General purposes
The zoning ordinances have been prepared, adopted and as may be amended in accordance with the comprehensive plan and have been designed to address the purposes in this section. The town recognizes the following purposes, each with equal priority, and are numbered for reference purposes only:
(1) Promoting the public health, safety and general welfare.
(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 which recognizes the following:
a. The goals, objectives and patterns of land use contained in the town comprehensive plan.
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 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.
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, historic, cultural and scenic character of the town.
(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 ensure the health, safety and welfare of all citizens and citizens' 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 humanmade 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.
(13) Providing for coordination of land uses with contiguous municipalities, other municipalities, the state and other agencies, as appropriate, to ensure that the land uses are consistent with the town's comprehensive plan, especially with regard to resources and facilities that extend beyond municipal boundaries or that have a direct impact on the town.
(14) Providing for efficient review of development proposals, to clarify and expedite the zoning review process.
(15) Providing for procedures for the administration of this chapter, including but not limited to variances, special use permits, special permits, special exceptions and modifications.
(Ord. No. 94-12, § 1, 6-27-1994)