This ordinance shall be known as the Tiverton Zoning Ordinance, or appendix I [appendix A] of the Tiverton Town Code.

The zoning regulations and districts herein set forth have been made to achieve the following purposes:

a.

Promoting the public health, safety and general welfare.

b.

Providing for a range of uses and intensities of use appropriate to the character of the Town of Tiverton, and reflecting current and expected future needs of its residents.

c.

Providing for orderly growth and development which recognizes:

(1)

The goals and patterns of land use contained in the Tiverton Comprehensive Plan;

(2)

The natural characteristics of the land, including its suitability for use based on soil characteristics, topography and susceptibility to surface [water] or groundwater pollution;

(3)

The values and dynamic nature of coastal and freshwater ponds, the shoreline, and freshwater and coastal wetlands;

(4)

The values of unique or valuable natural resources and features;

(5)

The availability and capacity of existing and planned public and/or private services and facilities;

(6)

The need to shape and balance urban and rural development; and

(7)

The use of innovative development regulations and techniques.

d.

Providing for the control, protection and/or abatement of air, water, groundwater and noise pollution, and soil erosion and sedimentation.

e.

Providing for the protection of the natural, historic, cultural and scenic character of the Town of Tiverton.

f.

Providing for the preservation and promotion of agricultural production, forest, silviculture, aquaculture, timber resources and open space.

g.

Providing for the protection of public investment in transportation, water, stormwater management systems, sewage treatment and disposal, solid waste treatment and disposal, schools, recreation, public facilities, open space and other public requirements.

h.

Promoting a balance of housing choices, for all income levels and groups, to assure the health, safety and welfare of all citizens and their rights to affordable, accessible, safe and sanitary housing.

i.

Providing opportunities for the establishment of low- and moderate-income housing.

j.

Promoting safety from fire, flood and other natural or manmade disasters.

k.

Promoting a high level of quality in design in the development of private and public facilities.

l.

Promoting implementation of the Tiverton Comprehensive Plan.

m.

Providing for coordination of land uses with contiguous municipalities, other municipalities, the state and other agencies, as appropriate, especially with regard to resources and facilities that extend beyond the municipal boundaries of, or have a direct impact on, the Town of Tiverton.

n.

Providing for efficient review of development proposals, to clarify and expedite the zoning approval process.

o.

Providing for procedures for the administration of the zoning ordinance, including, but not limited to, variances, special use permits, and, where adopted, procedures for modifications.

The regulations and standards set forth in this zoning ordinance are consistent with the goals and recommendations contained within the Tiverton Comprehensive Plan, adopted or amended pursuant to G.L. 1956, § 45-22.2-1 et seq. In the instance of uncertainty in the construction or application of any section of this ordinance, it shall be construed in a manner that will further the implementation of, and not be contrary to, the goals, policies and applicable elements of the comprehensive plan.

a.

After the effective date of this ordinance, no building, structure or land shall be used or occupied, and no building, structure, sign, or part thereof shall be erected, constructed, reconstructed, altered, enlarged or moved unless it conforms with all of the regulations specified for the zoning district in which it is located.

b.

Uses and structures, legally existing as of the effective date of this ordinance or any previous ordinance, will be permitted to continue under the provisions of article XIV of this ordinance.

Municipal Uses. The Town of Tiverton shall be exempt from all provisions of Appendix A, Zoning Ordinance, and Appendix B, Subdivision and Land Development Regulations, when the use is for a governmental function, as opposed to a proprietary function.

(Ord. No. 2025-0001, § 1, 2-10-25)