§ 60.103. Intent and purpose.

This code is adopted by the City of Saint Paul for the following purposes:

(a)

To promote and to protect the public health, safety, morals, aesthetics, economic viability and general welfare of the community;

(b)

To implement the policies of the comprehensive plan;

(c)

To classify all property in such manner as to encourage the most appropriate use of land throughout the city;

(d)

To regulate the location, construction, reconstruction, alteration and use of buildings, structures and land;

(e)

To ensure adequate light, air, privacy and convenience of access to property;

(f)

To facilitate the adequate provision of transportation, water, sewage disposal, education, recreation and other public requirements;

(g)

To lessen congestion in the public streets by providing for off-street parking of motor vehicles and for off-street loading and unloading of commercial vehicles;

(h)

To provide for safe and efficient circulation of all modes of transportation, including transit, pedestrian and bicycle traffic;

(i)

To encourage a compatible mix of land uses, at densities that support transit, that reflect the scale, character and urban design of Saint Paul's existing traditional neighborhoods;

(j)

To provide housing choice and housing affordability;

(k)

To promote the conservation of energy and the utilization of renewable energy resources;

(l)

To conserve and improve property values;

(m)

To protect all areas of the city from harmful encroachment by incompatible uses;

(n)

To prevent the overcrowding of land and undue congestion of population;

(o)

To fix reasonable standards to which buildings, structures and uses shall conform;

(p)

To protect water resources, improve water quality, and promote water conservation;

(q)

To provide for the adaptive reuse of nonconforming buildings and structures and for the elimination of nonconforming uses of land;

(r)

To define the powers and duties of the administrative officers and bodies;

(s)

To provide penalties for violations of the provisions of this code or any subsequent amendment thereto; and,

(t)

To provide for a board of zoning appeals and its powers and duties.

(C.F. No. 05-443, § 1, 7-15-05; C.F. No. 09-1286, § 1, 12-23-09)