(a) Site Plans. The Board of Commissioners may as part of its zoning regulations require that a site plan be submitted, and approved prior to the issuance of a building permit for new construction, excluding renovation and repair of existing structures, and excluding accessory uses and their structures, unless such renovations and repairs and accessory uses shall cause an increase in the off-street parking requirement or a change in occupancy as occupancy is defined by the North Carolina State Building Code. Such local law shall specify the elements to be included in site plans submitted for approval in accordance with standards of zoning code; such elements may include, where appropriate, those relating to off-street parking, driveway access, internal circulation, screening, signs, landscaping, architectural features, locations and dimensions of buildings, topography and grading, utilities, drainage structures, street and sidewalk improvements, loading and service areas, fire hydrants, and such other elements as may reasonably be related to the health, safety and general welfare of the community.
Where appropriate, approval of site plans may be conditioned to include that street and utility rights-of-way be dedicated to or reserved by the public, or street and utility improvements be made to the same extent as required by the local subdivision regulations. This provision shall not apply to additions of less than five percent (5%) of gross floor area on an annual basis unless such addition causes an increase in the off-street parking requirements or a change in occupancy as occupancy is defined by the North Carolina State Building Code. The Board of Commissioners shall prescribe procedures for review and approval of such site plans to insure that development of property shall conform to applicable zoning or other relevant laws or regulations, with approvals by designated Town staff, or the Board of Commissioners. Appeals shall lie from the staff to the Board of Commissioners. The Board of Commissioners may require that site plans be in conformity with previously approved subdivision plans for the same property; further, in the event of conflict between a requirement for site plan approval and requirements for previously approved subdivision plans, the latter shall control.
(Ord. 2015-09, passed 9-2-2014)