For the purpose of this chapter, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
ABBREVIATED LAND SUBDIVISION. A relatively small subdivision of land with only a final plat review being required when the subdivision does not involve street dedication or no more than ten lots on no more than ten acres. Further, the ABBREVIATED LAND SUBDIVISION process may be used only where the subdivision includes all contiguous land under the ownership or control of the sponsor.
ACCESSORY COMMUNICATION FACILITY. An antenna configuration that is attached to a building, water tower, or other existing structure where the communication facility is customarily incidental to the main or principal building or structure.
ADULT ESTABLISHMENT. Any principal or accessory structure or use of land that meets the definition of ADULT ESTABLISHMENT as set forth in G.S. §§ 14-202.10 et seq. (Licensed health massage/body work therapists shall not be considered an adult massage business.)
AGRIBUSINESS. Any individual, partnership, corporation, or organization primarily supplying services or goods (such as equipment, feeds, or supplies) to producers, or marketable agricultural products, including greenhouses, nurseries, farm cooperatives, and the like, which are not otherwise specifically defined as agriculture by state law. In addition, AGRIBUSINESS shall include the sale of farm and seafood food products and other agricultural products which are customarily sold at local “farmer’s markets” located throughout the States of Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina and at certified farm stand.
AGRICULTURE. Land or structures primarily used for cultivating soils, producing crops, or raising livestock; the storage, processing, or sale of products raised on the premises; or as otherwise defined by the General Statutes. Structures customarily accessory to agricultural uses and located on the same parcel as an agricultural use shall be included in this definition. In addition, AGRICULTURE shall include the sale of farm and seafood food products and other agricultural products which are customarily sold at “farmer’s markets” located throughout the States of Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina and at certified farm stand.
AGRITAINMENT. Events and activities that allow for recreation, entertainment, and tourism in conjunction with agriculture support and services directly associated with ongoing agricultural activities on-site that are for profit. Events and activities include the following: hay rides, corn mazes, hay mazes, petting zoos (farm animals only), living historical farms, farm tours (for profit), and agricultural festivals. The AGRITAINMENT enterprise shall be operated and maintained by the owner, operator, or occupant of the farm on which it is located. Multiple properties in common ownership are acceptable for AGRITAINMENT as long as they are considered a single farm entity. The AGRITAINMENT enterprise shall only be permitted in conjunction with agriculture support and services directly associated with ongoing agricultural activity on-site.
AGRITOURISM. Farm-related enterprises that operate for the enjoyment and education of the public, which bring together tourism and agriculture. Enterprises include those that are for profit and those that are provided to the public free of charge.
AIRPORT. Landing fields, parking and service facilities, passenger and baggage terminals, and related facilities for the operation, service, fueling, repair, storage, charter, sales, and rental of aircraft. The word aircraft shall include fixed-wing as well as rotary-wing craft.
AMUSEMENT, COMMERCIAL INDOOR. Any business establishment which is primarily engaged in providing an amusement activity such as a video arcade, billiard parlor, skating rink, or similar activity as a principal use to the general public, but does not include indoor motion picture theaters.
AMUSEMENT, COMMERCIAL OUTDOOR. Any business establishment which is primarily engaged in providing an amusement activity such as a miniature golf course, skateboard course, water slide, mechanical ride, par 3 golf course, golf driving range, or go-cart course, fish ranch, or similar activity to the general public, but does not include outdoor motion picture theaters, raceways, drag strips, or motorcycle courses.
APARTMENT HOUSE. A building or portion thereof used or designed as a residence for two or more families living independently of each other.
ARTIST STUDIO. A place where works of art are created or similar activities occur as listed below, including a dwelling unit for the artist, designer, or teacher; such unit shall have but one kitchen, and shall be occupied by no more than four unrelated people, or by any number of persons immediately related by blood, marriage, or adoption:
(1) Craftwork studio or shop in which individual pieces are created, displayed, and sold, consisting of one or more of the following: ceramics/pottery, fabrics, inlays, needlework, knitting, weaving, leather work, woodwork, metal work, or glass work; or
(2) Professional studio or academy for the teaching of the arts, the following of which are examples but not exclusive: fine arts, dance, drama, photography, music, martial arts, but not including health treatment or adult amusement.
ASPHALT AND CONCRETE PLANT AND CONTRACTORS. A facility preparing asphalt and/or concrete mixtures for street and driveway paving, including contractors engaged in asphalt and/or cement work. This definition includes only those uses in the following NAICS group(s):
324121 | Asphalt Paving Mixture and Block Manufacturing |
333120 | Construction Machinery Manufacturing |
AUTOMATIC TELLER MACHINE. A type of banking and financial services with automated or self- service banking features with no staff or personnel provided.
BANKING AND FINANCIAL SERVICES. A facility engaged in deposit banking or extending credit in the form of loans. This definition includes only those uses in the following NAICS group(s):
5221 | Depository Credit Intermediation |
5222 | Nondepository Credit Intermediation
|
BILLBOARD. Outdoor structure or display, pictorial or otherwise, either freestanding or attached to a building, which advertises or attracts attention to a business, commodity, service, or other activity conducted, sold, or offered elsewhere than on the premises where displayed.
BONA FIDE FARM. Crop lands, timber lands, pasture lands, apple orchards, idle or other farm lands as well as any farm houses, barns, poultry houses, and tenant houses for workers, as long as such houses shall be in the same ownership as the farm and located on the farm.
BROADCAST STUDIO. An establishment primarily engaged in providing two-way radio/telephone communication services, telephone voice and data communications, telegraph services, radio and television broadcasting, or cable and other pay television services, but excluding those uses classified as utilities. This definition includes only those uses in the following NAICS group(s):
5151 | Radio and Television Broadcasting |
BUFFER STRIP. A strip of land no less than ten feet in width, containing evergreen shrubs spaced not more than five feet apart, and not less than one row of dense shrubs to be three feet or more in height after planting and be five feet or more in height after three growing seasons, shall be planted, trimmed, and maintained continuously in a healthy growing condition by the property owner. In lieu of this, a screening fence or wall of eight to ten feet in height so constructed as to provide at least equivalent screening from adjoining properties may be used. No building, driveway, or parking area shall occupy any part of the BUFFER STRIP.
BUILDING, ACCESSORY.
A structure customarily incidental and subordinate to the main or principal building, and located on the same lot. The structure must meet the North Carolina State Building Code. This term shall include swimming pools, satellite dishes, and pre-constructed buildings, which are built specifically for storage and/or other accessory uses.
BUILDING CONTRACTORS, GENERAL. An establishment providing general contracting and/or building construction services for residential, farm, industrial, or commercial uses, and which typically does not involve outdoor storage of machinery or equipment. This definition includes only those uses in the following NAICS group(s):
2381 | Foundation, Structure and Building Exterior Contractors |
2382 | Building Equipment Contractors |
2383 | Building Finishing Contractors |
BUILDING CONTRACTORS, HEAVY. An establishment providing general contracting and/or building construction services other than for buildings, such as highways and streets, bridges, sewers, and flood control projects, and which may involve outdoor storage of machinery or equipment. This definition includes only those uses in the following NAICS group(s):
2371 | Utility System Construction |
2373 | Highway, Street, Bridge, Construction Contractors |
2379 | Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction |
238120 | Structural Steel Erection Contractors |
238910 | Site Preparation Contractors |
BUILDING HEIGHT. The vertical distance from the mean elevation of the finished grade along the front of a building to the highest point of a flat roof; or to the deck line of a mansard roof; or the mean height level between eaves and ridge for gable, hip, gambrel, and pitch roofs.
BUILDING MATERIALS SUPPLY. An establishment engaged in selling lumber and a general line of building materials and hardware to the public. This definition includes only those uses in the following NAICS group(s):
4441 | Building Materials and Supplies Dealer (Retail) |
BUILDING PRESENTATION. The direction of the architectural front façade of a building in relation to the street or public space.
BUILDING, PRINCIPAL.
A building in which is conducted the principal use of the lot on which it is located. In any residential district any structure containing a dwelling unit shall be deemed to be a principal building on the lot on which it is located.
BUILDING SETBACK LINE. A line establishing the minimum allowable distance between the main or front wall of any building, excluding the outermost three feet of any uncovered porches, steps, eaves, gutters, and similar fixtures, and the street right-of-way line (or the assumed right-of-way line) when measured perpendicularly.
CAR WASH, AUTOMATIC. An unattended, automated, mechanical facility for the washing of automobiles, small recreational vehicles, and light trucks wherein the customer remains in the vehicle during the service.
CAR WASH, FULL SERVICE. An attended facility wherein the customer pays for the labor, materials, and equipment necessary to wash or otherwise clean an automobile, small recreational vehicle, or light truck. This type of CAR WASH may or may not be partially automated. Typically, the customer does not remain in the vehicle during the service.
CAR WASH, INDUSTRIAL. Mechanical facilities for the washing, vacuuming, and waxing of large automobiles and heavy machinery.
CAR WASH, SELF-SERVICE. A car wash wherein the customer provides labor and where no self-propelled wash racks are provided.
CEMETERY. Land and facilities, including offices and chapels, used for the burial of the dead.
CERTIFICATE OF ZONING COMPLIANCE. A statement, signed by the Zoning Enforcement Officer, stating that the plans for a building, structure, or use of land complies with this chapter, the County Health Department, and the State Department of Human Resources, Division of Health Services.
CHURCH or RELIGIOUS INSTITUTION. A facility of a church, temple, synagogue, or other nonprofit religious organization operated for worship and which may include religious training or study.
COMMUNICATION TOWER. A structure, either freestanding or attached to a building or another structure, which is intended to support antennas or related devices used to transmit or receive communication signals through the air. These structures are specifically identified as stealth, monopole, lattice, or guyed towers.
COMMUNICATION TOWER, STEALTH. The housing of communication antennas within a building or on a structure so that the antennas are disguised as some other permitted structure or use.
CONDOMINIUM. A dwelling unit owned as a single-family home within a multiple-unit property together with an undivided portion of ownership in areas and facilities held in common with other property owners in the development. CONDOMINIUMS may take a number of forms such as attached townhouses, apartments, or other forms of residential structures. The common areas and structures may include underlying land, parking areas, recreation facilities, swimming pools, and in the case of an apartment house, hallways, basements, heating units, and elevators.
CONGREGATE CARE FACILITY. A licensed multi-unit facility which provides housing, part-time medical care, shared food preparation and dining areas, and recreational facilities, as well as significant social facilities to meet the needs of the elderly. CONGREGATE CARE FACILITIES do not include nursing care institutions or similar institutions devoted primarily to the care of the chronically ill or incurable.
CONVENIENCE STORE. Any retail establishment offering for sale gasoline, diesel fuel, kerosene, automotive products, prepackaged food products, household items, and/or other goods commonly associated with the same, and having a gross floor area of less than 5,000 square feet.
DAY CARE FACILITY. Any day care center or child care arrangement that provides day care for more than five children unrelated to the operator and for which a payment fee or grant is received, excluding foster homes, public or private schools which provide a course of grade school instruction to children of public school age, summer day or residence camps, or bible schools.
DRY CLEANING AND LAUNDRY SERVICES. A building, portion of a building, or premises used for the collection and distribution of dry cleaning or the cleaning of fabrics, textiles, wearing apparel, or articles of any sort without the immersion of such articles in volatile solvents, including but not limited to petroleum distillates and/or chlorinated hydrocarbons and any process incidental thereto. It is intended that uses in this category shall not pose a significant threat to the health and safety of the public or adjacent uses and that such may legally discharge all liquid waste into a public sanitary sewer or private septic system.
DWELLING, ACCESSORY (ATTACHED OR DETACHED). A habitable living unit added to, created within, or detached from a single-family dwelling that provides basic requirements for living, including but not limited to areas for sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation. Accessory units may not be subdivided or otherwise segregated in ownership from the primary residence structure.
(1) An accessory dwelling may be attached, within or separate from the principal dwelling.
(2) The principal use of the lot shall be residential and the principle structure on the lot shall be a single-family residential building.
(3) No more than one accessory dwelling shall be permitted on a single lot of record in conjunction with the principal dwelling unit.
(4) The accessory dwelling shall be owned by the same person as the principal dwelling.
(5) The accessory dwelling shall not be served by a driveway separate from that serving the principal dwelling unless the accessory dwelling is accessed from a rear alley and the principal dwelling is accessed from a street. A corner lot may be served by a separate driveway if approved by the County Development Services.
(6) A detached accessory dwelling shall be located in the rear yard.
(7) The owner of the accessory dwelling shall live on the parcel containing the accessory dwelling.
(8) A detached accessory dwelling shall be the lesser of 1,100 square feet or 75% of the living area of the principal dwelling and may have no more than two bedrooms; the structure may be a dwelling only or may combine a dwelling with garage, workshop, studio or similar accessory use.
(9) No accessory dwelling unit shall be smaller than 600 square feet.
(10) A manufactured home shall not be used as an accessory dwelling unit.
DWELLING, MULTI-FAMILY. A building or portion of a building used or designed as residence for three or more families living independently of each other, including apartment houses, apartment hotels, and group housing projects.
DWELLING, SINGLE-FAMILY. A detached building designed for or occupied exclusively by one family.
DWELLING, TWO-FAMILY. A building arranged or designed to be occupied by two families living independently of each other.
EASEMENT. A grant by a property owner of a strip of land for specified purpose and use by the public, a corporation, or an individual.
EXTERMINATORS. An establishment primarily engaged in exterminating and controlling birds, mosquitoes, rodents, termites, and other insects and pests (except for crop production and forestry production). Establishments providing fumigation services are included in this industry. This definition includes only those uses in the following NAICS group(s):
561710 | Exterminating and Pest Control Services |
FAMILY. One or more individuals occupying a premises and living as a single, nonprofit housekeeping unit.
FAMILY CARE FACILITY. A home with support and supervisory personnel that provides room and board, personal care, and habitation services in a family environment for no more than six resident handicapped persons.
FEED AND SEED STORE. Establishments primarily engaged in the retail sale of supplies directly related to the day-to-day activities of agricultural production.
FLEA MARKET. An occasional or periodic market held in an open area or structure where groups of individual sellers offer goods for sale to the public. FLEA MARKETS are not considered temporary activities. This definition includes only those uses in the following NAICS group(s):
454390 | Other Direct Selling Establishments |
FLOOD. The temporary overflowing of water onto land which is usually devoid of surface water.
FLOOD FRINGE. The portion of the floodplain outside of the floodway based on the total area inundated during the regulatory base flood.
FLOOD, 100-YEAR. A flood having one chance in 100 of being equaled or exceeded in any one year.
FLOODPLAIN. The channel and the relatively flat area adjoining the channel of a natural stream or river which has been or may be covered by floodwater. The FLOODPLAIN consists of the flood fringe and the floodway.
FLOODWAY. The channel of a natural stream or river and portion of the floodplain adjoining the channel which are reasonably required to carry and discharge the floodwater or flood flow of any natural stream or river.
FRUIT AND VEGETABLE MARKET. An establishment primarily engaged in retailing fresh fruits and vegetables. This definition includes only those uses in the following NAICS group(s):
445230 | Fruit and Vegetable Market |
FUNERAL HOME. An establishment engaged in undertaking services, such as preparing the human dead for burial and in arranging and managing funerals. This definition includes crematories and mortuaries. This definition includes only those uses in the following NAICS group(s):
8122 | Death Care Services |
GARAGE, PRIVATE (RESIDENTIAL).
A building housing not more than the number of vehicles in use by the family occupying the main structure to which the private garage is attached or detached and in which space may be used for an incidental home occupation.
GREENHOUSE, COMMERCIAL. A building usually made largely of glass or plastic where the temperature and humidity can be regulated for the cultivation of delicate or out-of-season plants. Plants are raised to be sold to the general public or to wholesalers.
GREENHOUSE, PRIVATE. A temperature-controlled building used for the raising of plants for the personal enjoyment of the property owner or his or her tenant.
GROSS FLOOR AREA. The total floor area of all buildings in a project including easements, mezzanines, and upper floors, exclusive of stairways and elevator shafts. It excludes separate service facilities outside the main building such as boiler rooms and maintenance shops.
GROUP DEVELOPMENT. A group of two or more principal structures built on a plot of land not subdivided into the customary streets and lots designed for occupancy by separate families, businesses, or other enterprises.
GROUP HOME A. A transitional housing facility with support and supervisory personnel licensed by the state and operated by a nonprofit corporation chartered pursuant to G.S. Chapter 55A, which provides room and board, personal care, and rehabilitation services in a supportive family environment for not more than six residents, exclusive of supervisory personnel, including but not limited to handicapped persons, older adults, foster children, and abused individuals.
This use shall include family care homes as defined in state law. This use shall not serve primarily as an alternative to incarceration, shall not include individuals who are dangerous to others, as defined in G.S. § 122C-3(11)b, and shall not include persons living together as a fraternal, sororal, social, honorary, or professional organization.
GROUP HOME B. A transitional housing facility with support and supervisory personnel licensed by the state and operated by a nonprofit corporation chartered pursuant to G.S. Chapter 55A, which provides room and board, personal care, and rehabilitation services in a supportive family environment for not more than 12 residents, exclusive of supervisory personnel, including but not limited to handicapped persons, older adults, foster children, and abused individuals. This unit shall not serve primarily as an alternative to incarceration, shall not include individuals who are dangerous to others, as defined in G.S. § 122C-3(11)b, and shall not include persons living together as a fraternal, sororal, social, honorary, or professional organization.
HABILITATION FACILITY A. Any facility in which one to eight handicapped persons receive habitation services, rehabilitation services, or engage in recreational activities, regardless of whether these services and activities are therapeutic or educational in nature. These facilities are licensed by the state and do not provide room and board. This definition does not include the principal uses elementary schools or secondary schools. These facilities are intended to serve handicapped persons as defined in state law, in accordance with rights provided by applicable laws.
HABILITATION FACILITY B. Any facility in which more than eight handicapped persons receive habilitation services, rehabilitation services, or engage in recreational activities, regardless of whether these services and activities are therapeutic or educational in nature. These facilities are licensed by the state and do not provide room and board. This definition does not include the principal uses elementary schools or secondary schools. These facilities are intended to serve handicapped persons as defined in state law, in accordance with rights provided by applicable laws.
HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TREATMENT FACILITY. A building, structure, or use of land devoted, or intended to be devoted, primarily to changing by any method, technique, or process, including incineration or neutralization, the physical, chemical, or biological character of any hazardous material so as to neutralize such material or render it non-hazardous, safer for transport, amenable for recovery, amenable for storage, or reduced in bulk. Such a use may also contain temporary storage facilities normally associated with these operations and of sufficient size to conduct a commercially feasible operation. However, under no circumstances is a HAZARDOUS MATERIALS TREATMENT FACILITY to be construed to be any of the following:
(1) A facility which manufactures hazardous materials from component non-hazardous materials;
(2) A facility or location for the long-term or perpetual storage of hazardous materials; or
(3) A facility for the treatment of hazardous materials which is clearly subordinate, incidental, and related to the principal structure, building or use of land and is located on the same lot as the principal structure, building, or use.
HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCE. Any chemical defined as a hazardous chemical in G.S. § 95-174, consisting of any element, chemical compound, or mixture of elements and/or compounds which is a physical hazard or a health hazard. Physical hazards include but are not limited to chemicals, which are combustible, explosive, flammable, and reactive. Health hazards include but are not limited to chemical, which are carcinogens, toxins, corrosives, or irritants.
HAZARDOUS WASTE. A solid waste, or combination of solid wastes, which because of its quantity, concentration, or physical, chemical, or infectious characteristics may:
(1) Cause or significantly contribute to an increase in mortality or an increase in serious irreversible or incapacitating reversible illness; or
(2) Pose a substantial present or potential hazard to human health or the environment when improperly treated, stored, transported, disposed of, or otherwise managed.
HAZARDOUS WASTE MANAGEMENT FACILITY. Any commercial hazardous waste facility which accepts hazardous waste from the general public or from another person for a fee, but does not include any facility owned or operated by a generator of hazardous waste solely for its own use. A HAZARDOUS WASTE FACILITY means a facility for the collection, storage, processing, treatment, recycling, recovery, or disposal of hazardous waste. This definition includes hazardous materials treatment facilities as defined herein.
HOME OCCUPATION, INCIDENTAL. A home occupation is permitted accessory to any dwelling unit in accordance with the following requirements.
(1) The home occupation must be clearly incidental to the residential use of the dwelling and must not change the essential residential character of the dwelling.
(2) No merchandise or commodity should be sold on the premises.
(3) A home occupation conducted in an accessory structure shall be housed only in a garage or other accessory structure typically associated with a dwelling.
(4) The use shall employ no more than one person who is not a resident of the dwelling.
(5) A home occupation housed within the dwelling shall occupy no more than 25% of the total floor area of the dwelling.
(6) There shall be no visible outside display of stock-in-trade which is sold on the premises.
(7) There shall be no outdoor storage or visible evidence of equipment or materials used in the home occupation, excepting equipment or materials of a type and quality that could reasonably be associated with the principal residential use.
(8) Operation of the home occupation shall not be visible from any dwelling on an adjacent lot, nor from a street.
(9) Only vehicles used primarily as passenger vehicles will be permitted in connection with the conduct of the home occupation, and all parking must be off the street and other than in the required front yard.
(10) The home occupation shall not utilize mechanical, electrical, or other equipment which produces noise, electrical or magnetic interference, vibration, heat, glare, or other nuisances outside the dwelling or accessory structure housing the home occupation.
(11) Outdoor kilns used for the firing of pottery shall be provided with a semi-opaque screen to obstruct the view from the street and from adjacent properties located in residential districts, shall have a secured work area, and shall be a minimum of ten feet from abutting property lines.
(12) No advertising signs shall be permitted.
HOSPITAL. A facility providing medical, psychiatric, or surgical services for sick or injured persons, including emergency treatment, diagnostic services, training, research, and administration. This definition includes only those uses in the following NAICS group(s):
622 | Hospitals |
HOTEL (MOTEL). A building or other structure kept, used, maintained, advertised as, or held out to the public to be a place where sleeping accommodations are supplied, for pay, to transient or permanent guests or tenants, where rooms are furnished for the accommodations of such guests, and having or not having one or more dining rooms, restaurants, or cafes where meals or lunches are served to such transient or permanent guests, such sleeping accommodations and dining rooms, restaurants, or cafes, if existing, being conducted in the same building or buildings. This definition includes only those uses in the following NAICS group(s):
721110 | Hotels (except Casino Hotels) and Motels |
JUNK OR ABANDONED MANUFACTURED HOME.
(1) A manufactured home that is not being occupied as a dwelling and does not provide complete, independent living facilities for one family, including permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation, or a manufactured home that has not received the proper permits to be located within the county’s jurisdiction;
(2) A manufactured home which is a health or safety hazard as a result of the attraction of insects or rodents, conditions creating a fire hazard, dangerous condition constituting a threat to anyone, or frequent use by vagrants as living quarters in the absence of sanitary facilities; or
(3) Any manufactured home that was originally designed and intended for residential or other approved use, which has been vacant or not in active use, regardless of purpose or reason, for a period of one year. To be considered active use, the manufactured home shall have been lawfully connected to electric utility; public or private water supply; and public or private sewage disposal systems.
JUNK YARD. An establishment operated or maintained for the purpose of storing, dismantling, salvaging, recycling, buying, or selling scrap or used materials such as paper products or articles such as machinery, vehicles, appliances, and the like, regardless of whether such material is for sale.
JUNKED or WRECKED MOTOR VEHICLES. Motor vehicles which are not registered with the state, do not have current state inspection stickers, or either:
(1) Are incapable of operation; or
(2) Are partially dismantled.
KENNEL. A facility engaged in the breeding and raising animals, particularly dogs and cats, and offering them for sale. The term facility shall be defined as any run, pen, fenced area, or accessory building or structure where animals are either temporarily or permanently encased, enclosed, or sheltered. This definition of KENNEL facility does not include a single-family dwelling or its attached structures. The use of privately raising or breeding of animals without selling is not considered a KENNEL.
LANDFILL. A method of disposing of solid waste in a sanitary manner without creating nuisances or hazards to public health or safety by utilizing the principles of engineering to confine the solid waste to the smallest practical area, to reduce it to the smallest practical volume, and to cover it with a layer of compacted earth at the end conclusion of each day’s operation, or at such more frequent intervals as may be necessary.
LAUNDERETTES and LAUNDROMATS. An establishment primarily engaged in operating facilities with coin-operated or similar self-service laundry and dry cleaning equipment for customer use on the premises. The establishment includes supplying and servicing coin-operated or similar self-service laundry and dry cleaning equipment for customer use in places of business operated by others such as apartments and dormitories. This definition includes only those uses in the following NAICS group(s):
812310 | Coin-Operated Laundries and Drycleaners |
LIBRARY, PUBLIC. A publicly operated facility housing a collection of books, magazines, audio and video tapes, or other material for use by the general public.
LOT. As follows:
(1) Includes the meanings
PLOT, PARCEL, or TRACT; and
(2) A parcel of land in single ownership occupied or intended for occupancy by a principal building together with its accessory buildings including the open space required under this chapter. For the purpose of this chapter,
LOT shall mean any number of contiguous lots or portions of lots upon which one principal building and its accessory buildings are located or are intended to be located.
LOT, CORNER. A lot which occupies the interior angle at the intersection of two street lines which make an angle of more than 45 degrees and less than 135 degrees with each other. The street line forming the least frontage shall be deemed the front of the lot except where the two street lines are equal, in which case the owner shall be required to specify which is the front when requesting a zoning permit.
LOT, DEPTH. The depth of a lot, for the purpose of this chapter, is the distance measured in the mean direction of the side lines of the lot from the midpoint of the front lot line to the midpoint of the opposite main rear line of the lot.
LOT, INTERIOR. A lot other than a corner lot with frontage on only one street or access easement.
LOT LINE. A line or series of connected line segments bounding a lot.
LOT LINE, FRONT. The line which separates the lot from a street right-of-way. Corner lots shall have only one front lot line.
LOT LINE, INTERIOR. A side lot line, which separates one lot from another lot.
LOT LINE, REAR. That lot line which is opposite and most distant from the front lot line, except in the case of a triangular lot, a line ten feet in length, entirely within the lot, parallel to, and at the maximum distance from the front lot line, or a chord thereof if the front lot line is curved, shall be considered as the rear lot line for purposes of determining the required rear yard. In cases where neither of these conditions is applicable, the Zoning Administrator shall designate the rear lot line.
LOT LINE, SIDE. A lot line other than a front or rear lot line.
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 of the county prior to the adoption of this chapter, or a lot described by metes and bounds, and recorded prior to the adoption of this chapter.
LOT, THROUGH. An interior lot having frontage on two streets.
LOT WIDTH. The distance between side lot lines measured at the building setback line.
MALL. See SHOPPING CENTER.
MANUFACTURED HOME. A dwelling unit that is composed of one or more components, each of which was substantially assembled in a manufacturing plant and designed to be transported to the home site on its own chassis; a dwelling unit that exceeds 40 feet in length and eight feet in width; a dwelling unit that is constructed in accordance with the National Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards; and a dwelling unit that is not constructed in accordance with the standards of the North Carolina State Building Code for one- and two-family dwellings.
(1) CLASS A. A MANUFACTURED HOME constructed after July 1, 1976 and that meets or exceeds the construction standards promulgated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development that were in effect at the time of construction and that satisfies the following additional criteria:
(a) Is a multi-sectional home (i.e., double-wide, triple-wide);
(b) The pitch of the
MANUFACTURED HOME’S roof has a minimum vertical rise of 2.2 feet for each 12 feet of horizontal run and the roof is finished with shingles;
(c) The exterior siding consists predominately of vinyl or aluminum horizontal lap siding, wood or hardboard, or other non-glare surface;
(d) A continuous, permanent brick masonry or stone curtain wall or foundation, unpierced except for ventilation and access, is installed under the
MANUFACTURED HOME; and
(e) The tongue, axles, removable towing apparatus, and transporting lights are removed after final placement on the site.
(2) CLASS B. A MANUFACTURED HOME constructed after July 1, 1976 and that meets or exceeds the construction standards promulgated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development that were in effect at the time of construction and that satisfies the following additional criteria:
(a) Is a single-section home (i.e., single-wide);
(b) The pitch of the manufactured home’s roof has a minimum vertical rise of 2.2 feet for each 12 feet of horizontal run and the roof is finished with shingles;
(c) The exterior siding consists predominately of vinyl or aluminum horizontal lap siding, wood or hardboard, or other non-glare surface;
(d) A continuous, permanent brick, masonry, or stone curtain wall or foundation, unpierced except for ventilation and access, is installed under the
MANUFACTURED HOME; and
(e) The tongue, axles, removable towing apparatus, and transporting lights are removed after final placement on the site.
(3) CLASS C. A manufactured home constructed after July 1, 1976 and that meets or exceeds the construction standards promulgated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development that were in effect at the time of construction and that satisfies the following additional criteria: a continuous, non-flammable/non-combustible curtain wall, skirting, permanent masonry or other approved product curtain wall or foundation, unpierced except for ventilation and access, is installed under the MANUFACTURED HOME.
(4) CLASS D. A manufactured home that does not meet the definition of a Class A, Class B, or Class C MANUFACTURED HOME.
MANUFACTURED HOME PARK. A plot of ground, together with all contiguous or adjoining parcels of land, that is owned or controlled by the same person, persons, family, partnership, corporation, company, or affiliates which has been planned or improved for the placement and rental of either four or more manufactured homes or four or more land sites for placement of manufactured homes for dwelling or sleeping purposes. For purposes of this chapter only, a contract for deed, written lease with option to purchase, or similar written promise to convey land between unrelated parties upon a condition subsequent shall be considered to be a conveyance.
MANUFACTURED HOME SPACE. Any parcel of ground within a manufactured home park designed for the exclusive use of one mobile home.
MANUFACTURING A. A manufacturing establishment primarily engaged in the fabrication or assembly of products from pre-structured materials or components. Because of the nature of its operations and products, MANUFACTURING A produces little or no noise, odor, vibration, glare, and/or air and water pollution, and, therefore, has minimal impact on surrounding properties. This definition may include the uses in the following NAICS group(s):
3149 Other Textile Product Mills
315 Apparel Manufacturing
336991 Motorcycle, Bicycle and Parts Manufacturing
3369 Other Transportation Equipment
3399 Other Miscellaneous Manufacturing
MANUFACTURING B. A manufacturing establishment primarily engaged in the manufacture of foodstuffs, textiles, electrical components or tobacco products, and the fabrication of wood, leather, water or plastic products. Because of the nature of its operations and products, MANUFACTURING B could impact immediately adjoining properties due to noise, odor, vibration, glare, and/or air and water pollution. This definition may include the uses in the following NAICS group(s):
3119 Other Food Manufacturing
3122 Tobacco Manufacturing
313 Textile Mills
3169 Other Leather and Allied Product Manufacturing
3219 Other Wood Product Manufacturing
3231 Printing and Related Support Activities
3261 Plastics Product Manufacturing
3341 Computer and Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing
3342 Communications Equipment Manufacturing
3343 Audio and Video Equipment
3344 Semiconductor and Other Electronic Component Manufacturing
3351 Electric Lighting Equipment Manufacturing
3353 Electrical Equipment Manufacturing
337 Furniture and Related Products Manufacturing
3391 Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing
MANUFACTURING C. A manufacturing establishment primarily engaged in the processing and manufacturing of materials or products not otherwise classified under Manufacturing A, Manufacturing B, or other use defined in this section. MANUFACTURING C includes the processing and manufacturing of products from extracted or raw materials, the assembly of large or heavy machinery, and the storing or using of flammable, explosive, hazardous, or toxic materials in the manufacturing processes. Because of the nature of its operations and products, MANUFACTURING C may impact surrounding properties due to noise, odor, vibration, glare, and/or air and water pollution. This definition may include the uses in the following NAICS group(s):
3133 Textile and Fabric Finishing and Fabric Coating Mills
3161 Leather and Hide Tanning and Finishing
321114 Wood Preservation
3212 Veneer, Plywood, and Engineered Wood Product Manufacturing
3221 Pulp, Paper and Paper Board
3241 Petroleum and Coal Products Manufacturing
3259 Other Chemical Product and Preparation Manufacturing
3262 Rubber Product Manufacturing
3271 Clay Product and Refractory Manufacturing
3272 Glass and Glass Product Manufacturing
3279 Other Nonmetallic Mineral Product Manufacturing
331 Primary Metal Manufacturing
3329 Other Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing
3333 Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing
3353 Electrical Equipment Manufacturing
3359 Other Equipment and Component Manufacturing
3369 Other Transportation Equipment Manufacturing
322 Paper Manufacturing
MASSAGE AND BODY WORK THERAPY. Any massage or body work therapy as defined by the State Massage and Bodywork Therapy Practice Act, G.S. §§ 90-621 et seq., provided by a person licensed as provided therein to perform such therapy.
MEAT PACKING PLANT. An establishment primarily engaged in the slaughtering of cattle, hogs, sheep, lambs, and calves for meat to be sold or to be used on the same premises in canning, cooking, curing, and freezing, and in making sausage, lard, and other products. The definition includes all uses in the following NAICS group(s):
3116 | Animal Slaughtering and Processing |
MEDICAL AND SURGICAL OFFICES. An establishment primarily engaged in furnishing medical and surgical services to individuals and licensed for such practice by the state. This definition includes only those uses in the following NAICS group(s):
6211 | Offices of Physicians |
6212 | Offices of Dentists |
6213 | Offices of Other Health Practitioners |
MEDICAL OR DENTAL LABORATORY. An establishment primarily engaged in providing professional analytic or diagnostic services to the medical profession, or to the patient, on direction of a physician; or an establishment primarily engaged in making dentures, artificial teeth, and orthodontic appliances to order for the dental profession. This definition includes only those uses in the following NAICS group(s):
6215 | Medical and Diagnostic Laboratories |
3391 | Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing |
MINING AND DREDGING OF SAND. The in- channel or near-channel extraction of sand, NAICS Codes 212321, Construction Sand or Gravel Dredging, and 212322, Industrial Sand Pits and Dredging. Also included within this definition is the surface removal of accumulated sand not within a stream or water body.
MINI-WAREHOUSE. A building or group of buildings in a controlled-access and fenced compound that contains varying sizes of individual, compartmentalized, and controlled-access stalls or lockers for the dead storage of customers’ goods or wares.
MODULAR HOME. A dwelling unit constructed in accordance with the standards set forth in the North Carolina State Building Code and composed of components substantially assembled in a manufacturing plant and transported to the building site for final assembly on a permanent foundation.
MOTOR VEHICLE BODY OR PAINT SHOP. An establishment primarily engaged in body work, painting, or customizing of automobiles or other motor vehicles. This definition includes only those uses in the following NAICS group(s):
81112 | Automotive Body, Paint, Interior and Glass Repair |
MOTOR VEHICLE REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE. An establishment engaged in providing mechanical automotive maintenance and repair, such as engine repair, exhaust system replacement and transmission repair, and/or providing other related services, such as upholstery or glass replacement. This use includes service stations but does not include body work or painting. This definition includes only those uses in the following NAICS group(s):
8111 | Automotive Repair and Maintenance |
81112 | Automotive Body, Paint, Interior and Glass Repair |
MOTOR VEHICLE SALES, RENTAL, AND LEASING. Any use where automobiles, other motor vehicles, or manufactured homes are stored and/or displayed for the purpose of sale or lease as an entire or complete unit. This definition includes only those uses in the following NAICS group(s):
4411 | Automobile Dealers |
4412 | Other Motor Vehicle Dealers |
45393 | Manufactured (Mobile) Home Dealers |
5321 | Automotive Equipment Rental and Leasing |
NONCONFORMING USE or STRUCTURE. Any use of a building or land which does not conform to the use regulations of this chapter for the district in which it is located, either at the effective date of this chapter or as a result of subsequent amendments which may be incorporated into this chapter.
NURSING CARE INSTITUTION. A licensed healthcare facility, however named, governmental or non-governmental, which provides in-patient care to six or more non-related persons for whom planned and continued medical or nursing attention, or both, are indicated in contrast to the occasional or incidental care provided in congregate care facilities. A NURSING CARE INSTITUTION may be designed and marketed specifically for the elderly, physically handicapped, or both, but not specifically for mentally ill persons who are dangerous to others as defined in G.S. § 122C-3(11)b.
OBSTRUCTION. Any structure, fence, shrub, tree, bush, flower, plant, motor vehicle, or any other object that obscures, impairs, or prevents view or sight through, over, or across the horizontal or vertical distance area.
OPTICAL SERVICES. An establishment where health practitioners engage in the practice of optometry by providing patients with eye examinations to determine visual acuity or the presence of visual problems. OPTICAL SERVICES also include the prescription and sale of such products as eye glasses, contacts, or other instruments intended to enhance visual perception.
OPEN SPACE. Unroofed storage area, whether fenced or not.
PACKAGE TREATMENT PLANT. Any sewage treatment facility which discharges onto the ground surface or into any stream, lake, or other body of water, but not including ground absorption sanitary treatment systems under the jurisdiction of the County Health Department.
PARKING, LOT OR DECK. A principal or accessory use of a zoning lot, with or without a parking structure, for use as a place for the temporary or long-term parking of motor vehicles.
PARKING SPACE. A storage of not less than ten by 20 feet for one automobile, plus the necessary access space. It shall be always located outside the dedicated street right-of-way.
PAWN or PAWN TRANSACTION. A written bailment of personal property as security for debt, redeemable on certain terms within 180 days, unless renewed, and with an implied power of sale on default.
PAWN SHOP. The location at which, or the premises in which, a pawnbroker regularly conducts business.
PAWNBROKER. A person engaged in the business of lending money on the security of pledged goods and who may also purchase merchandise for resale from dealers and traders.
PERSON. Includes a firm, association, corporation, trust, and company, as well as an individual.
PET CARE SERVICES (EXCEPT VETERINARY SERVICES). This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing pet care services (except veterinary) such as boarding, grooming, sitting, and training pets.
PLANNED DEVELOPMENT. An area of a minimum contiguous size, as specified herein, to be planned, developed, operated, and maintained according to approved plans as a single entity and containing one or more structures with appurtenant common areas.
PLANNED INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT. A planned development consisting primarily of industrial uses but which may also include retail service and recreational uses to accommodate employees of the principal industrial uses within the development.
PLANNING BOARD. The Planning Board of the county.
PROFESSIONAL OFFICES. An establishment primarily engaged in providing: engineering, architectural, and surveying services; accounting, auditing, and bookkeeping services; public relations services; legal services; real estate services; the services of insurance agents, brokers, and carriers; the services of security and commodity brokers; and the services of bank holding companies. This definition includes only those uses in the following NAICS group(s):
5111 | Newspaper, Periodical, Book, and Database Publishers |
5112 | Software Publishers |
5231 | Securities and Commodity Contracts Intermediation and Brokerage |
5241 | Insurance Carriers |
5242 | Agencies, Brokerages, and other insurance related activities |
5312 | Offices or Real Estate Agents and Brokers |
5411 | Legal Services |
5412 | Accounting, Tax Preparation, Bookkeeping, and Payroll Services |
5413 | Architectural, Engineering and Related Services |
5415 | Computer System Design and Related Services |
5416 | Management, Scientific and Technical Consulting Services |
5418 | Advertising and Related Services |
5511 | Management of Companies and Enterprises |
5614 | Business Support Services |
5615 | Travel Arrangement and Reservation Services |
PROGRESSIVE CARE COMMUNITY. An area of land including one or more buildings under unified management, planned and developed as a unit to provide for the traditional residency and care of the elderly in a full range of living and care arrangements which includes at least two of the following: independent living and care, congregate care, or nursing care institutions.
PUBLIC BUILDINGS. The offices of the executive, legislative, judicial, administrative, and regulatory branches of federal, state, and local governments. This definition includes only those uses in the following NAICS group(s):
92 | Public Administration |
PUBLIC SAFETY FACILITY. A facility operated by a public agency, a private contractor thereof, or by a private nonprofit volunteer organization and used for the base of operations and/or housing of equipment or personnel for the provision of dispatched public safety services including law enforcement, fire protection, rescue services, and/or emergency medical services. Such a facility may contain living quarters for on-duty personnel. Facilities for the maintenance of equipment housed at the operation site are also permitted.
PUBLIC SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEM. A system serving two or more dwelling units and approved by the County Division of the District Health Department and the State Department of Water and Air Resources.
PUBLIC USE. Any area, building, or structure held, used, or controlled exclusively for public purposes by any department or brand of the federal government, this state, or the county government under the direct authority of the Board of County Commissioners, the County School Board or any other quasi-public entities, without reference to the ownership of the building or structures or the realty upon which it is situated.
PUBLIC WATER SUPPLY. Any water supply furnishing potable water to ten or more residences or businesses or combination of businesses or residences. Approval by the Division of Health Services, Department of Human Resources, is required.
PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY. All production, storage, transmission, and recovery facilities for water, sewerage, telephone, and other similar utilities owned or operated by any public agency or by any utility subject to the jurisdiction of the State Utilities Commission.
QUASI-PUBLIC USE. An entity whose use is essentially public, as in services rendered, although it is under private ownership or control.
RECREATION, ACTIVE. Leisure-time activities, usually of a formal nature and often preformed with others, requiring equipment and taking place at prescribed places, sites or fields. ACTIVE RECREATION space may include facilities such as ballfields, tennis courts, or swimming pools, or tot-lots and other similar type play areas. ACTIVE RECREATION space may also be used for picnicking, boating, fishing, swimming, outdoor games and sports, equestrian-activities, and activities incidental and related to the foregoing, all on a non-commercial basis.
RECREATION, PASSIVE. Activities that involve relatively inactive or less energetic activities, such as walking, sitting or picnicking.
RESEARCH LABORATORY. An establishment primarily engaged in commercial research and providing testing services such as calibration and certification of instruments, food testing services, forensic laboratories, metallurgical testing, and industrial X-ray inspection services, and the like. This definition includes only those uses in the following NAICS group(s):
5417 | Scientific Research and Development Services |
RESTAURANT (WITH DRIVE-THROUGH SERVICE). An establishment which delivers prepared food and/or beverages to customers in motor vehicles, regardless of whether or not it also serves prepared food and/or beverages to customers who are not in motor vehicles, for consumption either on or off the premises. This definition includes only those uses in the following NAICS group(s):
722110 | Full Service Restaurants |
722211 | Limited Service Restaurants |
722212 | Cafeterias, Grill Buffets and Buffets |
722213 | Snack and Nonalcoholic Beverage Bars |
RESTAURANT (WITHOUT DRIVE-THROUGH SERVICE). An establishment which serves prepared food and beverages primarily to customers seated at tables or counters located within the building or designated outdoor seating areas. This includes cafes, tea rooms, and outdoor cafes and other uses listed in the following NAICS groups:
722110 | Full Service Restaurants |
722211 | Limited Service Restaurants |
722212 | Cafeterias, Grill Buffets and Buffets |
722213 | Snack and Nonalcoholic Beverage Bars |
RETAIL, GENERAL. An establishment primarily engaged in selling goods to the public. This definition includes only those uses in the following NAICS group(s):
44131 | Automotive Parts and Accessories Stores (Indoor Sales Only) |
442 | Furniture and Home Furnishings Stores |
443 | Electronics and Appliance Stores |
44413 | Hardware stores |
446 | Health and Personal Care Stores |
448 | Clothing and Clothing Accessories Stores |
451 | Sporting Goods, Hobby, Book, and Music Stores |
452 | General Merchandise Stores |
453 | Miscellaneous Store Retailers (Excluding 45393, Manufactured Home Dealers) |
RETAIL, NONSTORE. A use that retails merchandise using nonstore methods, such as the broadcasting and publishing of direct-response advertising, direct solicitation, and electronic shopping. This definition includes only those uses in the following NAICS group(s):
4541 | Electronic Shopping and Mail- Order Houses |
4542 | Vending Machine Operators |
4543 | Direct Selling Establishments (Excluding On-Site Fuel Storage) |
RETAIL STORE, LARGE. A single retail or wholesale use which occupies no less than 65,000 square feet of gross floor area, typically requires high parking-to-building area ratios, and has a regional sales market. Such stores include but are not limited to membership warehouse clubs that emphasize bulk sales, discount stores, and department stores.
RETAIL STORE, MEDIUM. A single retail or wholesale use which occupies between 25,000 and 65,000 square feet of gross floor area, typically requires moderate parking-to-building area ratios, and has a local sales market.
RETAIL STORE, SMALL. A single retail or wholesale use which occupies less than 25,000 square feet of gross floor area, typically requires low parking-to-building area ratios, and has a local or neighborhood sales market.
RIDING STABLES. An establishment where horses are boarded and cared for, where instruction in riding, jumping, and showing is offered, or where horses may be hired for riding.
RURAL RESORT AND RETREAT. A private establishment consisting of a detached structure or structures located in a rural setting in which lodging units are offered to transients for compensation as the principal use, along with conference and meeting facilities, restaurant and/or banquet facilities, and recreational amenities of a rural nature.
RURAL RESORT/RETREAT AND CONFERENCE CENTER. This category provides commercial hospitality lodgings in spacious settings that are principally intended for vacationing, relaxation and conference activities for visitors to the community. Permitted are single-family dwellings (attached or detached) guest homes, or an accessory apartment to be used only by employees or owners of the resort and retreat. Permitted also are tourist lodgings, with commonly incidental, recreation-oriented uses, including golf courses, horseback riding, swimming, tennis, and other similar outdoor activities; as well as facilities contained within the principal resort building: restaurants, health clubs, professional business offices and conference and meeting facilities.
SAWMILL. A facility where logs are sawn, split, shaved, stripped, chipped, or otherwise processed to produce wood products, not including the processing of timber for use on the same lot by the owner or resident of that lot. This definition includes only those uses in the following NAICS group(s):
321113 | Sawmills |
SCHOOL, PUBLIC. A structure used primarily by and for any two or more age or grade levels in grades kindergarten through 12 and operated by the public school system or approved by the State Department of Public Instruction as meeting the requirements of state law. Any school for children age six or under not meeting these requirements shall be considered a day care facility for purposes of this chapter. This definition includes only those uses in the following NAICS group(s):
6111 | Elementary and Secondary Schools |
SCHOOL, VOCATIONAL OR PROFESSIONAL. A use providing education or training in business, commerce, language, or other similar activity or occupational pursuit, and not otherwise defined as a home occupation, college or university, or elementary or secondary school. This definition includes only those uses in the following NAICS group(s):
6112 | Junior Colleges |
6113 | Colleges, Universities and Professional Schools |
6114 | Business School and Computer and Management Training |
6115 | Technical and Trade Schools |
6116 | Other Schools and Instruction |
SECURITY TRAINING OPERATIONS AND SERVICES. A facility located on at least 25 contiguous acres, which provides the following services: explosives training; driver training (including vehicle maintenance facility to support driver training activities); towers that are 100 feet tall or less and are used in connection with security training; emergency response training; office, clerical, research, and services related to SECURITY TRAINING OPERATIONS AND SERVICES.
SELF-CONTAINED TRAVEL TRAILERS. A travel trailer which may operate independently of connections to electricity, water, and sewer for a limited period of time, having its own battery or LP gas system or both, to operate lights, refrigerator, stove, and heater; having a water tank with a pressure system; and having a holding tank with a toilet.
SERVICE STATION. A building or lot dedicated to the rendering of services such as the sale of gasoline, oil, grease, and accessories, and the minor repair of automobiles, excluding body work, overhauling, and painting.
SERVICES A, BUSINESS. An establishment primarily engaged in providing a service(s) to businesses and, to a lesser extent, individuals. All merchandise and rental equipment is stored inside enclosed buildings. BUSINESS SERVICES A includes the following list of uses (including NAICS groups and all subcategories not elsewhere listed):
5322 | Consumer Goods Rental |
5414 | Specialized Design Services |
5415 | Computer Systems Design and Related Services |
5614 | Business Support Services |
56141 | Document Prep Services |
SERVICES B, BUSINESS. An establishment primarily engaged in providing services to commercial and business establishments. Operations may include large-scale facilities and storage of merchandise and equipment outside enclosed buildings. BUSINESS SERVICES B includes the following list of uses (including related NAICS groups and all subcategories not elsewhere listed):
5323 | General Rental Centers |
5418 | Advertising, Public Relations, and Related Services |
561622 | Locksmiths |
5617 | Services to Buildings and Dwellings |
8113 | Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment (except Automotive and Electronic) Repair and Maintenance |
8114 | Personal and Household Goods Repair and Maintenance |
8123 | Dry Cleaning and Laundry Services |
SETBACK. The minimum required horizontal distance between a structure and the property line, street right-of-way line, street centerline or access easement.
SETBACK, FRONT. Any setback from a street or road, as measured from the edge of the public right-of-way or edge of access easement.
SETBACK LINES. The lines on the front, rear, and sides of a lot which delineates the area within which a structure may be built and maintained according to the district regulations.
SETBACK, SIDE. Any interior property line setback other than a rear setback.
SHOOTING RANGE, INDOOR. The use of a completely enclosed structure for archery and/or the discharging of firearms for the purposes of target practice or temporary competitions.
SHOOTING RANGE, OUTDOOR. The use of land for archery and/or the discharging of firearms for the purposes of target practice or temporary competitions.
SHOPPING CENTER. A building or group of buildings with two or more uses, either connected or freestanding, which is designed with common parking, pedestrian movement, ingress and egress, and used for the sale of merchandise or services to the public. SHOPPING CENTERS shall be construed to include all outparcels, whether or not developed, and shall permit any permitted within the zoning district in which it is located except for those uses that require outdoor storage.
SHOPPING CENTER, LARGE. A shopping center totaling 65,000 square feet or more of gross floor area.
SHOPPING CENTER, MEDIUM. A shopping center containing between 25,000 and 65,000 square feet of gross floor area.
SHOPPING CENTER, SMALL. A shopping center totaling 25,000 square feet or less of gross floor area.
SIGN. Any device, fixture, placard, or structure that uses any color, form, graphic, illumination, symbol, or writing to advertise, announce the purpose of, or identify the purpose of a person or entity, or to communicate information of any kind to the public.
SIGN AREA. The entire face of a sign and all wall work, including illuminating tubing incidental to its decoration, shall be included for measurement of sign areas, excluding architectural trim and structural embellishments. In the case of an open sign made up of individual letters, figures, or designs, the spaces between such letters, figures, or designs shall be included as part of the SIGN AREA. In computing SIGN AREA, only one side of a double-face sign structure shall be considered.
SIGN, COMMERCIAL. Any sign located in a district zoned for commercial uses.
SIGN, FREESTANDING. Any sign which is attached to or mounted upon the ground by means of one or more upright posts, pillars, or braces placed upon the ground by means of one or more upright posts, pillars, or braces place upon the ground, and which is not attached to any building (excludes billboards, poster panels, and outdoor advertising signs).
SIGN, INDUSTRIAL. Any sign located in a district zoned for industrial uses.
SIGN, LOCAL INTEREST. A sign of a temporary nature used to advertise or announce a particular event, usually of local concern.
SIGN, OFF-SITE (BILLBOARD). One advertising device used to disseminate information concerning a person, place, or thing not pertaining to the use of the land upon which it is located.
SIGN, ON-SITE. Signs relating in subject matter to the premises where located, or to products, accommodations, services, or activities on the premises.
SIGN, PERMANENT. Signs erected, located, or affixed in a manner enabling continued use of the sign for a relatively long, unspecified period of time.
SIGN, PROJECTING. A sign projecting from the exterior wall of a building or suspended from and supported by the underside of a horizontal surface, such as a canopy.
SIGN, RESIDENTIAL. Any sign located in a district zoned for residential uses.
SOLAR ENERGY GENERATING FACILITY.
A solar collection system that generates electricity from sunlight to a wholesale electricity beneficiary. These solar farms shall consist of a minimum of three individual photovoltaic modules (solar panels) which are in assembly of solar cell to generate electricity. This energy beneficiary(ies) shall not be located on the energy facility site. This definition does not include solar devices for single family homes or any solar devices which are an accessory to a primary use. This definition includes only those uses in the following NAICS group(s):
221114 | Solar Electric Power Generation |
STREET. A dedicated and accepted public right- of-way for vehicular traffic which affords the principal means of access to abutting properties.
STRUCTURE. As follows:
(1) Anything constructed or erected, the use of which requires more or less permanent location on the ground, or which is attached to something having a more or less permanent location on the ground.
(2) An edifice or a building of any kind; in the broadest sense, any product or piece of work artificially built up or composed of parts and joined together in some definite manner.
TEMPORARY STRUCTURE. A building placed on a lot for a specific purpose which is to be removed within a specified time period. Examples of TEMPORARY STRUCTURES are monitoring stations, mobile classrooms, construction trailers and guard houses, and produce stands.
THEATER, DRIVE-IN. An establishment for the outdoor viewing of motion pictures by patrons while in motor vehicles. This definition includes only those uses in the following NAICS group(s):
512132 | Drive-In Motion Picture Theaters |
THEATER, INDOOR. An establishment for the indoor viewing of motion pictures by patrons. This definition includes only those uses in the following NAICS group(s):
512131 | Motion Picture Theaters (except Drive-Ins) |
USE, ACCESSORY. A use of land or portion thereof customarily incidental and subordinate to the principal use of the land and located on the same lot with the principal use.
USE, TEMPORARY. A use established for a limited duration with the intent to discontinue such use upon the expiration of the time period.
USED FOR. Includes the meaning DESIGNED FOR.
VARIANCE. A modification of the existing Zoning Chapter by the County Board of Adjustment when strict enforcement of this chapter would cause undue hardship owing to circumstances unique to the individual property where the variance is granted.
VETERINARY SERVICES. Any facility used for the purpose of giving licensed medical treatment to animals or pets and any other customarily incidental treatment of the animals, such as grooming, boarding, or selling of pet supplies. This definition includes only those uses in the following NAICS group(s):
54194 | Veterinary Services |
81291 | Pet Care Services (except Veterinary) |
WAREHOUSING. Establishments primarily engaged in the warehousing, storage and distribution of general merchandise, refrigerated goods, and farm products. This definition includes only those uses in the following NAICS group(s):
4931 | Warehousing and Storage |
WAREHOUSING, SELF-STORAGE. Establishments primary engaged in the rental or leasing of mini-warehouses and self-storage units. This definition includes only those uses in the following NAICS group(s):
531130 | Lessors of Mini-Warehouses and Self-Storage Units |
WHOLESALE TRADE A. An establishment primarily engaged in selling durable and non-durable goods to retailers; to industrial, commercial, institutional, farm, construction contractors; or for professional business uses; or to other wholesalers. Merchandise is stored inside enclosed buildings. Activities, including physically assembling, sorting, and grading goods in large lots and breaking bulk lots for redistribution in smaller lots, are conducted inside enclosed buildings in such a way as to have a minimal impact on surrounding properties. Operations with over 25% of sales to retail customers require the appropriate retail zoning district. This definition includes only those uses in the following NAICS group(s):
4231 | Motor Vehicle Supplies and New Parts Wholesalers |
4232 | Furniture and Home Furnishing Wholesalers |
4233 | Lumber and Other Construction Materials Wholesalers |
4234 | Professional and Commercial Equipment and Supplies Wholesaler |
4236 | Household Appliances and Electrical and Electronic Goods Wholesalers |
4237 | Hardware, Plumbing and Heating Equipment and Supplies Wholesalers |
4239 | Miscellaneous Durable Goods Wholesalers |
4241 | Paper and Paper Products Wholesalers |
4242 | Drugs and Druggists Sundries Wholesalers |
4243 | Apparel, Piece Goods and Notions Wholesalers |
4244 | Grocery and Related Products Wholesalers |
4248 | Beer, Wine and Distilled Alcoholic Beverage Wholesalers |
4249 | Miscellaneous Non-Durable Goods Wholesalers (except 42491 Farm Supplies Wholesalers) |
WHOLESALE TRADE B. An establishment primarily engaged in selling durable and non-durable goods to retailers; to industrial, commercial, institutional, farm, construction contractors; or to professional business uses; or to other wholesalers. Merchandise may be stored outside or inside enclosed buildings. Activities, including physically assembling, sorting, and grading goods in large lots, and breaking bulk lots for redistribution in smaller lots, may be conducted outside enclosed buildings. Operations with over 25% of sales to retail customers require the appropriate retail zoning district. This definition includes only those uses in the following NAICS group(s):
4231 | Motor Vehicle and Motor Vehicle Parts and Supplies Wholesalers (except 42314 Motor Vehicle Parts Used Wholesalers) |
4235 | Metal and Mineral (excluding Petroleum Wholesalers) |
4238 | Machinery, Equipment and Supplies Wholesalers |
4245 | Farm Product Raw Material Wholesalers |
4246 | Chemical and Allied Products Wholesalers |
424901 | Farm Supplies Merchant Wholesalers |
WINE TASTING ROOM. A facility in which wine products grown or processed on the owner’s property may be tasted and sold. This definition shall also include the following associated uses as permitted: gift/retail sales, assembly areas, meeting rooms, dining and catering facilities, and a restaurant facility, if expressly requested and permitted. The facility must be operated in association with an existing vineyard (bona fide farm) located on the same property, or multiple adjoining properties in same ownership.
WINERY. A manufacturing facility or establishment engaged in the processing of grapes to produce wine or wine-like beverages as defined by the General Statutes.
YARD. An open space on the same lot with a principal building, unoccupied and unobstructed from the upward, except where encroachments and accessory buildings are expressly permitted.
YARD, FRONT. The yard extending across the full width of the lot and lying between the front lot line and the front setback line as required in this chapter.
YARD, INTERIOR SIDE. The yard extending along the length of the lot between the required front yard and the required rear yard, and between the side lot line and the side building setback line, as required in this chapter, provided that the side lot line is not adjacent to a public street right-of-way.
YARD, REAR. An open, unoccupied space extending the full width of the lot and situated between the rear line of the lot and the rear line of the building projected to the side lines of the lot.
YARD, SIDE. An open, unoccupied space situated between the side line of the building and the adjacent side line of the lot and extending from the rear line of the front yard to the front line of the rear yard.
YARD, STREET SIDE. The yard extending along the length of the lot between the required front yard and the required rear yard adjacent to a public right-of-way or private access easement, and between the side lot line and the side building setback line as required in this chapter.
(1996 Code, § 155.001) (Ord. passed 5-21-1984; Ord. passed 7-29-1985; Ord. passed 11-20-1989; Ord. passed 11-20-1989; Ord. passed 4-3-1995; Ord. passed 12-16-1996; Ord. passed 6-23-1997; Ord. passed 11-16-1998; Ord. passed 2-16-2004; Ord. passed 5-16-2005; Ord. passed 3-20-2006; Ord. passed 5-1-2006; Ord. passed 5-1-2006; Ord. passed 6-5-2006; Ord. passed 12-4-2006; Ord passed 1-5-2009; Ord. passed 3-2-2009; Ord. passed 11-1-2010; Ord. passed 8-1-2011; Ord. passed 8-1-2011; Ord. passed 8-1-2011; Ord. passed 11-7-2011; Ord. passed 11-7-2011; Ord. passed 7-16-2012; Ord. passed 11-4-2013; Ord. passed 7-14-2014; Ord. passed 6-5-2017; Ord. passed 5-3-2021; Ord. passed 8-1-2022)