(A) No person shall commence or proceed with development within the town's jurisdiction without first securing a zoning permit from the town. Unless elsewhere exempted by this chapter, no use may change, and/or no building, sign or other structure can legally be erected, moved, added lo, or structurally altered without a zoning permit. The Zoning Official will approve or deny the zoning permit based on compliance with the zoning ordinance unless evidence exists that there is a violation of the town's zoning ordinances on the property.
(1) Each application for a zoning permit shall be accompanied by such building plans or other information as may be necessary to determine whether the provisions of this chapter are being observed.
(2) The town may issue development approvals in print or electronic form. Any development approval issued exclusively in electronic form shall be protected from further editing once issued.
(3) Applications for development approvals may be made by the landowner, a lessee or person holding an option or contract to purchase or lease land, or an authorized agent of the landowner. An easement holder may also apply for development approval for such development as is authorized by the easement.
For similar state law provisions, refer to G.S. § 160D-403(a).
(B) No work permitted prior to issuance of permit. No land shall be used or occupied, and the use of any land shall not be changed, until a zoning permit and any other applicable permit to be issued by Town of Fairmont for such work has been issued.
(C) No movement of structure prior to issuance of permit. No building or structure, including a manufactured home, shall be moved from an area outside the town's zoning jurisdiction to any lot within the town's jurisdiction or from one lot to another lot, or on the same lot within the town's zoning jurisdiction unless such building shall subsequently be made to conform to the then existing building, plumbing, electrical, manufactured home, and zoning codes of the town. If a building, excluding a manufactured home, is moved from outside the town's zoning jurisdiction, the zoning permit fee shall include a mileage fee for each mile of distance from the town hall to the house to be moved. Any building or manufactured home so moved shall be made to conform to the required codes of the town within 12 months from the earlier of either:
(1) The date of the receipt of a zoning permit issued by the Zoning Official, or
(2) The date the building or manufactured home is moved into the town limits.
(D) Work only as approved in permit. Zoning permits and other development permits are issued under this chapter only when a review of the application submitted, including the site plans contained therein, indicates that the development will comply with the provisions of this chapter if completed as proposed. Such plans and applications as are finally approved are incorporated into any permit issued, and except as otherwise provided herein, all development shall occur strictly in accordance with such approved plans and applications.
(E) Exemption from zoning permit. The following are exempt from zoning permit requirements:
(1) Farm buildings (other than residences and buildings used in animal feeder/breeder operations) used for bona fide farm purposes;
(2) Facilities (other than buildings) of a public utility; and
(Ord. 23-241, passed 7-18-2023)