Purpose of chapter
The zoning districts and regulations set forth in this chapter are made in accordance with the comprehensive community plan, approved as amended on December 14, 2023, and for the following purposes:
(1) Promoting the public health, safety and general welfare of the town.
(2) Providing for a range of uses and intensities of use appropriate to the 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 comprehensive community plan of the town adopted pursuant to G.L. § 45-22.2-1 et seq.;
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 the town's waterbodies including freshwater ponds, streams and freshwater wetlands;
d. The entire town's watershed areas;
e. The values of unique or valuable natural resources and features;
f. The availability and capacity of existing and planned public and/or private services and facilities;
g. The need to shape and balance urban and rural development; and
h. The use of innovative development regulations and techniques.
(4) Providing for the control, protection and/or abatement of air, water, groundwater, noise pollution, and soil erosion and sedimentation.
(5) Providing for the protection of the natural, historic, 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 and recreation resources of the town.
(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) Providing opportunities for the establishment of low- and moderate-income housing.
(10) Promoting safety from fire, flood and other natural or manmade disasters.
(11) Promoting a high level of quality in design in the development of private and public facilities.
(12) Promoting implementation of the comprehensive plan adopted pursuant to G.L. § 45-22.2-1 et seq. In the instance of uncertainty in the application of any section of this chapter, the section in question shall be construed in a manner that will further the implementation of, and not be contrary to, the goals and policies and applicable elements of the comprehensive plan. See G.L. § 45-24-34(a).
(13) 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 municipal boundaries or have a direct impact on that municipality.
(14) Providing for efficient review of development proposals, to clarify and expedite the zoning approval process.
(15) Providing for procedures for the administration of this chapter, including, but not limited to, variances, special use permits, and, where adopted, procedures for modifications.
(16) 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.
(Ord. of 6-23-1994, art. I; Ord. of 11-9-2023(1); Ord. of 9-26-2024(2))
State Law reference— Zoning ordinance to contain a statement of purpose, G.L. 1956, § 45-24-34.