The purposes of this Part 1 are to guide development in accordance with existing and future needs and to protect, promote and improve the public health, safety, morals, convenience, order, appearance, prosperity and general welfare of the City of Walhalla. The regulations set forth herein are designed to protect and encourage the most appropriate use of land in accordance with the City's Comprehensive Plan; to secure safety from fire and other dangers; to ensure the provision of adequate light, air and amenities; to prevent undue concentration of populations and the crowding of land; to promote desirable living conditions and the sustained stability of neighborhoods; to protect property against blight and depreciation; to encourage the most appropriate use of land and buildings; to conserve the value of property; to facilitate the provision of public and private development in harmony with these purposes; to facilitate the adequate provision of transportation, water, sewerage, schools, parks and other public requirements; to secure economy in governmental expenditures; to protect scenic areas; and to promote the health, safety, general welfare, morality and convenience of the community.

This Part 1 shall govern the use of land and structures in the City of Walhalla existing on its effective date, and the use of all land and structures or portions thereof constructed, placed, assembled, altered or repaired after its effective date.

The provisions of this Part 1 are adopted under the authority conferred by S.C. Code Ann., Title 6, Chapter 7, as amended, including the amendments in the South Carolina Local Government Comprehensive Planning Enabling Act of 1994, except where specific reference is made to the authority granted by other provisions of said code.

This Part 1 shall be known and may be cited as the "Zoning Ordinance of the City of Walhalla, South Carolina."