ARTICLE 1 PURPOSE AND APPLICABILITY

§ 1.1 TITLE.

   These regulations shall be known and may be cited as the “Unified Development Ordinance of the Town of St. James , North Carolina”, and will be referred to as the “UDO” or the “ordinance”. The Town of St. James may also be cited and referenced to as the “town”.

(Ord. passed 2-3-2021)

§ 1.2 AUTHORITY.

   The regulations contained in this ordinance are adopted pursuant to the authority granted to the Town by G.S. Chapter 160D and any special local legislation enacted for the town by the state’s General Assembly.

(Ord. passed 2-3-2021)

§ 1.3 JURISDICTION.

   These regulations govern the use and development of all land, waters, and structures within the corporate limits of the town; provided, however:

   1.3.1   Pursuant to G.S. Chapter 160D-913, the provisions of this ordinance shall not be applicable to any lands owned by any governmental body (federal, state, or local), but shall be applicable to the erection, construction, and use of buildings owned by a governmental body (federal, state, or local);

   1.3.2   Pursuant to G.S. Chapter 160D-921, forestry activity on forest land that is taxed on the basis of its present-use value as forest land under G.S. Chapter 105, Article 12, (being G.S. §§ 105-274 through 105-282.6), or forestry activity that is conducted in accordance with a forest management plan that is prepared or approved by a forester registered in accordance with G.S. Chapter 89B, shall not be subject to the regulations of this ordinance; and

   1.3.3   When an area(s) may be annexed, Brunswick County zoning may remain in effect for up to 60 days after the effective date of the annexation. During the 60 days, the town shall conduct the required hearing(s) to amend this ordinance to provide zoning in the annexed area(s).

(Ord. passed 2-3-2021)

§ 1.4 PURPOSE.

   It is the purpose of this ordinance to:

   1.4.1   Promote the public health, safety, and welfare of the residents of the town;

   1.4.2   Implement the policies and goals contained in officially adopted plans, including, but not limited to, the Brunswick County Multi-Jurisdictional CAMA Core Land Use Plan;

   1.4.3   Preserve and improve the overall quality of life for residents and visitors;

   1.4.4   Protect the character of established residential neighborhoods;

   1.4.5   Provide, preserve, and protect open space and recreation area for use by residents and visitors;

   1.4.6   Maintain economically vibrant and attractive commercial and business areas;

   1.4.7   Maintain orderly and compatible land use and development patterns;

   1.4.8   Lessen congestion on the streets, and make them safer for automobiles, bicycles, and pedestrians;

   1.4.9   Ensure adequate light, air, privacy, and access to property;

   1.4.10   Encourage environmentally responsible development practices;

   1.4.11   Promote rehabilitation and use of older buildings;

   1.4.12   Maintain a range of housing choices and options;

   1.4.13   Provide for storm water control;

   1.4.14   Assure that fire and emergency services can be provided quickly and effectively;

   1.4.15   Establish clear and efficient development review and approval procedures; and

   1.4.16   Accommodate growth and development that complies with the preceding stated purposes.

(Ord. passed 2-3-2021)

§ 1.5 RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER PLANS.

   The administration, enforcement, and amendment of this ordinance shall be accomplished considering recommendations presented in the documents comprising, but not limited to, the town’s comprehensive plan, other planning documents, or any other appropriate Brunswick County Plan or initiative. A copy of the specifically named documents herein before mentioned and all other pertinent documents that may be relied on from time to time shall be filed with the Town Clerk.

(Ord. passed 2-3-2021)

§ 1.6 MATTERS REGULATED.

   Matters regulated by this ordinance include, but are not limited to:

   1.6.1   Use of land and water for trade, industry, residential, parking, and other purposes;

   1.6.2   Size of lots, yards, and other spaces;

   1.6.3   Maximum coverage of lots by impervious surfaces (including buildings and structures) and by use;

   1.6.4   Height, size, location, erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, and use of buildings and other structures for trade, industry, residential, and other purposes; and

   1.6.5   The division and subdivision of land.

(Ord. passed 2-3-2021)