Chapter 15.01
SHORT TITLE AND PURPOSE

Sections:

15.01.010    Short title.

15.01.020    Purpose of zoning code.

15.01.010 Short title.

This title shall be known and cited as the “Zoning Code, City of Kent.”

15.01.020 Purpose of zoning code.

A. In adopting this title, the city recognizes that there is a continuing need to regulate the use of land to promote the public health, safety, and general welfare. The city recognizes the opportunities to obtain an urban environment of high quality without unduly high public or private expenditures for development and without unreasonably restricting private enterprise or initiative.

B. The city further recognizes that since the general welfare of the public is superior in importance to the pecuniary profits of the individual, this title may (1) limit the use of property, (2) cause depreciation of property values, or (3) prevent the most profitable use of land. Zoning does not, therefore, constitute a vested right. Also, if some reasonable use of the property is allowed by this title, the effect is not confiscatory and is a proper exercise of the police power.

C. This title, in order to obtain the greatest benefits from the opportunities which exist in the city, has been prepared in accordance with the following principles:

1. This title is based on the city comprehensive plan with respect to the general pattern of future land uses and the principles of future land development expressed in such plan.

2. This title recognizes the importance to the community of all legitimate uses of land. This title further recognizes the need of all such uses to be protected from other uses which are unrelated or incompatible. Thus, each district is exclusive with respect to every other zoning district established in this title, and industrial zoning districts are protected from encroachment by residential uses as firmly as residential districts are protected from industrial encroachment.

3. Development standards are based on the best accepted contemporary practice, rather than on past practices. Contemporary practice recognizes the need for more flexible regulation than in the past, with more administrative discretion concerning land development decisions. Review of development plans is required in many districts to obtain well-designed and properly integrated developments.

4. Uses which would adversely affect adjoining uses or the public welfare, unless regulated in a particular way and meeting established standards and criteria, may be allowed as conditional uses subject to review by the hearing examiner.

5. Industrial uses are subject to control by performance standards. The approach allows potential nuisances to be measured factually and objectively and regulated accordingly.