Chapter 1: GENERAL PROVISIONS TABLE OF CONTENTS 1.1 Official Title... 1-1 1.2 Effective date... 1-1 1.3 Authority... 1-1 1.3.1 General Authority... 1-1 1.3.2 References to North Carolina General Statutes... 1-1 1.4 General Purpose and Intent... 1-1 1.5 Applicability and Jurisdiction... 1-2 1.5.1 General Applicability... 1-2 1.5.2 Application to Governmental Units... 1-2 1.5.3 No Development until Compliance with this Ordinance... 1-2 1.6 Conformance with Adopted Plans... 1-2 1.6.1 Comprehensive Land Use Plan... 1-2 1.6.2 Small Area Plans... 1-3 1.6.3 Parks and Recreation Master Plan... 1-3 1.6.4 Comprehensive Transportation Plan... 1-3 1.7 Relationship with Other Laws, Covenants, or Deed Restrictions... 1-3 1.7.1 Conflicts with Other Town Codes or Laws... 1-3 1.7.2 Conflicts with Private Agreements... 1-3 1.7.3 Conflicts with State or Federal Law... 1-3 1.7.4 Existing Agreements or Vested Rights... 1-3 1.8 Official Zoning District Map... 1-4 1.8.1 Generally... 1-4 1.8.2 Incorporated by Reference... 1-4 1.8.3 Designation of Zoning Classification... 1-4 1.8.4 Interpretation of Official Map Boundaries... 1-4 1.8.5 Changes to Official Zoning District Map... 1-5 1.8.6 Transition to New Zone Districts... 1-5 1.9 Transitional Provisions... 1-7 1.9.1 Effective Date... 1-7 1.9.2 Violations Continue... 1-7 1.9.3 Complete Applications... 1-7 1.9.4 Approved Applications... 1-7 1.9.5 Approved Conditional Use Permits... 1-7 1.9.6 Nonconformities... 1-7 1.10 Vested Rights... 1-8 1.10.1 Statutory Vesting... 1-8
1.10.2 Common Law Vesting... 1-8 1.11 Traffic Impact Analysis... 1-8 1.12 Transportation plans... 1-8 1.13 Severability... 1-9 Chapter 2: ADMINISTRATION 2.1 Review and Decision-Making Bodies... 2-1 2.1.1 Review and Decision-Making Bodies Generally... 2-1 2.1.2 Summary Table of Permit Review Procedures... 2-1 2.1.3 Board of Commissioners... 2-2 2.1.4 Planning Board... 2-3 2.1.5 Board of Adjustment... 2-5 2.1.6 Historic Preservation Commission... 2-6 2.1.7 Environmental Protection Commission... 2-8 2.1.8 Town Staff... 2-9 2.2 Common Review Procedures... 2-11 2.2.1 Authority to File Applications... 2-11 2.2.2 Application Contents... 2-11 2.2.3 Fees... 2-11 2.2.4 Submission Schedule... 2-11 2.2.5 Administrative Manual... 2-11 2.2.6 Pre-Application Conference... 2-12 2.2.7 Application Submission... 2-12 2.2.8 Determination of Application Completeness... 2-12 2.2.9 Approval by Planning Director... 2-13 2.2.10 Preparation of Staff Report... 2-13 2.2.11 Scheduling Public Hearing(s)... 2-13 2.2.12 Public Notification... 2-14 2.2.13 Summary of Notice Requirements... 2-16 2.2.14 Conditions of Approval... 2-17 2.2.15 Deferral of Application... 2-17 2.2.16 Changes to Application after Notice of Public Hearing... 2-18 2.2.17 Withdrawal of Application... 2-18 2.2.18 Waiver of Time Limit... 2-19 2.2.19 Notification to Applicant... 2-20 2.2.20 Lapse of Approval... 2-20 2.2.21 Examination and Copying of Application/Other Documents... 2-20 2.3 Standards and Requirements for Development Applications... 2-20 2.3.1 Official Zoning District Map or Text Amendment... 2-20 2.3.2 Conditional Zoning District Classification... 2-24 2.3.3 Conditional Use Permit... 2-27 2.3.4 Variance... 2-29 2.3.5 Watershed Variance... 2-31 2.3.6 Modification of Architectural Standard... 2-34 2.3.7 Sketch Plan... 2-35
2.3.8 Concept Plan... 2-36 2.3.9 Site Plan... 2-39 2.3.10 Subdivision... 2-41 2.3.11 Zoning Permit... 2-48 2.3.12 Tree Removal Permit... 2-49 2.3.13 Interpretation... 2-51 2.3.14 Appeal of Administrative Decision... 2-52 2.3.15 Vested Rights Determination... 2-53 2.3.16 Certificate of Appropriateness... 2-55 CHAPTER 3: BASE ZONING DISTRICTS 3.1 General Provisions... 3-1 3.1.1 Base Zoning Districts Established... 3-1 3.1.2 Relationship to Conditional Use and Overlay Zoning Districts... 3-1 3.1.3 Compliance with District Standards... 3-2 3.2 Base Zoning Districts... 3-2 3.2.1 Purpose and Intent... 3-2 3.2.2 District Purpose Statements... 3-3 3.3 Conditional Zoning Districts... 3-7 3.3.1 Purpose and Intent... 3-7 3.3.2 District... 3-7 3.3.3 Designation... 3-7 3.3.4 Allowable Use... 3-7 3.3.5 Applicable Standards... 3-8 3.3.6 Planned Campus (PC-C) District... 3-8 3.3.7 Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND-C) District... 3-8 3.4 Dimensional Standards... 3-12 3.4.1 Purpose and Intent... 3-12 3.4.2 Dimensional Standards Table... 3-12 3.4.3 Height Exceptions... 3-14 3.4.4 Limitations on Size of Architectural Elements... 3-14 3.5 General Lot Requirements... 3-14 3.5.1 Compliance with this Ordinance Required... 3-14 3.5.2 Pre-existing Lots... 3-14 3.5.3 Reduction Prohibited... 3-14 3.5.4 Corner Lots... 3-14 3.5.5 Fronting a Street... 3-14 3.5.6 Double Frontage and Flag Lots Prohibited... 3-14 3.5.7 Yard Determination on Irregular Lots... 3-15 3.5.8 Allowable Yard Encroachments... 3-15 CHAPTER 4: OVERLAY ZONING DISTRICTS 4.1 Overlay Zoning Districts... 4-1
4.2 Watershed Protection Overlay District (WPO)... 4-1 4.2.1 Purpose and Intent... 4-1 4.2.2 Applicability... 4-1 4.2.3 Conflict with Other Standards... 4-1 4.2.4 Exemption for Pre-Existing Conditions... 4-1 4.2.5 Establishment of Watershed Districts... 4-2 4.2.6 WS-II-BW Balance of Watershed... 4-2 4.2.7 WS-IV-CA Critical Area... 4-4 4.2.8 WS-IV-PA Protected Area... 4-5 4.2.9 Riparian Buffers... 4-7 4.2.10 Stormwater Control Structures... 4-8 4.2.11 Amendments to Watershed Protection Overlay District Regulations... 4--9 4.3 Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District (NCO)... 4-9 4.3.1 General Purpose... 4-9 4.3.2 Establishment of Individual Neighborhood Conservation Districts... 4-9 4.3.3 Minimum Standards for Designation of an NCO District... 4-9 4.3.4 General Development Standards for All NCO Districts... 4-10 4.3.5 District-Specific Development Standards... 4-10 4.3.6 Specific Neighborhood Conservation Overlay Districts... 4-11 4.4 Mixed-Use Overlay District (MXO)... 4-17 4.4.1 Purpose and Intent... 4-17 4.4.2 Applicability... 4-17 4.4.3 Relationship to Other Regulations... 4-17 4.4.4 Standards... 4-17 4.5 Office Overlay... 4-20 4.5.1 The following uses require a Conditional Use Permit:... 4-20 4.6 Corridor Overlay District (CO)... 4-21 4.6.1 Purpose and Intent... 4-21 4.6.2 Applicability... 4-21 4.6.3 Exemptions... 4-21 4.6.4 District Provisions... 4-21 4.6.5 Nonconforming Situations... 4-22 4.7 Historic Preservation Overlay District (HPO)... 4-22 4.8 Transit Station Overlay District (TSO)... 4-22 CHAPTER 5: USE STANDARDS 5.1 Use Table... 5-1 5.1.1 Explanations of Use Table Structures... 5-1 5.1.2 Developments with Multiple Principal Uses... 5-2 5.1.3 Interpretation of Unlisted Uses... 5-2 5.1.4 Table of Allowed Uses... 5-4 5.2 Use classification, categories, and types (new)... 5-19
5.2.1 Structure of this Section... 5-19 5.2.2 Residential Use Classification... 5-19 5.2.3 Institutional Use Classification... 5-20 5.2.4 Agriculture Use Classification... 5-22 5.2.5 Commercial Use Classification... 5-22 5.2.6 Industrial Use Classification... 5-26 5.3 Use-Specific Standards... 5-29 5.3.1 Residential Uses... 5-30 5.3.2 Institutional Uses... 5-32 5.3.3 Commercial Uses... 5-36 5.3.4 Industrial Uses... 5-44 5.4 Accessory uses and structures... 5-48 5.4.1 Purpose... 5-48 5.4.2 General Standards for Certain Accessory Uses... 5-48 5.4.3 Specific Standards for Certain Accessory Uses... 5-52 5.5 Temporary Uses and structures... 5-59 5.5.1 Purpose... 5-59 5.5.2 General Standards for Temporary Uses and Structures... 5-60 5.5.3 Specific Regulations for Certain Temporary Uses and Structures... 5-60 CHAPTER 6: BUILDING FORM STANDARDS 6.1 Purpose and Intent... 6-1 6.2 Applicability... 6-1 6.3 Exemptions... 6-1 6.3.1 Changes of Use... 6-1 6.3.2 Historic Structures... 6-1 6.3.3 Utilities... 6-1 6.3.4 Agricultural Uses... 6-1 6.3.5 Uses without Habitable Structures... 6-1 6.4 Conflict with Other Standards... 6-2 6.4.1 Conflict with Overlay Standards... 6-2 6.4.2 Conflict with Other Provisions in this Ordinance... 6-2 6.4.3 Conflict with Other Town Standards... 6-2 6.5 How to Use These Standards... 6-2 6.5.1 Application of Standards... 6-2 6.5.2 Modification of Architectural Standard... 6-2 6.5.3 Sequential Re-Use and Redevelopment of Existing Structures... 6-2 6.5.4 Time of Review... 6-3 6.6 General Form Standards... 6-3 6.6.1 Frontage... 6-3 6.6.2 Orientation... 6-3 6.6.3 Architectural Front... 6-3 6.6.4 Windows... 6-3
6.6.5 Materials... 6-4 6.6.6 Compatibility... 6-4 6.6.7 All Accessory Structures... 6-4 6.7 Specific Building Form Standards... 6-5 6.7.1 Detached House Building... 6-5 6.7.2 Mansion Apartment Building... 6-10 6.7.3 Attached Residential Building... 6-12 6.7.4 Civic Building... 6-16 6.7.5 Shopfront Building... 6-18 6.7.6 Workplace Building... 6-21 6.7.7 Commercial/Retail Building... 6-25 6.7.8 Large Retail Building... 6-30 6.7.9 Flex/Industrial Buildings... 6-33 6.7.10 Recreational and Sports Facilities (Tension Fabric Structures)... 6-35 CHAPTER 7: LANDSCAPING AND OPEN SPACE 7.1 Tree Protection... 7-1 7.1.1 Purpose and Intent... 7-1 7.1.2 Applicability... 7-1 7.1.3 Definitions... 7-1 7.1.4 Exemptions... 7-2 7.1.5 Modifications to Standards... 7-3 7.1.6 Authority to Contract Arborist Services... 7-3 7.1.7 Retention of Existing Tree Canopy... 7-3 7.1.8 Protection of Specimen Trees... 7-7 7.1.9 Tree Protection during Construction... 7-8 7.1.10 Tree Preservation Incentives... 7-10 7.2 Landscaping Standards... 7-10 7.2.1 Purpose and Intent... 7-10 7.2.2 Applicability... 7-11 7.2.3 General Requirements for Landscaping... 7-11 7.2.4 Site Landscaping... 7-15 7.2.5 Vehicular Use Area Landscaping... 7-16 7.2.6 Perimeter Buffers... 7-19 7.2.7 Street Trees... 7-23 7.2.8 Streetscape Landscaping... 7-24 7.2.9 Screening... 7-25 7.2.10 Alternative Landscaping Plan... 7-26 7.2.11 Other Landscape Standards... 7-26 7.3 Open Space Standards... 7-29 7.3.1 Purpose and Intent... 7-29 7.3.2 Applicability... 7-29 7.3.3 Open Space Standards... 7-29
CHATPER 8: SIGNAGE 8.1 Purpose and Intent... 8-1 8.2 Applicability... 8-1 8.2.1 General... 8-1 8.2.2 Responsibility for Compliance... 8-1 8.2.3 Termination... 8-2 8.3 Allowable Permanent Signs-permit required... 8-2 8.3.1 Allowable Permanent Signs... 8-2 8.4 allowable temporary signs-permit required... 8-9 8.5 allowable signs-exempt from sign permit requirements... 8-10 8.6 holiday signage and display November 1 to january 6... 8-15 8.7 Prohibited signs... 8-15 8.8 General sign provisions... 8-17 8.8.1 General Standards... 8-17 8.8.2 Maintenance... 8-17 8.8.3 Quantity... 8-17 8.8.4 Size Dimensions... 8-18 8.8.5 Sight Triangles... 8-20 8.8.6 Illumination... 8-20 8.8.7 Alternative Signage Plans... 8-21 8.8.8 Electronic Message Signs... 8-22 CHAPTER 9: DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS 9.1 Off-Street Parking and Loading... 9-1 9.1.1 Purpose and Intent... 9-1 9.1.2 Applicability... 9-1 9.1.3 General Standards for Off-Street Parking, Stacking, and Loading... 9-1 9.1.4 Off-Street Parking Standards... 9-3 9.1.5 Computation of Required Spaces... 9-9 9.1.6 Stacking Spaces... 9-10 9.1.7 Accessible Parking Spaces for Disabled Persons... 9-11 9.1.8 Dimensional Standards for Parking Spaces and Aisles... 9-11 9.1.9 Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities... 9-12 9.1.10 Alternative Parking Plan... 9-14 9.1.11 Loading Space Standards... 9-17 9.2 Infrastructure Design Standards... 9-18 9.2.1 Purpose and Intent... 9-18 9.2.2 Applicability... 9-19 9.2.3 Conformity with Other Town Standards... 9-19 9.2.4 Streets... 9-19 9.2.5 Block Design... 9-26
9.2.6 Access to Individual Lots... 9-26 9.3 Fences and Walls... 9-26 9.3.1 Applicability... 9-26 9.3.2 General Requirements for Fences and Walls... 9-27 9.3.3 Height Requirements for Fences and Walls... 9-27 9.3.4 Perimeter Fences and Walls Abutting Public Rights-of-Way... 9-28 9.3.5 Visibility Clearance... 9-28 9.3.6 Prohibited Fences... 9-28 9.3.7 Appearance of Fences and Walls... 9-28 9.4 Exterior Lighting... 9-30 9.4.1 Purpose... 9-30 9.4.2 Applicability... 9-30 9.4.3 Exemptions... 9-30 9.4.4 Design Standards for Exterior Lighting... 9-30 9.4.5 Wall-mounted Lights... 9-31 9.4.6 Floodlights and Spotlights... 9-32 9.4.7 Illumination of Outdoor Sports Fields and Performance Areas... 9-32 9.4.8 Sign Lighting... 9-32 CHAPTER 10: SUBDIVISION STANDARDS 10.1 Subdivisions... 10-1 10.1.1 Purpose and Intent... 10-1 10.1.2 Applicability... 10-1 10.1.3 Monuments... 10-1 10.1.4 Lots... 10-2 10.1.5 Blocks... 10-3 10.1.6 Easements... 10-4 10.1.7 Functional Fire Protection... 10-5 10.2 Conservation Subdivisions... 10-5 10.2.1 Purpose and Intent... 10-5 10.2.2 Applicability... 10-5 10.2.3 Exemptions... 10-5 10.2.4 Procedure... 10-5 10.2.5 Conservation Subdivision Standards... 10-5 10.2.6 Open Space Set-Aside Standards... 10-5 10.3 Streets & Utilities... 10-6 10.3.1 Subdivision Street Disclosure Statement... 10-6 10.3.2 Marginal Access Street... 10-6 10.3.3 Access to Adjacent Properties... 10-6 10.3.4 Street Improvements... 10-6 10.3.5 Points of Ingress and Egress... 10-7 10.3.6 General Street Requirements (Inside and Outside Town Limits)... 10-7 10.3.7 Cul-de-sacs... 10-8 10.3.8 Sidewalks/Planting Strips... 10-8
10.3.9 Water and Sanitary Sewer Systems... 10-8 10.4 Performance Guarantees... 10-9 10.4.1 Procedure... 10-9 10.4.2 Performance Guarantees... 10-9 10.4.3 Default... 10-10 10.4.4 Release of Guarantee Security... 10-10 10.5 Penalties for violation... 10-10 10.6 Maintenance Guarantee... 10-10 CHAPTER 11: NONCONFORMATIES 11.1 GENERAL APPLICABILITY... 11-1 11.1.1 Purpose and Scope... 11-1 11.1.2 Authority to Continue... 11-1 11.1.3 Determination of Nonconformity Status... 11-1 11.1.4 Minor Repairs and Maintenance... 11-1 11.2 NONCONFORMING USES... 11-1 11.2.1 General... 11-1 11.2.2 Change of Use... 11-2 11.2.3 Expansion and Enlargement... 11-2 11.2.4 Discontinuance... 11-2 11.2.5 Accessory Uses... 11-2 11.2.6 Reconstruction after Casualty Damage... 11-2 11.3 NONCONFORMING STRUCTURES... 11-3 11.3.1 Relationship with Nonconforming Uses... 11-3 11.3.2 Continuation... 11-3 11.3.3 Enlargement... 11-3 11.3.4 Relocation... 11-3 11.3.5 Nonconforming Manufactured Homes... 11-3 11.3.6 Restoration after Casualty Damage... 11-3 11.3.7 Accessory Structures... 11-4 11.4 NONCONFORMING LOTS OF RECORD... 11-4 11.4.1 Status of Structures on Nonconforming Lots... 11-4 11.4.2 Development of Unimproved Lots... 11-4 11.4.3 Development of Improved Lots in Residential Districts after Casualty 11-5 11.4.4 Governmental Acquisitions of Land in a Residential District... 11-5 11.4.5 Change of Nonconforming Lot... 11-5 11.5 NONCONFORMING SIGNS... 11-5 11.5.1 General Standards... 11-5 11.5.2 Nonconforming Signs Protected... 11-5 11.5.3 Routine Repairs and Maintenance... 11-6 11.5.4 Replacement Required... 11-6 11.5.5 Damage or Destruction Beyond 50 Percent of Value... 11-6 11.5.6 Abandonment... 11-6 11.6 NONCONFORMING SITE FEATURES... 11-7
11.6.1 Landscaping Requirements... 11-7 11.6.2 Off-Street Parking and Street Improvements... 11-7 11.6.3 Exterior Lighting... 11-7 11.7 NONCONFORMITIES WITHIN WATERSHED PROTECTION OVERLAY... 11-7 11.7.1 Expansion or Reconstruction... 11-7 11.7.2 Vacant Lots... 11-7 11.7.3 Development Lots... 11-8 11.7.4 Prohibited Uses... 11-8 11.7.5 Reconstruction of Buildings or Built-upon Areas... 11-8 CHAPTER 12: ENFORCEMENT AND REMEDIES 12.1 Purpose... 12-1 12.2 Compliance Required... 12-1 12.3 Violations... 12-1 12.3.1 Violations Generally... 12-1 12.3.2 Specific Violations... 12-1 12.4 Responsible Persons... 12-2 12.5 Enforcement Generally... 12-2 12.5.1 Responsibility for Enforecment... 12-2 12.5.2 Complaints Regarding Violations... 12-2 12.5.3 Enforcement Producture... 12-2 12.6 Remedies and penalties... 12-3 12.6.1 Repeat Violations... 12-3 12.6.2 Civil Penalty... 12-3 12.6.3 Stop Work Order Issuance... 12-4 12.6.4 Revocation of Zoning Permit... 12-4 12.6.5 Injuction... 12-4 12.6.6 Order of Abatement... 12-4 12.6.7 Equitabel Remedy... 12-4 12.6.8 Criminal Penalties... 12-4 12.6.9 Executive of Court Decisions... 12-4 12.6.10 Deny or Withhold Permits... 12-4 12.6.11 Remedies for Disturbance or Destruction of Vegetation... 12-5 12.7 Cumulative penalties... 12-6 CHAPTER 13: DEFINITIONS AND RULES OF INTERPRETATION 13.1 General rules of interpretation... 13-1 13.1.1 Meaning and Intent... 13-1 13.1.2 Heading, Illustrations, and Text... 13-1 13.1.3 Lists and Examples... 13-1 13.1.4 Computation Time... 13-1 13.1.5 References to Other Regulations/Publication... 13-1 13.1.6 Delegation of Authority... 13-1
13.1.7 Technical and Nontechnical Terms... 13-1 13.1.8 Public Officals and Agencies... 13-2 13.1.9 Mandatory and Discretionary Terms... 13-2 13.1.10 Conjunctions... 13-2 13.1.11 Tenses and Plurals... 13-2 13.1.12 Terms Not Defined... 13-2 13.2 Definitions... 13-3 CHAPTER14: APPENDIX 14.1 FINAL PLAT FOR MINOR SUBDIVISIONS... 14-1 14.1.1 Certificate of Ownership and Dedication... 14-1 14.1.2 Certification of Survey and Accuracy in Accordance with the Standards and Practice for Land Surverying in North Carolina... 14-2 14.1.3 Certification of Review Officer... 14-3 14.1.4 Certification of Approval for Recording... 14-4 14.2 FINAL PLAT FOR MAJOR SUBDIVISIONS... 14-5 14.2.1 Certification of Ownership and Dedication... 14-5 14.2.2 Certification of Survey and Accuracy... 14-6 14.2.3 Certification of Review Office... 14-7 14.2.4 Certification of Approval for Recording... 14-8 14.2.5 Annexation Notes... 14-8 14.2.6 Provisions for Subdivision Located in a Water Supply Watershed... 14-10 14.3 FLOOD DAMAGE PREVENTION ORDINANCE... 14-11 14.3.1 Statutory authorization, findings of facts, purpose, and objectives... 14-11 14.3.2 Definitions... 14-12 14.3.3 General Provisions... 14-18 14.3.4 Administration... 14-19 14.3.5 Provisions of Flood Hazard Reduciton... 14-28 14.3.6 Legal Status Provisions... 14-35