Quincy City Zoning Code
SECTION 1
0 Purpose and Authority
1.1 Title.
The ordinance codified in this chapter, enacted pursuant to and under the authority of MGL c. 40A, as amended, shall be known and may be cited as the "Quincy Zoning Ordinance" or "this chapter." The adoption of this chapter nullifies and replaces all previous versions of the Zoning Ordinance.
1.2 Purpose.
This chapter is enacted to promote the purposes set forth in 1975 Massachusetts Acts Chapter 808, Section 2A, which include, but are not limited to, the following: 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 master plan, if any, adopted by the Planning Board and the comprehensive plan, if any, of the regional planning agency; and to preserve and increase amenities by the promulgation of regulations to fulfill said objectives. Said regulations may include but are not limited to restricting, prohibiting, permitting or regulating:
1.
Uses of land, including wetlands and lands deemed subject to seasonal or periodic flooding;
2.
Size, height, bulk, location and use of structures, including buildings and signs, except that billboards, signs and other advertising devices are also subject to the provisions of MGL c. 93, §§ 29 through 33, inclusive, and to MGL c. 93D;
3.
Uses of bodies of water, including watercourses;
4.
Noxious uses;
5.
Areas and dimensions of land and bodies of water to be occupied or unoccupied by uses and structures, courts, yards and open spaces;
6.
Density of population and intensity of use;
7.
Accessory facilities and uses, such as vehicle parking and loading, landscaping and open space; and
8.
The development of the natural, scenic and aesthetic qualities of the community.
1.3 Authority.
This chapter is authorized by, but not limited by, the provisions of the Zoning Act, MGL c. 40A, as amended, Section 2A of 1975 Massachusetts Acts Chapter 808, and by Article 89 of the Amendments to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
1.4 Scope.
For these purposes, the construction, repair, alteration, reconstruction, height, number of stories, and size of buildings and structures, the size and width of lots, the percentage of lot area that may be occupied, the size of yards, courts, and other open spaces, the density of population, and the location and use of buildings, structures, and land in the City of Quincy are regulated as hereinafter provided.
1.5 Applicability.
All buildings or structures hereinafter erected, reconstructed, altered, enlarged, or moved, and the use of all premises in the City of Quincy, shall be in conformity with the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance. No building, structure or land shall be used for any purpose or in any manner other than is expressly permitted within the district in which such building, structure or land is located. Where the application of this chapter imposes greater restrictions than those imposed by any other regulation, permit, restriction, easement, covenant, or agreement, the provisions of this chapter shall control.
1.5.1.
Commencement of construction or operation. Construction or operations under a building permit or special permit shall conform to any subsequent amendments to this chapter, unless the use or construction is commenced within a period of not more than six months after the issuance of the permit and, in any case involving construction, unless such construction is continued through to completion as continuously and expeditiously as is reasonable.
1.6 Amendments.
This chapter may from time to time be changed by amendment, addition, or repeal by the City Council in the manner provided in MGL c. 40A, § 5, and any amendments thereto.
1.7 Severability.
The invalidity of any section or provision of this chapter shall not invalidate any other section or provision herein.