Zoning Ordinance-1986

TITLE: Zoning Ordinance (Second Printing), Camden County, North
Carolina
DATE: November 1, 1972 - 1st Printing
October 10, 1986 - 2nd Printing
SUBJECT: Land Use Control in Camden County
LOCAL
PLANNING
AGENCY: Camden County Planning Board
SOURCE
OF
COPIES: Camden County Zoning Office
Camden County Courthouse
Camden County, North Carolina 27921
NUMBER
OF
PAGES: 49
ABSTRACT: This Zoning Ordinance contains the criteria for land
use districting within the boundaries of Camden
County. A primary purpose of this ordinance is to
provide a means of assuring compatible development in
all areas of the County.
The Ordinance was enacted under the authority of
Chapter 153, Article 20B of the General Statutes of
the State of North Carolina. It is applicable to all
areas demarcated on the Official Zoning Map of Camden
County.
THE PREPARATION OF THIS REPORT WAS FINANCED IN PART THROUGH
A GRANT PROVIDED BY THE NORTH CAROLINA COASTAL MANAGEMENT
PROGRAM, THROUGH FUNDS PROVIDED BY THE.COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT
ACT OF 1972, AS AMENDED, WHICH IS ADMINISTERED BY THE OFFICE OF
OCEAN AND COASTAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT, NATIONAL OCEANIC AND
ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION.
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ARTICLE
ONE
ARTICLE
TWO
_...._._ARTICLE
THREE
ARTICLE
FOUR
ARTICLE
FIVE
ARTICLE
SIX
Section
60
Section
61
Section
62
Section
63
Section
64
Section
65
ARTICLE
SEVEN
Section
70
Section
71
Section
72
Section
73
Section
74
ARTICLE EIGHT
TABLE OF CONTENTS
APPLICABILITY 1
EFFECTIVE DATE ............................... 1
PURPOSE......................................... 2_-
LEGAL STATUS AND VALIDITY .................... 3
APPLICATION OF REGULATIONS ................... 4
DEFINITIONS .................................. 5
Interpretation of Commonly Used Terms........ 5
Definition of Specific Terms & Words......... 5
GeneralProvisions ..........................10
Nuisancesand Hazards ........................11
Board of Adjustment ..........................11
Changes and Amendments .......................15
GENERAL PROVISIONS ...........................18
Non -Conforming Uses ..........................18
Advertising Signs and Structures.............19
Off -Street Parking and Storage...............20
Off -Street Loading and Unloading Space ....... 24
Administration...............................24
ESTABLISHMENT OF DISTRICTS...................26
Section
80
Use of Districts Named.......................26
Section
81
District Boundaries Shown on Zoning Map ......
26
Section
82
Due Consideration Given to District
Boundaries.. ......... .....................26
Section
83
Rules Governing Interpretation of District
Boundaries. ................... ............26
ARTICLE NINE
USE REQUIREMENTS BY DISTRICT .................
28
Section
90
Agricultural Open Space District (A-O).......
28
Section
91
Residential -Agricultural Districts
(RA-20, RA-20 MH)............................30
Section
94
H-C Highway Commercial District..............33
Section
96
Industrial District ..........................37
ARTICLE TEN MISCELLANEOUS................................44
Section 100 Manufactured Home Parks......................44
Section 101 Manufactured Home License Required ........... 45
Section 102 Extractive Operations ........................46
Section 103 Flood Plain Zone.............................49.
NOTES..........................................................50

CAMDEN COUNTY ZONING ORDINANCES
ARTICLE ONE
Section 10. Applicabilit
The provisions of this Ordinance shall apply to land
designated on the Official Zoning Map of Camden County.
The provisions of this Ordinance do not apply to bona fide
farms, farms being defined as agricultural land consisting of 10
(ten) acres or more, horticultural land of 5 (five) acres or
more, and forest land of 20 (twenty) acres or more. A farm may
consist of more than one tract, but at least one of the tracts
must meet the minimum size requirement laid out above. Any use
of farm property for non -farm purposes is subject to the
provisions of this Ordinance. (See Note 1)
ARTICLE TWO
Section 20. Effective Date
This Ordinance shall take effect on November 1, 1972.
This
October
0
printing reflects all amendments through
1986..

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s
ARTICLE THREE
Section 30. Purpose
It is the purpose of this Ordinance:
To recognize the clear interest of the residents of
Camden County in the efficiency, prosperity,
appearance, health, and safety of their county.
To recognize the basic right of each resident to use
and enjoy land which he legally owns or controls.
To avoid potential conflicts between the land user and
the general public.
To protect the present and future enjoyment of
property by all residents in all portions of Camden
County..
To these ends this Ordinance is designed to* promote the
sound and harmonious development of Camden County and to further
the general welfare of all residents by safeguarding property
values. This Ordinance is further designed to provide for
residential, commercial and industrial growth in Camden County,
by the establishment of districts within which each type of use
can develop properly and profitably and not interfere with the
use of land in adjacent parcels or districts.
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ARTICLE FOUR
Section 40. Legal Status and Validity
41. Conflict with Other Provisions of Law
It is not intended that this Ordinance shall
repeal, abrogate, annul,. impair or interfere with
any existing provisions of laws, regulations,
easements, covenants or other Ordinances or
agreements between parties, provided that where this
Ordinance imposes a greater restriction on the
location or use of structures, premises, or lands
than are imposed or required by said provisions or
agreements, the provisions of this Ordinance shall
control.
42. Validity
If any section, provision, clause, or portion of
this Ordinance shall be held to be invalid or
unconstitutional by any court of competent
jurisdiction, such holding shall not affect any
other section, provision, clause or portion of this
Ordinance which is not of itself held to be invalid
or unconstitutional.
3

0 ARTICLE FIVE
APPLICATION OF REGULATIONS
Section 50. Zoning Affects Every Building and Use.
No building or land shall hereafter be used and no building
or part thereof shall be erected, moved or altered except- in
conformity with the regulations herein specified for the
district in which it is located, except as hereinafter
provided in this Ordinance.
Section 51. Reduction of Lot and Yard Areas Prohibited
No yard or lot existing at the time of passage of this
Ordinance shall be reduced in size or area below the minimum
requirements set forth herein, except for street widening.
Yards or lots created after the effective date of this
Ordinance shall meet at least the minimum requirements
established by this Ordinance and shall not thereafter be
reduced in size, if such reduction will result in a lot below the
minimum requirements setforth herein. (See Note 1)
Section 52. Relationship of Building to Lot.
Every building hereafter erected, moved or structurally
altered shall be located on a lot and in no case shall there be
more than one (1) principal building and its customary accessory
buildings on the lot, except in the case of a specifically
designed complex of institutional, residential, commercial or
industrial buildings in an appropriate zoning district, i.e.,
school campus, cluster housing, shopping center, industrial
park, and so fourth, as permitted or conditional uses in each
Zoning District. (Article Nine).
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ARTICLE SIX
DEFINITIONS
For the purpose of interpreting this Ordinance certain words
or terms are herein defined. Unless otherwise expressly stated,
the following words shall, for the purpose of this Ordinance,
have the meaning herein indicated.
Section 60 Inter retation of Commonly Used Terms and Words.
60.1
Words used in the present tense
include
the
future
tense.
60.2
Words used in the singular number
include
the
plural,
and words used in the plural
number
include
the
singular, unless the natural
construction
of the
wording indicates otherwise.
60.3
The word "person" includes a
firm,
association,
corporation, trust and company,
as
well
as an
individual.
60.4
The words "used for" shall
include
the
meaning
"designed for".
60.5
The word "structure" shall
include
the
word
"building".
60.6
The word "lot" shall include
the words
"plot",
"parcel", or "tract".
60.7
The word "shall" is always mandatory
and
not
merely
directory.
Section 61. Definitions of Specific Terms and Words.
61.1 ACCESSORY USE. A use customarily incidental and
subordinate to the principal use or buildings and
located on the same lot with such principal use or
building.
61.2 ALLEY. A public way which affords only a secondary
means of access to abutting property and not intended
for general traffic circulation.
61.3 BILLBOARD. An outdoor structure or display,
pictorial or otherwise, which advertises or directs
attention to a business, commodity, service or other
activity conducted, sold or offered elsewhere than
on the premises on which sign is located.
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61.4 BUFFER STRIP. A buffer strip shall consist of a
planted strip at least ten (10) feet in width,
composed of deciduous or evergreen trees or a mixture
of each, spaced not more than twenty (20) feet apart
and not less than one (1) row of dense shrubs, spaced
more than five (5) feet apart.
61.5 BUILDING. Any structure -having a roof supported by
columns or by walls and intended for shelter, housing
or enclosure of persons, animals or chattels.
61.6 BUILDING, ACCESSORY. A building subordinate to the
main building on a lot and used for purposes
customarily incidental to the main or principal
building and located on the same lot therewith.
61.7 BUILDING, PRINCIPAL. A building in which is
conducted the principal use of the lot on which said
building is situated.
61.8 BUILDING SETBACK LINE. A line establishing the
minimum allowable distance between the nearest
portion of any building, excluding the outermost
three (3) feet of any uncovered porches, steps,
eaves, gutters and similar fixtures, and the street
or highway right-of-way line when measured
perpendicularly thereto.
61.9 CUSTOMARY HOME OCCUPATION. Any use conducted
entirely within a dwelling and carried on by the
occupants thereof, which use is clearly incidental
and secondary to the use of the dwelling for
residential purposes and does not change the
character thereof, and in connection with which
there is no display, no outside storage, no stock -
in -trade, nor commodity sold on the premises;
provided further, no person, not a resident on the
premises shall be employed specifically in
connection with activity, except that not more than
one (1) assistant may be employed by the following
occupations: physician, dentist; chiropracter and
osteopath. Provided further, that no mechanical
equipment shall be installed or used except such as
is normally used for domestic or professional
purposes: and not over twenty-five percent (25%) of
the total floor space of any structure shall be used
for home occupation.
61.10 DWELLING UNIT. A building, or portion thereof,
providing complete and permanent living facilities
14 for one (1) family. The term "dwelling" shall not be
deemed to include a motel, hotel, tourist home or
other similar arrangement. (See Note 1)
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�. 61.11
DWELLING, SINGLE-FAMILY. A detached building designed
for or occupied exclusively by one (1) family.
61.12
DWELLING, TWO-FAMILY. A building arranged or
designed to be occupied by two (2) families living
independently of each other.
61.13
DWELLING, MULTI -FAMILY. A building or portion
thereof -'-used or designed as a residence for three -(3)
or more families living independently of each other,
including apartment houses, apartment hotels, and
group housing projects.
61.14
GROUP DEVELOPMENT. A group of two (2) or more
- -
principal structures built -on --a sings-e -lot, tract or
parcel or land not subdivided into the customary
streets and lots and which will not be so subdivided,
and designed for occupancy by separate families,
businesses or other enterprises. Example would be:
cluster type subdivisions, planned unit development,
row houses, apartment courts, housing projects,
school and hospital campuses, shopping centers and
industrial parks.
61.15
FAMILY. Any number of related persons living
together as a single housekeeping unit.
61.16
JUNK YARD. The use of more than six -hundred (600)
square feet of the area of any lot for the storage,
keeping, or abondonment of junk, including scrap
metals or other scrap materials, or for the
dismantling, demolition, or abondonment of
automobiles or other vehicles or machinery or parts
thereof.
61.17
LOT. A parcel of land occupied or capable of being _
occupied by a building or group of buildings devoted
to a common use, together with customary accessories
and open spaces belonging to the same.
61.18 LOT, CORNER. A lot which occupies the interior angle
at the intersection of two (2) street lines which
make an angle of more than forty-five (45) degrees
and less than one hundred and thirty-five (135)
degrees with each other. The street line forming
the least frontage shall be deemed the front of the
lot except where the two (2) street lines are equal,
in which case the owner shall be required to specify
which is the front when requesting a zoning
compliance permit.
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61.19
LOT DEPTH. The depth of a lot is the mean distance
of the side lines of the lot measured from the
midpoint of the front lot line to the midpoint of the
rear lot line.
61.20
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 Camden County, or a lot
-
described by metes and bounds, the description of
which has been so recorded.
61.21
LOT WIDTH. The distance between side lot lines
measured at the building setback line.
61.22
MANUFACTURED HOMES.-- - -(Formerly Mobile Homes) A - ----- - -
structure that (a) consists of a single unit
completely assembled at the factory or of 2 (double
wide) or 3 (triple wide) principal components totally
assembled at the factory and joined together at the
site; and (b) is designed so that the total structure
(or in the case of a double wide or triple wide, each
component thereof) can be transported on its own
chassis; and (c) is over 32 feet long and over 8 feet
wide; and (d) is designed to be used as a dwelling
and provides complete, independent living facilities
•
for one family, including permanent provisions for
living, sleeping. eating, cooking and sanitation; and
(e) is actually being used, or is held ready for use,
as a dwelling.
A Structure that is otherwise defined herein as a
manufactured home is permanently attached to the
foundation if; (1) the foundation was constructed in
such a way as to make it unlikely that the
manufactured home placed upon it will later be moved;
or (2) if -the manufactured home cannot be removed
from the foundation without•great expense or severe
damage to the manufactured home. (See Note 1)
61.23 MANUFACTURED HOME PARK. Any place or tract of land
maintained, offered, or used for the parking of two
(2) or more manufactured homes or trailer houses,
used or intended to be used for living or sleeping
purposes. (See Note 1)
61.23 (a) MODULAR HOME. Dwellings's which are fabricated prior
to a building site and may be shipped to their final
on site location either as individual prefabricated
units or prefabricated subassemblies. (See Note 1)
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i61.24 NON -CONFORMING USE. Any use of a building or land
which does not conform to the use regulations of this
Ordinance for the district in which it is located,
either at the effective date of this Ordinance, or as
a result of subsequent amendments which may be
incorporated into this Ordinance.
61.25 OPEN STORAGE. Unroofed storage area, whether fenced
or not.
61.26 PARKING SPACE. A storage space of not less than ten
(10) feet by twenty (20) feet for one (1) automobile,
plus the necessary access space. It shall always be
located outside the dedicated street or highway
right-of-way.
61.27 SIGN AREA. Sign area shall be measured by the
smallest square, rectangle, triangle, circle, or
combination thereof, which will encompass the entire
advertising copy area including architectural trim
and structural members. In computing area only one
(1) side.,of a double-faced sign shall be considered.
61.28 SIGNS, BUSINESS. Any outdoor notice containing
words, letters, figures, numerals, emblems, devices,
trademarks, or trade names, or combinations thereof,
by which anything is made known such as the
designation of a firm, corporation, profession,
business, comodity or product located -or available on
the premisies.
61.29 STREET (Road). A dedicated and accepted public
right-of-way for vehicular traffic which afford the
principal means of access to abutting properties.
61.30 STRUCTURE. Anything constructed or erected, the use
of which requires more or less permanent location on
the ground or which is attached to something having
more or less permanent location -on the ground.
61.31 WATER SYSTEM, (MULTI -CONNECTION) PUBLIC. Water
systems serving ten (10) or more connections are
classified as public water supplies by State Law, and
plans and specifications must be approved by the
Sanitary Engineering Division of the State Board of
Health. (See Note 1)
61.32 YARD. An open space on the same lot with.a principal
building, unoccupied and unobstructed from the ground
upward except as otherwise provided herein.

61.33 YARD, FRONT. An open, unoccupied space on the same
lot with a principal building, extending the full
width of the lot and situated between the street or
highway right-of-way line and the front line of the
building, projected to the side lines of the lot.
61.34 YARD, REAR. An open, unoccupied space on the
same lot with the principal building, 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.
61.35 YARD, SIDE. An open, unoccupied space on the same
lot with a principal building, 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.
Section 62. General Provisions
62.1 New uses to be in Compliance
Within the area covered by this Ordinance no structure
shall be hereafter erected,, structurally altered,
converted, reconstructed, moved to or placed upon new
premises, nor shall any -structure or land be used
except in compliance with the provisions of this
Ordinance. .
62.2 Undersized lots. (See Note 1)
(1) A structure may be erected on any lot for which
there was a contract or instrument of conveyance for
that specific lot on. record on the effective date of
this Ordinance even if the lot does not meet the area .
requirements of the applicable district, provided:
(See Note 1)
a. that such lot does not abutt upon one or more
unoccupied lots in -the same ownership in which
case it shall be combined with said lot, and
b. that water supply and sewage, disposal
facilities for such lot are approved by the
District Health Officer, and
C. that yard. requirements for the applicable
• district are adhered to as closely as, possible
in the determination of the Zoning Officer.
10

n time an individual or other legal
0
(2) Hereinafter, any g
entity purchases or otherwise takes title to two
adjacent, unoccupied, undersized, lots, whether said
ownership was created by one transaction or a
series of transactions, the two lots shall be merged
and deemed to thereafter be one lot.
62.3 Creation of_ -Under Sized Lots. -
No land shall hereafter be subdivided so as to create
lots which cannot comply with the minimum area and
yard requirements of the appropriate district.
62.4 One residential Building Per Lot.
_.__-___.Only one principal residence building_shal_1 be built
or installed on each lot in residential districts.
62.5 Health Officer Approval of Sewage Disposal
Facilities.
The Zoning Officer shall not issue a zoning permit
for any use, building, or purpose without written
approval of any and all needed or proposed sewage
disposal facilities from the Camden County Health
Office. Issuance and use of zoning
permits shall be subject to all terms and
qualifications imposed by the District Health Officer
and copies of all approvals terms and qualifications
shall be kept on file in the Zoning Office. (See Note
1)
Section 63. Nuisances and Hazards
63.1 In no case shall any permitted non-residential use
conduct operations resulting in noise, smoke, odors,.
glare, vibration, dust, gases, electrical or other
radiation, or other characteristics of a type and to..
an extent which would create a nuisance or a hazard
for adjacent or neighboring properties.
Section 64. Board of Adjustment.
64.1 Creation of the Board
A Board of Adjustment is hereby established., Such
Board shall consist of five (5) members and two
alternate members, residents and citizens of Camden
County, and appointed by the Camden County Board of
Commissioners. (The Vice -Chairman of the Camden
County Planning Board shall be ex-officio a member
of the Board of Adjustment,_ without full rights and
privileges.) Alternate members shall vote only in
the absence of regular members and shall serve in
11

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rotation. Members of the Board of Adjustment will
be appointed to terms of three (3) years, except
that the original Board shall be appointed to serve
terms as follows: one meber three (3) years, two
members two (2) years each, and two members one (1)
year each. One calendar year must elapse before any
member may be reappointed for a subsequent term of
office. Vacancies shall be filled as they occur and
to serve for the expiration of the unexpired term. -
The. members of the Board of Adjustments-- shall
receive no compensation for their services, but
shall be reimbursed for "out of pocket" expenditures
made in connection with their duties.
64.2 Rules of Procedure
The Board of Adjustment is a quasi-judicial
administrative body whose decisions affect private
property rights to the same extent as court
decisions. For that reason it shall promptly adopt
rules of procedure which must be in accordance with
the recognized body of law in its field and its
rules of procedure. To comply with statutory and
case law, at least the following provisions must be
included: (See Note 1)
a. The Board shall fix the time within which
notices of appeal from the Zoning Officer's
decision must be filed by the property owner.
b. The Board shall make provisions for the giving
of notice prior to hearing the appeal.
C. The Board shall fix a reasonable time within
which the appeal must be heard.
d The quorum for the purpose of hearing cases -
shall be not less than four members.
e. The concurring vote of not less than four
members shall be necessary to:
1. Reverse any order, requirement, decision or
determination of the Zoning Officer.
2. Authorize an exceptional use permitted by
this Ordinance.
3. Grant a variance from the literal terms of
this Ordinance.
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f. The Board shall fix a reasonable time within
which said reversal, exceptions, and variances
must be decided.
g. The. Board shall deny any application for a
rehearing if there is no substantial change in
facts, evidence or conditions.
---- -- h_ _ The Board shall keep a complete---set.-of Minutes
�- and records showing the evidence presented, the
Board's findings of fact, and the Board's
decision on each case heard by the Board.
i. The Board shall in all paticulars comply with
the formal requirements set forth in its rules.
64.3 Powers and Duties
a. General
The Board of Adjustments is not a legislative
body. It shall enforce the meaning and the
spirit of this Ordinance as enacted by the
Board of County Commissioners. Where
consistent injustice appears to result from the
provisions of this Ordinance, it shall be the
duty of the Board of County Commissioners that
the Ordinance be amended. The Board of
Adjustment shall make no decisions which will
have the cumulative effect of amending this
Ordinance.
b. Interpretation
The Board of Adjustment shall have the power to
hear appeals from the Zoning Officer's
decisions in matters of the interpretation of-'
the Zoning Ordinance. The Board's power of
interpretation shall .consist of determining the,
true facts in a case and applying to these
facts what the Board considers to be the
meaning of the Ordinance. . In the exercise of
this power the Board must apply, not vary, the
terms of this Ordinance, and no showing of
hardship is required. Any variation must meet
the requirements for a variance as set forth in
Section 64.3.c. of this Ordinance.
C. Variances
The Board is to make decisions regarding the
granting of "variances" from the literal terms
13

of the Ordinance in hardship cases where such
variances will not subvert the meaning and
spirit of this Ordinance except in cases where
each and all of the following shall be
determined.
1. There are practical difficulties or unnecessary
.hardships in the way of carrying out the
--- Ordinance, where the property owner -shall prove
(a) that if he complies with the provisions of the
Ordinance, he can accrue no reasonable
return from, or make no reasonable use of
his property; (b) that the hardship results from
the application of the Ordinance; (c) that the
hardship is suffered directly by the property in
question, and is not merely a general need such as
lack of desireable developments or arrangements in
the surrounding area; (d) that the hardship
is peculiar to the applicant's property; (e) that
the hardship is not the result of the applicant's
own actions.
2. The variance is in harmony with the general
purpose and intent of the Ordinance, and preserves
its spirit. The Board shall grant no variance
which would permit any use of land or buildings
prohibited by any other section of the Ordinance.
Only variances in setback, lot area, yard and
other dimensional requirements are permitted.
3. In the granting of the variance the public safety
and welfare are assured, substantial justice is
done both to the applicant property owner and the
owners of adjacent properties, and the best
interests of the public as a whole are preserved.
d. Exceptional Uses
Where a district boundary line divides a lot or -
property in single ownership at the time said boundary
line shall be determined,- the Board shall have the
power to permit a use authorized on either portion of
said lot or property to extend not more than 150 feet
from said district boundary line. In the exercise of
this power the Board shall follow the language of the
Ordinance exactly.
e. When required by the terms of the Ordinance, the Board
of Adjustment may hear requests for, and shall have the
power to issue, Conditional Use Permits in accordance
with the conditions, safeguards, and procedures
specified in the Ordinance. (See Note 1)
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f. Conditions
In the issuance of a permit for a variance, a
specialized permit, or exception, the Board shall have
the power to impose any reasonable conditions on the
permit which will minimize the impact of the proposed
use of the property upon its neighbors and to preserve
the best interest of the public as a whole.
Section 65. Changes and Amendments
The Board of Commissioners may amend the text regulations
and map district lines according to the following procedures.
65.1 Action by the Applicant
The following actions shall be taken by the applicant
a. Initiation of Amendments. Proposed changes or
amendments may be initiated by the Board of
Commissioners, Planning Board, Board of
Adjustment, or by one or more owners of property
within the area proposed to be changed or
affected.
b. Application. An application for any amendment
shall contain a description and/or statement of
the present and proposed zoning regulation or
district boundary to be applied, the names and
addresses of the owner or owners of the adjacent
property to the lot in question, and the use of
each adjacent property. Such application shall
be filed with theClerk to the County
Commissioners who shall thereafter promptlly
contact the chairman of the Planning Board.
Upon notification from the Clerk, the Chairman -
shall within 30 days schedule a meeting at
which the application is to be considered. The
Planning Board will not reconsider a similar
case for a period, of twelve (12) months.
(See Note 1)
C. Fee. A fee of ten (10.00) dollars shall be
paid to the Clerk to the County Commissioners
for each application for an amendment to cover
the costs of advertising and other
administrative expenses invloved.
65.2 Action by the Planning Board (See Note l)
(i The Planning Board shall consider and make
recommendations to the Board of Commissioners
15

concerning each proposed zoning amendment. The
Planning Board may hold public hearings, and may hear
proposals and solicit information at the
public hearing held by the Board of Commissioners.
The Planning Board's procedure for advertising public
hearings will follow those used by the Board of
Commissioners enumerated in 65.3.b below.
All Planning Board recommendations must be submitted
to the County Commissioners within 30 days following
the Commissioners public hearing.
65.3 Action by the Board of Commissioners
The following actions shall be taken by the Board of
Commissioners:
a. Board of Commissioners Consideration. The Board
of Commissioners shall consider amendments to
this Ordinance not more than four (4) times a
year at one (1) meeting of. the Board of
Commissioners during the months of February,
May, August, and November.
The Board of Commissioners by vote of two thirds
(2/3) vote of its total membership may waive
this restriction if it finds an emergency
exists.
b. Notice of Public Hearing. No amendment shall be
adopted by the Board of Commissioners until
after public notice and hearing.
Notice of public hearing shall be published in a
newspaper of general circulation in the County -
of Camden at least once each week for two (2)
successive weeks prior to the hearing. The
initial notice shall appear 15 days prior to the
hearing date. Notice shall.also be made by
posting the property concerned.
C. Board of Commissioners Action. Before taking
such lawful action as it may deem advisable,
the Board of Commissioners shall consider the
Planning Board's recommendations on each
proposed zoning amendment. If no
recommendation is received from the Planning
Board within thirty (30) days
after public hearing by the Board of
Commissioners, the proposed amendment shall be
deemed to have been approved by the Planning
Board.
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65.4 Protest. In case, however, of a protest against
such amendments signed by the owners of twenty
percent (20%) or more either of the area of the
lots included in such proposed change or of those
immediately adjacent in the rear thereof
extending one hundred (100) feet from the street
frontage of such opposite lots, such amendment
shall not become effective except by favorable
vote of two thirds- (2/3) of all the members of
the Board of Commissioners.
65.5 Violation and Penalties
a. Any person, firm, or corporation violating any
provision of this Ordinance shall be guilty of
a misdemeanor.
b. Where any building or structure exists, is
proposed to be erected, constructed,
reconstructed, altered, maintained, or used,
or any land is used or is proposed to.be used
in violation of this Ordinance, the Board of
Commissioners may, in addition to other
remedies provide by law, institute injunction,
mandamus, abatement, or other appropriate
action or actions, proceeding or proceedings
to prevent, enjoin, abate or remove such
unlawful erection, construction,
reconstruction, alteration, maintenance or
use.
17

ARTICLE SEVEN
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 70. Non -Conforming Uses
Any building, structure, or use of land existing at the time
of the enactment of this Ordinance, or any amendment thereto, in
use for a purpose not permitted in the zoning district in which
it is located shall be considered a non -conforming use. However:
70.1 An existing non -conforming use may be changed to
another non -conforming use of the same or higher
classification. For the purpose of this Ordinance
the rank and order of uses from higher to lower
shall be: residential, public, commercial, and
industrial.
70.2 When a non -conforming use has been changed to a
conforming use it shall not thereafter be used for
any non -conforming use.
70.3 A non -conforming use may not be extended or
enlarged, nor shall a non -conforming structure be
altered except as follows:
0"i alterations as required b law or
a. Structural a Q Y
ordinance or as ordered by the Zoning
Enforcement Officer to secure the safety of the
structure are permissable.
b. Maintenance and repair necessary to keep a non-
conforming structure in sound condition are
permissable.
C. Existing single-family residential structures
in business or industrial districts may be
enlarged, extended or. structurally altered
provided that no additional dwelling units
result therefrom. However, any such
enlargement, extension, or alteration shall
comply with dimensional requirements of the RA-
20 District.
d. Any existing building which is situated on a
lot which at the time of adoption of this
Ordinance is non -conforming in area, width,
setback or side yard requirements may be
enlarged as long as the non -conformity of such
building is not increased.
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70.4 A non -conforming use may not be re-established after
discontinuance for a period of one -hundred eighty
(180) days.
70.5 Reconstruction Prohibited. Nothing in this
Ordinance shall be construed to prevent the
restoration of a non -conforming building destroyed
by fire, explosion, or other casualty or act of
nature, or the public enemy, if such building is
repaired, rebuilt or replaced within one hundred and
eighty (180) days of the date of such damage or
destruction.
Section 71. Advertising Signs and Structures
All advertising signs and stuctures, which include
billboards and business signs as defined by this Ordinance, shall
be approved by the Zoning Enforcement Officer and shall comply
with the following regulations:
71.1 Location. No advertising sign or structure shall be
erected, constructed or maintained so as,to interfere
with vision clearance along any street, road, or
highway or at any intersection or junction of two or
more traffic arteries. Nor shall any advertising sign
or structure be located within the street, road or
highway right-of-way.
71.2 Illumination. No flashing, intermittent, red, green
or yellow illumination shall be used on any sign or
structure located in the same line of vision as a
traffic control signal. Nor shall any flashing or
intermittent sign be so arranged as to have the effect
of partially blinding on -coming drivers. All
illuminated signs or structures shall be placed as to
prevent the light rays or illumination therefrom being
cast directly upon residential dwellings. All
advertising signs or structures with flashing or
intermittent lights shall be located at least two -
hundred (200) feet from residential district
boundaries.
71.3 Maintenance. All advertising structures, together
with any supports, braces, guys and anchors shall be
kept in repair and in a safe state of preservation.
All signs erected to serve temporary purpose shall be
removed within thirty (30) days from the date the
purpose ceased to exist.
71.4 Administration. The Zoning Enforcement Officer shall
refuse a permit for the erection or construction of
19

an advertising sign or structure which does not meet
Y g g
the requirements of this section. The Zoning
Enforcement Officer shall order the removal of any
signs that are not constructed or maintained in
accordance with the provisions of this section.
Section 72. Off -Street Parking and Storage
Off -Street automobile parking or -storage space shall be
provided on every lot on which any of the following uses are
hereafter established. At the time of the erection of any
building, or at the time any principal building is enlarged or
increased in capacity by adding dwelling units, guest rooms,
seats or floor area, or before conversion from one type of use to
another, permanent off-street parking space in the amount
specified by this section shall be provided. Such parking space
may be provided in a parking garage or properly graded open
space.
72.1 Certification of Minimum Parking Requirements. Each
application for a certificate of zoning compliances
or certificate of occupancy'submitted to the Zoning
Enforcement Officer shall include information as to
the location and dimensions of off-street parking
and loading space and the means of ingress and
egress to such space. This information shall be in
sufficient detail to enable the Zoning Enforcement
Officer to determine whether the requirements of
this section are met.
72.2 Combination of Required Parking Space. The required
parking space for any number of separate uses may be
combined in one (1) lot, but the required space
assigned to one use may not be assigned to another
use, except that one-half (1/2) of the parking space
required for churches, theaters, or assembly halls
whose peak attendance.will beat night or on Sundays
may be assigned.to a use which will be closed at
night or on Sundays.
72.3 Remote Parking Space. If the off-street parking
space required by this Ordinance cannot reasonably
be provided on the same lot on which the principal
use is located, such space may be provided on any
land within five hundred (500) feet or the main
entrance to such principal use, provided such land
is in the same ownership.as the principal use. Said
land shall be used for no other purpose so long as
no other adequate provision for parking space
0 meeting the requirements of this Ordinance has been
20

Ce
made for the principal use. Remote parking property
shall be owned by the same corporation or person as
that of the principal use; to insure the continuing
parking use of the remote area.
72.4 Water Related Establishments. If the applicant for a
certificate of zoning compliance or certificate of
occupancy can demonstrate satisfactorily that., the
affected_ establishment generates or is expected- to.
generate a substantial portion (>20%) of its revenues
or visitor count from persons using waterways (boats)
rather than highways (motor vehicles), the minimum
required number of parking spaces may be reduced by a
figure not to exceed 10% of otherwised required
number. (See Note 1)
72.5 Requirements for Parking Lots in Residential
Districts Where parking lots for more than five
(5) automobiles are permitted or required in
residential districts, the following provisions
shall be complied with: (See Note 1)
a. The lot may be used only for parking and not for
any type of loading, sales, repair work,
dismantling or servicing.
b. All entrances, exits, barricades at sidewalks,
and drainage works shall be approved by the
Zoning Enforcement Officer prior to
construction.
c. A buffer strip as defined in Subsection 61.4
shall be required along all side and rear lot
lines.
d. Only one (1) entrance and one (1) exit sign not
larger than four (4) square feet (eg. 2x2 or
1x4) prescribing parking regulations may be
erected at each entrance or exit. No other
signs shall be permitted.-
72.6 Minimum Parking Requirements. The required number
of off-street parking.spaces specified below for
each use shall be considered as the absolute
minimum, Unless the "water -based" business rule
applies, in which case an appropriate adjustment
will be made. (See Note 1)
21

LAND USE
Automobile sales and
repair garages.
Automobile Washeterias
Bowling Alleys.
REQUIRED PARKING SPACE
One (1) space for each two
(2) employees at maximum
employment on single shift,
plus two (2) spaces for
each three hundred (300)
square feet of repair
maintenance space.
One (1) space for each two
(2) employees at maximum
employment on a single
shift. Reserve spaces
equal to five (5 ) times the
capacity of the facility
at the location of ingress
and egress.
Two (2) spaces for each
lane, plus one (1)
additional space for each``
two (2) employees.
Churches and Funeral Homes. One (1) space for each four
10 (4 ) seats —in in the main
chapel.
Elementary Schools and Junior
High Schools, both public and
private.
Hospitals.
Kindergartens or nurseries.
Libraries.
One (1) space for each
classroom and administrative
office.
One (1) space for each four
(4) patient beds plus one
(1) space for each staff or
visiting doctor plus one
(1) space for each four (4)
employees.
One (1) space for each
employee and four (4)spaces
for off-street drop off and
pickup.
One (1) space for each four
(4) seats provided for
patron use.
Medical Offices and Clinics: Four (4) spaces for each
doctor practicing at the
clinic, plus one (1) space
for each employee.
22

Manufactured Homes.
Motels, Hotels, tourist homes
and tourist courts.
Offices, _Business, professional
or public including banks.
Places of Public assembly,
including private clubs
and lodges, auditoriums,
dance halls, pool rooms,
theaters, stadiums,
gymnasiums, amusement parks,
community centers, and all
similar places of public assembly.
Rescue squads and armories.
Two (2) spaces for each
Manufactured Home.
One (1) space for each
accomodation plus two (2)
additional spaces for
employees.
_...One (1) space for each 200
square feet of gross.floor
area.
One (1) space for each four
(4) seats provided for
patron use, plus one (1)
space for each 100 square
feet on floor or ground
area used for amusement or
assembly but not containing
fixed seats.
Parking space equivalent to
three (3 ) times-t the floor
space in the main building.
Residential dwellings,
Two (2) spaces for each
single-family and two family.
dwelling unit.
Residential dwellings, multi-
One and one-half (1/2)
family.
spaces for each dwelling
unit.
Restaurants, drive-in
Parking space equivalent to
five (5) times the floor
space in the main building.
Restaurants, indoor
One (1) space for each
three (3) seats or stools,
plus .one (1) space for each
two (2) employees on the
shift. or. largest
employment.
Retail business and
One (1) space for each 200
consumer services outlet.
square feet of gross floor
area.
Sanitariums, rest and
One (1) space for each six
convalescent homes for the aged
(6) patient beds, plus one
and similar institutions.
(1) space for each staff or
visiting doctor, plus one
`
(1) space for each four
employees.
23

Senior High Schools, and Colleges, One (1) space for each ten
both public and private. (10) students for whom the
school was designed, plus
one (1) space for each
classroom and administrative
office.
Service Stations
Shopping Centers
Two (2) spaces for each gas
pump plus three (3 ) .. apoces
for each grease rack —.or
similar facility.
Three (3) square feet of
parking space for each
square foot of gross floor
area.
Wholesaling and Industrial uses One (1) space for each two
(2) employees at maximum
employment on a single
shift.
Section 73. Off -Street Loading and Unloading Space.
Every building or structure used for business, trade or
industry hereafter erected shall provide space as indicated
herein for the loading and unloading of vehicles off the street
or public alley. Such space shall have access to an alley or, if
there is no alley, to a street. For the purposes of this section
an off-street loading space shall have a minimum dimension of
twelve (12) feet by forty (40) feet and an overhead clearance of
fourteen (14) feet in height above the alley or street grade.
(A) Retail Operations One (1) loading space for each
twenty -thousand (20,000) square
feet of gross floor area or
fraction thereof.
(B) Industrial and One (1) loading space for each
Wholesale Operations fifty -thousand (50,000) square
feet of gross floor area or
fraction thereof.
Section 74. Administration
74.1 The Camden County Code Enforcement Officer is
charged with the responsibility of enforcing this
Ordinance.
74.2Powers and Duties of the Camden County Code
CaEnforcement Officer.
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The Code Enforcement Officer shall enforce the
provisions of theOrdinances and regulations exactly
as written. The Camden County Code Enforcement
Officer shall have no powers of interpretation or
for the granting of exceptions or variances. In
any case of doubt as to the legality of a request
for a Zoning Permit the Code Enforcement Officer
shall deny the request. Appeal from decisions of
the Code Enforcement Officer may be made to the
Board of Adjustment.
74.3 Zoning Permit.
a. No building, structure or part thereof
designed or intended -to be used for other than
farm purposes shall be erected or structurally
altered, nor shall a manufactured home be located
or relocated on a lot or space other than in a
manufactured home park, nor shall any manufactured
home, regardless of location, be structurally
altered or accessory added thereto, nor shall any
excavation or other land preparation be commenced
nor shall land be used for'non-farm purposes until
a Zoning Permit therefor has been issued by the
Code Enforcement Officer.
b. Each application for a Zoning Permit shall be
made by the record owner of the affected land, and
shall include a plat in duplicate, drawn to a
suitable scale, showing accurate dimensions of the
lot to be used, accurate location and dimensions
of the structure or manufactured home to be
erected, located, or altered and such other
information necessary for the enforcement of this
Ordinance. A statement of intended use of each
lot, structure or manufactured home shall be -
filed with each application. A careful record of
all zoning permits and certificates of occupancy
applications and supporting information, together
with the action taken, shall be kept on file in
the office of the Code Enforcement Officer. (See
Note 1)
25

ARTICLE EIGHT
ESTABLISHMENT OF DISTRICTS
Section 80. Use Districts Named
For the purpose of this Ordinance the County of Camden is
hereby divided into use districts with the designations and
purposes as listed below: --
A-O Agricultural Open Space
RA-20 Residential -Agricultural District
RA-20 (MH) Residential -Suburban District
HC Highway Commercial District
I Industrial (See _Note _1.)
Section 81. DistrictBoundaries Shown on Zonin Maw
The boundaries of the districts are shown on the map
accompanying this Ordinance and made a part hereof entitled
"Official Zonin Map. Camden County, North Carolina." The
zoning map and all the notations, references and amendments
thereto, and other information shown thereon are hereby made to
part of this Ordinance the same as if such information set forth
on the map were all fully described as -set out herein. The
zoning map, properly attested, is posted at the Office of the
Camden County Code Enforcement Officer, and is available for
inspection by the public. (See Note 1)
Section 82. Due Consideration Given to District Boundaries.
In the creation of the. respective districts, careful
consideration is given to the peculiar suitability of each
and
every district for the particular uses and regulations applied
thereto, and the necessary and proper grouping and arrangement of
various uses and densities of population in accordance with a
well -considered comprehensive plan for -the physical development
of the county.
Section 83. Rules Governing Interpretation of District Boundaries
Where uncertainty exist as to the boundaries of any of the
aforesaid districts as shown on the zoning map, the following
rules shall apply:
83.1 Where such district boundaries are indicated as
approximately following street, alley, or highway lines,
such lines shall be construed to be such boundaries.
ey
83.2 Where district �! bowndiotelines suchare so nlotalinestshallthbe approximately folio
construed to be said boundaries.
26

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83.3 Where district boundaries are so indicated that they are
approximately parallel to the center line of streets,
alleys or highways, or the rights -of -way of same, such
district boundaries shall be construed as being parallel
thereto and at such distance therefrom as indicated on
the zoning map.
83.4 Where a district boundary line divides a lot or tract in
single ownership, the district requirements for the least
restricted portion of such lot or tract shall be deemed
to apply to the whole thereof, provided such extensions
shall not include any part of a lot or tract more than
thirty-five (35) feet beyond the district boundary line.
The terms "least restricted" shall refer to use
restrictions, not lot or tract —size.
27

ARTICLE NINE
USE REQUIREMENTS BY DISTRICT
Section 90. Agricultural -Open Space District (A-O)
Areas of prime agricultural and timber land are of great
importance to the open, rural character of Camden County from
both aesthetic and economic- standpoints.. _..Therefore,.the purpose
of creating this agricultural open space district shall be:
(1) to preserve the agricultural and forestry
components of the county's economy.
(2) to preserve the open character of the county as
an important general amenity to all residents, and as
an important factor in the county's economy.
(3) to aid in controlling the location of urban -type
development and concentrated residential development,
thereby preserving the integrity of open space and
limiting development to a pace consistent with the
county's ability to provide utilities, schools, and
other governmental services. (See Note 1)
Residential subdivisions and manufactured home parks may not be
established in this district. (See Note 1)
90.1 PERMITTED USES.
All bonafied farm use as stipulated by state law such
as:
(1) Agricultural uses
a. crop production
b. livestock and poultry production
C. fish farming
d. vegetable and fruit
(2) Hunting preserves
(3) Recreational uses
a. hiking
b. fishing
C. boating
d. golf courses
(4) Road -side farm markets
28

90.2 CONDITIONAL USES (See Note 1)
The following uses shall be permitted subject to the
following conditions:
(1) A finding by the Board of Zoning Adjustments that
the location and character of the use, if developed
according'to the plan submitted and approved, will be
in harmony with the neighboring area in which it is to
be located, and in general conformity with the
purposes underlying the Agricultural -Open Space
District.
(2) Any lots established must front existing roads
- - or lanes and must meet RA-20 design standards.
(A) Duplexes
(B) Customary home occupations
(C) Recreational uses (not previously listed)
(D) Convenience Stores
(E) County Services (sites and buildings)
(F) Manufactured Homes subject to the following,
additional conditions:
(a) Before transporting or causing to be
transported any manufactured home which the owner
of the manufactured home intends to locate in
Camden County on land other than an approved
trailer park, a permit shall be acquired by the
owner of the land upon which said mobile is to be
located, from the Zoning Code Enforcement Officer.
This permit shall expire 3 months from date of
issuance.
(b) Within 3 months of receiving a manufactured
home permit, the permit holder shall permanently
attach or cause to be permanently attached the
manufactured home to a permanent foundation after
removing any wheels from the manuufactured home.
(c) The manufactured home shall be connected to
water, sewarage, and electrical utilities in a
permanent manner, and skirted.
(G) Single family homes (except manufactured homes)
outside platted subdivisions.
90.3 DIMENSIONAL REQUIREMENTS (See Note 1)
Any lots must front on existing roads or lanes and
Cmust meet RA-20 design standards.
29

Section 91. Residential -Agricultural Districts (RA-20, RA-20 MH)
(See Note 1)
The purpose of the Residential -Agricultural Districts is to
provide for all types of residential, agricultural and related
land uses in conditions of good health and safety; and to
safeguard the investment and property value of existing and
future development..
(A) RA-20 District
This district is established as a district in which the
principle use of land is for low density residential
and agricultural purposes. The RA-20 District is
intended to insure a healthful residential environment
at a sufficiently low density in areas not having
access to public water supplies and that are dependent
on septic tanks for sewage disposal, Manufactured homes
are not permitted in the RA-20 District.
(B) RA-20 MH District
The RA-20 MH District is similar to the RA-20 District;
in every respect with regard to lot sizes and design
standards. The RA-20 MH District, however, permits the
location of individual manufactured homes on individual
lots. Manufactured Home Parks are a conditional use
in this district.
91.1 PERMITTED USES
Single-family dwellings in compliance with 91 (A) and
91 (B).
Any form of agriculture or horticulture, including the
sale of products at a retail stand on the property
where produced.
Customary home occupations.
Backyard workshops for building.tradesmen,, and small
appliance repair shops, but excluding open storage.
Churches and their customary related uses including
cemeteries, provided that all buildings and graves
shall be set back at least twenty (20) feet from any
property line.
Public or private parks, playgrounds, community
centers,. clubs and lodges, golf courses, swimming
pools, fishing lakes, family camp grounds, and similar
recreation uses.
30

00 Public elementary and secondary schools, colleges and
universities, and private schools having curricula
approximatley the same as ordinarily given in public
schools.
Customary accessory uses and structures including
private garages, swimming pools and other accessory
structures in the rear yard where they shall not cover
more than .thirty percent (30%) of said rear yard.- -
Signs:
(a) One (1) professional or announcement sign per
lot for customary home occupations, kindergartens,
and_._rest homes. Such signs shall not _-exceed
three (3) square feet in area. No such sign shall
be illuminated. (b) Church bulletin boards and
signs announcing clubs and other recreation
facilities and schools. Such signs shall be
limited to one (1) per lot and eighteen (18)
square feet in area. Such signs may be of the
type which is lighted from behind to silhouette
letters and figures.
91.2 CONDITIONAL USES The following uses shall be
permitted subject to the additional conditions
0- listed below being met. (See Note 1)
10
Manufactured Homes Parks in the RA-20 (MH)
District only, provided all requirements of
Section 100 and 101 are satisfied.
Kindergartens and day nurseries, provided that not
less than one -hundred (100) square feet of the
play area is provided for each child and provided
further said aggregate play space is surrounded by
a sturdy fence at least six (6) feet in height.
Public safety facilities such as fire and police
stations and rescue squad headquarters, provided
that all vehicles and equipment shall be stored
indoors; provided further, that all buildings
shall be set back at least twenty (20) feet from
all property line and shall be designed and
landscaped in such a way as to blend in with the
surrounding area.
Public works and public utility facilities such as
transformer stations, pumping stations, water
towers, and telephone exchanges, provided:
31

(a) such facilities are essential to the service
of the community and no vehicles or material shall
be stored on the premises.
(b) all buildings and apparatus shall be set back
at least twenty (20) feet from all property lines
and shall be designed and landscaped in such a way
as to blend in with the surrounding area.
Rest and convalescent homes not used primarily for
the treatment of contagious diseases, alchoholics,
drug addicts or psychotics.
91.3 (a) Dimensional Requirements for lots in RA-20 & RA-20 MH
Districts. (See Note 1)
Areas with public Areas with public Areas without
water and sewer water only both Public
water and
sewer
MIN. LOT AREA 11,250 square feet 15,000 square feet 20,000 square feet
MIN. LOT WIDTH 75 feet 100 feet 100 feet
MIN. LOT DEPTH 100 feet 100 feet 100 feet
(Minimum lot area for building purposes must comply with Health Department Regulations.)
91.3 (b) Minimum Setback: with which no stucture shall be
located.
From front property line 20
From side property line 10
From rear property line 25
From side property line on corner lots 20
91.4 Maximum permissable lot coverage by the principal
building and all accessory buildings shall not exceed
twenty percent (20%) of the total lot area.
91.5 Accessory buildings shall not be erected in any
required front or side yard or within twenty (20)
feet of any street or highway line or within five (5)
feet of any lot line not a street or highway line. An
accessory building or usemaybe located not less
than ten (10) feet from the principal building and
five (5) feet from the rear yard •line.
91.6 Off-street parking shall be provided as required in
Section 72 of this Ordinance.
32

PSection 94. H-C Highway Commercial District
The H-C Highway Commercial District is established as a district
in which the principal use of land is for the retailing of
durable goods, the provision of commercial services to industrial
areas, and the provision of services to the travelling public.
94.1 PERMITTED USES
Apple packaging sheds.
Assembly halls, coliseums, armories,
ballrooms, and similar structures.
- - Automobile repair garages, but excluding the
open storage of wrecked or abandoned cars.
Automobile and truck rentals.
Automobile washing establishments.
Bakeries and other establishments
manufacturing or packaging food products for
wholesale distribution.
0 Bicycle sales and repair shops.
Boat and trailer works and sales.
Bottling works.
Bowling alleys and skating rinks, minature
golf courses, riding stables, go-cart tracks,
and other commercial recreation facilities.
Building. material storage and sales yards,
provided they are fenced by a solid fence not
less than six (6) feet in height.
Business signs and billboards, provided such
are located within fifty (50) feet on any
residential district, provided further that
not more than one (1) billboard structure
shall be allowed per one -hundred (100) feet
or less of lot frontage in single ownership,
with one (1) additional billboard structure
allowed per additional one -hundred (100) feet
of lot frontage.
Cabinet, woodworking and upholstery shops.
(0 %
33

0 Circuses, carnivals and revival grounds.
Contractors' offices and storage yards,
provided the latter are fenced by a solid
fence not less than six (6) feet in height.
Dairy products processing and distributing
facilities, including dairy bars.
Dry cleaning and laundering plants.
Electrical supplies and equipment, sales and
repairs.
Farm machinery assembly, sales and repairs,
provided all open storage areas are screened
from view by a solid fence not less than six
(6) feet in height.
Feed and seed stores, hatcheries and feed
mills.
Freezer lockers and ice plants.
Fruit stands and produce markets.
Greenhouses and horticultural nurseries.
Grocery Stores.
Industrial supplies and equipment, sales and
service, provided all open storage is fenced
by a solid fence not less than six (6) feet
in height.
Industrial trade schools and research
laboratories.
Machine and welding shops.
Manufactured home display lots.
Monument works and sales.
Motorcycle, lawnmower and power saw sales and
services.
Multi -family dwellings (Not to exceed 12
units per acre) (See Note 1)
• Plumbing and heating supply houses, provided
34

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to,
f-I
all open storage is fenced by a solid fence
not less than six (6) feet in height.
Second-hand stores and swap shops.
Sheet metal, roofing, plumbing and heating
and refrigeration shops, but excluding open
storage unless it shall be fenced by a solid
fence not less than.six (6) feet in height.
Sign painting and fabricating shops.
Tire recapping shops.
Trucking terminals, transfer companies.
Woodworking shops.
Wholesale and warehousing establishments.
Wholesale storage of gasoline and oil
products including open storage, provided the
area devoted to open storage is�enclosed by a
solid fence not less than six (6) feet in
height.
94.2 CONDITIONAL USES. The following uses shall
be permitted subject to a finding by the
Board of Adjustment that the additional
conditions listed below will be met:
Animal hospitals, provided no pens or kennels
are located closer than twenty (20) feet to
any property line, and similar veterinary
uses.
Mixed uses, i.e., buildings erected for both
dwelling and business purposes, provided such
buildings shall be furnished with side yards
on each side of the building measuring not
less than eight (8) feet in width; provided,
however, that this regulation shall not apply
to the street side of a corner lot.
Manufactured homes, on individual lots
meeting RA-20-MH design standards. Single-
family dwellings, provided they meet the same
area, yard, and height, parking and sanitary
requirements as are required of such
dwellings in the RA-20 Residential -
Agricultural District.
35

Theaters, drive-ins provided that:
(a) No part of any theater screen,
projection booth or other building shall be
located closer than five -hundred (500) feet
to any residential district or closer than
fifty (50) feet to any property line or
public right-of-way; and no parking space
shall be located closer than one -hundred
(100) feet to any residential district; (b)
The theater screen shall not face a major
street or highway; and reservoir parking
space off the street shall be provided for
patrons awaiting admission in an amount of
not less than thirty percent (30%) of .the
vehicular capacity of the theater.
94.3 DIMENSIONAL REQUIREMENTS. Within the H-C Highway
Commercial District, as shown on the zoning map, the
following dimensional requirements shall be complied
with:
94.31 Minimum lot area and yard requirements
shall be:
is (a) Twenty -thousand (20,000) square feet lot
area.
(b)
One -hundred (100) feet minimum mean lot
width.
(c)
Fifty (50) feet minimum front yard.
(d)
Ten (10) feet minimum side yard setback and
twenty (20) feet minimum rear yard setback.
94.32
The total ground area covered by the
principal building and all necessary
buildings shall not exceed fifty percent
(50%) of the total lot area.
94.33
No building shall exceed thirty-five (35)
feet in height unless the depth of the
front and total width of the side yards
required herein shall be increased by one
(1) foot for each two (2) feet, or fraction
thereof, of building height in excess of
thirty-five (35) feet. Height shall be
measured from the height of actual ground
level or, in Flood Zone areas, from minimum
M

. approved building elevation as estimated by
National Flood Insurance programs.
94.34 Buildings constructed or converted to uses
permitted in this district shall provide
off-street loading and unloading space as
required in Section 73 of this Ordinance.
94.35 Off-street parking_space shall be provided
as required in Section 72 of this
Ordinance.
Section 96. I Industrial District. (See Note 1)
The I Industrial District is designed to accomadate all but
the most obnoxious industries. However, it is expected that
industries permitted here by right, as well as thos permitted
conditionally, will minimize their emission of _smoke, dust,
fumes, glare, noise and vibrations.
96.1 PERMITTED USES.
Air conditioning and heating equipment manufacturing.
toAircraft and missiles manufacturing.
Airports.
Alcohol and alcohol beverages manufacturing.
Amusement, recreational and sporting goods
manufacturing.
Animal hospitals.
Apparel and clothing manufacturing, including hosiery.
Assembly halls, armories, coliseums, ballrooms and
similar structures.
Auction sales, except livestock.
Automobile parking lots and structures.
Automobile parts and accessories manufacturing.
Automobile repair garages, including body works, but
excluding open storage of wrecked cars unless they are
enclosed by a solid fence at least six (6) feet in
height.
37

Bakeries and other establishments manufacturing
prepared food products for wholesale distribution.
Banks and other financial institutions, including loan
and finance companies.
Barber and beauty shops.
Bedding and brake linings, manufacturing.
Boat and trailer works and sales.
Book binding.
Bottling works.
Bowling alleys and skating rinks.
Brick, tile and pottery yards.
Building materials storage and sales yards, provided
all open storage is fenced by a solid fence not less
than six (6) feet in height.
IsBuilding materials and specialties manufacturing.
Business machines manufacturing.
Business signs and billboards, provided such are not
located with fifty (50) feet of any residential
district, provided further that not more than one (1)
billboard structure shall be allowed per one -hundred
(100) feet or less of lot frontage in single ownership
with one (1) additional billboard structure allowed
per additional one -hundred (100) feet of lot frontage.
.Cabinet, casket,,woodworking and upholstery shops.
Cafeterias and snack bars to serve employees of the
industrial concern in which they -are employees.
Candy and confectioneries manufacturing.
Carbon and battery products manufacturing.
Chemical manufacturing, household or industrial.
Circuses, carnivals and fairs.
Coal and wood yards, pole treating plants.
Coffee, tea and spices processing.
W.

Concrete and asphalt products plants.
Contractors' offices and storage yards, provided all
open storage is fenced by a solid fence not less than
six (6)'feet in height.
Dairy products processing and distributing facilities.
Drugs, medicines and cosmetics manufacturing.
Dry Cleaning and laundry plants.
Electrical appliances and electronic equipment
manufacturing.
Electrical supply houses and repair shops.
Exterminators.
Farm machinery assembly, sales and repairs.
Feed and seed stores and hatcheries.
Fertilizer manufacturing and sales.
Felt and sandpaper manufacturing.
Flour and feed mills.
Food stores, fruit stands and produce markets.
Foundries producing iron, steel, copper, brass, and
aluminum products.
Freezer lockers and ice plants.
Furniture manufacturing.
Glass, ceramic and tile manufacturing.
Greenhouses and horticultural nurseries.
Hardware and housewares manufacturing.
Industrial supplies and equipment, sales and services
provided all open storage is fenced by a solid fence
not less than six (6) feet in height.
Ink manufacturing.
Insulation materials and wallboard manufacturing.
Industrial trade schools and research laboratories.
39

Laboratories for researching and testing of products
the manufacturing or processing of which is premitted
in this district.
Leather products, including luggage and shoe
manufacturing.
Light machine tool manufacturing.
Livestock sale barns.
Machine and welding shops.
Machinery tool manufacturing.
Manufactured home display areas.
Meat packing and poultry processing plants.
Metal fabricating plants, including boiler and
tank
works.
Monument works and sales.
.
Motorcycle, lawnmowers, and power saw sales
and
service.
Musical instruments manufacturing.
Offices pertaining to any permitted use.
Oilcloth and linoleum manufacturing.
Outdoor recreation uses such as minature and
par-3
golf courses, go-cart tracks, and riding stables.
_..
Paper products manufacturing.
.Pickle processing.
Plastics products manufacturing.
Plating works.
Plumbing and heating supply houses, provided all
open
storage is fenced by a solid fence not less than
six
(6) feet in height.
Pottery, porcelain or vitrecose shina manufacturing.
Precision instruments and jewlery manufacturing.
40

Printing, engraving and publishing establishments.
Public safety facilities such as fire and police
stations and rescue squads.
Public works and public utility facilities, including
service and storage yards, provided they are fenced by
a solid fence not less than six (6) feet in height.
Radio and television stations, studios and towers.
Restaurantss, including drive-in restaurants.
Rodenticides, insecticides and pesticides
manufacturing.
Rubber products manufacturing.
Sawmills, planning mills, pallet and basket factories.
Seafood processing.
Second-hand stores and swap shops.
Service stations, including major repair work, provided
that all gasoline pumps shall be located at least
twelve (12) feet behind the property line.)
Sheet metal, roofing, plumbing, heating and
refrigeration shops.
Sign painting and fabricating shops.
Soap, detergent and washing compounds.
Textile and cordage manufacturing.
Tire recapping shops.
Trailer manufacturing.
Trucking terminals.
Vinegar and yeast manufacturing.
Wholesale and warehousing establishments, except for
the storage of dangerous or offensive items such as
uncured hides and explosives.
41

�( Wholesale storage of gasoline and oil products,
including bottled gas and oxygen.
Windows and doors manufacturing.
Customary accessory uses and structures, including open
storage, provided the area devoted to open storage is
enclosed by a fence at least six (6) feet in height.
96.2 CONDITIONAL
permitted
Adjustment
below will
USES.
subject
that
be met:
The following uses shall be
to a finding by the Board of
the additional conditions listed
Automobile wrecking yards or junk yards and similar
types of used material industries when conducted
within a structure or on a lot enclosed by a solid
fence at least six (6) feet in height, and provided
further that the Board of Adjustment finds that such
wrecking yard or used material industry will have no
injurious affects on the interest or welfare.
Extractive Uses - subject to restriction noted in
Section 102
Manufacturing uses not otherwise named herein,
subject to a finding by the Zoning Board of
Adjustments that such use will not likely be
dangerous or detrimental to the health, safety,
welfare, or general character of this zoning
district or of the community.
96.3 Dimensional Requirements. Within the H-I Heavy
Industrial District, as shown on the zoning map, the
following dimensional requirements shall be complied
with:
(1) No building shall be less than forty (40) feet from
the right-of-way line of a street or highway. No
other yards are required except that where the rear
yard of a lot abuts a residential district, there
shall be a twenty-five (25) foot rear yard clearance
and where a lot abuts a side yard clearance of at
least fifteen (15) feet. In cases where a side yard,
not required, is provided it shall be at least eight
(8) feet in width.
(2) Buildings constructed or converted to uses permitted
in this district shall provide off-street loading
42

(0
and unloading space as required in Section 73 of this
Ordinance.
(3) Off-street parking space shall be provided as
required in Section 72 of this Ordinance.
(4) Prior to the issuance of a permit of occupancy the
Camden County Enforcement Officer shall be in
possession of written assurances from official of
the County, North Carolina State, and Federal
governments stating that water systems and pollution
abatement systems have been properly installed and
inspected, and are of sufficient capacity to handle
projected loads with a reasonable margin of safety.
43

ARTICLE TEN
MISCELLANEOUS
Section 100. Manufactured Home Parks. (See Note 1)
Approved manufactured home parks shall be permitted as a
Conditional Use in the following districts: RA-20 MH.
100.1 The minimum area for a manufactured home park is to be at
least ten acres and provide for a minimum of 50
manufactured home spaces.
100.2 Each manufactured home in a manufactured home park shall
occupy a designated manufactured home space of at least
5,000 square feet, with a width of at least 50 feet,
exclusive of common driveway.
100.3 Driveways shall be graded and surfaced with not less than
,four (4) inches of crushed stone or other suitable
material on a well compacted sub -base to a continuous
width of 25 feet exclusive of required parking space.
100.4 Two off -driveway parking spaces surfaced with no less
than four (4) inches of crushed stone or other suitable
material on a well compacted sub -base be provided for
each manufactured home space. Required parking space may
be included within the 5,000 square feet required for
each manufactured home space.
100.5 At least 200 square feet of recreation space for each
manufacturedhome space be .reserved within each
manufactured home park as common recreation space for the
residents of the park. If the park is located on
property fronting on the Albemarle Sound, North River, or
Pasquotank River or its tributaries, the common
recreation area shall provide access to the water.
Minimum of 100 feet of waterfront area shall be provided.
100.6 All central facilities in a manufactured home park, such
as wash and laundry rooms, garbage pickup stations,
recreation or meeting halls be made accessible to each
manufactured home space by means of a walk way at least
three (3) feetwide, surfaced with crushed stone or other
suitable all-weather material exclusive of common dirt or
clay.
100.7 All driveways and walkways be adequately lighted for
co safety.
44

100.8 No manufactured homes or other structures within a
manufactured home park be closer together than 12 feet,
except that storage or other auxiliary structures for the
exclusive use of a manufactured home may be closer to
that manufactured home than 12 feet. Such auxiliary
structures. may not be so located as to interfere with
removal of the manufactured home in the event of fire or
other imminent disaster.
Water. and waste disposal facilities for .each manufactured. -
home in a manufactured home park must be approved in
writing by the District Health Officer, with one copy of
each approval to be kept on file in -the Zoning Office.
100.10 No manufactured home nor accessory thereto, shall be
located nearer to a lot line than is permitted by the RA-
20 MH district.
100.11 Plans clearly indicating compliance with the provisions
of this Section shall be approved in writing by the
Planning Board in advance of permit issuance. In
granting such approval. The Zoning Board of Adjustments
shall have the authority to impose such reasonable
conditions and safeguards as it may deem necessary for
the protection of adjoining properties and the public
interest.
Section 101. Manufactured Home License Required. (See Note 1)
101.1 It shall be unlawful for any person to locate a
manufactured home in any zoned area of
Camden County after the effective date of this
Ordinance except under the following conditions:
a. That it be located in an approved Manufactured
Home Park, or
b. That it be located on an acceptable lot in an RA-
20 MH District, that 'it be approved as a
conditional use in the AO Zone, or
c. A permit to allow one manufactured home may be
approved by the Zoning Board of Adjustments in
any area provided the manufactured home is
located to the rear or side, and on the same lot
or parcel of a principal residential building,
and dimensional requirements for two dwellings
are complied with; and provided further that
such manufactured home does not encroach upon the
required yards or open space of the principal
dwelling. The Zoning Board of Adjustments shall
f., not approve -such permit until the Camden Health
Department has approved the method of sewage
disposal for the manufactured home.
45

d. A permit for temporary free-standing home or a
travel trailer as office quarters for firms
engaged in the construction of buildings,
highways, etc., and firms engaged in trucking
operations that require temporary office quarters
may be approved by the Planning Board for a
period not to exceed six months. This permit may
be renewed for one additional six -months period
by the Planning Board.
Section 102. Extractive Operations (See Note 1)
Extractive operations including quarrying, the removal of
sand, gravel, minerals, clay, soil, topsoil, and similar
operations for non-agricultural purposes shall be permitted in
the industrial district as a conditional use subject to the
following terms and conditions:
102.1 Buffer strip
No excavating, storage, processing, or truck loading
shall be conducted within 100 feet of any property
line or highway right-of-way.
102.2 Blasting
Normally, blasting operations shall be conducted only
between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM, except when
mining safety standards as defined by the United
States Bureau of Mines dictate otherwise.
Furthermore, all blasiting, drilling and other
sources of noise, vibrations, flying debris, and dust
shall be conducted in such a way as to cause the
minimum nuisance or hazard to adjacent or neighboring
properties at any time.
102.3 Nuisance or Hazard
All blasting, drilling, and other sources of noise,
vibrations, flying debris, and dust shall be
conducted in such a way as to cause no nuisance or
hazard to adjacent or neighboring properties.
102.4 Stream Pollution
At no time shall extractive or processing operations
result in an effluent or discharge wich discolors,
"muddles up," or otherwise pollutes any stream or
water course. .All effluent or discharge from
extractive or processing operations shall be treated
46 if necessary by techniques approved by the State
Stream Sanitation Committee.
46

0
102.5 Stream Flow
No extractive use of processing shall impede the
normal.flow of any stream or water course.
102.6 Flooding
No extractive use or processing shall be conducted in
such a way as to produce -a flooding hazard to
adjacent or neighboring properties at any time.
Dikes, dams, or other barriers necessary to prevent
such, flooding such be erected before beginning said
operations or as necessary during the course of such
operations. These barriers shall.afford the same
protection as if no excavation or processing had been
made.
102.7 Public Road or Bridge
No extractive use shall be conducted in a manner
which may undermine a public road or bridge.
102.8 Fencing
Areas being excavated shall -be enclosed with a
cyclone type fence no less than six feet in height,
of wire mesh, located no less than 10 feet from the
excavation edge, wherever in the determination of the
Zoning Officer it shall be necessary for safety.
102.9 Rehabilitation Plan
A rehabilitation plan for each extractive use site
shall be approved by the Planning Board prior to the.
issuance of a zoning permit.
(a) Plans for the. continual transformation of
extractive area to gently rolling surface .topography
as each portion of the extractive site is."mine out"
and operations are moved to new portions of the
extractive site. Slopes in such area of discontinued
operations shall not exceed 15% in grade except in
areas where rock or other conditions would cause the
creation of such slopes to be an extreme burden and
hardship. In no case shall any surface slope have a
grade.in excess of 50% when extractive or processing
operations have been terminated.
(b) All buildings, structures, equipment and.
stockpiles shall be removed from areas of
discontinued extractive -operations.
47

(c) All areas of discontinued extractive
operations shall be covered with soil of a type which
will support the growth of vegetation, and shall be
planted with grasses, legumes, trees, or other
planting in such a way as to minimize wind and water
erosion in such area where the Planning Board shall
determine such covering to be practical.
-- - - (d) All -extractive uses -existing- on the effective
date of this Ordinance, whether actually in operation
of said date or not, shall within 90 days of said
date or 90 days of resuming operations, whichever is
greater, present a rehabilitation plan to the
Planning Board for its consideration.
(e) Said rehabilitation plan shall include
estimates of any and all costs necessary to carry it
out. Said cost estimates including those covering
modifications which the Planning Board may request
shall be certified by a civil engineer licensed to
practice in the State of North Carolina, the Camden
Soil and Water Conservation District or its
designated represenatives, or other authority
acceptable to the Planning Board.
(f) A performance bond in the amount of said
estimated costs shall be posted with the County
Planning Board to insure the making of improvements
called for in said reahbilitation plan. Portions of
said bond may be released by the Planning Board upon
satisfactory evidence by the Zoning Officer that
portions of the plan have been completed. All
portions of said bond shall be released by the
Planning Board within 15 days after presentation of
satisfactory evidence that the rehabilitation plan
has been completed in all particulars.
SECTION 103. FP Flood Plain Zone
In addition to the applicable zoning regulations
established by this Ordinance, all uses in -the Flood•Plain Zones
must comply with NFIP regulations, as adopted by Camden County on
July 15, 1985. The areas covered by this district consist of all
Zone A areas as identified on the NFIP map for Camden County
(December 4, 1985 Edition). (See Note 1)
48

(D
re
(6
NOTES
1. This Section is amended as of October
01 1986.
49