Section 175-1 LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY; INTENT AND PURPOSE


A. By Act of the General Assembly of Virginia as provided in Chapter 22, Article 7, Section 15.2-2280 through 15.2-2316, Code of Virginia, and amendments thereto, the governing body of any county or municipality may, by ordinance, classify the territory under its jurisdiction or any substantial portion thereof into districts of such number, shape and size as it may deem best suited to carry out the purposes of this Article, and in each district it may regulate, restrict, permit, prohibit and determine the following:

 

(Ord. No. Z-11-00Amended Virginia Code References 9-25-00-Effective Upon Passage)

 

1. The use of land, buildings, structures and other premises for agricultural, business, industrial, residential, floodplain and other specific uses.

 

2. The size, height, area, bulk, location, erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, maintenance, razing or removal of structures.

 

3. The areas and dimensions of land, water and airspace to be occupied by buildings,  structures and uses and of courts, yards and other open spaces to be left unoccupied by uses and structures, including variations in the sizes of lots based on whether a public or community water supply or sewer system is available and used.

 

       4. The excavation or mining of soil or other natural resources.

 

B.   It is ordained by the Town Council of Front Royal, Virginia, for the purpose of promoting the health, safety or general welfare of the public and of further accomplishing the objectives of Section 15.2-2283, that the following be adopted as the Zoning Ordinance of Front Royal, Virginia, together with the accompanying map, and shall supersede the Zoning Ordinance of Front Royal, Virginia, dated August 1970. To these ends, this chapter has been designed to:

 

(Ord. No. Z-11-00Amended Virginia Code References 9-25-00-Effective Upon Passage)

 

1. Provide for adequate light, air, convenience of access and safety from fire, flood and other dangers.

 

        2. Reduce or prevent congestion in the public streets.

 

        3. Facilitate the creation of a convenient, attractive and harmonious community.

 

4. Facilitate the provision of adequate police and fire protection, disaster evacuation, civil defense, transportation, water, sewerage, flood protection, schools, parks, forests, playgrounds, recreational facilities, airports and other public requirements.

 

         5. Protect against destruction of or encroachment upon historic areas.

 

6. Protect against one (1) or more of the following: overcrowding of land, undue density of population in relation to the community facilities existing or available, obstruction of light and air, danger and congestion in travel and transportation or loss of life, health or property from fire, flood, panic or other dangers.

 

7.  Encourage economic development activities that provide desirable employment and enlarge the tax base.