The purpose and intent of this title is to lessen congestion
in the streets, to conserve health, to secure safety from fire, flood,
panic and other dangers, to provide adequate light, air and space,
to prevent overcrowding of land, to avoid undue concentration of population,
to encourage housing for persons of all income levels, to facilitate
provision of transportation, water supply, drainage, sewerage, schools,
parks, open space and other public requirements, to conserve the value
of land and buildings, including the conservation of natural resources
and the prevention of blight and pollution of the environment, to
encourage the most appropriate use of land throughout the city, and
to preserve and increase amenities by the promulgation of regulations
to fulfill these objectives.
(C.O. 83-3 § 17-1)
The interpretation and application of the provisions of this
title shall be held to the minimum requirements adopted for the promotion
of the public health, safety, comfort, convenience and general welfare.
It is not intended by this title to repeal, abrogate, annul or in
any way to impair or interfere with any existing provisions of the
law or ordinance or any rules, regulations or permits previously adopted
or issued, or which shall be adopted or issued pursuant to law relating
to the use of buildings or premises, nor is it intended by this title
to interfere with or abrogate or annul any easements, covenants or
other agreements between parties; provided, however, that where this
title imposes a greater restriction upon the use of buildings or premises
or upon the height of buildings or requires larger yards, or other
open spaces, than are imposed or required by such existing provisions
of law or ordinance, or by such rules, regulations or permits, or
by such easements, covenants or agreements, the provisions of this
title shall control.
(C.O. 83-3 § 17-10)
No building shall, after the effective date of the ordinance
from which this title derives, be erected, constructed or placed;
no existing building shall be moved, altered, rebuilt, converted,
added to or enlarged; and no land shall be used for any purpose other
than listed as permitted uses in each zone except in conformance with
the requirements set forth in this title; nor shall any required open
space or yard contiguous to any building be encroached upon or reduced
in any manner. In the event of any such unlawful encroachment or reduction,
such building or uses are in violation of this title, and the certificate
of occupancy shall automatically become void.
(C.O. 83-3 § 17-9(C))
The provisions of this title shall not apply to customary local
utility distribution or collection lines for water, gas, telephone
or electric service. All facilities such as pumping stations, repeater
stations and electric substations which require a building above grade
shall be subject to the yard requirements.
(C.O. 83-3 § 17-9(G))
