This chapter may be known and shall be cited as the City of Hoboken Zoning Ordinance.

The intent of this chapter is to establish a detailed plan relating to the nature and extent of the uses of land and of buildings and structures thereon. The regulations and districts set forth herein have been based on the land use plan element of the Master Plan, as adopted by the Hoboken Planning Board and designed to be substantially consistent therewith with respect to, among other factors, the character of each district and its peculiar suitability for certain uses with a view to encouraging the most appropriate uses of land throughout the City of Hoboken.

This chapter is adopted pursuant to the authority conferred by Chapter 291, Laws of New Jersey, 1975 for the general purposes set forth therein and more specifically to further the advancement of the city as a social, economic and political unit, to promote the general welfare and achieve the following purposes:

A. Promote sound development: to promote coordinated, sound development, protect the function and character of stable residential, commercial and industrial areas, taking into consideration the city's unique geographic location, natural and man-made features, social and institutional resources.

B. Consistence with Master Plan: based on the objectives of the land use plan element of the Master Plan, as they may be amended, to assign buildings and structures to specified zones or use districts, regulate buildings and structures according to their type and the nature and extent of their use, and regulate the nature and extent of the use of land for trade, industry, residence, open space or other purposes

C. Provide for adequate light and air. to regulate the bulk, height, number of stories and size of buildings and other structures; the percentage of lot or development area that may be occupied by structures; lot sizes and dimensions; and for these purposes to specify ratios and regulatory techniques governing the intensity of land use and the provision of adequate light and air, privacy and access to property.

D. Establish performance and development standards: to establish for particular uses. or classes of uses, reasonable standards of performance and standards for the provision of adequate physical improvements, including but not limited to off-street parking and loading areas; marginal access roads and other circulation facilities; water, sewerage and drainage facilities.

E. Protect against environmental and other hazards: to provide standards guarding against the consequences of flooding or the generation of noxious fumes, explosion, fire and other hazards endangering public health, safety, comfort and the general welfare.

F. Regulate alteration of existing buildings: to protect buildings of historic significance and to prevent such additions to, and alterations or remodeling of, existing buildings or structures as would not comply with the restrictions and limitations imposed hereunder.

G. Prohibit incompatible uses: to prohibit uses, buildings or structures which are incompatible with the character of development or the permitted uses within zoning districts.

This chapter applies within the city limits of the City of Hoboken, Hudson County, as now and hereafter established. The provisions of this chapter may be regarded as the minimum requirements for the protection of the public health, safety, comfort, convenience and welfare. This chapter is not intended to abrogate or annul any building permit, certificate of occupancy, variance or other lawful permit issued and in full force and effect on the effective date of this chapter.

This chapter is to be read in para materia with the Land Use Procedures Ordinance of the City of Hoboken, as passed by the Mayor and Council on April 6, 1977, and approved by the Mayor on April 7,1977, as it may be amended.'