§ 17.24.010. Purpose.

A.

In 1732 the town of Salisbury was established at the head of the Wicomico River. The CBD is located in this central area of the city where the town began. For many years "downtown" was the center of all trade and industrial activity for the region. It survived and was rebuilt twice after being practically destroyed by fires in 1860 and 1866. Through the years as the city grew and other business areas sprang up along major highways and intersections, the downtown area evolved from the traditional main street central shopping area into the center of governmental, professional, institutional and law enforcement facilities while still retaining service and retail activities. This was accomplished through the city's involvement in adoption and implementation of plans, urban renewal and studies for revitalization of the downtown area.

B.

In 1962 the central business district revitalization plan was adopted. In the late 1960's and early 1970's an urban design study was completed, two urban renewal projects were completed, and an urban river plan was adopted, recognizing the Wicomico River as an important natural asset to future development of the downtown area. In 1980 a R/UDAT Study was completed, and in 1981 a downtown historic district was created. During this time considerable public and private funds were expended implementing these plans and studies.

C.

The purpose of the central business district is to maintain and strengthen the role of the downtown area as the community and regional center for a broad range of governmental, cultural, institutional, professional, business, service and retail activities; to enhance the vitality of the downtown by encouraging residential uses; to continue to carry out and implement the recommendations contained in adopted plans and studies for development of the CBD; and to assure that improvements made using public funds are utilized to the greatest extent possible for the benefit of the public in further development of the downtown area. To ensure that the role of the CBD is maintained and land uses are compatible, general functional categories of land use are described, and special standards for development are set forth. To ensure that development within this district is consistent with the recommendations of the adopted plans, the downtown historic district and any other special development plans which may be effective from time to time, a certificate of design and site plan approval from the planning commission is required. The following uses, standards and review procedures have been developed in accordance with this purpose, which is in accord with the findings and recommendations contained in the plans and studies mentioned herein and the metro core comprehensive plan.

(Ord. 1647 § 2, 1997; prior code § 150-88)