ZONING ORDINANCE
TOWN OF SEVEN DEVILS
NORTH CAROLINA
Adopted: May 8, 2006
Last Amended: May 8, 2006
.
This page intentionally blank.
.
TOWN OF SEVEN DEVILS
ZONING ORDINANCE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ARTICLE 1 – GENERAL PROVISIONS Preamble: ..............................................................................................................................
1-1
1.1 Authority and Enactment .....................................................................................
1-1
1.2 Short Title ............................................................................................................
1-1
1.3 Purposes in View .................................................................................................
1-1
1.4 Application...........................................................................................................
1-1
1.4.1 Jurisdiction...........................................................................................................1-1
1.4.2 Bona Fide Farms Exempt.....................................................................................
1-1
1.5 Required Conformance to Ordinance Provisions ................................................
1-1
1.6 Fees ......................................................................................................................
1-1
1.7 Effective Date ......................................................................................................
1-2
ARTICLE 2 -ADMINISTRATIVE MECHANISM
2.1 Town Council.......................................................................................................
2-1
2.2 Town of Seven Devils Planning Board................................................................
2-1
2.2.1 Establishment of the Planning Board...................................................................
2-1
2.2.2 Tenure ..................................................................................................................
2-2
2.2.3 Officers ................................................................................................................
2-2
2.2.4 Powers of the Planning Board..............................................................................
2-2
2.2.5 Regular Meetings of the Planning Board.............................................................2-3
2.2.6 Attendance at Meetings........................................................................................
2-3
2.2.7 Quorum and Voting .............................................................................................
2-4
2.3 Seven Devils Board of Adjustment......................................................................
2-4
2.3.1 Establishment of the Board of Adjustment..........................................................2-4
2.3.2 Tenure ..................................................................................................................
2-4
2.3.3 Officers ................................................................................................................
2-4
2.3.4 Powers of the Board.............................................................................................2-5
2.3.5 Regular Meetings .................................................................................................
2-5
2.3.6 Attendance at Meetings........................................................................................
2-6
2.3.7 Quorum and Voting .............................................................................................
2-6
2.3.8 Appeals of Board of Adjustment Actions............................................................2-7
2.4 Zoning Administrator...........................................................................................
2-7
Adopted: May 8, 2006 TOC -1 .
ARTICLE 3 -GENERAL DEFINITIONS
3.1 Word Interpretation..............................................................................................
3-1
3.2 Definitions, General.............................................................................................3-1
Adjacent Property ..........................................................................................
3-1
Aggrieved Party .............................................................................................
3-1
Alley ............................................................................................................
3-1
Amusement and Recreation Facility..............................................................3-1
Apartment ......................................................................................................
3-1
Base Flood .....................................................................................................
3-2
B&B / Bed and Breakfast ..............................................................................
3-2
Best Management Practices (BMP) ...............................................................
3-2
Bona Fide Farm..............................................................................................
3-2
Buffer / Buffer Yard.......................................................................................
3-2
Building..........................................................................................................
3-2
Building Inspector..........................................................................................
3-2
Building, Principal .........................................................................................
3-2
Built-upon Area .............................................................................................
3-2
Business, General...........................................................................................
3-2
Business, Recreational ...................................................................................
3-2
Calendar Day .................................................................................................
3-2
Car Lot ...........................................................................................................
3-2
Cemetery........................................................................................................
3-2
Certificate of Completion ..............................................................................
3-3
Certificate of Occupancy ...............................................................................
3-3
Citizen of Seven Devils .................................................................................
3-3
Clubhouse ......................................................................................................
3-3
Cluster / Cluster Development.......................................................................3-3
Commercial....................................................................................................
3-3
Comprehensive Land Use Plan......................................................................3-3
Conditional Use .............................................................................................
3-3
Conditional Use Permit..................................................................................
3-3
Council...........................................................................................................
3-3
Critical Area...................................................................................................3-3
Day Care Facility ...........................................................................................
3-3
Dedication ......................................................................................................
3-4
Development ..................................................................................................
3-4
Drainageway ..................................................................................................
3-4
Driveway........................................................................................................
3-4
Dwelling.........................................................................................................
3-4
Essential Services...........................................................................................
3-4
Easement ........................................................................................................
3-4
Existing Development....................................................................................
3-4
Existing Lot of Record...................................................................................3-5
Family ............................................................................................................
3-5
Floodway........................................................................................................
3-5
Green Space ...................................................................................................
3-5
Gross Land Areas...........................................................................................
3-5
Habitable Floor ..............................................................................................
3-5
Adopted: May 8, 2006 TOC -2
.
Hazardous Material........................................................................................3-5
Height (of a structure or part thereof) ............................................................
3-5
Height Limitation, Primary............................................................................3-5
Home Business...............................................................................................
3-5
Hotel / Motel..................................................................................................3-5
HQW / High-Quality Water...........................................................................3-5
Impervious .....................................................................................................
3-5
Kennel ............................................................................................................
3-5
Loading, Off-Street ........................................................................................
3-6
Lot ............................................................................................................
3-6
Lot Line..........................................................................................................
3-6
Interior......................................................................................................
3-6
Street ........................................................................................................
3-6
Manufactured Home ......................................................................................
3-6
Manufactured Home Community ..................................................................
3-6
Mixed-use Facility .........................................................................................
3-6
Modular Unit..................................................................................................
3-6
Non-conforming Feature................................................................................
3-6
Non-conforming Lot ......................................................................................
3-7
Non-conforming Use .....................................................................................
3-7
Non-residential Development ........................................................................
3-7
Open-air Market.............................................................................................3-7
Open Space: ...................................................................................................
3-7
Parking, Off-Street.........................................................................................3-7
Pervious Surface ............................................................................................
3-7
Place of Assembly: ........................................................................................
3-7
Plat ............................................................................................................
3-7
Premise...........................................................................................................
3-7
Private Utilities ..............................................................................................
3-7
Public Utilities ...............................................................................................
3-7
Quorum ..........................................................................................................
3-7
Recreation Facility, Non-Profit......................................................................
3-7
Rental Property ..............................................................................................
3-8
Resident of Seven Devils ...............................................................................
3-8
Residential Development ...............................................................................
3-8
Right-of-Way .................................................................................................
3-8
Setback, Interior.............................................................................................3-8
Setback, Street................................................................................................
3-8
Site-Specific Development Plan ....................................................................
3-8
Stables............................................................................................................
3-8
Start of Construction......................................................................................3-8
Street ............................................................................................................
3-8
Street Frontage Width....................................................................................3-8
Structural Alteration.......................................................................................
3-8
Structure.........................................................................................................
3-8
Accessory.................................................................................................
3-9
Principal ...................................................................................................
3-9
Sustainable Development...............................................................................
3-9
Temporary Portable Building (Construction-Related)...................................
3-9
Adopted: May 8, 2006 TOC -3
.
Town Manager ...............................................................................................
3-9
Toxic Substance.............................................................................................3-9
Use ............................................................................................................
3-9
Accessory.................................................................................................
3-9
Principal ...................................................................................................
3-9
Variance .........................................................................................................
3-9
Vested Rights .................................................................................................
3-9
Water and Waste-water Treatment Plant .....................................................
3-10
Watershed ....................................................................................................
3-10
Zoning Permit ..............................................................................................
3-10
Zoning Administrator...................................................................................
3-10
Zoning Lot ...................................................................................................
3-10
ARTICLE 4 -ZONING DISTRICTS
4.1 Establishment of Zoning Districts .......................................................................
4-1
4.1.1 Low-Density Residential District (LDR).............................................................4-1
4.1.2 Medium-Density Residential District (MDR) .....................................................
4-1
4.1.3 Transitional District (T) .......................................................................................
4-1
4.1.4 Recreational Business District (RB) ....................................................................
4-1
4.1.5 General Business District (GB) ...........................................................................
4-1
4.1.6 Snowcloud Residential District (SC)...................................................................4-1
4.2 Zoning Map..........................................................................................................
4-1
4.2.1 Zoning Map Amendment.....................................................................................4-1
4.2.2 Status of Copies. ..................................................................................................
4-3
4.2.3 Zoning Map Replacement....................................................................................4-3
ARTICLE 5 -USE REGULATIONS 5.1 Intent ....................................................................................................................
5-1
5.2 Establishment of Permitted Uses .........................................................................
5-1
5.3 Table of Permitted Uses.......................................................................................5-1
5.4 Applicability of Use Regulations.........................................................................
5-1
5.5 Cluster Subdivisions ............................................................................................
5-1
TABLE 5.1 -TABLE OF PERMITTED USES ......................................................................
5-3
ARTICLE 6 -ACCESSORY USES 6.1 Intent ....................................................................................................................
6-1
6.2 Establishment of Permitted Accessory Uses........................................................
6-1
6.3 Table of Permitted Accessory Uses .....................................................................
6-1
6.4 Applicability of Use Regulation ..........................................................................
6-1
6.5 Intensity Regulations ...........................................................................................
6-1
Adopted: May 8, 2006 TOC -4 .
ARTICLE 7 -INTENSITY REGULATIONS
7.1 General Intent.......................................................................................................
7-1
7.2 Schedule of Density, Lot Size, Height Limit, and Setback
Regulations ............. 7-1
7.3 General Applicability of Intensity Regulations ...................................................
7-1
7.4 Lot Size ................................................................................................................
7-1
7.5 Density .................................................................................................................
7-1
7.6 Lot Coverage........................................................................................................
7-1
7.7 Height...................................................................................................................
7-1
7.8 Lot Width.............................................................................................................7-1
TABLE 7.1 -DENSITY, LOT SIZE, HEIGHT LIMIT, AND SETBACK REQMNTS
........ 7-2
7.9 Front Yard Setback ..............................................................................................
7-3
7.10 Side Yard Setback................................................................................................7-3
7.11 Rear Yard Setback ...............................................................................................
7-3
7.12 Exceptions to Setback Requirements...................................................................7-3
7.13 Minimum House Size ..........................................................................................
7-3
7.13.1 Single Family......................................................................................................7-3
7.13.2 Multi Family .......................................................................................................
7-3
ARTICLE 8 -COMMUNITY DESIGN STANDARDS
8.1 Intent ....................................................................................................................
8-1
8.2 Building Appearance Standards...........................................................................
8-1
8.2.1 Intent ....................................................................................................................
8-1
8.2.2 Applicability ........................................................................................................
8-1
8.2.3 Material Requirements.........................................................................................8-1
8.2.3.1 Exterior Walls for All Construction......................................................
8-1
8.2.3.2 Roofing for All Construction................................................................8-1
8.2.3.3 Additional Requirements for Commercial Development .....................
8-2
1) Applicability ...................................................................................
8-2
2) Exterior Walls and Facades ............................................................
8-2
3) Roofing ...........................................................................................
8-2
8.3 Landscaping .........................................................................................................
8-2
8.3.1 Intent ....................................................................................................................
8-2
8.3.2 Applicability ........................................................................................................
8-2
8.3.3 Existing and Added Vegetation ...........................................................................
8-3
8.3.4 Landscaping Procedures. .....................................................................................
8-3
8.4 Open Areas Requiring Landscaping ....................................................................
8-4
8.4.1 Intent ....................................................................................................................
8-4
8.4.2 Street Yards for Other Than Single-and Two-Family Houses............................
8-4
8.4.3 Foundation plantings............................................................................................
8-4
8.4.4 Created slopes in excess of 3:1 ............................................................................
8-4
8.4.5 Buffer yards and Screening..................................................................................
8-5
8.4.6 Landscape Planting and Maintenance Specifications for All
Construction......... 8-5
8.5 Intensity Regulations for Off Street Parking .......................................................
8-5
8.5.1 Intent ....................................................................................................................
8-5
8.5.3 Number of Parking Spaces Required...................................................................8-6
8.5.4 Parking Space Dimensions ..................................................................................
8-6
Adopted: May 8, 2006 TOC -5 .
TABLE 8.5 -PARKING REQUIREMENTS..........................................................................
8-6
8.5.5 Setbacks for Parking Areas..................................................................................8-7
8.5.6 Parking Area Surfaces..........................................................................................
8-7
8.5.7 Joint Use of Required Parking Spaces .................................................................
8-7
8.5.8 Loading and Unloading Areas .............................................................................
8-7
8.6 Utilities.................................................................................................................
8-8
8.6.1 Water and Sewer ..................................................................................................
8-8
8.6.2 Other Utilities.......................................................................................................
8-8
8.6.3 Lighting Requirements for Multi-Family and Commercial.................................8-8
8.6.4 Refuse Collection for Multi-family and Commercial Development
................... 8-9
8.7 Fences ..................................................................................................................
8-9
8.7.1 Intent ....................................................................................................................
8-9
8.7.2 Applicability ........................................................................................................
8-9
8.7.3 Material, Color and Height Requirements .........................................................
8-10
8.7.4 Procedures..........................................................................................................8-10
8.8 Tree Protection...................................................................................................8-10
8.8.1 Intent ..................................................................................................................
8-10
8.8.2 Definitions of particular significance to this Ordinance:...................................8-10
Diameter at Breast-Height (DBH) ...............................................................
8-10
Historic Tree ................................................................................................
8-10
Protected tree ...............................................................................................
8-10
Removal of Trees.........................................................................................8-10
Significant Tree............................................................................................
8-11
Tree Removal/Pruning Permit .....................................................................
8-11
8.8.3 Tree Protection Requirements............................................................................
8-11
8.8.3.1 Jurisdiction..........................................................................................8-11
8.8.3.2 Tree Removal Prohibited ....................................................................
8-11
8.8.3.3 Application and Scope ........................................................................
8-11
8.8.4 General Standards for Removal and Retention..................................................
8-12
8.8.5 General Considerations......................................................................................8-12
8.8.5.1 Emergency Conditions........................................................................8-12
8.8.5.2 Violations Defined ..............................................................................
8-12
8.8.6 Penalties Defined ...............................................................................................
8-13
8.8.7 Enforcement.......................................................................................................8-13
ARTICLE 9 -SIGN REGULATIONS
9.1 Purpose.................................................................................................................
9-1
9.2 Definitions............................................................................................................
9-1
Aggregate Signage .........................................................................................
9-1
Awning Signs.................................................................................................9-1
Freestanding Sign...........................................................................................
9-1
Incidental Sign ...............................................................................................
9-1
Monument Sign..............................................................................................
9-1
Nonconforming Signs ....................................................................................
9-1
Obsolete Sign .................................................................................................
9-1
Off-Site Sign ..................................................................................................
9-1
Principle Use Sign..........................................................................................
9-2
Adopted: May 8, 2006 TOC -6 .
Unified Business Establishment ....................................................................
9-2
9.3 Permitting and Construction ................................................................................
9-2
9.4 Prohibited Signs...................................................................................................9-2
9.4.1 Traffic Safety .......................................................................................................
9-2
9.4.2 Illumination..........................................................................................................9-2
9.4.3 Other Prohibited Signs.........................................................................................9-3
9.5 Permitted Signs ....................................................................................................
9-3
9.5.1 Principle Use Signs ..............................................................................................
9-3
9.5.2 Real Estate Signs..................................................................................................
9-4
9.5.3 Incidental Signs....................................................................................................
9-4
9.5.4 Off-Site Subdivision Signs ..................................................................................
9-5
9.5.5 Awning Signs.......................................................................................................9-5
9.5.6 Signs Permitted in the Residential Districts (LDR, MDR & SC)........................9-5
9.5.7 Signs Permitted in the Transition District (T)......................................................
9-5
9.5.8 Signs Permitted in the General Business District (GB) and
the Recreational
Business District (RB) .........................................................................................
9-5
9.6 Signs Not Requiring a Permit ..............................................................................
9-6
9.7 Temporary Signs..................................................................................................9-6
9.7.1 Conformity...........................................................................................................9-6
9.7.2 Mobile Signs ........................................................................................................
9-7
9.8 Sign Maintenance.................................................................................................
9-7
9.8.1 Proper Working Order ......................................................................................
9-7
9.8.2 Abandoned Signs ..............................................................................................
9-7
9.9 Pre-Existing Nonconforming Signs .....................................................................
9-7
9.10 Enforcement.........................................................................................................9-7
ARTICLE 10 -MANUFACTURED HOME COMMUNITY STANDARDS
10.1 General...............................................................................................................10-1
10.2 Zoning Permit ....................................................................................................
10-1
10.2.1 Information or Conditions..................................................................................
10-1
10.3 General Requirements........................................................................................
10-2
10.4 Manufactured Home Requirements ...................................................................
10-2
10.5 Manufactured Home Space Requirements.........................................................
10-3
10.6 Streets.................................................................................................................
10-4
10.7 Solid Waste Containers......................................................................................
10-4
10.8 Grounds and Buildings ......................................................................................
10-4
ARTICLE 11 -GRADING, DRAINAGE, EROSION CONTROL
AND STEEP-SLOPE DEVELOPMENT
11.1 Purpose and Objectives......................................................................................11-1
11.2 Permits Required................................................................................................
11-2
11.2.1 Fees ....................................................................................................................
11-2
11.2.2 Valid Period .......................................................................................................
11-2
11.2.3 Procedure ...........................................................................................................
11-2
11.2.4 Extended Permits ...............................................................................................
11-3
Adopted: May 8, 2006 TOC -7
.
11.3 Grading Plan ......................................................................................................
11-4
11.3.1 Grading Plan Required....................................................................................
11-4
11.3.1.1 Topographic Survey.........................................................................
11-4
11.3.1.2 Grading Plan Format........................................................................11-5
11.3.2 Grading Standards............................................................................
11-6
11.3.2.1 Land Disturbing Activity .................................................................
11-6
11.3.2.2 Construction Sequence.....................................................................
11-7
11.4 Drainage and Stormwater Management.............................................................
11-8
11.4.1 Drainage and Stormwater Management Required.............................................11-8
11.4.1.1 Objectives ........................................................................................
11-8
11.4.1.2 Design ..............................................................................................
11-8
11.4.1.3 Construction.....................................................................................11-8
11.4.2 Drainage and Stormwater Management Design Standards ...............................
11-8
11.4.2.1 General.............................................................................................11-9
11.4.2.2 Design Storm ...................................................................................
11-9
11.4.2.3 Storm Drainage Facilities ................................................................
11-9
11.4.2.4 Stormwater Diversion ....................................................................
11-10
11.4.2.5 Pipe Culverts..................................................................................11-10
11.4.2.6 Hydraulic Design ...........................................................................
11-11
11.4.2.7 End Treatments ..............................................................................
11-11
11.4.2.8 Open Channels and Ditches ...........................................................
11-11
11.4.2.9 Curb and Gutter..............................................................................
11-11
11.4.3.10 Setback...........................................................................................11-12
11.4.3.11 Connections....................................................................................
11-12
11.4.3.12 Detention Facilities ........................................................................
11-12
ARTICLE 12 -CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS
12.1 Intent ..................................................................................................................
12-1
12.2 Requirement of Conditional Use Permit............................................................12-1
12.3 Procedure for Approval of Conditional Use Permits.........................................12-1
12.3.1 Application Submittal Requirements.................................................................12-1
12.3.2 Notice of Hearing...............................................................................................
12-2
12.3.3 Final Development Plan.....................................................................................
12-2
12.3.4 Public Hearing ...................................................................................................
12-3
12.3.5 Recommendations on the Application...............................................................12-3
12.3.6 Action on the Application..................................................................................12-3
12.4 Notice of Decision and Issuance of Conditional Use Permit.............................
12-4
12.5 Appeal of Decision ............................................................................................
12-4
12.6 Issuance of Permits for Development ................................................................
12-4
12.7 Amendments and Expiration..............................................................................
12-4
12.8 Conditions Shall Run With the Land .................................................................
12-5
FIGURE 12.1 Application for a Conditional Use Permit ...................................................
12-6
FIGURE 12.2 Requirements for Public Hearing and Property Owner
Notification .......... 12-8
Adopted: May 8, 2006 TOC -8
.
ARTICLE 13 -PERMITS AND SITE PLAN APPROVAL
13.1 Zoning Permit Required.....................................................................................
13-1
13.2 Site Plan Review Required ................................................................................
13-1
13.3 Requirements for Site Plans...............................................................................13-1
13.4 Procedures..........................................................................................................13-2
13.4.1 Application Submittal Requirements.................................................................13-2
13.4.2 Action on the Application..................................................................................13-2
13.4.3 Actions Subsequent to Decision ........................................................................
13-2
13.4.4 Appeal of Decision ............................................................................................
13-2
13.5 Construction Completion and Permit Expiration...............................................
13-2
ARTICLE 14 -NON-CONFORMITIES
14.1 Intent ..................................................................................................................
14-1
14.2 Nonconforming Lots..........................................................................................14-1
14.2.1 Definition ...........................................................................................................
14-1
14.2.2 Nonconforming Lots..........................................................................................14-1
14.3 Nonconforming Uses .........................................................................................
14-1
14.3.1 Definition ...........................................................................................................
14-1
14.3.2 Regulations ........................................................................................................
14-1
14.3.3 Discontinuance of Certain Nonconforming Uses ..............................................
14-2
14.4 Nonconforming Features ...................................................................................
14-2
14.4.1 Definition ...........................................................................................................
14-2
14.4.2 Regulations. .......................................................................................................
14-2
ARTICLE 15 -INTERPRETATIONS, APPEALS AND VARIANCES
15.1 Interpretations ....................................................................................................
15-1
15.2 Appeals ..............................................................................................................
15-2
15.2.1 Decision of the Zoning Administrator ...............................................................
15-2
15.2.2 Stay of Further Action .......................................................................................
15-2
15.3 Variance .............................................................................................................
15-2
15.4 Procedures for Appeals and Variances ..............................................................
15-3
15.4.1 Application Submittal Requirements.................................................................15-3
15.4.2 Public Hearing ...................................................................................................
15-4
15.4.3 Action on the Application..................................................................................15-4
15.4.4 Actions Subsequent to Decision ........................................................................
15-5
15.4.5 Appeal of Decision ............................................................................................
15-6
FIGURE 15.1 Application for Appeal to the Town of Seven Devils
Board of Adjustment 15-7
FIGURE 15.2 Application for a Variance for Property in the Town
of Seven Devils ......... 15-9
FIGURE 15.3 Requirements for Public Hearing and Property Owner
Notification .......... 15-12
FIGURE 15.4 Order to Grant/Deny A Variance ................................................................
15-13
Adopted: May 8, 2006 TOC -9
.
ARTICLE 16 -ENFORCEMENT
16.1 Violation ............................................................................................................
16-1
16.2 Complaints Regarding Violations......................................................................
16-1
16.3 Persons Liable....................................................................................................
16-1
16.4 Procedures Upon Discovery of Violations ........................................................
16-1
16.5 Penalties and Remedies......................................................................................
16-1
ARTICLE 17 -AMENDMENTS 17.1 Intent ..................................................................................................................
17-1
17.2 Amendment Initiation ........................................................................................
17-1
17.3 Procedures..........................................................................................................17-1
17.3.1 Acceptance of Requests .....................................................................................
17-1
17.3.2 Application Submittal Requirements.................................................................17-2
17.3.3 Planning Board Review .....................................................................................
17-2
17.3.4 Council Action...................................................................................................17-2
17.3.5 Protest Petitions .................................................................................................
17-2
17.3.6 Effect of Denial or Withdrawal on Subsequent Applications............................
17-3
FIGURE 17.1 Application for Amending the Seven Devils Zoning
Ordinance .................. 17-4
FIGURE 17.2 Requirements for Public Hearing and Property Owner
Notification ............ 17-5
FIGURE 17.3 Protest Petition for Proposed Amendment ...................................................
17-6
FIGURE 17.4 Requirements for Protest Petition..................................................................
17-7
ARTICLE 18 -LEGAL STATUS 18.1 Severability ........................................................................................................
18-1
18.2 Conflicting With Other Laws.............................................................................
18-1
18.3 Relationship to Existing Zoning Ordinance.......................................................
18-1
Adopted: May 8, 2006 TOC -10 .
TOWN OF SEVEN DEVILS ZONING REGULATIONS ARTICLE 1 -GENERAL PROVISIONS Preamble: The Town of Seven Devils is a residential and recreational community
whose citizens and
governance are committed to managing its growth, with a primary
focus on owner occupied
single family homes, and on the preservation and enhancement
of the distinctive and
irreplaceable beauty of its mountain setting. It is the intent
of the Town of Seven Devils to
achieve and maintain this vision by the establishment of this
document. 1.1 Authority and Enactment
The Town Council of the Town of Seven Devils, North Carolina,
in pursuance of the
authority granted by the General Statutes of North Carolina,
particularly Chapter 160A,
Article 19, hereby ordains and enacts into law the following
Articles and Sections. 1.2 Short Title
This Ordinance shall be known and may be cited as the Zoning
Ordinance for the Town
of Seven Devils, North Carolina. 1.3 Purposes in View
In accordance with North Carolina G.S. 160A-383, the Town Council
affirms that
adopting this Ordinance is consistent with the adopted Town of
Seven Devils
Comprehensive Land Use Plan. The Council considers periodically
reviewing, updating
and revising the Ordinance to be reasonable and in the public
interest. 1.4 Application
1.4.1 Jurisdiction
The provisions of this Ordinance shall apply throughout the Town
of Seven Devils
corporate limits and any extraterritorial jurisdictions, as may
be modified from time
to time. 1.4.2 Bona Fide Farms Exempt
This Ordinance shall in no way regulate, restrict, prohibit,
or otherwise deter any
bona fide farm and its related uses within the planning area
as defined in Article 1.3.1
except that any use of such property for non-farm purposes shall
be subject to such
regulations. 1.5 Required Conformance to Ordinance Provisions
Except as otherwise specifically provided in the Ordinance, no
land or structure shall
hereafter be used or occupied and no structure, or part thereof
shall be constructed,
altered, renovated or moved except in compliance with all of
the applicable provisions of
this Ordinance. 1.6 Fees
Reasonable fees sufficient to cover the costs of administration,
inspection, and similar
matters may be charged to applicants for, but not limited to
Zoning Permits, Conditional Adopted: May 8, 2006 1-1 .
Use Permits, Zoning Amendments, Appeals, Variances and other
administrative relief.
The Town Council shall determine the amount of such fees. 1.7 Effective Date
The provisions of this Ordinance shall become effective on May
8, 2006. Adopted: May 8, 2006 1-2 .
ARTICLE 2 -ADMINISTRATIVE MECHANISM 2.1 Town Council
The Town Council, as the governing body of the Town of Seven
Devils, acts in its
legislative capacity when considering proposed amendments to
the text of this
Ordinance or to the zoning maps and shall observe the procedural
requirements
set forth in Article 17 of this Ordinance. When considering amendments to this Ordinance or the zoning
map the Town
Council shall follow the regular voting and other requirements
as set forth in other
provisions of the town code, the town charter, or general law. 2.2 Town of Seven Devils Planning Board
2.2.1 Establishment of the Planning Board
The Planning Board for the Town of Seven Devils, North Carolina,
and any
extraterritorial areas that the Town may acquire in the future,
is hereby created
under the authority of the General Statutes of North Carolina,
Chapter 160A- 361.
The Seven Devils Planning Board, hereinafter referred to as the
Planning
Board, shall consist of seven (7) voting members, selected by
the Planning
Board and appointed by the Town Council. Applicants for Planning
Board
membership should have knowledge and/or experience in planning
and
evaluation, experience in working with municipal governments,
and have
demonstrated interest in the overall development of the Town.
Members must
also be property owners or registered voters in the Town of Seven
Devils. A
letter of application, including qualifications, for Planning
Board membership
should be submitted to the Town Clerk. Applications are then
passed on to the
current Planning Board for recommendation and then to the Town
Council for
approval. If the Town establishes any Extraterritorial Jurisdictions (ETJ),
then a
proportional number of Planning Board members will reside in
the ETJ and
these shall be in addition to the seven (7) members who are property
owners
or registered owners within the corporate limits of the Town
of Seven Devils.
The representatives of the ETJ shall have equal rights, privileges,
and duties
with other members of the Planning Board on all matters affecting
the Town’s
ETJ and shall have voice without vote on all matters affecting
only the Town
within its municipal boundaries. The Planning Board may vote
to extend
voting privileges to ETJ representatives on a case-by-case basis.
The
respective County Commissioners shall appoint Planning Board
members
from the ETJ. Adopted: May 8, 2006 2-1 .
2.2.2 Tenure
Members of the Planning Board shall be appointed to serve terms
of two (2)
years or until their respective successors have been appointed,
and they may
be reappointed. The terms of the members shall be staggered so
that all terms
do not expire simultaneously.
2.2.3 Officers
The Planning Board shall elect a Chairman and Vice-Chairman from
among
its members, for a term of one (1) year with eligibility for
reelection. Officers
shall be elected as the first item of New Business at the January
meeting of the
Board. Either the Chairman or Vice-Chairman shall be a full-time resident
and
property owner of the Town of Seven Devils. 2.2.4 Powers of the Planning Board
The following powers shall be granted to the Planning Board: 1) Monitor implementation of the adopted Comprehensive Land
Use Plan for
the Town of Seven Devils, North Carolina to ensure the continued
orderly
growth and development of the Town and its environs. 2) Monitor implementation of the adopted Zoning Ordinance for
the Town of
Seven Devils, North Carolina and its amendments. Alterations
or
amendments shall be submitted to the Planning Board for consideration
and recommendation to the Town Council. The Planning Board shall also, from time to time, examine the
provisions
of the Zoning Ordinance and the location of zoning district boundary
lines,
and shall submit a report to the Town Council recommending
amendments, if any, shown to be in the interest of public health
safety and
general welfare. 3) Review and make recommendations to the Town Council on proposed
plats of land subdivision, and proposed amendments to the Zoning,
Construction, and Subdivision regulations. 4) Advise the Town Council on land use issues that arise from
observation
and studies of: general development problems, neighborhood standards
of
development in similar sites, and Planning Board deliberations
and
analyses of land use proposals. 5) Enter upon private lands individually or as a group and make
examinations or surveys as necessary for the performance of its
official
duties. Site visits are appropriate when owners agree that site
visits are
required to facilitate decisions. Adopted: May 8, 2006 2-2 .
6) Cooperate with other commissions, boards, or agencies of the
Town of
Seven Devils or other governmental unit in offering or requesting
assistance, guidance, or advice concerning matters under the
Planning
Board's purview, or of mutual interest. 7) Distribute to the public, for their information, studies,
plans, or
recommendations which, in the opinion of the Planning Board,
will
promote the orderly development of the community. 8) Direct the attention of the appropriate Town officials to
needed
enforcement of any ordinance affecting the general development
of the
community. 9) Coordinate the activities of individuals and public or private
agencies and
organizations whose plans, activities, and programs bear on the
general
development of the community. 10) Exercise such other powers and to perform such other duties
as are
authorized or required elsewhere by the N.C. General Statutes,
or by the
Town Council. 11) Operate under the rules of procedure adopted by the Seven
Devils Town
Council and keep a record of meetings, including attendance of
its
members, its resolutions, findings, recommendations, and actions.
In the
case of a divided vote on any question on which the Planning
Board is
required to act, the record shall include the vote of each member. 2.2.5 Regular Meetings of the Planning Board
The Planning Board holds regular meetings on the 3rd Monday of
each
month. If a regular meeting falls on a legal holiday, the meeting
shall be held
on the next business day. Meetings shall be held at Town Hall
and shall begin
at 5:30 pm. A copy of the Planning Board's current meeting schedule
shall be
filed with the Town Clerk. Meetings shall be open to the public
in accord with
Chapter 143, Article 33C of the N.C. General Statutes. 2.2.6 Attendance at Meetings
Any member of the Planning Board who misses more than three (3)
consecutive regular meetings or more than half (1/2) the regular
meetings in a
calendar year shall lose his or her status as a member of the
Planning Board,
and shall be replaced by the Town Council or respective County
Commissioners, as appropriate. Absence due to sickness, death,
or other
emergencies of like nature shall be recognized as excused absences,
and shall
not affect the member's status on the Planning Board. The only
exception Adopted: May 8, 2006 2-3 .
being, in the event of a long illness or other such cause for
prolonged absence,
the member shall be replaced. 2.2.7 Quorum and Voting
A quorum of the Planning Board must be present at any meeting
for any
official action to be taken. The concurring vote of a simple
majority (more
than half) of those members present shall be necessary to take
any official
action. 2.3 Seven Devils Board of Adjustment
2.3.1 Establishment of the Board of Adjustment
The Board of Adjustment for the Town of Seven Devils, North Carolina,
and
any extraterritorial areas that the Town may acquire in the future,
is hereby
created under the authority of the General Statutes of North
Carolina, 160A- 388.
The Board of Adjustment shall consist of seven (7) voting members
and two
alternates appointed by the Town Council. Members and alternates
must be
property-owners of the Town of Seven Devils or registered voters.
Each
alternate member shall have and may exercise all the powers and
duties of a
regular member. Alternates shall be called upon using a rotating
schedule. The representative of an extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ)
of the Town of
Seven Devils shall have equal rights, privileges and duties with
other
members of the Board. Watauga County or Avery County Commissioners
shall appoint representatives from ETJ areas to the Board of
Adjustment as
appropriate, and these shall be in addition to the seven (7)
members who are
property owners or registered owners within the corporate limits
of the Town
of Seven Devils. 2.3.2 Tenure
Members and alternates of the Board of Adjustment shall be appointed
in
January following the municipal elections. According to NC State
General
Statutes, both members and alternates will serve terms of three
(3) years. 2.3.3 Officers
The Board of Adjustment shall elect one (1) member to serve as
Chairman
and preside over its meetings, and shall elect a Vice-Chairman
and other
officers and committees, as it may deem necessary. The term of
the Chairman
and other officers shall be one (1) year, with eligibility for
reelection. The Town Clerk is authorized to administer oaths to any witnesses
in any
matter coming before the Board of Adjustment. In the event the
Town Clerk is
not available, the Chairman shall appoint another member of the
Board of
Adjustment to administer the oaths. Adopted: May 8, 2006 2-4 .
2.3.4 Powers of the Board
The following powers shall be granted to the Board of Adjustment: 1) Hear and decide appeals from any decision or determination
made by an
employee, officer, board or commission of the Town in the performance
of their duties or the administration and enforcement of this
Ordinance. 2) Review and grant approval for Conditional Use Permits in
accord with the
procedural requirements of Article 12 of this Ordinance. 3) Hear and decide requests for variances from the regulations
of this
Ordinance, in accord with Article 15 of this Ordinance. 4) Make interpretations of the Zoning Map, including disputed
questions of
zoning district boundary lines or lot lines and similar questions
as they
arise in the administration of this Ordinance. 5) Enter upon private lands and make examinations or surveys,
either
individually or in a group, as necessary for the performance
of its official
duties. Site visits are appropriate when owners agree that site
visits are
required to facilitate decisions. 6) Hear and decide requests for Vested Rights. 7) Hear and decide any other matter as required by the provisions
of this
Ordinance. 2.3.5 Regular Meetings
The Board of Adjustment shall hold regular meetings on the 4th
Monday of
each month. If a regular meeting day falls on a legal holiday,
the meeting
shall be held on the next business day. The meetings shall be
held at Town
Hall and shall begin at 5:30 pm. A copy of the Board of Adjustment's
current
meeting schedule shall be filed with the Town Clerk. Meetings
shall be open
to the public in accord with Chapter 143, Article 33C of the
NC General
Statutes. In considering appeals, variance requests and interpretations,
the Board of
Adjustment shall observe the quasi-judicial procedural requirements
set forth
in Article 15 of this Ordinance. In considering requests for Conditional Use Permits, the Board
acts in a quasi-
judicial capacity and shall observe the procedural requirements
set forth in
Article 12 of this Ordinance. Adopted: May 8, 2006 2-5 .
The Board of Adjustment shall keep a record of its meetings,
including
attendance of its members, the vote of each member on every question,
a
complete summary of the evidence submitted to it, documents submitted
to it,
and all official actions. 2.3.6 Attendance at Meetings
Any members of the Board who miss more than two (2) consecutive
meetings
in a calendar year shall lose their status as a member of the
Board of
Adjustment. They shall be replaced by the Town Council. Absence
due to
sickness, death, or other emergencies of like nature shall be
recognized as
excused absences and shall not affect the member's status on
the Board of
Adjustment. The only exception being, in the event of a long
illness or other
such cause for prolonged absence, the member shall be replaced. 2.3.7 Quorum and Voting
A quorum of the Board of Adjustment must be present to take any
official
action. The concurring vote of four-fifths (4/5) of the membership
of the
Board of Adjustment shall be necessary to: 1) Approve an application for a variance. 2) Reverse or modify a decision of the Building Inspector, Planning
Board, or
Zoning Administrator in the case of applications for appeal. 3) Decide in favor of the applicant in any other matter on which
the Board of
Adjustment is required to act by the Zoning Ordinance. Procedural actions of the Board of Adjustment may be passed
with a simple
majority (more than half) of those members present. Every member of the Board of Adjustment present must vote unless
excused
by the remaining members of the Board of Adjustment. The alternate
shall
replace an excused member. The remaining Board members may excuse
any
Board member from voting who has not been witness to the entire
testimony
relevant to the motion being voted upon. Any Board member who
wishes to
be excused from voting shall inform the Chairman of this fact.
The Chairman
shall then take a vote of remaining members to decide if the
Board member
shall be exempt from the vote. No member shall be excused from
voting
except in cases involving conflicts of interest, as defined by
the Board of
Adjustment, or by law, or the member's official conduct, as defined
by the
Board of Adjustment. In all other cases, a failure to vote by
a member who is
physically present in the Board of Adjustment chamber, or who
has
withdrawn without being excused by a majority vote of the remaining
members present, shall be recorded as an affirmative vote. Adopted: May 8, 2006 2-6 .
2.3.8 Appeals of Board of Adjustment Actions
An aggrieved party may appeal every decision of the Board of
Adjustment to
the Watauga or Avery County Superior Court. Such appeal shall
be in the
nature of certiorari and must be filed within thirty (30) calendar
days of the
filing of the decision by the Town Clerk or the delivery of the
notice required
in Subsection 15.4.4, whichever is later. 2.4 Zoning Administrator
The Zoning Administrator, or designee, shall administer all provisions
of this
Ordinance unless otherwise indicated. All references to the Town
Planner and the
Planning Department in this Ordinance shall be construed to mean
Zoning
Administrator or designee. The following powers and duties shall be granted to the Zoning
Administrator in
the administration of the provisions of this Ordinance: 1) Granting the appropriate permits 2) Making inspections of buildings or premises as necessary
in the performance
of the duties required to enforce this Ordinance. 3) Making all necessary determinations and interpretations as
required by this
Ordinance. 4) Proposing and promulgating administrative mechanisms necessary
to
implement and enforce the provisions of this Ordinance. Under no circumstances is the Zoning Administrator permitted
to make changes
in this Ordinance or to grant exceptions to the actual meaning
of any clause,
standard or regulation contained in this Ordinance. Adopted: May 8, 2006 2-7 .
This page intentionally blank.
.
ARTICLE 3 -GENERAL DEFINITIONS
3.1 Word Interpretation
For the purpose of this Ordinance, certain words shall be interpreted
as follows:
• Words in the present tense include the future tense.
•
Words used in the singular number include the plural, and words
used in the
plural number include the singular, unless the natural construction
of the wording
indicates otherwise.
•
The word "person" includes a firm, association, corporation,
trust, and company
as well as an individual.
•
The word "structure" shall include the word "building."
•
The word "lot" shall include the words "plot," "parcel," or "tract."
•
The word "shall" is always mandatory and not merely
discretionary.
•
The word "will" is always mandatory and not merely
discretionary.
•
The words "used" or "occupied" include the
words "intended, designed, or
arranged to be used or occupied.”
•
Terms not herein defined shall have the meanings customarily
assigned to them.
3.2 Definitions, General
Adjacent Property: Any property within one hundred (100) feet
of the property in
question. Aggrieved Party: A party who can either show an interest in
the property affected or, if
the party is a nearby property owner, some special damage, distinct
from the rest of the
community, amounting to a reduction in the value of their property. Alley: A strip of land owned publicly or privately, set aside
primarily for vehicular
service access to the back or side of properties otherwise abutting
on a street. Amusement and Recreation Facility: A private profit-making facility
providing
recreational and amusement activities, including commercially
operated golf courses, ski
facilities, riding stables, tennis clubs and athletic fields. Apartment: A room or set of rooms fitted with housekeeping facilities
and usually
leased as a dwelling. Adopted: May 8, 2006 3-1 .
Base Flood: Flood having a 1% chance of being equaled or exceeded
in any given year. B&B / Bed and Breakfast: A commercial enterprise offering
lodging and breakfast,
usually in a private home Best Management Practices (BMP): A structural or nonstructural
management-based
practice used singularly, or in combination with other practices,
to reduce non-point-
source inputs to receiving waters in order to achieve water quality
protection goals. Bona Fide Farm: A farm that has received “Bona Fide” status
from the State of North
Carolina, Avery County, or Watauga County. Buffer / Buffer Yard: A horizontal distance from the property
line that may only be
occupied by screening, utilities, pedestrian ways and landscaping
materials. Building: Any structure designed or intended for the support,
enclosure, shelter, or
protection of persons, animals, or property. Building Inspector: See Zoning Administrator. Building, Principal: A building or, where the context so indicates,
a group of buildings
in which is conducted the principal use of the lot on which such
building is located. Built-upon Area: Built-upon areas shall include that portion
of a development project
that is covered by impervious or partially impervious cover,
including buildings;
pavement; gravel walkways, driveways and roads; recreation facilities
(e.g. tennis
courts); etc. (Note: Wooden slatted decks and the water area
of a swimming pool are
considered pervious.) Business, General: Commercial establishments that, in addition
to serving day-to-day
commercial needs of a community also supply the more durable
and permanent needs of
a whole community. Business, Recreational: Commercial establishments that support
recreational
opportunities. Calendar Day: A regular work day, excluding weekends and legal
or other holidays
identified by the Town of Seven Devils Personnel Ordinance. Car Lot: A commercial site on which cars, trucks and similar
vehicles are displayed for
purchase. Cemetery: Land used or intended to be used for the burial of
the human dead and
dedicated for cemetery purposes, including crematories, mausoleums,
and mortuaries if
operated in connection with and within the boundaries of such
cemetery. Adopted: May 8, 2006 3-2 .
Certificate of Completion: A document issued by the Zoning Administrator
that
certifies construction has been completed in compliance with
the approved plans and
specifications. Certificate of Occupancy: A document issued by the Zoning Administrator
certifying
compliance with all applicable state and local laws, including
all terms of approved
permits, and authorizing occupancy of a building or structure. Citizen of Seven Devils: A person whose legal domicile is the
Town of Seven Devils. Clubhouse: A building occupied by a club or used for club activities. Cluster / Cluster Development: A grouping of residential units
in LDR zoning districts
under MDR requirements with designated open space. Commercial: Of or relating to the exchange, purchase, or sale
of commodities or
services. Comprehensive Land Use Plan: A plan, or any portion thereof,
adopted by the Town
of Seven Devils Town Council that establishes goals, objectives,
and policies designed to
manage the quantity, type, location, timing, and quality of development
and
redevelopment in the Seven Devils community. Conditional Use: A use of land, buildings, or structures that
is identified in this
Ordinance as a use that, because of its inherent nature, extent
and external effects,
requires special care in the control of its location, design,
construction, and methods of
operating in order to ensure protection of the public health,
safety, and welfare. Conditional Use Permit: A permit given by the Board of Adjustment
that delineates the
conditions under which a use of property is allowed. Council: The governing body of the Town of Seven Devils, consisting
of five (5)
council members, as established in the Charter of the Town of
Seven Devils. Critical Area: The area adjacent to a water supply intake or
reservoir where risk
associated with pollution is greater than from the remaining
portions of the watershed.
The critical area is defined as extending either one (1) mile
from the normal pool
elevation of the reservoir in which the intake is located or
to the ridge line of the
watershed (whichever comes first); or one (1) mile upstream from
the intake located
directly in the stream or river (run-of-the-river), or the ridge
line of the watershed
(whichever comes first). Day Care Facility: A licensed facility for child and family
care. Adopted: May 8, 2006 3-3 .
Dedication: A legal gift by the owner or a right to use of land
for a specified purpose or
purposes. Because a transfer of property rights is involved,
dedication must be made by
written instruments and is completed with an acceptance by Seven
Devils Town Council. Development: Use or occupancy of any land or structure, or construction,
erection,
alteration, or moving of any structure. Drainageway: The system of inlets, conduits, channels, ditches,
and appurtances which
serve to collect and convey stormwater through and from a given
drainage area. Driveway: A vehicular way, other than a street, alley or easement,
that provides
vehicular access from a street to or through off-street parking
and/or loading areas for
three (3) or fewer residences. Dwelling: A building or structure (except a mobile home) that
is or is intended to be
used for living or sleeping by one (1) or more human occupants. Essential Services: The erection, construction, alteration,
or maintenance by public
utilities or governmental agencies of traffic distribution systems;
water, sewage, steam,
gas, electrical, or communication transmission or distribution
systems; and stormwater
collection and distribution systems; including streets, sidewalks,
street lights, bus
passenger shelters, traffic signals, pipes, hydrants, pumping
stations, wires, curb-and-
gutter, catch basins, drains, or other similar equipment and
accessories reasonably
necessary for the provision of adequate service by such public
utilities or governmental
agencies, but not including buildings or other substantial above-ground
structures. Easement: A publicly dedicated and recorded right-of-way ten
to twenty (10 to 20) feet
in width that provides only a secondary means of access to abutting
property and is not
intended for general traffic circulation. The purpose and permitted
use is recorded,
whether for utility installation or general use. Existing Development: Those projects that are built or those
projects that, at a
minimum, have established a vested right under North Carolina
zoning law as of the
effective date of this ordinance based on at least one of the
following criteria: 1) Substantial expenditures of resources (time, labor, money)
based on a good- faith reliance upon having received valid local government approval
to proceed with the project, or 2) Having an outstanding valid building permit as authorized
by the North
Carolina General Statutes 153A-344.1 and 160A-385.1, or 3) Having expended substantial resources (time, labor, money)
and having an approved site-specific or phased development plan as authorized
by North Carolina General Statutes 153A-344.1 and 160A-385.1. Adopted: May 8, 2006 3-4 .
Existing Lot of Record: A lot that is part of a subdivision,
a plat of which has been
recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds of Avery or Watauga
County prior to the
adoption of this ordinance, or a lot described by metes and bounds,
the description of
which has been so recorded prior to the adoption of this ordinance. Family: One or more individuals related by blood, marriage,
or adoption who occupy a
premises and live in a single, non-profit housekeeping unit,
including domestic servants,
live-in help and foster children, provided that a group of more
than two (2) persons who
are not related by blood or marriage shall not be deemed to constitute
a family. Floodway: The channel of a river or other watercourse and the
adjacent land areas that
must be reserved in order to discharge the base flood without
cumulatively increasing the
water surface elevation more than one (1) foot. As used in this
ordinance, the term refers
to that area designated as a floodway in the Flood Boundary and
Floodway Map prepared
by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Green Space: Protected open space usually located adjacent to
natural features that is
managed for conservation and/or recreation purposes. Gross Land Areas: All area within the boundaries of a zoning
lot. Habitable Floor: Any floor usable for living purposes, which
includes working,
sleeping, eating, cooking or recreation, or any combination thereof. Hazardous Material: Any substance listed as such in SARA section
302, Extremely
Hazardous Substances, CERCLA Hazardous Substances, or Section
311 of CWA (oil and
hazardous substances). Height (of a structure or part thereof): The vertical distance
from the mean natural
grade at the foundation to the highest portion of the structure,
or part thereof. Height Limitation, Primary: The maximum height allowed for any
structure located at
the minimum setback required for such structure, as shown in
Article 7.7 of this
Ordinance. Home Business: A commercial enterprise conducted in a residential
unit. Hotel / Motel: A building or group of buildings, excluding private
residences, intended
primarily for rental or lease to transients by the day, week
or month. HQW / High-Quality Water: Water designated by the State of North
Carolina. Impervious: Does not allow liquid to pass through. Kennel: Any lot on which four (4) or more domesticated animals
more than four (4)
months of age are housed, groomed, bred, boarded, trained, or
sold. Adopted: May 8, 2006 3-5 .
Loading, Off-Street: Space located outside of any street right-of-way
or easement and
designed to accommodate the temporary parking of vehicles used
for bulk pickups and
deliveries. Lot: Land bounded by lines legally established for the purpose
of property division. As
used in this Ordinance, unless the context indicates otherwise,
the term refers to a zoning
lot. Lot Line: A line that marks the boundary of a lot: Interior: Any lot line that is not a street lot line; a lot
line separating a lot from
another lot. Street: Any lot line separating a lot from a street right-of-way
or easement.
Where a lot line is located within such street right-of-way or
easement, the right-
of-way or easement boundary adjacent to the lot shall be considered
the street lot
line. Manufactured Home: A mobile home constructed with the standards
set forth by U. S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development. Manufactured Home Community: Any lot, tract or parcel of land
used, maintained, or
intended to be used, leased or rented for occupancy by two (2)
or more manufactured
homes together with accessory structures provided in connection
therewith. This
definition shall not include trailer sales lots on which unoccupied
manufactured homes
are parked for the purpose of inspection or sale. Mixed-use Facility: A building with more than one use Modular Unit: A factory-fabricated transportable building designed
to be used by itself
or to be incorporated with similar units at a building site into
a modular structure. The
term is intended to apply to major assemblies and does not include
prefabricated panels,
trusses, plumbing trees, and other prefabricated sub-elements
that are to be incorporated
into a structure at the site. In addition to the other requirements
of this definition,
modular units must meet all structural, electrical, mechanical,
plumbing, heating, and
other provisions of the North Carolina State Building Code or
its amendments. Non-conforming Feature: A physical feature or characteristic
of a use, building,
structure, or other development of land that was lawfully established
prior to the effective
date of this Ordinance or a subsequent amendment thereto, but
that does not conform to
the density regulations of Article 7 or the design standards
of Article 8 of this Ordinance,
applicable to such use, building, structure, or development of
land, including, but not
limited to, non-conforming structures, non-conforming signs,
non-conforming parking
facilities, and non-conforming lighting. Adopted: May 8, 2006 3-6 .
Non-conforming Lot: A lot that was lawfully created prior to
the effective date of this
Ordinance or a subsequent amendment thereto, but that does not
conform to the minimum
gross land area or minimum lot width requirements established
in Article 7 of this
Ordinance for the zoning district in which it is located. Non-conforming Use: A use of land, buildings, or structures
that was lawfully
established prior to the effective date of this Ordinance or
a subsequent amendment
thereto, but does not conform to the Use Regulations of Article
5 of this Ordinance for
the zoning district in which it is located. Non-residential Development: All development other than residential
development. Open-air Market: Any permanent or temporary display of goods
in an open or partially
opened setting. Open Space: Property permanently reserved for recreation or
conservation. Parking, Off-Street: Space located outside of any street right-of-way
or easement and
designed to accommodate the parking of motor vehicles. Pervious Surface: A surface that allows liquid to pass through
or diffuse. Place of Assembly: A place designated to accommodate the assembly
of persons
attending an event. Plat: A map or plan of a parcel of land that is to be or has
been subdivided. Premise: A structure or part of a structure used as a unit for
residential or commercial
purposes. Private Utilities: Water and sewer infrastructure that are owned
and operated by a
private entity or its designee. Public Utilities: Water and sewer infrastructure that are owned
and operated by a
governmental agency or its designee. Quorum: A majority of the actual voting membership of the council
or board, excluding
vacant seats. A member who has withdrawn from a meeting without
being excused by
majority vote of the remaining members present shall be counted
as present for purposes
of determining whether or not a quorum is present. Recreation Facility, Non-Profit: A private non-profit facility
providing recreational
activities, including private country clubs, social clubs, golf
courses, ski facilities, riding
stables, tennis clubs and athletic fields. Adopted: May 8, 2006 3-7 .
Rental Property: Property used by persons who do not own the
property and who pay
regular amounts to use the property. Resident of Seven Devils: A person who lives in is the Town
of Seven Devils. Residential Development: Buildings for residence such as attached
and detached
single-family dwellings, apartment complexes, condominiums, duplexes,
townhouses,
cottages, etc., and their associated outbuildings such as garages,
storage buildings,
gazebos, etc. Right-of-Way: A strip of land designated by the owner or other
authority over which
other persons may legally pass, and on which may be constructed
road or utilities. Setback, Interior: The horizontal distance between the interior
lot line of a zoning lot
and any structure on such zoning lot, measured perpendicular
to the interior lot line (See
Table 7.1). Setback, Street: The horizontal distance between the street
lot line of a zoning lot and
any structure on such zoning lot, measured perpendicular to the
street lot line (See Table
7.1). Site-Specific Development Plan: A plan that has been submitted
to the Town by a
landowner, describing with certainty the type and intensity of
a use for a specific parcel
or parcels of property. Stables: A building in which livestock are housed and fed. Start of Construction: For new construction, the start of construction
is the date of the
first disturbance of land on a site. For all other construction,
the start of construction is
the date the building permit was issued. Street: A thoroughfare consisting of a publicly dedicated right-of-way
and a roadway
maintained by the Town of Seven Devils or the State of North
Carolina. Street Frontage Width: The horizontal distance measured along
a straight line
connecting the points at which the street lot line abutting a
street intersects with interior
lot lines and/or other street lot lines (See Table 7.1). Structural Alteration: Any change, except for repair or replacement,
in the supporting
members of a structure, such as, but not limited to, bearing
walls, columns, beams, or
girders. Structure: Anything constructed or erected that requires location
on the ground or that
is attached to something having a fixed location in the ground,
including but not limited
to principal and accessory buildings, signs, fences, walls, bridges,
monuments, flagpoles,
antennas, and transmission poles, towers, and cables. Adopted: May 8, 2006 3-8 .
Accessory: A subordinate structure detached from but located
on the same lot as
the principal structure, the use of which is incidental and accessory
to that of the
principal structure. Principal: A structure or, where the context so indicates, a
group of structures in
or on which is conducted the principal use of the lot on which
such structure is
located. Sustainable Development: Development that is sensitive to and
does not exceed the
ability of the land to provide needed water, to renew vegetation,
to absorb waste water
and to remain in place on slopes. Temporary Portable Building (Construction-Related): A temporary
portable building
directly related to the development of a lot and limited in duration
to a time period
extending from issuance of the initial Zoning Permit for such
development to issuance of
the final Certificate of Occupancy for the development. Town Manager: The Chief Administrative Officer for the Town
of Seven Devils. Toxic Substance: Any substance or combination of substances
(including disease-
causing agents) that, after discharge and upon exposure, ingestion,
inhalation, or
assimilation into any organism, either directly from the environment
or indirectly by
ingestion through food chains, has the potential to cause death,
disease, behavioral
abnormalities, cancer, genetic mutations, physiological malfunctions
(including
malfunctions or suppression in reproduction or growth) or physical
deformities in such
organisms or their offspring, or other adverse health effects. Use: The specific activity or function for which land, a building,
or a structure is
designated, arranged, intended, occupied, or maintained. Accessory: Any use of a piece of land that is subordinate to,
and in support of,
the principle use of the land. Principal: The primary use and chief purpose of a lot or structure. Variance: A relaxation of the strict terms of a specific provision
of this Ordinance
authorized by the Board of Adjustment in accord with the provisions
of Article 15 of this
Ordinance. Vested Rights: The right pursuant to North Carolina General
Statute 160A-385.1 to
undertake and complete the development and use of property under
the terms and
conditions of an approved site-specific development plan. Adopted: May 8, 2006 3-9 .
Water and Waste-water Treatment Plant: The use of land, buildings,
or structures by
a public utility, private utility, or government agency to provide
sanitary treatment of
community water supplies and / or waste-water discharges. Watershed: The entire land area contributing surface drainage
to a specific point (e.g.
the water supply intake). Zoning Permit: A permit issued by the Zoning Administrator authorizing
the recipient
to make use of property in accord with the requirements of this
Ordinance. Zoning Administrator: The chief enforcement officer of the Zoning
Ordinance. In the
Town of Seven Devils, the Building Inspector shall assume all
duties of the Zoning
Administrator. Zoning Lot: A legally subdivided lot shown on a legally recorded
plat or deed, or a
combination of such legally subdivided and recorded adjacent
lots. Adopted: May 8, 2006 3-10 .
ARTICLE 4 -ZONING DISTRICTS 4.1 Establishment of Zoning Districts
There are hereby created six (6) classes of zoning districts
with the designations and
general purposes listed below and the specifically permitted
and prohibited uses tabulated
in Article 5 and as otherwise provided for in this Ordinance. 4.1.1 Low-Density Residential District (LDR)
The Low-Density Residential District is established to provide
a zone of low- density single-family homes. 4.1.2 Medium-Density Residential District (MDR)
The Medium-Density Residential District is established to provide
a zone of single-
family homes at a greater density than permitted in the Low-Density
Residential
District. 4.1.3 Transitional District (T)
The Transitional District is established to provide a zone of
higher-density mixed-
use development. Permitted uses include certain commercial development,
and
higher-density residential development including multi-family
structures such as
duplexes, condominiums, etc. 4.1.4 Recreational Business District (RB)
The Recreational Business District is established to provide
a zone of commercial development intended to provide, and directly support, recreation
opportunities. 4.1.5 General Business District (GB)
The General Business District is established to allow a larger
group of commercial uses than the Recreational Business District. 4.1.6 Snowcloud Residential District (SC)
The Snowcloud Residential district is established to apply to
the existing
Snowcloud Subdivision in order to make zoning requirements consistent
with the
existing Snowcloud development. 4.2 Zoning Map
The boundaries of the above districts are hereby established
as shown on a map entitled
Official Zoning Map, Town of Seven Devils, North Carolina. Said
map and all
explanatory matter thereon accompany and are hereby made a part
of this Ordinance as is
fully written herein. Said map shall be retained in the office
of the Planning Department. 4.2.1 Zoning Map Amendment
The Official Zoning Map, as provided for in this article may
from time to time be amended or may be repealed through the following procedure: Adopted: May 8, 2006 4-1 .
1) A proposal to amend or repeal the Official Zoning Map with
regard to a certain
area or a particular piece of property may either be initiated
by the Planning
Board or otherwise submitted to the Planning Board through the
Zoning
Administrator by any person who owns property or resides within
the zoning
jurisdiction of the Town. 2) According to NC Case Law, rezoning may not be based on assurances
that the
applicant will make specific use of the property. Also, in enacting
a zoning
ordinance a municipality is engaged in legislating, not contracting.
Therefore, it is
the intent of this ordinance that the applicant for rezoning
shall be prohibited from
offering any testimony or evidence concerning the specific manner
in which he
intends to use or develop the property. 3) An application for a change in the zoning classification
of property within the
Town's jurisdiction shall be submitted at least thirty (30) days
prior to a regularly
scheduled Planning Board meeting. See Figure 4.1 for application
form,
guidelines, and fees. 4) An application for a change in the zoning classification
of property within the
Town's jurisdiction shall be accompanied by a fee to partially
defray the public
expense in keeping records relating to the application and performing
other
services in processing the application. Timely advertisement of a public hearing on the property and
timely notification
of those property owners immediately adjacent to the property
will be the
responsibility of the Town. The Town of Seven Devils will be
responsible for
placing a sign on the property notifying the public of the request
for a change in
zoning classification. No refund of the fee or any part thereof
shall be made once
the application is filed unless the applicant withdraws the application
by written
notice before letters of notice are sent to adjoining property
owners or publication
of the public hearing, whichever is sooner. The amount to be
refunded will be
reduced by 50% after Planning Board consideration. No amount
will be refunded
after the Public Hearing has been advertised. No action will
be taken and no
application will be valid until such fee has been paid. A fee
shall not be required
if the Planning Board initiates the application. If the applicant proposes any substantial change to the application
subsequent to
Planning Board consideration, an amended application shall be
submitted and
reviewed as an original application with applicable fees. 5) The Zoning Administrator shall present any properly completed
application at the
next regularly scheduled meeting of the Planning Board. The Planning
Board will
make a recommendation concerning any proposed zoning amendments
to the
Town Council. Within sixty (60) days of the first consideration
of the Planning
Board, the Town Council will hold a public hearing and make a
final decision for | 