The purpose of this section is to implement the provisions of N.C.G.S. 160D-102 pursuant to which a statutory zoning vested right is established upon approval of a site specific development plan.
1. Definitions.
a. Approval authority. The City Council, Planning Board, Board of Adjustment, City Clerk, Zoning Administrator, or other board or official designated by this chapter as being authorized to grant the specific zoning or land use permit approval that constitutes a site specific development.
b. Site specific development plan. A plan of land development submitted to the City of Claremont for purposes of obtaining one (1) of the following zoning or land use permits or approvals:
1. Zoning permit as provided by this chapter.
2. Special use permit as provided by this chapter.
3. Variance as provided by this chapter.
4. Minor subdivision approval.
5. Major subdivision approval.
6. Notwithstanding the foregoing, neither a variance, a sketch plan, nor any other document that fails to describe with reasonable certainty the type and intensity of use for a specified parcel or parcels of property shall constitute a site specific development plan.
c. Zoning vested rights. A right pursuant to N.C.G.S. 160D-102 to undertake and complete the development and use of property under the terms and conditions of an approved site specific development plan, provided that such development shall begin within two (2) years following issuance of the zoning vested right. Under the terms of this chapter, a two (2) year zoning vested right shall be established upon issuance of a zoning permit. (Ord. of 12-7-04, No. 37-02; Ord. of 6-21-21, No. 41-21)