Intent and purposes

It is the intent of this zoning code to aid in the implementation of the adopted comprehensive plan for the city. This zoning code and such plan are designed to further the purposes set forth in Title 45, Chapter 24, of the General Laws, and for the promotion with the greatest efficiency and economy of the coordinated development of the city and prosperity of its people, particularly in the following ways, each with equal priority and numbered for reference purposes only:

• • A. Promoting the public health, safety, and general welfare;

  • B. Providing for a range of uses and intensities of use appropriate to the character of the city and reflecting current and expected future needs;

  • C. Providing for orderly growth and development which recognizes:

    • 1. The goals and patterns of land use contained in the comprehensive plan of the city adopted pursuant to Title 45, Chapter 22.2 of the General Laws,

    • 2. The natural characteristics of the land, including its suitability for use based on soil characteristics, topography, and susceptibility to surface or groundwater pollution,

    • 3. The values and dynamic nature of coastal and freshwater ponds, the shoreline, and freshwater and coastal wetlands,

    • 4. The values of unique or valuable natural resources and features,

    • 5. The availability and capacity of existing and planned public and/or private service and facilities,

    • 6. The need to shape and balance urban and rural development, and

    • 7. The use of innovative development regulations and techniques;

  • D. Providing for the control, protection, and/or abatement of air, water, groundwater, and noise pollution, and soil erosion and sedimentation;

  • E. Providing for the protection of the natural, historic, cultural, and scenic character of the city or areas therein;

  • F. Providing for the preservation and promotion of agricultural production, forest, silviculture, aquaculture, timber resources, and open space;

  • G. 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;

  • H. 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;

  • I. Providing opportunities for the establishment of low and moderate income housing;

  • J. Promoting safety from fire, flood and other natural or man-made disasters;

  • K. Promoting a high level of quality in design in the development of private and public facilities;

  • L. Promoting implementation of the comprehensive plan of the city adopted pursuant to Title 45, Chapter 22.2 of the General Laws;

  • M. 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;

  • N. Providing for efficient review of development proposals, to clarify and expedite the zoning approval process;

  • O. Providing for procedures for the administration of the zoning code, including, but not limited to, variances, special use permits, and, where adopted, procedures for modifications;

  • P. Notwithstanding any provision of this zoning code, structures, buildings, and land may be erected and/or used by the City of Newport, or any agency or department thereof, for public or municipal purposes in any zoning district, and said structures, buildings, and lands so erected or used shall be exempt from the provisions of this zoning code.

(Ord. 2000-4 (part), 2000: Ord. 65-94 (part), 1994: prior code § 1260.02)