The regulations, zones and districts herein set forth are made in accordance with a comprehensive plan prepared, adopted and as may be amended in accordance with RIGL Section 45-.22.2 and shall be designed to address the following purposes. This chapter is adopted pursuant to RIGL Section 45-24.27 et seq. The general assembly and the city recognize these purposes, each with equal priority and numbered for reference purposes only.
A. 
Promoting the public health, safety, morals and general welfare.
B. 
Providing for a range of uses and intensities of use appropriate to the character of the city and reflecting current and expected future needs.
C. 
Providing for orderly growth and development which recognizes:
1. 
The goals and patterns of land use contained in the comprehensive plan of the city adopted pursuant to RIGL Section 45-22.2;
2. 
The natural characteristics of the land, including its suitability for use based on soil characteristics, topography and susceptibility to surface or groundwater pollution;
3. 
The values and dynamic nature of coastal and freshwater ponds, the shoreline and freshwater and coastal wetlands;
4. 
The values of unique or valuable natural resources and features;
5. 
The availability and capacity of existing and planned public and/or private services and facilities;
6. 
The need to shape and balance urban and rural development; and
7. 
The use of innovative development regulations and techniques.
D. 
Providing for the control, protection and/or abatement of air, water, groundwater and noise pollution and soil erosion and sedimentation.
E. 
Providing for the protection of the natural, historic, cultural and scenic character of the city or town or areas therein.
F. 
Providing for the preservation and promotion of agricultural production, forest, silviculture, aquaculture, limber resources and open space.
G. 
Providing 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.
H. 
Promoting 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.
I. 
Providing opportunities for the establishment of low and moderate income housing.
J. 
Promoting safety from fire, flood and other natural or manmade disasters.
K. 
Promoting a high level of quality in design in the development of private and public facilities.
L. 
Promoting implementation of the comprehensive plan of the city adopted pursuant to RIGL Section 45-22.2.
M. 
Providing 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 that municipality.
N. 
Providing for efficient review of development proposals, to clarify and expedite the zoning approval process.
O. 
Providing for procedures for the administration of the zoning ordinance, including, but not limited to, variances, special-use permits and, where adopted, procedures for modifications.
(Prior code § 30-1)