Purpose of chapter
These zoning regulations have been developed and will be maintained in accordance with the town comprehensive plan, adopted April 24, 1991, and amended January 12, 2016, and as may be amended from time to time, and are designed to address the following purposes:
(1) Promote the public health, safety and general welfare;
(2) Provide for a range of uses and intensities of use appropriate to the character of the town and that reflect current and expected future needs;
(3) Provide for orderly growth and development which recognizes:
a. The goals and patterns of land use contained in the town comprehensive plan;
b. The natural characteristics of the land, including its suitability for uses 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 rural development; and
g. The use of innovative development regulations and techniques.
(4) Provide for the control, protection, and/or abatement of air, water, groundwater, and noise pollution and soil erosion and sedimentation.
(5) Provide for the protection of the natural, historic, cultural and scenic character of the town.
(6) Provide for the preservation and promotion of agricultural production, forest, silviculture, aquaculture, timber resources and open space.
(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.
(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.
(9) Provide opportunities for the establishment of low and moderate income housing.
(10) Promote safety from fire, flood and other natural and manmade disasters.
(11) Promote a high level of quality in design in the development of private and public facilities.
(12) Promote implementation of the town comprehensive plan.
(13) Provide 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 town boundaries or have a direct impact on the town.
(14) Provide for efficient review of development proposals, to clarify and expedite the zoning approval process.
(15) Provide for procedures for the administration of this chapter, including, but not limited to, variances, special use permits and modifications.
(16) Promote sustainable development, including the redevelopment of existing structures and facilities in preference to new development.
(Amend. of 1-27-21)