Griffin explains purpose of city's zoning ordinances

Why can't I build a four-story sheet metal plant next to my neighbor's pool? Why can't I raise chickens behind the Huddle House? Why can't I put a 1968 mobile home next to the library? It's my land; I paid for it. I should be able to do what I want with it.

David Griffin, zoning administrator and building and code enforcement officer for the City of Lincolnton, has the answers to these questions.

First, he tackled the issue of jurisdiction, saying, "The city's zoning ordinances apply to all land, buildings, and structures within the city limits; whereas, Lincoln County Government is responsible for the zoning regulations that govern the unincorporated area of the county."

According to Griffin, "If you move out of state, you will find that every city and county in the United States of America has zoning ordinances. Some may be called by a different name, but no matter what they are called, their basic goals are the same: To protect property values and promote safety and health."

The zoning administrator went on to say that while the zoning ordinances for the city and the county may be similar, they are not the same. "So when you have questions, be sure that you contact the right office."

The city's zoning office is in City Hall, and the county's zoning department is located at 107 Perryman Av- enue, across the street from the courthouse.

In other comments, Griffin addressed the purpose of zoning ordinances. "Ordinances of this nature are designed to protect you and your property values, while affording identical protection to your neighbors at the same time.

"The intent of zoning ordinances is to establish a precise and detailed plan for the purpose of promoting the health, safety, morals, convenience, order, prosperity, and welfare of the present and future inhabitants of the City of Lincolnton," he continued. "In furtherance of this general intent, the city establishes minimum standards for the use of land and improvements thereon."

More specifically, zoning requirements are adopted for the following purposes:

.. To lessen congestion in the streets.

.. To guide development in accordance with existing and future needs.

.. To provide adequate light and air.

.. To ensure safety from fire, panic, and other dangers.

.. To facilitate the economical and adequate provision of public facilities, such as transportation, water, sewerage, education, recreation, sanitation, and other public requirements.

.. To avoid undue concentration of the population.

.. To sustain the stability of neigh- borhoods.

.. To protect property against blight and depreciation.

.. To conserve the value of land and buildings.

.. To secure economy in government expenditures.

.. To encourage the most appropriate use of land and structures.

In closing, Griffin said city residents need to remember to call him whenever they want to make improvements to a house, a building, a piece of property, etc. "I am here to help you accomplish whatever it is you want to do. Nevertheless, I must always stay within the rules - it's only fair."

For more information about zoning regulations in the city, contact David Griffin at 706-359-3239.