Laserfiche WebLink
• • <br />• That there is a reasonable difference of interpretation as to the specific intent <br />of the zoning regulations or zoning map, provided the i~erpretation of the <br />enforcement officer is a reasonable presumption and the zoning ordinance is <br />unreasonable. <br />• That the resulting interpretation will not grant a special privilege to one <br />property inconsistent with other properties or uses similarly situated. <br />• The decision of the Board must be in the best interest of the community and <br />consistent with the spirit and interest of the City's zoning laws and the <br />Comprehensive Plan of the City of La Porte. <br />.Section 1-200 -Purpose <br />This section of the Zoning Ordinance sets forth the purpose of the Zoning Ordinance and <br />provides a basic guideline to which we should adhere in interpreting the various <br />ordinances the City has adopted. Section 1-200 states in pertinent part that: <br />"The zoning regulations...as herein established have been made...for the <br />purpose of promoting health, safety, morals, and the general welfare of the <br />City of La Porte. They have been designed to...secure safety from fire, <br />panic, and other dangers...They have been made to reasonable <br />consideration..." <br />Accordingly, we should bear in mind that the express purpose and intent of the ordinance <br />is to make sure that the City in which we live is a safe place that protects us from as <br />many dangers that is reasonably possible. To this end, we should apply and consider the <br />intention of Section 1-200 in analyzing the subsequent zoning ordinances, including <br />Section 10-502. <br />Section 10-502 -General .Fencing and Landscaping Requirements <br />This section sets forth the allowable locations in which a fence may be constructed on <br />a bay front lot as well as the type of materials which must be used. With respect to the <br />location of the fence the ordinance sets out the boundaries by defining the allowable side <br />fence locations and by defining the prohibited cross fence location. To be specific, and <br />with respect to side fences the ordinance states: <br />"In the case of the lots with a front yard directly adjacent to the shoreline of <br />Galveston Bay, four feet (4') front yard fences are permitted parallel and <br />adjacent to the side lot lines..." <br />This section clearly and unequivocally allows side fences on the lot line or in a location, <br />for example, near the lot line and extending from the house the entire distance of the lot <br />