§ 102. Purpose

The Zoning Ordinance, with all its provisions, addresses the following purposes, each with equal priority and listed in no particular order:

A. Promoting the public health, safety and general welfare.

B. Providing for a range of uses and intensities of use appropriate to the character of the Town and reflecting current and expected future needs.

C. Providing for orderly growth and development which recognizes:

1. The goals and patterns of land use contained in the Comprehensive Plan;

2. The natural characteristics of the land, including its suitability for uses based on soil characteristics, topography, and susceptibility to surface or groundwater pollution;

3. The values and dynamic nature of coastal and freshwater ponds, the shoreline, and freshwater and coastal wetlands;

4. The values of unique or valuable natural resources and features;

5. The availability and capacity of existing and planned public and/or private services and facilities;

6. The need to shape and balance urban and rural development;

7. The use of innovative development regulations and techniques.

D. Providing for the control, protection, and/or abatement of air, water, groundwater and noise pollution, and soil erosion and sedimentation.

E. Providing for the protection of the natural, historic, cultural and scenic character of the Town or areas therein.

F. Providing for the preservation and promotion of agricultural production, forest, silviculture, aquaculture, timber resources and open space.

G. Providing for the protection of public investment in transportation, water, storm water management systems, sewage treatment and disposal, solid waste treatment and disposal, schools, recreation, public facilities, open space, and other public requirements.

H. Promoting a balance of housing choices, for all income levels and groups, to assure the health, safety and welfare of all citizens and their rights to affordable, accessible, safe and sanitary housing.

I. Providing opportunities for the establishment of low and moderate income housing.

J. Promoting safety from fire, flood, and other natural or man-made disasters.

K. Promoting a high level of quality in design in the development of private and public facilities.

L. Promoting implementation of the Town's Comprehensive Plan.

M. Providing for coordination of land uses with neighboring towns, the state and other agencies, as appropriate, especially with regard to resources and facilities that extend beyond municipal boundaries or have a direct impact on that municipality.

N. Providing for efficient review of development proposals, to clarify and expedite the zoning approval process.

O. Providing for procedures for the administration of the Zoning Ordinance including, but not limited to Variances, Special Use Permits, and where adopted, procedures for Modifications.