§ 44-1. Intent and purpose.

The city is primarily a small residential community surrounded by a waterfront on one side and by industries and industrial property on the other three sides. It is essential that all use areas be given adequate protection, so that the residential area may develop in an orderly manner, so that industrial properties may expand with new developments and compete with other similar industries in the greater metropolitan area. It is essential that commercial uses have an equal degree of protection to promote and preserve the retail shopping developments and provide adequate off-street parking facilities which will tend to keep customers coming to said shopping areas. It is also recognized that the purpose of industry and commerce is to provide the means for a decent and respectable life for the citizens of a community. With regard to the interests of public health, safety, morals and general welfare, it is essential that the residential areas be suitably located in relationship to industry and commerce, and that they be protected against the intrusions which will interfere with decent living conditions. It is essential that all of the uses of land and buildings within the city be so related as to provide for economy in government in such a manner that they may mutually support each other and each derive the greatest benefit from industry, commercial and residential areas.

(Code 1969, § 5.1; Code 1977, § 28-1)