Purpose/consistency with Comprehensive Plan/state laws.
§ 218-2. Purpose/consistency with Comprehensive Plan/state laws.
A. Comprehensive Plan. The Zoning Regulations set forth in this Ordinance are adopted to be consistent with the Town of Charlestown Comprehensive Plan 1991, and any amendments thereto. The Regulations are made with reasonable consideration, to preserve the rural character of the Town, to encourage the most appropriate use of land, to enhance the beauty of the community, to be consistent with the RI CRMC SAM Plan and to protect the character of neighborhoods. This Ordinance shall be construed in a manner that will further the implementation of the goals and policies and applicable elements of the Town of Charlestown Comprehensive Plan 1991, and any amendments thereto.
B. Purposes. Adopted pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-22.2 for the following purposes that are intended to be given equal priority and are numbered for reference only:
(1) Promoting the public health, safety, and general welfare.
(2) Providing for a range of uses and intensities of use appropriate to the rural character of the Town and reflecting current and expected future needs.
(3) Providing for orderly growth and development that recognizes:
(a) The goals and patterns of land use contained in the adopted Comprehensive Plan and foster the Plan's implementation.
(b) The natural characteristics of the land, including its suitability for use based on soils characteristics, topography, and susceptibility to surface 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) Providing for the control, protection, and/or abatement of air, water, groundwater, and noise pollution, and soil erosion and sedimentation.
(5) Providing for the protection of the natural, historical, cultural, and scenic character of the Town or areas therein.
(6) Providing for the preservation and promotion of agricultural production, forest, silviculture, aquaculture, timber resources and open space.
(7) Providing 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) 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.
(9) Promoting safety from fire, flood, and other natural or man-made disasters.
(10) Promoting quality in design of private and public facilities.
(11) Providing for coordination of land uses and resources with contiguous Towns, the State, the Narragansett Indian Tribe, and other agencies, as appropriate.
(12) Providing for efficient review of development proposals, and to clarify the zoning approval process.
(13) Providing for procedures for the administration of the zoning ordinance, including, but not limited to, variances and special use permits.
(14) Promoting an economic climate that increases quality job opportunities and the overall wellbeing of the Town.