The purpose of these regulations is to serve the public health, safety and general welfare by establishing zone districts designed to obtain the social, health, and economic advantages resulting from the planned use of land, and by establishing those regulations of the use of land and improvements within the various districts which are deemed necessary to ensure that the growth and development of the city shall be orderly and proper for the maximum benefit of its citizens. This title shall also be known by its short title the "Zoning Ordinance." When there is any question regarding the interpretation of the provisions of the Zoning Ordinance codified in this title, or its application to any specific case or situation, the planning commission shall have the authority to interpret the intent of the provisions of this title by written resolution, approved by a majority of its membership. Thereafter, such interpretation shall be followed in applying the provisions of this title unless the commission's interpretation is changed by the city council, on appeal.

An appeal of any planning commission interpretation must comply with the appeal procedures codified within this title. A majority vote of the whole council shall be required to change an interpretation made by the planning commission.

This title and the various sections, subsections, and clauses thereof, are declared to be severable. If any section, subsection, or clause is adjudged unconstitutional or invalid, it is provided that the remainder of the title shall not be affected thereby. The city council of the city hereby declares that it would have passed this title and each section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause and phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more portions thereof be declared invalid.

Ordinance Number 182, and all other ordinances amending said Ordinance No. 182, are hereby repealed. Subdivisions, plot plan conditional use permits, variances, and any other action approved by the city council and/or planning commission subject to the provisions of the Ordinance No. 182 and any amendments thereto, shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with the terms and conditions specified in the motions, resolutions or ordinances permitting them, except that uses made nonconforming by this title shall be subject to the provisions of Section 17.03.170.