Waterford City Zoning Code

Regulations, known as the zoning regulations, establishing various classes of zoning districts and governing the use of land and the placement of buildings and improvements within districts.

Zoning standards to include, but not be limited to, the density of population, the uses and location of structures, the height and bulk of structures, the open spaces around structures, the appearance of certain uses and structures, the areas and dimensions of sites, access, street and sidewalk improvements, the location, size and illumination of signs, and requiring the provision of off-street parking and off-street loading facilities as necessary.

A map or set of maps, known as the zoning map, delineating the boundaries of zoning districts within the city.

To provide a zone plan to guide the physical development of the city in such a manner as to achieve progressively the general arrangement of land use described and depicted in the city of Waterford's general plan.

To implement the goals, policies and implementation measures of the general plan with respect to promoting new urbanist design and sustainability.

To promote urban design policies and development standards that improves the ability of the city to provide cost-effective public protection services.

To foster a wholesome, serviceable and attractive living environment, the beneficial development of areas which exhibit conflicting patterns of use, and the stability of existing land uses which conform with objectives, policies, principles, and standards of the general plan.

To prevent unhealthy population densities and overcrowding of land with structures that would detract from the city's quality of life while promoting compact urban form that minimizes the city's adverse impact on surrounding farmland.

To promote a safe, effective traffic circulation system, the provision of off-street parking and truck loading facilities, and the appropriate location of community facilities.

To promote a safe community through the application of the principals of "Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design" (CEPTED) by creating an urban environment where the design and use can lead to the reduction in the fear and incidence of crime and an improvement in the quality of life.

To protect and promote appropriately located commercial and industrial activities in order to preserve and strengthen the city's economic and employment base.

To protect and enhance real property values in the city and promote quality investment in the city.

To ensure development of such new urban expansion that is logical, desirable and in conformance with objectives and policies of the general plan.

To enhance and protect the city's open space and natural resources, including natural and man-made waterways, in accordance with policies of the general plan.

When interpreting and applying provisions of this title, such provisions shall be held to the minimum requirements adopted for the promotion of the public health, safety, comfort, convenience and general welfare. Except as specifically provided in this title, it is not intended by the enactment of this title to repeal, abrogate, annul or in any way to impair or interfere with any existing provision of law, ordinance, or any rules, regulations or permits previously adopted or issued, or which shall be adopted or issued pursuant to law relating to the erection, construction, establishment, moving, alteration or enlargement of any building or improvement; nor is it intended by this title to interfere with or abrogate or annul any easement, covenant or other agreement between parties; provided, however, that in cases in which this title imposes a greater restriction upon the erection, construction, establishment, moving, alteration or enlargement of building or the use of any such building or premises in the several districts or any of them, than is imposed or required by such existing provisions of law or ordinance or by such case the provisions of this title shall control.

The planning commission and/or the city council has interpretative authority and may by minute action define and establish uses as permitted, permitted subject to a conditional use permit or prohibited in any zone district. Further, where ambiguity exists in this title, the planning commission and/or the city council has interpretative authority.

Public streets and alleys;

Underground utility lines and facilities;

Overhead communication lines;

Overhead and underground electric and gas distribution and transmission facilities;

Other exemptions specifically allowed by state law or amendments thereto.