These regulations shall apply, and all land, buildings, premises, or part thereof, shall hereafter be used, constructed, reconstructed, extended, enlarged, moved and altered in conformity with these regulations. They are adopted for the following purposes in accordance with the Connecticut General Statutes (C.G.S.), as amended:
A.
To promote and to protect the public health, safety and welfare of the inhabitants of the Town of Winchester, Connecticut (hereinafter referred to as the "Town"), and of the public generally;
B.
To encourage the most appropriate use of land throughout the Town, thereby conserving the value of properties;
C.
To regulate the height, number of stories and size of buildings and other structures; the percentage of the area of the lot that may be occupied; the size of yards, courts and other open spaces; and the height, size, character and location of signs;
D.
To regulate the density of population and the location and use of buildings, structures and land for trade, industry, residence or other purposes;
E.
To divide the Town into zoning districts of such number, shape and area as may be best suited to carry out the purposes of these regulations;
F.
To regulate the erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration or use of buildings or structures and the use of land in such zoning districts;
G.
To permit certain classes or kinds of buildings, structures or uses of land within the Town only after obtaining a special permit;
H.
To lessen congestion in the streets;
I.
To secure safety from fire, panic, flood and other dangers;
J.
To provide adequate light and air;
K.
To prevent the overcrowding of land and avoid undue concentration of population;
L.
To facilitate the adequate provision for transportation, water, sewerage, schools, parks and public requirements;
M.
To further the policies of the Plan of Conservation and Development;
N.
To guide development in a manner which recognizes the importance of the natural environment and the Town's natural resources;
O.
To protect the value of buildings and property throughout the Town and the Town's ground and surface waters;
P.
To preserve the historical resources, natural features and visual qualities that enhance the character of the Town;
Q.
To encourage development of housing opportunities for all citizens of the Town consistent with soil types, terrain and infrastructure capacity;
R.
To prevent unreasonable pollution, impairment or destruction of the public trust in air, water or other natural resources of the Town;
S.
To guide development which minimizes impacts to wetlands, watercourses, flood-prone areas, hillsides, surface water and groundwater resources, and other sensitive and significant features of the natural landscape, and to establish soil erosion and sedimentation controls;
T.
To encourage energy-efficient patterns of development, the use of solar and other renewable forms of energy and energy conservation; and