15-1-601. Regulations; scope and purpose; uniformity within authorized districts; to follow plan; objectives.

(a) The governing body of any city or town, by ordinance, may:

(i) Regulate and restrict the:

(A) Height, number of stories and size of buildings and other structures;

(B) Percentage of lot that may be occupied;

(C) Size of yards, courts and other open spaces;

(D) Density of population; and

(E) Location and use of buildings, structures and land for trade, industry, residence or other purposes.

(ii) Establish setback building lines.

(b) The governing body may divide the city or town into districts of such number, shape and area as it deems necessary, and within those districts it may regulate and restrict the erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair or use of buildings, structures or land.

(c) Regulations may differ from one (1) district to another but shall be uniform for each class or kind of buildings within a district.

(d) All regulations shall be made:

(i) In accordance with a comprehensive plan and designed to:

(A) Lessen congestion in the streets;

(B) Secure safety from fire, panic and other dangers;

(C) Promote health and general welfare;

(D) Provide adequate light and air;

(E) Prevent the overcrowding of land;

(F) Avoid undue concentration of population; and

(G) Facilitate adequate provisions for transportation, water, sewerage, schools, parks and other public requirements.

(ii) With reasonable consideration, among other things, of the character of the district and its peculiar suitability for particular uses;

(iii) With a view to conserving the value of buildings and encouraging the most appropriate use of land throughout the city or town; and

(iv) With consideration given to the historic integrity of certain neighborhoods or districts and a view to preserving, rehabilitating and maintaining historic properties and encouraging compatible uses within the neighborhoods or districts, but no regulation made to carry out the purposes of this paragraph is valid to the extent it constitutes an unconstitutional taking without compensation.