A workforce housing unit (WHU) is a dwelling constructed in conjunction with a commercial structure. Workforce housing units may be located on a commercial lot in the following zoning districts:
Hatteras Island: S-1, C-2, C2-H, C-3, I-1
Colington/KDH Outside: VC-2, C-3
Manteo Outside: C-3, I-1, SNC
Wanchese: RB, NC, HML, WVC, MC-1, MC-2, and Highway 345
Manns Harbor: MH-A, MH-B
East Lake: ELVC, ELCS
The following standards shall apply:
(a) A WHU may be attached to the principal commercial structure, located within a commercial structure, or detached from the principal commercial use structure and shall be subject to administrative review by the Dare County Planning Department. More than one WHU may be located on a lot with a principal commercial use if the dimensional requirements as set forth in this section are met. If two or more WHU units are proposed for construction in addition to the principal commercial structure, than such projects shall be subject to special use review. A site plan of the proposed WHU and other existing improvements on the property shall be submitted to the Planning Department for approval according to the applicable review procedures of the Zoning Ordinance.
(b) Lot coverage- 60%. A WHU shall be located on a commercial lot according to the applicable principal use setbacks. A WHU shall be separated from commercial structures or other structures on the lot by fifteen feet.
(c) Existing on-site parking may be utilized for the WHU if only one unit is proposed. Any WHU project subject to special use review may be required to provide additional parking as determined during SUP process.
(d) A WHU shall be constructed according to North Carolina building code and Dare County floodplain management regulations.
(e) Recreational vehicles, travel trailers and/or manufactured homes shall not be used or approved as a WHU.
(f) An existing accessory structure may be converted to a WHU if compliance with the principal structure setbacks, separation distances, and applicable Dare County floodplain management regulations can be met. A WHU shall not exceed the building height of the applicable zoning district.
(g) A WHU approved under these guidelines shall be used for workforce housing and not for additional commercial or business activities.
(h) A WHU shall not be subdivided or segregated in ownership from the principal dwelling unit.
(i) A WHU shall not be used for short-term occupancy rentals during the time period of April 1 to October 31 annually. A memorandum of agreement outlining the requirements applicable to the WHU, including the short-term occupancy limitations, shall be executed by the property owner at the time of permit approval by Dare County.
(Ord. passed 9-16-2019; Am. Ord. passed 6-21-2021)