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 Damascus
 Code of Ordinances
 Part I. CHARTER

  § 6. Zoning and buildings.  

Latest version.

  • The town council, in addition to the foregoing powers, shall have the following powers:

    (1)

    Building regulations; removal of dangerous, etc., buildings; fire limits; public gatherings. To regulate the size, height, materials and construction of buildings, fences, walls, retaining walls, and other structures hereafter erected in such manner as the public safety and convenience may require; to remove or require to be removed or reconstructed any building, structure or addition thereto which by reason of dilapidation, defect of structure, or other causes may have become dangerous to life or property, or which may be erected contrary to law; to establish and designate from time to time fire limits, within which limits wooden buildings shall not be constructed, added to, enlarged or repaired and to direct that any or all future buildings within such limits shall be constructed of stone, natural or artificial, concrete, brick, iron or other fireproof materials to enact stringent and efficient laws for securing the safety of persons from fires in halls and buildings used for public assemblages, entertainment or amusements.

    (2)

    Safe construction of houses; building code; setback lines; conformity to standard of houses in section of town. To provide for regular and safe construction of houses in the town for the future and to provide a building code for the town; to provide setback lines on the streets beyond which no buildings may be constructed; to require the standard of all dwelling houses be maintained in residential sections in keeping with the majority of residences therein and to require the standard of all business houses to be maintained in business sections in keeping with the majority of the business houses therein.

    (3)

    Town plan; subdivision plats. To make and adopt a comprehensive plan for the town and to that end all plats and replats hereafter made subdividing any land within the town, or within one mile thereof, into streets, alleys, roads and lots or tracts, shall be submitted to and approved by the council before such plats or replats are filed for record, or recorded, in the office of the clerk of Washington County, Virginia.

    (4)

    Building permits. To issue or refuse to issue permits for the construction of buildings, fences, walls and other structures in the said town; and any person, firm or corporation failing to secure such permit prior to the beginning of said construction or other work shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and punished as hereinbefore provided.