Statement of purposes

This chapter is designed 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 Barrington, 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 Barrington Comprehensive Plan;

    [Amended 12-4-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-12]

  • (2) The natural characteristics of the land, including its suitability for use based on soil characteristics, topography and susceptibility to surface 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 Barrington.
• 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 supply, 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 human-made disasters.
• K. Promoting a high level of quality in design in the development of private and public facilities.
• L. Promoting implementation of the Barrington Comprehensive Plan.

  [Amended 12-4-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-12]

• 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 Barrington.
• N. Providing for efficient review of development proposals, to clarify and expedite the zoning approval process.
• O. Providing for procedures for the administration of this chapter, including but not limited to variances, special use permits and, if adopted, procedures for modifications.
• P. Providing opportunities for reasonable accommodations in order to comply with the Rhode Island Fair Housing Practices Act, Chapter 37 of Title 34; the United States Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 (FHAA); the Rhode Island Civil Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, Chapter 87 of Title 42; and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), 42 U.S.C. § 12101 et seq.

  [Added 12-4-2023 by Ord. No. 2023-12]