A. Applicability to Property. This code shall apply, to the extent permitted by law, to all property within the city of Maricopa, including all uses, structures and land owned by any private person, firm, corporation or organization, or local, state or federal agencies. Any governmental agency shall be exempt from the provisions of this code only to the extent that such property may not be lawfully regulated by the city of Maricopa.

B. Applicability to Streets and Rights-of-Way. Streets, easements, and rights-of-way shall be in the same zoning district as contiguous property. Where contiguous properties are in different zoning districts, the centerline of the street shall be the district boundary unless otherwise depicted on the official zoning map.

C. Compliance with Guidelines. All projects subject to the provisions of this code shall also comply with any guidelines and policies adopted by the city council and planning commission, including but not limited to the Heritage District Design Guidelines and Single-Family Residential Design Guidelines, and any amendments and updates thereto.

D. Compliance with Regulations. No land shall be used, and no structure shall be constructed, occupied, enlarged, altered, demolished, or moved, in any zoning district, except in accordance with the provisions of this code.

E. Provisions Interpreted as Minimum Requirements. In interpreting and applying the provisions of this title, they shall be held to be the minimum requirements for the promotion of the public health, safety, comfort, convenience, and general welfare.

F. Substandard Lot. An existing, legally created lot as of the effective date of the zoning code having a width or area less than that required for the base district in which it is located may be occupied by a permitted use or use requiring approval of a use permit. However, no substandard lot may be further reduced in area or width and no substandard lot will be exempt from the setback requirements of the district. A substandard lot shall be considered a nonconforming lot in accordance with Chapter 18.100 MCC, Nonconforming Uses and Structures.

G. Lots or Parcels Divided by District Boundaries. The regulations applicable to each district shall be applied to the entire area within that district, and no use other than parking, landscaping, open space, and drainage serving a principal use on the lot or parcel may be located in a district in which it is not a permitted use or use approved by a use permit.

H. Public Nuisance. Neither the provisions of the zoning code nor the approval of any permit authorized by the zoning code shall authorize the maintenance of any public nuisance.

I. Relation to Other Regulations. The regulations of this code and requirements or conditions imposed pursuant to this code shall not supersede any other regulations or requirements adopted or imposed by the state of Arizona, or any federal agency that has jurisdiction by law over uses and development authorized by this code. All uses and development authorized by this code shall comply with all other such regulations and requirements. Where conflict occurs between the provisions of this code and any other city code, chapter, resolution, guideline, or regulation, the more restrictive provisions shall control, unless otherwise specified.

J. Relation to Private Agreements. This code shall not interfere with or annul any recorded easement, covenant, or other agreement now in effect; provided, that where this code imposes greater restriction than imposed by an easement, covenant, or agreement, this code shall control. This code shall not impose any additional restrictions or supersede any provisions of existing or future development agreements authorized by the city council and executed by recording the development agreement with the county recorder’s office, pursuant to A.R.S. § 9-500.05.

K. Relation to Prior Zoning. Zoning district designations and associated Planned Area development (PAD) overlay districts established prior to the adoption of this code and delineated on the official zoning map remain in place unless specifically rezoned under the provisions of this code established in Division 5 of this code.

L. Application during Local Emergency. The mayor may authorize a deviation from a provision of this code during a local emergency declared and ratified under the Maricopa City Code. The council may authorize a deviation by resolution without notice or public hearing. [Ord. 14-12 § 1; Res. 14-36 § 101.04.]