ARTICLE 14-1
INTRODUCTION



CONTENTS
14-1-1	INTENT
14-1-2	CONFLICTING REGULATIONS
14-1-3	PRIVATE AGREEMENTS
14-1-4	VESTED RIGHTS
14-1-5	STATUTORY EXEMPTIONS
14-1-6	JURISDICTION
14-1-7	ADMINISTRATION
14-1-8	ENFORCEMENT
14-1-9	AMENDMENTS



14-1-1	INTENT

The intent of this chapter is to secure adequate light and air, to prevent the overcrowding of land and undue concentration of population, to secure safety from fire, panic and other dangers, to lessen or avoid congestion in the streets, to facilitate the adequate provision of transportation, water, sewerage, schools, parks and other public facilities, and otherwise to pro-mote the health, safety, morals, convenience and general welfare of the citizens of the City of Peoria, Arizona.


14-1-2	CONFLICTING REGULATIONS

Wherever any provision of this chapter imposes more stringent requirements, regulations, restrictions or limitations than are imposed or required by the provisions of any other law or ordinance, the provisions of this chapter shall govern.  Whenever the provisions of any other law or ordinance impose more stringent requirements than are imposed or required by this chapter, then provisions of such ordinance or law shall govern.


14-1-3	PRIVATE AGREEMENTS

It is the intent of this chapter not to interfere with, abrogate or annul any easement, covenant, deed restriction or other agreement between parties; provided, however, that whenever this chapter imposes a greater restriction upon the use of buildings, structures or land, the provisions of this chapter shall govern. 


14-1-4	VESTED RIGHTS

This chapter and any of the provisions herein established are not intended and shall not be construed to establish any vested rights in or on behalf of any person, firm or corporation, in respect to the continuation of any particular, use, zoning district classification or any activity occurring in connection therewith.  


14-1-5	STATUTORY EXEMPTIONS

Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed as:

A.	Unreasonably affecting existing uses of property or the right to its continued use or the reasonable repair or alteration thereof for the purpose for which used prior to the effective date of this chapter:     

B.	Preventing, restricting or otherwise regulating the use or occupation of and improvements for railroad, metallurgical, grazing or general agricultural purposes, as herein defined, if the tract concerned is not less than two (2) contiguous acres. (Ord No. 03-25)


14-1-6	JURISDICTION

The jurisdiction of this chapter shall include all lands and waters within the corporate limits of the City of Peoria, Arizona.


14-1-7	ADMINISTRATION

Responsibility for the administration of this chapter is hereby vested in the Zoning Inspector. Zoning, as a police power vested in the City, is a primary means of regulating the specific, current and immediate future use of land in the community.  Zoning regulations must therefore be comprehensive and reasonable and must be adjusted and expanded as necessary to meet new and changing conditions.  To this end, the Planning and Zoning Commission shall, from time to time as the need arises, undertake and carry out such special studies and make such revisions, modifications and amendments of zoning standards, requirements, regulations, procedures and maps as may be necessary to improve the effectiveness of this chapter, and keep it responsive to Peoria's needs.  The Commission shall be assisted in its duties by the Zoning Inspector, and by such outside consultants as the Council may retain for the purpose.


14-1-8	ENFORCEMENT

Responsibility for the enforcement of this chapter as hereinafter provided is hereby vested in the office of the Zoning Inspector, who shall be a city official appointed by the Council.


14-1-9	AMENDMENTS

References within this ordinance to provisions, Articles or Sections of Articles within this ordinance shall be deemed to refer to said provision, Article or Section of Article as most recently amended, including cases in which such amendment may be located in a new or different Article or Section of Article of this ordinance or be otherwise renumbered.
ARTICLE 14-1 		INTRODUCTION

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