§ 17.1 GEN ERAL.

   Except as specifically defined in this article, all words used in this ordinance shall be as defined in the most recent edition of The Illustrated Book of Development Definitions (Rutgers). Words not defined in this article or in the above book shall be construed to have the meaning given by common and ordinary use, and shall be interpreted within the context of the article and section in which they occur.

   For the purpose of this ordinance, certain words or terms used herein shall be defined as follows.

   1-YEAR, 24-HOUR STORM. The surface runoff resulting from a 24-hour rainfall of an intensity expected to be equaled or exceeded, on average, once in 12 months and with a duration of 24 hours.

   ABANDONMENT (OF REAL PROPERTY). A parcel of land, use, or structure which has been physically and objectively discontinued, ceased, relinquished, vacated, and/or not maintained for a consecutive period of 180 or more days.

   ABUTTING. The condition of two adjoining lots having a common property line or boundary, including cases where two or more lots adjoin a corner, but not including cases where adjoining lots are separated by a street or alley.

   ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT. A secondary dwelling unit established in conjunction with and clearly subordinate to a principal dwelling unit, whether part of the same structure as the principal dwelling unit or as a detached structure on the same lot.

   ACCESSORY STRUCTURE. A structure that is subordinate in use and square footage to a principal structure or permitted use.

   ACCESSORY USE. A use that is customarily incidental, appropriate, and subordinate to the principal use of land or buildings and is located upon the same lot.

   ADJACENT. A lot or parcel of land that shares all or part of a common lot line or boundary with another lot or parcel of land or that is directly across a public street or right-of-way.

   ADULT ENTERTAINMENT. An adult entertainment establishment shall include any place defined as an “Adult Establishment” or “Sexually Oriented Establishment” by G.S. § 14-202.10, including adult cabarets or any massage establishment where massages are rendered by any person exhibiting specified anatomical areas or where massages are performed on any client’s specified anatomical areas. ADULT ENTERTAINMENT establishments may consist of, include, or have the characteristics of any or all of the following:

      (A)   Adult or sexually oriented bookstore sales and distribution;

      (B)   Adult or sexually oriented paraphernalia sales and distribution;

      (C)   Adult or sexually oriented cabaret;

      (D)   Adult or sexually oriented mini motion picture theater;

      (E)   Adult or sexually oriented motion picture theater; and

      (F)   Adult retail.

   AGGRIEVED PARTY. A person, with a legally recognized interest (i.e., fee simple ownership) and standing to appeal, that is injuriously affected by a decision from any decision-making body of the town, including any officer or agent of the town.

   ALLEY. A service roadway providing a secondary means of access to abutting property and not intended for general traffic circulation.

   ALTERATION. Any change or expansion in the size, configuration, or location of a structure; or any change or expansion in the use of a structure or lot from a previously approved or legally existing size, configuration, location, or use.

   APPEAL OF ADMINISTRATIVE DECISION. An appeal of an administrative decision maker’s interpretation or decision reviewed and approved, approved with conditions, or denied by the Board of Adjustment in accordance with division 3.2.13, Appeal of Administrative Decision.

   APPLICANT. The owner of land, or the authorized representative of the landowner, applying for a development approval or permit.

   APPLICATION. The completed form or forms and all accompanying documents, exhibits, and fees required of an applicant by the appropriate town officer, board, or commission as part of the development review processes.

   APPROVED ACCOUNTING TOOL. The accounting tool for nutrient loading approved by the EMC for the relevant geography and development type under review.

   ARCHITECTURAL LIGHTING. Exterior lighting that is designed to highlight structures, plantings, or significant architectural features in a direct or indirect fashion.

   ASSESSED VALUE. The monetary price that a parcel of land, portion of land, improvement on land, or other commodity assigned by the County Property Appraiser’s office for the purposes of taxation.

   ASSISTED LIVING/NURSING FACILITIES. A building, section, or distinct part of a building, private home, boarding home, home for the aged, or other residential facility, whether operated for profit or not, which undertakes through its ownership or management to provide housing, meals, health care assistance, and one or more personal services for a period exceeding 24 hours to one or more adults who are not relatives of the owner or proprietor. Accessory uses may include dining rooms and infirmary facilities for intermediate or skilled nursing care solely for the use of the occupants residing in the principal facility.

   ATTACHED RESIDENTIAL. Residential development including the duplex, multi-family, and town house dwellings.

   AUTHORIZED AGENT. A person with express written consent to act upon another’s behalf.

   BALANCE OF WATERSHED (BW). The area adjoining and upstream of the critical area in a WS-II and WS-III water supply watershed. The BALANCE OF WATERSHED is comprised of the entire land area contributing surface drainage to the stream, river, or reservoir where a water supply intake is located.

   BANNER. A sign made of flexible material used to advertise a business or a product for sale.

   BAR, NIGHTCLUB, OR SIMILAR ESTABLISHMENT. An establishment having as its principal or predominant use the serving of alcohol for consumption on the premises, and which sets a minimum age requirement for entrance, consistent with state law. The primary source of revenue for such uses is derived from alcohol sales, and the secondary source from the serving of food. Such uses may also provide on-site entertainment in the form of live performances, dancing, billiards, or other entertainment activities. Performances related to the display of specific anatomic areas (as classified by G.S. § 14-202.10) are considered as adult entertainment uses.

   BED AND BREAKFAST INN. A private residence, generally a single-family detached dwelling located in a residential district, engaged in renting one or more dwelling rooms on a daily basis to tourists, vacationers, and businesspeople, where provision of meals is limited to guests only.

   BEDROOM. Sleeping room.

   BERM. An elongated earthen mound typically designed or constructed on a site to separate, screen, or buffer adjacent uses.

   BLOCK. A unit of land bounded by streets or by a combination of streets and public land, railroads, rights-of-way, waterways, or any other barrier to the continuity of development.

   BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT. A quasi-judicial board appointed by the Town Council and County Commissioners.

   BREWERY. An establishment permitted by the state as a brewery pursuant to G.S. § 18B-1104, as amended, which is primarily engaged in the production and distribution of beer, cider, fermented malt, or other beverages containing alcohol, where the majority of product is for off-site sale and consumption, along with accessory uses such as tasting room(s), restaurant, retail, demonstration areas, education and training facilities, or other uses incidental to the brewing business.

   BREWPUB. An establishment where beer and malt beverages are made on the premises in conjunction with a restaurant or bar. Where allowed by law, BREWPUBS may distribute to off-site accounts.

   BUFFER. An area of natural or planted vegetation through which stormwater runoff flows in a diffuse manner so that the runoff does not become channelized and which provides for infiltration of the runoff and filtering of pollutants. The BUFFER is measured landward from the normal pool elevation of impounded structures and from the bank of each side of streams or rivers.

   BUFFER, RIPARIAN. The area of natural or planted vegetation adjacent to a natural watercourse as measured landward from the normal pool elevation of impounded structures and from the bank of each side of streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, or wetlands which is intended to remain undisturbed.

   BUILDING. Any structure having a roof supported by columns or by walls, and intended for shelter, housing or enclosure of persons, animals, or property. The connection of two buildings by means of an open porch, breezeway, passageway, carport, or other such open structure, with or without a roof, shall not be deemed to make them one building.

   BUILDING ENVELOPE. The three-dimensional space within which a structure is permitted to be built on a lot and that is defined by maximum height regulations, and minimum yard setbacks or build-to lines, buffers, easements, or other applicable regulations.

   BUILDING FOOTPRINT. The area of a lot or parcel of land included within the surrounding exterior walls and/or outermost projection of the roof of a building or portion of a building, exclusive of courtyards.

   BUILDING HEIGHT. The vertical distance measured from the main level of the finished grade along the front of a building to the highest point of the roof surface of a flat roof, to the deck line of a mansard roof, or to the mean height level between eaves and ridge of gable, hip, cone, gambrel, or shed roofs.

   BUILDING, INTERSTATE FRONTAGE. A building visible from an interstate that is located on a lot or parcel of land that joins the right-of-way of an interstate or the right-of-way of an access road which abuts the right-of-way of an interstate.

   BUILDING LINE. A line establishing the minimum allowable distance between the nearest part of any building, excluding porches, bay windows, covered porches, decks, and patios, to the nearest edge of a street right-of-way, lot line, or easement.

   BUILDING MASS. The height, width, and depth of a structure.

   BUILDING PERMIT. An official document issued by the County Inspections Department pursuant to this ordinance and the state’s Building Code authorizing the erection, construction, reconstruction, restoration, alteration, enlargement, conversion, remodeling, demolition, moving, or repair of a building or structure.

   BUILDING, PRINCIPAL. A building in which is conducted the principal use of the lot on which it is located.

   BUILDING ZONE. The minimum and maximum building setbacks. Applies to buildings in the Gateway Districts.

   BULK REGULATIONS. Standards and controls that establish the maximum size of buildings and structures on a lot and the buildable areas within which the building can be located, including coverage, setbacks, height, impervious surface ratio, floor area ratio, and yard requirements.

   BUILT-UPON AREA (BUA). Impervious surface and partially impervious surface to the extent that the partially impervious surface does not allow water to infiltrate through the surface and into the subsoil. BUILT-UPON AREA does not include a slatted deck; the water area of a swimming pool; a surface of number 57 stone, as designated by the American Society for Testing and Materials, laid at least four inches thick over a geotextile fabric; or a trail as defined in G.S. § 113A-85 that is either unpaved or paved as long as the pavement is porous with a hydraulic conductivity greater than 0.001 centimeters per second (1.41 inches per hour).

   CALIPER. A horticultural method of measuring the diameter of a tree trunk for the purpose of determining size. The CALIPER of the trunk is measured six inches above the ground for trees up to and including four inches in diameter, 12 inches above the ground for trees greater than four inches and up to ten inches in diameter, and at breast height (four and one-half feet) for trees ten inches or greater in diameter.

   CANOPY. A permanent, but not completely enclosed structure that may be attached or adjacent to a building for the purpose of providing shelter to people or automobiles, or a decorative feature on a building wall. A CANOPY is not a completely enclosed structure.

   COVER, BONA FIDE. A fabric covering manufactured expressly for the purpose of fully covering automobile that includes elastic, ties, or other mechanisms designed to keep the cover in place during inclement weather.

   CARPORT. A roofed structure not more than 75% enclosed by walls and attached to the main building for the purpose of providing shelter for one or more motor vehicles.

   CASUALTY DAMAGE. Damage to a use, lot, or structure from an event that is sudden, unexpected, and unusual, such as a hurricane, earthquake, fire, flood, theft, or similar event.

   CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY. A document issued by a the County Inspections Department allowing the occupancy or use of a building and certifying that the structure or use has been constructed or will be used in compliance with this ordinance and all other applicable regulations.

   CHANGE OF USE. The change in the use of a structure or land, for which a certificate of occupancy is required. CHANGE OF USE shall include a change from one use to another use in the list(s) of permitted uses.

   CIVIC SPACE. An outdoor area dedicated for public use.

   CLUSTER DEVELOPMENT. The grouping of buildings in order to conserve land resources and provide for innovation in the design of the project including minimizing stormwater runoff impacts. This term includes nonresidential development as well as single-family residential and multi-family developments. For the purpose of this ordinance, planned unit developments and mixed-use development are considered as CLUSTER DEVELOPMENT.

   COLLECTOR STREET. A street whose principal function is to carry traffic between local, subcollector, and cul-de-sac streets and streets of higher classification, but which may provide direct access to abutting properties.

   COLLEGE or UNIVERSITY. A public or private, non-profit institution for post-secondary education offering courses in general or technical education which operates on buildings or premises of any tract size owned or leased by the institution for administrative and faculty offices, classrooms, laboratories, chapels, auditoriums, lecture halls, libraries, student and faculty centers, athletic facilities, dormitories, fraternities and sororities, and other facilities which further the educational mission of the institution.

   COMMENCEMENT OF CONSTRUCTION. The first placement of permanent evidence of a structure on a site pursuant to a duly issued building permit, such as the pouring of slabs or footings or any work beyond the stage of excavation, including the relocation of a structure. COMMENCEMENT OF CONSTRUCTION does not include the installation of streets or walkways; nor the excavation for a basement, footings, piers, or foundations, or the erection of temporary forms; nor does it include the installation on the property of temporary buildings, such as garages, sheds, or trailers, not part of the main structure nor occupied as dwelling units.

   COMMERCIAL RECREATION, INDOOR. A private indoor (entirely within enclosed structure) use providing for sport and recreation activities, that are operated or carried on primarily for financial gain. Examples of INDOOR COMMERCIAL RECREATION uses include, but are not limited to, fitness centers, bowling alleys, skating rinks, indoor commercial swimming pools, and racquet and tennis club facilities (indoor).

   COMMERCIAL RECREATION, OUTDOOR. A private outdoor use providing facilities for sport activities, which is operated or carried on primarily for financial gain, outdoors. Examples of OUTDOOR COMMERCIAL RECREATION uses include, but are not limited to, miniature golf facilities, outdoor commercial tourist attractions, and privately owned active sports facilities such as ball fields and basketball courts, and racquet and tennis club facilities (outdoor).

   COMMISSION. The North Carolina Environmental Management Commission, in the Department.

   COMMON LAW VESTED RIGHT. Legal doctrine that recognizes where property owners have reasonably made a substantial expenditure of money, time, labor, or energy in a good faith reliance on a permit from the government, that they acquire “vested rights” or a protected right to complete the development of their land as originally begun despite any changes in the zoning on the property.

   COMMON PLAN OF DEVELOPMENT. A site where multiple separate and distinct development activities may be taking place at different times on different schedules but governed by a single development plan regardless of ownership of the parcels. Information that may be used to determine a COMMON PLAN OF DEVELOPMENT include plats, blueprints, marketing plans, contracts, building permits, public notices or hearings, zoning requests, and infrastructure development plans.

   COMPATIBLE. A term used to describe how the visual aspects of a structure (including signage) are similar to or consistent with the other structures on the same parcel, site, or in the immediate vicinity. Visual aspects include, but are not limited to: color, texture, materials, scale, size, form, and aspect.

   CONDOMINIUM. A development containing individually owned dwelling units and jointly owned and shared areas and facilities that is subject to the state’s Unit Ownership Act (G.S. §§ 47A-1 et seq.) and/or the state’s Condominium Act (G.S. §§ 47C-1-101 et seq.).

   CONNECTIVITY. The relative degree of connection between streets, sidewalks, or other means of travel.

   CONTIGUOUS. Abutting directly or immediately adjacent to a boundary or separated only by a street, railroad, or public utility right-of-way.

   CONTINUOUS VISUAL SCREEN. Screening of vehicular use areas or outside storage by vegetative material, berms, or structures (walls and fences), or a combination of these items designed to completely obstruct off-site views of the vehicular use area typically to a height four feet above the adjacent grade.

   COPY. Any words, letters, numbers, figures, characters, symbols, logos, or insignia that are used on a sign display surface area.

   COUNTY. Granville County, North Carolina.

   COUNTRY CLUB. Land area and buildings containing golf courses, swimming pools, tennis courts, or similar recreational facilities along with a clubhouse and customary accessory uses which are open to members and their guests, or to the general public on a fee basis.

   CREMATORY. A facility containing furnaces for the reduction of dead bodies to ashes by fire.

   CRITICAL AREA. The area adjacent to a water supply intake or reservoir where risk associated with pollution is greater than from the remaining portions of the watershed. The CRITICAL AREA is defined as extending either one-half mile from the normal pool elevation of the reservoir in which the intake is located or to the ridge line of the watershed (whichever comes first); or one-half mile upstream from the intake located directly in the stream or river (run-of-the-river), or the ridge line of the watershed (whichever comes first). Local governments may extend the CRITICAL AREA as needed. Major landmarks such as highways or property lines may be used to delineate the outer boundary of the CRITICAL AREA if these landmarks are immediately adjacent to the appropriate outer boundary of one-half mile.

   CROSS ACCESS. Vehicular access provided between the vehicular use areas of two or more development sites or parcels of land intended to allow travel between the sites without the use of a public or private street.

   CUL-DE-SAC STREET. A short local street having one end open to traffic and the other end permanently terminated by a vehicular turnaround.

   CURB OUTLET SYSTEM. A curb outlet system means curb and gutter with breaks or other outlets used to convey stormwater runoff to vegetated conveyances or other vegetated areas.

   DAYCARE. A place where daytime care, supervision, and protection is provided to three or more children or adults who are not the legal wards or foster children of the attendant adult within an occupied residence.

   DENSITY, GROSS. The number of dwelling units on the entire area of a tract or lot.

   DENSITY, NET. The number of dwelling units on a tract or lot minus the area of public rights-of-way, areas of flood hazard, lakes or water bodies, or wetlands under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

   DEPARTMENT. The North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

   DESIGN MANUAL. The Stormwater Design Manual approved for use in this part of the Falls Watershed by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality for the proper implementation of the requirements of the Falls Watershed stormwater program or any manual published by NCDEQ that is generally applicable throughout the state. All references herein to the DESIGN MANUAL are to the latest published edition or revision.

   DEVELOPER. The legal or beneficial owner or owners of a lot or of any land included in a proposed development, including the holder of an option or contract to purchase or other persons having enforceable proprietary interests in such land.

   DEVELOPMENT. The initiation, construction, change, or enlargement of any use or structure, the disturbance of land through the removal of trees or ground cover, or the division of land into two or more parcels, or any land disturbing activity which adds to or changes the amount or nature of impervious or partially impervious cover on a land area, or which otherwise decreases the infiltration of precipitation into the soil. DEVELOPMENT shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

      (A)   Construction or enlargement of a building or structure;

      (B)   Change in the type of use of a building, structure, or land;

      (C)   Material increase in the intensity of use of land, such as an increase in the number of businesses, offices, manufacturing establishments, or dwelling units located in a building or structure or on the land;

      (D)   Commencement or expansion of resource extraction, agricultural, horticultural, or forestry activities on a parcel of land;

      (E)   Demolition of a structure or the removal of trees from a parcel of land;

      (F)   Deposition of refuse, solid or liquid waste, or fill on a parcel of land;

      (G)   Alteration, either physically or chemically, of the shore, bank, or channel of any stream, lake, or other body of water or alteration of any wetland; and

      (H)   Any land disturbing activity that adds to or changes the amount of impervious or partially impervious cover on a land area or which otherwise decreases the infiltration of precipitation into the soil.

   Any land-disturbing activity that increases the amount of built-upon area or that otherwise decreases the infiltration of precipitation into the subsoil. When additional development occurs at a site that has existing development, the built-upon area of the existing development shall not be included in the density calculations for additional stormwater control requirements, and stormwater control requirements cannot be applied retroactively to existing development, unless otherwise required by federal law (from G.S. § 143-214.7)

   DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT. A written agreement between the town and a developer or applicant that sets down the rights and responsibilities of each party as pertaining to a single development.

   DEVELOPMENT, MULTI-PHASED. A development containing 25 acres or more that is both of the following:

      (A)   Submitted for development permit approval to occur in more than one phase;

      (B)   Subject to a master development plan with committed elements showing the type and intensity of use of each phase.

   DIAMETER AT BREAST HEIGHT (DBH). The measurement of the diameter of a tree trunk over 12 inches in diameter taken at a height of four and one-half feet above the ground. Trees with multiple trunks should be treated as multiple trees and the DBH for each trunk added to aggregate diameter measurement.

   DISTILLERY. A place where distillation takes place, especially the distillation of alcoholic spirits.

   DISTRICT. An area delineated on the Official Zoning Map which sets forth standards and guidelines for all development within the prescribed district.

   DISTRICT, OVERLAY. A zoning district that encompasses one or more underlying zoning district and that imposes additional requirements above that required by the underlying zoning district.

   DISPERSED FLOW. Uniform shallow flow that is conveyed to a vegetated filter strip as defined by 15A NCAC 02H .1059, another vegetated area, or stormwater control measure. The purpose of DISPERSED FLOW is to remove pollutants via infiltration and settling, as well as to reduce erosion prior to stormwater reaching surface waters.

   DIVISION. The Division of Water Quality in the Department.

   DOWNZONING. A zoning ordinance that affects an area of land in one of the following ways:

      (A)   By decreasing the development density of the land to be less dense than was allowed under its previous usage;

      (B)   By reducing the permitted uses of the land that are specified in a zoning ordinance or land development regulation to fewer uses than were allowed under its previous usage.

   DRIPLINE. A vertical line that extends from the outermost branches of a tree’s canopy to the ground around the circumference of the tree.

   DRIVE THROUGH. A facility designed to enable a person to transact business while remaining in a motor vehicle.

   DRIVEWAY. A vehicular accessway or series of accessways providing ingress and egress to a use or development from a public street, private street, or vehicular use area associated with another use. Such accessway may be the primary drive aisle, or may be a separate driveway.

   DWELLING or DWELLING UNIT. A building or portion thereof that provides complete and permanent living facilities for one family. This term shall not apply to a hotel, motel, guesthouse, or other structures designed for transient residence.

   DWELLING, DUPLEX. A single-family dwelling unit attached to one other single-family dwelling unit by a common vertical wall, and both dwelling units are located on the same lot.

   DWELLING, MANUFACTURED HOME. A structure, transportable in one or more sections, which in the traveling mode is eight body feet or more in width, or 40 body feet or more in length, or, when erected on site, is 320 or more square feet; and which is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used as a dwelling, with or without permanent foundation when connected to the required utilities, including the plumbing, heating, air conditioning and electrical systems contained therein. MANUFACTURED HOME includes any structure that meets all of the requirements of this subsection except the size requirements and with respect to which the manufacturer voluntarily files a certification required by the Secretary of HUD and complies with the standards established under the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act.

   DWELLING, MULTI-FAMILY. A dwelling containing three or more individual dwelling units, with the units often stacked one above the other in a vertical configuration, sharing common vertical walls and/or horizontal floors and ceilings.

   DWELLING, SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED. A residential building containing not more than one dwelling unit to be occupied by one or more persons, not physically attached to any other principal structure. For regulatory purposes, this term does not include manufactured homes, recreational vehicles, or other forms of temporary or portable housing.

   DWELLING, TOWNHOUSE. A type of multi-family dwelling, in which two or more individual dwelling units are located on individual lots, but attached by one or more common party walls which are shared by one or more units for more than 50% of their total linear distance along the lot line. The habitable spaces of different dwelling units are typically arranged on a side-by-side rather than a stacked configuration.

   EASEMENT. A grant by the property owner of a strip of land for specified purposes and use by the public, a corporation, or persons, such as for utilities.

   ENCROACHMENTS. Any portion of a structure or appurtenance extending beyond a designated zoning setback, easement, property line, or public right-of-way.

   ENGINEERED STORMWATER CONTROL. A physical device designed to trap, settle out, or filter pollutants from stormwater runoff; to alter or reduce stormwater runoff velocity, amount, timing, or other characteristics; to approximate the pre-development hydrology on a developed site; or to achieve any combination of these goals. Engineered stormwater control includes physical practices such as constructed wetlands, vegetative practices, filter strips, grassed swales, and other methods installed or created on real property. ENGINEERED STORMWATER CONTROL is synonymous with “structural practice”, “stormwater control facility”, “stormwater control practice”, “stormwater treatment practice”, “stormwater management practice”, “stormwater control measures”, “structural stormwater treatment systems”, and similar terms used in this ordinance. It is a broad term that may include practices that do not require design by a professionally licensed engineer.

   ERECT. To build, construct, attach, hang, place, suspend, or affix, also including the painting of wall signs.

   ESTABLISHED GRADE. The finished grade following grading, excavation, or other land-disturbing activity.

   EVIDENTIARY PUBLIC HEARING. See PUBLIC HEARING, EVIDENTIARY.

   EXISTING DEVELOPMENT. Structures, buildings, site specific development plans, or other projects that are completely built or that at a minimum have established a vested right as of the effective date of this ordinance based on at least one of the following being satisfactorily proven to the Ordinance Administrator for the specific development in question:

      (A)   Substantial expenditures of resources (time, labor, money) based on a good faith reliance upon having received a valid local government approval to proceed with the development;

      (B)   Having an outstanding valid building permit as authorized by G.S.§ 160D-102; or

      (C)   Having an approved site specific or phased development plan as authorized by G.S. § 160D-102.

   EXISTING LOT. A lot which is part of a subdivision, a plat of which has been recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds prior to the adoption of this ordinance, or a lot described by metes and bounds, the description of which has been so recorded prior to the adoption of this ordinance.

   EXPANSION. An increase in the size of an existing structure or use, including physical size of the property, building, parking, and other improvements or structures.

   EXTRATERRITORIAL JURISDICTION. The area outside municipal limits where the town exercises planning, zoning, and subdivision powers.

   FACADE. The exterior wall of a building parallel to the frontage line or the street that fronts the parcel on which the building is located. FACADES may be on the front, side, or rear elevation of the building.

   FAMILIAL RELATIONSHIP, CLOSE. A spouse, parent, child, brother, sister, grandparent, or grandchild. The term includes the step, half, and in-law relationships.

   FAMILY. One or more persons occupying a single dwelling unit, provided that unless all members are related by blood or marriage or adoption, no such family shall contain over five persons, but further provided that domestic servants employed or living on the premises may be housed on the premises without being counted as a family or families.

   FAMILY CARE HOME. A home with support and supervisory personnel that provides room and board, personal care, and habilitation services in a family environment for not more than six resident persons with disabilities (G.S. § 168-21).

   FAMILY SUBDIVISION. A division of a tract of land: (a) to convey the resulting parcels, with the exception of parcels retained by the grantor, to a relative or relatives as a gift or for nominal consideration, but only if no more than one parcel is conveyed by the grantor from the tract to any one relative; or (b) to divide land from a common ancestor among tenants in common, all of whom inherited by intestacy or by will.

   FENCE. A structure used to delineate a boundary or act as a barrier or means of protection, confinement, or screening.

   FLOOR AREA, GROSS. The sum of the gross horizontal areas of each floor of the principal building and any accessory buildings or structures, measured from the exterior walls or from the center line of party walls. The term does not include any area used exclusively for the surface parking of motor vehicles or for building or equipment access, such as stairs, elevator shafts, and maintenance crawl space.

   FLOOR AREA RATIO. The total floor area of all structures on a lot, divided by the total horizontal area of the lot.

   FOOD TRUCK. A licensed, motorized vehicle or mobile food unit that is designed and equipped to serve food and is temporarily located for the purpose of selling food items to customers. This use includes ice cream trucks.

   FOOT CANDLE. The amount of light that falls onto a surface as emitted by an exterior lighting device.

   FRONT LOT LINE. The line connecting the two side lot lines along the edge of the lot adjacent to the right-of-way of the street that provides the lot’s street address (also referred to as the “lot frontage”).

   FULL CUT-OFF LENS. An artificial outdoor lighting fixture designed to ensure that no light is directly emitted above a horizontal line parallel to the ground.

   GLARE. The reflection or harsh, bright light and the physical effect resulting from high luminances or insufficiently shielded light sources to cause annoyance, discomfort, or loss in visual performance and visibility.

   GOLF DRIVING RANGE. A limited area on which golf players do not walk, but onto which they drive golf balls from a common driving tee. Such uses may include a concessions stand, netting, exterior lighting fixtures, putting greens, as well as maintenance and outdoor storage areas. Such uses do not include golf courses.

   GOOD CAUSE. Legally adequate or substantial grounds or reason to take a certain action based upon the circumstances of each individual case.

   GOOD FAITH. Sincere conduct free from malice or a desire to defraud others.

   GOVERNMENT OFFICES AND FACILITIES. An office or other facility of a governmental agency that provides administrative and/or direct services to the public, such as, but not limited to, town and county administrative offices, courts, employment offices, public assistance offices, motor vehicle licensing and registration services, maintenance and repair centers, and supply and equipment depots. This use does not include jails or correctional institutions.

   GRADE. The elevation of the land or land level at a specific point.

   GRADE, STREET. The height of the top of the curb, or if no curb exists, the height of the edge of pavement in the lane of travel.

   GROUND COVER. Any natural vegetative growth or other material that renders the soil surface stable against accelerated erosion.

   GROUP CARE FACILITY. A facility licensed by the state (called by any name, which is not a “family care home” as defined by this ordinance) which employs supervisory and support personnel to provide care for fewer than 30 individuals, including room, board, and personal care and habilitation services in a communal setting.

   HEAVY EQUIPMENT SALES AUCTION. An auction that exists primarily for the sale of construction, agricultural, and transportation equipment and other related items. These auctions must be intermittent in nature (limited to a maximum of eight annual events).

   HEIGHT. The vertical distance from the mean grade elevation taken at the fronting street side of a structure to the parapet or roof line of a flat roof, the eave of a pitched roof, or the deck line of a mansard roof.

   HOME OCCUPATION. A business, profession, occupation, or trade which is conducted within a residential dwelling unit for the economic gain or support of a resident of the dwelling, and is incidental and secondary to the residential use of the lot and which does not adversely or perceptively affect the character of the lot or surrounding area. HOME OCCUPATION includes, but is not limited to: offices; electronic and off-site retail; personal services such as physical therapy by licensed individuals, beauty parlors, pet grooming, and the like. HOME OCCUPATION does not include such businesses as: automotive repair and the like; any licensed or unlicensed practitioner who performs invasive procedures (acupuncture, tattooing, body piercing, and the like); restaurants, bars, social clubs and the like; animal kennels or hospitals and the like; or any other business which is clearly inappropriate or out of character for a residential area such that its location constitutes an adverse impact on neighboring residential properties.

   HOSPITAL. An institution specializing in giving clinical, temporary, and emergency services of a medical or surgical nature to human patients and injured persons, that is licensed by state law to provide facilities and services in surgery, obstetrics, or general medical practice. Such institutions may include in-patient medical or surgical care for the sick or injured and related facilities such as laboratories, out-patient departments, training facilities, central services facilities, and staff offices that are an integral part of the facilities.

   HOTELS AND MOTELS. Hotel and motel are to be considered synonymous uses. A HOTEL OR MOTEL means a building or a group of buildings in which sleeping accommodations are offered to the public and intended primarily for rental for temporary occupancy by persons on an overnight basis, not including bed and breakfast establishments or a rooming house. Such uses may include microwaves and refrigerators for each guest unit.

   IMPERVIOUS SURFACE. Buildings; parking areas; driveways; streets; sidewalks; areas of concrete, asphalt, gravel, or other compacted aggregate; and areas covered by the outdoor storage of goods or materials which do not absorb water.

   IMPROVEMENT. Any building, structure, bridge, work of art, area, parking facility, public facility, fence, gate, wall, landscaping, or other object, or any part thereof, constituting physical addition to real property.

   INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT (STORMWATER). Any non-residential development that requires an NPDES permit for an industrial discharge and/or requires the use or storage of any hazardous material for the purpose of manufacturing, assembling, finishing, cleaning, or developing any product or commodity.

   INDUSTRY, LIGHT. The mechanical transformation of predominantly previously prepared materials into new products, including assembly of component parts and the creation of products for sale to the wholesale or retail markets or directly to consumers. Such uses are wholly confined within an enclosed building, do not include processing of hazardous gases and chemicals, and do not emit noxious noise, smoke, vapors, fumes, dust, glare, odor, or vibration. Examples include, but are not limited to: production or repair of small machines or electronic parts and equipment; woodworking and cabinet building; publishing and lithography; computer design and development; research, development, testing facilities and laboratories; apparel production; sign making; assembly of pre-fabricated parts, manufacture of electric, electronic, or optical instruments or devices; manufacture and assembly of artificial limbs, dentures, hearing aids, and surgical instruments; manufacture, processing, and packing of food products, cosmetics, and manufacturing of components, jewelry, clothing, trimming decorations, and any similar item.

   INTERMITTENT STREAM. A stream which fails to convey water for some or part of the year due to fluctuations in season, temperature, or humidity.

   INTERPRETATION. An interpretation of this ordinance made in writing by the Ordinance Administrator or designee in accordance with the standards in division 1.6, Ordinance Interpretation.

   JUNK VEHICLE. A vehicle which does not lawfully display a current license plate and which is partially dismantled or wrecked, or cannot operate under its own power.

   JUNKYARD. An establishment or place of business which is maintained, operated, or used for storing, keeping, buying, or selling scrap copper, brass, rope, rags, batteries, paper, trash, rubber, debris, or waste, or for operation and maintenance of a place of business for storing, keeping, buying, or selling wrecked, scrapped, ruined, or dismantled motor vehicles or motor parts.

   JUST CAUSE. Legitimate cause; legal or lawful ground for action.

   KENNEL, COMMERCIAL. A facility where dogs, cats, or other domestic animals over three months of age are kept, raised, sold, boarded, bred, shown, treated, or groomed. Such a facility may have an indoor and outdoor component.

   LAND. The earth, water, and air, above, below, or on the surface, and includes any improvements or structures customarily regarded as land.

   LAND DEVELOPMENT PERMIT. A permit reviewed and approved, approved with conditions, or denied by the Ordinance Administrator in accordance with division 3.2.10, Land Development Permit.

   LAND DISTURBING ACTIVITY. Any use of the land that results in a change in the natural cover or topography that may cause or contribute to sedimentation.

   LANDFILL. A facility for the disposal of solid waste on land in a sanitary manner in accordance with G.S. Ch. 130A, Art. 9. For the purpose of this ordinance, this term does not include composting facilities.

   LAND OWNER. Any owner of a legal or equitable interest in real property, including the heirs, devisees, successors, assigns, and agent or personal representative of the owner. The person shown on the records of the County Register of Deeds shall be presumed to be the person in control of the property.

   LARGER COMMON PLAN OF DEVELOPMENT OR SALE. Any area where multiple separate and distinct construction or land-disturbing activities will occur under one plan. A plan is any announcement or piece of documentation (including, but not limited to, a sign, public notice or hearing, sales pitch, advertisement, loan application, drawing, permit application, zoning request, or computer design) or physical demarcation (including, but not limited to, boundary signs, lot stakes, or surveyor markings) indicating that construction activities may occur on a specific plot.

   LATTICE TOWER. A freestanding steel framework tower with three or four sides designed to support antennas or other communications equipment.

   LEGISLATIVE PUBLIC HEARING. See PUBLIC HEARING, LEGISLATIVE.

   LOADING SPACE, OFF-STREET. Space logically and conveniently located for bulk pickups and deliveries, scaled to delivery vehicles, and not considered as part of the minimum required off-street surface parking.

   LOCAL STREET. A street whose primary function is to provide access to abutting properties.

   LOT. A parcel of land or any combination of several parcels of land occupied or intended to be occupied by a principal use or structure, together with any accessory structures or uses and such accessways, parking area, yards, and open spaces required in these regulations.

   LOT COVERAGE. The portion of the lot that is covered by impervious surfaces.

   LOT DEPTH. The horizontal distance between the midpoints of straight lines connecting the front lot line and the rear lot line.

   LOT DOUBLE FRONTAGE. A lot having frontage on two parallel or approximately parallel streets.

   LOT FRONTAGE. See FRONT LOT LINE.

   LOT LINE. The lines bounding a lot as established by ownership.

   LOT OF RECORD. A lot which is part of a subdivision, a plat of which has been recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds prior to October 1, 2008, or a lot described by metes and bounds recorded prior to the enactment of a subdivision ordinance within the controlling jurisdiction.

   LOT WIDTH. The distance between the side lot lines measured along a setback line or build-to line, or the distance measured between the side lot lines along the street right-of-way if no setback has been established.

   LOT, CORNER. A lot located at the intersection of two or more streets.

   LOT, FLAG. A lot not meeting minimum frontage requirements and where access to the public road is by a narrow, private right-of-way or driveway.

   LOT, INTERIOR. A lot other than a corner lot with only one frontage on a street.

   LOT, IRREGULARLY SHAPED. A lot with three sides, more than four sides, or with corner angles greater or less than 90 degrees. The front yard of such lots shall be determined with respect to adjacent homes and street vistas.

   LOT, NONCONFORMING. A lot that met all legal requirements when it was platted or otherwise recorded but which does not comply with the minimum lot area or minimum lot width requirements of this ordinance, or a subsequent amendment hereto, for the zoning district in which it is located.

   LOT, REVERSE FRONTAGE. Any lot oriented to an abutting street in such a way that the intersection of the front building line, extended, and the street right-of-way line form an interior angle of less than 45 degrees. A REVERSE FRONTAGE LOT may also be a corner lot, through lot, or an interior lot.

   LOT, SINGLE-TIER. A lot which backs up to a limited access highway, railroad, water body, physical barrier, or other type of use other than another lot.

   LOT, THROUGH. A lot other than a corner lot with frontage on more than one street. THROUGH LOTS abutting two streets may be referred to as double frontage lots.

   MAJOR THOROUGHFARE. Major thoroughfares consist of interstate, other freeway, expressway, or parkway links, and major streets that provide for the expeditious movement of high volumes of traffic within and through urban areas.

   MAJOR WATERSHED VARIANCE. A variance from stormwater regulations that is not a MINOR VARIANCE as defined in this ordinance.

   MANUFACTURED HOME PARK. A parcel of land developed to accommodate manufactured housing.

   MAXIMUM EXTENT PRACTICABLE. No feasible alternative exists, as determined by the Ordinance Administrator, and all possible efforts to comply with the standards or regulation or minimize potential harmful or adverse impacts have been undertaken by an applicant. Economic considerations may be taken into account but shall not be the overriding factor determining MAXIMUM EXTENT PRACTICABLE.

   MEDICAL TREATMENT CENTER. An establishment where patients are admitted for examination and treatment by one or more physicians, dentists, or psychologists, and where patients may or may not be lodged overnight.

   MICROBREWERY. An establishment where beer and malt beverages are made on the premises and then sold or distributed, and which produces less than 15,000 barrels (a barrel is approximately 31 gallons) of beer per year. A MICROBREWERY sells to the public by one or more of the following methods: the traditional three-tier system (brewer to wholesaler to retailer to consumer); the two-tier system (brewer acting as wholesaler to retailer to consumer); and directly to the consumer.

   MICRODISTILLERY. A small, often boutique-style distillery established to produce beverage grade spirit alcohol in relatively small quantities, usually done in single batches (as opposed to larger distillers’ continuous distilling process).

   MINIMUM DESIGN CRITERIA (STORMWATER) or MDC. The requirements set forth in Title 15A, Subchapter 2H of the state’s Administrative Code for siting, site preparation, design and construction, and post-construction monitoring and evaluation necessary for the Department to issue stormwater permits that comply with state water quality standards adopted pursuant to G.S. § 143-214.1.

   MINIMUM LOT SIZE. The minimum amount of land area, measured horizontally, included within the lines of a lot as required by this ordinance. Lands located within any private easements shall be included within the lot size.

   MINOR REPAIR AND NORMAL MAINTENANCE.

      (A)   Maintenance of safe condition. Repairs that are necessary to maintain a nonconforming use, structure, lot of record, or sign in a safe condition; and

      (B)   Maintenance of land for safety. Maintenance of land areas to protect against health hazards and promote the safety of surrounding land, structures, and uses.

   MINOR THOROUGHFARE. Minor thoroughfares collect traffic from collector, subcollector, and local streets and carry it to the major thoroughfare system. MINOR THOROUGHFARES are used to supplement the major thoroughfare system by facilitating the movement of moderate volumes of traffic within and through urban areas.

   MINOR WATERSHED VARIANCE. A variance from the minimum statewide watershed protection rules that results in a relaxation, by a factor of up to 5% of any buffer, density or built-upon area requirement under the high-density option; or that results in a relaxation, by a factor of up to 10%, of any management requirement under the low-density option. For variances to a vegetated setback requirement, the percent variation shall be calculated using the footprint of built-upon area proposed to encroach with the vegetated setback divided by the total area of vegetated setback within the project.

   MIXED-USE. A single structure or tract of land containing more than one type of use, where the different types of uses are in close proximity, planned as a unified complementary whole, and functionally integrated to the use of shared vehicular and pedestrian access and parking areas.

   MOBILE UNIT (NONRESIDENTIAL). A structure, transportable in one or more sections, which is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used with or without a permanent foundation when connected to the required utilities.

   MONOPOLE TOWER. An antenna-supporting structure typically composed of a single hollow steel shaft with one or more platforms intended for mounting antennas or other communications equipment.

   MOTOR VEHICLE USE AREA. The area containing the driveways, drive aisles, parking, stacking and standing areas provided for motor vehicles.

   MULTI-PHASED DEVELOPMENT. See DEVELOPMENT, MULTI-PHASED.

   NONCONFORMING LOT. A lot, the area, dimensions, or location of which was lawful prior to the adoption, revision, or amendment of the ordinance but that fails by reason of such adoption, revision, or amendment to conform to the present requirements of the zoning district.

   NONCONFORMING SIGN. Any sign lawfully existing on the effective date of an ordinance, or amendment thereto, that renders such sign nonconforming because it does not conform to all the standards and regulations of the adopted or amended ordinance.

   NONCONFORMING STRUCTURE OR BUILDING. A structure or building, the size, dimensions, or location of which was lawful prior to the adoption, revision, or amendment to the zoning ordinance but that fails by reason of such adoption, revision, or amendment to conform to the present requirements of the zoning district.

   NONCONFORMING USES. Any actual and active use lawfully being made of any land, building, sign, or structure not otherwise abandoned, which exists on the effective date of this ordinance or on the effective date of any amendment thereto, and renders such existing use illegal within a district, or which does not comply in any fashion with any of the regulations of this ordinance or any amendments thereto. If the property or structure is vacant or unused on the effective date of this ordinance or any amendment thereto, it shall be conclusively presumed that the property or structure is subject to the provisions of this ordinance or any amendments thereto. A use or activity that was lawful prior to the adoption, revision, or amendment of the zoning ordinance but that fails by reason of such adoption, revision, or amendment to conform to the present requirements of the zoning district.

   NONCONFORMITY. A nonconforming use, structure, lot of record, or sign.

   NON-EROSIVE VELOCITY. The flow rate of water, usually measured in feet per second, that does not exceed the maximum permissible velocity for the condition and type of soil and groundcover over which the water is flowing. Erosion is likely to occur when the maximum permissible velocity is exceeded.

   NON-RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT. All development other than residential development, agriculture and silviculture.

   NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL STATUTES (G.S.). The laws created by the State of North Carolina legislature and to which the town is required to uphold.

   NOTICE OF VIOLATION. An initial notice indicating an infraction of the ordinance; not associated with a fine.

   NURSING HOME. See ASSISTED LIVING/NURSING FACILITIES.

   OFF-SITE STORMWATER SYSTEM. Stormwater management systems that are located outside the boundaries of the specific project in question, but designed to control stormwater drainage from that project and other potential development sites.

   ONE-YEAR STORM. One-year, 24-hour storm means the maximum amount of rainfall during a 24 consecutive hour period expected, on average, to occur once a year. One-year, 24-hour storm depths are estimated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Precipitation Frequency Data Server (PFDS).

   OPACITY. A measurement indicating the degree of obscuration of light or visibility.

   ORDINANCE. A document of regulations enforceable as municipal law.

   OUTDOOR DISPLAY/SALES. The placement of products or materials for sale outside the entrance of a retail or wholesale sales establishment.

   OUTDOOR STORAGE. The keeping, in an unroofed area of any goods, material, merchandise, or vehicles in the same place for more than 24 hours. This shall not include the display of vehicles for sale in a new or used car sales lot, or junk vehicles. Such activities may be the principal use of the land where located or as an accessory use to another principal use.

   OUTFALL. A point at which stormwater enters surface water or exits the property of a particular owner.

   OVERLAY DISTRICT. A zoning district that includes supplementary or replacement regulations to the requirements of the underlying, Base Zoning District.

   OVERSTORY TREE. A tree that has an expected height at maturity of greater than 30 feet.

   OWNER. The legal or beneficial owner of land, including, but not limited to, a mortgagee or vendee in possession, receiver, executor, trustee, or long-term or commercial lessee, or any other person or entity holding proprietary rights in the property or having legal power of management and control of the property. OWNER shall include long-term commercial tenants; management entities, such as those charged with or engaged in the management of properties for profit; and every person or entity having joint ownership of the property. A secured lender not in possession of the property does not constitute an OWNER, unless the secured lender is included within the meaning of OWNER under another description in this definition, such as a management entity.

   PARCEL. Any quantity of land and/or water capable of being described in definitive terms with respect to its location and boundaries. It may be established as distinct from other parcels which are designated by its owner or developer as land to be used or developed as a unit, or which has been used or developed as a unit.

   PARK, PUBLIC. Land used for recreation, exercise, sports, education, rehabilitation, or similar activities, or a land area intended to enhance the enjoyment of natural features or natural beauty, specifically excluding commercially operated amusement parks.

   PARKING, OFF-SITE. An off-street parking area provided on a different parcel than the use it is intended to serve.

   PARKING, ON-STREET. A location or area within the right-of-way of a public or private street that is reserved for the parking of vehicles. Such areas may or may not be formally designated with signage, striping, or parking meters.

   PARKING, SHARED. Off-street parking facilities shared by two or more uses that are in close proximity to one another and the parking area, and that have different operational characteristics such that use of the parking facilities by one use will not generally overlap with the use of the parking area by the other use(s).

   PARKING LOT. The portion of a site or development dedicated to vehicular ingress and egress, off-street parking, parking aisles, internal travel ways, fire lanes, and other areas dedicated to vehicular use, but not necessarily including vehicular storage areas.

   PARKING LOT DRIVE AISLE. A vehicular accessway located within an off-street parking or vehicular use area which serves individual parking stalls and driveways.

   PARKING SPACE, ACCESSIBLE. A space designated for the parking or temporary storage of one motor vehicle in addition to the space necessary for the ingress and egress from the vehicle by a disabled person and any equipment needed for that purpose.

   PARKING SPACE, OFF-STREET. A space that is designated for the parking or temporary storage of one motor vehicle located outside of a dedicated street right-of-way, vehicular travel way, or parking aisle.

   PATHWAYS, PEDESTRIAN. Interconnected paved walkways that provide a pedestrian passage through blocks running from street to street, vehicular use areas, or other locations.

   PERENNIAL WATERBODY. A natural or man-made basin, including lakes, ponds, and reservoirs, that stores surface water permanently at depths sufficient to preclude the growth of non-hydrophilic rooted plants.

   PERFORMANCE GUARANTEE. Any security that may be accepted by the town or another government unit to assure that improvements required as part of an application for development will be satisfactorily completed.

   PERMIT CHOICE. State laws that permit an applicant to choose which set of development rules to follow if the development rules change between the time an applicant’s application form is determined to be complete and when a decision is made on the application by the town.

   PERMITTED USES. Uses allowed to occur by right within a designated zoning or other planning district.

   PERSON. For the purposes of enforcing this ordinance in accordance with Article 4, Enforcement, PERSON includes any individual, corporation, government agency, government official, business trust, partnership, two or more persons having a joint interest, or any other legal entity. PERSONS subject to the remedies and penalties established in Article 4, Enforcement, for violating this ordinance shall include: an architect, engineer, builder, contractor, developer, agency, or any other person who participates in, assists, directs, creates, causes, or maintains a condition that results in or constitutes a violation of this ordinance; or an owner, any tenant or occupant, or any other person, who has control over, or responsibility for, the use or development of the land on which the violation occurs. For all other purposes, PERSON means any individual, corporation, government agency, business trust, partnership, two or more persons having a joint interest, or any other legal entity.

   PERSON WITH DISABILITIES. A person with a temporary or permanent physical, emotional, or mental disability, including, but not limited to, mental retardation, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, autism, hearing and 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).

   PERVIOUS SURFACE. A surface that is penetrable by water to some degree. PERVIOUS SURFACES may be constructed of mixed pervious and impervious surfaces such as concrete and grass, or “grass-crete”.

   PHASE. The discrete portion of a proposed development.

   PLAN, CONCEPT. A plan for development intended solely for illustrative purposes and reviewed in accordance with division 3.2.6, Concept Plan, to assist a review authority in its consideration of a proposed development (like a Type 3 Conditional Rezoning or a special use permit). A CONCEPT PLAN may, but does not necessarily need to include, the detailed elements typically found in a site plan (for example, detailed locations of buildings, location of off-street parking, location of landscaping, and the like).

   PLAN, SITE. A scaled drawing and supporting text showing the relationship between lot lines and the existing or proposed uses, buildings, or structures on the lot. The SITE PLAN may include, but is not limited to, site-specific details such as building areas, building height and floor area, setbacks from lot lines and street rights–of-way, intensities, densities, utility lines and locations, parking, access points, roads, and stormwater control facilities, that are depicted to show compliance with all legally required development regulations that are applicable to the project and the site plan review. A site plan is reviewed and approved or denied by the Ordinance Administrator in accordance with division 3.2.7, Site Plan.

   PLAN, SITE-SPECIFIC VESTING. A plan that describes, with reasonable certainty, the type and intensity of use for a specific lot or lots. The plan may be in the form of a subdivision plat, a site plan, a special use permit, or a conditional district plan. The plan shall include the approximate boundaries of the site; significant topographical and other natural features affecting development of the site; the approximate location on the site of the proposed buildings, structures, and other improvements; the approximate dimensions, including height, of the proposed buildings and other structures; and the approximate location of all existing and proposed infrastructure on the site, including water, sewer, roads, and pedestrian walkways.

   PLANNING BOARD. The Town of Butner Planning Board, established by ordinance in accordance with G.S.§ 160D-301.

   PLANTING STRIP. Areas adjacent to property lines intended for the placement of vegetation within the interior of vehicular use areas or along street right-of-way edges, typically between the back of the curb and the inside edge of the sidewalk.

   PLAT. A map or plan of a parcel of land which is to be, or has been subdivided.

   PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT, RESIDENTIAL. Any product in which the support structure remains stationary while the activity is taking place and is intended for a child to perform any of the following activities: climbing, swinging, sliding, rocking, spinning, crawling, or creeping, or combination thereof.

   PORCH. A roofed structure not more than 75% enclosed by walls, attached to the main building, and not heated or cooled.

   PORTABLE SELF STORAGE CONTAINER. Transportable containers designed and used primarily for temporary storage of building materials, household goods, personal items, or other materials on residential lots.

   PRIMARY ENTRANCE. The place of ingress and egress to a building, parcel, or development used most frequently by the public.

   PRINCIPAL USE. The primary purpose or function that a lot serves or is proposed to serve.

   PRODUCE STAND. A building or structure used for the retail sales of fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, herbs, or plants grown on the same parcel of land where the stand is located. Such use may also involve the accessory sales of other unprocessed foodstuffs, home processed food products such as jams, jellies, pickles, sauces, or baked goods, and homemade handicrafts. No commercially packaged handicrafts or commercially processed or packaged foodstuffs shall be sold. Such uses also include “pick your own” establishments where customers gather their own produce from the fields for purchase and off-site consumption.

   PROJECT. The proposed development activity for which an applicant is seeking a stormwater permit from the state or other entity in accordance with this section. The PROJECT shall exclude any land adjacent to the area disturbed by the project that has been counted as pervious by any other development regulated under a federal, state, or local stormwater regulation. Owners and developers of large developments consisting of many linked projects are encouraged to develop a master plan that illustrates how each project fits into the design of the large development.

   PROJECT AREA. Any area of land or water, regardless of the number of individual lots contained therein, on which development is proposed under this ordinance.

   PROTECTED AREA. The area adjoining and upstream of the critical area of WS-IV watersheds. The boundaries of the PROTECTED AREA are defined as within five miles of and draining to the normal pool elevation of the reservoir or to the ridgeline of the watershed; or within ten miles upstream and draining to the intake located directly in the stream or river or to the ridgeline of the watershed.

   PUBLIC HEARING. A meeting open to the public advertised in advance in the local printed media, or as otherwise required by statute, concerning proposed ordinances, amendments, or other official town business which require public participation and input.

   PUBLIC HEARING, EVIDENTIARY. A hearing to gather competent, material, and substantial evidence in order to make findings for a quasi-judicial decision required by a development regulation adopted under G.S. Ch. 160D.

   PUBLIC HEARING, LEGISLATIVE. A hearing to solicit public comment on a proposed legislative decision.

   PUBLIC SPACE. Active use areas in the Gateway Districts, including any space that is intended for recreational use by the general public and/or patrons of the tenants or building owners of the buildings to which the public space is attached. The foregoing notwithstanding, property owners of PUBLIC SPACE shall allow ingress and egress across public space designated routes approved on the concept plan at least five feet in width dedicated to sidewalks and similar pedestrian, bicycle, or other non-vehicular routes of ingress and egress to and through surrounding properties. PUBLIC SPACE may be privately or publicly owned and maintained and also may include open spaces and pedestrian use areas. Examples of PUBLIC SPACES can include squares, plazas, greens, courtyards, storefront gathering areas, and the like, and may be located within the building zone.

   QUASI-JUDICIAL PUBLIC HEARING. A formal public hearing involving the legal rights of specific parties conducted by the Board of Adjustment based on evidence and sworn testimony presented during the public hearing. Decisions made during such hearings are based upon and supported by the record developed at the hearing, and typically involve findings of fact made by the decision-making body.

   REAR LOT LINE. The line connecting the two side lot lines along the edge of the lot opposite from the frontage line.

   RECREATIONAL VEHICLE (RV) PARK. A place for the temporary parking of recreational vehicles (RV’s) for temporary living quarters for recreation, camping, travel, transient workers, and seasonal use. For the purposes hereof, “temporary” means that an RV shall not be parked in a RV park for more than 18 months in any 24-month period.

   REDEVELOPMENT. Any development on previously-developed land. REDEVELOPMENT of structures or improvements that (i) existed prior to December 2006 and (ii) would not result in an increase in built-upon area and (iii) provides stormwater control at least equal to the previous development is not required to meet the nutrient loading targets of this ordinance.

   REGISTER OF DEEDS. The duly designated Register of Deeds of Granville County, North Carolina.

   RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT. Buildings constructed for human habitation such as attached and detached single-family dwellings, apartment complexes, condominiums, townhouses, cottages, and the like, and their associated outbuildings such as garages, storage buildings, gazebos, and the like, and customary home occupations.

   RESIDUALS. Any solid or semi-solid waste generated from a wastewater treatment plant, water treatment plant or air pollution control facility permitted under the authority of the Environmental Management Commission.

   RESTAURANT, WITH DRIVE THROUGH SERVICE. An establishment where provision is made on the premises for the selling, dispensing, or serving of food, refreshments, or beverages to persons seated inside, outside, in automobiles, and/or in other than a completely enclosed building on the premises.

   RIGHT-OF-WAY. The land dedicated, deeded, used, or to be used for a street, road, alley, pedestrian way, crosswalk, bikeway, drainage facility, or other public uses, wherein the owner gives up rights to the land so long as it is being or will be used for the intended purpose. RIGHT-OF-WAY also is a land measurement term, meaning the distance between lot property lines which generally contain not only the street pavement, but also the sidewalk, grass area, and underground or aboveground utilities.

   ROOF, MANSARD. A four-sided roof having a double slope on each of the four sides, with the lower slope much steeper than the upper.

   ROOF LINE. The highest point of a flat roof and mansard roof and the lowest point of a pitched roof excluding any cupolas, chimneys, or other minor projection.

   ROOMING HOUSE. Any building or portion thereof for providing lodging, but not meals, to not more than five guests where rent is paid to the owner or proprietor.

   SCHOOL (ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE, SENIOR HIGH). A public or private school offering general, technical, or alternative instruction at the pre-school, elementary, middle, and/or secondary school levels which operates in buildings or on premises of any tract size leased or owned by the educational institution for administrative purposes, classrooms, vocational training (including that of an industrial nature for instructional purposes only), laboratories, auditoriums, libraries, cafeterias, after school care, athletic facilities, dormitories, and other facilities which further the education mission of the institution.

   SELF STORAGE FACILITY. A building divided into sections for use for storage of items, either temporary or long-term, and not to be used for any other purpose (such as small offices, garages, and the like).

   SETBACK. The shortest horizontal distance from the property line or right-of-way to the nearest point (leading edge) of the structure or its supporting member, whichever is nearest to the property line or right-of-way.

   SHOEBOX-STYLE LIGHTING FIXTURE. An exterior lighting device in the shape of a box that is typically mounted on a pole and constructed to direct illumination to a constrained area directly beneath the lighting fixture.

   SHOOTING RANGE, INDOOR. An enclosed, permanent building open to the public or to members of an organization, where firearms are discharged at targets.

   SHOOTING RANGE, OUTDOOR. An outdoor facility open to the public or members of an organization, where firearms are discharged at targets. Personal recreational target practice areas on private property, safety course training for hunters by a certified trainer, seasonal hunting activities, and governmental facilities are not considered a shooting range.

   SHRUB. A woody plant, smaller than a tree, consisting of several small stems emerging from the ground, or small branches near the ground. SHRUBS may be deciduous or evergreen.

   SIDE LOT LINE. The lot line connecting the front and rear lot lines regardless of whether it abuts a right-of-way or another lot line.

   SIGHT DISTANCE TRIANGLE. The triangular area formed by a diagonal line connecting two points located at designated locations on intersecting right-of-way lines or a right-of-way line and a driveway.

   SIGN. Any object, display, or structure, or part thereof, situated outdoors, which is used to advertise, identify, display, direct, or attract attention to an object, person, institution, organization, business, product, service, event, or location by any means, including words, letters, figures, design, symbols, fixtures, colors, illumination, or projected images. The term SIGN does not include the flag or emblem of any nation, organization of nations, state, political subdivision thereof, or any fraternal, religious, or civic organization; works of art which in no way identify a product or business; scoreboards located on athletic fields; or religious symbols.

   SIGN, CAMPAIGN OR ELECTION. A sign that advertises a candidate for political office, or issue to be voted on, on a definite election day.

   SIGN, CANOPY (OR AWNING SIGN). A sign attached to or painted on a canopy or awning.

   SIGN, COMMERCIAL MESSAGE. A sign that conveys a message of a commercial nature including commercial activity, content, commodity, service, entertainment, product, transaction, use, or advertising for any business.

   SIGN, DIRECTIONAL. A sign used to guide vehicular and/or pedestrian traffic by using such words as “entrance”, “exit”, “parking”, “one-way”, or similar directional instructions, but not including any advertising message except logos.

   SIGN, DIRECTORY. A ground or building sign that lists tenants or occupants of a building or development project, with unit numbers, arrows, or other directional information.

   SIGN, FREESTANDING. A self-supporting sign resting on, or supported by means of poles, standards, or any other type of base on the ground.

   SIGN, HANGING. A sign suspended from under a canopy covering a sidewalk or pedestrian arcade.

   SIGN, IDENTIFICATION. A sign bearing the address of the premises or name of the occupant, but containing no logo or commercial message.

   SIGN, INCIDENTAL. An informational sign that has a purpose secondary to the use of the site on which it is located, such as an “entrance” or “no parking” sign. Such signs do not contain a commercial message that is legible from off-site areas.

   SIGN, MENU BOARD. An accessory sign providing menu items and prices associated with a drive through window or walk-up service window.

   SIGN, MONUMENT. A ground-mounted sign in which the area between the bottom edge of the sign and the ground is substantially filled with a solid architectural material. Solid architectural materials include wood, brick, stone, masonry, or hard-coat stucco but do not include aluminum or similar materials. Substantially filled shall be defined as at least two-thirds of the area between the edges of the sign and the ground.

   SIGN, NON-COMMERCIAL MESSAGE. A sign which has no commercial content, but instead involves only the expression of ideals opinions, or beliefs.

   SIGN, PROJECTING. Any sign other than a wall sign that is attached to and projects from the wall or face of a structure more than 18 inches, including an arcade/marquee sign.

   SIGN, PUBLIC INTEREST. A sign including noncommercial information of interest that may or may not be associated with a particular location.

   SIGN, REAL ESTATE. A sign advertising real property for sale or lease.

   SIGN, REGULATORY. A sign indicating federal, state, or municipal regulations for automobiles, trucks, bicycles, pedestrian movement, loading, or parking.

   SIGN, ROOF. A sign that is placed above or supported on the top of a building.

   SIGN, TEMPORARY. A sign or advertising display designed to be displayed for a short period of time (30 consecutive days, maximum; six months between occurrences). Included in this category are banners and retailers’ signs temporarily displayed for the purpose of informing the public of a sale or “special” offer.

   SIGN, WALL. A sign mounted parallel to or painted on a building facade or other vertical building surface that does not project more than 18 inches from the wall surface.

   SIGN FACE. The advertising display surface area of a sign that includes the copy or message. In the case of freestanding signs, consists of the entire surface area of the sign on which copy could be placed. Where a sign has two display faces back to back, the area of only one face shall be considered the SIGN FACE area. Where a sign has more than one display face, all areas that can be viewed simultaneously shall be considered the SIGN FACE area. In the case of a sign whose message is fabricated together with the background that borders or frames that message, SIGN FACE area shall be the total area of the entire background. In the case of a sign whose message is applied to a background that provides no border or frame, SIGN FACE area shall be the area of the smallest rectangle which can encompass all words, letters, figures, emblems, and other elements of the sign message.

   SIGN HEIGHT. The vertical distance as measured at the highest point of the sign to the elevation of the principal grade of the road or street to which the sign is oriented.

   SIGN LIGHTING, BACK LIT. Illumination of a sign face where the letters are raised beyond the sign’s background and lighting sources that illuminate the background. The lighting sources are covered so that they are not visible and only the sign’s background is illuminated.

   SIGN SUPPORT STRUCTURE. For freestanding signs, the poles or bracing to which the sign is attached or mounted.

   SITE-SPECIFIC SITE PLAN (VESTING PLAN). A diagram to scale showing the development plans for a project and containing all information required of site plans and/or subdivision plats.

   SLEEPING ROOM. A room designated as sleeping or bedroom on the plans and permit application.

   SLEEPING UNIT. A room or space in which people sleep, which can also include permanent provisions for living, eating, and either sanitation or kitchen facilities but not both. Such rooms and spaces that are also part of a dwelling unit are not SLEEPING UNITS.

   STACKING/STANDING AREA. A portion of the vehicular use area on a site that is dedicated to the temporary storage or “standing” of vehicles engaged in drive through use of the site or development. Parking or storage of vehicles is not permitted within the STACKING/STANDING AREA.

   STATE. The state of North Carolina.

   STATE ROADWAY SYSTEM. The system of surface roadways owned and operated by the State of North Carolina.

   STEPBACK. A setback located on the upper stories of a building, typically to reduce the bulk of a building or to provide outdoor floor space.

   STORMWATER. The direct runoff response of a watershed to rainfall, including the surface and subsurface runoff and any associated material that enters a ditch, stream, or storm sewer during a rainfall event.

   STORMWATER CONTROL MEASURE or SCM or BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICE or BMP. A permanent structural device that is designed, constructed, and maintained to remove pollutants from stormwater runoff by promoting settling or filtration or mimic the natural hydrologic cycle by promoting infiltration, evapo-transpiration, post-filtration discharge, reuse of stormwater, or a combination thereof.

   STORMWATER SYSTEM. All engineered stormwater controls owned or controlled by a person that drain to the same outfall, along with the conveyances between those controls. A system may be made up of one or more stormwater controls.

   STORY. The portion of a building included between the surface of any floor and the surface of the floor above it, or if there is no floor above it, then the space between the floor and the ceiling above it.

   STREET, PRIVATE. An area intended for local vehicular traffic, owned and maintained by a private corporation, individual, or group of individuals.

   STREET, PUBLIC. An area for vehicular traffic that is dedicated to or maintained by a public agency.

   STREET STUB. A nonpermanent dead-end street intended to be extended in conjunction with development on adjacent lots or sites.

   STREET WALL. A wall of facades created in a pedestrian oriented district when stores are built to the front yard and side yard setback. STREET WALLS can sometimes be used in place of building facades, and shall be designed to imitate the architecture of the building.

   STRUCTURAL BMP. A physical device designed to trap, settle out, or filter pollutants from stormwater runoff; to alter or reduce stormwater runoff velocity, amount, timing, or other characteristics; to approximate the pre-development hydrology on a developed site; or to achieve any combination of these goals. STRUCTURAL BMP includes physical practices such as constructed wetlands, vegetative practices, filter strips, grassed swales, and other methods installed or created on real property. STRUCTURAL BMP is synonymous with STRUCTURAL PRACTICE, STORMWATER CONTROL FACILITY, STORMWATER CONTROL PRACTICE, STORMWATER TREATMENT PRACTICE, STORMWATER MANAGEMENT PRACTICE, STORMWATER CONTROL MEASURES, STRUCTURAL STORMWATER TREATMENT SYSTEMS, and similar terms used in this ordinance.

   STRUCTURAL REPLACEMENT COST. For the purposes of Article 5, Nonconformities, it means the cost of replacing the structure the day prior to its destruction, based on a market appraisal performed by a certified appraiser, at the landowner’s expense.

   STRUCTURE. Anything constructed, installed, or portable, the use of which requires a location on a parcel of land. This includes a fixed or movable building which can be used for residential, business, commercial, agricultural, or office purposes, either temporarily or permanently. STRUCTURE also includes, but is not limited to, swimming pools, tennis courts, signs, cisterns, sewage treatment plants, sheds, docks, mooring areas, and similar accessory construction.

   SUBCOLLECTOR STREET. A street whose principal function is to provide access to abutting properties, but which is also designed to be used to connect local streets with collector or higher classification streets.

   SUBDIVIDER. Any person, firm, or corporation who subdivides or develops any land deemed to be a subdivision as herein described.

   SUBDIVISION. Includes all divisions of a tract or parcel of land into two or more lots, building sites, or other divisions for the purpose, whether immediate or future, of sale or building development of any type and also includes all divisions of land involving the dedication of a new street or a new street right-of-way or a change in existing streets; provided, however, that the following will not be included within this definition.

      (A)   The combination or recombination of portions of parcels platted and recorded prior to the effective date of this ordinance, or portions of lots platted in compliance with this ordinance after its effective date, where the total number of lots is not increased and the resultant lots are equal to the standards of this ordinance and the appropriate planning area classification.

      (B)   The division of land into parcels greater than ten acres where street right-of-way dedication or reservation is not involved.

      (C)   The creation of strips of land for the widening or opening of streets, sidewalks, or greenways, or the location of public utility rights-of-way.

      (D)   The division of a tract in single ownership whose entire area is no greater than two acres into not more than three lots, where street right-of-way dedication or reservation is not involved and where the resultant lots are equal to or exceed the standards of the appropriate planning area classification.

      (E)   The division of land into plots or lots for use as a cemetery.

   SUBDIVISION FINAL PLAT. A type of subdivision approval reviewed and approved or denied by the Town Council in accordance with division 3.2.9(E), Subdivision Final Plat.

   SUBDIVISION PRELIMINARY PLAT. A type of subdivision approval reviewed and approved or denied by the Town Council in accordance with division 3.2.9(D), Subdivision Preliminary Plat.

   SUBSTANTIAL CHANGE. An amendment or deviation in a development, a development application, a use, or a site condition that is significant enough to alter the nature of the development or proposal, its function, or its impact on its surroundings. SUBSTANTIAL CHANGES typically require re-review or additional consideration by an appropriate review authority.

   SUBSTANTIAL COMMENCEMENT. 

      (A)   The initiation of development or development-related activity subject to the requirements of this ordinance. Each of the following activities must have taken place in order to achieve substantial commencement:

         (1)   All required authorizations to begin the development (including a building permit) are secured; and

         (2)   All application fees and applicable fines have been paid in full; and

         (3)   Any required notice of commencement to all governmental entities or other identified parties has taken place; and

         (4)   Performance of some form of site-related activity that requires prior approval from the town has taken place.

      (B)   Initiation of site-related activity that does not require some form of approval from the town, such as surveying, site investigation, plan or study preparation, minor clearing or grubbing of the site, full or partial demolition, or agricultural related activity associated with a bona fide farm, shall not be considered as substantial commencement. SUBSTANTIAL COMMENCEMENT does not require the start of construction on a principal structure or commencement of the anticipated operation of the approved use.

   SUBSTANTIAL CONFORMITY. A condition where there is no variation from the preliminary plan or plat, other than minor changes in the size of lots, the location of lot lines, the locations or sizes of easements, or the width of streets. Change in types or numbers of land uses, any variance in residential density, or any change in location of a public right-of-way shall not be considered as being in SUBSTANTIAL CONFORMITY with an initial approval. For the purposes of this definition, minor changes shall be changes in dimensional attributes of five feet or less or any variation of a dimensional standard of 5% or less.

   SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT. Any repair, reconstruction, expansion, or improvement of a structure, the cost of which exceeds 50% of the assessed value of a structure as determined either before the expansion or improvement begins or before the damage occurred giving rise to the repair or reconstruction. SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT shall not include, however, any repair or improvement required bringing the structure into compliance with existing state or town health, sanitary, safety, or building ordinance specifications necessary to ensure safe habitation of the structure.

   SUBSTANTIAL PROGRESS. A condition where an applicant has commenced an activity, achieved a minimum threshold of completion, and maintained regular, continuous progress towards completion of the activity. Regular or frequent intermittent interruptions or discontinuance of activities shall not be considered as SUBSTANTIAL PROGRESS. Examples of SUBSTANTIAL PROGRESS include completion of required inspections before permit applications expire, meeting deadlines for affirmative acts such as recordation, payment of funds, or applying for subsequent, but required approvals.

   SURFACE WATERS. All waters of the state as defined in G.S. § 143-212 except underground waters.

   SWIMMING POOL. An above- or below-ground structure with a potential water depth of two feet or more that may be filled with water and used for swimming.

   TAP ROOM. A room or defined interior space that is ancillary to the production of beer at a microbrewery, brewpub, or large brewery where the public can purchase and/or consume only the beer produced on-site.

   TEMPORARY FAMILY HEALTH CARE STRUCTURE. A transportable residential structure providing an environment facilitating a caregiver's provision of care for a mentally or physically impaired person that (i) is primarily assembled at a location other than its site of installation, (ii) is limited to one occupant who shall be the mentally or physically impaired person, (iii) has no more than 300 gross square feet, and (iv) complies with applicable provisions of the State Building Code and G.S. § 143-139.1(b). Placing the temporary family health care structure on a permanent foundation shall not be required or permitted.

   TEXT AMENDMENT. An amendment to the language of this ordinance approved, approved with conditions, or denied by the Town Council in accordance with division 3.2.2, Land Development Ordinance Text Amendment.

   TOWN. Town of Butner, North Carolina.

   TOXIC SUBSTANCE. Any substance or combination of substances (including disease causing agents), which after discharge and upon exposure, ingestion, inhalation, or assimilation into any organism, either directly from the environment or indirectly by ingestion through food chains, has the potential to cause death, disease, behavioral abnormalities, cancer, genetic mutations, physiological malfunctions (including malfunctions or suppression in reproduction or growth), or physical deformities in such organisms or their offspring or other adverse health effects.

   TRACT. All contiguous land and water bodies under single or diverse ownership being developed as a unit consisting of one or more parcels or lots.

   TREE, DECIDUOUS. A tree that drops its foliage annually before becoming dormant.

   TREE, EVERGREEN. A tree with foliage that is not dropped, or that remains green throughout the year.

   UNDERSTORY TREE. A tree that has an expected height at maturity of no greater than 30 feet.

   VARIANCE. A development application reviewed and approved, approved with conditions, or denied by the Board of Adjustment in accordance with division 3.2.5, Variance.

   VEGETATED CONVEYANCE. A permanent, designed waterway lined with vegetation that is used to convey stormwater runoff at a non-erosive velocity within or away from a developed area.

   VEHICULAR USE AREA. The portion of a site or development dedicated to vehicular ingress and egress, off-street parking, parking aisles, internal travel ways, fire lanes, and other areas dedicated to vehicular use, but not necessarily including vehicular storage areas.

   VERTICAL MIXED-USE STRUCTURE. A pattern of development that integrates several types of uses (e.g., retail, office, residential) within a building, occurring on different floors. A typical example of a vertical mixed-use development is a building that includes active uses, such as stores and restaurants, at the street level and residential or office uses on the upper floors.

   VESTED RIGHT. The right to undertake and complete a development or use of property under the terms and conditions of an approved site-specific development plan currently in effect or as otherwise allowed by law.

   WALL PACKS. An exterior lighting device that is flush-mounted on a vertical wall surface.

   WATER DEPENDENT STRUCTURES. A structure that requires access, proximity to, or siting within surface waters to fulfill its basic purpose, such as boat ramps, boat houses, docks, or bulkheads. Ancillary facilities such as restaurants, outlets for boat supplies, parking lots, and boat storage areas shall not be considered WATER DEPENDENT STRUCTURES.

   WATERSHED. The entire land area contributing surface drainage to a specific point (e.g., the water supply intake) or alternatively, the geographic region within which water drains to a particular river, stream or body of water.

   WATERSHED ADMINISTRATOR. An official or designated person of the town responsible for administration and enforcement of this ordinance.

   WAREHOUSE. A use engaged in storage of manufactured products, supplies, and equipment, excluding bulk storage of materials that are flammable or explosive or that present hazards or conditions commonly recognized as offensive.

   WHOLESALE SALES. Establishments or places of business primarily engaged in selling merchandise to retailers; to industrial, commercial, institutional, or professional business users; or to other wholesalers. Wholesale establishment does not include contractor’s materials or office or retail sales of business supplies/office equipment.

   YARD. Open space that lies between the principal structure(s) and the nearest lot line. The minimum required yard is unoccupied and unobstructed from the ground upward except as may be specifically provided in this ordinance. YARDS are further classified as front, rear, and side. Uses and structures that may be permitted in required yards include accessory structures, patios, decks and open porches, bay windows, open steps, driveways, fences, and permitted signs, underground utilities, existing vegetation, required landscaping, and lighting.

   YARD, FRONT. A space extending the full width of the lot between the front facade of a building and the front lot line or the fronting street right-of-way measured perpendicular to the building at the closest point to the front lot line. Typically, this YARD is required to remain open and unoccupied, with the exception of certain encroachments such as porches, bay windows, porticos, arcades, stoops, sidewalks, street trees, street furniture, fences, walls, and landscaping.

   YARD, REAR. A space extending across the full width of the lot between the rear facade of the principal structure and the rear lot line and measured perpendicular to the structure to the closest point of the rear lot line. REAR YARDS extend from the back of a structure to the lot line. Generally, accessory structures are permitted within this yard.

   YARD, REQUIRED. The open space between a lot line and the yard line and the facade of a building within which no structure may be located except as permitted in this ordinance.

   YARD, SIDE. A space extending from the front yard to the rear yard between the principal structure facade and the side lot line and measured perpendicular from the side lot line to the closest point of the principal structure facade. SIDE YARDS extend from the sides of a structure to a street right-of-way or lot line.

   ZONING DISTRICT. A geographic area of land designated on the Official Zoning District Map and subject to uniform land use regulations related to uses, density, or other similar attributes.

   ZONING MAP. The Official Zoning District Map upon which the boundaries of various zoning districts are drawn and which is an integral part of this ordinance.

(Ord. A.21.01, passe 6-3-2021; Ord. TA.23.06, passed 12-7-2023; Ord. A.24.03, passed 5-2-2024; Ord. A.24.06, passed 10-3-2024; Ord. A.24.07, passed 10-3-2024)