This chapter shall be known and may be cited
as the "Zoning Ordinance of the City of Northampton, Massachusetts,"
hereinafter referred to as "this chapter."
This chapter is adopted pursuant to the authority
granted by Chapter 40A of the General Laws of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, as amended by Chapter 808 of the Acts of 1975, as amended,
herein called the "Zoning Act."
A.
This chapter is enacted for the following purposes:
to lessen congestion in the streets; to conserve health; to secure
safety from fire, flood, panic, and other dangers; to provide adequate
light and air; to prevent overcrowding of land; to avoid undue concentration
of population; to encourage housing for persons of all income levels;
to facilitate the adequate provision of transportation, water, water
supply, drainage, sewerage, schools, parks, open space and other public
requirements; to conserve the value of land and buildings, including
the conservation of natural resources and the prevention of blight
and pollution of the environment; to encourage the most appropriate
use of land throughout the City, including consideration of the recommendations
of the City's Master Plan, adopted by the Planning Board, and the
Comprehensive Plan of the Pioneer Valley Regional Planning Commission;
and to preserve and increase amenities by the promulgation of regulations
to fulfill said objectives.
B.
It is made with reasonable consideration to the character
of the district and to its peculiar suitability for particular uses,
with a view to giving direction or effect to land development policies
and proposals of the Planning Board, including making Northampton
a more viable and more pleasing place to live, work, and play.
A.
Amendment. This chapter may be amended from time to
time in accordance with Section 6 of the Zoning Act.[1] During the amendment procedure, subdivision plans in process
or review by the Planning Board under the Subdivision Control Law
shall be subject to the provisions of the Zoning Act.
[1]
Editor's Note: See MGL c. 40A, § 6.
B.
Validity. The invalidity, unconstitutionality, or
illegality of any provision of this chapter or boundary shown on the
Zoning Map shall not have and effect upon the validity, constitutionality,
or legality of any other provision or boundary.
C.
Effective date. This chapter shall take effect on
its enactment.
