Purpose

The regulations set forth in this chapter are made in accordance with the Comprehensive Community Plan of the Town of Jamestown (pursuant to G.L. 1956, §§ 45-22.2-3 and 45-24-29) for the purpose of promoting the public health, safety, morals and general welfare of the citizens of the Town of Jamestown and assist the Rhode Island General Assembly in its duty to provide for the conservation of the natural resources of the state and to adopt all means necessary and proper by law for the preservation, regeneration and restoration of the natural environment of the state in accordance with sections 16 and 17 of article 1 of the constitution of the State of Rhode Island. These regulations are designed to lessen congestion in the streets; to secure safety from fire, panic and other dangers; to provide adequate light and air; to prevent the overcrowding of the land; to avoid undue concentrations of populations; to provide for the adequate provision of transportation, water, sewage, schools, parks and other public requirements.

In addition, these regulations shall 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 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 comprehensive plan;

    • b) The natural characteristics of the land, including its suitability for particular uses based on soil characteristics, topography, and susceptibility to surface or groundwater pollution;

    • c) The values and dynamic nature of freshwater ponds, the shoreline and freshwater 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;

    • 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 or areas therein;

  • 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 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;

  • 9) Provide opportunities for the establishment of low- and moderate-income housing;

  • 10) Promote safety from fire, flood, and other natural or manmade disasters;

  • 11) Promote a high level of quality in design in the development of private and public facilities;

  • 12) Promote implementation of the 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 municipal boundaries or have a direct impact on that municipality;

  • 14) Provide for efficient review of development proposals, to clarify and expedite the zoning approval process and provide for the procedures for the administration of the ordinance from which this chapter is derived, including, but not limited to, variances, special use permits and, where adopted, procedures for modifications.

(Ord. of 2-3-2025(1), § 1(Exh. A))