General purposes

The zoning ordinance has been developed and shall be maintained in accordance with the comprehensive plan as prepared and adopted, and as may be amended in accordance with R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-22.2-1 et seq. The zoning ordinance addresses the following purposes:

A.  To promote the public health, safety and general welfare;

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 that recognizes:

1. The goals and patterns of land use contained in the comprehensive plan adopted pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-22.2-1 et seq.,

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 freshwater ponds and 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 services and facilities,

6. The need to shape and balance suburban and rural development, and

7. The use of innovative development regulations and techniques;

D.  To provide for the control, protection from and 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 agricultural production, forest, silviculture, aquaculture, timber resources and open space;

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, to assure the health, safety and welfare of all citizens and their rights to affordable, accessible, safe and sanitary housing;

I.  To provide opportunities for the establishment of low and moderate income housing;

J.  To promote safety from fire, flood and other natural or manmade disasters;

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

L.  To promote implementation of the comprehensive plan adopted pursuant to R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-22.2-1 et seq.;

M.  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 town boundaries or have a direct impact on the town;

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

O.  To provide for procedures for the administration of the zoning ordinance, including, but not limited to, variances, special-use permits, and procedures for modifications.

(Ord. dated 12-19-94(part); Ord. dated 7-15-08; Ord. dated 5-21-24)