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HomeMy WebLinkAboutZoning Ordinance-1998lease do not remove!!!!! I Division of Coastal Management TOWN' OF COLUMBIA, NORTH CAROLINA ZONING ORDINANCE Adopted by the Columbia Board of Aldermen: January 5, 1998 11 Prepared by: Ho!!and Consulting Planners, Inc. F3329 Wrightsville Avenue Wi!mingtcn, North Carolina 28403 The preparation of this document 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. 1 k TOWN OF COLUMBIA, NORTH CAROLINA ZONING ORDINANCE Adopted by the Columbia Board of Aldermen: January 5, 1998 Prepared by: Holland Consulting Planners, Inc. F3329 Wrightsville Avenue Wilmington, North Carolina 28403 The preparation of this document 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. 11 COLUMBIA ZONING ORDINANCE I TABLE OF CONTENTS i me Enactment Clause................................................1 ' Preamble......................................................1 ARTICLE 1. AUTHORITY AND ENACTMENT ........................... 3 1.1 Authority..................................................3 1.2 Title.....................................................3 1.3 Purpose...................................................3 1.4 Intent 3 1.5 Interpretation ............................................... 4 r fl ARTICLE 2. GENERAL PROVISIONS ................................. 5 2.1 Introduction ................................................ 5 2.2 Jurisdiction ................... 5 2.3 Application of District Regulations ................................ 5 2.4 Provision for Official Zoning Map ................................ 6 2.5 Replacement of Official Zoning Map .............................. 6 2.6 Relationship to Land Use Plan .................................. 7 2.7 No Use or Sale of Land or Buildings Except in Conformity with Chapter Provisions ....................................... 7 2.8 Fees.....................................................7 2.9 Severability................................................ 7 2.10 Computation of Time ......................................... 8 ARTICLE 3. DEFINITION OF TERMS ................................. 9 3.1 General..................................................9 3.2 Word and Term Definitions ..................................... 9 ARTICLE 4. LOCATIONS AND BOUNDARIES OF DISTRICTS .............. 19 ARTICLE 5. ESTABLISHMENT OF ZONING DISTRICTS .................. 20 ARTICLE 6. APPLICATION OF GENERAL REGULATIONS ................ 22 6.1 Use....................................................22 6.2 Only One Main Building, One Main Use on Lot, and Orientation of a Building .................................. 22 6.3 Minimum Yards ............................................ 22 1 6.4 Lot Subdivision ............................................ 22 6.5 Certificate of Occupancy ..................................... 22 6.6 Improvement Bonds ......................................... 22 ARTICLE 7. DISTRICT REGULATIONS ............................... 24 7.1 Table of Permitted Uses ..................................... 24 7.2 Notes to the Table of Permitted Uses ............................ 36 ARTICLE 8. TABLE OF AREA, YARD AND HEIGHT REQUIREMENTS ....... 41 8.1 Notes to the Table of Area, Yard and Height Requirements ......... 42 ARTICLE 9. PLANNED BUILDING GROUP REGULATIONS ............... 44 9.1 Planned Building Group Regulations for Apartments and Condominiums . 44 9.2 Manufactured Home Park Regulations ........................ 45 9.3 Business Planned Building Group Regulations ................... 48 ARTICLE 10. SPECIAL USES .................................. 50 10.1 Objectives and Purpose ................................. 50 10.2 Procedure for Special Use Permits Approved by the Planning Board ... 50 10.3 Regulations for Special Uses .............................. 51 ARTICLE 11. OFF-STREET PARKING AND OFF-STREET LOADING REQUIREMENTS .......................... 63 11.1 General Regulations .................................... 63 11.2 Parking Ratios ........................................ 64 SECTION 12. SIGN REGULATIONS .............................. 66 12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 12.5 12.6 General Regulations .................................... Projecting Signs and Devices .............................. Area Computation ..................................... Sign Illumination ...................................... Conditional Setback .................................... Multi -Family Development Identification Sign Regulations ........... 66 67 67 67 68 68 12.7 Permanent Subdivision Sign Regulations ...................... 68 12.8 Signs Not Requiring a Permit from the Building Inspector ........... 68 12.9 Outdoor Advertising Signs ................................ 70 12.10 Public Service Information Signs ........................... 70 12.11 Business Identification Signs .............................. 70 ARTICLE 13. HISTORIC DISTRICT - OVERLAY ...................... 72 13.1 Area Affected ........................................ 72 13.2 Special Building Permit Required ............................ 72 2 Page 13.3 Creation of Board of Architectural Review ..................... 72 13.4 Powers and Duties of the Board ............................ 72 13.5 Approval by the Board .................................. 73 13.6 Disapproval by the Board ................................ 73 13.7 Appeals ............................................ 73 ' ARTICLE 14. NONCONFORMING SITUATIONS ...................... 74 14.1 Definitions .......................................... 74 ' 14.2 Continuation of Nonconforming Situations and Completion of Nonconforming Projects ............................... 75 14.3 Nonconforming Lots .................................... 75 14.4 Extension or Enlargement of Nonconforming Situations ............ 75 14.5 Change in Kind of Nonconforming Use ....................... 78 14.6 Abandonment or Discontinuance of Nonconforming Situations . 78 14.7 Termination of Nonconforming Situations ....... 79 14.8 Completion of Nonconforming Projects ....................... 79 ARTICLE 15. VESTED RIGHT PROVISIONS ......................... 82 15.1 Purpose ............................................ 82 15.2 Establishment of a Zoning Vested Right ...................... 82 15.3 Approval Procedures and Approval Authority ................... 83 ' 15.4 Duration.................................84 ........... 15.5 Termination 84 15.6 Voluntary Annexation ................................... 85 ' 15.7 Limitations .......................................... 85 15.8 Repealer ............................................ 85 ARTICLE 16. CERTIFICATE ISSUANCE ........................... 86 16.1 Zoning Certificate ..................................... 86 � 1 16.2 Certificate of Occupancy/Compliance 86 16.3 Penalties for Violation 86 ' ARTICLE 17. BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT .......................... 87 17.1 Composition of the Board of Adjustment Pursuant to N.C.G.S. 160A-388 87 17.2 Jurisdiction of the Board of Adjustment ...................... 87 17.3 Rules for Proceedings of the Board of Adjustment ............... 87 17.4 Powers of the Board of Adjustment ......................... 87 ' 17.5 Appeal to the Board of Adjustment 89 17.6 Appeal From Decision of the Board of Adjustment 89 Page 1 ARTICLE 18. AMENDMENT PROCEDURE ......................... 90 18.1 Amendment by Own Motion .............................. 90 18.2 Amendment by Petition ................................. 90 18.3 Protest to Amendment .................................. 90 ARTICLE 19. ADMINISTRATION, ENFORCEMENT, AND PENALTIES ....... 91 19.1 Zoning Enforcement .................................... 91 ' ARTICLE 20. LEGAL STATUS PROVISIONS ........................ 92 20.1 Validity .............................. .......... 92 ' 20.2 Effective Date ........................................ 92 4 ' ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE TOWN OF COLUMBIA, NORTH CAROLINA ENAC TMENT: AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING COMPREHENSIVE ZONING REGULATIONS FOR THE TOWN OF COLUMBIA, NORTH CAROLINA, AND PROVIDING FOR THE ADMINISTRATION, ENFORCEMENT, AND AMENDMENT THEREOF, IN ACCORDANCE tWITH THE PROVISIONS OF NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL STATUTES 160A, ARTICLE 1 19 PART 3 (160A-381). PREAMBLE: WHEREAS, the General Statutes of North Carolina empowers the Town of Columbia to enact a zoning ordinance and to provide for its administration, enforcement, and amendment, and WHEREAS, the Board of Aldermen deems it necessary for the purpose of promoting the health, safety, morals, or general welfare of the town to enact such an ordinance, and WHEREAS, the Board of Aldermen has appointed a Planning Board to recommend the boundaries of the various original districts and appropriate regulations 1 to be enforced therein, and WHEREAS, the Planning Board has divided the town into districts and has prepared regulations pertaining to such districts in accordance with the town's land use plan designed to lessen congestion throughout the town; to secure safety from fire, panic, and other dangers; to promote health and the general welfare; to provide adequate light and air; to prevent the overcrowding of land; to avoid undue concentration of population; to facilitate the adequate provision of transportation, water, sewerage, schools, parks, and other public requirements, and WHEREAS, the Planning Board has given reasonable consideration, among other things, to the character of the districts and their peculiar suitability for particular uses, with a view to conserving the value of buildings and encouraging the most appropriate use of land throughout the town, and 1 WHEREAS, the Board of Aldermen has given due public notice of hearings relating to zoning districts, regulations, and restrictions, and have held such public hearings, and WHEREAS, all requirements of the General Statutes of North Carolina with regard to the preparation of the report of the Planning Board and subsequent action of Board of Aldermen has been met; NOW THEREFORE BE IT ORDAINED BY THE TOWN OF COLUMBIA, NORTH ' CAROLINA, AS FOLLOWS: 1 I 2. 1 ARTICLE I. 1 1.1 Authority AUTHORITY AND ENACTMENT This ordinance is adopted under the authority granted by Chapter 160A, Article 19, Part 3 of the North Carolina General Statutes and Amendments thereto. The Board of Aldermen of the Town of Columbia, North Carolina, does ordain as follows: ' 1.2 Title 1 This ordinance shall be. known as, referred to, and cited as the "ZONING ORDINANCE, TOWN OF COLUMBIA, NORTH CAROLINA" and hereinafter referred to as the "ordinance". ' 1.3 Purpose ' The purpose of this ordinance is to promote the health, safety, morals, and general welfare of the Town of Columbia, North Carolina. 1.4 Intent It is the general intent of this ordinance to: 1. Regulate and restrict the use of all structures and lands within the town limits of the Town of Columbia. 2. Regulate and restrict lot coverage, population density and distribution, and the location and size of all structures within the town limits of the Town of Columbia. 3. Regulate development so as to accomplish the following: a) Secure Safety from fire, flooding, panic and other dangers; b) Provide Adequate light, air, sanitation, drainage; c) Further the Appropriate use of land, and conservation of natural resources; d) Obtain the Wise Use, conservation, development, and protection of the town's water, soil, woodland, and wildlife resources and attain a balance between land uses and the ability of the natural resource base to support and sustain such uses; e) Prevent Overcrowding, and avoid undue population concentration and urban sprawl; t 1.5 f) Stabilize and Protect the natural beauty and property values. ' g) Lessen Congestion in and promote the safety and efficiency of the streets and highways. h) Facilitate the Adequate provision of public facilities and utilities; j) Preserve Natural Growth and Cover and promote the natural , beauty of the community. Interpretation ' In interpreting and applying the provisions of this ordinance, those provisions shall be held to be the minimum requirements for the promotion of the public safety, health, convenience, prosperity, and general welfare. It is not intended by this ordinance to interfere with or abrogate or annul any easements, ' covenants or other agreements between parties; provided, however, that where this ordinance imposes a greater restriction upon the use of buildings or premises, or upon the height of buildings, or requires larger open spaces than are imposed or required by other ordinances, rules, regulations, or by easements, covenants or agreements, the provisions of this ordinance shall , govern. Likewise, where other ordinances, easements, covenants or other agreements impose additional or greater restrictions than those regulations set forth herein, the more restrictive regulations shall have precedence. I P H IARTICLE 2. GENERAL PROVISIONS ' 2.1 Introduction The proper regulation of the use of certain structures, lands and water, only through the use of the zoning districts contained within this ordinance, is neither feasible nor adequate. Therefore, the following restrictions and regulations, which ' shall be applied in addition to the district regulations, are necessary to accomplish the intent of this ordinance. 2.2 Jurisdiction 1. This chapter shall be effective throughout the town's planning jurisdiction. The town's planning jurisdiction comprises the area within the corporate boundaries of the town as well as the area described in that ordinance adopted by the Board of Aldermen on January 5, 1998, entitled an "Ordinance Establishing Extraterritorial Jurisdiction," which ordinance is recorded in Book , page of the Tyrrell County Registry. Such planning jurisdiction may be modified from time to time in accordance with Section 160A-385 of the North Carolina State Law. 2. 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 in the planning department. 2.3 Application of District Regulations The regulations set by this ordinance within each district shall be minimum regulations and shall apply uniformly to each class or kind of structure or land, except as hereinafter provided. ' 1. No building, structure, or land shall hereafter be used or occupied, and no building or structure or part thereof shall hereafter be erected, constructed, reconstructed, moved, or structurally altered except in conformity with all of the regulations herein specified for the district in which it is located. 2. No building or other structure shall hereafter be erected or altered: ' a) to exceed the height or bulk; b) to accommodate or house a greater number of families; c) to occupy a greater percentage of lot area; I d) to have narrower or smaller rear yards, front yards, side yards, or , other open spaces than herein required, or in any other manner be contrary to the provisions of this ordinance. 3. No part of a yard, or other open space required about or in connection ' with any building for the purpose of complying with this ordinance, shall be included as part of a yard, or open space similarly required for any other building. 4. No yard or lot existing at the time of passage of this ordinance shall be , reduced in dimension or area below the minimum requirements set forth herein. Yards or lots created after the effective date of this ordinance shall meet at least the minimum requirements established by this ordinance. 2.4 Provision for Official Zoning Map , Official Zoning Map - The Town of Columbia is hereby divided into zones, or ' districts, as shown on the Official Zoning Map which, together with all explanatory matter thereon, is hereby adopted by reference and declared to be a part of this ordinance. The Official Zoning Map shall be identified by the signature of the Mayor of the Town of Columbia, attested by the Town Clerk, and bearing the seal of the Town. No changes of any nature shall be made on the Official Zoning Map or matter shown thereon except in conformity with the procedures set forth in this ordinance. Regardless of the existence of copies of the Official Zoning Map which may from time to time be made or published, the Official Zoning Map located in the Town of Columbia Building Inspector's Office shall be the final authority as to the current , zoning status of land and water areas, buildings, and other structures in the town. 2.5 Replacement of Official Zoning Map I In the event that the Official Zoning Map becomes damaged, destroyed, lost, or difficult to interpret because of the nature or number of changes and additions, the ' Board of Aldermen may by resolution adopt a new Official Zoning Map which shall supersede the prior Official Zoning Map. The new Official Zoning Map may correct drafting or other errors or omissions in the prior Official Zoning Map, but no such correction shall have the effect of amending the original Official Zoning Map. The new Official Zoning Map shall be identified by the signature of the Mayor of the Town of Columbia, attested by the Town Clerk, and bearing the seal of the Town of Columbia. i Unless the prior Official Zoning Map has been lost, or has been totally destroyed, the prior map or any significant parts thereof remaining shall be preserved, together with all available records pertaining to its adoption or amendment. ' 1 2.6 Relationship to Land Use Plan It is the intention of the Board of Aldermen that this chapter implement 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. While the Board of Aldermen reaffirms its commitment that this chapter and any amendment to it be in conformity with adopted planning policies, the board hereby expresses its intent that neither this chapter nor any amendment to it may be challenged on the basis of any alleged nonconformity with any planning document. 2.7 No Use or Sale of Land or Buildings Except in Conformity With Chapter Provisions 1. Subject to Article 14 of this ordinance (Nonconforming Situations), no person may use, occupy, or sell any land or buildings or authorize or permit the use, occupancy, or sale of land or buildings under his control except in accordance with all of the applicable provisions of this chapter. 2. For purposes of this section, the "use" or "occupancy" of a building or land relates to anything and everything that is done to, on, or in that building or land. 2.8 Fees 1. Reasonable fees sufficient to cover the costs of administration, inspection, publication of notice and similar matters may be charged to applicants for zoning permits, sign permits, conditional -use permits, special -use permits, subdivision plat approval, zoning amendments, variances and other administrative relief. The amount of the fees charged shall be as set forth in the town's budget or as established by resolution of the Board of Aldermen filed in the office of the town clerk. 2. Fees established in accordance with Subsection (a) shall be paid upon submission of a signed application or notice of appeal. 2.9 Severability It is hereby declared to be the intention of the Board of Aldermen that the sections, paragraphs, sentences, clauses, and phrases of this ordinance are severable, and if any such section, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase is declared ' unconstitutional or otherwise invalid by any court of competent jurisdiction in a valid judgment or decree, such unconstitutionality or invalidity shall not affect any of the remaining sections, paragraphs, sentences, clauses, or phrase of this ordinance since ' the same would have been enacted without the incorporation into this ordinance of such unconstitutional or invalid section, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase. 7 2.10 Computation of Time 1. Unless otherwise specifically provided, the time within which an act is to be done shall be computed by excluding the first and including the last day. If the last day is a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, that day shall be excluded. When the period of time prescribed is less than seven days, intermediate Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays shall be excluded. 2. Unless otherwise specifically provided, whenever a person has the right or is required to do some act within a prescribed period after the service of a notice or other paper upon him and the notice or paper is served by mail, three days shall be added to the prescribed period. A 1 ARTICLE 3. DEFINITION OF TERMS ' 3.1 General For the purpose of interpreting this ordinance, certain words and terms used are defined in this section. Except as defined in this section, all other words used in this ordinance shall have their standard dictionary definition. For general interpretation, ' the following shall apply in all uses and cases in this ordinance: 1. The present tense includes the future tense, and the future tense includes the present tense. 2. The singular number includes the plural number, and the plural number includes the singular number. 3. The word "may" is permissive, and the word "shall" is mandatory. 4. The word "person" includes a firm, association, organization, partnership, trust, company or corporation, as well as an individual. 5. The words "used" or "occupied" include the words "intended, designed, or arranged to be used or occupied." 6. Words in parting the masculine ender include the feminine and neuter. p 9 9 r3.2 Word and Term Definitions Accessory Use or Structure - A use or a structure on the same lot with, but of a nature customarily incidental and subordinate to, the principal use or structure. ' Adult Arcade - An establishment where, for any form of consideration, one or more motion picture projectors, slide projectors, or similar machines for viewing by five or fewer persons each are used to show films, motion pictures, video cassettes, slides, or other photographic reproductions that are characterized by an emphasis upon the depiction or description of specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas. 1 Adult Bookstore - An establishment that has as a substantial portion of its stock -in - trade and offers for sale, for any form of consideration, any one or more of the following: 1) books, magazines, periodicals, or other printed matter, or photographs, films, motion pictures, video cassettes, slides, or other visual representations that are characterized by an emphasis upon the depiction or description of specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas; or 2) instruments, devices, or paraphernalia that are designed for use in connection with specified sexual activities. Adult Business - An adult business shall be defined as any business activity, club, or other establishment which permits any employee, member, patron, or guest on its 9 (J premises to exhibit any specified anatomical areas before any other person or persons Specified sexual activities, massage parlors, and adult cabaret are prohibited. Adult Cabaret - A nightclub, bar, restaurant, or similar establishment that regularly features live performances that are characterized by the exposure of specified anatomical areas, or films, motion pictures, video cassettes, slides, or other photographic reproductions in which a substantial portion of the total presentation time is devoted to the showing of material that is characterized by an emphasis upon the depiction or description of specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas. Adult Motion Picture Theater - An establishment where, for any form of consideration, films, motion pictures, video cassettes, slides, or similar photographic reproductions are shown, and in which a substantial portion of the total presentation time is devoted to the showing of material characterized by an emphasis on the depiction or description of specified sexual activities or specified anatomical areas. Adult Theater - A theater, concert hall, auditorium, or similar establishment characterized by activities featuring the exposure of specified anatomical areas or by special sexual activities. Alley - A roadway easement which affords only a secondary means of access to abutting property and not intended for general traffic circulation. Alter - To make any structural changes in the supporting or load -bearing members of a building, such as walls, columns, beams, girders or floor joists. Apartment - A room or suite of one or more rooms, each of which has kitchen facilities and is designed or intended to be used, as an independent unit, on a rental basis. Assembly - A joining together of completely fabricated parts to create a finished product. Board of Adjustment - A semi -judicial body, composed of representatives from the Town of Columbia, which is given certain powers under and relative to this ordinance. Board of Aldermen - The Board of Aldermen of the Town of Columbia. Boarding House - A rooming house or a structure which contains four (4) or more rooms, each of which has no kitchen facilities, and is designed or intended to be used for residential occupancy on a rental basis. Bona Fide Farm - Any tract of land larger than ten (10) acres and otherwise eligible for tax deferral as authorized in NCGS 105-277.1 et. seq. shall be considered a bona fide farm. Any trade of land on which agricultural activities are clearly of an incidental nature may also be considered as a bona fide farm upon determination by the building inspection upon consideration of agricultural productivity and improvements, and any 10 F I I other necessary or available information. Under no circumstances will any parcel smaller than five (5) acres be considered either an agricultural tract or a bona fide farm. Bona Fide farms do not include intensive livestock operations. Building - Any building, structure, edifice or improvements as commonly defined. iBuilding, Commercial - Any building used for business purposes. ' Building, Detached - A building having no party or common wall with another building except an accessory building. Building Groups, Planned - More than one building on a single lot or tract developed in accordance with the provisions of Article 9. Buildino., Height of - The vertical distance from the average sidewalk or street grade, or finished grade of the building line, whichever is the highest, to the highest point of the building. Building, Line - A line located a minimum horizontal distance from the right-of-way line 9 Y of a street or road parallel thereto, between which and the right-of-way line no building or parts of buildings may be erected, altered, or maintained except as otherwise provided herein. tBuilding, Main - A building in which the principal use of the lot on which the building is situated is conducted. iBulk Storage System - A facility of storage tanks, pipe network, power, and control systems which allow dry bulk materials to be aerated and handled as required. Normally used to store materials which are consumed in relatively large quantities (i.e., barite, bentonite, and cement). Certificate of Occupancy/Compliance - A statement, signed by an administrative officer authorized by the Columbia Board of Aldermen, setting forth that the building, structure or use complies with the zoning ordinance, and that the same may be used for the purpose stated herein. Contractor, General - One who is engaged in all or more aspects of building 1 construction and/or land development through a legal agreement. Contractor, Trades - One who accomplishes work or provides facilities under contract with another and specifically engages in a specialized trade, such as plumbing, heating, wiring, sheet metal and roofing work, etc. j Day Care Center - Inclusive of kindergarten, a facility for the case and/or education of pre-school age children. I Drive-in (eating or drinking facility) - An establishment that provides employee curb , service or accommodations through special equipment or facilities for the ordering of food or beverage from a vehicle. Dwelling, Multiple Family - A building used for or designed as a residence for more ' than two families living independently of each other. Dwelling, Single -Family - A detached residential dwelling unit, other than a manufactured home, designed for and occupied by one family only. Dwelling, Two Family (Duplex) - A detached building used for or designed as a ' residence for two families living independently of each other. Dwelling Unit - A residential structure or that portion of a residential structure used or designed as a residence for one family. Erect - Build, construct, rebuild, or reconstruct, as the same are commonly defined. Extraterritorial Jurisdiction - The area beyond the corporate limits within which the , planning and zoning regulations of the town apply in accordance with state law. Such area is delineated on the official zoning map for the Town of Columbia. Fabrication - Manufacturing, excluding the refining or other initial processing of basic , P 9 raw materials such as metal ores, lumber or rubber. Fabrication relates to stamping, cutting or otherwise shaping the processed materials into useful objects. ' Family - One or more persons related by blood, adoption or marriage, or a group of not more than five (5) persons not related by blood, adoption or marriage living together , as a single housekeeping group in a dwelling unit. Frontage - All property abutting on one side of a street measured along the street line. 1 Garage, Private - A building or space building permitted in any residential vehicles and in which no business, conducted. used as an accessory to or a part of the main district, that provides storage space for motor , occupation or service for profit is in any way Historic District - Overlay - An area designated by the Town of Columbia which is deemed to be of special significance in terms of history, architecture and/or culture, and to have been found to possess integrity of design, setting, materials, feeling and association. A Historic District -Overlay, as described in Article 13 of this zoning ordinance, is a district which overlaps with other zoning districts established by this chapter. The boundaries of the Historic District -Overlay are delineated upon the zoning map, a part of the zoning ordinance of the Town of Columbia Home Care Unit - A facility meeting all the requirements of the State of North Carolina for boarding and care of not more than five (5) persons who are not critically ill and do not need professional medical attention, to include homes for the aged. 12 I J L� Home Occupation - Certain occupations customarily conducted for profit within a dwelling and carried on by the occupant thereof, which use is clearly subordinate to ' the use of the dwelling for residential purposes. Limitations are prescribed in this ordinance to ensure against the growth of a home occupation into a commercial enterprise. rImprovements - The addition of any building, accessory building, parking area, loading area, fence, wall, hedge, lawn or mass planting (except to prevent soil erosion) to a ' lot or parcel of property. Junk - Pre -used or unusable metallic parts and other nonmetallic manufactured products that are worn, deteriorated or obsolete, making them unusable in their existing condition, but are subject to being dismantled and salvaged. j Intensive Livestock Operations - Intensive livestock operations (ILO) means any enclosure, pen, feedlot, building, or group of buildings intended to be used or actually used to feed, confine, maintain or stable cattle, horses, sheep, goats, turkeys, chickens, swine, or any combination thereof, with at any time a total of 100 animal units present, where their dietary needs are met primarily by means other than grazing. Lot - Land area of defined boundaries in single ownership, set aside for separate use or occupancy, and recorded as such in the office of the Tyrrell County Registrar of Deeds. ' Lot, Area of - The parcel of land enclosed within the boundaries formed by the property lines. ILot, Corner - A lot abutting upon two streets or road (including platted but unopened streets or roads), thus having two (2) front lines. Lot, Depth - The depth of a lot, for the purpose of this ordinance, is the distance measured in the mean direction of the side lines of the lot from the midpoint of the ' front line to the midpoint of the opposite lot line. Lot Line - Any boundary of a parcel of land. Lot Line, Front - Any boundary line of a lot running along a street right-of-way line. If a lot abuts two right-of-way lines, the front lot line shall be the shorter of the two. ' If a lot abuts more than two right-of-way lines, the front lot line shall be determined by the Board of Adjustment. Lot Line, Rear - The lot line opposite the front lot line. Lot Line, Side - Any lot line which is not a front or rear lot line. Lot of Record - A lot, a plat or a map which has been recorded in the office of the Registrar of Deeds of Tyrrell County, or a lot described by metes and bounds, the 1 description of which has been recorded in the aforementioned office. 13 Lot Width - The distance between the side lot lines as measured along the front t building line as specified by the applicable front yard setback in this ordinance. Manufactured Home - A structure, transportable in one or more sections, which in the , traveling mode is eight body feet or more in width, or 40 body feet or more in length, or, when erected on site, is 900 or more square feet; was constructed no earlier than twelve (12) years prior to the effective date of this ordinance; and which is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used as a dwelling, with or without permanent foundation when connected to the required utilities, including the plumbing, heating, air conditioning and electrical systems contained therein. "Manufactured ' home" includes any structure that meets all of the requirements of this definition except the size requirements and with respect to which the manufacturer voluntarily files a certification required by the Secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development and complies with the standards established under the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974, 42 U.S.C. § 5401, et seq. For manufactured homes built prior to June 15, 1976, "manufactured home" means a portable manufactured housing unit designed for transportation on its own chassis ' and placement on a temporary or semipermanent foundation having a measurement of over 32 feet in length and over eight feet in width. "Manufactured home" also means a double -wide manufactured home, which is two or more portable manufactured housing units designed for transportation on their own chassis that , connect on site for placement on a temporary or semipermanent foundation having a measurement of over 32 feet in length and over eight feet in width. Manufactured Home Park - Any single parcel of land upon which two or more manufactured homes or travel trailers, occupied for dwelling or sleeping purposes, are located, regardless of whether or not a charge is made for such accommodations. ' Massage Parlor - An establishment where, for any form of consideration, massage, alcohol rub, fomentation, electric or magnetic treatment, or similar treatment or ' manipulation of the human body is administered, unless such treatment or manipulation is administered by a medical practitioner, chiropractor, acupuncturist, physical therapist, or similar professional person licensed by the state. This definition ' does not include an athletic club, health club, school, gymnasium, reducing salon, spa, or similar establishment where massage or similar manipulation of the human body is offered as an incidental or accessory service. Nonconforming Use - (a) At the time of initial adoption of this zoning ordinance, it is a use of building or land as of January 5, 1998, that does not conform with the regulations of the district in which such building or land is situated but was lawful , before adoption of this ordinance; (b) At the time of amendments subsequent to initial adoption of this zoning ordinance, it is a use of building or land that does not conform with the regulations of the district in which such building or land is situated but was lawful before adoption of amendments to this ordinance. Nursing Home - A convalescent facility having over five (5) beds meeting all the , requirements of the State of North Carolina for the boarding and care of persons who cannot care for themselves. 14 ' Permitted Structural Use - A structure/use meeting all of the requirements of this ordinance for the zone district in which it is located. Planned Building Group - A group of two or more buildings or two or more manufactured homes located on a single parcel of land. Planning Board - A commission appointed by the Board of Aldermen for the following purposes: (a) to develop and recommend long-range development plans and policies; (b) to advise the Board of Aldermen in matters pertaining to current physical development and zoning for the town's planning jurisdiction. Processing - Any operation changing the nature of material or material's chemical composition or physical properties; does not include operations described as fabrication. I 1 I Retail - Sale of a commodity to the ultimate consumer and not customarily subject to sale again. Salvage Operation - The reclamation, dismantling or storage of pre -used commodities, junk and similar material for the purposes of resale, processing, distribution or deposition. This does not include the purchase or storage of used furniture, used cars in operable condition, and used or salvaged materials as part of manufacturing operations. Service Station - A building or lot where gasoline, oil, grease, and automotive accessories are supplied and dispensed to the motor vehicle trade. Setback Line - The line on the front, rear and sides or a lot which delineates the area upon which a structure may be built and maintained, according to the district regulations. Sexual Encounter Establishment - An establishment other than a hotel, motel, or similar establishment offering public accommodations which, for any form of consideration, provides a place where two or more persons may congregate, associate, or consort in connection with specified sexual activities. This definition does not include an establishment where a medical practitioner, psychologist, psychiatrist, or similar professional person licensed by the state engages in sexual therapy. Sexually Oriented Business - Any business activity, club, or other establishment, within which the exhibition, showing, rental or sale of materials distinguished or characterized by an emphasis on material depicting, describing, or exhibiting specified anatomical areas or relating to specified sexual activities is permitted. Regulated businesses shall include, but are not limited to: adult arcades, adult bookstores, adult motion picture theaters, adult theaters. Specified sexual activities, massage parlors, and adult cabarets are prohibited. 15 Si n - Any words, lettering, parts of letters, pictures, figures, numerals, phrases, , sentences, emblems, devices, design, trade names or trademarks by which anything is made known, such as the designation of an individual, firm, association, profession, business commodity or product, which are visible from any public way and used to ' attract attention. Sign, Area of - Sign area shall be computed by the smallest square, triangle, i rectangle, circle, or combination thereof which will encompass the entire sign including lattice work, wall work, frame or supports incidental to its decoration. In computing the area, only one (1) side of a double face sign structure shall be , considered. Siqn, Business Identification- Any sign which advertises an establishment, service, ' commodity or activity conducted upon the premises where such sign is located. Sign, Outdoor Advertising - Any sign which advertises an establishment, service, i commodity, goods or entertainment sold or offered on premises other than that on which such sign is located. Special Use - A use that would not be generally appropriate without restriction throughout the zoning district but which, if controlled as to number, area, location, or relation to the neighborhood, would promote the health, safety, morals, general welfare, order, comfort, conveniences, appearance or prosperity. Such uses may be permitted in such zoning district as special exceptions if specific provision for such , special exceptions is made in this zoning ordinance. These uses are allowed only after approval by the Columbia Planning Board. Specified Anatomical Areas - As used herein, specified anatomical areas means and ' includes any of the following: 1) less than completely and opaquely covered human genitals, pubic region, buttocks, anus, or female breasts below a point immediately ' above the top of the areola; or 2) human male genitals in a discernibly turgid state, even if completely and opaquely covered. Specified Sexual Activities - As used herein, specified sexual activities means and ' includes any of the following: 1) the fondling or other erotic touching of human genitals, pubic region, buttocks, anus, or female breasts; 2) sex acts, normal or I perverted, actual or simulated, including intercourse, oral copulation, or sodomy; 3) masturbation, actual or simulated; or 4) excretory functions as part of or in connection with any of the activities set forth in subdivisions 1 through 3 of this definition. Storage - A depository for commodities or items for the purpose of future use or safekeeping. ' Street - A public thoroughfare which affords access to abutting property and is recorded as such in the office of the Tyrrell County Registrar of Deeds. ' Structure - See Building. 16 f I Subdivision - All divisions of a tract or parcel of land into two-(2) or more lots, building sites or other divisions for the purpose, whether immediate or future, of sale or building development, and all divisions of land involving the dedication of a new street or a change in existing streets; provided, however, that the following shall not be included within this definition: (1) the combination or recombination of portions of previously platted lots where the total number of lots is not increased and the resultant lots are equal to or exceed the standards contained herein; (2) the division of land into parcels greater than ten (10) acres where no street right-of-way dedication is involved; (3) the public acquisition by purchase of strips of land for the widening or openings of streets; (4) the division of a tract in single ownership whose entire area is no greater than two (2) acres into not more than three (3) lots, where no street right-of-way dedication is involved. Tourist Home - Any building occupied by owner or operator in which rooms are rented for lodging of transients and travelers for compensation. I Travel Trailer - Any structure which: (a) consists of a single unit completely assembled at the factory; and (b) is designed so that the total structure can be transported on its own chassis; and (c) is not over 32 feet in length and 8 feet in width; and (d) may be used as a dwelling unit. tSuch structures shall be considered travel trailers regardless of other titles that may also be applicable such as camper, mini -mobile home, etc. Use - The purpose for which land or structure thereon is designed, arranged or intended to be occupied or used, or for which it is occupied, maintained, rented or leased. Use, Accessory - A use incidental to and customarily associated with the use -by -right and located on the same lot with the use -by -right, and operated and maintained under the same ownership with the operation of the use -by -right. Use By Right - A use which is listed as an unconditionally permitted activity in this ordinance. Use, Nonconforming - A use of building or land that does not conform with the regulations of the district in which the building or land is situated. Use, Non -Farm - Any use of property which is not encompassed by the definition of a farm as so defined in this ordinance. Use, Special - A use permitted in a zone only after specific findings by the Board of Adjustment of Board of Aldermen. Variance - A modification or alteration of any of the requirements of this ordinance. 17 Warehouse - A building or compartment in a building used and appropriated by the , occupant for the deposit and safekeeping or selling of his own goods at wholesale and/or for the purpose of storing the goods of.others placed there in the regular course of commercial dealing and trade to be again removed or reshipped. 1 Wholesale - Sale of a commodity for resale to the public for direct consumption. Yard - Any open space on the same lot with a building and unoccupied from the ' ground upward except by trees, shrubbery, or fences. Yard, Front - A yard across the full width of the lot, extending from the front line of S the building to the front lot line. Yard, Rear - A yard located behind the rear line of the main building,if extended, to the perimeter of the lot. 1 Yard, Side - A yard between the building and side lot line, extending from the front building line to the rear building line. Zoning Certificate - A certification by the Board of Aldermen or its authorized agents that a course of action to use or occupy a tract of land or a building, or to erect, install ' or alter a structure, building or sign situated in the extraterritorial jurisdiction of the town, fully meets the requirements of this ordinance. I 1 � 18 ARTICLE 4. LOCATIONS AND BOUNDARIES OF DISTRICTS The locations and boundaries of each of the zoning districts shall be shown on the map accompanying this ordinance and made a part hereof entitled "Town of Columbia Official Zoning Map" dated January 5, 1998, and adopted by the Board of ' Aldermen. The zoning map and all the notations, references and amendments thereto and other information shown, are hereby made a part of this ordinance. The zoning map shall be kept on file in the office of the Town of Columbia Building Inspector and shall be available for inspection by the public. The boundaries of such districts as are shown upon the map attached to this ' ordinance are hereby adopted. The provisions of this ordinance governing within each type of district the use of land and buildings, height of buildings, building site areas, sizes of yards around buildings and other matters as are hereinafter set forth are hereby established and declared to be in effect upon all land included within the boundaries of each and every district as shown upon said map. Where uncertainty exists with respect to the boundaries of any of the aforesaid districts as shown on the zoning map, the following rules shall apply: Where district boundaries are indicated as approximately following street lines, alley lines, lot lines or such lines extended, these lines shall be construed to be such boundaries. ' Where a district boundary divides a lot, the location of such boundary, unless the same is indicated by dimensions on the zoning map, shall be one hundred fifty (150) feet from the nearest street which it parallels. ' In case any further uncertainty exists, the Board of Adjustment shall interpret the intent of the zoning map as to the location of the district boundaries. rl 19 I ARTICLE 5. ESTABLISHMENT OF ZONING DISTRICTS For the purpose of this ordinance, the Town of Columbia and its extraterritorial jurisdiction is divided into the following classes of zones: A-1 Agricultural District R-7 Residential District MF Multi -Family District MFM Multi -Family Manufactured Homes B-1 Central Business District B-2 Highway Business District 1-1 Industrial District HD Historic District - Overlay OS Open Space District Agricultural District This district is defined as large open land areas customarily situated in the town's extraterritorial jurisdiction. The regulations of this district are designed to retain the open characteristics of the land. For that reason, the permitted uses are limited in number. R-7 Residential District This district is defined as low density residential areas and additional open areas where similar residential development will be a viable land use. The uses permitted in this district are designed to stabilize and protect the essential character of the area and prohibit all activities of a commercial nature except certain home occupations controlled by specific limitations. MF Multi -Family District This district is defined as a high density residential area where multi -family dwellings are co -mingled with certain open areas where similar residential development will be a viable land use. The uses permitted in this district are designed to stabilize and protect the essential characteristics of the area and prohibit all activities of a commercial nature except certain home occupations controlled by specific limitations. MFM Multi -Family Manufactured Homes This district is defined as a high density residential area where multi -family dwellings and manufactured home parks are co -mingled with certain open areas where similar residential development will be a viable land use. The uses permitted in this district are designed to stabilize and protect the essential characteristics of the area and prohibit all activities of a commercial nature except certain home occupations controlled by specific limitations. PWI B-1 Central Business District This district is defined as certain land and structures that provide personal services, retailing and business services of all kinds to supply the needs of transients and the residents, business and industry of the entire urban area. The area is located in the nucleus of the town. B-2 Highway Business District This district is defined as certain areas that are designed to serve both nonresidents and residents using the major arterials that run through or around the town. This district is designed to accommodate retail or service establishments customarily patronized by transient traffic as well as nontransient traffic. 1-1 Industrial District This district is defined as an area where manufacturing establishments may be developed. This district is customarily located in proximity to railroad sidings and/or major thoroughfares. The purpose of this district is to permit the normal operations of almost all industries except those that would be detrimental to adjoining properties. Excluded from this district are those industries which deal primarily in hazardous products such as explosives. HD Historic District - Overlay This overlay district is intended to promote the educational, cultural, and general welfare of the public through the preservation and protection of historical buildings, places and areas, and to maintain such lands as examples of past architectural styles. OS Open Space District This district is intended to give particular attention to the nature of protection and appropriate development of areas of environmental concern as defined in the state administrative code (EH&NR-Coastal Management Act, 15A NCAC 7H "State Guidelines for Areas of Environmental Concern," and as defined by the town. The OS district is located in all areas designated as areas of environmental concern by the State of North Carolina. 21 ARTICLE 6. 1 6.1 Use APPLICATION OF GENERAL REGULATIONS No building or land shall hereafter shall be used or occupied and no building or part thereof shall be erected, moved or structurally altered except in conformity with the uses and dimensional regulations of this ordinance, or amendments thereto, for the district in which it is located. 6.2 Only One Main Building, One Main Use on Lot, and Orientation of a Building - In all districts, every main building hereafter erected or altered shall be located on a separate lot, as defined in this ordinance, and in no case shall there be more than one main building and permitted accessory building on the lot nor more than one main use (e.g., commercial, industrial or residential) per building and lot; provided that this requirement shall not apply to manufactured homes or manufactured home parks ' where permitted, permitted accessory uses, nor to unified developments of planned building groups approved by the Board of Aldermen, nor to a bona fide farm use. This ' ordinance in no way regulates the orientation of a building. 6.3 Minimum Yards ' The minimum yards or other open spaces required by this ordinance, including those provisions regulating intensity of use, for each and every building hereafter erected or structurally altered shall not be encroached upon or considered as meeting the yard or open space requirements or the intensity of use provisions for any other building. ' 6.4 Lot Subdivision ' No lot shall hereafter be so reduced in area as to cause any open space required by this ordinance to be less in any dimension than is herein required by the minimum yard requirements of the zone in which the lot in question is situated. ' 6.5 Certificate of Occupancy ' No final certificate of occupancy/compliance for a commercial, residential or manufactured home park will be issued until all required site improvements have been completed. 6.6 Improvements Bond No final certificate of occupancy/compliance for a commercial, residential, or mobile home park planned building group will be issued until all required site improvements have been completed. In lieu of completion of required site 1 improvements, the developer of the planned group may enter into a contract with the 22 Town of Columbia providing for the installation of town improvements within a ' designated period of time. Performance of said contract shall be secured by a cash or surety bond which will cover the total estimated cost of the improvements as determined by the Building Inspector; provided, however, that said bond may be waived by the Board of Aldermen within its discretion. L L� �1 I Fi � I I 23 ARTICLE 7. DISTRICT REGULATIONS 7.1 Table of Permitted Uses Districts in which particular uses are permitted as a use by right are indicated by "x." Districts in which particular uses are permitted as a use -by -right with certain conditions are indicated by 'Y' with a reference to a footnote to this table. Districts in which particular uses are permitted as a special use upon approval of the Board of Adjustment are indicated by "s." See the Table of Permitted Uses for details of each special use. Districts in which particular uses are prohibited are indicated by a blank. Any use that is not listed in the Table of Permitted Uses is prohibited. 24 TABLE OF PERMITTED USES MFM MF Multi -Family OS PERMITTED USES A-1 R-7 Multi- Manufactured B-1 B-2 1-1 Open Agricultural Residential Family Homes Business Business Industrial Space ACCESSORY BUILDING x x x x x x x ACCESSORY USES Incidental to any x x x x x x x permitted use (see note 1) ADDRESSING SERVICE x x ADULT BUSINESS x ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, x x PACKAGED, RETAIL SALE AMBULANCE SERVICE x ANIMAL MEDICAL CARE x (incl. kennel operations) APPAREL & ACCESSORY SALES x x ASSEMBLIES (Assembly Hall, x Armory Stadium, Coliseum) ART GALLERY x x AUCTION SALES (excl. livestock x auctioning) AUTOMOBILE OFF-STREET PARKING x x x x x (commercial lots) AUTOMOBILE PARTS & ACCESSORY x SALES AUTOMOBILE AND TRUCK RENTAL x x AUTOMOBILE REPAIR AND/OR BODY x WORK (excl. commercial wrecking, dismantling or storage of junked vehicles) 25 M= i M = = M = = M r M M i M M M Table of Permitted Uses (Continued) MFM MF Multi -Family OS PERMITTED USES A-1 R-7 Multi- Manufactured B-1 B-2 1-1 Open Agricultural Residential Family Homes Business Business Industrial Space AUTOMOBILE SALES, NEW AND x USED AUTOMOBILE SERVICE STATION x x OPERATIONS AUTOMOBILE LAUNDRYING x BAKERY PRODUCTION AND x x WHOLESALE SALES BAKING, ON -PREMISES AND RETAIL x x ONLY BANK, SAVINGS & LOAN COMPANY x x AND OTHER FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES BARBER OR BEAUTY COLLEGE x x INSTRUCTION BARBERING & HAIRDRESSING x x SERVICES BICYCLE SALES & REPAIR x BLACKSMITH SERVICES x BOARDING HOUSE OPERATION x BOATS AND ACCESSORIES, RETAIL x SALES AND SERVICE BONA FIDE FARMS x x BOOKS AND PRINTED MATTER, x x DISTRIBUTION BOOKS BINDING x BOTTLED GAS DISTRIBUTION, x STORAGE (see Note 2) 26 Table of Permitted Uses (Continued) PERMITTED USES A-1 Agricultural R-7 Residential MF Multi- Family MFM Multi -Family Manufactured Homes B-1 Business B-2 Business 1-1 Industrial OS Open Space BOTTLING x BUILDING SUPPLY (no outside storage) x x BUILDING SUPPLY (with outside storage) x BUS REPAIR AND STORAGE TERMINAL ACTIVITIES x x BUS STATION ACTIVITIES x CABINET MAKING x CANDY OR CONFECTIONERY MAKING ON PREMISES AND RETAIL ONLY x CARPET AND RUG CLEANING x CATALOGUE SALES x CELLULAR PHONE TOWERS s s s CEMETERY s s s CHURCH x x x x x CLINIC SERVICES, MEDICAL & DENTAL x CLUB OR LODGE x COAL SALES & STORAGE x CONSTRUCTION STORAGE x CONTRACTOR, GENERAL (excl. outside storage of equipment or supplies) x x 27 M r M M ! M M M M 1• M !• M M M = M M M M M M M M M M M M i M M M M M i M M M Table of Permitted Uses (Continued) MFM MF Multi -Family OS PERMITTED USES A-1 R-7 Multi- Manufactured B-1 B-2 1-1 Open Agricultural Residential Family Homes Business Business Industrial Space CONTRACTOR, GENERAL (with x outside storage of equipment or supplies) CONTRACTOR, TRADES (excl. x x outside storage of equipment or supplies) CONTRACTOR, TRADES (with outside x storage of equipment or supplies) CURIO AND SOUVENIR SALES x DAIRY PRODUCTS SALES, ON x x PREMISES, RETAIL SALES ONLY DAIRY PRODUCTS, SALES & x x PROCESSING DAY CARE CENTER (kindergarten) s s s s s DELICATESSEN OPERATION (incl. x x catering) DOCKS (private) x x x x DRY CLEANING & LAUNDRY, x x COMMERCIAL (see Note 3) DRY CLEANING OR LAUNDERING x x (customer self-service) [see Note 31 DWELLING, SINGLE FAMILY x x x x x [see Note 121 DWELLING, TWO FAMILY x DWELLING, MULTI FAMILY x x EATING OR DRINKING FACILITIES x x (drive-ins excluded) Table of Permitted Uses (Continued) PERMITTED USES A-1 Agricultural R-7 Residential MF Multi- Family MFM Multi -Family Manufactured Homes B-1 Business B-2 Business 1-1 Industrial OS Open Space EATING OR DRINKING FACILITIES (drive-ins included) x EMPLOYEES SERVICE (not designed for or available to public customers) x x x EXTERMINATING SERVICE x x FAIRGROUND ACTIVITIES x FARM MACHINERY SALES AND SERVICING x x FARM SUPPLIES MERCHANDISING (excl. farm machinery) x x FILL (earth elevation) x x x x x x x x FIRE STATION OPERATIONS x x x x FLOWER SHOP x x FOOD SALES x x FOOD FREEZER OPERATIONS x x FUNERAL HOME x FUR SALES, incl. cold storage x GAME FARM x x HARDWARE, PAINT & GARDEN SUPPLY SALES (excluding bulk storage of chemicals) x x HATCHERY OPERATIONS x x HOME CARE UNIT (see Note 4) s 29 = = = = M M = = = M = = M Table of Permitted Uses (Continued) PERMITTED USES A-1 Agricultural R-7 Residential MF Multi- Family MFM Multi -Family Manufactured Homes B-1 Business B-2 Business 1-1 Industrial OS Open Space HOME FOR THE AGED (see Note 4) s HOME FURNISHING & APPLIANCE SALES x x HOME OCCUPATION (see Note 5) x x x ICE MANUFACTURING x INDUSTRIAL SALES OF EQUIPMENT OR REPAIR SERVICE x INDUSTRIAL OPERATIONS NOT OTHERWISE LISTED HEREIN (except uses listed in Note 6) x JANITORIAL SERVICE x x KENNEL OPERATIONS, CARE x LABORATORY OPERATIONS, MEDICAL OR DENTAL x x LABORATORY RESEARCH x LIBRARY x x x LIVESTOCK SALES & AUCTIONING x LOCKSMITH, GUNSMITH x MACHINE TOOL MANUFACTURING OR WELDING x MANUFACTURED HOME, Temporary Residential Occupancy s s MANUFACTURED HOME, Permanent Residential Occupancy (see Note 7) x x 30 Table of Permitted Uses (Continued) MFM MF Multi -Family OS PERMITTED USES A-1 R-7 Multi- Manufactured B-1 B-2 1-1 Open Agricultural Residential Family Homes Business Business Industrial Space MANUFACTURED HOME (Individual) s s s x for Office and Exhibition MANUFACTURED HOME PARK but x excl. any manufactured home sales MANUFACTURED HOME SALES but x excl. any residential occupancy MARINAS, Public and Private, as x x x defined by 15A NCAC 7H MOTEL, HOTEL OR MOTOR COURT x OPERATIONS (see Note 8) MONUMENT SALES x MONUMENT WORKS x NEWSPAPER PUBLISHING x NEWSSTAND SALES x x NURSERY OPERATIONS (plant) x x x NURSING HOME s s OFFICE USE of a doctor, dentist, x x osteopath, chiropractor, optometrist, physiotherapist, or other medically oriented profession OFFICE USE with no on -premises x x x stock of goods for sale to the general public and the operations and services of which are customarily conducted by means of written, verbal, or mechanically reproduced communications material 31 M G M M M M M M M M M M M M! M M M M M Table of Permitted Uses (Continued) MFM MF Multi -Family Os PERMITTED USES A-1 R-7 Multi- Manufactured B-1 B-2 1-1 Open Agricultural Residential Family Homes Business Business Industrial Space OFFICE SUPPLIES & EQUIPMENT x SALES AND SERVICE OPTICIAN SERVICE x x PAWN SHOP x PET SALES, excl. kennel activities or x x outside storage of animals PHARMACEUTICAL SALES x x PHOTOGRAPHY, COMMERCIAL x x PLATING x POST OFFICE x x PRIVATE RECREATION CLUB OR s s s SWIMMING CLUB ACTIVITIES NOT OPERATED AS A BUSINESS FOR PROFIT PRINTING & REPRODUCTION x x x PUBLIC RECREATION (such as x x x x x x x community center buildings, parks, museums, playground, tourism facilities, and similar facilities operated on a nonprofit basis) PUBLIC ELECTRICAL UTILITY s s s s s s s s STATION OR SUBSTATION PUBLIC UTILITY WORKS, SHOPS OR x x STORAGE YARDS QUARRY OPERATIONS x 32 Table of Permitted Uses (Continued) MFM MF Multi -Family OS PERMITTED USES A-1 R-7 Multi- Manufactured B-1 B-2 1-1 Open Agricultural Residential Family Homes Business Business Industrial Space RADIO OR TELEVISION STUDIO x s s s ACTIVITIES ONLY RADIO OR TELEVISION s x x TRANSMITTING (Commercial) RAILROAD STATION OPERATIONS x x RAILROAD YARD OPERATIONS x RECREATION OR AMUSEMENT x ENTERPRISE conducted outside a building and for profit, and not otherwise listed herein RECREATION OR AMUSEMENT x x ENTERPRISE conducted inside a building and for profit, and not otherwise listed herein REDUCING SALON CARE x x REPAIR, RENTAL AND/OR SERVICING x x x of any product the retail sale of which is a use -by -right in the same district and not otherwise listed herein RETAILING OR SERVICING with x operations conducted and merchandise stored inside and/or outside a building and not otherwise listed RETAILING OR SERVICING with x operations conducted and merchandise stored entirely within a building and not otherwise listed herein 33 M M M M M M M M ! M M i M M M M M M M = M = = = = = = r = = = = M M M M M M Table of Permitted Uses (Continued) PERMITTED USES A-1 Agricultural R-7 Residential MF Multi- Family MFM Multi -Family Manufactured Homes B-1 Business B-2 Business 1-1 Industrial OS Open Space RIDING ACADEMY x SALVAGE OPERATION (see Note 9) x SATELLITE ANTENNAS (see Note 11) x x x x x x SAWMILL OR PLANING ACTIVITIES x SECOND HAND & SWAP SHOP SALES x SCHOOL, BUSINESS & COMMERCIAL x x SCHOOL, PRIVATE, ELEMENTARY OR SECONDARY s s s S SCHOOL, PUBLIC x x x x SCHOOL, TRADE OR VOCATIONAL x x SEXUALLY ORIENTED BUSINESS x SHEET METAL FABRICATION x SHORELINE ACCESS (including boat ramps) x x x x x x SIGN See Article 12 for permitted areas and regulations. SIGN, OUTDOOR ADVERTISING (see Article 12) x x x SIGN, PUBLIC SERVICE INFORMATION x x x STORAGE, FLAMMABLE (see Note 2) x STORAGE, OPEN (see Note 9) x STORAGE, WAREHOUSE x TAILORING (Dressmaking) x x 34 Table of Permitted Uses (Continued) MFM MF Multi -Family OS PERMITTED USES A-1 R-7 Multi- Manufactured B-1 B-2 1-1 Open Agricultura► Residential Family Homes Business Business Industrial Space TAXICAB STAND OPERATIONS x x TEACHING of Art, Music, Dance, x x Dramatics, or Other Fine Arts TELEPHONE EXCHANGE s s s s x x x OPERATIONS TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION x x x x x x x BUILDING THEATER PRODUCTIONS, Indoor x x TIRE RECAPPING (see Note 1) x x TOBACCO SALES WAREHOUSING x x TOBACCO PROCESSING x TOURIST HOME OPERATIONS x TRAILER RENTALS x x TRAVEL TRAILERS (see Note 10) x TRUCK TERMINAL ACTIVITIES, x Repair & Hauling and/or Storage UPHOLSTERING OR FURNITURE x x REFINISHING VARIETY GIFT & HOBBY SUPPLY x x SALES VENDING MACHINE RENTAL x WHOLESALE SALES with operations x x conducted and merchandise stored entirely within a building and not otherwise listed herein 35 M = = = = M = = = = r M M = = M = M 7.2 Notes to the Table of Permitted Uses Note 1. Accessory Uses. No permanent residential occupancy shall be allowed as an accessory use in the B-1, B-2, or 1-1 districts. An accessory use in R-7 or MF districts shall not include the residential occupancy of an accessory building except by domestic employees employed on the premises and the immediate family of such employees. Swimming pools as an accessory use in R-7 or MF districts shall be enclosed by protective fencing not less than five (5) feet in height. Note 2. Storage of Flammable. The storage of flammables shall not be permitted or considered a use -by -right except when such authorization for said use is given by the Tyrrell County Fire Marshall relative to compliance of proposed storage facilities with state and Tyrrell County fire regulations. Propane gas shall not be stored for sale in the B-2 district in tanks larger than 4.7 gallons (20 pounds). There shall be no more than fifteen (15) tanks stored on any one individual parcel of property or business at any given time. All bottled gas tanks shall be U.L. (Underwriter Laboratories, Inc.) approved and maintained in good condition with no visible signs of rust. Note 3. Dry Cleaning and Laundry Establishments shall be permitted when only oil, gas or electricity is used for heat. Screening and filtering devices shall be used to prevent the emission of smoke, dust, fumes, odors, or steam into the atmosphere. Note 4. Home Care Unit. Home care units shall be situated on at least a 20,000 square foot lot and provide approved facilities to adequately accommodate 1,000 gallons of waste water per day if not connected to a central sewerage system. Note 5. Home Occupations. Home occupations are permitted only as an incidental use and are limited to the following: (a) The office or studio of a physician, artist (not inclusive of a studio of a commercial photographer), general or trades contractor, musician, insurance agent, lawyer, real estate broker, teacher or other like professional person residing on the premises, provided no chattels or goods, wares or merchandise are commercially created, displayed, exchanged or sold; (b) Workshops not conducted for profit; (c) Customary home occupations such as millinery, dressmaking, laundering or pressing and tailoring conducted by a person residing on the premises; (d) Rooming and/or board of not more than three (3) persons; for which a rent is charged; (e) Single operator beauty shop or barber shop; and 36 Provided, furthermore, the home occupations listed above shall be permitted ' subject to the following limitations: -- No display of products; -- No mechanical equipment shall be installed or used except such that is normally used for domestic or professional purposes and which does not cause noises or other interference in radio and television reception; -- No accessory buildings or outside storage shall be used in connection ' with the home occupation; -- Not over twenty-five (25) percent of the total floor area or five hundred (500) square feet, whichever is less, shall be used for a home occupation; -- Only residents of the dwelling may be engaged in the home occupation except any physician or dentist licensed by the State of North Carolina shall be allowed to have one (1) nurse or assistant who is not a resident of the dwelling. Note 6. Industries. The following industrial uses shall not be allowed: (a) The manufacturing, processing, fabrication and/or bulk storage of acetylene gas (except for use on premises), ammunition, explosives, fireworks, gunpowder, junk or matches; (b) The manufacturing, processing and/or fabrication of acids (except noncorrosive acids), ammonia, ammonium nitrate, animal byproducts, bleaching powder, cellulose, chlorine, creosote and creosote treatment, detergents, enamels, lacquers, "lime," linoleum, oilcloth, paints, paper pulp, pigments, lime plastic, rubber (except tire recappers), soaps, tannery products, turpentine, varnishes, whiting and/or wood fillers. The fabrication of plastics is exempt from this prohibition. Note 7. Individual Manufactured Homes Permanent Occupancy. Individual manufactured homes for permanent occupancy which are located in the MFM residential zone must comply with the following: -- All roof structures shall provide an eave projection of no less than six inches, which may include a gutter; -- The manufactured home is set up in accordance with the standards set ' by the North Carolina Department of Insurance and a continuous, permanent curtain wall, unpierced except for required ventilation and access, is installed under the perimeter of the manufactured home; , 37 1 I -- Stairs, porches, entrance platforms, ramps and other means of entrance and exit to and from the home shall be installed or constructed in accordance with the standards set by the North Carolina Department of Insurance, attached firmly to the primary structure and anchored securely to the ground; and -- The moving hitch, wheels and axles, and transporting lights have been removed. Note 8. Motel, Hotel, or Motor Court Operations. An apartment (one single unit), dwelling single-family, or manufactured home may be maintained as an accessory use to a motel, hotel, or motor court for use as a dwelling unit for the full- time manager and their family. Note 9. Salvage Operations. Salvage operations involving outside storage shall be enclosed by a solid fence or wall not less than six (6) feet and not more than ten (10) feet in height. No outside storage shall encroach upon the required setback. This requirement shall apply to any type of salvage operations, inclusive of used car dealerships. Note 10. Travel Trailers. Travel trailers occupied for home habitation must be located in an approved manufactured home park. Travel trailers which are not occupied may be stored at any location, provided that such storage is not relating to mobile home sales, and further provided that such storage is not upon the right-of-way of any public street or public land. Note 11. Satellite Antennas. No satellite antenna or other antenna may be constructed or placed on any lot or structure without first obtaining a permit from the zoning administrator. A reasonable fee for the processing of an application for placement of an antenna may be charged by the town. Location. 1. No conventional or satellite television or radio antenna may be placed in the front yard, beyond the front of the principal structure, of any lot in the town. 2. A ground -mounted conventional television or radio antenna may be placed on a lot only in the rear yard. 3. A satellite television antenna may be placed on a lot only in the rear yard, provided however, that on a convincing showing that a reasonably satisfactory television signal cannot be obtained from a rear yard location, the zoning administrator shall permit the antenna to be located in the side yard, and if such a signal cannot be obtained in either yard, the zoning administrator shall permit the antenna to be located on the roof of any main or accessory building on the lot. 0] 4. All ground -mounted television and radio receiving antennas and satellite , television antennas shall be located no less than five (5) feet from any lot line. 5. No ground -mounted receiving antenna or satellite television antenna may be erected on a public easement. Antenna Size and Number. 1. No ground -mounted satellite television antenna may exceed ten (10) feet ' in height, as measured from the ground to the highest point of the antenna, provided however, that on a convincing showing that a ' reasonably satisfactory television signal cannot be obtained within the ten (10) foot height limitation, the zoning administrator may permit the antenna to be constructed at a height not to exceed eighteen (18) feet. 2. A roof -mounted satellite television antenna may extend above the roof line no more than three feet, unless it is to be installed on multi -story buildings of four or more stories, in which case the antenna may not exceed ten (10) feet in height above the level of the roof upon which it is placed. 3. The diameter of satellite television antennas shall not exceed 12 feet. 4. No lot shall have, at any one time, more than one satellite television antenna. Miscellaneous ' 1. The color of any satellite television antenna shall be dark brown, black, forest green, or beige and shall be of solid color and unadorned. 2. A ground -mounted conventional television, radio, or satellite television , antenna shall be effectively screened year round from view at ground level from any adjacent lot, public or private street, right-of-way, or easement to a minimum height of six (6) feet above grade. Said t screening is not required to be so complete that it interferes with the reception of the antenna. If an antenna or dish should exceed ten (10) feet in height, said screening shall be a minimum of fifty percent (50%) of the height of the structure. Screening shall be provided by one or more of the following: the dwelling of the lot where the antenna is located; garages, storage buildings, or other provisions that meet zoning requirements; a solid wood or masonry fence or wall; or, natural plants or trees so planted as to provide year round screening. 39 1 r If a landscape treatment is used, all plant materials must be medium to fine texture evergreen and at least three (3) feet in height when planted, and spaced in such a manner that when mature will be complete opaque to the required minimum height of six (6) feet. If an antenna or dish should exceed ten (10) feet in height the screening plants shall be twenty-five percent (25%) of the height of the structure when planted and spaced in such a manner that when mature will be completely opaque to the required minimum height of fifty percent (50%) of the height of the structure. 3. All roof -mounted satellite television antennas extending more than three (3) feet above the roof line shall be concealed from ground level view either by a parapet wall or by exterior architectural material. 4. All television and radio antennas shall be grounded against direct lightning strike. 5. All television and radio antennas shall be erected in a secure, wind - resistant manner as prescribed by the North Carolina Building Code. 6. All wiring necessary for the use of the antenna between any ground - mounted antenna and a building or between the building on which the antenna is located and any other building on the lot shall be buried underground. Note 12. Single -Family Residential in B-1. Single-family residential allowable in B-1 Business when limited to the following conditions: a) minimum building floor area of 800 square feet per residential unit; b) residential usage other than second floor of building shall be a special use and shall require a Special Use Permit under Article 10. .O ARTICLE 8. TABLE OF AREA, YARD AND HEIGHT REQUIREMENTS (see note 1) MAXIMUM DISTRICT MINIMUM LOT SIZE MINIMUM YARD REGULATIONS HEIGHT OF (see Notes 2 and 3) STRUCTURE (see Note 4) Side Yard Area in Sq.Ft. Sq.Ft. per Frontage Front Yard Width in Feet Rear Yard In Feet (see Note 7) Dwelling Unit In Feet Setback in Feet (see Note 6) Depth in Feet A-1 20,000 without 20,000 without 100 50 15 40 35 Agricultural water and sewer water and sewer 15,000 with either 15,000 with either water or sewer water or sewer R-7 7,500 7,000 60 16 8 20 35 Residential MF* Two Family 7,500 3,500 60 16 10 20 35 Multi -Family 7,500 for the first 60 25 8 20 56 two dwelling units and 2,500 for each additional dwelling unit B-1 10 10 56 Central (see Note 5) Business District B-2 50 20 20 56 Highway Business District 1-1 25 10 10 None Industrial OS Open Space *Manufactured home parks shall adhere to the manufactured home park regulations set forth in Article 9 of this zoning ordinance. 41 1 8.1 Notes to the Table of Area, Yard and Height Requirements Note 1. Special Use Requirements Take Precedence. Area, yard and height requirements as specified in the issuance of a special use permit shall take precedence over area, yard and height requirements as set forth in the Table of Area, Yard and Height Requirements. Note 2. Variance for Prior Lots of Record. The owner of any separate lot described in a deed recorded in the Tyrrell County Registry as of the date of adoption of this provision which lot cannot comply with the square footage requirements of this ordinance but does not comply with the prior square footage requirement, may apply to the Town Board of Aldermen for a special building permit. The special building permit may allow construction or repairs on such a lot but subject to any conditions imposed by the board and set out in the permit. Note 3. a) Corner Lots. On a corner lot, a side yard setback consisting of one half (1/2) of the distance of the required front yard setback up to a maximum of twenty (20) feet shall be maintained between any building and the side street. This requirement shall not be applied so as to reduce the building width of a residentially zoned corner lot of record at the time of passage of this ordinance to less than 30 feet, nor to prohibit the erection of any access building where this requirement cannot reasonably be complied with as determined by the Board of Adjustment. b) Miscellaneous Exceptions. Steps, fire escapes, stairways, balconies and chimneys only project into a minimum yard not more than four feet and an unenclosed porch may project into the required front or rear yard not more than ten feet. Sills, cornices, buttresses, ornamental features and similar items may project into a required yard not more than thirty inches. ' Carports open on three sides may encroach on a side yard to a distance of not less than five feet from a side lot line, except on the street side yard of a corner lot where the setback shall be one-half (1/2) of the distance of the required front yard 1 setback up to a maximum of twenty (20) feet. Storage areas may be constructed across the rear of a carport open on three sides that encroaches on a side yard, provided such storage area shall not contain more than seventy-two (72) square feet ' nor constitute more than eighteen percent (18%) of the area contained in the carport, whichever is less. ' c) Retaining Walls. The setback and yard requirements of this ordinance shall not apply to a retaining wall not more than five feet high, as measured from the lowest ground elevation to the top of the wall. The Board of Adjustment may permit ' a retaining wall greater than five foot height where it finds that due to the topography of the lot, such a wall is necessary. 42 d) Fences and Walls. In residential zones, fences and walls not over 3'0" high may project into or may enclose any front yard; however, no fence may be constructed on or in a public street right-of-way. Side and rear yards may be enclosed by fences or walls 6'6" high. In no case in a residential zone shall a fence or wall over 3'0" high be extended closer to the street right-of-way line, which parallels the front property line, than the front corner of the main building situated on the lot or 25 feet from said street right-of-way, whichever is greater. In the 1-1 district, a solid or open fence or wall may be erected to a maximum height of ten feet. e) Open Storage. Any open storage not enclosed within the confines of a building, such as boxes, crates, trash piles, machinery and merchandise with open display that results from the commercial operation it is part of, shall be enclosed or hidden from view along any property lines adjacent to or in a residential zone by a wall, fence and/or screening. This provision shall apply in any commercial or industrial use abutting or in a residential zone. f) Accessory Buildings. Detached garages and accessory buildings to residential uses may be constructed in the rear yard provided they are located no closer than 5'0" to any adjoining lot line, except on the street side yard of a corner lot the setback shall be one-half (1/2) of the distance of the required front setback up to a maximum of twenty (20) feet. Accessory buildings may not exceed two hundred (200) square feet. Accessory structures shall not exceed two hundred (200) feet of enclosed area. Note 4. Height Restrictions/Modifications. Any building over three (3) floors in height shall have sprinkler systems installed. In addition to the height restrictions, no building shall exceed five (5) stories in height. Note 5. B-1 Side Yard. In the B-1 district, a zero (0) side yard may be allowed if adjacent/tangent buildings share a common fire wall which satisfies North Carolina State Building Code requirements. Note 6. Corner Lot Sight Clearance. On a corner lot which abuts a state or town maintained right-of-way, no planting, structure, fence, wall or other obstruction to vision more than three (3) feet in height shall be placed or maintained within the triangular area formed by the intersecting street right-of-way lines and a straight line connecting points on said lines of which is eleven (1 1) feet distance from the point of intersection. Note 7. Triangular Lots. Triangular lots must be able to contain a rectangular building in accordance with other code requirements with no side less than sixteen (16) feet. EEC] n ARTICLE 9. PLANNED BUILDING GROUP REGULATIONS Planned building groups (inclusive of manufactured home parks) shall be submitted to the Building Inspector at least four weeks prior to the regular monthly Planning Board meeting at which it is to be reviewed. Such planned building groups must be approved by the Planning Board. ' 9.1 Planned Building Group Regulations for Apartments and Condominiums Minimum Lot Area -- See Table of Yard, Area and Height Regulations. Parking -- Off-street parking shall be provided in ratio of two and one-half spaces per dwelling unit. Recreation Area -- Play areas shall be provided for all apartments and condominium planned building groups with over five dwelling units. A minimum plan area of 2,000 sq.ft. having a minimum width of 40 feet or a minimum radius of 26 feet shall be provided for the first six (6) to twenty-five (25) dwelling units. For each dwelling unit over 25 in number, an additional 56 feet per dwelling unit shall be provided. The spatial distribution and number of individual play areas within the planned building group shall be determined by the Planning Board on the basis of the spatial arrangement of the dwelling units, topography, and other physical features. Swimming pools and their accessory areas shall not constitute any part of the open space requirements. No part of the required play area shall be used for any other purpose. Timing -- Proposed schedule of development including stages likely to be followed. Plans sealed by a licensed engineer are required and must show: (1) Proposed provisions for storm drainage and sanitary sewerage. (2) Size and proposed location of any signs. (3) Proposed solid waste storage facilities. (4) Proposed water system and fire fighting facilities such as hydrants or sprinkler connections. (5) Types of surfacing, slope, grade and cross-section of drives, sidewalks, malls, etc. (6) The location and heights of all fences, walls, and hedges shall be shown. (7) Profiles of publicly maintained water and sewer lines. (8) Profiles, cross -sections and slopes of on -site and off -site ditches carrying water runoff. (9) Erosion and sedimentation control plan. (10) Lighting plan inclusive of wattage and illumination. (1 1) Installation of curb and gutter shall be mandatory. (12) Depict traffic control devices. (13) Location and amount of recreation areas. I Placement of Buildings -- I (1) There shall be maintained at least thirty (30) linear feet of open space between individual and unattached buildings in a residential planned , building group. (2) Any group of buildings forming a courtyard shall have at least 25% of a perimeter of such courtyard open for access by emergency vehicles. , (3) Where the length of a street exceeds two hundred (200) feet and where there exists six or more dwelling units, an area must be provided for the turnaround of fire fighting vehicles on a paved or graveled surface. This , area shall not be used for parking and shall subscribe a circular area having a radius of 17.5 feet or shall have a configuration which provides comparable turnaround space. , (4) Locations for fire hydrants must be shown within 500 feet, as measured along the access drive from every dwelling unit in the planned building group. All hydrants must be served by a water main of sufficient size. In no case shall the minimum size main be less than six inches in diameter. ' 9.2 Manufactured Home Park Regulations All manufactured home parks existing on the effective date of this ordinance ' cannot expand unless such expansions comply with all applicable procedures and requirements of this ordinance. Any manufactured home park constructed after the effective date of this ordinance failing to comply with the applicable provisions of this ' ordinance is hereby declared to be a nonconforming use of land. All manufactured home parks constructed after the effective date of this ' ordinance shall continuously comply with the general requirements of this ordinance. Failure to meet continuously each of the general requirements shall be grounds for ' revocation of the Certificate of Occupancy/Compliance. Minimum Requirements for Manufactured Home: ' Minimum Lot Area -- The minimum area of twenty-five (25) manufactured home spaces shall be mandatory for the establishing of a manufactured home park. Individual manufactured home spaces shall be at least fifty (50) feet in width and shall contain at least 5,000 square feet of area. In addition, t the park shall have sufficient area to provide for required access drives, play areas, barriers, etc. , Parking -- Two off-street parking spaces for each manufactured home lot plus one space for each three manufactured homes. Off-street parking spaces shall not be considered part of the required minimum lot area of any t manufactured home space. 45 Plans sealed by a licensed engineer are required and must show: Structures - Location and approximate size of all existing and proposed buildings and structures within the site and public or private easements or rights -of - way adjoining or intersecting such property. Circulation - Proposed points of access and egress and pattern of internal circulation. All manufactured home spaces shall abut upon an interior drive. Parking - Location of and arrangement of all proposed automobile parking spaces. Minimum Manufactured Home .Space Requirements - Minimum MH Space Requirement Area: (A) 15,000 square feet public water and public sewerage not provided. ' (B) 10,000 square feet public water or public sewerage provided. (C) 7,000 square feet public water and sewerage provided. ' Width: (A) 15,000 square feet/75 feet. (B) (C) 10,000 square feet/75 feet. 7,000 square feet/50 feet. Setbacks: (A) Front yard setback at location of stand - 20 feet. (B) Side yard setback at location of stand - 10 feet. ' (C) Rear yard setback at location of stand - 10 feet. Manufactured homes shall be located no closer than twenty-five (25) feet to any exterior property line of the MH park. No more than one (1) MH may be parked on any MH space. The surface of each MH stand shall consist of a minimum size of thirteen (13) feet by sixty (60) feet, placed on properly graded and compacted soil. Other Details - (1) Location and dimensions of individual manufactured home spaces. (2) Provision for storm drainage and a sedimentation and erosion control plan. (3) Location and size of open play space and all other accessory features customarily incidental to the operation of a manufactured home park. Other Requirements - (1) There shall be a yard clearance of at least twenty (20) feet between each manufactured home, including manufactured homes parked end to end. MR Manufactured homes shall be located no closer than twenty-five (25) feet , to any exterior property line of the park, and no closer than ten (10) feet to the edge of any interior drive or walkway. (2) Water and sewerage services must be approved b the Planning Board. ' pp Y g (3) A recreation area of at least 200 square feet per manufactured home space shall be provided. (4) All interior drives providing access to two or more lots must be paved to ' a width of at least 18 feet, except one-way drives shall be at least 10 feet wide. Paved walkways of not less than two feet in width shall , connect all service buildings to abutting drives. (5) No manufactured home for occupancy exceeding two weeks shall be placed in a manufactured home park unless it contains at least 200 square feet of gross floor area and a built-in bathroom with a water closet, a lavatory, and a sink or tub which are in working condition. Manufactured homes not meeting the above requirements may be permitted, for a period not to exceed two weeks, in an approved manufactured home park provided adequate sanitary facilities are ' available in a separate building which meets the requirements of this ordinance. Manufactured home parks providing spaces for manufactured homes not meeting the above listed criteria shall provide bath facilities , in a service building located not more than 250 feet from each such space. Such bath facilities shall be provided at a ratio of one bath per five such spaces. A full bath shall be considered to consist of one water , closet, one lavatory, and one tub or shower, regardless of the arrangement of the facilities. Where both facilities are provided, provisions must be made for separate male and female facilities. I Service buildings shall be well lighted at all times of the day and night. All administrative and service buildings shall be maintained in clean, sightly condition and kept free of any condition that will menace the health of any occupant or the public or constitute a nuisance. t (6) Every manufactured home park shall be equipped at all times with fire extinguishing equipment in good condition, of such size, type and t number and so located as to meet all regulations enforced by the Tyrrell County Fire Marshall. (7) All interior drives and walkways shall be lighted with electric lamps.' Y 9 (8) Two metal garbage cans with tight fitting covers and a capacity of at ' least twenty (20) gallons and not more than thirty (30) gallons shall be provided for each manufactured home space. Garbage cans shall be , 47 I ' located no further than 100 feet from any manufactured home space. The cans shall be kept in sanitary condition in an approved rack at all 1 times. (9) For the purpose of safety and meeting emergencies, one telephone for each twenty-five (25), or fraction thereof, manufactured home spaces shall continuously be provided to the entire occupancy of the park at convenient locations. (10) All facilities must comply with North Carolina State handicapped requirements. ' 9.3 Business Planned Building Group Regulations The following planned building group regulations shall be adhered to in the development of B-2 zoned property when more than one commercial building is to be developed on a single parcel. Parking and Loading -- Five -tenths (5/10) of a parking space per 100 square feet of leasable building area. One loading space for each 10,000 square feet of enclosed leasable building space. Screening and Fencing -- A screen not less than six (6) feet high of dense plant material and/or fence where lot abuts a residentially zoned lot. Plans sealed by a licensed engineer are required and must show: Structures - Location and approximate size of all existing and proposed structures within the site, and all buildings and structures within 500 feet in addition to public or private easements or rights -of -way adjoining or intersecting such property. Circulation - Proposed points of access and egress and proposed pattern of internal automobile and pedestrian circulation. Parking and Loading - Location and extend of proposed parking and loading areas. Other Details - (1) Proposed provision for storm drainage and sanitary sewerage, approved by the Planning Board. (2) Size and proposed location of any signs. (3) Proposed solid waste storage facilities. (4) Proposed water system and fire fighting facilities such as hydrants or sprinkler connections. M: (5) Types of surfacing, slope, grade and cross-section of drives, sidewalks, malls, etc. (6) The location and heights of all fences, walls, and hedges shall be shown. (7) Profiles of publicly maintained water and sewer lines. (8) Profiles, cross -sections and slopes of on -site and off -site ditches carrying water runoff. (9) Erosion and sedimentation control plan. (10) Lighting plan inclusive of wattage and illumination. (1 1) Installation of curb and gutter shall be mandatory. (12) Depict traffic control devices. (13) Points of access and egress shall consist of driveways or roadways at least 20 feet in width and shall be set back a sufficient distance from highway intersections to minimize traffic hazards, inconvenience, and congestion. (14) Parking areas shall have a stabilized surface with parking space and traffic lanes clearly marked. Placement of Buildings -- (1) Exterior walls of unattached buildings shall be located no closer than a distance equal to the height of the taller building. (2) Any courtyard created by the placement of the buildings shall have at least 25% of its perimeter open for access by emergency vehicles. I 11 ARTICLE 10. SPECIAL USES 10.1 Obiectives and Purpose Permitted special uses add flexibility to the zoning ordinance. Subject to high standards of planning and design, certain property uses are allowed in the several districts where those uses would not otherwise be acceptable. By means of controls exercised through the special use permit procedures, property uses which would otherwise be undesirable in certain districts can be developed to minimize any bad effects they might have on surrounding properties. The uses for which special use permits are required are listed in this section, along with a detailed description of the procedures which must be followed in the approval of each such permit. Uses specified in this section shall be permitted only upon the issuance of a special use permit. 10.2 Procedure for Special Use Permits Approved by the Planning Board A special use permit may be issued by the Building Inspector after approval by the Planning Board, for the uses as designated in the table of regulations for special uses. The application for a special use permit shall accompany the application for a Certificate of Occupancy/Compliance. The application for the special use permit shall be filed fourteen (14) days prior to the date of review by the Planning Board. With the exception of special use permit requests for the occupancy of individual manufactured homes under the Hardship, Agricultural Areas Exception, of Office and Exhibition provisions of this ordinance, the Planning board shall hold a public hearing prior to rendering a decision on the approval of a special use permit. The special use permit, if approved, shall include approval of such plans as may be required. In approving the permit, the Planning Board shall find: (1) That the use will not materially endanger the public health, safety or general welfare if located where proposed and developed according to the plan as submitted and approved; (2) That the use meets all required conditions; (3) That the use will not adversely affect the use or any physical attribute of adjoining or abutting property, or that the use is a public necessity; and (4) That the location and character of the use, if developed according to the plan as submitted and approved, will be in harmony with the area in which it is to be located and in general conformity with the plan of development of the Town of Columbia. 50 In approving the special use permit, the Planning Board may designate such ' conditions, in addition and in connection therewith, as will, in its opinion, assure that the use in its proposed location will be harmonious with the area in which it is proposed to be located and with the spirit of this ordinance. All such additional ' conditions shall be entered in the minutes of the meeting at which the special use permit is granted, recorded on the special use permit and on the approved plans submitted therewith. All conditions shall run with the land and shall be binding on the original applicant for the special use permit, the heirs, successors and assigns. In order to ensure that such conditions and requirements for each special use permit will , be fulfilled, the petitioner for the special use permit may be required to enter into a contract with the Town of Columbia providing for the installation of the physical improvements required as a basis for the issuance of the special use permit. ' Performance of said contract shall be secured by cash or surety bond which will cover the total estimated cost of the improvements as determined by the Planning Board; provided, however, that said bond may be waived by the Planning Board within its ' discretion. If the Planning Board denies the special use permit, the reasons therefor shall I be entered in the minutes of the meeting at which the permit is denied. In addition to the conditions specifically imposed by Article 10, and whatever additional conditions the Planning Board deems reasonable and appropriate, special uses shall comply with the height, area and parking regulations of the zone in which they are located. ' In the event of failure to comply with the plans approved by the Planning Board, or with any other conditions imposed upon the special use permit, the permit shall , thereupon immediately become void and of no effect. No Certificate of Occupancy/Compliance for the special use permit shall be issued, and the use of all completed structures shall immediately cease and not thereafter be used for any purpose other than a use -by -right as permitted by the zone in which the property is located. Where plans are required to be submitted and approved as part of the application for a special use permit, modifications of the original plans may be made by the Planning Board. , i� 71 1 51 10.3 Regulations for Special Uses Detailed regulations for each special use are set forth in this section. Use -- Cemetery Approved by: Planning Board. Special use districts: R-7 and MF. Minimum lot area: None. Parking and loading: Adequate off-street parking facilities for funeral processions. Screening and fencing: A screen of dense plant material not less than six (6) feet high where cemetery abuts a residential lot. Plans are required and must show: Topography: Well drained site with adequate storm drainage facilities. Structures: Location of signs, entrance and buildings must be shown on the plan. Circulation: Proposed points of access and egress and pattern of internal circulation, and funeral procession route, if possible. Other details: (1) Proposed restrictions, if any. (2) Maximum size of sign shall be thirty-six (36) square feet, and there is a limit of one sign per street frontage. Use -- Day Care Center (including kindergarten) Approved by: Planning Board. Special use districts: R-7, MF and B-2. Minimum lot area: Same as by zoning district requirement. Parking and loading: One space for each adult attendant and one space for every six (6) children or fraction thereof. 52 17 Plans are required and must show: , Structures: Location and approximate size of all -existing proposed buildings and structures within the site and on the lots adjacent ' thereto. Circulation: Proposed points of access and egress and pattern of , internal circulation. Parking and Loading: Layout of parking spaces. Other details: ' (1) Location and extent of open play area. (2) Day care center shall provide one hundred (100) square feet of outdoor play space per pupil. Outdoor ' (3) play area shall be enclosed by a solid or open fence or wall at least four (4) feet in height. Where the outdoor play area is directly adjacent to a residentially used , or zoned lot(s), a solid fence or wall at least six (6) feet high or the maximum applicable fence/wall height limitations, or an open fence at least four (4) feet high and a screen planting designed to grow three (3) feet thick and six (6) feet high, shall be erected. The Board of Adjustment may at its discretion require additional screening and/or ' fencing to be located adjacent to abutting nonresidential land uses. , (4) In residential districts, a day care center shall not be operated between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. Use -- Manufactured Home (Individual) for TemporaryResidential Occupancy p Y Approved by: Planning Board. I Special use district: R-7. , Parking: Two spaces for each manufactured home. Individual Manufactured Homes , Manufactured homes, as defined, when used for dwelling purposes may , be located only within an approved manufactured home park, except when a Hardship Exception is approved by the Planning Board, as provided below. ' 53 IHardship Exception ' A temporary Certificate of Occupancy/Compliance for parking a manufactured home for use for dwelling purposes to the rear or side of a dwelling and located on the same residential lot as said dwelling may be issued by the Building Inspector in certain hardship cases where the Planning Board finds each item below as a fact: 1. That the person or persons occupying the manufactured home are physically dependent upon the person or persons occupying all of a portion of the dwelling house, or that the person or persons occupying all or a portion of the dwelling house are physically dependent upon the person or persons occupying the manufactured home; 2. That the person or persons occupying the manufactured home ' and/or dwelling house cannot, because of financial or other conditions, move to avoid hardship, necessitating parking the manufactured home adjacent to the dwelling house; ' 3. That the parking of the manufactured home adjacent to the dwelling house will not create unhealthy or unreasonable living ' standards; and 4. That the manufactured home is parked in a location approved in advance by the Planning Board. All such Certificates of Occupancy/Compliance shall be valid for a period of eighteen (18) months, after which they shall be renewed only upon a similar finding of facts by the Planning Board. If during any time that a Certificate of Occupancy/ Compliance is valid and outstanding, any of the foregoing conditions cease to be complied with, or the hardship is removed, the Certificate of Occupancy/Compliance shall automatically be revoked and the manufactured home removed. ' Use -- Manufactured Home (Individual) for Office and/or Exhibition Approved by: Planning Board. ' Special use district: B-1, B-2, and 1-1. Minimum lot area: None. Parking: One space for each person employed in the office at any given time during a twenty-four (24) hour period. 54 Office and Exhibition Exception I A temporary Certificate of Occupancy/Compliance allowing manufactured homes used solely as offices or for purposes of exhibition to be , temporarily parked, maintained and/or occupied on a designated lot or land location, may be issued by the Town Clerk where the Board of Adjustment finds as a fact that the use of such manufactured home does ' not violate the town, state, or Tyrrell County health regulations. All such Certificates of Occupance/Compliance shall be valid for a period of twelve months, after which they may be renewed upon similar evidence ' of use of such manufactured home. Notwithstanding the foregoing, a Certificate of .Occupancy/Compliance ' may be issued for a manufactured home for use as a temporary field office for contractors by the Town Clerk without approval of the Board of Adjustment if the manufactured home: , 1. and the structure under consideration are located on the same property; 2. is not moved to the site more than thirty (30) days prior to ' construction and is not removed later than thirty (30) days after construction has been completed; 3. is not used for any other purpose other than that connected with on -site construction; 4. is justified by the size and nature of the construction project; and 5. is for a period not to exceed eighteen months; 6. is utilized only incidental to on -site construction during daylight hours and not for residential living quarters; ' 7. sanitary facilities are connected with an approved sewer system. ' Use -- Nursing Home, Home for the Aged, Home Care Approved by: Planning Board. I Special use district: MF. Minimum lot area: Minimum lot area of district in which located plus one thousand (1,000) square feet for each person to be accommodated. The minimum lot size shall be ten thousand (10,000) square feet. � 55 1 Parking: One space for each regular employee plus one space for each four (4) persons to be accommodated. ' Plans are required and must show: Topography: Well drained site with adequate storm drainage facilities. Structures: Location and approximate size of all existing and proposed buildings and structures within the site. ' Circulation: Proposed points of access and egress and pattern of internal circulation. ' Parking and loading: Layout of parking spaces. Other requirements: (1) Must meet all requirements for licensing by the State of North (2) Carolina. Types of surfacing, slope, grade and cross-section of drives, sidewalks, walls, etc. (3) Erosion and sedimentation control plan approved by the Tyrrell County Soil Conservation Service Office when new construction occurs. (4) Lighting plan inclusive of wattage and illumination. ' (5) Size and proposed location of any signs. (6) Proposed solid waste storage facilities. Use -- Private Recreation Club or Swimming Club, Not Operated as a Business for Profit Approved by: Planning Board. Special use districts: R-7, MF, and B-2. Minimum lot area: Swimming club -- one (1) acre for each forty club ' members (or families). Private nonprofit clubs having only a swimming pool with bathhouse facilities and open only during the swimming season are exempt from the minimum lot area requirement if all activities and facilities (other than parking) are located no closer than fifty (50) feet to any property line. Parking: One (1) space for each five (5) members (or families). ' Screening and fencing: The swimming pool area shall be enclosed by fencing not less than five (5) feet in height. 56 Plans are required and must show: Structures: Location and approximate size of all existing and proposed structures and playfields on the site. Parking: Layout of parking spaces and traffic circulation. Other requirements: (1) No improvements, structures, sidewalks or play areas or equipment shall be closer than fifty (50) feet to any adjoining property lines. (2) Adjacent to swimming pools there shall be provided paved patio area(s). (3) Lights shall be located and shielded so as not to adversely affect adjacent property. Use -- Public Electrical Utility Station or Substation Approved by: Planning Board. Special use district: All zoning districts. Minimum lot area: One-half acre for public utility station. Parking and Loading: One (1) space for each regular employee employed primarily at the site at any given time. Screening and Fencing: A screen of not less than six (6) feet in height of dense plant material shall be provided where lot abuts a residential lot. Electrical substations shall be enclosed by a fence not less than eight (8) feet in height with three strands of barbed wire turned out at the top. Plans are required and must show: Structures: Location and approximate (size) of all existing and proposed structures within the site, and all buildings and structures within 100 feet. Circulation: Proposed points of access and egress. Parking and loading: Location and arrangement of all proposed off-street parking. 57 1 Other Details: Proposed provisions for fencing and other protective screening at the lot lines adjacent to abutting residential ' property. Use -- Radio or Television Transmitter (Commercial) ' Approved by: Planning Board. ' Special use districts: A-1, B-1, B-2, and L-1 Minimum lot area: At least three (3) acres in area. Parkin and loading: One ace for each regular employee g g p gemployed at ' the site at any given time. Plans are required and must show: ' Structures: Location and approximate size of all existing and proposed structures within the site and within one thousand (1,000) feet. Circulation: Proposed points of access and egress. iParking and loading: Proposed off-street parking. ' Other details: Protective fencing at least six (6) feet high with three (3) strands of barbed wire turned out and ten (10) feet from the perimeter of the antenna base shall be established. Use -- School; Private, Elementary, or Secondary 1 Approved by: Planning Board. Special use districts: R-7 and MF. Minimum lot area: Five (5) acres. Parking and loading: Two spaces for each regular employee. Plans are required and must show: Structures: Location and approximate size of all existing and proposed buildings and structures within the site and on the lots adjacent thereto. Circulation: Proposed points of access and egress and pattern of internal circulation. M Parking and Loading: Layout of parking spaces. ' Other Details: Location and extent of open play area. Use -- Telecommunication Towers Approved by: Planning Board Special use districts A-1, B-2, L-1. I Parking and Loading: One (1) space for each regular employee employed at the site at any given time. Area Requirements: All freestanding communication towers as the principal use of a property shall comply with the height requirements of the zoning district in which the tower is located. 1. All freestanding accessory towers shall comply with all applicable I provisions of this ordinance. 2. All accessory towers attached to a building constructed for ' purposes other than serving the communications industries shall be no taller than thirty (30) feet or thirty (30) percent of the height of the building, whichever is less. ' 3. Antennas shall not be included in the calculation of tower height. ' 4. No tower shall exceed five hundred ten (510) feet in height. Standards applicable to All Freestanding Towers: 1. Output power levels from the tower and/or associated antennas shall not exceed the current federally approved levels for exposure , to electromagnetic radiation; 2. Radio, television, or other electromagnetic transmission(s) or , reception on other properties will not be disturbed or diminished; 3. The tower shall be designed and constructed to permit the co - location of one additional user if the tower is between one hundred twenty-five (125) and one hundred eighty (180) feetfrom the finish grade elevation. If the height of the tower exceeds one ' hundred eighty (180) feet in height, the tower shall be designed and constructed to accommodate a minimum of two additional users; ' J 59 I 4. The tower will have lighting which consists of a red light at night and strobes in daylight, when lighting is required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The lighting shall be oriented so as not to project directly onto surrounding residential property. The owner shall submit documentation from the FAA that the lighting is the minimum required by the FAA; 5. The base of the tower and each guy anchor are surrounded by a fence or wall at least eight (8) feet in height unless the tower and all guy anchors are mounted entirely on a building over eight (8) feet in height; 6. A screen of not less than six (6) feet in height of dense plant material shall be provided where lot abuts a residential lot or a lot zoned exclusively for residential purposes; 7. Buildings associated with telecommunications towers located in any residential district may not be used as an employment center for any worker. This provision does not prohibit the periodic maintenance or periodic monitoring of equipment and instruments. In addition, any building placed in a residential area associated with a tower must either be screened or be built to resemble a residential structure. Such a requirement includes a pitched roof and frame or brick veneer construction; 8. No freestanding towers constructed after the effective date of this ordinance that are greater than one hundred (100) feet in height shall be located closer than one thousand (1,000) feet from any other communication tower greater than one hundred (100) feet in height, as measured in a straight line distance from tower to tower; 9. No advertising sign or logo is permitted on any tower or antenna; and 10. Notwithstanding the height regulations of any zoning district, all towers shall be set back a distance of at least equal to the height of the tower from the property line of either any lot which is developed in residential uses or any vacant lot located in a residential zoning district. The setback shall be measured from the base of the tower (not from any guy wire anchor). Abandonment, Obsolescence, Financial Responsibility: A tower that is not used for a period of at least six months shall be determined to be abandoned and shall be removed. The owner of the tower shall remove any abandoned, obsolete, unused, or structurally unsound tower within 90 days. The Building Inspector may establish a shorter period of time LMG for the removal of a tower that is structurally unsound. To assure the removal of unused, obsolete, or improperly maintained towers, the applicant, owner, or developer shall submit a statement of financial responsibility for each tower that is greater than one hundred (100) feet in height. Site Plan Required: The applicant, owner, or developer of a tower shall submit a site plan for all proposed tower projects prior to construction and/or erection. The site plan shall include: 1. Identity, address, telephone number of the proposed or intended user(s) of the tower, the property owner (if not the same), and the site developer; 2. The location of the tower and guy anchors on the parcel showing all setbacks, buffers, easements, buildings, fences, and heights of the tower and any other structures; and 3. The zoning and use of the property where the tower will be located, and the zoning and use of all surrounding properties within one hundred twenty-five (1 25) feet of the site. Additionally, points of ingress and egress from the streets, rights - of -way, etc., shall be shown. Additional Findings Required for a Special Use Permit: In addition to the requirements of this section, the Planning Board must find that the use: 1. Will not materially endanger the public health or safety or constitute a public nuisance if developed according to the plans and information submitted; and 2. Will not substantially injure the value of adjoining property and is in harmony with proximate land uses. I Use -- Telephone Exchange Operation ' Approved by: Planning Board Special use districts R-7, MF, and MFM. Minimum lot area: One (1) acre. Parking and Loading: One (1) space for each two regular employees. 61 not s than six Screening and Fencing: A screen of where lot abut 6a residential) es dent al9ot of dense plant material shall be provided or a lot zoned exclusively for residential purposes. Plans are required and must show: Structures: Location of existing and proposed structures within the site, and all buildings and structures within the site. Circulation: Proposed points of access and egress. Parking and. loading: Location and arrangement of all proposed off-street parking. Other Details: Proposed provisions adjacentto abuttingres dent al nd other protective screening at the lot lines property. 62 IARTICLE 11. OFF-STREET PARKING AND OFF-STREET LOADING REQUIREMENTS ' 11.1 General Regulations ' If structures or uses are enlarged, expanded or changed, there shall be provided off-street parking for the enlargement or expansion in accordance with the ratios contained herein. If existing land uses are converted to another type of land use or ' classified by the ordinance, then the off-street ratios as contained herein must be complied with in all districts except the B-1 district. There are no off-street parking 1 requirements in the B-1 district. Off-street parking space (either garage or properly graded open space) shall be ' provided in accordance with the requirements set forth below in all classes of districts. In cases where different parking and/or loading ratios are specified in Article 10 (Table of Regulations for Special Uses), those ratios shall have precedence over the parking ' ratios specified in this section. Each application for a Certificate of Occupancy/Compliance submitted to the Building Inspector as provided for in Article 6 shall include information as to: -- location and dimensions of off-street parking and loading space, distance between that parking/loading space and the street or alley, ingress and egress of the property. ' This information shall be in sufficient detail to enable the Planning Board or its authorized agents to determine whether or not the requirements of this ordinance are met. The Certificate of Occupancy/Compliance for the use of any building, structure or land where off-street parking or loading space is required should be withheld by the ' Building Inspector until provisions of this section are fully met. If at any time such compliance ceases, any Certificate of Occupancy/Compliance which shall have been issued for the use of the property shall immediately become void and of no effect. Where parking or loading areas are provided adjacent to a public street, ingress or egress thereto shall be made only through driveways or openings not exceeding 25 ' feet in width at the curb line of said street, except when the Planning Board or its authorized agent finds that a greater width is necessary to accommodate the vehicles customarily using the driveway. ' No part of an off-street area required for any building or use for the purpose of complying with the provisions of off-street parking requirements in this ordinance shall ' be included as part of any off-street parking area similarly required for another building or use unless the times of usage of such buildings or uses will not be simultaneous. 1 63 Off-street parking space shall be located on the same lot as the use for which provided or on a separate lot within 200 feet of any entrance to a building, provided that such parking space land is owned by the owner of the building or leases for the same period of time as the building. The off-street parking requirements for two or more uses on the same lot may be combined and used jointly, provided that the parking space shall be adequate in area to provide the same total off-street parking requirements with all such uses. No parking shall be provided that would necessitate the automobile backing onto any street right-of-way. Sufficient maneuvering space shall be provided on the lot to enable the motorist to enter all street rights -of -way in a forward direction, with the exception of individual residential lots located in an R-7 zone. All off-street parking spaces shall be provided with wheel or bumper guards so located that no part of parked vehicles will extend beyond the parking space onto any public right-of-way. An off-street parking space shall not be less than the site required below for the angle parking shown. Angle Stall Width Curb Length per Stall Depth de rees feet Car (feet) feet 00 8' 23' 8' 200 8' 23'6" 14' 300 8' 16' 161611 450 8' 1 1'4" 19'2" 600 8' 914" 20' 6" 700 8' 8' 6" 20' 10" 900 8' 8' 19, 11.2 Parking Ratios Auditorium, Stadium or Theater Churches Clinics, Medical Community or Private Swimming Clubs Day Care Center One (1) space for each five (5) seats One (1) parking space for each four (4) seats in the congregation meeting area Four (4) spaces for each doctor plus (1) space for each employee One (1) space for every 5 membership One (1) space for each adult attendant and one (1) space for every six children or fraction thereof M., Dwelling Unit having Home Beauty or Barber Shop Elementary School Industries t ' Institutions and Clubs ' Motels, Tourist Homes and Boarding Houses I Offices Residence, Single Family Residence, Duplex Residence, Multi -Family Restaurants or Other Eating Places Retail Business Two additional spaces Three (3) spaces for each room used for administration offices or class instruction, or one (1) space for each six seats in auditoriums and other places of assembly or facilities available for the public, whichever is greater One (1) space for every 1.5 employees during maximum employment, and one (1) space for every truck to be stored or stopped simultaneously One (1) space for every five seats in principal assembly room One (1) space for every rental room One (1) space for every 250 square feet of gross floor area Two (2) spaces Four (4) spaces Two and one-half (2-1/2) spaces for each dwelling unit One (1) space for each four (4) seats One -Half space for every 100 square feet of gross floor area; one (1) space minimum Wholesale establishments, One (1) space for every three warehouses, and other businesses not employees during maximum catering to retail or package trade employment, and one (1) space for every truck to be stored or stopped simultaneously Special situations which are not covered by the above shall be handled by the Board of Adjustment. The Board of Adjustment shall make the final determination as to the number of spaces to be required, but shall in all cases give due consideration to the needs. 65 IARTICLE 13. HISTORIC DISTRICT - OVERLAY 1 13.1 Area Affected The area delineated on the Town of Columbia Official Zoning Map as the Historic District - Overlay. It is understood that there are certain buildings lying beyond this district of great historical significance. However, they are so isolated from the Historic District - Overlay that they are not included in the area, but by said exclusion, it is not the intent of the Board of Aldermen to discourage the preservation and maintenance of these various structures and the owners are so encouraged to maintain and protect them. I 1 1 For the purposes other than set forth in this section of this ordinance, the area comprising the Historic District - Overlay is subject to all other provisions of this Zoning Ordinance and the provisions contained in this section are in addition to the provisions of this ordinance as they effect the various _portions of the Historic District - Overlay and are not in lieu thereof. 13.2 Special Building Permit Required No exterior portion of any building or other structure (including stone walls, fences, light fixtures, steps and pavement, or other appurtenant feature no above- ground utility structure nor any type of outdoor advertising sign shall be erected, altered, restored, or moved within the Historic District - Overlay until after an application for a certificate of appropriateness as to exterior architectural features of said structure has been submitted to and approved by the Board of Architectural Review. 13.3 Creation of Board of Architectural Review A Board of Architectural Review is hereby created, consisting of five members to be appointed by the Board of Aldermen. The term of office of the members shall be four years. Two of the initial appointive members shall be appointed for four years, and three for two years, and subsequently, members shall be appointed for terms of four years as successive vacancies occur. 13.4 Powers and Duties of the Board It shall be the function of the Board of Architectural Review to pass upon the appropriateness of altering or demolishing any building or structure within any Historical District - Overlay. The Board may require interior and exterior photographs, architectural drawings, or other notations of architectural features to be used for historical documentation as a condition of any permission to demolish a building or structure. 72 It shall be the function of the Board of Architectural Review to pass upon the appropriateness of exterior architectural features. For the purpose of this part "exterior architectural features" shall include the architectural style, general design, and general arrangement of the exterior of a building or other structure, including the , color, the kind and texture of the building material, and the type and style of all window, doors, light fixtures, signs, and other appurtenant fixtures. In the case of outdoor advertising signs, "exterior architectural features" shall be construed to mean ' the style, material, size, and location of all such signs. The Board shall not consider interior arrangement, nor shall it make any requirements except for the purpose of preventing developments obviously incongruous to the old historic aspects of the surroundings. All plans, elevations and other information necessary to determine the , appropriateness of the features to be passed upon together with a copy of the application for building or zoning permit, shall be made available to the Board of Architectural Review by the Zoning Board and the Building Inspector. The Board of Architectural Review shall meet within ten days after notification , by the Building Inspector of the filing of and application for a building permit for any structure located in any Historic District - Overlay, and at such other times as the Board may determine or upon call of the Chairman. ' 13.5 Approval by the Board Upon approval of any application, the Board of Architectural Review shall ' forthwith transmit report to the Building Inspector stating the basis upon which such approval was made, and cause of certificate of appropriateness to be issued to the ' applicant. Upon failure of the Board to take final action upon an application within thirty days after the final application for a permit is submitted, the case shall be deemed to be approved, except when mutual agreement has been made for an I extension of the time limit. When a certificate of appropriateness has been issued, a copy thereof shall be ' transmitted to the Building Inspector who shall from time to time inspect the construction of alteration approved by such certificate, and report to the Board any work no in accordance with such certificate. ' 13.6 Disapproval by the Board In case of disapproval of any application, the Board of Architectural Review shall state the reasons therefore in written statement to the applicant, in terms of design, arrangements, texture, material, color, and the like of the property involved. , 13.7 Appeals Appeals from any action taken by the Board of Architectural Review may be ' taken to the Board of Aldermen. 73 ARTICLE 12. SIGN REGULATIONS 12.1 General Regulations ' These regulations shall apply in all districts. With the exception of legal notices, identification, information, directional or regulatory signs erected or required by governmental bodies or otherwise specifically excepted herein, no exterior sign may ' be erected, painted, repainted, posted, reposted, placed, replaced, or hung in any district, except in compliance with these regulations. ' With the exception of those signs specifically authorized in the preceding paragraph, no sign may be erected without a permit from the Building Inspector. Application for permits shall be submitted on forms obtainable at the office of the Building Inspector. Each application shall include a statement by the applicant attesting to compliance with the requirements of this ordinance. If conditions warrant, the Town Clerk may require such additional information as will enable him to ' determine if such sign is to be erected in conformance with this ordinance. No sign shall be permitted on any public right-of-way except as specifically authorized herein. No sign shall be attached to or painted on any telephone pole, power pole, or other manmade object not intended to support a sign, nor on any tree, ' rock or other natural object, except as specifically authorized herein. Signs shall not obstruct any window, door, fire escape, stairway, ladder or ' opening intended to provide light, air, ingress or egress for any building, structure or lot. No sign shall: (1) be erected or continued that would tend by its location, color or nature, to be confused with or obstruct the view of traffic signs or signals, or would tend to be confused with a flashing light of an emergency vehicle; 1 or (2) Use words such as "stop," "go," "slow," "danger," etc., which might be confused with traffic directional signs or signals; or (3) Obstruct the line of sight of motorists at intersections or along a public right-of-way. All signs of a temporary nature shall be removed within one week after their ' reason for being has ceased to exist; provided, however, that when a shorter period of time is specified for removal of signs elsewhere in this ordinance, the shorter time period shall be observed. ' All signs shall be maintained in a state of good repair. No sign shall be continued which becomes structurally unsafe or endangers the safety of the public or ' property. The Planning Board or its authorized agent, upon discovering or having 66 brought to its attention evidence of an unsafe sign, shall order that such sign be made safe or be removed. A period of five (5) days following receipt of said notice by the person, firm, or corporation owning or using the sign shall be allowed for compliance. 12.2 Proiecting Signs and Devices Projecting signs, outdoor advertising signs and similar overhanging devices, where they are permitted, shall be at least ten (10) feet above the finished grade of any sidewalk or other walkway. Signs attached to the underside of a canopy shall be at least nine (9) feet above the finished grade of any sidewalk or other walkway. No sign shall extend closer than two (2) feet to a vertical plane at any street curb line. Signs and canopies which extend into service street and alley rights -of -way shall not interfere with passage of motor carriers using the service entrances to the rear and side of commercial establishments adjacent to such rights -of -way. 12.3 Area Computation For the purposes of this ordinance, the square footage area of any sign shall be computed by the smallest square, triangle, rectangle, circle, or combination thereof which will encompass all words, numbers, and symbols situated on the sign including lattice work and wall work, incidental to decoration. 12.4 Sign Illumination Where illuminated signs are permitted, they shall conform to the following criteria: (1) Illuminated signs may have either interior or exterior source of illumination or a combination of both. (2) Interior illumination, where the source of illumination is from within the sign itself, shall be such that the illumination emanating from the sign is diffused. (3) Exterior illumination, where the source of illumination is provided by such devices as, but not limited to, flood or spot lights, shall be so placed and shielded as to prevent the direct rays of illumination from being cast upon neighboring buildings and/or vehicles approaching on a public right- of-way from either direction. (4) Illumination signs are required to be non -flashing; the illumination for the sign shall not, either totally or in part, flash on and off except for public service information signs as regulated by section 12.10. 67 12.5 Conditional Setback If the lot on which a sign is to be located is zoned other than residential, but is immediately adjacent to a lot zoned solely for residential use, the distance of at least twenty (20) feet shall intervene between the closest part of such sign and the adjacent lot line of the property in the residential zone. Provided further that all outdoor advertising signs shall conform to section 12.9 of this ordinance which requires such signs to maintain a 150 foot setback from a lot zoned exclusively for residential purposes. 12.6 Multi -Family Development Identification Sign Regulations One identification sign shall be allowed for each multi -family development per street frontage, provided that it does not exceed thirty-six (36) square feet in area, and does not contain more than the following information: Name and address of the multi -family development. Type of units available. -- Name and address of agent. ' -- Telephone number. Said sign may be either attached flat against the wall of the structure or be 1 freestanding; if freestanding, the sign shall be set back at least five (5) feet from the street right-of-way and shall be no more than six (6) feet in height above the ground. Applicable side yard setbacks for buildings shall also be adhered to. 12.7 Permanent Subdivision Sign Regulations 1 Permanent subdivision identification signs having a maximum sign area of thirty- six (36) square feet may be erected. There shall be a limit of one double -face sign or two single -face signs (if two single -face signs are employed, maximum area per sign is 18 square feet) for each street entrance into the development identified by the sign. The sign shall be set back at least five (5) feet from the street right-of-way line. Applicable side yard setbacks for buildings shall also be adhered to. 12.8 Signs Not Requiring a Permit from the Building Inspector Identification Signs - Signs not exceeding two (2) square feet in area and bearing only property numbers, post office box numbers, names of occupants of premises, or other identification of premises shall not require a permit. Temporary Real Estate Sign - One (1) temporary real estate sign not exceeding four (4) square feet of sign area per minimum area of the zone in which located plus four (4) square feet of sign area per additional 5,000 square feet of lot up to a maximum of 72 square feet of sign area may be placed on a property that is for sale, lease, rent or barter. When the property on which said sign is placed fronts on more than one (1) street, one (1) such sign shall be allowed on each street frontage. Such signs shall not be illuminated. Construction Sign - One (1) temporary construction site sign may be erected on the site during the period of construction or reconstruction to announce the name of the owner and/or developer, contractor, architect, land planner, landscape architect, engineer, and development. Such signs shall be removed within two (2) days after the construction work has been completed. Maximum size of construction signs shall be as follows: a. In residential zones, twenty-four (24) square feet. b. In all other zones, seventy-two (72) square feet. Construction signs in residential zones shall not be illuminated. Directional or Information Sign - No permit shall be required for directional or information signs of a public or quasi -public nature, and such signs shall not exceed eight (8) square feet in area relative to items 1 and 2 listed below. Those signs may be illuminated in conformance with Article 12.10 of this ordinance or they may be of the beaded reflector type. Such signs shall only be used for the purpose of stating or calling attention to: (1) The name or location of a city, town, village, hospital, community center, public or private school, church or other place of worship; (2) The name or place of meeting of an official or civic body, such as the Chamber of Commerce, Rotary, Lions or Kiwanis Club. In order to announce an event of public interest such as a local or county fair, pageant, public or general election, horse show, etc., permission should be obtained from the Board of Aldermen to mount, erect or maintain over a public street or right- of-way, any sign announcing events of public interest such as events or any banner or decoration such as, but not limited to, Christmas decorations. Incidental Signs - The following incidental signs as described are allowed: (1) One incidental professional announcement sign. (a) In residential districts, such signs shall not exceed one (1) square foot in area, shall be flat mounted against the building, and shall not be illuminated. (2) Any sign not exceeding one and one-third (1-1/3) square feet in area. There shall be a limit of three such signs per lot. 12.9 Outdoor Advertising Signs Outdoor advertising signs shall be permitted in B-2 and 1-1 districts. For the purposes of this ordinance, the following shall be considered as one outdoor advertising sign: -- Side -by -side signs if structurally tied together. ' -- V-type and back-to-back signs if not located more than fifteen (15) feet apart at the nearest points of each sign. Setback - Outdoor advertising signs shall observe all setback requirements of the districts in which they are located, provided further that in those districts having no setback requirements, an outdoor advertising structure shall not be located closer than twenty (20) feet to any street right-of-way line. In any case, no outdoor advertising structure shall be located closer than one hundred fifty (150) feet to a lot zoned exclusively for residential purposes. Size - Outdoor advertising signs shall not exceed eight hundred (800) square feet in area. Location - Outdoor advertising signs on either side of a thoroughfare shall not be located nearer to another advertising sign on the same side of the street than two hundred (200) feet. Requirements - Outdoor advertising signs attached to a building structure shall not be higher than the wall to which they are attached. Outdoor advertising signs shall not be mounted on the rooftop of any building.. 12.10 Public Service Information Signs Public service information signs are those signs which display public service information such as time, date, temperature, weather, or other similar information. These shall be allowed in the B-2 and 1-1 zoning districts. Public service information signs shall be allowed to be flashing signs. Public information signs will conform to the size and height requirements for the zone in which they are located. 12.11 Business Identification Signs Business identification signs shall be subject to the limitations in the Table of Business Sign Requirements. All business identification signs itemized in this table may be illuminated. ' 70 TABLE OF BUSINESS SIGN REQUIREMENTS District Number of Signs Permitted (see Note 2) Total Area of Signs Permitted (see Notes 1 and 2) Locational Requirements Additional Requirements B-1 One flush -mounted One-fourth (1/4) of area of the Signs directing the public to sign per building frontage between off-street areas shall be limited establishment per canopy line (10 feet from to two (2) such signs per lot, street frontage. sidewalk or ground elevation if provided further the size of no canopy exists) and bottom of each sign shall not exceed ten parapet for flush -mounted signs. (10) square feet. AND One entrance sign per Maximum size of six (6) square building entrance. feet for each entrance sign. B-2 One flush mounted or One (1) square foot per linear projecting sign per foot of building frontage allotted establishment. to each establishment. AND One freestanding sign One (1) square foot per linear Maximum height of twenty per separate lot of foot of lot frontage. (20) feet and two (2) feet record. from a property line relative to freestanding signs. 1-1 One flush mounted or One (1) square foot per linear projecting sign per foot of building frontage allotted establishment. to each establishment. AND One freestanding sign One (1) square foot per linear Maximum height of twenty per separate lot of foot of lot frontage. (20) feet and five (5) feet record and per from a property line relative to establishment. freestanding signs. Note 1. Marquees for indoor theaters in the B-1 and B-2 zoning districts shall not be subject to the sign area limitations. Note 2. Establishments developed on a corner lot may have one additional sign having one (1) square foot of sign area per linear foot of the building's corner side in addition to the specified total number of area of signs permitted. Such signs shall be flush mounted and be affixed to said corner side. 71 11=11 1=1 Ml r Ml M M M Ml M 1=1 M M M IM W M M M ARTICLE 14. NONCONFORMING SITUATIONS 14.1 Definitions Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the terms defined below are used in this section in the following manner: (a) Nonconforming Situations -- A situation that occurs when, on the effective date of this ordinance or any amendment to it, an existing lot or structure or use of an existing lot or structure does not conform to one or more of the regulations applicable to the district in which the lot or structure is located. Among other possibilities, a nonconforming situation may arise because a lot does not meet minimum acreage requirements, because structures do not satisfy maximum height or minimum floor space limitations, because the relationship between existing buildings and the land (in such matters as density and setback requirements) is not in conformity with the ordinance, or because land or buildings are used for purposes made unlawful by the ordinance. (b) Nonconforming Use -- A nonconforming situation that occurs when property is used for a purpose or in a manner made unlawful by the use regulations applicable to the district in which the property is located. (For example, a commercial office building in a residential district may be a nonconforming use.) The term also refers to the activity that constitutes the use made of the property. (For example, all the activity associated with running a bakery in a residentially zoned area is a nonconforming use.) (c) Dimensional Nonconformity -- A nonconforming situation that occurs when the height, size, or minimum floor space of a structure or the relationship between an existing building or buildings and other buildings or lot lines does not conform to the regulations applicable to the district in which the property is located. (d) Nonconforming Lot -- A lot existing at the effective date of this ordinance or any amendment to it (and not created for the purpose of evading the restrictions of this ordinance) that cannot meet the minimum area or lot width requirements of the district in which the lot is located. (e) Ordinance -- This ordinance, including any amendments. Whenever the effective date of the ordinance is referred to, the reference includes the effective date of any amendment to it. (f) Nonconforming Proiect -- Any structure, development, or undertaking that is incomplete at the effective date of this ordinance and would be inconsistent with any regulation applicable to the district in which it is ' located if completed as proposed or planned. (g) Expenditure -- A sum of money paid out in return for some benefit or to ' fulfill some obligation. Whenever the term is used hereafter, it also includes binding, contractual commitments to make future expenditures, ' as well as any other substantial changes in position. 14.2 Continuation of Nonconforming Situations and Completion of Nonconforming I Projects Nonconforming situations that were otherwise lawful on the effective date of ' this ordinance may be continued, subject to the restrictions and qualifications set forth in sections 14.3 through 14.8 of this article. Nonconforming projects may be completed only in accordance with the provisions of section 14.8 of this article. 14.3 Nonconforming Lots ' (a) When a nonconforming lot can be used in conformity with all of the ' regulations (other than the area or width requirements) applicable to the district in which the lot is located, such a use may be made as of right. Otherwise, the nonconforming lot may be used only in accordance with a special use permit issued by the Board of Aldermen. The board shall issue such a permit if it finds that (1) the proposed use is one permitted by the regulations applicable to the district in which the property is located, and (2) the property can be developed as proposed without any significant negative impact on the surrounding property or the public health, safety, or welfare. In issuing the permit authorized by this ' paragraph, the board may allow deviations from applicable dimensional requirements (such as setback lines and yard size minimums) if it finds that no reasonable use of the property can be made without such a deviations. (b) Whenever this ordinance creates a nonconforming lot and the owner of the nonconforming lot also owns land adjacent to it, and a portion of this other land can be combined with the nonconforming lot to create a conforming lot (without hereby creating other nonconformities), the owner of the nonconforming lot, or his successor in interest, may not take advantage of the provisions of the paragraph (a) of this section. , 14.4 Extension or Enlargement of Nonconforming Situations (a) Except as specifically provided in this subsection, it shall be unlawful for , any person to engage in any activity that causes an increase in the extent of nonconformity of a nonconforming situation. 75 1 1 (b) Subject to paragraph (d) of this subsection, a nonconforming use may be extended throughout any portion of a completed building that, when the use was made nonconforming by this ordinance, was manifestly designed or arranged to accommodate such use. However, subject to Subsection 14.8 of this section (authorizing the completion of nonconforming projects in certain circumstances), a nonconforming use may not be extended to additional buildings or to land outside the original building. (c) Subject to Section 14.8 of this ordinance (authorizing the completion of nonconforming projects in certain circumstances), a nonconforming use of open land may not be extended to cover more land than was occupied by that use when it became nonconforming, except that a use that involves the removal of natural materials from the lot may be expanded to the boundaries of the lot where the use was established at the time it became nonconforming, if 10 percent or more of the earth products had already been removed at the effective date of this ordinance. (d) The volume, intensity, or frequency of use of property where a nonconforming situation exists may be increased and the equipment or processes used at a location where a nonconforming situation exists may be changed if these or similar changes amount only to changes in the degree of activity rather than changes in kind and no violations of other paragraphs of this section occur. (e) Physical alternation of structures or the placement of new structures on open land are unlawful if they result in: -- An increase in the total amount of space devoted to a nonconforming use; -- Greater nonconformity with respect to dimensional restrictions such as yard requirements, height limitations, or density requirements; or -- The enclosure of previously unenclosed areas, even though those areas were previously used in connection with the nonconforming activity. An area is unenclosed unless at least 75 percent of the perimeter of the area is marked by a permanently constructed wall or fence. (f) Minor repairs to and routine maintenance of property where nonconforming situations exist are permitted and encouraged. Major renovation -- i.e., work estimated to cost more than 10 percent of the appraised value of the structure to be renovated (and not required by the partial or total destruction of a structure [see paragraph h]) -- may be done pursuant to a special use permit issued by the Board of Adjustment. 76 The Board of Adjustment shall issue such a permit if it finds that the work will not result in a violation of any other paragraphs of this section (particularly paragraph c) or make the property more incompatible with the surrounding neighborhood. (g) Notwithstanding paragraph (e), any structure used for single-family residential purposes and maintained as a nonconforming use may be replaced with a similar structure of a larger size, so long as the replacement does not create new nonconformities or increase the extent of existing nonconformities with respect to yard size and setback requirements. In particular, a manufactured home may be replaced with a larger manufactured home, and a "single -wide" manufactured home may be replaced with a "double -wide." This paragraph is subject to the limitations stated in section 14.6 on abandonment and discontinuance of nonconforming situations. (h) A structure that is nonconforming in any respect or a structure that is used in a nonconforming manner may be reconstructed or replaced if partially or totally destroyed, subject to the following restrictions: -- The total amount of space devoted to a nonconforming use may not be increased, except that a larger, single-family residential structure may be constructed in place of a smaller one and a larger manufactured home intended for residential use may replace a smaller one; -- The reconstructed building may not be more nonconforming with respect to dimensional restrictions such as yard requirements, height limitations, or density requirements, and such dimensional nonconformities must be eliminated if that can reasonably be accomplished without unduly burdening the reconstruction process or limiting the right to continue the nonconforming use of such building; -- The reconstructed building may not enclose areas that were previously unenclosed, even though those areas were used in connection with the nonconforming activity. An area is unenclosed unless at least 75 percent or more of the perimeter of the area is marked by a permanently constructed wall or fence. (i) Except for single-family residential structures (including manufactured homes), if the estimated cost of the reconstruction work exceeds 10 percent of the appraised value of the structure, the work may be done only after issuance of a permit by the Board of Adjustment. The Board shall issue the special use permit if it finds that the work will be done in accordance with this paragraph and that the reconstructed building will 77 not make the property more incompatible with the surrounding property than it was before the destruction occurred. 14.5 Change in Kind of Nonconforming Use (a) A nonconforming use may be changed to a conforming use. Thereafter, the property may not revert to a nonconforming use. (b) A nonconforming use may be changed to another nonconforming use only in accordance with a special use permit issued by the Board of Adjustment. The Board shall issue such a permit if it finds that the proposed use will be more compatible with the surrounding neighborhood than the use in operation at the time the application is made for the permit. If a nonconforming use is changed to any use other than a conforming use without obtaining a special use permit pursuant to this paragraph, that change shall constitute a discontinuance of the nonconforming use, with consequences as stated in section 14.6 of this article. (c) If a nonconforming use and a conforming use, or any combination of conforming and nonconforming uses, or any combination of nonconforming uses exist on one lot, the use made of the property may be changed substantially (except to a conforming use), only in accordance with a special use permit issued by the Board of Adjustment. The board shall issue such a permit if it finds that the proposed use will be more compatible with the surrounding neighborhood than the use or combination of uses in operation at the time the permit is applied for. 14.6 Abandonment or Discontinuance of Nonconforming Situations (Intentionally left blank) 11 W] 14.7 Termination of Nonconforming Situations 1 I C� L Subject to all other terms and conditions of Article 16 of this ordinance, nonconforming situations shall not be subject to specific time limitations for permanent discontinuation; except for nonconforming junk yards, to include nonconforming uses and situations, which shall be completely removed within three (3) years following the , effective date of this ordinance. 14.8 Completion of Nonconforming Projects (a) All work on any nonconforming project shall cease on the effective date , of this ordinance. Thereafter, work on nonconforming projects may begin, or may be continued, only pursuant to a special use permit issued by the Board of Adjustment (except as provided in paragraph (b) of this ' section). The Board shall issue such a permit if it finds that the applicant has in good faith made substantial expenditures or incurred substantial binding obligations or otherwise changed his position in some substantial 79 I fl way in reasonable reliance on the land use law as it existed before the effective date of this ordinance and thereby would be unreasonably prejudiced if not allowed to complete his project as proposed. In considering whether these findings may be made, the Board shall be guided by the following: -- To the extent that expenditures are recoverable with a reasonable effort, a party shall not be considered prejudiced by having made those expenditures. For example, a party shall not be considered prejudiced by having made expenditure to acquire a potential development site if the property obtained is just as valuable under the new classification as it was under the old, for the expenditure can be recovered by resale of the property. -- An expenditure shall be considered substantial if it is significant both in dollar amount and in terms of (1) the total estimated cost of the proposed project, and (2) the ordinary business practices of the developer. -- A person shall be considered to have acted in good faith if actual knowledge of a proposed change in the land use law affecting the proposed development site could not be attributed to him. -- Even though a person had actual knowledge of a proposed change in the land use law affecting a development site, the Board may still find that he acted in good faith if he did not proceed with his plans in a deliberate attempt to circumvent the effects of the proposed ordinance. The Board may find that the developer did not proceed in an attempt to undermine the proposed ordinance if it determines that (1) at the time the expenditures were made, either there was considerable doubt about whether any ordinance would ultimately be passed, or it was not clear that the proposed ordinance would ultimately be passed, or it was not clear that the proposed ordinance would prohibit the intended development; and (2) the developer had legitimate business reasons for making expenditures. (b) The requirements of paragraph (a) of this section shall not apply to a nonconforming project if the Building Inspector certifies that actual construction of that project began at least 180 days before the effective date of this ordinance and that the work is at least 75 percent complete at the effective date of this ordinance. (c) The Board of Adjustment shall not consider any application for a special use permit authorized by paragraph (a) of this subsection that is submitted more than 90 days after the effective date of this ordinance, unless it waives this requirement for good cause shown. (d) If the Board of Adjustment issues a special use permit pursuant to ' paragraph (a) of this section, it may attach such reasonable conditions to the permit as it finds necessary to reduce the extent to which the nonconforming project is incompatible with the surrounding ' neighborhood. In particular, the Board may require that work on the nonconforming project be continuously maintained, if possible, and that the project be completed as expeditiously as possible. ' (e) When it appears from the developer's plans or otherwise that the ' nonconforming project was intended to be or reasonably could be completed in stages, segments or other discreet units, the Board of Adjustment shall not allow the nonconforming project to be constructed or completed in a fashion that is larger or more extensive than is necessary to allow the developer to recoup and obtain a reasonable rate of return on the expenditures he has made in connection with that nonconforming project. M 1� P C] ARTICLE 15. VESTED RIGHT PROVISIONS ' 15.1 Purpose The purpose of this section is to implement the provisions of G.S. 160A-385.1 pursuant to which a statutory zoning vested right is established upon the approval of a site specific development plan. Neither a variance, a sketch plan nor any other document that fails to describe with reasonable certainty the type and intensity of use for a specified parcel or parcels ' of property shall constitute a site specific development plan. 15.2 Establishment of a Zoning Vested Right (a) A zoning vested right shall be deemed established upon the valid approval, or special use approval, by the Board of Aldermen or Board of Adjustment, as applicable, of a site specific development plan, following notice and public hearing. ' (b) The approving authority may approve a site specific development plan upon such terms and conditions as may reasonably be necessary to protect the public health, safety, and welfare. (c) Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b), approval of a site specific development plan with the condition that a variance be obtained shall not ' confer a zoning vested right unless and until the necessary variance is obtained. ' (d) A site specific development plan shall be deemed approved upon the effective date of the approval authority's action or ordinance relating thereto. (e) The establishment of a zoning vested right shall not preclude the ' application of overlay zoning that imposes additional requirements but does not affect the allowable type or intensity of use, or ordinances or regulations that are general in nature and are applicable to all property ' subject to land -use regulation by the Town of Columbia, including, but not limited to, building, fire, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical codes. Otherwise applicable new or amended regulations shall become effective with respect to property that is subject to a site specific development plan upon the expiration or termination of the vested right in accordance with this chapter. (f) A zoningvested right is not a personal right, but shall attach to and run 9 p 9 with the applicable property. After approval of a site specific ' 82 development plan, all successors to the original landowner shall be entitled to exercise such right while applicable. 15.3 Approval Procedures and Approval Authority (a) Except as otherwise provided in this section, an application for site specific development plan approval shall be processed in accordance with the procedures established by ordinance and shall be considered by the designated approval authority for the specific type of zoning permit, special use permit, building permit, or variance approval for which application is made. (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (a), if the authority to issue a particular zoning or special use, building, or variance permit or approval has been delegated by ordinance to a board, committee or administrative official other than the Town of Columbia Board of Aldermen, Board of Adjustment, or other planning agency designated to perform any or all of the duties of the Board of Adjustment, in order to obtain a zoning vested right, the applicant must request in writing at the time of application that the application be considered and acted on by the Town of Columbia Board of Aldermen or Board of Adjustment, following notice and a public hearing as provided in G.S. 160A-364. (c) In order for a zoning vested right to be established upon approval of a site specific development plan, the applicant must indicate at the time of application, on a form to be provided by the Town of Columbia, that a zoning vested right is being sought. (d) Each map, plat, site plan or other document evidencing a site specific development plan shall contain the following notation: "Approval of this plan establishes a zoning vested right under G.S. 160A-385.1. Unless terminated at an earlier date, the zoning vested right shall be valid until (date)." (e) Following approval or conditional approval of a site specific development plan, nothing in this chapter shall exempt such a plan from subsequent reviews and approvals to ensure compliance with the terms and conditions of the original approval, provided that such reviews and approvals are not inconsistent with the original approval. (f) Nothing in this chapter shall prohibit the revocation of the original approval or other remedies for failure to comply with applicable terms and conditions of the approval or the zoning ordinance. 1*1 15.4 Duration ' (a) A zoning right that has been vested as provided in this chapter shall remain vested for a period of two years. This vesting shall not be extended by any amendments or modifications to a site specific development plan unless expressly provided by the approval authority at the time the amendment or modification is approved. (b) Upon issuance of a building permit, the expiration provisions of G.S. 160A-418 and the revocation provisions of G.S. 160A-422 shall apply, except that a building permit shall not expire or be revoked because of ' the running of time while a zoning vested right under this section is outstanding. 15.5 Termination IA zoning right that has been vested as provided in this chapter shall terminate: (a) at the end of the applicable vesting period with respect to buildings and uses for which no valid building permit applications have been filed; (b) with the written consent of the affected landowner; ' (c) upon findings by the Town of Columbia Board of Aldermen, by ordinance after notice and a public hearing, that natural or man-made hazards on ' or in the immediate vicinity of the property, if uncorrected, would pose a serious threat to the public health, safety, and welfare if the project were to proceed as contemplated in the site specific development plan; (d) upon payment to the affected landowner of compensation for all costs, expenses, and other losses incurred by the landowner, including, but not limited to, all fees paid in consideration of financing, and all architectural, planning, marketing, legal, and other consultant's fees incurred after approval by the Town of Columbia, together with interest thereon at the ' legal rate until paid. Compensation shall not include any diminution in the value of the property which is caused by such action; (e) upon findings by the Town of Columbia Board of Aldermen, by ordinance after notice and a hearing, that the landowner or his representative intentionally supplied inaccurate information or made material misrepresentations which made a difference in the approval by the approval authority of the site specific development plan; or ' (f) upon the enactment or promulgation of a state or federal law or regulation that precludes development as contemplated in the site specific development plan, in which case the approval authority may ' modify the affected provisions, upon a finding that the change in state 84 or federal law has a fundamental effect on the plan, by ordinance after ' notice and a hearing. 15.6 Voluntary Annexation ' A petition for annexation filed with the Town of Columbia under G.S. 160A-31 ' or G.S. 160A-58.1 shall contain a signed statement declaring whether or not any zoning vested right with respect to the properties subject to the petition has been established under G.S. 160A-385.1 or G.S. 153A-344.1. A ' statement that declares that no zoning vested right has been established under G.S. 160A-385.1 or G.S. 153A-344.1, or the failure to sign a statement declaring whether or not.a zoning vested right has been established, shall be ' binding on the landowner and any such zoning vested right shall be terminated. 15.7 Limitations Nothing in this chapter is intended or shall be deemed to create any vested right other than those established pursuant to G.S. 160A-385.1. 15.8 Repealer , In the event that G.S. 160A-385.1 is repealed, Section 15.0 shall be deemed repealed and the provisions hereof no longer effective. I�] W ARTICLE 16. CERTIFICATE ISSUANCE 16.1 Zoning Certificate ' No building or structure or any part thereof shall be erected or repaired until a zoning certificate therefor has been issued by the Building Inspector. Each application for a zoning certificate shall be accompanied by a plat, drawn to scale, showing ' accurate dimensions of the lot to be built upon, accurate dimension of the building to be erected, its location on the lot, and other such information as may be necessary to provide for the enforcement of this ordinance. A careful record of such applications F11 F F', and plats, together with a record of the action taken thereon, shall be kept in the office of the Building Inspector. No permit for excavation or erection of any building or part of a building, or for repairs to or alteration of a building, or the relocation of a building from the lot on which it is situated, shall be issued until after a statement of its intended use has been filed by the applicant. 16.2 Certificate of Occupancy/Compliance No land shall be used or occupied, except for farm purposes, and no building or structure shall be erected, altered, used or changed in use for other than farm purposes until a certificate of occupancy/compliance shall have been issued by the Building Inspector stating that the building and/or the proposed use has been determined to be in compliance with the provisions of this ordinance. A like certificate shall be issued for the purpose of changing any existing use, as well as for maintaining, renewing, changing, or extending any nonconforming use. A certificate of occupancy/compliance, either for the whole or part of a building, shall be applied for prior to occupancy, and shall be issued within five days after the erection or alterations of such building or part shall have been found in compliance with the provisions of this ordinance and other applicable codes and ordinances. A record of all such certificates shall be kept on file in the office of the Building Inspector and shall be furnished on request to any person having a proprietary of tenancy interest in the building or land. 16.3 Penalties for Violation Any person, firm, or corporation who violates any provision of this ordinance shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. Each day that violation continues to exist shall be considered a separate offense. :. ARTICLE 17. BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT 17.1 Composition of the Board of Adiustment Pursuant to N.C.G.S. 160A-388 There is hereby established the composition of the Columbia Board of Adjustment. The Board of Adjustment shall consist of five (5) members appointed by the Board of Aldermen of the Town of Columbia. ' 17.2 Jurisdiction of the Board of Adiustment ' The Board of Adjustment shall have authority on any appeal relative to the provisions of this ordinance originating from within the area encompassed by the legal description of the jurisdiction of this ordinance as described in Article 4. 17.3 Rules for Proceedings of the Board of Adjustment fl The board shall adopt rules governing its organization and for all proceedings before it. Such rules shall provide and require the following in addition to such other rules and regulations the board shall adopt: -- The board shall elect a chairman and vice chairman on an annual basis. -- The Building Inspector or his designee shall serve as the secretary of the board. The secretary shall keep minutes of the proceedings. The minutes shall contain relevant facts and testimony of each appeal, the vote of each member on each appeal, abstention from voting, and attendance. -- No appeal may be heard unless a quorum is present. A quorum shall consist of three -fifths of the membership of the board. -- Due notice shall be given to all parties having interest in an appeal. -- Any interested party may appear in person, by agent, or by attorney to offer evidence and testimony relative to an appeal. 17.4 Powers of the Board of Adiustment Review of Enforcement Officer's Decision Where it is alleged that there is any error in any order, decision, or requirements of the enforcement officers appointed by the Board of Aldermen, the Board of Adjustment shall have the power to hear and decide any appeal taken from the order, decision or requirement of the enforcement officer, and to grant a variance to the appellant to rectify any error of the enforcement officer. A concurring vote of four members of the board shall be required to reverse any order, decision or determination of the enforcement officer, or to decide in favor of the applicant any matter which the board is required to pass under the provisions of this ordinance, or to grant any variation in this ordinance. Variances A variance may be granted to authorize upon appeal in specific cases such variance from the terms of this ordinance as will not be contrary to the public interest, where owing to special conditions, a literal enforcement of the provisions of this ordinance will result in undue hardship, and so that the spirit of this ordinance shall be observed and substantial justice done. In considering all proposed variances to this ordinance, the board shall, before making any finding in a specified case, first determine that the proposed variances will not constitute any change in the district boundaries shown on the zoning map, and will not impair any adequate supply of light and air to adjacent property, or materially increase the public danger of fire and safety, or adversely affect the use or physical attributes of property within the surrounding area, or in any other respect impair the public health, safety, and general welfare. In granting a variance, the board may impose thereto such conditions regarding the location, character, and other features of the proposed building, structure or use as it may deem advisable in furtherance of the purposes of this ordinance. Before a variance is granted, it shall be shown that special circumstances are attached to the property which do not generally apply to other property in the neighborhood. A variance may be granted only when the practical difficulty of undue hardship complained of is due to the particular characteristics of the property and not to the general conditions of the neighborhood which may reflect an undue stringency of the ordinance itself. A hardship peculiar to the applicant as distinguished from others affected by the general rule must be shown. The board may grant a variance in the dimensional yard requirements of this ordinance only where by reason of exceptional narrowness, shallowness, or shape of a specific piece of property which was a lot of record as of the effective date of this ordinance, or where due to the topographical conditions of a piece of property the strict application of the said dimensional requirements of this ordinance would result in practical difficulties or undue hardship of such nature as described in the preceding paragraph. The fact that property may be utilized more profitably will not be considered as justification for granting a variance by the board. The board shall have the power to grant, in particular cases, and subject to appropriate safeguards, permits for special uses as authorized by Article 10. :: I Additional Power In addition to the general powers conferred upon the Board of Adjustment in the ' foregoing, the board shall have authority to make the following exception to the general provisions of this ordinance: f' I Where a use district boundary line crosses a lot, the board, after a public hearing in which it has determined that the spirit and intent of this ordinance has been carried out, may permit a use of either classification on the whole lot, but not to exceed a distance of 150 feet from the boundary line. 17.5 Appeal to the Board of Adjustment An appeal may be taken to the Board of Adjustment by any person aggrieved by a decision of any officer, department or board of the town relative to enforcement or interpretation of this ordinance. Such appeal shall be taken within a reasonable time as provided by the rules of the board by filing the appeal with the office of the Building Inspector. The officer from whom the appeal is taken shall forthwith transmit to the board all papers constituting the record upon which the action appealed from was taken. 17.6 Appeal From Decision of the Board of Adjustment Any person or persons aggrieved by a decision of the Board of Adjustment may, within ninety (90) days, but not thereafter, present to Superior Court of Tyrrell County a petition for a writ of certiorari, duly verified, setting forth that such a decision is illegal, in whole or in part, specifying the grounds of illegality, whereupon such a decision of the board shall be subject to review as provided by law. D [7 1 11 ARTICLE 18. AMENDMENT PROCEDURE 18.1 Amendment by Own Motion The Board of Aldermen may from time to time amend, supplement, change, modify, or repeal the boundaries or regulations herein or subsequently amended. This may be done on the Board of Aldermen' own motion or as a result of a recommendation after a public hearing as prescribed below. 18.2 Amendment by Petition The Board of Aldermen may also desire to take such action as a result of a petition presented by a private citizen or citizens in accordance with the following procedures. Such petitions shall be presented to the Building Inspector at least fifteen (15) working days prior to the meeting of the Planning Board meeting at which it is to be heard, but not to include the day of the meeting. The petition shall contain such information, and shall be presented in such manner as specified by the Planning Board. The Planning Board, after studying the petition, shall prepare a recommendation to be considered by the Board of Aldermen at its next regular meeting. This recommendation will contain all reasons considered in the deliberations of the Planning Board. Acceptance by the Board of Aldermen of a recommendation of the Planning Board for an amendment to this ordinance will be only in the form of an authorization for notice of a public hearing as prescribed by law. Notice for such public hearing shall be given once a week for two successive calendar weeks in a newspaper distributed in the town, and the first such notice shall be published not less than fifteen (15) days and not more than twenty-five (25) days prior to the date fixed for the hearing. 18.3 Protest to Amendment In cases of a protest against any proposed 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 in lots immediately adjacent thereto either in the rear thereof or on either side thereof, extending one hundred feet therefrom, or of those directly opposite thereof extending one hundred feet from the street frontage of such opposite lots, such amendment shall not become effective except by favorable vote of three -fourths of all the members of the Board of Aldermen. 1 I ARTICLE 19. ADMINISTRATION, ENFORCEMENT, AND PENALTIES ' 19.1 Zoning Enforcement The Building Inspector and his authorized agents are hereby appointed the 1 enforcement officers with the duties of enforcing the provisions of this ordinance. If a ruling of the Building Inspector or his authorized agents is questioned, the aggrieved ' party or parties may appeal such ruling to the Board of Adjustment. n C 11 91 ARTICLE 20. LEGAL STATUS PROVISIONS 20.1 Validity If any section, sentence, clause, or phrase of this ordinance is for any reason held to be invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance. The Board of Aldermen hereby declares that it would have passed this ordinance, and each section, clause, and phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, sentences or clauses be declared invalid. 20.2 Effective Date This ordinance shall be in full force and effective henceforth from February 7, 1998. This ordinance was duly adopted by the Board of Aldermen of the Town of Columbia on January 5, 1998, with an effective date of February 7, 1998. 92 EXTRACT LEGEND -■ ILMVL1116 "ON Agricultural District Residential District Multi -Family District Multi -Family Manufactured Homes Central Business District Highway Business District Industrial District Historic District - Overlay Open Space District NOTE: When a boundary line of the open space district parallels the shoreline of the Scuppernong River, the open space district boundary is located seventy-five (75) feet from the mean high water mark of the Scuppernong River. The preparation of this map 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. OFFICIAL ZONING MAP TOWN OF COLUMBIA SCALE IN FEET I, , MAYOR OF THE TOWN OF COLUMBIA, DO HEREBY CERTIFY THIS IS THE MAP WHICH DESIGNATES, AS OF FEBRUARY 7, 1998, THE ZONING AREAS FOR THE TOWN OF COLUMBIA. ATTEST: MAYOR, TOWN OF COLUMBIA TOWN CLERK INTRODUCTION This sketch Land Use Plan is intended to develop methods of public participation, research existing land use, and develop policies based upon identified relevant issues, trends, constraints, and needs for the Town of Colerain. Through various enabling legis- lation, many specific land use tools, such as subdivision regulations, zoning ordinances, minimum housing codes, etc., are available to the Town in order to achieve orderly development. Area encompassed in this study includes the Town and property immediately sur- rounding the Town (see maps). This Land Use Plan can only be implemented by Colerain within the Town's jurisdiction. The areas outside the corporate limits are analyzed by land uses and land classifications to illustrate future goals of the local government. 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. EXISTING CONDITIONS A. Population Colerain is located in the northern Coastal Plain in the northeastern part of Bertie County. The Town's population has remained small over the years. A decline in popula- tion has occurred since a 1970 high of 373. Bertie County's overall population trend has shown a steady increase since 1980. This is expected to continue over the next few years (Table 1). The Town's population decline may be leveling off. Although the Town has lost 30% of its 1970 population, many homes are occupied by one person. Larger families may reside in these homes in the future. Factors that may attract new families are the availability of water and sewer and the proximity of the Chowan River. TABLE 1. POPULATION OF COLERAIN, BERTIE COUNTY, AND COLERAIN TOWNSHIP. YEAR COLERAIN CHANGE BERTIE CHANGE COLERAIN CHANGE (%) COUNTY (%) TOWNSHIP (%) 1960 340 - 24,350 - 4756 - 1970 373 9.7 20,528 -15.7 4069 -14 1980 284 -24 21,024 2.4 3981 - 2 1987 262 - 7.7 21,132 5 - - 1995 262 0 21,895 3.6 - - Source: N.C. State Data Center, Office of Budget and Management; Mid -East Commission; Town of Colerain B. Housing According to a local survey and the 1980 U.S. Census, the Town of Colerain has 138 dwelling units, 9 of which were vacant in 1989. Of the occupied dwellings, 41.3% were built prior to 1946, indicating a seriously aging housing stock (Table 2). TABLE 2. COLERAIN HOUSING UNITS BY YEAR STRUCTURE BUILT. YEAR TOTAL % OF OCCUPIED % OF NO. UNITS TOTAL UNITS TOTAL 80 to 89 5 3.6 5 3.9 70 to 79 6 4.3 6 4.6 60 to 69 18 13.0 18 13.9 50 to 59 28 20.3 28 21.7 40 to 49 24 17.3 22 17.0 39 to earlier 57 41.3 50 38.8 138 129 Source: N.C. State Data Center, Office of Budget and Management; Mid -East Commission; Town of Colerain. C. Economy Colerain had 133 persons sixteen years and older in the labor force in 1980. Of those employed, the majority are working in retail trade (19.3%), wholesale trade (18.5%), or manufacturing of nondurable goods (11.2%) (Table 3). Most Colerain residents are employed in nearby communities such as Ahoskie, Windsor, Edenton, or Plymouth. Some travel to the Hampton Roads area for work. Seafood and agricultural processing activities occur near Town. The Town's tax rate is $.85 per $100.00 real property valuation. TABLE 3. EMPLOYED COLERAIN PERSONS BY INDUSTRY TYPE. # OF % OF INDUSTRY EMPLOYED THOSEIN PERSONS LABOR FORCE Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, Mining 13 1C 5 Construction 5 4.0 Manufacturing Nondurable Goods 14 11.2 Durable Goods 5 4.0 Transportation 1 .8 Communication, Other Public Utilities 2 1.6 Retail Trade 24 19.5 Wholesale Trade 23 18.5 Finance, Insurance and Real Estate 3 2.4 Business and Repair Services 4 3.2 Personal, Entertainment, and Recreation Services 8 6.4 Professional and Related Services Health Services 2 1.6 Education Services 13 10.5 Other Professional and Related Services 4 3.2 Public Administration 3 2.4 Source: N.C. State Data Center, Office of Budget and Management. D. Land Use The Town of Colerain is a small fishing and farming village, surrounded on all sides by farmland. Most developed land within the Town is residential. A small business district in the center of Town includes grocery stores, insurance offices, a bank, a Post Office, a taxidermy business, a clothing store, a laundromat, an appliance store, craft shops, a barber shop, an oil company, a telephone switching station, and a garment factory. A major east coast seafood processing facility, the Perry Wynns Fish Com- pany, borders the River. The land use trends in Colerain have been static for the past twenty years. However, with expansion of existing water and sewer systems, the area east of Town along the ISSUE #3: Drainage in the outlying areas of Colerain needs improvement in order to avoid periodic yard flooding and standing water problems. Policy Statement: The Town of Colerain will develop a specific area -wide drainage plan to implement as developed and developing areas are brought into the Town's jurisdiction. Implementation Strategy: SHORT-TERM: a. The Town will utilize recent detailed soil maps from the Bertie County Soil Conservation Service in developing a detailed area -wide drainage plan. LONG-TERM: b. The Town will seek financial and/or technical assistance from State and/or Federal agencies to help implement a specific drainage improvement plan as necessary. ISSUE #4: The Town has a water and sewer system that, with upgrading and expansion, can encourage development. Policy Statement: The Town recognizes the need and supports the expansion of the existing water and sewer systems in order to attract development. Implementation Strategy: SHORT-TERM: a. The Town will analyze the existing water and sewer systems and determine what needs to be done to upgrade and expand these systems. LONG-TERM: b. If feasible, the Town will apply for grants for water and/or sewer system improvements. ISSUE #5: Although the Town is committed to a moderate rate of growth, there are no existing controls for an orderly growth pattern. Policy Statement: Developing land use and planning controls will be of primary im- portance as a means for promoting orderly growth and development. Implementation Strategy: SHORT-TERM: a. The Town will prepare and adopt a zoning ordinance. SHORT-TERM: b. The Town Council will appoint a Planning Board. LONG-TERM: c. All adopted land use related plans will be continuously reviewed and updated as necessary. LONG-TERM: d. All land use control ordinances will be reviewed for needed revisions at least annually. LONG-TERM: e. The Town will pursue the possibility of establishing extraterritorial jurisdiction. This jurisdictional expansion will enable Colerain to implement this sketch Land Use Plan, a zoning ordinance, and any other land use and planning controls that may be heretofore adopted in a specified area located within a mile from the Town's limits. ISSUE #6: Police protection is important to the safety and welfare of the Town's residents. Policy Statement: The Town of Colerain will make efforts to promote a safe environment for its citizens by increasing police protection in the Town. Implementation Strategy: SHORT-TERM: The Town will investigate financing possibilities for the employment of at least a part-time police officer. OTHER POLICY ISSUES 1. Types and Location of Desired Industries. Commercial fishing and agriculture have been the historic primary economic activities in the Colerain area, and the Town would like to see more industries developed which are related to these activities. Examples include seafood, aquaculture, and agricultural processing. Other industries are also encouraged to promote the economic development of the Colerain area and to provide more employment opportunities for the area's residents. Such industries should be located only where State and Federal environmental guidelines can be met. 2. Types, Location, and Density of Residential Development. Colerain would like to maintain the low -density, single-family residential character of the Town. The most desirable locations for such development would be on land already cleared and on sites which are economically accessible to water and/or sewer lines. 3. Energy Facility Siting. The Town would not like to see any of the Colerain area's natural resources adversely affected by the nearby placement of energy facilities. However, such facilities that have no adverse effects on the environment, such as a solar energy facility, should be permis- sible and located only where stringent environmental regulations can be met. STORM HAZARD MITIGATION, POST -DISASTER RECOVERY POLICIES The Town of Colerain is located in close proximity to the Chowan River shoreline and wetlands, which is one of the major hazard areas in the county according to the Bertie County 1986 Land Use Plan. In the event of a major storm, the Mayor of Colerain would act as a liaison between the Town and the Bertie County Office of Emergency Management. The County's multi - hazard plan includes an evacuation area shelter at Colerain Elementary School. LAND CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM The purpose of the land classification system is to provide a uniform way of looking at how the use of land interacts with environmentally sensitive areas and with the develop- ment needs of a particular locality. It is not a strict regulatory device in the sense of a zoning ordinance or zoning map. It represents a tool to aid in understanding the relationships between various land use categories and how these relationships help shape local policy. Particular attention is focused on the intensity at which land is used and the level of services needed to support that intensity. The Coastal Area Management Act's land use planning guidelines state: "The land classification system provides a framework to be used by local govern- ment to identify the future use of all lands in each county. The designation of land classes allows the local government to illustrate their policy statements as to where and to what density they want growth to occur, and where they want to conserve natural and cultural resources by guiding growth." (713.0204)(a) The land classifications, along with a land classification map, are therefore intended to serve as a visual representation of the policies stated in the preceding discussion. The map depicting these classifications must be as flexible as the policies that guide them. (See ment of Cultural Resources, Division of Archives and History, has noted the following structures of historic or architectural significance in Colerain: • Beasley House — located on the southwest corner of Academy and Main Streets; two-story wood frame structure constructed in the 1820s. • Revel -Wade House — located on the northwest corner of Academy and Main Streets; two-story wood frame structure constructed in the late 1820s or early 1830s. • Colerain Community Library — previously a doctor's office, the Library is located on Winton Street; one-story, wood frame structure constructed around 1940. There are several known archaeological sites within the Colerain planning area, principally along the Chowan River. The high ground along this River is of particular interest to the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources, Division of Archives and History. G. Natural Resources The soils which make up Colerain's area are generally moderately to poorly drained soils, although well suited for both agricultural and woodland uses. Soil types in the area are not limiting to development, especially if water and sewer facilities are extended. Colerain is located about one-half mile west of the Chowan River, an important natural asset. This River is the upper portion of the Albemarle/Pamlico Sound which is the second largest estuarine system on the east coast of the United States. This has made Colerain the largest commercial fishing area in Bertie County. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND CITIZEN SURVEY RESULTS Intrinsic in any community planning process is the need for public participation. In discussions with the Town Land Use Plan Advisory Committee, it was decided that public participation in the form of a citizen survey form or questionnaire would achieve maximum input from the public. The questionnaire was made available to the public at the Town Clerk's office, distributed by various committee members, and taken door-to-door to households and merchants. Of the seventy (70) surveys distributed, there were twenty-nine (29) respondents for a response rate of 41 %. The results from the Citizen Survey identified some issues, trends, and concerns for which policy statements can be established. Citizens of Colerain and the surrounding area were asked to give their opinions as to the most critical development issues facing the Town over the next ten years. The choices of issues given and the response percentage of each are as follows: lack of economic development, 33%; maintaining the "character" of the Town, e.g., quiet residential, 21%; control, or guidance, of land development within the Town, 19%; provision of adequate water and sewer to meet growth demands, 16%; and the provision of adequate drainage, 11%. Respondents expressed their view concerning the growth of the Town in the next ten years as follows: 39% felt that the Town should grow substantially; another 39% thought it should grow moderately; 18% felt that it should stay about the same as now, and 4% anticipated a decrease in population. The following issues had favorable response by the Town as follows: Environmental resource preservation, 100%; historical resource preservation, 93%; the need for full-time police protection, 89%; Colerain's application for water and sewer system grants, 76%; the Town establishing a planning jurisdiction outside the Town limits, 73%; Town's adoption of subdivision regulations, 70%; the development of a public waterfront park, 68%; and the need for more recreational facilities, 65%. To further show commitment on the part of the respondents, the majority of those surveyed expressed a willingness to allocate more taxes for: Police protection, 85%; rescue squad, 75%; more recreational facilities, 73%; fire protection, 69%; water system, 67%; public garbage collection, 67%; drainage improvements, 65%; street improvements, 65%; and sewer system, 61%. Other areas of concern identified as important by the residents of the Colerain area are as follows: The annexation of developed and developing areas into the Town limits; the establishment of a day care facility for senior citizens; the increase of employment op- portunities; the rehabilitation of substandard housing; the increase of shopping convenience; and the establishment of zoning in the Town. ISSUES, POLICY STATEMENTS, AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY Below is presented the list of issues which we identified during the survey process, policy statements as adopted by the Town of Colerain Land Use Plan Advisory Committee, and the implementation strategies for each policy statement. ISSUE #1: The Coastal Resources Commission has designated three Areas of Environmental Concern (AECs) in the Colerain Land Use Plan Study Area. These areas are the public trust area of the Chowan River, the estuarine waters associated with the River, and a seventy- five foot estuarine shoreline bordering the River. The Coastal Area Management Act gives special attention to the nature of development in these AECs, making sure that any proposed development would meet State guidelines. The wetlands in the Colerain Land Use Study Area are under supervision by the Army Corps of Engineers, who enforces the Clean Water Act. Any discharge of dredged or fill materials into these waters are regulated by the Corps' permit process. State and federal programs such as the aforementioned provide protection for the area's environmental resources. The residents of Colerain are concerned with this resource preservation. Policy Statement: The Town of Colerain will undertake appropriate measures to increase public awareness of environmentally fragile areas by supporting and advising citizens on how to comply with State and Federal environmental programs. Implementation Strategy: SHORT-TERM: The Town will make available to citizens information on the area's environmental resources and promote their preservation. ISSUE #2: The Town of Colerain wishes to preserve its historical resources. Policy Statement: The Town, along with any owners of property with significant historical value, will seek preservation of properties through local, State, and Federal means. Implementation Strategy: SHORT-TERM: a. The Town will inventory the properties in the area which may be of significant historical value. SHORT-TERM: b. The Town will make available to those historic property owners additional information concerning nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. LONG-TERM: c. The Town will seek to keep its residents informed of the historical resources it possesses and will participate in and support the protection of all historical sites and areas. E. Chowan River has the potential to develop with residential uses. There are no industries in the Town limits of Colerain. Community Facilities 1. Water System Unlike many other small towns, Colerain has the advantage of a municipal water system. This system, constructed in 1938, serves approximately 280 residents with 142 water connections. A water tower located in the southeastern portion of the Town off Main Street holds approximately 38,000 gallons of water. It dispenses an average of about 66,000 gallons of water per day, close to two million gallons per month. The tower is replenished by a main well which pumps water at a rate of about 500 gallons per minute. A second well on the same site acts as a back up in case the main well fails. This second well pumps water at a rate of about 50 gallons per minute and the water is used for fire protection. Eighteen fire hydrants are integrated into the water system. Colerain's water is average in quality and abundant in quantity. New develop- ment within the Town can tap on to the existing water system; however, for major extensions to serve areas outside Town, the current system may need upgrading. 2. Sewage Disposal According to the Bertie County 1986 Land Use Plan, the wastewater collection and treatment facilities for Colerain serve 275 residents within the Town's limits. It is a secondary treatment plant. The facility was constructed in 1976 and has a capacity of 75,000 gpd with a 38,000 gpd discharge location on a tributary of the Chowan River. Since this system is operating at 50 percent, there is sufficient capacity for the community to plan for development. However, the effluent quality of the plant's discharged wastewater is not in compliance with State standards. A supplementary system whereby sludge is applied to farmland would assist in upgrading the existing system. However, this improvement alone would not solve the problem of excessive nitrogen and phosphate content in the discharged wastewater. Costly improvements to the wastewater treatment plant are necessary to help protect the nutrient -sensitive Chowan River basin from excessive algae blooms. Residents of the area surrounding Colerain rely on septic tanks for wastewater removal. 3. Solid Waste Disposal Solid waste collection is provided by the Town two times per week for residents and businesses. The refuse is hauled to the Town's landfill and placed in dumpsters which the County empties periodically. Fallen tree limbs and yard debris are deposited in the landfill. 4. Drainage The Town's storm drainage system, complete with curb and gutter, effectively drains excess water into outlying areas of the Town's limits. Unfortunately, drainage is a problem for the Long Branch neighborhood located south of the Town. Ac- cording to a Bertie County sanitarian, water samples from the drinking wells reveal high bacteria contents in this neighborhood's water supply. Because the neigh- borhood is in a low lying area, it is believed that this water problem is associated with poor drainage. 5. Transportation All of the public streets in Colerain are paved. However, State Road 1337 just outside the Town is currently dirt. This road accesses several residences and is not in good repair. The State is currently working to install curb and gutter and improve portions of River Street toward the Chowan River. Two major highways intersect at the center of Town; Highway 42 running east to the River and west to Powellsville; and Highway 45 running north to Harrellsville and running south parallel to the Chowan River. 6. Police, Fire, and Rescue The Town does not employ any police officers, although they have in the past. The Town now relies solely on the Bertie County Sheriff's Department for police protection. This protection is not adequate for Colerain. Fire protection is provided by the Town of Colerain Volunteer Fire Depart- ment which consists of approximately 20 men. The Fire Department is equipped with two pumpers and one tanker. Bertie County Emergency Management personnel estimates approximately 40 calls for fire protection from the Colerain area per year. Response time for these calls is adequate. The Town has a volunteer rescue squad with 19 active Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs), two ambulances and one rescue unit. Bertie County Emer- gency Management personnel estimates approximately 200 to 225 calls for service per year. Although it is a volunteer rescue squad, with many EMTs working during the day, the response time to calls is exceptionally good. In addition to the Colerain fire and rescue squads, the Town has a mutual aid agreement between all towns in Bertie County for additional fire protection facilities and emergency medical support from other nearby communities. 7. Medical Services There are no practicing physicians in the Town of Colerain. The Bertie County Health Department, however, conducts a walk-in clinic, a hypertension clinic, and a Women, Infants, and Children's (WIC) pick-up station five separate days of the month from a trailer located on Winton Street. Aside from the Health Department's clinics, residents can obtain medical ser- vices from surrounding communities such as Ahoskie, Windsor, and Edenton. The Town has no pharmacy in operation at the present, although they have had one in the past. 8. Public Schools The Town of Colerain has one school located within the Town limits, Colerain Elementary School, which serves grades K-8 for residents of Colerain and the surrounding countryside. Bertie County Board of Education officials report a 1988-89 academic year enrollment of 403 pupils for Colerain Elementary School. The School's capacity is 475. Ninth through twelfth graders are bused to Bertie High School located about 20 miles from Colerain. Bertie High has a 1988-89 enroll- ment of 1,218 students, with a capacity of 1,200. 9. Recreational Facilities Colerain owns land in the center of the Town where a library, the Town Hall, a community building and a small park are located off Winton Street. This park has picnic tables, benches, swings, and a small merry-go-round. The elementary school also has a recreational area. The Colerain Beach and Boat Club is located at the east end of River Street (Hwy 42) where a private dirt road runs along the River. This Club is privately owned and opened only during the summer to members and guests. It has fishing and swimming piers, a slide, picnic pavilions, a boat ramp, and seesaws. F. Cultural Resources Currently, there are no properties or archaeological sites in Colerain listed on the National Register of Historic Places or the North Carolina Division of Archives and History Study List for future nomination to the Register. However, the N.C. Depart- Land Classification Map.) Please keep in mind that although area surrounding the Town is included in the map, the Town's current jurisdiction is limited to the area in the present corporate limits of Colerain. The land classifications indicated outside Town represent the future classification intention of Colerain to be implemented when the Town's jurisdiction is expanded. A. Developed The purpose for this class is to provide for continued intensive development and redevelopment of existing cities. Areas meeting the intent of the developed land classification are currently urban in character where minimal undeveloped land remains and have in place, or are scheduled for the timely provision of, the usual municipal or public services. Urban in character includes mixed land uses such as residential, commercial, industrial, in- stitutional, and other uses at high to moderate densities. Services include water, sewer, recreational facilities, streets and roads, police and fire protection. Most land classified "developed" lies within the Town (see land classification map). B. Transition Transition land is classified as those lands providing for future intensive urban development within the ensuing ten years on lands that are most suitable and that will be scheduled for provision of necessary public utilities and services. They may also provide for additional growth when additional lands in the developed class are not available or when they are severely limited for development. Lands classified for "transition" may include: 1. lands currently having urban services, and 2. other lands necessary to accommodate the urban population and economic growth anticipated within the planning jurisdiction over the next ten years. Lands classified for the latter reason must: a. be served or be readily served by water, sewer, and other urban services, including streets, and b. be generally free of severe physical limitations for urban development. The "transition" class should not include: a. lands of high potential for agriculture, forestry, or mineral extraction, or land falling within extensive rural areas being managed commercially for these uses, when other lands are available; b. lands where urban development might result in major or irreversible damage to important environmental, cultural, scientific, or scenic values; or c. land where urban development might result in damage to natural systems or processes of more than local concern; and d. lands where development will result in undue risk to life or property from natural hazards or existing land uses, e.g., frequently flooded areas. Transitional lands are those areas where public investment decisions will be re- quired to provide the necessary urban services. With long-range planned improvements in both water and sewer services, the areas classified "transition" should have ac- cessibility to these services. The relationship between "developed" and "transitional" make those lands classified as developed important areas to closely monitor. The Coastal Resources Commission has further clarified this relationship as described below. The Developed and Transitional classes should be the only lands under active consideration by a county or municipality for intensive urban development requiring urban services. The area within these classes is where detailed local land use and public investment planning will occur. State and Federal expenditures on projects associated with urban development (water, sewer, urban street systems, etc.) will be guided to these areas. Most of the "transitional" lands in the Town of Colerain cor- porate limits should have access to centralized water and/or sewer systems during the planning period. Land classified "transition" on the land classification map includes the following areas: a. All undeveloped land within the Town's limits. b. The elementary school property (currently undeveloped) located adjacent to the school and outside the Town's limits. c. Property west of Town currently being used for industrial and residential uses but not connected to municipal water and sewer. d. The Long Branch neighborhood south of Town. e. Additional land south of Town currently being used for agricultural and residential uses but planned for the future development of a trailer park and lands adjacent to roads where the future extension of water lines is planned. C. Rural The "rural" class provides for agriculture, forest management, mineral extraction, and other low -intensity uses on large sites, including residences where urban services are not required and where natural resources will not be unduly impaired. These lands are identified as appropriate locations for resources management and allied uses: land with high potential for agriculture, forestry, or mineral extraction; lands with one or more limitations that would make development costly and hazardous; and land con- taining irreplaceable, limited, or significant natural, recreational, or scenic resources not otherwise classified. Rural lands in the Colerain Study Area surround the Town, excluding lands where urban services are likely to be extended and lands that may be subject to flooding (see land classification map). D. Conservation The "conservation" class provides for effective long-term management of signifi- cant limited or irreplaceable areas. This management may be needed because of its natural, cultural, recreational, productive, or scenic values. This class should be limited to lands that contain: major wetlands; essentially undeveloped shorelands that are unique, fragile, or hazardous for development; necessary wildlife habitat or areas that have a high probability for providing necessary habitat conditions; publicly -owned water supply watersheds and aquifers; and forestlands that are undeveloped and will remain undeveloped for commercial purposes. Also, by definition, all Areas of Environmental Concern should be classified as "conservation." On the eastern portion of the Colerain Study Area, land bordering the Chowan River is designated as conservation. This area is mostly wetlands with sloping cliffs and soils unsuitable for agriculture. The Colerain wastewater treatment plant, the Colerain Beach and Boat Club and several industrial, residential, and recreational uses are located in this area. Although partially developed, the Town of Colerain wishes to preserve this fragile environmental area. West of Colerain lies the Chinkapin Swamp. This forested area, designated as conservation, is totally undeveloped with the exception of the Town's landfill. The classification of this area will influence future policy concerning expansion or relocation of this existing dumpsite. SUMMARY The issues, policy statements, and implementation strategies identified herein should serve as primary decision -making tools to aid the Town of Colerain in the day-to-day opera- tion of the planning program. Adherence to these policies will minimize arbitrary planning decisions. In addition, the implementation strategies identified will provide the methodology to successfully meet the needs and demands of future Town growth. Implementation of the policies will depend completely upon the cooperation of the Colerain Town Council, the Planning Board (when established), and most importantly, the residents of Colerain. TOWN OF COLERAIN NORTH CAROLINA 1989 LAND USE PLAN Sketch Level PREPARED BY: THE TOWN OF COLERAIN A.D. Jernigan, Mayor TOWN COUNCIL Carl Freeman - Eloise Perry Duncan Hughes Arline Riddick Gilbert Spruill DCM COPY" f�� DCM COPY lease do not remove!!!!! THE TOWN OF COLERAIN NORTH CAROLINA 1989 LAND USE PLAN Sketch Level Local Adoption Date: October 26, 1989 CRC Certification Date: December 1, 1989 The preparation of this document 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.