The purposes of this zoning ordinance are to separate, to the extent possible, land uses that might be incompatible with one another and to endeavor to assure public services sufficient to support land uses that are allowed. The purposes must be implemented in the community as it exists, rather than "on a clean slate." Additional purposes include:

• To promote the public health, safety, and the general welfare;
  
• To lessen congestion in streets;
  
• To safeguard from fire, panic and other damages;
  
• To promote adequate light and air;
  
• To prevent the overcrowding of land;
  
• To avoid undue concentration of population;
  
• To facilitate the adequate provision of streets and pathways, water, sewerage, schools, parks and other public requirements for the inhabitants of the city;
  
• To regulate the intensity and use of buildings, structures, and land and to determine the area of open spaces surrounding buildings.
  

Such regulations shall be made with reasonable consideration as to the character of the district and its peculiar suitability for particular uses and encouraging the most appropriate use of land throughout the city. Changes of zoning and methods chosen for implementation should fulfill the purposes stated above and the policies set forth in the comprehensive plan.

(Ord. No. 2015-01, § 2, 2-26-2015)

1. It shall be unlawful for any building or structure to be moved, erected, remodeled, altered, enlarged, or rebuilt within the City of St. Anthony contrary to the provisions of this title.
   
2. It shall be unlawful for any yard, open space, building, structure or land to be used for any purpose not permitted by this title, unless such use has been lawfully established prior to enactment of this title.
   
3. Any use not permitted by the provisions of this title is prohibited.
   

(Ord. No. 2015-01, § 2, 2-26-2015)

Provided that the context does not give rise to practical difficulties, interpretations of certain zoning ordinance language and certain standards will usually be applied in the following manner:

1. Buildings Across Parcel Description Lines. Provided legal and contiguous parcels of record are owned by the same property owner(s), building(s) that have been developed across property lines shall merge the properties into one parcel for the determination of zoning standards.
   
2. Fences and Wall Height Measurement. Maximum fence and wall height shall be measured from the finished grade at the property line. That portion of a wall or fence functioning as a retaining wall shall not be counted in determining overall fence or wall height.
   
3. Setback Encroachments. Setbacks shall not be less than the minimum dimension specified in the relevant section, except as follows:
   Cornices, canopies, eaves, or other similar architectural features not providing additional floor space within the building may extend into a required side, front or rear yard setback no more than three feet. Setbacks will be measured from the property line to the foundation of the principal structure. A minimum of five feet separation is required between adjacent building overhangs, canopies, etc. Paved, uncovered parking is generally allowed in setback areas, unless other restrictions prohibit.
   
4. Interpretation of District Boundaries. Where uncertainty exists with respect to the boundaries of any zoning district as shown on the official zoning map, the following shall apply:
   
   1. Where zone boundaries are indicated as approximately following the centerline of street, alley, or highway right-of-way lines, streams, lakes or other bodies of water, the centerline shall be construed to be such boundary. Where the zoning boundary follows a railroad right-of-way, such boundary shall be deemed to be located in the center of the right-of-way, unless otherwise clearly designated.
      
   2. Where zone boundaries approximately follow lot lines, such lot lines shall be construed to be the boundaries.
      
   3. Where zone boundaries are approximately parallel to the centerlines or street lines of streets, or the centerlines or right-of-way lines of highways, such zone boundaries shall be construed as being parallel thereto and at such distance therefrom as indicated on the official zoning map. If no distance is given, such dimensions shall be determined by the use of the scale shown on the official zoning map.

(Ord. No. 2015-01, § 2, 2-26-2015)