In the interpretation and application, the provisions of this chapter shall be held to be minimum requirements adopted to lessen congestion in the streets; secure safety from fire, panic and other dangers; promote health, morals and the public welfare; provide adequate light and air; prevent the overcrowding of land or buildings; and avoid undue concentration of population; all with reasonable consideration, among other things, to the location of future municipal services and protections, the character of the district and its peculiar suitability for particular uses; and with a view of conserving the value of property, the economic stability and the soundness of the community and the most appropriate use of land throughout the town.

For the purposes hereinabove mentioned, this chapter designates, regulates and restricts the location and use of buildings and structures and land for residence, commerce, trade, industry or other purposes; the height, number of stories and size of buildings and other structures hereafter erected or altered; regulates and determines the size of yards and other open spaces; and regulates and limits the density of population. In order to effect its purpose, this chapter shall divide the town into zoning districts of such number, shape and area as may be deemed best to carry out the provisions of this chapter.

*The Annotations of Decisions of the Zoning Board of Adjustment and Planning Board relating to this chapter can be found in the Appendix to Chapter XX beginning on page 2087.

*The authority to regulate zoning is contained in R.S. 40:55D-1, et seq.