Statement of purpose
The zoning regulations set forth in this ordinance have been made in accordance with the town's comprehensive plan for the purpose of promoting the public health, safety, morals, general welfare, and the conservation of the natural resources of the Town of Exeter. They are designed to lessen congestion in the streets; to provide adequate light and air; to secure safety from fire, panic, and other dangers; to prevent the overcrowding of land; to avoid undue concentration of population; and to facilitate the parks and other public requirements. They are made with reasonable consideration, among other things, of the character of each district and its peculiar suitability for particular uses, and with a view to conserving the value of the buildings and encouraging the most appropriate use of land throughout the town, and to preserve and enhance the beauty of the community and the character of the neighborhoods.
Further, the zoning regulations are developed and maintained for 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 of Exeter and reflecting 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 Exeter Comprehensive Plan adopted pursuant to Chapter 45-22.2 of the General Laws of Rhode Island;
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 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 rural development;
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 of Exeter or areas therein.
6. Provide for the preservation of agricultural production, forest (silviculture), aquaculture, timber resources and open space.
7. Provide for the protection of public investment, if any, 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 ensure the health, safety and welfare of all citizens and their rights to affordable, accessible, safe and sanitary housing. Provide opportunities for the establishment of low and moderate income housing.
9. Promote safety from fire, flood, and other natural or manmade disasters.
10. Promote a high level of quality in design in the development of private and public facilities.
11. Promote implementation of the comprehensive plan of the Town of Exeter adopted pursuant to G.L. 1956, § 45-22.2.
12. 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 the boundaries of the Town of Exeter or have a direct impact on the Town of Exeter.
13. Provide for efficient review of development proposals, to clarify and expedite the zoning review process.
14. Provide for procedures for the administration of the Exeter Zoning Ordinance including, but not limited to, variances, special use permits and, where adopted, procedures for modifications.