This chapter establishes and implements regulatory powers to the ends that sufficient light, pure air, convenient access and public safety from fire, flood and other dangers may be secured; that the value of land and buildings throughout the City may be conserved and enhanced; that the hazards or nuisances to persons and property resulting from inappropriate uses of land or buildings may be lessened or avoided; that neighborhoods, sites and buildings of historical, architectural or aesthetic value may be preserved; and that the public health, safety, comfort and welfare may otherwise be promoted. To these ends this chapter is enacted to:
A. 
Guide and regulate the orderly growth, development and redevelopment of the City of Schenectady in accordance with long-term planning objectives, principles and standards deemed beneficial to the interest and welfare of the people.
B. 
Protect the established character and the social and economic well-being of both private and public property.
C. 
Promote, in the public interest, the utilization of land for the purposes for which it is most desirable and best adapted.
D. 
Regulate and limit the height, bulk and location of buildings.
E. 
Establish, regulate and limit the building or setback lines on or along streets in the City.
F. 
Regulate and limit the density of population and the intensity of uses of lot areas.
G. 
Regulate and determine the area of yards, courts and other open spaces within and surrounding buildings.
H. 
Classify, regulate and restrict the location of trades and industries and the location of buildings designed for specified industrial, business, residential and other uses.
I. 
Divide the entire City into districts of such number, shape and area and of such different classes according to use of land and buildings, height and bulk of buildings, intensity of use of lot areas, area of open spaces and other classifications as may be deemed best suited to regulate development.
J. 
Fix standards to which buildings or structures in such districts shall conform.
K. 
Prohibit uses, buildings or structures incompatible with the character of established districts.
L. 
Provide a means to preserve the distinctive historic, cultural and architectural characteristics of the buildings, sites and neighborhoods within the City.
M. 
Provide regulations pertaining to preexisting buildings, structures and uses which do not conform to the regulations, standards, restrictions and limitations established by this chapter.
N. 
Provide administrative bodies and procedures as shall be necessary for the implementation, amendment and enforcement of the various requirements of this chapter.