Consistency with Comprehensive Plan; purpose

A. The zoning regulations set forth in this chapter have been developed and shall be maintained in accordance with the Town's Comprehensive Community Plan. Where uncertainty in the construction or application of any section of this chapter exists, it shall be construed in a manner that will further the implementation of, and not to be contrary to, the goals and policies and applicable elements of the Comprehensive Plan.
B. This chapter is designed to achieve the following purposes:
- (1) Promote the public health, safety, and general welfare of the Town of West Greenwich.
- (2) Provide for a range of uses and intensities of use appropriate to the character of the Town of West Greenwich 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 West Greenwich Comprehensive Plan adopted and as may be amended;
  - (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 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; and
  - (g) The uses of innovative development regulations and techniques.
- (4) Provide for the control, protection, and/or abatement of air, water, groundwater, noise pollution, soil erosion and sedimentation.
- (5) Provide for the protection of the natural, historic, cultural, and scenic character of the Town of West Greenwich.
- (6) Provide for the preservation and promotion of agriculture production, forest and timber resources, and open space.
- (7) Provide for the protection of public investment in transportation, water, stormwater management systems, sewage treatment and disposal, schools, recreation, public facilities, open space and other public requirements.
- (8) 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; provide opportunities for the establishment of low- and moderate-income housing.
- (9) Promote safety from fire, flood, and other natural or man-made disasters.
- (10) Promote a high level of quality in design in the development of private and public facilities.
- (11) Promote implementation of the Town's Comprehensive Plan as adopted and as may be amended.
- (12) 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 the municipality.
- (13) Provide for efficient review of development proposals, to clarify and expedite the zoning approval process.
- (14) Provide for procedures for the administration of this chapter.