§ 32-4-102. DEVELOPMENT POLICIES.

(a)

Conformity with Master Plan required.

(1)

Subject to the limitations in the Charter and this Code, all development of land shall conform to:

(i)

The Master Plan;

(ii)

Adopted community plans; and

(iii)

This title.

(2)

(i)

Land to be developed should be of such character that it can be used safely for building purposes without danger to health or peril from flood, fire, erosion or other menace.

(ii)

The area of peril from flood is characterized as the riverine floodplain and tidal floodplain as defined in Title 8 of this article.

(b)

Intent of laws.

(1)

This title is intended to protect and promote public health, safety, and welfare and to ensure that public facilities, services, and amenities are provided.

(2)

This title is intended to ensure that proposed development projects are safe, adequate, convenient and, where applicable, provide for the following:

(i)

Conservation of existing communities and the promotion of the quality of development, site and building design, and compatibility;

(ii)

Promotion of economic development to expand the tax base, provide employment, facilitate commercial activity, and house the citizens of the county;

(iii)

Improved linkage between developments to enhance circulation of motor vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians, including appropriate location and design of streets, foot paths, and transit facilities relative to their anticipated functions and to existing facilities;

(iv)

Water supply, sewerage, stormwater drainage, street lighting, fire protection, and emergency services, including adequacy of water volume, water pressure, and emergency access to all parts of the property;

(v)

Community services, including schools, parks and other open spaces, recreation areas and facilities, and other amenities for users or occupants of the property;

(vi)

Prevention of environmental degradation and promotion of environmental enhancement, including adequacy of landscaping and energy conservation measures, and of protection of floodplains, steep slopes, watersheds, nontidal wetlands, tidal wetlands, vegetation, other natural features and historical sites or areas; and

(vii)

Preservation of agricultural lands, including adequacy of protection of prime and productive soils from inappropriate development.

(1988 Code, § 26-166) (Bill No. 1, 1992, § 2, 3-2-1992; Bill No. 173-93, § 3, 11-17-1993; Bill No. 79-01, § 2, 7-1-2004; Bill No. 75-03, § 8, 7-1-2004; Bill No. 42-12, § 1, 6-18-2012)