a. In zoned areas of the County not affected by airport zoning enacted under G.S. Ch. 63, the Board of Adjustment may vary the height limits of this chapter for a church spire, belfry, cupola and dome or ornamental tower not intended for human occupancy, monument, water tower, meteorological data tower, observation tower, transmission tower, chimney, smokestack, conveyor, flagpole, radio or television tower, mast or aerial, parapet wall not extended more than four feet above the roof line of the building and necessary mechanical appurtenances; provided, that such variances will be in harmony with the general purpose and intent of this chapter and will not be injurious to the neighborhood or otherwise detrimental to the public welfare. (11-20-75, art. 3, 3.11)
A meteorological data tower shall meet all of the following criteria:
1. The tower shall be temporary in nature;
2. The tower shall be permitted for a time period not to exceed 18 months in duration from the date the variance is granted;
3. The tower shall be utilized solely for the purpose of gathering meteorological data; and
4. The tower shall not be located closer than 200 feet to any residential structure. (Amendment adopted on 1-5-2009)
b. In residentially zoned areas of the County not affected by airport zoning enacted under G.S. Ch. 63, the Board of Adjustment may permit exceptions to the height limits of this chapter for a church spire belfry, monument, water tower, observation tower, meteorological data tower, transmission towers, chimney, smokestack, conveyor, flagpole, radio or television tower, mast or aerial, parapet wall not extended more than four feet above the roof line of the building and necessary mechanical appurtenances; provided that such exceptions will be in harmony with the general purpose and intent of this chapter and will not be injurious to the neighborhood or otherwise detrimental to the public welfare. (6-22-92)
A meteorological data tower shall meet all of the following criteria:
1. The tower shall be temporary in nature;
2. The tower shall be permitted for a time period not to exceed 18 months in duration from the date the variance is granted;
3. The tower shall be utilized solely for the purpose of gathering meteorological data; and
4. The tower shall not be located closer than 200 feet to any residential structure. (Amendment adopted on 1-5-2009)
c. In a residential zoning district, the building height limit shall not apply to those architectural features known as cupolas and observation towers provided that the cupola or observation tower meets all of the following specifications:
1. The floor area of the cupola or observation tower is no greater than 64 square feet gross area, including the stairwell.
2. The peak of the observation tower or the highest portion of the cupola shall not exceed more than 5 feet above the building height limit of the applicable zoning district. (12-21-95)