This chapter shall be known as Appendix A, Zoning, Code of Ordinances, City of Warwick, Rhode Island; its short title shall be the Warwick Zoning Ordinance or "ordinance."

This ordinance is set forth in compliance with G.L. 1956, §§ 45-24-27—45-24-72 (as amended), also known as the Rhode Island Zoning Enabling Act of 1991. This ordinance sets forth regulations and districts in accordance with the comprehensive plan of the City of Warwick, prepared in accordance with G.L. 1956, § 45-22.2-1 et seq. (as amended), and adopted on November 24, 1992, or any amendment thereto.

This ordinance is designed to:

103.1. Promote the public health, safety, and general welfare of the city.

103.2. Provide for a range of uses and intensities of use appropriate to the character of the city and reflect current and expected future needs.

103.3. Provide for orderly growth and development which recognizes:

(A)

The goals and patterns of land use contained in the comprehensive plan of the city adopted pursuant to G.L. 1956, § 45-22.2-1 et seq. (as amended);

(B)

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

(C)

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

(D)

The values of unique or valuable natural resources and features;

(E)

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

(F)

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

(G)

The use of innovative development regulations and techniques.

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

103.5. Provide for the protection of the natural, historic, cultural, and scenic character of the city or areas therein.

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

103.7. Provide 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.

103.8. Promote 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, including opportunities for the establishment of low and moderate income housing.

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

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

103.11. Promote implementation of the Warwick comprehensive community plan, as amended.

103.12. Provide for coordination of land uses with contiguous municipalities, other municipalities, the state, and other agencies.

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

103.14. Provide for procedures for the administration of this ordinance including, but not limited to, variances, special-use permits, and, where adopted, procedures for modifications.

103.15. Provide for reasonable accommodations in order to comply with the RI Fair Housing Practices Act, the US Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 (FHAA), the RI Civil Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, G.L. § 42-81-1 et seq.), and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq.

(Ord. No. O-98-13, § I, 5-18-98; Ord. No. O-23-24, § I, 12-20-23)