This By-law is enacted in order to promote the general welfare of the Town of Southbridge; to protect the health and safety of its inhabitants; to conserve the value of land and buildings; to encourage an orderly expansion of the tax base through utilization, development, and redevelopment; to support the most appropriate use of land throughout the Town; to further the goals and policies of the Southbridge Master Plan, and to preserve and increase the amenities of the Town, consistent with but not limited by the provisions of the Zoning Act, G.L. c. 40A, as amended, and Section 2A of Chapter 808 of the Acts of 1975.

This By-law is enacted in accordance with the provisions of G.L. c. 40A, any and all amendments thereto, and Article 89 of the Amendments to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

All buildings or structures hereinafter erected, constructed, reconstructed, altered, enlarged, or modified, and the use of all premises in the Town, shall be in conformity with the provisions of this By-law. No building, structure, or land shall be used for any purpose or in any manner other than as expressly permitted within the district in which such building, structure, or land is located. Where the application of this By-law imposes greater restrictions than those imposed by any other regulations, permits, restrictions, easements, covenants, or agreements, the provisions of this By-law shall control.

This By-law may from time to time be changed by amendment, addition, or repeal by the Town Council in the manner provided for in G.L. c. 40A, §5.

The invalidity of any section or provision of this By-law shall not invalidate any other section or provision herein.