The regulations embraced in the following chapters 1 through 24 and sections thereof shall constitute and be designated the City of Tavares Land Development Regulations, and may be cited as the Land Development Regulations.

These Land Development Regulations are enacted pursuant to the requirements and authority of 163.3202, Florida Statutes, (the Local Government Comprehensive Planning and Land Development Regulation Act), the Charter effective November 1, 1992, and the general powers in Chapter 166/125, Florida Statutes.

Except as specifically provided below, the provisions of these regulations shall apply to all development in the City, and no development shall be undertaken without prior authorization pursuant to these regulations.

(A)

Exceptions.

(1)

Previously Issued Development Permits. The provisions of these Regulations and any amendments thereto shall not affect the validity of any lawfully issued and effective development permit if:

(a)

The development activity authorized by the permit has been commenced prior to the effective date of these Regulations or any amendment thereto, or will be commenced after the effective date of these Regulations but within six (6) months of issuance of the development permit; and

(b)

The development activity continues without interruption (except because of war or natural disaster) until the development is complete. If the development permit expires, any further development on that site shall occur only in conformance with the requirements of these regulations or amendment thereto.

(2)

Previously Approved Development Orders. Projects with development orders that have not expired at the time these Regulations or an amendment thereto is adopted, and on which development activity has not commenced must meet the requirements of the regulations in effect at the time of application for a development permit.

(A)

This chapter shall be effective throughout the City's planning jurisdiction. The City's planning jurisdiction comprises the area within the corporate boundaries of the City.

(B)

In addition to other locations by law, a copy of a map showing the boundaries of the City's planning jurisdiction shall be available for public inspection in the planning department.

The provisions in this chapter were originally adopted and became effective on November 1, 1992.

It is the intention of the Council that these regulations implement the planning policies adopted by the Council for the City and its planning area, as reflected in the Comprehensive Plan and other planning documents.

In accordance with Chapter 163 of the Florida Statutes, all permits issued under this Chapter shall be consistent with the adopted Comprehensive Plan.

These Chapters shall replace and supersede the current Subdivision Regulations and Zoning Regulations adopted September 27, 2005, as amended through November 1, 1992, and as further amended from time to time through approval of the City Council.