[Amended 3-18-1996 by Ord. No. 1214]
A. In their interpretation and application, the provisions
of this chapter shall be held to be minimum requirements adopted for
the promotion of the public health, safety and general welfare. Among
other purposes, such provisions are intended to provide for adequate
light, air and convenience of access, to lessen congestion in the
streets, to secure safety from fire and other dangers, to avoid undue
concentration of population by regulating and limiting the use of
land, the height and bulk of buildings wherever erected, to limit
and determine the size of yards, courts and other open spaces, to
regulate the density of population; all with reasonable consideration
to the character of the district and its peculiar suitability for
particular uses and with a view to protecting the environment, conserving
the value of property and encouraging the most appropriate use of
land throughout the Borough of Leonia.
B. To promote the conservation of historic sites and
districts, open space, valuable natural resources and to prevent urban
sprawl and degradation of the environment through the improper use
of land.
C. To designate historic sites or Historic Districts,
regulate them and provide design criteria and guidelines for this
regulation. The designation and regulation, pursuant to this chapter
shall be in addition to such designation and regulation as this chapter
may otherwise provide.
It is not intended by this chapter to repeal,
abrogate, annul or in any way impair or interfere with existing provisions
of other laws or ordinances except those specifically or impliedly
repealed in this chapter or any private restrictions placed on property
by covenant, deed or other private agreement unless repugnant hereto.
Where this chapter imposes a greater restriction upon the use of buildings
or premises or upon the height of buildings or lot coverage or requires
greater lot areas or larger yards, courts 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 private restrictions,
the provisions of this chapter shall control.