Statement of Purpose
101. Statement of Purpose The zoning districts and regulations set forth in this Zoning Ordinance are made in accordance with the provisions of Rhode Island General Law (RIGL) 45-24 and consistent with the Comprehensive Plan of the Town of North Providence, adopted by the Town Council of the Town of North Providence and approved by the Director of the Rhode Island Department of Administration under the provisions of RIGL 45-22.2 and for the following purposes:
A. To promote public health, safety, and general welfare of the Town.
B. To provide for a range of uses and intensities of use appropriate to the character of the Town and reflecting current and expected future needs.
C. To provide for orderly growth and development which recognizes:
(1) the goals and patterns of land use contained in the aforesaid Comprehensive Plan of the Town adopted pursuant to RIGL, Chapter 45-22.2;
(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 value and dynamic nature of the Town's water bodies including freshwater ponds, streams, and freshwater wetlands;
(4) the value of unique natural resources and features;
(5) the availability and capacity of existing and planned public and/or private services and facilities;
(6) the need to shape and balance the urban and suburban development, and redevelopment of the town;
(7) the use of innovative development regulations and techniques.
D. To provide for the control, protection and/or abatement of air, water, groundwater, and noise pollution and soil erosion and sedimentation.
E. To provide for the protection of the natural, historic, cultural, and scenic character of the Town or areas therein.
F. To provide for the preservation and promotion of the open space and recreation resources of the Town.
G. To provide 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. To promote a balance of housing choices for all income levels and groups and to assure the health, safety, and welfare of all citizens and their rights to affordable, accessible, safe and sanitary housing, including low and moderate income housing.
I. To promote safety from fire, flood and other natural or man-made disasters.
J. To promote a high level of quality in design in the development and redevelopment of private and public facilities.
K. To promote implementation of the Comprehensive Plan of the Town of North Providence.
L. To 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 town or have a direct impact on the town.
M. To provide for efficient review of development proposals, and to clarify and expedite the zoning approval process.
N. To provide for procedures for the efficient and effective administration of this Ordinance.
O. To provide for conformance of the National Fire Prevention Act (“NFPA”) codes by the town and the Authority having jurisdiction (AHJ)