Zoning

The broad purpose of the Zoning Code is to implement the General Plan, to promote and protect the public health, safety, comfort, and general welfare of the residents of the Town of Gilbert. Generally, the Zoning Code is intended to: A. Direct growth with priority to those areas where infrastructure and urban services can be economically provided; B. Ensure consistency and conformity among the General Plan, zoning districts, and zoning ordinances; C. Maintain and enhance the appearance and function of both new and existing development; D. Promote an efficient use of land resources; E. Ensure compatibility among land uses; F. Ensure the provision of adequate open space for light, air, and fire safety. G. Ensure that service demands of new development will not exceed the capacities of existing or planned streets, utilities, or public services; H. Conserve the natural environment, protect environmentally sensitive areas, and enhance the quality of the built environment; I. Promote energy and water conservation through project design; J. Establish consistent standards regulating the use and physical development of land; and K. Preserve and enhance property values. Official Zoning Map Adoption. The Town is hereby divided into zones, or districts, as shown on the Official Zoning Map which, together with all explanatory matter thereon, is hereby adopted by reference and declared to be a part of the Zoning Code. District Boundary or Classification Changes. If, in accordance with the provisions of the Zoning Code, changes are made in district boundaries, district classifications, or other matter set forth on the Official Zoning Map, such changes shall be entered on the Official Zoning Map within 15 days following the effective date of the Ordinance adopting the change. Maintenance of Official Zoning Map. The Official Zoning Map shall be maintained in electronic format by the Technology Services department, as authorized by the Director of Planning. Copies of the Official Zoning Map. Paper copies of the Official Zoning Map shall be certified as true and correct by the director of the Technology Services department authorized by the Director of Planning. Electronic copies of the Official zoning map shall not be certified as true and correct. Where uncertainty exists regarding the boundary of a zoning district, the following rules shall apply: District boundaries shown as approximately following the property line of a lot or parcel shall be construed to follow such property line. Where a district boundary divides a lot or parcel, the location of the district boundary shall be determined by the Zoning Administrator using the scale appearing on the Official Zoning Map. District boundaries shown as approximately following right-of-way lines of freeways, streets, railroads, or other identifiable boundary lines shall be construed to follow such right-of-way or boundary lines. District boundaries shown as lying within right-of-way lines of freeways, streets, railroads, or other identifiable boundary lines shall be construed to follow the centerline of such right-of- way or boundary lines. District boundaries shown as lying at the edge of a canal or drainage channel shall be construed to follow the centerline of the canal or drainage channel. If any uncertainty remains as to the location of a district boundary or other feature shown on the Official Zoning Map, the location shall be determined by the Zoning Administrator. Record of Interpretation. The Zoning Administrator shall keep a record of interpretations made pursuant to this section. The record of interpretations shall be available to the public.