To guide the future growth and development of the town in accordance with a comprehensive plan of land use and population density that represents and promotes beneficial and convenient relationships among residential, commercial and public areas within the town, considering the suitability of each area for such uses, as indicated by existing conditions, trends in population and mode of living, and having regard for the use of land, building development and economic activity both within and adjacent to the town.

To provide adequate light, air and privacy; to safeguard health of the community; to secure safety from fire, flood and other danger; and to prevent overcrowding of the land and undue congestion of population.

To protect and conserve the character, the environment and the social and economic stability and property value and to encourage the orderly and beneficial development of all parts of the town.

To bring about the gradual conformity of the uses of land and buildings throughout the town to the comprehensive zoning plan set forth in this chapter, and to minimize conflicts among the uses of land and buildings both within the town and in adjacent municipalities.

To promote beneficial traffic circulation throughout the town, having particular regard to the avoidance of congestion in the streets and the provision of safe and convenient traffic movement.

To provide a guide for public policy and action in the efficient provision of public facilities and services and for private enterprise in building development, investment and other economic activity relating to uses of land and buildings throughout the town and in adjacent municipalities.

To ensure that development takes place in an amount commensurate with the availability and present and future capacity of public facilities and services.

To protect all bodies of water and watercourses from pollution and to avoid hazardous conditions and excessive damage from stormwater runoff and flooding; to safeguard the water table; and to encourage the wise use and sound management of the natural resources throughout the town in order to preserve the integrity, stability, beauty and good character of the community and the value of the land within the town and in adjacent municipalities.

To promote the preservation of the existing historic character of the town and to encourage the development of uses which would add to or be in harmony with this character.

To preserve the natural beauty of the physiography of the town and adjacent areas; to protect the town against unsightly, obtrusive and obnoxious land uses and operations; to enhance the aesthetic aspects of the natural and man-made elements of the town; and to ensure appropriate development with regard to those elements.

To provide adequate and suitably located areas for recreation, resort activities and other economic activities appropriate to and compatible with the existing and future natural and man-made environment.