The zoning districts and regulations set forth in this Zoning Ordinance are made in accordance with the Comprehensive Community Plan, Town of Cumberland, adopted on December 4, 1991 and for the following purposes:

(a) To promote the public health, safety, and general welfare of the Town.

(b) To provide for a range of uses and intensities of use appropriate to the character of the Town and reflecting current and expected future needs.

(c) To provide for orderly growth and development which recognizes:

(1) the goals and patterns of land use contained in the aforesaid Comprehensive Community Plan of the Town adopted pursuant to Chapter 45-22.2 of the general laws of Rhode Island;

(2) the natural characteristics of the land, including its suitability for use based on soil characteristics, topography, and susceptibility to surface or groundwater pollution;

(3) the values and dynamic nature of the Town's waterbodies including the Blackstone River, freshwater ponds, streams, and freshwater wetlands;

(4) the entire Town is within three watersheds: Arnold's Mill, Blackstone River and the Sneech Pond watersheds;

(5) the values of unique or valuable natural resources and features;

(6) the availability and capacity of existing and planned public and/or private services and facilities;

(7) the need to shape and balance urban, suburban and rural development, and;

(8) the use of innovative development regulations and techniques.

(d) To provide for the control, protection, and/or abatement of air, water, groundwater, and noise pollution, and soil erosion and sedimentation.

(e) To provide for the protection of the natural, historic, cultural, and scenic character of the Town or areas therein.

(f) To provide for the preservation and promotion of open space and recreation resources of the Town.

(g) To provide for the protection of public investment in transportation, water, stormwater management systems, sewage treatment and disposal, solid waste treatment and disposal, schools, recreation, public facilities, open space, and other public requirements.

(h) To promote a balance of housing choices, for all income levels and groups, to assure the health, safety, and welfare of all citizens and their rights to affordable, accessible, safe and sanitary housing.

(i) To promote safety from fire, flood, and other natural or man-made disasters.

(j) To promote a high level of quality in design in the development of private and public facilities.

(k) To promote implementation of the Comprehensive Community Plan, as amended, of the Town.

(l) To provide for coordination of land uses with contiguous municipalities, other municipalities, the State and other agencies.

(m) To provide for efficient review of development proposals, and to clarify and expedite the zoning approval process.

(n) To provide for procedures for the administration of this Ordinance.