§ 19.01.020. Purpose and Intent of Zoning Ordinance.

This zoning ordinance implements the goals and policies of the Novato General Plan by classifying and regulating the uses of land and structures within the City of Novato. In addition, this zoning ordinance is adopted to protect and to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare of residents, and preserve and enhance the aesthetic quality of the City. To fulfill these purposes, it is the intent of this Zoning Ordinance to:

A.

Provide standards for the orderly growth and development of the City, and guide and control the use of land to provide a safe, harmonious, attractive, and sustainable community;

B.

Implement the uses of land designated by the Novato General Plan and avoid conflicts between land uses;

C.

Maintain and protect the value of property;

D.

Conserve and protect the open space, scenic beauty, and other natural resources of the City;

E.

Protect the character, and social and economic stability of residential, commercial, and industrial areas;

F.

Assist in maintaining a high quality of life without causing unduly high public or private costs for development or unduly restricting private enterprise, initiative, or innovation in design; and

G.

Provide for appropriate citizen participation in the decisions made in compliance with this Zoning Ordinance.

( Ord. No. 1576, § 2 (Exh. A, amd.) , 10-23-2012)