The zoning administrator shall administer and enforce the provisions of this ordinance.

(Ord. No. 2014-0224, § 1, 2-24-14)

The regulations and requirements set forth in this ordinance shall be in general accordance with the policies and guidance of the comprehensive plan, as amended, with reasonable consideration to land use patterns, growth characteristics, and the character of the respective districts and the particular uses of land throughout the city.

(Ord. No. 2014-0224, § 1, 2-24-14)

(a)

In interpreting and applying the provisions of this ordinance, they shall be held to be the minimum requirements for the promotion of the public, health, safety, morals and general welfare of the community.

(b)

It is not intended by this ordinance to interfere with or abolish or annul any easements, covenants or other agreements between parties; provided, however, that where this ordinance imposes a greater restriction upon the use of buildings or premises or upon the height of buildings, or requires larger open spaces than are imposed or required by other ordinances, rules, regulations or by easements, covenants, or agreements, the provisions of this ordinance shall control.

(c)

If, because of error or omission in this ordinance or the zoning map any property within the city is not shown as being included in a zoning district, the classification of such property shall be R-1 district (single-family residence), unless changed by an amendment to this ordinance.

(d)

Annexation of property shall follow the requirements of the state law.

(Ord. No. 2014-0224, § 1, 2-24-14)

Applications for amendments to the accompanying official zoning map may be initiated at the request of a private property owner or someone holding his/her power of attorney, the city council of Ringgold, or the planning commission. Requests for a special use (conditional use), annexation, or variance may be similarly initiated by a private petitioner. Only the city council of Ringgold or the planning commission may initiate a text amendment. More specific details about the zoning map, the zoning text, reviewing special (conditional) uses, and annexation are found in the Ringgold Zoning Procedures and Standards Ordinance.

In general, all zoning related applications (adoption of zoning ordinance/map, text amendments, map changes, conditional uses, annexations, and appeals/variances) shall follow the following steps to secure approval or denial.

(a)

Any petition for a zoning change must be filed in the form of a written application with the zoning administrator and fees paid at that time. No application for zoning shall be considered unless applied for by property owner(s) or person with lawful power of attorney for property owner(s).

(b)

The zoning administrator will inform the applicant of the public hearing dates at which his/her petition will be considered.

(c)

The zoning administrator will advertise the public hearing(s) and provide notification to affected parties by written notice and by the posting of a notice on the subject property.

(d)

The adoption of a zoning ordinance/map, the amendment of a zoning ordinance/map, review of special (conditional) uses, and review of annexations shall follow the provisions of the zoning procedures and standards ordinance.

(e)

Variances and appeal requests will be reviewed by the planning commission, which shall serve as the board of zoning appeals as needed, ultimately making an advisory ruling that is approved or disapproved by the mayor and council as outlined in article VIII of this ordinance. The zoning administrator shall keep a record of all proceedings whether approved or denied.

(Ord. No. 2014-0224, § 1, 2-24-14)

Editor's note— The zoning procedures and standards ordinance referenced has not been set out, but is available for review in the office of the city clerk.

Any building permit issued shall become invalid unless the work authorized by it shall have been commenced within six months of the date of issuance or if the work authorized by the permit is suspended or abandoned for a period of one year.

(Ord. No. 2014-0224, § 1, 2-24-14)

The zoning administrator shall provide such technical, administrative and clerical assistance as necessary to or required the planning commission to carry out its function under the provisions of these regulations.

(Ord. No. 2014-0224, § 1, 2-24-14)

All applicants for a rezoning, a text amendment, a conditional use, a home occupation license, or other required inspections, within a district, shall be accompanied by a fee payable to the city to defray expenses incidental to the complete review and action upon such applications. A listing of all applicable scheduled fees is available in the office of city hall.

(Ord. No. 2014-0224, § 1, 2-24-14)