PURPOSE
101 PURPOSE The intent of this document is to establish land use regulations to serve the City of Providence, also cited as the “City” in this Ordinance. The districts and regulations set forth in this Ordinance are in compliance with the Comprehensive Plan. The purposes of this Ordinance include:
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 city 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 use 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 city or areas in the municipality.
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, stormwater 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 unnatural disasters.
K. Promoting a high level of quality in design in the development of private and public facilities.
L. Promoting implementation of the Comprehensive Plan.
M. Providing for coordination of land uses with contiguous municipalities, other municipalities, 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.
P. Providing opportunities for reasonable accommodations in order to comply with the Rhode Island Fair Housing Practices Act, chapter 37 of title 34, the United States Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988 (FHAA), the Rhode Island Civil Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, chapter 87 of title 42, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), 42 U.S.C. §12101 et seq.