GENERAL PROVISIONS

§ 153.001 SHORT TITLE.

    This chapter shall be known and cited as the "Town of Richlands Zoning Ordinance"; references herein to "ordinance" or "chapter" shall mean the Town of Richlands Zoning Ordinance .

(Ord. passed 4-9-2013; Ord. 2021-03, passed 6-8-2021)

§ 153.002 AUTHORITY.

    This chapter is adopted pursuant to the authority granted by G.S. 160D-103 et seq.

(Ord. passed 4-9-2013; Ord. 2021-03, passed 6-8-2021)

§ 153.003 JURISDICTION.

   (A)    This chapter shall apply within the town's corporate limits and within any extraterritorial area established pursuant to G.S. § 160D-202 (or predecessor statutes).

   (B)   In addition to other locations required by law, a copy of a map showing the boundaries of the town's planning jurisdiction shall be available for public inspection at the Town Hall.

(Ord. passed 4-9-2013; Ord. 2021-03, passed 6-8-2021)

§ 153.004 EFFECTIVE DATES.

    The original zoning ordinance of the town was adopted by the Board of Aldermen on 3-5-1968, effective on 3-5-1968, with significant revisions adopted on 4-7-1987, 10-12-1999, and 6-8-2021.

(Ord. passed 4-9-2013; Ord. 2021-03, passed 6-8-2021)

§ 153.005 RELATIONSHIP TO EXISTING ZONING ORDINANCE.

   (A)    To the extent that the provisions of this chapter are the same in substance as the previously adopted provisions that they replace in the town's zoning ordinance, they shall be considered as continuations thereof and not as new enactments unless otherwise specifically provided.

   (B)   In particular, a situation that did not constitute a lawful, non-conforming situation under the previously adopted zoning ordinance does not achieve lawful non-conforming status under this chapter merely by the reenactment of the zoning ordinance.

(Ord. passed 4-9-2013; Ord. 2021-03, passed 6-8-2021)

§ 153.006 RELATIONSHIP TO LAND USE PLAN.

   (A)   It is the intention of the Board of Aldermen that this chapter implements the planning policies adopted by the Board for the town and its extraterritorial planning area, as reflected in the land use plan and other planning documents.

   (B)   On or before July 1, 2022, the town shall adopt a comprehensive plan or a land use plan, as each are described in G.S. § 160D-501. Such plans are designed to guide and accomplish a coordinated, adjusted, and harmonious development of the town that will best promote health, safety, morals, and general welfare, as well as efficiency and economy in the development process. Plans may address such as those set forth in G.S. § 160D-501(b). A plan adopted pursuant to this section and G.S. § 160D-501 shall be considered by the Planning Board and the Board of Aldermen when considering proposed amendments to this chapter. Once adopted, amendments to a plan shall follow the procedures for consideration and approval of a text amendment, as set forth herein.

(Ord. passed 4-9-2013; Ord. 2021-03, passed 6-8-2021)

§ 153.007 NO USE OF LAND OR BUILDING, EXCEPT IN CONFORMITY WITH CHAPTER PROVISIONS.

   (A)   Subject to §§ 153.030 through 153.038, no person shall commence or proceed with development without first securing approval from the town as herein provided. An approval made pursuant to this chapter attaches to and runs with the land.

   (B)   For purposes of this section, DEVELOPMENT shall have the meaning set forth in § 153.013.

(Ord. passed 4-9-2013; Ord. 2021-03, passed 6-8-2021)

§ 153.008 ONLY ONE PRINCIPLE BUILDING PERMITTED ON ONE LOT.

   (A)    No residential lot shall be occupied by more than one principal building, except as provided for in the PUD Planned Unit Development District-Residential Zone.

   (B)   No part of a yard, court or other open space provided about any building or structure for the purpose of complying with the provisions of this chapter shall be included as a part of a yard or other open space required under this chapter for another building or structure.

   (C)   A residence shall always constitute a principal use.

(Ord. passed 4-9-2013; Ord. 2021-03, passed 6-8-2021)