Zoning Authority

As a control over the use of land, zoning is based upon the idea that property rights are created by the action of a system of laws and government, and that, therefore, the rights of individual property owners may be modified in the interest of the larger group of people living under those laws.  Specifically, zoning is based upon the police powers reserved to the States under the United States Constitution and delegated to municipalities by state enabling legislation.  As applied to zoning, the police powers allow that certain restrictions may be placed upon the use of property. In order to promote and protect the health, safety and welfare of the community as a whole.  Each of these for which permit has been duly granted, and which has begun prior to the passage of this ordinance, or completing any work or action duly authorized and begun prior to said time in conformity with the provisions of existing law.