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.