APPENDIX A  ZONING ORDINANCE*

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*Editor's note: As currently set out, App. A, containing the zoning ordinance of the city, is derived from an ordinance adopted Jan. 6, 1986, as amended June 30, 2004. Formerly App. A was derived from an ordinance of Sept. 9, 1974, as amended by Ord. No. 1974-4, adopted April 2, 1979.

Absence of a history note following a particular section in App. A indicates that such section derives unchanged from Ord. of June 30, 2004; conversely, a history note enclosed in parentheses following a particular section indicates amendment by the legislation shown in such history note.

Cross references: Planning and Development Commission, § 2-146 et seq.; building and construction generally, Ch. 5; building inspector to be zoning administrator, § 5-31; housing, Ch. 11; streets and sidewalks, Ch. 16; utilities, Ch. 18, subdivisions. App. B.

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Article I.  Short Title

1.1.  Zoning ordinance.

1.2.  Zoning map.

Article II.  Legal Status Provisions

2.1.  Purpose.

2.2.  Authority.

2.3.  Jurisdiction.

2.4.  Interpretation and conflict.

2.5.  Separability.

2.6.  Effective date.

Article III.  Word Interpretations and Definitions

Article IV.  General Provisions

4.1.  Zoning affects all land and every building and use.

4.2.  Required yards not to be used by building.

4.3.  Relationship of building to lot.

4.4.  Street access.

4.5.  Reduction of lot and yard areas prohibited.

4.6.  Business uses of manufactured homes, trailers, and manufactured offices.

4.7.  Buffers.

4.8.  Swimming pools, hot tubs and non-portable spas.

4.9.  Environmental performance standards.

4.10.  Satellite dish antennas (or earth stations).

4.11.  Temporary use of manufactured homes and offices in emergencies.

4.12.  Manufactured home requirements.

4.13.  Vested rights.

Article V.  Zoning Districts and Boundaries

5.1.  Zoning districts.

5.2.  District boundaries.

5.3.  Consideration given to boundary delineations.

5.4.  District boundaries established.

5.5.  Interpretation of district boundaries.

5.6.  Interpretation of district regulations.

Article VI.  District Regulations

6.1.  General requirements.

6.2.  RA-20 Residential/Agricultural District.

6.3.  R-12 Residential District.

6.4.  R-8 Residential District.

6.5.  R-8N Residential District.

6.6.  R-6 Residential District.

6.7.  RMF-12 Multi-Family Residential District.

6.8.  RMH Manufactured Home Park District.

6.9.  CB Central Business District.

6.10.  HC Highway Commercial District.

6.11.  NB Neighborhood Business District.

6.12.  IL Light Industrial District.

6.13.  IH Heavy Industrial District.

Article VII.  Nonconforming Uses

7.1.  Definition and purpose.

7.2.  Continuation, maintenance, and repair of nonconformity allowed without permit.

7.3.  Bringing a nonconformity into compliance.

7.4.  Conditional use permit required for any proposed alteration, expansion, change, rebuilding, or resumption of a nonconformity.

7.5.  Standards for granting a conditional use permit for any proposed alteration, expansion, change, rebuilding, or resumption of a nonconformity.

7.6.  Miscellaneous.

7.7.  Reservation of authority to deal with nonconformities under other powers.

Article VIII.  Conditional Uses

8.1.  Purpose.

8.2.  Application and fees.

8.3.  Procedures for reviewing conditional use applications.

8.4.  General provisions concerning conditional use permits.

Article IX.  Exceptions and Modifications

9.1.  Front yard modification in residential districts.

9.2.  Other yard modifications.

9.3.  Height limit exceptions.

9.4.  Retaining walls.

9.5.  Fences and walls.

9.6.  Side yard provided but not required.

9.7.  Lot size without all public utilities.

9.8.  Zero lot lines.

Article X.  Off-Street Parking and Loading Space

10.1.  Certification of minimum parking requirements

10.2.  Combination of required parking space.

10.3.  Remote parking space.

10.4.  Requirements for parking lots.

10.5.  Manufactured home and trailer parking and storing.

10.6.  Vehicle storage.

10.7.  Minimum parking requirements.

10.8.  Design standards for off-street parking.

10.9.  Off-street loading purpose and general requirements.

10.10.  Design standards for off-street loading space.

10.11.  Minimum off-street loading requirements.

Article XI.  Sign Regulations

11.1.  Statement of purpose.

11.2.  General requirements.

11.3.  Exceptions.

11.4.  Required signs.

11.5.  Signs permitted in residential districts.

11.6.  Signs permitted in the Central Business District.

11.7.  Signs permitted in the Highway Commercial District.

11.8.  Signs permitted in the Neighborhood Business District.

11.9.  Signs permitted for industrial districts.

11.10.  Industrial park signs.

11.11.  Shopping center signs.

11.12.  Temporary signs

11.13.  Signs permitted in conjunction with nonconforming uses.

11.14.  Nonconforming signs.

11.15.  Prohibited signs.

11.16.  Institutional signs.

11.17.  Illumination.

11.18.  Maintenance and removal of unsafe signs.

Article XII.  Planned Unit Developments

12.1.  Statement of purpose.

12.2.  Application requirements.

12.3.  Application approval.

12.4.  Conformity to plan and time limitation.

12.5.  Residential planned unit developments.

12.6.  Common open space.

12.7.  Commercial and industrial planned unit developments.

12.8.  Site planning.

Article XIII.  Administration and Enforcement

13.1.  Zoning enforcement.

13.2.  Building permits.

13.3.  Certificate of occupancy.

13.4.  Other permits.

13.5.  Operating procedure--Application process, review process, and hierarchy of authority.

Article XIV.  Changes and Amendments

14.1.  Changes and amendments.

14.2.  Action by the applicant.

14.3.  Action by the planning board.

14.4.  Action by the city council.

14.5.  Protest to amendment.

14.6.  Withdrawal of petition.

14.7.  Extending the extraterritorial jurisdiction.

Article XV.  Planning Board

15.1.  Establishment of the planning board.

15.2.  Procedures of the planning board.

15.3.  Powers and duties of the planning board.

15.4.  Appeal from the planning board.

Article XVI.  Board of Adjustment

16.1.  Establishment of the board of adjustment.

16.2.  Procedures of the board of adjustment.

16.3.  Duties of the zoning administrator, board of adjustment, city council, and courts on matters of appeal.

16.4.  Powers and duties of the board of adjustment.

16.5.  Appeals from the board of adjustment.

Article XVII.  Enforcement Authority, Penalties, and Remedies

17.1.  Enforcement authority.

17.2.  Criminal penalties.

17.3.  Civil remedies.

17.4.  Equitable relief.

17.5.  Combination of remedies.

AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING ZONING REGULATIONS FOR THE CITY OF RAEFORD, NORTH CAROLINA, AND ITS AREA OF EXTRATERRITORIAL JURISDICTION, AND PROVIDING FOR THE ADMINISTRATION, ENFORCEMENT AND AMENDMENT THEREOF:

BE IT ORDAINED AND ENACTED by the City Council of the City of Raeford, North Carolina, as follows:

ARTICLE I.  SHORT TITLE

1.1.  Zoning ordinance.

This ordinance shall be known, cited, and referred to as "The Zoning Ordinance of the City of Raeford, North Carolina."

1.2.  Zoning map.

The map herein referred to, which is identified by the title, "The Zoning Map of the City of Raeford, North Carolina," shall be known as the "zoning map." The boundaries of each zoning district are shown on said map and shall bear the adoption date of this ordinance and the date of any subsequent map amendments.

ARTICLE II.  LEGAL STATUS PROVISIONS

2.1.  Purpose.

The zoning regulations and districts as herein set forth are being adopted in accordance with a comprehensive plan and are designed to lessen congestion in the streets; to secure safety from fire, panic and other dangers, to promote health and the general welfare; to provide adequate light and air; to prevent the overcrowding of land; to avoid undue concentration of population; and to facilitate the adequate provisions of transportation, water, sewage, schools, parks, and other public requirements. Such regulations are being made with reasonable consideration, among other things of the character of the district and its peculiar suitability for particular uses, and with a view to conserving the value of buildings and encourage the most appropriate use of land throughout the community.

2.2.  Authority.

The provisions of this ordinance are adopted under authority granted by the General Assembly of the State of North Carolina, particularly Chapter 160A, Article 19.

2.3.  Jurisdiction.

The provisions of this ordinance shall apply within the corporate limits of the City of Raeford, North Carolina, and within the area of extraterritorial jurisdiction as now and hereafter defined, in accordance with the authority granted to North Carolina municipalities by Article 19, Chapter 160A of the General Statutes, as shown by the zoning map on file with the zoning administrator of the City of Raeford, North Carolina.

To extend the City of Raeford's extra territorial jurisdiction for zoning to one (1) mile from the city limits. Also, to establish the zoning districts in accordance with the City of Raeford Zoning Ordinance and according to the official zoning map on display in City Hall.

2.4.  Interpretation and conflict.

In interpreting and applying the provisions of this ordinance, they shall be held to be the minimum requirements for the promotion of the public safety, health, convenience, prosperity, and general welfare. It is not intended by this ordinance to interfere with, abrogate, or annul any easements, covenants, or other agreements between parties; provided, however that where this ordinance imposes a greater restriction upon the use of buildings or premises or upon the height of buildings, or requires larger open spaces than are imposed or required by other ordinances, rules, regulations, or by easements, covenants, or agreements, the provisions of this ordinance shall govern.

It is not intended by this ordinance to repeal, abrogate, annul or in any way to impair or interfere with any existing provisions of law or ordinance, other than the zoning ordinance enacted January 6, 1986, as amended. The enactment of this ordinance shall not effect any action, suit or proceeding pending at the time of enactment and all liabilities that have accrued under the zoning ordinance enacted January 6, 1986 as amended, are reserved and may be enforced.

2.5.  Separability.

If any article, section, sentence, clause, or phase of this ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid by the courts, such decision shall not effect the validity of the remaining portion of this ordinance. The city council hereby declares that it has passed this ordinance and each article, section, clause, and phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one (1) or more articles, sections, sentences, clauses, or phrases be declared invalid by the courts.

2.6.  Effective date.

This ordinance shall be in force from and after its passage and approval.

Passed and adopted this 6th day of January, 1986.

ATTEST:

Betty Smith
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City Clerk

John K. McNeil
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Mayor, City of Raeford

ARTICLE III.  WORD INTERPRETATIONS AND DEFINITIONS

In the construction of this ordinance, the word interpretation and definitions contained in this article shall be observed and applied, except when the context clearly indicates otherwise. In further amplification and for clarity of interpretation of the context, the following definitions of word usage shall apply:

(a)        Words used in the present tense shall include the future; and words used in the singular number shall include the plural number and the plural the singular.

(b)        The word "shall" is mandatory and not discretionary.

(c)        The word "may" is permissive.

(d)        The word "lot" shall include the words "piece," "parcel," and "plot"; the word "building" includes all structures of every kind regardless of similarity to buildings; and the phrase "used for" shall include the phrases "arranged for," "designed for," "intended for," and "occupied for."

Abutting. Having property or district lines in common; i.e., two (2) lots are abutting if they have property lines in common. Lots are also considered to be abutting if they are directly opposite each other and separated by a street or alley.

Access. A way of approaching or entering a property. Access also includes ingress, the right to enter, and egress, the right to leave.

Accessory building or use. A building or use not including signs, which is:

(a)        Conducted or located on the same zoning lot as the principal building or use served, except as may be specifically provided elsewhere in this ordinance.

(b)        Clearly incidental to, subordinate in area and purpose to, and serves the principal use; and

(c)        Either in the same ownership as the principal use or is clearly operated and maintained solely for the comfort, convenience, necessity, or benefit of the occupants, employees, customers, or visitors of or to the principal use.

Advertising device. Any advertising sign, billboard, statuary or poster which directs attention to a business, commodity, service, or entertainment not exclusively related to the premises where such sign is located or to which it is affixed; but does not include those advertising signs, billboards, or poster panels which direct attention to the business on the premises or to a brand name of a product or commodity with which the business is specifically identified and which is sold on the premises.

Agriculture. The use of land for agricultural purposes, including farming, dairying, pasturage, agriculture, horticulture, floriculture, viticulture, and animal and poultry husbandry, and the necessary accessory uses for packing, treating, or storing the produce; provided, however, that the operation of any such accessory uses shall be secondary to that of the normal agricultural activities.

Airport. Any area of land or water which is used or intended for use for the landing and taking off of a aircraft, and any appurtenant areas which are used or intended for use for airport buildings or other airport facilities or rights-of-way, including all necessary taxiways, aircraft storage and tie-down areas, hangars, and other necessary buildings and open spaces.

Alley. A public or private right-of-way primarily designed to serve as secondary access to the side or rear of those properties whose principal frontage is on a street and is not intended for general traffic.

Apartment. A room or suite of rooms intended for use as a residence by a single household or family (i.e., dwelling unit). Such a dwelling unit may be located in an apartment house, duplex, or as an accessory use in a single family home or a commercial building.

Apartment house. See "Dwelling, multi-family."

Apartment hotel. A hotel in which at least ninety (90) percent of the hotel accommodations are occupied by permanent guests.

Auto laundry. A building, or portion thereof, containing facilities for washing more than two (2) automobiles, using production line methods with a chain conveyor, blower, steam cleaning device, or other mechanical devices; or providing space, water, equipment, or soap for the complete or partial hand washing of such automobiles, whether washing is performed by operator or by the customer.

Barriers, pool. A fence, wall, building wall or combination thereof, which completely surrounds the swimming pool and obstructs access to the swimming pool.

Block. A tract of land or a lot or group of lots bounded by streets, public parks, golf courses, railroad rights-of-way, water courses, lakes, unsubdivided land, or a boundary line or lines of the City of Raeford or its extraterritorial zoning jurisdiction or any combination of the above.

Block frontage. That portion of a block which abuts a single street.

Board of adjustment. A local body, created by ordinance, whose responsibility is to hear appeals from decisions of the zoning administrator and to consider requests for variances from the terms of the zoning ordinance.

Boarding house. A building other than a hotel or motel where, for compensation, meals are served and lodging is provided.

Buffer. A fence, wall, hedge, or other planted area or device used to enclose, screen, or separate one use or lot from another.

Buildable area. The space remaining on a zoning lot after the minimum open-space requirements (yards, setbacks) have been met.

Building. Any structure enclosed and isolated by exterior walls constructed or used for residence, business, industry or other public or private purposes, or accessory thereto, and including tents, lunch wagons, dining cars, trailers, manufactured homes, and attached or unattached carports consisting of a roof and supporting members, and similar structures whether stationary or movable.

Building, accessory. See "Accessory building or use."

Building, height of. The vertical distance from the finished grade at the building line closest to the front of the lot to the highest point of the building.

Building, principal. A building in which is conducted the principal use of the plot on which it is situated.

Building setback line. A line measured parallel to the front property line in front of which no structure, including uncovered porches, steps, eaves and gutters, shall be erected.

Canopy, marquee or awning. Any roof-like structure extended over a sidewalk or walkway.

Certificate of occupancy. Official certification that a premise conforms to provisions of the zoning ordinance (and building code) and may be used or occupied. Such a certificate is granted for new construction or for alteration or additions to existing structures or a change in use. Unless such a certificate is issued, a structure cannot be occupied.

Club or lodge, private (nonprofit). A nonprofit association of persons, who are bona fide members paying dues, which owns, hires, or leases a building, or portion thereof; the use of such premises being restricted to members and their guests. The affairs and management of such "private club or lodge" are conducted by a board of directors, executive committee or similar body chosen by the members. It shall be permissible to serve food and meals on such premises providing adequate dining room space and kitchen facilities are available. The sale of alcoholic beverages to members and their guests shall be allowed provided it is secondary and incidental to the promotion of some other common objective of the organization, and further provided that such sale of alcoholic beverages is in compliance with the applicable federal, state, and local laws.

College. A use, whether privately or publicly owned, providing educational instruction, without having students in residence, in a professional, vocational or technical field beyond the high school level. This includes, but is not limited to, business colleges, junior colleges, vocational schools, learning centers, trade schools, dancing schools, music conservatories and similar organizations.

Common open space. A parcel or parcels of land or an area of water or a combination of both land and water within the site designated for development and designed and intended for the use and enjoyment of residents of the development or for the general public, not including street or off-street parking areas. Common open space shall be substantially free of structures but may contain such improvements as are in the plan as finally approved and are appropriate for the benefit of residents of the development.

Condominium. A dwelling unit in which the ownership of the occupancy rights to the dwelling unit is individually owned or for sale to an individual and such ownership is not inclusive of any land.

Convalescent home (nursing home). An institution, which is advertised, announced, or maintained for the express or implied purpose of providing nursing or convalescent care for persons unrelated to the licensee. A convalescent home is a home for chronic or nursing patients who, on admission, are not as a rule, acutely ill and who do not usually require special facilities, such as an operating room, X-ray facilities, laboratory facilities, and obstetrical facilities. A convalescent home provides care for persons who have remedial ailments or other ailments, for which continuing medical and skilled nursing care is indicated; who, however, are not sick enough to require general hospital care. Nursing care is their primary need, but they will require continuing medical supervision. A major factor which distinguishes convalescent homes is that the residents will require the individualization of medical care.

Conversion. Changing the original purpose of a building to a different use.

Covenant. A private legal restriction on the use of land, contained in the deed to the property or otherwise formally recorded. There may be certain legal requirements for formal establishment of a covenant such as a written document, a mutual interest in the property, that the covenant be concerned with the use of the land rather than individual characteristics of ownership, etc.

Day care facility. A center, home or other place, whether operated under public auspices or as a private business, in which participants are received for temporary custodial care apart from parents or guardians, licensed by North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services.

Adult day care. The provision of group care and supervision, to adults, in a place other than their usual place of abode for less than twenty-four (24) hours per day, who may be physically or mentally disabled, G.S. 131D-6.

Child day care. A program or arrangement where, at any one time there are three (3) or more children under the age of thirteen (13), who do not reside where the care is provided and receive care on a regular basis of at least once per week for more than four (4) hours but less than twenty-four (24) hours per day, from persons other than their guardians or full time custodians or persons related to them by birth or adoption. Child day care shall not include those exceptions listed in G.S. 110-86.

Dedication. The transfer of property from private to public ownership.

Density. The average number of families, persons or housing units per unit of land.

Dimensional nonconformity. A nonconforming situation that occurs when the height, size, or minimum floor space of a structure or the relationship between an existing building or buildings and other buildings or lot lines does not conform to the regulations applicable to the district in which the property is located.

Dwelling. A building or portion thereof designed, arranged, or used for permanent living quarters. The term "dwelling" shall not be deemed to include a manufactured home or house trailer, motel, hotel, tourist home, or other structures designed for transient residence.

Dwelling, attached. One which is joined to another dwelling at one (1) or more sides by a party wall or walls.

Dwelling, detached. One which is entirely surrounded by open space on the same lot.

Dwelling, multi-family. A building, or portion thereof, containing two (2) or more dwelling units.

Dwelling, single-family. A building containing one (1) dwelling unit only.

Dwelling, two-family (duplex). A building containing two (2) dwelling units.

Dwelling unit. One or more rooms which are arranged, designed, or used as living quarters for one (1) family only. Individual bathrooms and complete kitchen facilities, permanently installed, shall always be included for each dwelling unit.

Easement. A right given by the owner of land to another party for specific limited use of that land. For example, a property owner may give an easement on his property to allow utility facilities like power lines or pipelines, to allow light to reach a neighbor's windows, or to allow access to another property.

Extraterritorial zoning. Authority granted to a locality to exercise zoning powers for a specified distance outside its boundaries. It is intended to protect activities on the edge of communities from being encroached on by incompatible adjacent activities.

Family. One or more persons living together as a single housekeeping unit. For the purposes of this ordinance such persons may include gratuitous guests and domestic servants employed on the same premises.

Family care home. A home or facility with support and supervisory personnel that provides room and board, personal care and habilitation services in a family environment for not more than six (6) resident handicapped persons. "Handicapped person" means a person with a temporary or permanent physical, emotional, or mental disability including but not limited to mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, hearing sight impairments, emotional disturbances and orthopedic impairments but not including mentally ill persons who are dangerous to others as defined in G.S. 122C-3(11)b.

Floor area (for determining off-street parking and loading requirements). The sum of the gross horizontal areas of the several floors of the building, or portion thereof, devoted to such use, including accessory storage areas located within selling or working space such as counters, racks, or closets, and any basement floor area devoted to retailing activities, to the production or processing or goods, or to business or professional offices.

However, "floor area" for the purposes of measurement for off-street parking spaces shall not include: floor area devoted to primarily storage purposes (except as otherwise noted herein); floor area devoted to off-street parking or loading facilities, including aisles, ramps, and maneuvering space; or basement floor other than area devoted to retailing activities, to the production or processing of goods, or to business or professional offices.

Foster home. A facility for less than six (6) otherwise normal children or adolescents who for various reasons cannot reside with their natural families and are provided with room, board, ordinary care and supervision in a home setting by adults who are not legally related to the children. Such facilities shall be allowed only when licensed by the appropriate state or local agency.

Frontage. All of the real property abutting a street line measured along the street line.

Garage, commercial. Any building or premises, except those described as a private or parking garage, used for the storage or care of motor vehicles, or where any such vehicles are equipped for operation, repaired, or kept for remuneration, hire or sale.

Garage, parking. Any building or premises, other than a private or commercial garage, used exclusively for the parking or storage of motor vehicles.

Garage, private. A building or space used as an accessory to or a part of the main building permitted in any residential district, and providing for the storage or motor vehicles and in which no business, occupation, or service for profit is in any way conducted.

Gross floor area. The total floor area enclosed within a building.

Group care home. A facility for six (6) or more children, adolescents or adults who have mental disabilities, emotional problems or who lack social maturity and who, for various reasons, cannot reside with their natural parents. Adult care is provided as well as a program of services and protective supervision in a home setting.

Guest home (tourist home). Any dwelling occupied by the owner or operator in which rooms are rented for guests, for lodging of transients and travelers for compensation, and where food may be served.

Home occupation. Any occupation or profession carried on entirely within a dwelling by one or more occupants thereof, providing that such use is clearly incidental and secondary to the use of the dwelling for dwelling purposes, that no more than twenty-five (25) percent of the total floor area is used for such purposes, that there is no outside or window display, that no merchandise or commodity is sold on the premises, that no mechanical or electrical equipment is installed or used other than is normally used for domestic or hobby purposes, or for infrequent consultation or emergency treatment, and providing that no person not a resident of said dwelling is employed in connection with the home occupation.

Hotel. A building kept, used, maintained, advertised as or held out to the public to be a place where sleeping accommodations are supplied for pay to transient guests, where rooms are furnished for the accommodation of such guests, maid service and linens are supplied, and having or not having one or more dining rooms, restaurants, or cafes where meals are served, such sleeping accommodations and dining rooms, restaurants, or cafes, if existing, being conducted in the same building.

Incompatible use. A use or service which is unsuitable for direct association and/or contiguity with certain other uses because it is contradictory, incongruous, or discordant.

Industrial park. A special or exclusive type of planned industrial area designed and equipped to accommodate a community of industries, providing them with all necessary facilities and services in attractive surroundings among compatible neighbors. Industrial parks may be promoted or sponsored by private developers, community organizations, or government organizations.

Inoperative vehicle. Any vehicle, designed to be self-propelled, which by virtue of broken or missing component parts, is no longer capable of self-propulsion. For the purpose of this ordinance, any vehicle which is registered with the North Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles and has a current North Carolina motor vehicle registration license affixed to it shall not be considered inoperative.

Junk yard. Any area, in whole or in part, where waste or scrap materials are bought, sold, exchanged, stored, baled, packed, disassembled, or handled, including but not limited to, scrap iron, and other metals, paper, rags, vehicles, rubber tires, and bottles. A "junk yard" includes an auto wrecking yard, but does not include uses established entirely within enclosed buildings.

Loading space, off-street. Space logically and conveniently located for bulk pickups and deliveries, scaled to delivery vehicles expected to be used, and accessible to such vehicles. Required off-street loading space is not to be included as off-street parking space in computation of required off-street parking space.

Lot. A parcel of land occupied or intended for occupancy by a main building or group of main buildings and accessory buildings, together with such yards, open spaces, lot width and lot area as are required by this ordinance, and having not less than the minimum required frontage upon a street, either shown on a plat of record, or considered as a unit or property and described by metes and bounds. For the purpose of this ordinance the word "lot" shall be taken to mean any number of contiguous lots or portions thereof, upon which one (1) or more main structure for a single use are erected or are to be erected.

Lot, corner. A lot abutting upon two (2) or more streets at the intersection thereof.

Lot, interior. A lot other than a corner lot.

Lot, through. An interior lot having frontage on two (2) streets.

Lot, depth. The depth of a lot is the average distance between the front and back lot lines measured at right angles to its frontage.

Lot lines. The lines bounding a lot.

Lot width. The straight line distance between the points where the building setback line intersects the two side lot lines.

Lot of record. A lot which is a part of a subdivision, a plat of which has been recorded in the office of the Hoke County Register of Deeds, or a lot described by metes and bounds, the description of which has been recorded in the office of the Hoke County Register of Deeds by the owner or predecessor in title thereto.

Maximum lot coverage. The maximum amount of land which is allowed to be covered by all principal and accessory buildings.

Manufactured home. A structure that: (a) consists of a single unit completely assembled at the factory or of multiple principal components totally assembled at the factory and joined together at the site; and (b) is designed so that the total structure (or in the case of a double-wide or triple-wide, each component thereof) can be transported on its own chassis; and (c) is over forty (40) feet long and over ten (10) feet wide; and (d) is originally designed for human occupancy and provides complete, independent living facilities for one family when connected to required utilities; and (e) does not meet all requirements of the North Carolina Uniform Residential Building Code. The placement of such a structure on a permanent foundation or the addition of conventionally constructed sections in no way changes its status as a manufactured home.

Manufactured home, class A. A manufactured home constructed after July 1, 1976, that meets or exceeds the construction standards promulgated by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development that were in effect at the time of construction and that satisfies the following additional criteria:

(a)        The manufactured home has a length not exceeding four (4) times its width, with length measured along the longest axis and width measured at the narrowest part of the other axis;

(b)        The manufactured home has a minimum of nine hundred (900) square feet of enclosed living area;

(c)        The pitch of the roof of the manufactured ho me has a minimum vertical rise of three (3) feet for each twelve (12) feet of horizontal run and the roof is finished with a type of shingle that is commonly used in standard residential construction;

(d)        All roof structures shall provide an eave projection of no less than six (6) inches, which may include a gutter;

(e)        The exterior siding consist predominantly of vinyl or aluminum horizontal lap siding (whose reflectivity does not exceed that of gloss white paint), wood, or hardboard, comparable in composition, appearance, and durability to the exterior siding commonly used in standard residential construction;

(f)        The manufactured home is set up in accordance with the standards set by the North Carolina Department of Insurance and a permanent masonry foundation and continuous masonry curtain wall, unpierced except for required ventilation and access, is installed under the perimeter of the manufactured home;

(g)        Stairs, porches, entrance platforms, ramps, and other means of entrance and exit to and form the home shall be installed or constructed in accordance with the standards set by the North Carolina Department of Insurance and any applicable building codes, attached firmly to the primary structure and anchored securely to the ground; and

(h)        The moving hitch, wheels and axles, and transporting lights have been removed.

It is the intent of these criteria to insure that a class A manufactured home, when installed, shall have substantially the appearance of an on-site, conventionally built, single-family dwelling.

Manufactured home, class B. Any manufactured home that does not meet the definition criteria of a class A manufactured home.

Manufactured home park. Any site or tract of land, of contiguous ownership upon which manufactured home spaces are provided for manufactured home occupancy whether or not a charge is made for such service. This does not include manufactured home sales lots on which unoccupied manufactured homes are parked for the purpose of inspection and sale.

Manufactured home space. A plot of land within a manufactured home park designed for the accommodation of one (1) manufactured home.

Manufactured home stand. That portion of the manufactured home space intended for occupancy by the manufactured home proper, consisting of a rectangular plat of ground at least twelve (12) by sixty (60) feet.

Manufactured home office. A structure identical to a manufactured home except that it has been converted, or originally designed and constructed, for commercial or office use.

Mini-warehouse. A building or buildings designed to provide separate access to individually rented storage compartments used exclusively for storing non-hazardous and non-combustible personal property, office or business supplies, and without any direct retail or wholesale sales conducted on the site.

Modular classroom. A manufactured home or similar type structure constructed or modified for classroom use.

Modular structure. A factory manufactured structure designed for year-round residential or commercial use with major components or modules pre-assembled and transported to a site for final assembly and utility connection but are not designed to be transported on their own chassis. Such structure must meet all requirements of the North Carolina Uniform Residential or Commercial Building Code and must have attached a North Carolina validating stamp.

Nonconforming lot. A lot existing at the effective date of this ordinance or any amendment to it (and not created for the purpose of evading the restrictions of this ordinance) that cannot meet the minimum area or lot width or depth requirements of the district in which the lot is located.

Nonconforming use. The use of a building, manufactured home, or land which does not conform to the use regulations of this ordinance for the district in which it is located, either at the effective date of this ordinance or as a result of subsequent amendments which may be incorporated into this ordinance.

Nuisance. Anything that interferes with the use or enjoyment of property, endangers personal health or safety, or is offensive to the senses.

Ordinance. This the zoning ordinance, including any amendments. Whenever the effective date of the ordinance is referred to, the reference includes the effective date of any amendment to it.

Parking lot. An area or plot of land used for the storage or parking of vehicles.

Parking space. A storage space of not less than nine (9) feet by eighteen (18) feet for one (1) automobile, plus the necessary access space.

Planned unit development (PUD). A form of development usually characterized by a unified site design for a number of housing units, clustering buildings and providing common open space, density increases, and a mix of building types and land uses. It permits the planning of a project and the calculation of densities over the entire development, rather than on an individual lot-by-lot basis.

Planning board. The public agency in a community usually empowered to prepare a comprehensive plan and to evaluate proposed changes in land use, either by public or private developers, for conformance with the plan.

Plat. A map showing the location, boundaries, and ownership of individual properties.

Premises. A single piece of property as conveyed in a deed or a lot or a number of adjacent lots on which is situated a land use, a building, or group of buildings designed as a unit or on which a building or a group of buildings are to be constructed.

Private road or street. Any road or street which is not publicly owned and maintained and is used for access by the occupants of the development, their guests and the general public.

Satellite dish antenna (or earth station). A dish antenna, or earth station, is defined as an accessory structure and shall mean a combination of:

(1)        Antenna or dish antenna whose purpose is to receive communication or other signals from orbiting satellites and other extraterrestrial sources;

(2)        A low-noise amplifier which is situated at the focal point of the receiving component and whose purpose is to magnify and transfer signals; and

(3)        A coaxial cable whose purpose is to carry the signals into the interior of the building.

Satellite dish antenna (or earth station) height. The height of the antenna or dish shall be that distance as measured vertically from the highest point of the antenna or dish, when positioned at its lowest angle for operation, to ground level at the bottom of the base which supports the antenna.

Satellite dish antenna (or earth station) setback. The setback of a dish antenna shall be measured from the center mounting post supporting the antenna.

School. A privately or public owned pre-school, elementary school, middle school, junior high school, or high school, providing educational instruction, not exceeding the high school level, and without having students in residence.

Self-service gasoline pump. A gasoline dispensing pump which is operated by the customer who pays the charge to an attendant or cashier.

Service station (gas station). Any building or land used for the dispensing, sale or offering for sale at retail any automobile fuels along with accessories such as lubricants or tires, except that car washing, mechanical and electrical repairs, and tire repairs shall only be performed incidental to the conduct of the service station and are performed indoors. Incidental activities shall not include tire retreading, major body work, or major mechanical work.

Setback. The required distance between every structure and the lot lines of the lot on which it is located.

Shopping center. A commercial area with one (1) or more buildings or lots and designed as a unit to house two (2) or more businesses offering products and/or services to the public.

Sign. Any words, lettering, figures, numerals, emblems, devices, trademarks, or trade names, or any combination thereof, by which anything is made known and which is designed to attract attention and/or covey a message.

Sign, identification. A sign used to display only the name, address, crest, or trademark of the business, individual, family, organization or enterprise occupying the premises, the profession of the occupant or the name of the building on which the sign is displayed; or a permanent sign announcing the name of a subdivision, shopping center, tourist home, group housing project, church, school, park or public or quasi-public structure, facility or development and the name of the owners or developers.

Sign, flashing. Any illuminated sign on which the artificial light is not maintained stationary or constant in intensity and color at all times when such sign is in use. For the purpose of this ordinance, any moving, illuminated sign shall be considered a "flashing sign." Such signs shall not be deemed to include time and temperature signs or public message displays using electronic switching.

Sign, freestanding. Any sign supported wholly or in part by some structure other than the building or buildings housing the business to which the sign pertains, or any sign which projects more than five (5) feet from the side of the building to which it is attached.

Sign, gross area. The entire area within a single continuous perimeter enclosing the extreme limits of such sign and in no case passing through or between any adjacent elements of same. However, such perimeter shall not include any structural elements lying outside the limits of such sign and not forming an integral part of the display.

Sign, off-premises. A sign which directs attention to a business, commodity service, or entertainment not exclusively related to the premises where such sign is located or to which it is affixed.

Sign, portable. A sign generally constructed to be easily movable from location to location without a permanent attachment to the ground or to a building and which may or may not be equipped with wheels. Such signs usually are designed for changeable messages.

Sign, projecting. A sign attached to a wall and projecting away from that wall more than twelve (12) inches, but not more than five (5) feet.

Sign, public information. A sign, usually erected and maintained by a public agency, which provides the public with information and in no way relates to a commercial activity including, but not limited to, speed limit signs, stop signs, city limit signs, street name signs, and directional signs. These signs are in no way regulated by this ordinance.

Sign, roof. A sign which is displayed above the eaves of a building.

Sign, wall. A sign attached to a wall and not projecting away from the wall more than twelve (12) inches.

Site plan. A plan, to scale, showing uses and structures proposed for a parcel of land as required by the regulations involved. It includes lot lines, streets, building sites, reserved open space, buildings, major landscape features--both natural and man-made--and, depending on requirements, the locations of proposed utility lines.

Spa, portable. A nonpermanent structure intended for private use, in which all controls, water-heating and water circulating equipment are an integral part of the product.

Stable, private. A stable on a lot not less than one (1) acre in size which has a capacity of not more than one (1) horse for each acre of lot area and where such horses are owned by the owners or occupants of the premises and are not kept for remuneration, hire or sale.

Stable, public. A stable meeting the same requirements as a private stable except that such horses may be owned by persons other than the owners or occupants of the premises and may be kept for remuneration hire or sale.

Story. That portion of a building included between the surface of any floor and the surface of the next floor above it, or if there be no floor above it, then the space between such floor and the ceiling next above it.

Street. A thoroughfare which affords the principal means of access to abutting property, including avenue, place, way, drive, lane, boulevard, highway, road and any other thoroughfare, except an alley.

Street line. The line between the street right-of-way and abutting property.

Structure. Anything constructed or erected, the use of which requires location in or on the land or attachment to something having a permanent location in or on the land.

Structural alterations. Any change in the supporting members of a building, such as bearing walls, columns, beans or girders except for repair or replacement.

Swimming pool. Any structure intended for swimming or recreational use that contains water over twenty-four (24) inches deep. This includes in-ground, aboveground and on-ground swimming pools, hot tubs and spas.

Swimming pool, indoors. A swimming pool, which is totally contained within a structure and surrounded on all four (4) sides by walls of said structure.

Swimming pool, outdoors. Any swimming pool, which is not an indoor pool.

Tourist home. See "Guest house."

Trailer. Any vehicle or structure originally designed to transport or intended for human occupancy for short periods of time. Trailers shall include the following:

(a)        House trailer. A vehicular, portable structure built on a wheeled chassis, designed to be towed by a self-propelled vehicle for use for travel, recreation, or vacation purposes, having a body width ten (10) feet or less or a body length forty (40) feet or less when equipped for road travel.

(b)        Pick-up coach. A portable structure for use as a temporary dwelling for travel, recreation, or vacation, designed to be mounted on a truck chassis for a temporary dwelling while either mounted or dismounted.

(c)        Motor home. A portable, temporary dwelling to be used for travel, recreation, or vacation, constructed as an integral part of a self-propelled vehicle. This definition shall include vans or panel trucks equipped for camping.

(d)        Camping trailer. A folding structure manufactured of metal, wood, canvas, plastic, or other materials, or any combination thereof, mounted on wheels and designed for travel, recreation, or vacation use.

(e)        Trailer. A vehicle hauled by another vehicle and designed to transport vehicles, boats, or freight.

Transmission line, high voltage electric power. A line transmitting or designed to transmit electricity of sixty-six thousand (66,000) or more volts, including poles, guys, wires, towers, and appliances, but not including transformer stations or substations.

Unattended gasoline pump. A gasoline dispensing pump which dispenses gasoline automatically according to the amount of money inserted into the pump. Such pumps are usually located without an attendant or other personnel on hand.

Use. Any continuing or repetitive occupation or activity taking place upon a parcel of land or within a building including, but not limited to residential, manufacturing, retailing, offices, public services, recreational, and educational.

Variance. A variance is a relaxation of the terms of the zoning ordinance where such variance will not be contrary to the public interest and where, owing to conditions peculiar to the property and not the result of the action of the applicant a literal enforcement of the ordinance would result in unnecessary and undue hardship.

As used in this ordinance, a variance is authorized only for height, area, and size of a structure or size of yards and open space; establishment or expansion of a use otherwise prohibited shall not be allowed by variance, nor shall a variance be granted because of the presence of nonconformities in the zoning district or uses in an adjoining zoning district.

Vested right. The right to undertake and complete the development and use o