DISTRICT PROVISIONS
Rural Residential (RR)
Suburban Residential (SR)
General Residential (GR)
Neighborhood Center Residential (NC-R)
Neighborhood Center Commercial (NC-C)
Downtown District (DD)
Highway Commercial (HC)
Infill Development (INF-D)
Traditional Neighborhood Development (TN-D)
Business Campus Development (BC-D)
Institutional Campus District (IC-D)
Reserved
Watershed Protection Overlay (WP-O)
Highway Corridor Overlay (HC-O)
Rural Commercial (RC)
Manufactured Housing Development (MH-D)
Conditional Districts (CD)
South Point Peninsula Overlay (SPP-O)
South Fork Overlay (SF-O)
In addition, each District has a corresponding Conditional District (CD) as outlined in Section 5.18. The overlay zoning districts are not eligible for a Conditional District, although the underlying zoning district(s) are.
These Districts are a cross-matrix of both the Building Types listed in CHAPTER 4 as well as the Permitted Uses, Uses Permitted with Additional Requirements, and Uses Permitted subject to the issuance of a Special Use Permit (SUP) or Conditional District Zoning.
All uses permitted in this Code have been divided into seven (7) general categories and are defined as follows:
| Residential: | Premises available for long-term human habitation by means of ownership and rental, including short-term letting of less than a month’s duration |
| Lodging: | Premises available for short-term human habitation, including daily and weekly letting |
| Office: | Premises available for the transaction of general business, but excluding commercial sales and manufacturing |
| Commercial: | Premises available for the commercial sale of merchandise and prepared foods, but excluding manufacturing |
| Manufacturing: | Premises available for the creation, assemblage, and repair of items including their retail sale except when such activity creates adverse impacts |
| Civic: | Premises available for not-for-profit organizations dedicated to religion, arts and culture, education, government, social service, transit, and other similar functions |
| Other: | Uses not otherwise classified but permitted with Performance Standards in CHAPTER 6 and/or subject to the issuance of a Special Use Permit in accordance with Section 15.10. |
Within these categories, the uses are defined as Open, Limited, and Restricted indicating the general permissiveness within each use category.
Uses shall only be allowed in those zoning districts in which they are listed in the various general zoning districts contained in CHAPTER 5. The Land Development Code text does not identify all potential uses. Many allowable uses are contained within identified use categories (i.e., commercial use, light manufacturing, etc.) For instance, a “blueprinting service” is not specifically identified in any particular zoning district but meets the definition of a “commercial use.” Thus, a blueprinting service would be allowed in any district where “commercial uses” are allowed. Conversely, a “day care center”, which meets the definition of a “commercial use”, is specifically listed as being allowed in certain districts only. Accordingly, “day care centers” and similar uses which are specifically identified are only allowed in those identified zoning districts and are prohibited in all other zoning districts.
A Conditional District Zoning process may be used to satisfy a special use permit requirement when additional relief is requested in compliance with Section 5.18 CONDITIONAL DISTRICTS (CD), of this code and as provided in this Chapter.
(TA2019.01, passed 05/06/2019; TA2020.02, passed 05/04/2020; TA2022.02, passed 12/05/2022)
Effective on: 12/5/2022
Rural Residential districts are coded to accommodate very low-density residential development and agricultural uses and protect natural vistas, and landscape features that define our rural heritage.
The intent of this District is to maintain a rural boundary, preserving agricultural and forested areas on the perimeter of Belmont until utility infrastructure can be installed to allow for planned growth.
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| Residential | Limited Residential: The number of dwellings is limited by the required lot dimensions and the provision of public water and sewer service. Permitted Uses: Single Family Homes, Accessory structures1, Duplexes, Manufactured Housing, and Bona Fide Farms |
| Lodging | Limited Lodging: The number of bedrooms available for lodging is limited by the requirement of one assigned parking space for each bedroom, in addition to the parking requirement for each dwelling. Food service may only be provided to guests. Permitted Uses: Bed and Breakfast Inns2 |
| Office | Restricted Office: Customary home occupation uses are permitted provided the office use is restricted to the first floor or ancillary building and by the requirement of one assigned parking space for each 400 sq. ft., in addition to the parking requirement for each dwelling. Permitted Uses: Home Occupations2 |
| Commercial | Restricted Commercial: Drive-in Theatres shall be permitted with a minimum lot size of 3 acres, and with the establishment of a Type A buffer/screening around the perimeter of the property. (See Section 11.2) Day Care Centers and Day Care Homes2, Mobile Food Vendors2. All other commercial uses are forbidden. |
| Manufacturing | Restricted Manufacturing: Manufacturing uses are not permitted. |
| Civic | Open Civic: Civic uses shall be permitted, except those uses that exceed 25,000 square feet shall be subject to the issuance of a special use permit or Conditional District Zoning. |
| Other | Cemetery2, Essential Services-Class 1 & 22, Solar Energy Systems- Class 32,3, Recreational Facilities2, Water-related Structures2, Temporary Family Health Care Structure2 |
(TA2020.02, passed 05/04/2020; TA2019.02, passed 09/08/2020; TA2022.01, passed 07/10/2023; TA2024.03, passed 03/03/2025)
Effective on: 3/3/2025
The Suburban Residential District is coded to allow low to moderate density development in areas farther from central Belmont, but to ensure that these areas develop along the same traditional lines as central Belmont. This District is intended to be the predominant residential district for areas identified on the Comprehensive Land Use Map as Suburban Neighborhood and Semi-Rural Neighborhood.
| Detached House – Alley and Street Lot Townhouse Civic Building |
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| Residential | Limited Residential: The number of dwellings is limited by the required lot dimensions and the provision of public water and sewer service. Permitted Uses: Single Family Homes, Accessory structures1, Duplexes, and Townhouses (in new developments only, no townhouses are permitted on infill lots in the SR District) |
| Lodging | Limited Lodging: The number of bedrooms available for lodging is limited by the requirement of one assigned parking space for each bedroom, in addition to the parking requirement for each dwelling. Food service may only be provided to guests. Permitted Uses: Bed and Breakfast Inns2 |
| Office | Restricted Office: Customary home occupation uses are permitted provided the office use is restricted to the first floor or ancillary building and by the requirement of one assigned parking space for each 400 sq. ft., in addition to the parking requirement for each dwelling. Permitted Uses: Home Occupations2 |
| Commercial | Limited Commercial: The area permitted for commercial uses is limited to the first story at corner locations. Parking shall be negotiated on a site-by-site basis. Mobile Food Vendors2 are allowed on a temporary basis subject to the requirements of CHAPTER 6. Permitted Uses: Day Care Centers2, Day Care Homes2, Mobile Food Vendors2 |
| Manufacturing | Restricted Manufacturing: Manufacturing uses are not permitted. |
| Civic | Open Civic: Civic uses shall be permitted, except those uses that exceed 25,000 square feet shall be subject to the issuance of a special use permit or Conditional District Zoning. |
| Other | Cemetery2, Essential Services-Class 1 & 22, Solar Energy Systems- Class 32,3, Recreational Facilities2, Water-related Structures2, Temporary Family Health Care Structure2 |
(TA2020.02, passed 05/04/2020; TA2019.02, passed 09/08/2020; TA2022.06, passed 06/12/2023; TA2022.01, passed 07/10/2023; TA2024.03, passed 03/03/2025)
Effective on: 3/3/2025
The General Residential District is coded to permit the health of the City’s historical neighborhoods as well as providing for the City’s expansion with new development along the same traditional lines under which they were established. This District is intended to be the predominant residential district for the City and represents the largest land area on the Zoning Map.
| Detached House – Alley and Street Lot Townhouse Civic Building |
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| Residential | Limited Residential: The number of dwellings is limited by the required lot dimensions and the provision of public water and sewer service. Permitted Uses: Single Family Homes, Accessory structures1, Duplexes, and Townhouses (in new developments only, no townhouses are permitted on infill lots in the GR District) |
| Lodging | Limited Lodging: The number of bedrooms available for lodging is limited by the requirement of one assigned parking space for each bedroom, in addition to the parking requirement for each dwelling. Food service may only be provided to guests. Permitted Uses: Bed and Breakfast Inns2 |
| Office | Restricted Office: Customary home occupation uses are permitted provided the office use is restricted to the first floor or ancillary building and by the requirement of one assigned parking space for each 400 sq. ft., in addition to the parking requirement for each dwelling. Permitted Uses: Home Occupations2 |
| Commercial | Limited Commercial: The area permitted for retail is limited to the first story at corner locations. Parking shall be negotiated on a site-by-site basis. Mobile Food Vendors2 are allowed on a temporary basis subject to the requirements of CHAPTER 6. Permitted Uses: Day Care Centers and Day Care Homes2; Events Facility2,3, Temporary Amusements2,3, Mobile Food Vendors2 |
| Manufacturing | Restricted Manufacturing: Manufacturing uses are not permitted. |
| Civic | Open Civic: Civic uses shall be permitted, except those uses that exceed 25,000 square feet shall be subject to the issuance of a special use permit or Conditional District Zoning. |
| Other | Cemetery2, Essential Services-Class 1 & 22, Recreational Facilities2, Water-related Structures2, Temporary Family Health Care Structure2 |
(TA2020.02, passed 05/04/2020; TA2019.02, passed 09/08/2020; TA2022.01, passed 07/10/2023)
Effective on: 7/10/2023
The Neighborhood Center Residential District is coded to provide for areas for residential and mixed-use development in close proximity to existing and planned commercial centers. The intent is to create higher density residential areas that compliment commercial districts with physical proximity and pedestrian interaction. Different housing types and lot styles are encouraged as well as office and civic uses.
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| Residential | Open Residential: The number of dwellings is limited by the required lot dimensions and the provision of public water and sewer service. Permitted Uses: Single Family Homes, Accessory structures1, Duplexes, and Multi-Family2. |
| Lodging | Limited Lodging: The number of bedrooms available for lodging is limited by the requirement of one assigned parking space for each bedroom, in addition to the parking requirement for each dwelling. Food service may only be provided to guests. Permitted Uses: Bed and Breakfast Inns2 |
| Office | Open Office: The area available for office use is limited by the requirement of one assigned parking space for each 400 sq. ft. Permitted Uses: Home Occupations2, Live-Work Units, Professional Office |
| Commercial | Limited Retail: The area permitted for commercial uses is limited to the first story at corner locations. Parking shall be negotiated on a site-by-site basis. Mobile Food Vendors2 are allowed on a temporary basis subject to the requirements of CHAPTER 6. Permitted Uses: Day Care Centers and Day Care Homes2, Events Facility2,3, Funeral Home2,3, Mobile Food Vendors2 |
| Manufacturing | Restricted Manufacturing: Manufacturing uses are not permitted. |
| Civic | Open Civic: Civic uses shall be permitted, except those uses that exceed 25,000 square feet shall be subject to the issuance of a special use permit or Conditional District Zoning. |
| Other | Cemetery2, Essential Services-Class 1 & 22, Recreational Facilities2 , Water-related Structures2, Temporary Family Health Care Structure2 |
(TA2020.02, passed 05/04/2020; TA2019.02, passed 09/08/2020; TA2020.07, passed 01/04/2021; TA2022.05, passed 01/09/2023; TA2022.01, passed 07/10/2023; TA2023.03, passed 10/02/2023)
Effective on: 10/2/2023
This District is coded to provide pedestrian-scaled higher density residential homes and opportunities for limited scale commercial activities along existing mixed-use corridors and at the functional center of new neighborhoods. Developments in the NC-C Districts are to emulate the Main Street characteristics of Downtown and East Belmont and encourage pedestrian use through connections to adjacent neighborhoods and the construction of mixed-use buildings. NC-C may be used to apply initial zoning to existing commercial buildings outside of Downtown and East Belmont, and to allow for neighborhood-scaled commercial development outside the downtown commercial/civic area and village centers as shown on the Comprehensive Land Use Plan map.
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| Residential | Open Residential: The number of dwellings is limited by the required lot dimensions and the provision of public water and sewer service. Permitted Uses: Single Family Homes, Accessory structures1, Duplexes, and Multi-Family2. |
| Lodging | Open Lodging: The number of bedrooms available for lodging is limited by the requirement of one assigned parking space for each bedroom, in addition to the parking requirement for each dwelling. Food service may be provided at all times. Permitted Uses: Bed and Breakfast Inns and Hotels2 |
| Office | Open Office: The area available for office use is limited by the requirement of one assigned parking space for each 400 sq. ft. Permitted Uses: Home Occupations, Live-Work Units, and Office Uses |
| Commercial | Open Commercial: The area available for commercial use is limited to the requirement of one assigned parking space for each 400 square feet of gross space. Mobile Food Vendors2 are allowed on a temporary basis subject to the requirements of CHAPTER 6. |
| Manufacturing | Restricted Manufacturing: Neighborhood Manufacturing. 2 |
| Civic | Open Civic: Civic uses shall be permitted. |
| Other | Cemetery2, Essential Services-Class 1 & 22, Parking Structures2, Recreational Facilities2 Outdoor Storage of Landscaping/Garden Supplies/Live Plants2, Water-related Structures2, Temporary Family Health Care Structure2 |
(TA2025.02, passed 08/04/2025)
Effective on: 8/4/2025
The Downtown District is coded to encourage the redevelopment and expansion of the traditional City center. This center is intended to serve as the civic, cultural, and governmental hub of activity for the entire Belmont community.
Commercial components of the Downtown District may exceed 18,000 square feet within a single building. Individual buildings are encouraged to be mixed vertically with street level commercial and upper level residential. Higher densities of residential development are encouraged.
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| Residential | Open Residential: The number of dwellings is limited by the required lot dimensions and the provision of public water and sewer service. Permitted Uses: Single Family Homes, Accessory structures¹, Duplexes, and Multi-Family2. |
| Lodging | Open Lodging: Food service may be provided at all times. Permitted Uses: Bed and Breakfast Inns and Hotels |
| Office | Open Office: Permitted Uses: Home Occupations, Live-Work Units, and Office Uses |
| Commercial | Open Commercial: Permitted Uses: Commercial Uses, Restaurants, Night Clubs and Bars with Live Music2, Entertainment Uses, Mobile Food Vendors2, Events Facility2 Excluded Uses: Drive-through Commercial, Automotive, Boat & Heavy Equipment Sales and Service, Adult Establishments, Adult Video Stores, Pool Halls, Billiard Parlors, Game Rooms, and Arcades. |
| Manufacturing | Restricted Manufacturing: Neighborhood Manufacturing. 2 |
| Civic | Open Civic: Civic uses shall be permitted. |
| Other | Cemetery2, Essential Services-Class 1 & 22, Parking Structures2, Recreational Facilities2, Temporary Uses2, Temporary Family Health Care Structure2 Outdoor Storage of Landscaping/Garden Supplies2, Water-related Structures2 |
(TA2020.02, passed 05/04/2020; TA2019.02, passed 09/08/2020; TA2020.07, passed 01/04/2021; TA2022.05, passed 01/09/2023; TA2022.01, passed 07/10/2023; TA2023.03, passed 10/02/2023; TA2024.05, passed 01/06/2025)
Effective on: 1/6/2025
The intensity of commercial development in the Highway Commercial district is established by the traffic of the fronting thoroughfare. Though coded primarily for auto dependent development along the frontage, buildings that do not front along Wilkinson Boulevard shall be scaled to the pedestrian.
The intent of these regulations is to facilitate convenient access, minimize traffic congestion, and reduce the visual impact of excessive signage and parking lots. In addition to Wilkinson Boulevard, North Main Street, McAdenville Road, and Park Street in the proximity of Wilkinson Boulevard and the south side of I-85 may be designated for Highway Commercial development.
| Townhouse Apartment Building Shopfront Building Workplace Building Flex Commercial Building Civic Building |
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| Residential | Open Residential: The number of dwellings is limited by the required lot dimensions and the minimum parking requirements of 1 ½ assigned spaces per unit. Permitted Uses: Multi-Family |
| Lodging | Open Lodging: The number of bedrooms available for lodging is limited by the parking requirements of CHAPTER 9. Food service may be provided at all times. Permitted Uses: Bed and Breakfast Inns, Motels, and Hotels |
| Office | Open Office: The area available for office use is limited by the parking requirements of CHAPTER 9. Permitted Uses: Home Occupations, Live-Work Units, and Office Uses |
| Commercial | Open Commercial: The area available for commercial use is limited to the parking requirements of CHAPTER 9. Mobile Food Vendors2 are allowed on a temporary basis subject to the requirements of CHAPTER 6. Permitted Uses: Retail Commercial Uses, Restaurants, Private Nightclubs1,2, Entertainment Uses, Adult Establishments1&2, and Adult Video Stores 1&2, Automotive/Boat/Heavy Equipment/Manufactured Home Sales and/or Service1&2 , Blood Plasma Facility1, Day Care Centers and Day Care Homes1, Convenience Stores1, Drive-through Commercial1, Events Facility1, Temporary Amusements1, ABC Store, Beer and Wine Store, Body/skin piercing establishment, Cash-advance/vehicle title loan service, Electronic gaming operation1, Palm reading/fortune telling/psychic reading/tarot reading establishment, Pawn shop, Tattoo parlor and/or permanent cosmetic salon, Mobile Food Vendors2. |
| Manufacturing | Restricted Manufacturing: No manufacturing activity is permitted. |
| Civic | Open Civic: Civic uses shall be permitted. |
| Other | Essential Services-Class 1 & 21, Parking Structures, Recreational Facilities1, Outdoor Storage1, Water-related Structures1 |
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(TA2025.02, passed 08/04/2025)
Effective on: 8/4/2025
The intent of this District is to design infill developments in built-up environments that adhere to the following neighborhood design principles:
Though it is similar to the Traditional Neighborhood Development, Infill Development has a more limited range of permitted building types and uses.
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| Use Single-Family Uses Duplex and Multi-Family Uses Lodging/Office/Retail Uses Civic Uses Open Space | Minimum - Maximum 15% - 75% 10% - 40% 2% - 10% 2% - no maximum Per CHAPTER 7 |
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| Residential | Open Residential: The number of dwellings is limited by the required lot dimensions and the provision of public water and sewer service. Permitted Uses: Single Family Homes, Accessory structures1, Duplexes, and Multi-Family2. | |
| Lodging | Limited Lodging: The number of bedrooms available for lodging is limited by the parking requirements of CHAPTER 9. Food service may only be provided in the morning. Permitted Uses: Bed and Breakfast Inns2 | |
| Office | Limited Office: Customary home occupation uses are permitted provided the office use is restricted to the first floor or ancillary building and by the requirement of one assigned parking space for each 400 sq. ft., in addition to the parking requirement for each dwelling. Permitted Uses: Home Occupations2 and Live-Work Units Exceptions: Offices (in existing Workplace buildings only) | |
| Commercial | Limited Commercial: Commercial uses are forbidden with the following exceptions: One Neighborhood Store shall be permitted for each 300 units in a neighborhood. Mobile Food Vendors2 are allowed on a temporary basis subject to the requirements of CHAPTER 6. Permitted Uses: Day Care Centers and Day Care Homes2, Neighborhood Store2, Mobile Food Vendors2 | |
| Manufacturing | Restricted Manufacturing: Manufacturing uses are forbidden. | |
| Civic | Open Civic: Civic uses shall be permitted, except those uses that exceed 25,000 square feet shall be subject to the issuance of a special use permit or Conditional District Zoning. | |
| Other | Essential Services, Class 1 & 22, Recreational Facilities2, Water-related Structures2, Temporary Family Health Care Structure2 | |
(TA2020.02, passed 05/04/2020; TA2019.02, passed 09/08/2020; TA2020.07, passed 01/04/2021; TA2022.05, passed 01/09/2023; TA2022.01, passed 07/10/2023; TA2023.03, passed 10/02/2023)
Effective on: 10/2/2023
The intent of this District is to allow for the development of fully integrated, mixed-use pedestrian-oriented neighborhoods that minimize traffic congestions, suburban sprawl, infrastructure costs, and environmental degradation. Traditional Neighborhoods adhere to the following design principles:
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| Use Single-Family Uses Duplex and Multi-Family Uses Lodging/Office/Commercial/Manuf. Uses* Civic Uses Open Space | Minimum - Maximum 15% - 75% 10% - 40% 2% - 10% 2% - no maximum Per CHAPTER 7 |
| *The developer may request that the City Council waive the lodging/office/commercial/ manufacturing uses after five years of the plat being recorded or after 50% build out of residential units in the development, whichever is sooner, if the development is located within one (1) street-mile of a Village Center or Downtown Commercial and Civic Center as shown on the Belmont Comprehensive Land Use Plan map. | ||
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| Residential | Open Residential: The number of dwellings is limited by the required lot dimensions and the provision of public water and sewer service. Permitted Uses: Single Family Homes, Accessory structures1, Duplexes, and Multi-Family2. | |
| Lodging | Open Lodging: The number of bedrooms available for lodging is limited by the requirement of one assigned parking space for each bedroom, in addition to the parking requirement for each dwelling. Food service may be provided at all times. Permitted Uses: Bed and Breakfast Inns2 and Hotels | |
| Office | Open Office: The area available for office use is limited by the requirement of one assigned parking space for each 400 sq. ft. Permitted Uses: Home Occupations, Live-Work Units, and Office Uses | |
| Commercial | Open Commercial: The area available for commercial use is limited to the requirement of one assigned parking space for each 400 square feet of gross Permitted Uses: Commercial Uses, Restaurants, Drive-through Commercial2,3, and Neighborhood Stores2, Mobile Food Vendors2, ABC Store | |
| Manufacturing | Limited Manufacturing: The area available for manufacturing use is limited to the building. Permitted Uses: Light Manufacturing Uses (no outdoor storage permitted) | |
| Civic | Open Civic: Civic uses shall be permitted. | |
| Other | Cemetery2, Essential Services-Class 1 & 22, Parking Structures2, Recreational Facilities2, and Water-related Structures2 | |
(TA2020.02, passed 05/04/2020; TA2019.02, passed 09/08/2020; TA2020.07, passed 01/04/2021; TA2022.05, passed 01/09/2023; TA2022.01, passed 07/10/2023; TA2023.03, passed 10/02/2023; TA2025.02, passed 08/04/2025)
Effective on: 8/4/2025
In order to maintain an attractive and viable environment in which to locate workplaces, the City of Belmont has created this District to promote the existing academic campus setting in the City and the Southern Piedmont Region.
Business Campus Developments are coded to permit the development of corporate office campus, light industrial uses, and heavy industrial uses. Such developments are typically too large in scale to fit within a neighborhood environment and must be designed in a manner that is more appropriate to their technology, production methods, and/or operations.
Business Campus Developments are coded to achieve the high-quality site design and use flexibility inherent in campus design. This is accomplished through attention to a building’s architectural compatibility with other buildings and the relationship of buildings to the public realm.
This District may not be used to circumvent other Sections in this Code.
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| Detached House – Alley and Street Lot Townhouse Apartment Building Shopfront Building Workplace Building Civic Building | 0% - 30% 0% - 30% 0% - 30% 0% - 20% 55% - 100% unlimited |
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| Residential | Permitted Uses: Single Family Homes, Accessory structures1, Duplexes, and Multi-Family2. | |
| Lodging | Open Lodging: The number of bedrooms available for lodging is limited by the requirement of one assigned parking space for each bedroom, in addition to the parking requirement for each dwelling. Food service may be provided at all times. Permitted Uses: Bed and Breakfast Inns2 and Hotels | |
| Office | Open Office: The area available for office use is limited by the requirement of one assigned parking space for each 250 sq. ft., a ratio that may be reduced according to the shared parking standards. Permitted Uses: Office Uses, Live-Work Units | |
| Commercial | Restricted Commercial: Free-standing commercial uses are forbidden. Commercial uses are permitted as an auxiliary use within buildings containing primarily office uses such as cafeterias and restaurants, and specialty stores. Mobile Food Vendors2 are allowed on a temporary basis subject to the requirements of CHAPTER 6. Permitted Uses: Commercial Uses, Restaurants2, and Day Care Centers and Day Care Homes2. Drive-through Commercial2; Events Facility2; Temporary Amusements2, Mobile Food Vendors2 | |
| Manufacturing | Open Manufacturing: The area available for manufacturing use is limited to the building and a contiguous yard to its rear screened from view. The parking requirement shall be negotiated according to the specific manufacturing activity. | |
| Civic | Open Civic: Civic Uses, Hospitals2 | |
| Other | Cemetery2, Essential Services-Class 1 and 22, Essential Services-Class 33, Solar Energy Systems- Class 32,3, Parking Structures2, Recreational Facilities2, Water-related Structures2 | |
(TA2020.02, passed 05/04/2020; TA2019.02, passed 09/08/2020; TA2020.07, passed 01/04/2021; TA2022.05, passed 01/09/2023; TA2022.01, passed 07/10/2023; TA2023.03, passed 10/02/2023; TA2024.03, passed 03/03/2025; TA2025.04, passed 10/06/2025)
Effective on: 10/6/2025
The intent of this District is to allow for the continued and future use, expansion, and new development of academic and religious campuses, as well as government and health-care facilities with a total development size larger than 15 acres.
This district is coded to promote the many varied uses associated with such institutions while maintaining the overall design integrity of the traditional campus setting.
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| Detached House – Alley and Street Lot Townhouse Apartment Building Shopfront Building Workplace Building Civic Building | 0% - 30% 0% - 30% 0% - 30% 0% - 20% 55% - 100% unlimited |
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| Residential | Open Residential: The number of dwellings is limited by the requirement of 1.5 assigned parking spaces for each dwelling, a ratio that may be reduced according to the shared parking standard. Permitted Uses: Single Family Homes, Accessory structures1, Duplexes, and Multi-Family | |
| Lodging | Open Lodging: The number of bedrooms available for lodging is limited by the requirement of one assigned parking space for each bedroom, in addition to the parking requirement for each dwelling. Food service may be provided at all times. Permitted Uses: Bed and Breakfast Inns2, Hospice and Assisted Living Facilities, Hotels1 | |
| Office | Open Office: The area available for office use is limited by the requirement of one assigned parking space for each 250 sq. ft., a ratio that may be reduced according to the shared parking standards. Permitted Uses: Home Occupations2, Office Uses, Live-Work Units | |
| Commercial | Restricted Retail: Free-standing commercial uses are not permitted. Mobile Food Vendors2 are allowed on a temporary basis subject to the requirements of CHAPTER 6. Permitted Uses: Events facility2, Day Care Centers and Day Care Homes2, Restaurants2, Mobile Food Vendors2 | |
| Manufacturing | Restricted Manufacturing: Manufacturing uses are not permitted. Uses | |
| Civic | Open Civic: Civic Uses, Hospitals3. | |
| Other | Cemetery2, Essential Services-Class 1and 22, Solar Energy Systems- Class 32,3, Essential Services-Class 33, Parking Structures2, and Recreational Facilities2, Water-related Structures2 | |
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(TA2020.02, passed 05/04/2020; TA2019.02, passed 09/08/2020; TA2022.01, passed 07/10/2023; TA2024.03, passed 03/03/2025)
Effective on: 3/3/2025
This District is coded to preserve and improve the transportation efficiency, non-motorized mobility, and aesthetics of the Wilkinson Boulevard corridor. All provisions of the underlying district shall be effective except those specifically stated in this chapter.
| All development shall provide the following improvements across the frontage:
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Frontage (feet) Development Type | Number of Driveways Allowed Minimum Spacing (feet) | |
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| Street Type Major/Minor Thoroughfare Local/Collector Street | Minimum Distance (feet) 500 200 | |
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Effective on: 1/1/1901
Rural Commercial is coded for commercial clusters along primary rural corridors within the extraterritorial jurisdiction of the city and for existing commercial clusters within the City which are less pedestrian oriented in design than NC-C development.
Carrying capacity of the road or intersection is the factor which limits the size of R-C development.
Uses located in R-C districts shall draw from a local area as opposed to a regional area characteristic of H-C development.
South Point Road, Perfection Avenue and South New Hope Rd. are the designated primary rural corridors along which R-C development can occur.
Commercial Uses (Including Commercial, Business, Service, Office, ABC Store, and Wholesaling) up to 20,000 square feet.
Exclusions: Uses listed above which involve on-site manufacturing, outdoor storage of hazardous materials, warehousing and/or storage necessitating daily truck travel (not including servicing of establishments located within the district or mini-storage facilities), machine shops, auto parts and supply stores, mining, adult retail, pool halls and gaming rooms, and gambling facilities.
Essential Services, Class 1, 2, & 3 (Class 3 is allowed by special use permit only)
Commercial uses exceeding 20,000 square feet in area.
Indoor storage of hazardous material (*Fireworks sales shall not be permitted except as a minor stock item)
Service Stations and Garages
Drive In Theaters
Water-related Structures1
LOT PROVISIONS/SETBACKS/ENCROACHMENTSLot Width (min): 40 feet
Front Setback (min): 20 feet
Side Setback (min): 4 feet (Corner Lot - 8 ft)
Rear Setback (min): 20 feet
Arcades, awnings, and open porches shall be permitted to encroach a maximum of 6 ft into front setbacks and corner side setbacks only
The vertical distance from the mean elevation of the finished grade relative to the frontage street, to the roof line of the structure.
All uses - Maximum 35 ft.
Exceptions:
Parking requirements shall be as follows: Offices: 1 per 300 sq ft Commercial: 1 per 250 sq ft Restaurant/Night Clubs/Lounges/Bars: 1 per 75 sq ft Hotels/ Motels/Bed and Breakfast Inns: 1 per room or suite Drive-thru Business: 11 car lengths for first windows plus 7 for each additional window All other Uses: 1 per 250 sq ft | Off Street Loading Requirements shall be as follows: Office/Restaurant/Hotel Less than 5,000 sq ft: None All Other Uses Less than 5,000 square feet: None |
All walls visible from a public right-of-way shall be clad with the same material required for the front of the building (see A. Materials below). Approved metal paneling may not exceed 40% of any facade of a structure visible from a ROW. Blocks or approved metal paneling shall be painted to match the overall color scheme of the rest of the building. | |
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(TA2025.02, passed 08/04/2025)
Effective on: 8/4/2025
Manufactured housing is a recognized form of affordable housing.
The MH-R district is coded to allow for the development of neighborhoods which utilize manufactured housing as its principle building type. Manufactured housing neighborhoods can only occur in a MH-R district.
The intent is to treat manufactured housing with the same design considerations applied to homes built to the Standards set forth in the North Carolina Building Code and those codified in this Ordinance.
The minimum development size shall be 5 acres. Max size 40 acres.
Manufactured Housing
Essential Utility Services, Class 1 & 21
Water-related Structures1
The following lot sizes are to be the minimum size requirements and may be increased due to requirements for placement of well and septic tank systems, such as soil conditions and separation distances, the topography of the land or other environment conditions. The applicant shall indicate on the application, the number of bedrooms per house for which the septic tank system should be evaluated.
Porches, patios, and bay windows may encroach into a front yard setback only.
| CATEGORY | Water & Sewer Available | Water or Sewer Available | Well & Septic Tank |
|---|---|---|---|
| MINIMUM LOT SIZE | 8000 sq ft | 10,000 sq ft | 20,000 sq ft |
| LOT WIDTH AT BUILDING LINE | 60 ft | 70 ft | 90 ft |
| LOT WIDTH AT STREET RIGHT-OF-WAY | 40 ft | ||
| FRONT SETBACK | 20 ft | ||
| SIDE SETBACK | 12 ft | 15 ft | |
| REAR SETBACK | 30 ft | ||
| MAXIMUM HEIGHT | 35 ft | ||
| ENCROACHMENTS (Rear yard setbacks) | (10ft) | 8 ft (12ft) | (12ft) |
| CATEGORY | Water & Sewer Available | Water or Sewer Available | Well & Septic Tank |
|---|---|---|---|
| MINIMUM LOT SIZE | 8000 sq ft | 10,000 sq ft | 20,000 sq ft |
| LOT WIDTH AT BUILDING LINE | 60 ft | 70 ft | 90 ft |
| LOT WIDTH AT STREET RIGHT-OF-WAY | 40 ft | ||
| FRONT SETBACK | 20 ft | ||
| SIDE SETBACK | 12 ft | 15 ft | |
| REAR SETBACK | 30 ft | ||
| MAXIMUM HEIGHT | 35 ft | ||
| ENCROACHMENTS (Rear yard setbacks) | (10ft) | 8 ft (12ft) | (12ft) |
| CATEGORY | Water & Sewer Available | Water or Sewer Available | Well & Septic Tank |
|---|---|---|---|
| MINIMUM LOT SIZE | 8000 sq ft | 10,000 sq ft | 20,000 sq ft |
| LOT WIDTH AT BUILDING LINE | 60 ft | 70 ft | 90 ft |
| LOT WIDTH AT STREET RIGHT-OF-WAY | 40 ft | ||
| FRONT SETBACK | 20 ft | ||
| SIDE SETBACK | 12 ft | 15 ft | |
| REAR SETBACK | 30 ft | ||
| MAXIMUM HEIGHT | 35 ft | ||
| ENCROACHMENTS (Rear yard setbacks) | (10ft) | 8 ft (12ft) | (12ft) |
| CATEGORY | Water & Sewer Available | Water or Sewer Available | Well & Septic Tank |
|---|---|---|---|
| MINIMUM LOT SIZE | 8000 sq ft | 10,000 sq ft | 20,000 sq ft |
| LOT WIDTH AT BUILDING LINE | 60 ft | 70 ft | 90 ft |
| LOT WIDTH AT STREET RIGHT-OF-WAY | 40 ft | ||
| FRONT SETBACK | 20 ft | ||
| SIDE SETBACK | 12 ft | 15 ft | |
| REAR SETBACK | 30 ft | ||
| MAXIMUM HEIGHT | 35 ft | ||
| ENCROACHMENTS (Rear yard setbacks) | (10ft) | 8 ft (12ft) | (12ft) |
The following uses are permitted within outbuildings:
| Parking Gazebo Pool house | Sauna Workshop Equipment Enclosure | |
Trash containers, mechanical equipment and outdoor storage shall be located only within the rear yard. | ||
Mailboxes, newspaper boxes, walls, fences, birdhouses, flagpoles, and pump covers may be placed in any front, side, or rear yard. Doghouses may be placed in rear yards only. | ||
Lots Over 10,000 sq ft Accessory structures shall not exceed 40% of the total area of the principal structure. At no time shall the total area of an accessory use exceed 25% of the rear yard. Such uses shall only be permitted in the rear yard. Accessory structures with a total area exceeding 500 square feet shall be constructed using materials and features similar to the principal structure. Minimum side and rear setbacks: 5 ft Minimum setback from principal structure: 10 ft Maximum Height: 26 ft | Lots Under 10,000 sq ft Minimum setback from home: 10 ft Maximum height: 26 ft | |
Accessory structures in rear yards that abut a publicly dedicated street shall be set in the portion of the rear yard opposite the street. | ||
A pool as defined above shall not exceed 45% of a required rear yard. Pools, as defined above, shall be setback a minimum of 10 ft from all side and rear property lines. Patio areas at grade have no setback requirements from rear or side lot lines. Pools shall have the rear yard enclosed by a privacy fence with a minimum height of four (4) feet and a maximum height of eight (8) feet. |
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In no instance may a manufactured home be used for a nonresidential purpose. A manufactured home must bear a seal certifying that it was built to the standards adopted on July 1, 1976 that meets or exceeds the construction standards promulgated by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development that were in effect at the time of construction and that satisfies each of the following additional criteria:
Materials
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Techniques
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Effective on: 1/1/1901
Conditional Districts provide for orderly and flexible development under the general policies of the base district without the constraints of the general district standards. Because Conditional District developments are constructed in a comprehensive manner, they establish their own building, street, block, and lot pattern which may be unique from other surrounding blocks or neighborhoods. This Conditional District may be used in any district but is not intended to relieve hardships that would otherwise be handled using a variance procedure.
| District | Minimum Area Required |
|---|---|
| Rural Residential (R-R) | 40 Acres |
| Suburban Residential (S-R) | 15 Acres |
| General Residential (G-R) | 15 Acres |
| Neighborhood Center-Residential (NC-R) | None |
| Neighborhood Center-Commercial (NC-C) | None |
| Downtown District (D-D) | None |
| Highway Commercial (H-C) | 2 Acres |
| Infill Development (INF-D) | 3 Acres |
| Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND) | 30 Acres |
| Business Campus Development (BC-D) | 10 Acres |
| Institutional Campus Development (IC-D) | 15 Acres |
| Rural Commercial | 2 Acres |
| Manufactured Home Residential (MH-R) | 5 Acres |
| South Point Peninsula Overlay District | 10 Acres |
| District | Minimum Area Required |
|---|---|
| Rural Residential (R-R) | 40 Acres |
| Suburban Residential (S-R) | 15 Acres |
| General Residential (G-R) | 15 Acres |
| Neighborhood Center-Residential (NC-R) | None |
| Neighborhood Center-Commercial (NC-C) | None |
| Downtown District (D-D) | None |
| Highway Commercial (H-C) | 2 Acres |
| Infill Development (INF-D) | 3 Acres |
| Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND) | 30 Acres |
| Business Campus Development (BC-D) | 10 Acres |
| Institutional Campus Development (IC-D) | 15 Acres |
| Rural Commercial | 2 Acres |
| Manufactured Home Residential (MH-R) | 5 Acres |
| South Point Peninsula Overlay District | 10 Acres |
| District | Minimum Area Required |
|---|---|
| Rural Residential (R-R) | 40 Acres |
| Suburban Residential (S-R) | 15 Acres |
| General Residential (G-R) | 15 Acres |
| Neighborhood Center-Residential (NC-R) | None |
| Neighborhood Center-Commercial (NC-C) | None |
| Downtown District (D-D) | None |
| Highway Commercial (H-C) | 2 Acres |
| Infill Development (INF-D) | 3 Acres |
| Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND) | 30 Acres |
| Business Campus Development (BC-D) | 10 Acres |
| Institutional Campus Development (IC-D) | 15 Acres |
| Rural Commercial | 2 Acres |
| Manufactured Home Residential (MH-R) | 5 Acres |
| South Point Peninsula Overlay District | 10 Acres |
| District | Minimum Area Required |
|---|---|
| Rural Residential (R-R) | 40 Acres |
| Suburban Residential (S-R) | 15 Acres |
| General Residential (G-R) | 15 Acres |
| Neighborhood Center-Residential (NC-R) | None |
| Neighborhood Center-Commercial (NC-C) | None |
| Downtown District (D-D) | None |
| Highway Commercial (H-C) | 2 Acres |
| Infill Development (INF-D) | 3 Acres |
| Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND) | 30 Acres |
| Business Campus Development (BC-D) | 10 Acres |
| Institutional Campus Development (IC-D) | 15 Acres |
| Rural Commercial | 2 Acres |
| Manufactured Home Residential (MH-R) | 5 Acres |
| South Point Peninsula Overlay District | 10 Acres |
Within a Conditional District (CD), any proposed use must be allowed in of the corresponding Base District. Conditions and site-specific standards imposed in a conditional district shall be limited to those that address the conformance of the development and use of the site to city ordinances and an officially adopted comprehensive or other plan and those that address the impacts reasonably expected to be generated by the development or use of the site. If no specific request is made by the petitioner to the change in the development standards or if the petition is silent on the point, it shall be understood that the underlying zoning district guidelines and standards shall apply. In addition to the modification of specific district provisions (except use), the following General Provisions as detailed in Chapters 4-11 may be varied if specifically requested by the petitioner as part of a Conditional District application:
| CH | Title | Exception to modifications: |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Building Type Requirements | |
| 5 | District Provisions | Uses permitted may not be varied unless the use proposed is not currently defined or contemplated by the Code. |
| 6 | Additional Requirements for Certain Uses | |
| 7 | Open Space | May substitute required open space for payment in lieu in accordance with Section 7.2. Amount required may not be reduced. |
| 8 | Streets and Greenways | Variations already permitted by Section 8.1. No further modifications permitted. |
| 9 | Parking | |
| 10 | Signs | Only standards in Section 10.1, 10.2, and 10.3 may be varied. Signage may exceed the permitted amount by no more than 50%. |
| 11 | Tree Protection and Landscaping | No further modifications permitted. Alternate Methods of Compliance provided in Section 11.5. |
| CH | Title | Exception to modifications: |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Building Type Requirements | |
| 5 | District Provisions | Uses permitted may not be varied unless the use proposed is not currently defined or contemplated by the Code. |
| 6 | Additional Requirements for Certain Uses | |
| 7 | Open Space | May substitute required open space for payment in lieu in accordance with Section 7.2. Amount required may not be reduced. |
| 8 | Streets and Greenways | Variations already permitted by Section 8.1. No further modifications permitted. |
| 9 | Parking | |
| 10 | Signs | Only standards in Section 10.1, 10.2, and 10.3 may be varied. Signage may exceed the permitted amount by no more than 50%. |
| 11 | Tree Protection and Landscaping | No further modifications permitted. Alternate Methods of Compliance provided in Section 11.5. |
| CH | Title | Exception to modifications: |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Building Type Requirements | |
| 5 | District Provisions | Uses permitted may not be varied unless the use proposed is not currently defined or contemplated by the Code. |
| 6 | Additional Requirements for Certain Uses | |
| 7 | Open Space | May substitute required open space for payment in lieu in accordance with Section 7.2. Amount required may not be reduced. |
| 8 | Streets and Greenways | Variations already permitted by Section 8.1. No further modifications permitted. |
| 9 | Parking | |
| 10 | Signs | Only standards in Section 10.1, 10.2, and 10.3 may be varied. Signage may exceed the permitted amount by no more than 50%. |
| 11 | Tree Protection and Landscaping | No further modifications permitted. Alternate Methods of Compliance provided in Section 11.5. |
| CH | Title | Exception to modifications: |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Building Type Requirements | |
| 5 | District Provisions | Uses permitted may not be varied unless the use proposed is not currently defined or contemplated by the Code. |
| 6 | Additional Requirements for Certain Uses | |
| 7 | Open Space | May substitute required open space for payment in lieu in accordance with Section 7.2. Amount required may not be reduced. |
| 8 | Streets and Greenways | Variations already permitted by Section 8.1. No further modifications permitted. |
| 9 | Parking | |
| 10 | Signs | Only standards in Section 10.1, 10.2, and 10.3 may be varied. Signage may exceed the permitted amount by no more than 50%. |
| 11 | Tree Protection and Landscaping | No further modifications permitted. Alternate Methods of Compliance provided in Section 11.5. |
For the development plan review process for the establishment of a Conditional District (CD), please see Section 15.6.
(TA2020.02, passed 05/04/2020)
Effective on: 5/4/2020
The South Point Peninsula Overlay is coded to allow low to moderate density development in areas farther from central Belmont in keeping with the adopted Comprehensive Land Use Map. This overlay provides the opportunity to fulfill the vision of the Suburban Neighborhood, Semi-Rural Neighborhood, and the Village Center Neighborhoods while providing flexibility through the Conditional District Zoning process.
| Detached House – Alley and Street Lot
* Underlying zone must be TND and requires Conditional District Zoning |
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(TA2020.02, passed 05/04/2020; TA2022.06, passed 06/12/2023)
Effective on: 6/12/2023
The South Fork Overlay is a zoning tool designed to implement the vision of the newly adopted South Fork Small Area Plan. This overlay district is for mixed use development consisting of a mix of residential types and densities, future office and retail uses in the village centers, supported by recreational open space and a multi-modal roadway network. The small area plan is found on pages 194-200 of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
| See South Fork Small Area Plan and Underlying Zoning District |
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(TA2020.02, passed 05/04/2020)
Effective on: 5/4/2020
DISTRICT PROVISIONS
Rural Residential (RR)
Suburban Residential (SR)
General Residential (GR)
Neighborhood Center Residential (NC-R)
Neighborhood Center Commercial (NC-C)
Downtown District (DD)
Highway Commercial (HC)
Infill Development (INF-D)
Traditional Neighborhood Development (TN-D)
Business Campus Development (BC-D)
Institutional Campus District (IC-D)
Reserved
Watershed Protection Overlay (WP-O)
Highway Corridor Overlay (HC-O)
Rural Commercial (RC)
Manufactured Housing Development (MH-D)
Conditional Districts (CD)
South Point Peninsula Overlay (SPP-O)
South Fork Overlay (SF-O)
In addition, each District has a corresponding Conditional District (CD) as outlined in Section 5.18. The overlay zoning districts are not eligible for a Conditional District, although the underlying zoning district(s) are.
These Districts are a cross-matrix of both the Building Types listed in CHAPTER 4 as well as the Permitted Uses, Uses Permitted with Additional Requirements, and Uses Permitted subject to the issuance of a Special Use Permit (SUP) or Conditional District Zoning.
All uses permitted in this Code have been divided into seven (7) general categories and are defined as follows:
| Residential: | Premises available for long-term human habitation by means of ownership and rental, including short-term letting of less than a month’s duration |
| Lodging: | Premises available for short-term human habitation, including daily and weekly letting |
| Office: | Premises available for the transaction of general business, but excluding commercial sales and manufacturing |
| Commercial: | Premises available for the commercial sale of merchandise and prepared foods, but excluding manufacturing |
| Manufacturing: | Premises available for the creation, assemblage, and repair of items including their retail sale except when such activity creates adverse impacts |
| Civic: | Premises available for not-for-profit organizations dedicated to religion, arts and culture, education, government, social service, transit, and other similar functions |
| Other: | Uses not otherwise classified but permitted with Performance Standards in CHAPTER 6 and/or subject to the issuance of a Special Use Permit in accordance with Section 15.10. |
Within these categories, the uses are defined as Open, Limited, and Restricted indicating the general permissiveness within each use category.
Uses shall only be allowed in those zoning districts in which they are listed in the various general zoning districts contained in CHAPTER 5. The Land Development Code text does not identify all potential uses. Many allowable uses are contained within identified use categories (i.e., commercial use, light manufacturing, etc.) For instance, a “blueprinting service” is not specifically identified in any particular zoning district but meets the definition of a “commercial use.” Thus, a blueprinting service would be allowed in any district where “commercial uses” are allowed. Conversely, a “day care center”, which meets the definition of a “commercial use”, is specifically listed as being allowed in certain districts only. Accordingly, “day care centers” and similar uses which are specifically identified are only allowed in those identified zoning districts and are prohibited in all other zoning districts.
A Conditional District Zoning process may be used to satisfy a special use permit requirement when additional relief is requested in compliance with Section 5.18 CONDITIONAL DISTRICTS (CD), of this code and as provided in this Chapter.
(TA2019.01, passed 05/06/2019; TA2020.02, passed 05/04/2020; TA2022.02, passed 12/05/2022)
Effective on: 12/5/2022
Rural Residential districts are coded to accommodate very low-density residential development and agricultural uses and protect natural vistas, and landscape features that define our rural heritage.
The intent of this District is to maintain a rural boundary, preserving agricultural and forested areas on the perimeter of Belmont until utility infrastructure can be installed to allow for planned growth.
| Detached House – Street Lot Only Civic Building |
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| Residential | Limited Residential: The number of dwellings is limited by the required lot dimensions and the provision of public water and sewer service. Permitted Uses: Single Family Homes, Accessory structures1, Duplexes, Manufactured Housing, and Bona Fide Farms |
| Lodging | Limited Lodging: The number of bedrooms available for lodging is limited by the requirement of one assigned parking space for each bedroom, in addition to the parking requirement for each dwelling. Food service may only be provided to guests. Permitted Uses: Bed and Breakfast Inns2 |
| Office | Restricted Office: Customary home occupation uses are permitted provided the office use is restricted to the first floor or ancillary building and by the requirement of one assigned parking space for each 400 sq. ft., in addition to the parking requirement for each dwelling. Permitted Uses: Home Occupations2 |
| Commercial | Restricted Commercial: Drive-in Theatres shall be permitted with a minimum lot size of 3 acres, and with the establishment of a Type A buffer/screening around the perimeter of the property. (See Section 11.2) Day Care Centers and Day Care Homes2, Mobile Food Vendors2. All other commercial uses are forbidden. |
| Manufacturing | Restricted Manufacturing: Manufacturing uses are not permitted. |
| Civic | Open Civic: Civic uses shall be permitted, except those uses that exceed 25,000 square feet shall be subject to the issuance of a special use permit or Conditional District Zoning. |
| Other | Cemetery2, Essential Services-Class 1 & 22, Solar Energy Systems- Class 32,3, Recreational Facilities2, Water-related Structures2, Temporary Family Health Care Structure2 |
(TA2020.02, passed 05/04/2020; TA2019.02, passed 09/08/2020; TA2022.01, passed 07/10/2023; TA2024.03, passed 03/03/2025)
Effective on: 3/3/2025
The Suburban Residential District is coded to allow low to moderate density development in areas farther from central Belmont, but to ensure that these areas develop along the same traditional lines as central Belmont. This District is intended to be the predominant residential district for areas identified on the Comprehensive Land Use Map as Suburban Neighborhood and Semi-Rural Neighborhood.
| Detached House – Alley and Street Lot Townhouse Civic Building |
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| Residential | Limited Residential: The number of dwellings is limited by the required lot dimensions and the provision of public water and sewer service. Permitted Uses: Single Family Homes, Accessory structures1, Duplexes, and Townhouses (in new developments only, no townhouses are permitted on infill lots in the SR District) |
| Lodging | Limited Lodging: The number of bedrooms available for lodging is limited by the requirement of one assigned parking space for each bedroom, in addition to the parking requirement for each dwelling. Food service may only be provided to guests. Permitted Uses: Bed and Breakfast Inns2 |
| Office | Restricted Office: Customary home occupation uses are permitted provided the office use is restricted to the first floor or ancillary building and by the requirement of one assigned parking space for each 400 sq. ft., in addition to the parking requirement for each dwelling. Permitted Uses: Home Occupations2 |
| Commercial | Limited Commercial: The area permitted for commercial uses is limited to the first story at corner locations. Parking shall be negotiated on a site-by-site basis. Mobile Food Vendors2 are allowed on a temporary basis subject to the requirements of CHAPTER 6. Permitted Uses: Day Care Centers2, Day Care Homes2, Mobile Food Vendors2 |
| Manufacturing | Restricted Manufacturing: Manufacturing uses are not permitted. |
| Civic | Open Civic: Civic uses shall be permitted, except those uses that exceed 25,000 square feet shall be subject to the issuance of a special use permit or Conditional District Zoning. |
| Other | Cemetery2, Essential Services-Class 1 & 22, Solar Energy Systems- Class 32,3, Recreational Facilities2, Water-related Structures2, Temporary Family Health Care Structure2 |
(TA2020.02, passed 05/04/2020; TA2019.02, passed 09/08/2020; TA2022.06, passed 06/12/2023; TA2022.01, passed 07/10/2023; TA2024.03, passed 03/03/2025)
Effective on: 3/3/2025
The General Residential District is coded to permit the health of the City’s historical neighborhoods as well as providing for the City’s expansion with new development along the same traditional lines under which they were established. This District is intended to be the predominant residential district for the City and represents the largest land area on the Zoning Map.
| Detached House – Alley and Street Lot Townhouse Civic Building |
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| Residential | Limited Residential: The number of dwellings is limited by the required lot dimensions and the provision of public water and sewer service. Permitted Uses: Single Family Homes, Accessory structures1, Duplexes, and Townhouses (in new developments only, no townhouses are permitted on infill lots in the GR District) |
| Lodging | Limited Lodging: The number of bedrooms available for lodging is limited by the requirement of one assigned parking space for each bedroom, in addition to the parking requirement for each dwelling. Food service may only be provided to guests. Permitted Uses: Bed and Breakfast Inns2 |
| Office | Restricted Office: Customary home occupation uses are permitted provided the office use is restricted to the first floor or ancillary building and by the requirement of one assigned parking space for each 400 sq. ft., in addition to the parking requirement for each dwelling. Permitted Uses: Home Occupations2 |
| Commercial | Limited Commercial: The area permitted for retail is limited to the first story at corner locations. Parking shall be negotiated on a site-by-site basis. Mobile Food Vendors2 are allowed on a temporary basis subject to the requirements of CHAPTER 6. Permitted Uses: Day Care Centers and Day Care Homes2; Events Facility2,3, Temporary Amusements2,3, Mobile Food Vendors2 |
| Manufacturing | Restricted Manufacturing: Manufacturing uses are not permitted. |
| Civic | Open Civic: Civic uses shall be permitted, except those uses that exceed 25,000 square feet shall be subject to the issuance of a special use permit or Conditional District Zoning. |
| Other | Cemetery2, Essential Services-Class 1 & 22, Recreational Facilities2, Water-related Structures2, Temporary Family Health Care Structure2 |
(TA2020.02, passed 05/04/2020; TA2019.02, passed 09/08/2020; TA2022.01, passed 07/10/2023)
Effective on: 7/10/2023
The Neighborhood Center Residential District is coded to provide for areas for residential and mixed-use development in close proximity to existing and planned commercial centers. The intent is to create higher density residential areas that compliment commercial districts with physical proximity and pedestrian interaction. Different housing types and lot styles are encouraged as well as office and civic uses.
| Detached House – Alley and Street Lot Apartment Building |
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| Residential | Open Residential: The number of dwellings is limited by the required lot dimensions and the provision of public water and sewer service. Permitted Uses: Single Family Homes, Accessory structures1, Duplexes, and Multi-Family2. |
| Lodging | Limited Lodging: The number of bedrooms available for lodging is limited by the requirement of one assigned parking space for each bedroom, in addition to the parking requirement for each dwelling. Food service may only be provided to guests. Permitted Uses: Bed and Breakfast Inns2 |
| Office | Open Office: The area available for office use is limited by the requirement of one assigned parking space for each 400 sq. ft. Permitted Uses: Home Occupations2, Live-Work Units, Professional Office |
| Commercial | Limited Retail: The area permitted for commercial uses is limited to the first story at corner locations. Parking shall be negotiated on a site-by-site basis. Mobile Food Vendors2 are allowed on a temporary basis subject to the requirements of CHAPTER 6. Permitted Uses: Day Care Centers and Day Care Homes2, Events Facility2,3, Funeral Home2,3, Mobile Food Vendors2 |
| Manufacturing | Restricted Manufacturing: Manufacturing uses are not permitted. |
| Civic | Open Civic: Civic uses shall be permitted, except those uses that exceed 25,000 square feet shall be subject to the issuance of a special use permit or Conditional District Zoning. |
| Other | Cemetery2, Essential Services-Class 1 & 22, Recreational Facilities2 , Water-related Structures2, Temporary Family Health Care Structure2 |
(TA2020.02, passed 05/04/2020; TA2019.02, passed 09/08/2020; TA2020.07, passed 01/04/2021; TA2022.05, passed 01/09/2023; TA2022.01, passed 07/10/2023; TA2023.03, passed 10/02/2023)
Effective on: 10/2/2023
This District is coded to provide pedestrian-scaled higher density residential homes and opportunities for limited scale commercial activities along existing mixed-use corridors and at the functional center of new neighborhoods. Developments in the NC-C Districts are to emulate the Main Street characteristics of Downtown and East Belmont and encourage pedestrian use through connections to adjacent neighborhoods and the construction of mixed-use buildings. NC-C may be used to apply initial zoning to existing commercial buildings outside of Downtown and East Belmont, and to allow for neighborhood-scaled commercial development outside the downtown commercial/civic area and village centers as shown on the Comprehensive Land Use Plan map.
| Detached House Apartment Building |
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| Residential | Open Residential: The number of dwellings is limited by the required lot dimensions and the provision of public water and sewer service. Permitted Uses: Single Family Homes, Accessory structures1, Duplexes, and Multi-Family2. |
| Lodging | Open Lodging: The number of bedrooms available for lodging is limited by the requirement of one assigned parking space for each bedroom, in addition to the parking requirement for each dwelling. Food service may be provided at all times. Permitted Uses: Bed and Breakfast Inns and Hotels2 |
| Office | Open Office: The area available for office use is limited by the requirement of one assigned parking space for each 400 sq. ft. Permitted Uses: Home Occupations, Live-Work Units, and Office Uses |
| Commercial | Open Commercial: The area available for commercial use is limited to the requirement of one assigned parking space for each 400 square feet of gross space. Mobile Food Vendors2 are allowed on a temporary basis subject to the requirements of CHAPTER 6. |
| Manufacturing | Restricted Manufacturing: Neighborhood Manufacturing. 2 |
| Civic | Open Civic: Civic uses shall be permitted. |
| Other | Cemetery2, Essential Services-Class 1 & 22, Parking Structures2, Recreational Facilities2 Outdoor Storage of Landscaping/Garden Supplies/Live Plants2, Water-related Structures2, Temporary Family Health Care Structure2 |
(TA2025.02, passed 08/04/2025)
Effective on: 8/4/2025
The Downtown District is coded to encourage the redevelopment and expansion of the traditional City center. This center is intended to serve as the civic, cultural, and governmental hub of activity for the entire Belmont community.
Commercial components of the Downtown District may exceed 18,000 square feet within a single building. Individual buildings are encouraged to be mixed vertically with street level commercial and upper level residential. Higher densities of residential development are encouraged.
| Detached House Apartment Building |
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| Residential | Open Residential: The number of dwellings is limited by the required lot dimensions and the provision of public water and sewer service. Permitted Uses: Single Family Homes, Accessory structures¹, Duplexes, and Multi-Family2. |
| Lodging | Open Lodging: Food service may be provided at all times. Permitted Uses: Bed and Breakfast Inns and Hotels |
| Office | Open Office: Permitted Uses: Home Occupations, Live-Work Units, and Office Uses |
| Commercial | Open Commercial: Permitted Uses: Commercial Uses, Restaurants, Night Clubs and Bars with Live Music2, Entertainment Uses, Mobile Food Vendors2, Events Facility2 Excluded Uses: Drive-through Commercial, Automotive, Boat & Heavy Equipment Sales and Service, Adult Establishments, Adult Video Stores, Pool Halls, Billiard Parlors, Game Rooms, and Arcades. |
| Manufacturing | Restricted Manufacturing: Neighborhood Manufacturing. 2 |
| Civic | Open Civic: Civic uses shall be permitted. |
| Other | Cemetery2, Essential Services-Class 1 & 22, Parking Structures2, Recreational Facilities2, Temporary Uses2, Temporary Family Health Care Structure2 Outdoor Storage of Landscaping/Garden Supplies2, Water-related Structures2 |
(TA2020.02, passed 05/04/2020; TA2019.02, passed 09/08/2020; TA2020.07, passed 01/04/2021; TA2022.05, passed 01/09/2023; TA2022.01, passed 07/10/2023; TA2023.03, passed 10/02/2023; TA2024.05, passed 01/06/2025)
Effective on: 1/6/2025
The intensity of commercial development in the Highway Commercial district is established by the traffic of the fronting thoroughfare. Though coded primarily for auto dependent development along the frontage, buildings that do not front along Wilkinson Boulevard shall be scaled to the pedestrian.
The intent of these regulations is to facilitate convenient access, minimize traffic congestion, and reduce the visual impact of excessive signage and parking lots. In addition to Wilkinson Boulevard, North Main Street, McAdenville Road, and Park Street in the proximity of Wilkinson Boulevard and the south side of I-85 may be designated for Highway Commercial development.
| Townhouse Apartment Building Shopfront Building Workplace Building Flex Commercial Building Civic Building |
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| Residential | Open Residential: The number of dwellings is limited by the required lot dimensions and the minimum parking requirements of 1 ½ assigned spaces per unit. Permitted Uses: Multi-Family |
| Lodging | Open Lodging: The number of bedrooms available for lodging is limited by the parking requirements of CHAPTER 9. Food service may be provided at all times. Permitted Uses: Bed and Breakfast Inns, Motels, and Hotels |
| Office | Open Office: The area available for office use is limited by the parking requirements of CHAPTER 9. Permitted Uses: Home Occupations, Live-Work Units, and Office Uses |
| Commercial | Open Commercial: The area available for commercial use is limited to the parking requirements of CHAPTER 9. Mobile Food Vendors2 are allowed on a temporary basis subject to the requirements of CHAPTER 6. Permitted Uses: Retail Commercial Uses, Restaurants, Private Nightclubs1,2, Entertainment Uses, Adult Establishments1&2, and Adult Video Stores 1&2, Automotive/Boat/Heavy Equipment/Manufactured Home Sales and/or Service1&2 , Blood Plasma Facility1, Day Care Centers and Day Care Homes1, Convenience Stores1, Drive-through Commercial1, Events Facility1, Temporary Amusements1, ABC Store, Beer and Wine Store, Body/skin piercing establishment, Cash-advance/vehicle title loan service, Electronic gaming operation1, Palm reading/fortune telling/psychic reading/tarot reading establishment, Pawn shop, Tattoo parlor and/or permanent cosmetic salon, Mobile Food Vendors2. |
| Manufacturing | Restricted Manufacturing: No manufacturing activity is permitted. |
| Civic | Open Civic: Civic uses shall be permitted. |
| Other | Essential Services-Class 1 & 21, Parking Structures, Recreational Facilities1, Outdoor Storage1, Water-related Structures1 |
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(TA2025.02, passed 08/04/2025)
Effective on: 8/4/2025
The intent of this District is to design infill developments in built-up environments that adhere to the following neighborhood design principles:
Though it is similar to the Traditional Neighborhood Development, Infill Development has a more limited range of permitted building types and uses.
| Detached House – Alley and Street Lot Apartment Building | |
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| Use Single-Family Uses Duplex and Multi-Family Uses Lodging/Office/Retail Uses Civic Uses Open Space | Minimum - Maximum 15% - 75% 10% - 40% 2% - 10% 2% - no maximum Per CHAPTER 7 |
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| Residential | Open Residential: The number of dwellings is limited by the required lot dimensions and the provision of public water and sewer service. Permitted Uses: Single Family Homes, Accessory structures1, Duplexes, and Multi-Family2. | |
| Lodging | Limited Lodging: The number of bedrooms available for lodging is limited by the parking requirements of CHAPTER 9. Food service may only be provided in the morning. Permitted Uses: Bed and Breakfast Inns2 | |
| Office | Limited Office: Customary home occupation uses are permitted provided the office use is restricted to the first floor or ancillary building and by the requirement of one assigned parking space for each 400 sq. ft., in addition to the parking requirement for each dwelling. Permitted Uses: Home Occupations2 and Live-Work Units Exceptions: Offices (in existing Workplace buildings only) | |
| Commercial | Limited Commercial: Commercial uses are forbidden with the following exceptions: One Neighborhood Store shall be permitted for each 300 units in a neighborhood. Mobile Food Vendors2 are allowed on a temporary basis subject to the requirements of CHAPTER 6. Permitted Uses: Day Care Centers and Day Care Homes2, Neighborhood Store2, Mobile Food Vendors2 | |
| Manufacturing | Restricted Manufacturing: Manufacturing uses are forbidden. | |
| Civic | Open Civic: Civic uses shall be permitted, except those uses that exceed 25,000 square feet shall be subject to the issuance of a special use permit or Conditional District Zoning. | |
| Other | Essential Services, Class 1 & 22, Recreational Facilities2, Water-related Structures2, Temporary Family Health Care Structure2 | |
(TA2020.02, passed 05/04/2020; TA2019.02, passed 09/08/2020; TA2020.07, passed 01/04/2021; TA2022.05, passed 01/09/2023; TA2022.01, passed 07/10/2023; TA2023.03, passed 10/02/2023)
Effective on: 10/2/2023
The intent of this District is to allow for the development of fully integrated, mixed-use pedestrian-oriented neighborhoods that minimize traffic congestions, suburban sprawl, infrastructure costs, and environmental degradation. Traditional Neighborhoods adhere to the following design principles:
| Detached House – Alley and Street Lot Apartment Building | |
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| Use Single-Family Uses Duplex and Multi-Family Uses Lodging/Office/Commercial/Manuf. Uses* Civic Uses Open Space | Minimum - Maximum 15% - 75% 10% - 40% 2% - 10% 2% - no maximum Per CHAPTER 7 |
| *The developer may request that the City Council waive the lodging/office/commercial/ manufacturing uses after five years of the plat being recorded or after 50% build out of residential units in the development, whichever is sooner, if the development is located within one (1) street-mile of a Village Center or Downtown Commercial and Civic Center as shown on the Belmont Comprehensive Land Use Plan map. | ||
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| Residential | Open Residential: The number of dwellings is limited by the required lot dimensions and the provision of public water and sewer service. Permitted Uses: Single Family Homes, Accessory structures1, Duplexes, and Multi-Family2. | |
| Lodging | Open Lodging: The number of bedrooms available for lodging is limited by the requirement of one assigned parking space for each bedroom, in addition to the parking requirement for each dwelling. Food service may be provided at all times. Permitted Uses: Bed and Breakfast Inns2 and Hotels | |
| Office | Open Office: The area available for office use is limited by the requirement of one assigned parking space for each 400 sq. ft. Permitted Uses: Home Occupations, Live-Work Units, and Office Uses | |
| Commercial | Open Commercial: The area available for commercial use is limited to the requirement of one assigned parking space for each 400 square feet of gross Permitted Uses: Commercial Uses, Restaurants, Drive-through Commercial2,3, and Neighborhood Stores2, Mobile Food Vendors2, ABC Store | |
| Manufacturing | Limited Manufacturing: The area available for manufacturing use is limited to the building. Permitted Uses: Light Manufacturing Uses (no outdoor storage permitted) | |
| Civic | Open Civic: Civic uses shall be permitted. | |
| Other | Cemetery2, Essential Services-Class 1 & 22, Parking Structures2, Recreational Facilities2, and Water-related Structures2 | |
(TA2020.02, passed 05/04/2020; TA2019.02, passed 09/08/2020; TA2020.07, passed 01/04/2021; TA2022.05, passed 01/09/2023; TA2022.01, passed 07/10/2023; TA2023.03, passed 10/02/2023; TA2025.02, passed 08/04/2025)
Effective on: 8/4/2025
In order to maintain an attractive and viable environment in which to locate workplaces, the City of Belmont has created this District to promote the existing academic campus setting in the City and the Southern Piedmont Region.
Business Campus Developments are coded to permit the development of corporate office campus, light industrial uses, and heavy industrial uses. Such developments are typically too large in scale to fit within a neighborhood environment and must be designed in a manner that is more appropriate to their technology, production methods, and/or operations.
Business Campus Developments are coded to achieve the high-quality site design and use flexibility inherent in campus design. This is accomplished through attention to a building’s architectural compatibility with other buildings and the relationship of buildings to the public realm.
This District may not be used to circumvent other Sections in this Code.
| Apartment Building Shopfront Building | |
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| Detached House – Alley and Street Lot Townhouse Apartment Building Shopfront Building Workplace Building Civic Building | 0% - 30% 0% - 30% 0% - 30% 0% - 20% 55% - 100% unlimited |
![]() Workplace buildings aligned on streets | ![]() Typical public street cross-section in a BC-D | |
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| Residential | Permitted Uses: Single Family Homes, Accessory structures1, Duplexes, and Multi-Family2. | |
| Lodging | Open Lodging: The number of bedrooms available for lodging is limited by the requirement of one assigned parking space for each bedroom, in addition to the parking requirement for each dwelling. Food service may be provided at all times. Permitted Uses: Bed and Breakfast Inns2 and Hotels | |
| Office | Open Office: The area available for office use is limited by the requirement of one assigned parking space for each 250 sq. ft., a ratio that may be reduced according to the shared parking standards. Permitted Uses: Office Uses, Live-Work Units | |
| Commercial | Restricted Commercial: Free-standing commercial uses are forbidden. Commercial uses are permitted as an auxiliary use within buildings containing primarily office uses such as cafeterias and restaurants, and specialty stores. Mobile Food Vendors2 are allowed on a temporary basis subject to the requirements of CHAPTER 6. Permitted Uses: Commercial Uses, Restaurants2, and Day Care Centers and Day Care Homes2. Drive-through Commercial2; Events Facility2; Temporary Amusements2, Mobile Food Vendors2 | |
| Manufacturing | Open Manufacturing: The area available for manufacturing use is limited to the building and a contiguous yard to its rear screened from view. The parking requirement shall be negotiated according to the specific manufacturing activity. | |
| Civic | Open Civic: Civic Uses, Hospitals2 | |
| Other | Cemetery2, Essential Services-Class 1 and 22, Essential Services-Class 33, Solar Energy Systems- Class 32,3, Parking Structures2, Recreational Facilities2, Water-related Structures2 | |
(TA2020.02, passed 05/04/2020; TA2019.02, passed 09/08/2020; TA2020.07, passed 01/04/2021; TA2022.05, passed 01/09/2023; TA2022.01, passed 07/10/2023; TA2023.03, passed 10/02/2023; TA2024.03, passed 03/03/2025; TA2025.04, passed 10/06/2025)
Effective on: 10/6/2025
The intent of this District is to allow for the continued and future use, expansion, and new development of academic and religious campuses, as well as government and health-care facilities with a total development size larger than 15 acres.
This district is coded to promote the many varied uses associated with such institutions while maintaining the overall design integrity of the traditional campus setting.
| Detached House – Alley and Street Lot Townhouse Apartment Building Shopfront Building Workplace Building Civic Building | |
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| Detached House – Alley and Street Lot Townhouse Apartment Building Shopfront Building Workplace Building Civic Building | 0% - 30% 0% - 30% 0% - 30% 0% - 20% 55% - 100% unlimited |
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| Residential | Open Residential: The number of dwellings is limited by the requirement of 1.5 assigned parking spaces for each dwelling, a ratio that may be reduced according to the shared parking standard. Permitted Uses: Single Family Homes, Accessory structures1, Duplexes, and Multi-Family | |
| Lodging | Open Lodging: The number of bedrooms available for lodging is limited by the requirement of one assigned parking space for each bedroom, in addition to the parking requirement for each dwelling. Food service may be provided at all times. Permitted Uses: Bed and Breakfast Inns2, Hospice and Assisted Living Facilities, Hotels1 | |
| Office | Open Office: The area available for office use is limited by the requirement of one assigned parking space for each 250 sq. ft., a ratio that may be reduced according to the shared parking standards. Permitted Uses: Home Occupations2, Office Uses, Live-Work Units | |
| Commercial | Restricted Retail: Free-standing commercial uses are not permitted. Mobile Food Vendors2 are allowed on a temporary basis subject to the requirements of CHAPTER 6. Permitted Uses: Events facility2, Day Care Centers and Day Care Homes2, Restaurants2, Mobile Food Vendors2 | |
| Manufacturing | Restricted Manufacturing: Manufacturing uses are not permitted. Uses | |
| Civic | Open Civic: Civic Uses, Hospitals3. | |
| Other | Cemetery2, Essential Services-Class 1and 22, Solar Energy Systems- Class 32,3, Essential Services-Class 33, Parking Structures2, and Recreational Facilities2, Water-related Structures2 | |
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(TA2020.02, passed 05/04/2020; TA2019.02, passed 09/08/2020; TA2022.01, passed 07/10/2023; TA2024.03, passed 03/03/2025)
Effective on: 3/3/2025
This District is coded to preserve and improve the transportation efficiency, non-motorized mobility, and aesthetics of the Wilkinson Boulevard corridor. All provisions of the underlying district shall be effective except those specifically stated in this chapter.
| All development shall provide the following improvements across the frontage:
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Frontage (feet) Development Type | Number of Driveways Allowed Minimum Spacing (feet) | |
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| Street Type Major/Minor Thoroughfare Local/Collector Street | Minimum Distance (feet) 500 200 | |
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Effective on: 1/1/1901
Rural Commercial is coded for commercial clusters along primary rural corridors within the extraterritorial jurisdiction of the city and for existing commercial clusters within the City which are less pedestrian oriented in design than NC-C development.
Carrying capacity of the road or intersection is the factor which limits the size of R-C development.
Uses located in R-C districts shall draw from a local area as opposed to a regional area characteristic of H-C development.
South Point Road, Perfection Avenue and South New Hope Rd. are the designated primary rural corridors along which R-C development can occur.
Commercial Uses (Including Commercial, Business, Service, Office, ABC Store, and Wholesaling) up to 20,000 square feet.
Exclusions: Uses listed above which involve on-site manufacturing, outdoor storage of hazardous materials, warehousing and/or storage necessitating daily truck travel (not including servicing of establishments located within the district or mini-storage facilities), machine shops, auto parts and supply stores, mining, adult retail, pool halls and gaming rooms, and gambling facilities.
Essential Services, Class 1, 2, & 3 (Class 3 is allowed by special use permit only)
Commercial uses exceeding 20,000 square feet in area.
Indoor storage of hazardous material (*Fireworks sales shall not be permitted except as a minor stock item)
Service Stations and Garages
Drive In Theaters
Water-related Structures1
LOT PROVISIONS/SETBACKS/ENCROACHMENTSLot Width (min): 40 feet
Front Setback (min): 20 feet
Side Setback (min): 4 feet (Corner Lot - 8 ft)
Rear Setback (min): 20 feet
Arcades, awnings, and open porches shall be permitted to encroach a maximum of 6 ft into front setbacks and corner side setbacks only
The vertical distance from the mean elevation of the finished grade relative to the frontage street, to the roof line of the structure.
All uses - Maximum 35 ft.
Exceptions:
Parking requirements shall be as follows: Offices: 1 per 300 sq ft Commercial: 1 per 250 sq ft Restaurant/Night Clubs/Lounges/Bars: 1 per 75 sq ft Hotels/ Motels/Bed and Breakfast Inns: 1 per room or suite Drive-thru Business: 11 car lengths for first windows plus 7 for each additional window All other Uses: 1 per 250 sq ft | Off Street Loading Requirements shall be as follows: Office/Restaurant/Hotel Less than 5,000 sq ft: None All Other Uses Less than 5,000 square feet: None |
All walls visible from a public right-of-way shall be clad with the same material required for the front of the building (see A. Materials below). Approved metal paneling may not exceed 40% of any facade of a structure visible from a ROW. Blocks or approved metal paneling shall be painted to match the overall color scheme of the rest of the building. | |
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(TA2025.02, passed 08/04/2025)
Effective on: 8/4/2025
Manufactured housing is a recognized form of affordable housing.
The MH-R district is coded to allow for the development of neighborhoods which utilize manufactured housing as its principle building type. Manufactured housing neighborhoods can only occur in a MH-R district.
The intent is to treat manufactured housing with the same design considerations applied to homes built to the Standards set forth in the North Carolina Building Code and those codified in this Ordinance.
The minimum development size shall be 5 acres. Max size 40 acres.
Manufactured Housing
Essential Utility Services, Class 1 & 21
Water-related Structures1
The following lot sizes are to be the minimum size requirements and may be increased due to requirements for placement of well and septic tank systems, such as soil conditions and separation distances, the topography of the land or other environment conditions. The applicant shall indicate on the application, the number of bedrooms per house for which the septic tank system should be evaluated.
Porches, patios, and bay windows may encroach into a front yard setback only.
| CATEGORY | Water & Sewer Available | Water or Sewer Available | Well & Septic Tank |
|---|---|---|---|
| MINIMUM LOT SIZE | 8000 sq ft | 10,000 sq ft | 20,000 sq ft |
| LOT WIDTH AT BUILDING LINE | 60 ft | 70 ft | 90 ft |
| LOT WIDTH AT STREET RIGHT-OF-WAY | 40 ft | ||
| FRONT SETBACK | 20 ft | ||
| SIDE SETBACK | 12 ft | 15 ft | |
| REAR SETBACK | 30 ft | ||
| MAXIMUM HEIGHT | 35 ft | ||
| ENCROACHMENTS (Rear yard setbacks) | (10ft) | 8 ft (12ft) | (12ft) |
| CATEGORY | Water & Sewer Available | Water or Sewer Available | Well & Septic Tank |
|---|---|---|---|
| MINIMUM LOT SIZE | 8000 sq ft | 10,000 sq ft | 20,000 sq ft |
| LOT WIDTH AT BUILDING LINE | 60 ft | 70 ft | 90 ft |
| LOT WIDTH AT STREET RIGHT-OF-WAY | 40 ft | ||
| FRONT SETBACK | 20 ft | ||
| SIDE SETBACK | 12 ft | 15 ft | |
| REAR SETBACK | 30 ft | ||
| MAXIMUM HEIGHT | 35 ft | ||
| ENCROACHMENTS (Rear yard setbacks) | (10ft) | 8 ft (12ft) | (12ft) |
| CATEGORY | Water & Sewer Available | Water or Sewer Available | Well & Septic Tank |
|---|---|---|---|
| MINIMUM LOT SIZE | 8000 sq ft | 10,000 sq ft | 20,000 sq ft |
| LOT WIDTH AT BUILDING LINE | 60 ft | 70 ft | 90 ft |
| LOT WIDTH AT STREET RIGHT-OF-WAY | 40 ft | ||
| FRONT SETBACK | 20 ft | ||
| SIDE SETBACK | 12 ft | 15 ft | |
| REAR SETBACK | 30 ft | ||
| MAXIMUM HEIGHT | 35 ft | ||
| ENCROACHMENTS (Rear yard setbacks) | (10ft) | 8 ft (12ft) | (12ft) |
| CATEGORY | Water & Sewer Available | Water or Sewer Available | Well & Septic Tank |
|---|---|---|---|
| MINIMUM LOT SIZE | 8000 sq ft | 10,000 sq ft | 20,000 sq ft |
| LOT WIDTH AT BUILDING LINE | 60 ft | 70 ft | 90 ft |
| LOT WIDTH AT STREET RIGHT-OF-WAY | 40 ft | ||
| FRONT SETBACK | 20 ft | ||
| SIDE SETBACK | 12 ft | 15 ft | |
| REAR SETBACK | 30 ft | ||
| MAXIMUM HEIGHT | 35 ft | ||
| ENCROACHMENTS (Rear yard setbacks) | (10ft) | 8 ft (12ft) | (12ft) |
The following uses are permitted within outbuildings:
| Parking Gazebo Pool house | Sauna Workshop Equipment Enclosure | |
Trash containers, mechanical equipment and outdoor storage shall be located only within the rear yard. | ||
Mailboxes, newspaper boxes, walls, fences, birdhouses, flagpoles, and pump covers may be placed in any front, side, or rear yard. Doghouses may be placed in rear yards only. | ||
Lots Over 10,000 sq ft Accessory structures shall not exceed 40% of the total area of the principal structure. At no time shall the total area of an accessory use exceed 25% of the rear yard. Such uses shall only be permitted in the rear yard. Accessory structures with a total area exceeding 500 square feet shall be constructed using materials and features similar to the principal structure. Minimum side and rear setbacks: 5 ft Minimum setback from principal structure: 10 ft Maximum Height: 26 ft | Lots Under 10,000 sq ft Minimum setback from home: 10 ft Maximum height: 26 ft | |
Accessory structures in rear yards that abut a publicly dedicated street shall be set in the portion of the rear yard opposite the street. | ||
A pool as defined above shall not exceed 45% of a required rear yard. Pools, as defined above, shall be setback a minimum of 10 ft from all side and rear property lines. Patio areas at grade have no setback requirements from rear or side lot lines. Pools shall have the rear yard enclosed by a privacy fence with a minimum height of four (4) feet and a maximum height of eight (8) feet. |
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In no instance may a manufactured home be used for a nonresidential purpose. A manufactured home must bear a seal certifying that it was built to the standards adopted on July 1, 1976 that meets or exceeds the construction standards promulgated by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development that were in effect at the time of construction and that satisfies each of the following additional criteria:
Materials
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Effective on: 1/1/1901
Conditional Districts provide for orderly and flexible development under the general policies of the base district without the constraints of the general district standards. Because Conditional District developments are constructed in a comprehensive manner, they establish their own building, street, block, and lot pattern which may be unique from other surrounding blocks or neighborhoods. This Conditional District may be used in any district but is not intended to relieve hardships that would otherwise be handled using a variance procedure.
| District | Minimum Area Required |
|---|---|
| Rural Residential (R-R) | 40 Acres |
| Suburban Residential (S-R) | 15 Acres |
| General Residential (G-R) | 15 Acres |
| Neighborhood Center-Residential (NC-R) | None |
| Neighborhood Center-Commercial (NC-C) | None |
| Downtown District (D-D) | None |
| Highway Commercial (H-C) | 2 Acres |
| Infill Development (INF-D) | 3 Acres |
| Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND) | 30 Acres |
| Business Campus Development (BC-D) | 10 Acres |
| Institutional Campus Development (IC-D) | 15 Acres |
| Rural Commercial | 2 Acres |
| Manufactured Home Residential (MH-R) | 5 Acres |
| South Point Peninsula Overlay District | 10 Acres |
| District | Minimum Area Required |
|---|---|
| Rural Residential (R-R) | 40 Acres |
| Suburban Residential (S-R) | 15 Acres |
| General Residential (G-R) | 15 Acres |
| Neighborhood Center-Residential (NC-R) | None |
| Neighborhood Center-Commercial (NC-C) | None |
| Downtown District (D-D) | None |
| Highway Commercial (H-C) | 2 Acres |
| Infill Development (INF-D) | 3 Acres |
| Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND) | 30 Acres |
| Business Campus Development (BC-D) | 10 Acres |
| Institutional Campus Development (IC-D) | 15 Acres |
| Rural Commercial | 2 Acres |
| Manufactured Home Residential (MH-R) | 5 Acres |
| South Point Peninsula Overlay District | 10 Acres |
| District | Minimum Area Required |
|---|---|
| Rural Residential (R-R) | 40 Acres |
| Suburban Residential (S-R) | 15 Acres |
| General Residential (G-R) | 15 Acres |
| Neighborhood Center-Residential (NC-R) | None |
| Neighborhood Center-Commercial (NC-C) | None |
| Downtown District (D-D) | None |
| Highway Commercial (H-C) | 2 Acres |
| Infill Development (INF-D) | 3 Acres |
| Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND) | 30 Acres |
| Business Campus Development (BC-D) | 10 Acres |
| Institutional Campus Development (IC-D) | 15 Acres |
| Rural Commercial | 2 Acres |
| Manufactured Home Residential (MH-R) | 5 Acres |
| South Point Peninsula Overlay District | 10 Acres |
| District | Minimum Area Required |
|---|---|
| Rural Residential (R-R) | 40 Acres |
| Suburban Residential (S-R) | 15 Acres |
| General Residential (G-R) | 15 Acres |
| Neighborhood Center-Residential (NC-R) | None |
| Neighborhood Center-Commercial (NC-C) | None |
| Downtown District (D-D) | None |
| Highway Commercial (H-C) | 2 Acres |
| Infill Development (INF-D) | 3 Acres |
| Traditional Neighborhood Development (TND) | 30 Acres |
| Business Campus Development (BC-D) | 10 Acres |
| Institutional Campus Development (IC-D) | 15 Acres |
| Rural Commercial | 2 Acres |
| Manufactured Home Residential (MH-R) | 5 Acres |
| South Point Peninsula Overlay District | 10 Acres |
Within a Conditional District (CD), any proposed use must be allowed in of the corresponding Base District. Conditions and site-specific standards imposed in a conditional district shall be limited to those that address the conformance of the development and use of the site to city ordinances and an officially adopted comprehensive or other plan and those that address the impacts reasonably expected to be generated by the development or use of the site. If no specific request is made by the petitioner to the change in the development standards or if the petition is silent on the point, it shall be understood that the underlying zoning district guidelines and standards shall apply. In addition to the modification of specific district provisions (except use), the following General Provisions as detailed in Chapters 4-11 may be varied if specifically requested by the petitioner as part of a Conditional District application:
| CH | Title | Exception to modifications: |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Building Type Requirements | |
| 5 | District Provisions | Uses permitted may not be varied unless the use proposed is not currently defined or contemplated by the Code. |
| 6 | Additional Requirements for Certain Uses | |
| 7 | Open Space | May substitute required open space for payment in lieu in accordance with Section 7.2. Amount required may not be reduced. |
| 8 | Streets and Greenways | Variations already permitted by Section 8.1. No further modifications permitted. |
| 9 | Parking | |
| 10 | Signs | Only standards in Section 10.1, 10.2, and 10.3 may be varied. Signage may exceed the permitted amount by no more than 50%. |
| 11 | Tree Protection and Landscaping | No further modifications permitted. Alternate Methods of Compliance provided in Section 11.5. |
| CH | Title | Exception to modifications: |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Building Type Requirements | |
| 5 | District Provisions | Uses permitted may not be varied unless the use proposed is not currently defined or contemplated by the Code. |
| 6 | Additional Requirements for Certain Uses | |
| 7 | Open Space | May substitute required open space for payment in lieu in accordance with Section 7.2. Amount required may not be reduced. |
| 8 | Streets and Greenways | Variations already permitted by Section 8.1. No further modifications permitted. |
| 9 | Parking | |
| 10 | Signs | Only standards in Section 10.1, 10.2, and 10.3 may be varied. Signage may exceed the permitted amount by no more than 50%. |
| 11 | Tree Protection and Landscaping | No further modifications permitted. Alternate Methods of Compliance provided in Section 11.5. |
| CH | Title | Exception to modifications: |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Building Type Requirements | |
| 5 | District Provisions | Uses permitted may not be varied unless the use proposed is not currently defined or contemplated by the Code. |
| 6 | Additional Requirements for Certain Uses | |
| 7 | Open Space | May substitute required open space for payment in lieu in accordance with Section 7.2. Amount required may not be reduced. |
| 8 | Streets and Greenways | Variations already permitted by Section 8.1. No further modifications permitted. |
| 9 | Parking | |
| 10 | Signs | Only standards in Section 10.1, 10.2, and 10.3 may be varied. Signage may exceed the permitted amount by no more than 50%. |
| 11 | Tree Protection and Landscaping | No further modifications permitted. Alternate Methods of Compliance provided in Section 11.5. |
| CH | Title | Exception to modifications: |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Building Type Requirements | |
| 5 | District Provisions | Uses permitted may not be varied unless the use proposed is not currently defined or contemplated by the Code. |
| 6 | Additional Requirements for Certain Uses | |
| 7 | Open Space | May substitute required open space for payment in lieu in accordance with Section 7.2. Amount required may not be reduced. |
| 8 | Streets and Greenways | Variations already permitted by Section 8.1. No further modifications permitted. |
| 9 | Parking | |
| 10 | Signs | Only standards in Section 10.1, 10.2, and 10.3 may be varied. Signage may exceed the permitted amount by no more than 50%. |
| 11 | Tree Protection and Landscaping | No further modifications permitted. Alternate Methods of Compliance provided in Section 11.5. |
For the development plan review process for the establishment of a Conditional District (CD), please see Section 15.6.
(TA2020.02, passed 05/04/2020)
Effective on: 5/4/2020
The South Point Peninsula Overlay is coded to allow low to moderate density development in areas farther from central Belmont in keeping with the adopted Comprehensive Land Use Map. This overlay provides the opportunity to fulfill the vision of the Suburban Neighborhood, Semi-Rural Neighborhood, and the Village Center Neighborhoods while providing flexibility through the Conditional District Zoning process.
| Detached House – Alley and Street Lot
* Underlying zone must be TND and requires Conditional District Zoning |
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(TA2020.02, passed 05/04/2020; TA2022.06, passed 06/12/2023)
Effective on: 6/12/2023
The South Fork Overlay is a zoning tool designed to implement the vision of the newly adopted South Fork Small Area Plan. This overlay district is for mixed use development consisting of a mix of residential types and densities, future office and retail uses in the village centers, supported by recreational open space and a multi-modal roadway network. The small area plan is found on pages 194-200 of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan.
| See South Fork Small Area Plan and Underlying Zoning District |
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(TA2020.02, passed 05/04/2020)
Effective on: 5/4/2020