Town of Coventry, RI Introduction

The regulations set forth in this chapter adopted December 19, 1994 (see Ord. No. 3-94-0196), as amended, are made in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan of the Town of Coventry, adopted on July 27, 1992, for the following purposes:

(1)

To promote the health, safety, morals and general welfare of the public;

(2)

To provide for a range of uses and intensities of uses appropriate to the character of the Town and reflecting current and expected future needs;

(3)

To provide for orderly growth and development which recognizes:

(a)

The goals and patterns of land use contained in the Comprehensive Plan of the Town adopted on July 27, 1992;

(b)

The natural characteristics of the land, including its suitability for use based on soil characteristics, topography, and susceptibility to surface 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; and

(g)

The use of innovative development regulations and techniques.

(4)

To provide for the control, protection, and/or abatement of air, water, groundwater, and noise pollution, and soil erosion and sedimentation;

(5)

To provide for the protection of the natural, historic, cultural, and scenic character of the Town and/or areas therein;

(6)

To provide for the preservation and promotion of agricultural production, forest, silviculture, aquaculture, timber resources, and open space;

(7)

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;

(8)

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;

(9)

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

(10)

To promote safety from fire, flood, and other natural or man-made disasters;

(11)

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

(12)

To promote implementation of the Coventry Comprehensive Plan;

(13)

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;

(14)

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

(15)

To provide for procedures for the administration of this chapter, including, but not limited to, variances, special use permits, and administrative variances.

In the instance of uncertainty in the construction or application of any section of this chapter, the chapter shall be construed in a manner that will further the implementation of, and not be contrary to, the goals and policies and applicable elements of the Comprehensive Plan.