§ 50-642. Purpose.

(a)

The purpose of this article is to establish comprehensive controls for the development of land in the county based on the comprehensive plan, and enacted in order to protect, promote and improve the public health, safety, comfort, order, appearance, convenience, morals and general welfare of the people.

(b)

The objectives of this article are to provide for:

(1)

Efficiency and economy in the process of development;

(2)

The appropriate and best use of land;

(3)

Preservation, protection, development and conservation of the natural resources of land, water and air;

(4)

Convenience of traffic and circulation of people and goods;

(5)

The use and occupancy of buildings;

(6)

Healthful and convenient distribution of population;

(7)

Adequate public facilities and utilities;

(8)

Promotion of the civic amenities of beauty and visual interest; and

(9)

Development in accord with the comprehensive plan.

(c)

To accomplish these purposes, the board of county commissioners shall divide the entire county into districts of such number, shape and size as may be deemed best suited to carry out the purposes of this article, and within these districts may regulate, determine and establish:

(1)

Height, number of stories, size, bulk, location, erection, construction, repair, reconstruction, alteration and use of buildings and other structures for trade, industry, residence and other purposes;

(2)

Use of land and water for trade, profession, residence and other purposes;

(3)

Size of yards and other open spaces;

(4)

Percentage of lot that may be occupied;

(5)

Density of population;

(6)

Conditions under which various classes of nonconformities may continue, including authority to set fair and reasonable amortization schedules for the elimination of nonconforming uses;

(7)

Use, type and size of structures in those areas subject to seasonal or periodic flooding so that danger to life and property in such areas will be minimized; and

(8)

Performance standards for use of property and location of structures thereon.

(d)

All such regulations shall be uniform throughout each district, but the regulations in one district may differ from those in other districts. For each district designated for the location of trades, callings, industries, commercial enterprises, residences or buildings designed for specific uses, regulations may specify those uses that shall be excluded or subject to reasonable requirements of a special nature.

(1991 LDR ch. 79, § 1.02)