptly after the amendment has been approved by the board of aldermen, with an entry on the official zoning map as follows: "On _______ , By official action of the Board of Aldermen, the following change(s) was made in the Official Zoning Map: (brief description of nature of change)," which entry shall be signed by the mayor and attested by the city clerk. No amendment to this ordinance which involves matter portrayed on the official zoning map shall become effective until after such change and entry has been made on said map.

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 ordinance and punishable as provided herein.

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 shall be located in the office of the city clerk shall be the final authority as to the current zoning status of land and water areas, buildings, and other structures in the city.

In the event that the official zoning map becomes damaged, destroyed, lost, or difficult to interpret because of the nature or number of changes and additions, the board of aldermen may by resolution adopt a new official zoning map which shall supersede the prior official zoning map. The new official zoning map may correct drafting or other errors or omissions in the prior official zoning map, but no such correction shall have the effect of amending the original official zoning map or any subsequent amendment thereof. The new official zoning map shall be identified by the signature of the mayor attested by the city clerk, and bearing the seal of the city under the following words: "This is to certify that this Official Zoning Map supersedes and replaces the Official Zoning Map adopted (date of adoption of map being replaced) as part of Ordinance Number 1979 (42) of the City of Petal, Mississippi."

Unless the prior official zoning map has been lost, or has been totally destroyed, the prior map or any significant parts thereof remaining, shall be preserved, together with all available records pertaining to its adoption or amendment.