Chapter 17.04
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sections:
17.04.020 Purpose and applicability.
17.04.050 Code and land use interpretations.
17.04.060 Conflicts with other regulations.
17.04.070 Emergency situations.
17.04.010 Title.
This title shall be known and cited as the “Zoning Ordinance of the City of Valdez, Alaska.” (Ord. 24-01 § 1)
17.04.020 Purpose and applicability.
A. The purpose of this title is to regulate the use of land and improvements by districts in accordance with the city comprehensive plan. These zoning regulations are designed to provide for orderly development; to lessen street congestion; to promote public safety; to protect the public health and general welfare; to provide a high quality of life; to prevent overcrowding; and to stimulate systematic development of transportation, public utilities, educational facilities, parks, and other public facilities.
B. No building or land within the city shall have the existing use altered, used or occupied, and no building or part thereof shall be erected, moved or altered unless in conformity with the applicable provisions specified in this title.
C. Approval Required to Ensure Conformance. To ensure that public uses and structures conform to the general community pattern and to regulations governing private uses and development, agencies of the federal government, the state and the city shall submit plans and receive approvals in conformance with the requirements outlined in this title. (Ord. 24-01 § 1)
17.04.030 Comprehensive plan.
A. The comprehensive plan of the city of Valdez is the primary policy document to guide land use, transportation, conservation, public services, and capital investment decisions within the city. The zoning districts and associated development standards herein are intended to implement the goals and policies from the comprehensive plan. The comprehensive plan serves as the guiding document for the zoning ordinance. The provisions of this title have been developed according to the goals and policies of the plan.
B. The comprehensive plan shall provide guidance for actions including, but not limited to, rezoning as referenced herein. (Ord. 24-01 § 1)
17.04.040 Other plans.
A. Other long-range planning documents may be adopted by the city, such as the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, plans for small areas of the city, and more.
B. These plans provide context and guidance for land use and development decisions enabled by this title. (Ord. 24-01 § 1)
17.04.050 Code and land use interpretations.
In their interpretation and application, the provisions of this title shall be minimum regulations and shall apply uniformly within each district, each class or kind of building, structure, land, or water area, except as hereinafter specifically provided. (Ord. 24-01 § 1)
17.04.060 Conflicts with other regulations.
When the requirements of this title are at variance with the requirements of any other lawfully adopted ordinance of the city, those imposing the higher standards shall apply. (Ord. 24-01 § 1)
17.04.070 Emergency situations.
During a local disaster emergency declaration under AS 26.23.140 or a state disaster emergency declaration under AS 26.23.020(c), provisions of this title may be waived by the city manager or designee if deemed necessary to restore order. See Section 9.36.060 for emergency declaration information. (Ord. 24-01 § 1)