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Denton City Zoning Code

ARTICLE V

Permitted Uses.

§ 128-73 Applicability of regulations.

Unless otherwise provided by law or in this chapter, no building or structure shall be constructed, erected, or extended, and no building, structure, or land shall be used or occupied except for the purposes permitted in this article.

§ 128-74 Designations P, SE, and IRD in the table of permissible uses.

A. 
When used in connection with a particular use in the Table of Permissible Uses[1] included in this Article, the letter "P" means that the use is permissible in the indicated zone. Permissible Uses are subject to permit or site plan requirements as outlined in Article XVI and may be subject to supplemental use standards as provided in Article VI.
[1]
Editor's Note: See § 128-87, Permitted Uses Table.
B. 
The letter "SE" means the use is subject to special exception approval by the Boards of Appeals.
C. 
The letter "IRD" means the use may only be approved under the provisions of IRD Infill and Redevelopment Overlay District.
D. 
Uses are subject to supplemental standards outlined in Article VI where applicable.

§ 128-75 No more than one principal structure on a lot.

A. 
Every structure hereafter erected, reconstructed, converted, moved, or structurally altered shall be located on a lot of record.
B. 
Except as provided herein, no more than one principal building shall be erected on a single lot.
C. 
More than one principal structure may be located upon a lot in the following instances subject to the lot, yard, and density requirements and other provisions of this Ordinance:
(1) 
Institutional buildings.
(2) 
Public or semi-public buildings.
(3) 
Multiple-family dwellings.
(4) 
Commercial or industrial buildings.
(5) 
Additional principal structures or uses in a mixed-use project with the prior approval of the Planning Commission and where the Planning Commission finds the cumulative off- and on-site impacts are addressed, e.g., parking, traffic, access.
(6) 
Cottage house development.
(7) 
Condominiums.
(8) 
Mixed-use buildings.
D. 
Combination use - When a development proposal comprises two or more principal uses on one lot that requires different types of zoning review, a special exception permit will be required. Under some circumstances, a second principal use may be regarded as an accessory to the first, and thus, a combination use is not established. In addition, when two or more separately owned or separately operated enterprises occupy the same lot, and all such enterprises fall within the same principal use classification, this shall not constitute a combination use.

§ 128-76 Use categories.

This section establishes and describes the use categorization system used to classify principal uses in this Ordinance.
A. 
Use categories. This Ordinance classifies principal land uses into major groupings. These major groupings are referred to as "use categories." The use categories are as follows:
(1) 
Residential.
(2) 
Public, Civic, and Institutional.
(3) 
Commercial.
(4) 
Wholesale, Distribution, and Storage.
(5) 
Industrial.
(6) 
Recycling.
(7) 
Agricultural.
(8) 
Other.
(9) 
Accessory.
B. 
Use subcategories. Each use category may be further divided into more specific "subcategories." Use subcategories further classify principal land uses and activities based on common functional, product, or physical characteristics, such as the type and amount of activity, the type of customers or residents, how goods or services are sold or delivered, and site conditions.
C. 
Specific use types. Some use subcategories may be further broken down to identify specific types of uses regulated differently than the category or subcategory.
D. 
Determination of use categories and subcategories.
(1) 
The Planning Commission is authorized to classify uses based on this Ordinance's use category, subcategory, and specific use type descriptions.
(2) 
If the Planning Commission cannot classify uses based on the use category, subcategory, and specific use type descriptions. Where such use is not explicitly prohibited from the district, the Planning Commission shall submit to the Board of Appeals a written request to determine the unclassified use per Article XIV.
(3) 
If the Board of Appeals determines that the use in question is similar and meets the intent of the principal permitted uses within the district, then it shall instruct the Planning Commission to issue a zoning certificate.
(4) 
If the Board of Appeals determines that the proposed use in the district is consistent with the character and intent of the uses permitted by special exception within the district, then the applicant may apply for a special exception in the usual manner.
(5) 
Once a permitted or special exception use has been allowed or disallowed by the Board, it shall be considered classified under the appropriate category in the district.
E. 
Permissible uses and specific exclusions.
(1) 
The presumption established by this section is that all legitimate uses of land are permissible within at least one zoning district in the Town's planning jurisdiction. Therefore, because the categories of permissible uses set forth in § 128-87, Table of Permitted Uses, cannot be all-inclusive, those uses that are listed shall be interpreted liberally to include other uses that have similar impacts to the listed uses.
(2) 
Notwithstanding Subsection E(1), all uses that are not included in § 128-87, Table of Permitted Uses, even given the liberal interpretation mandated by Subsection E(1), are prohibited, nor shall § 128-87, Table of Permitted Uses, be interpreted to allow a use in one zoning district when the use in question is more closely related to another specified use that is permissible in other zoning districts.
(3) 
Without limiting the generality of the preceding provisions, the following uses are specifically prohibited in all districts unless otherwise specified:
(a) 
Any use that involves the manufacture, handling, sale, distribution, or storage of any highly combustible or explosive materials in violation of the Town's Fire Prevention Code. See Chapter 56, Fire Prevention.
(b) 
Stockyards, slaughterhouses, and rendering plants.
(c) 
Use of a recreational vehicle (RV) as a temporary or permanent residence.
(d) 
Use of a motor vehicle or other portable storage container, including freight containers, in which, out of which, or from which any goods are sold or stored, any services are performed, or other business conducted. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this subsection, the use of a portable container or other freight container is permitted for storage purposes in the Industrial (I) and Mixed Industrial (MI) Districts only for industrial uses. Use of these for residential purposes is not permitted.
(e) 
Satellite simulcast betting, otherwise known as "off-track betting," as defined in § 11-815 of the Business and Regulations Article of the Maryland Annotated Code (1992) and any amendments to it.
(f) 
Manufactured homes, as defined in § 128-15 of this chapter, when placed or erected on an individual lot.
(g) 
Keeping on any property within the Town any wild, exotic, or vicious animal as a pet in any zoning district. Keeping on any property farm animals as pets, except horses and chickens, as specifically permitted in § 128-100.
F. 
More specific use controls. Whenever a development could fall within more than one use classification in the Table of Permitted Uses (§ 128-87), the classification that most closely and most specifically describes the development controls.

§ 128-77 Residential use category.

A. 
Household Living. Residential occupancy of a dwelling unit by a household. When dwelling units are rented, the tenancy is arranged month-to-month or more extended. Uses where tenancy may be arranged for a shorter period are not considered residential; they are considered lodging. The following are household living-specific use types:
(1) 
Detached House - A detached house is a principal residential building occupied by one dwelling unit on a single lot with private yards on all sides. Detached houses are not attached to and do not abut other dwelling units. This category includes modular homes.
(2) 
Attached House - An attached house is a dwelling unit that is attached to one or more dwelling units, each of which is joined together by a party wall or walls or is located on its lot with a shared or abutting wall at the dwelling units' shared lot lines. Each dwelling unit has its external entrance.
(3) 
Two-family (Stacked Duplex) - Two dwelling units with two side yards located one over the other.
(4) 
Duplex, side-by-side - Two dwelling units are attached side-by-side by a party wall and have one side yard adjacent to each dwelling unit.
(5) 
Townhouse - Three or more dwelling units occupy a separate lot unless in a condominium, are attached side-by-side by party walls, and have a side yard adjacent to each end unit. The subcategory includes four-story townhomes, townhomes exceeding 40 feet in height. Four-story townhomes are a specialized category in residential architecture added to the permitted uses in the Denton Zoning Ordinance. These structures are characterized by their compact design, featuring attached homes that are arranged side-by-side across four floors. Units may be equipped with an interior garage, enhancing space efficiency and functionality. The entrances of these townhomes are typically located on the narrow side of the unit and commonly face either a street or an internal courtyard, promoting accessibility and community interaction.
(6) 
Multifamily/Apartment - A multifamily/apartment/condo building is a residential building on a single lot occupied by three (3) or more dwelling units that share common walls and/or common floors/ceilings. This category includes standalone fourplex and triplex units. A standalone triplex or fourplex is a single multifamily unit on a separate lot designed to house three or four families.
(7) 
Accessory Dwelling Unit - a separate complete housekeeping unit that is substantially contained within a single-family unit or a commercial structure but can be isolated from it.
(8) 
Manufactured Housing Unit - As interpreted in this ordinance and consistent with State law, a manufactured home is a transportable structure that is more than 320 square feet, designed to be used as a dwelling, and includes the plumbing, heating, air-conditioning, and electrical system. When not in a mobile home park or subdivision, a manufactured home must meet all Town requirements for a detached single-family dwelling.
(9) 
Mixed-use building, residential - A residential building that provides for shared use, with one use residential and the other either office, commercial, or retail. An example is a retail shop in a storefront building with one or more apartments above.
(10) 
Mobile Home - A structure transportable in one or more sections, which is built on a permanent chassis and designed to be used with or without a permanent foundation when connected to the required utilities. Mobile homes, as differentiated from manufactured homes, are only permitted in an approved mobile subdivision or mobile home park.
(11) 
Modular Home - A detached residential unit built to the specifications of the Town's building code, containing not less than 500 square feet of gross livable floor area in the initially manufactured unit, designed and intended for delivery by transportation on the highway for permanent assembly in a permanent and separately constructed foundation. A "modular home" must meet the requirements and definitions of the Maryland Industrialized Building and Mobile Homes Act as in effect as the date of passage of this Ordinance. Modular homes are regulated in the same manner as stick-built residential units.
(12) 
Cottage housing - A grouping of small, single-family dwelling units clustered around a common area and developed with a coherent plan for the entire site. The cottage units may have other shared amenities, including shared common areas and coordinated design.
(13) 
Mixed-use Building, commercial - A commercial building that provides for shared use, with one use residential and the other either office, commercial, or retail. An example is a retail shop in a storefront building with one or more apartments above.
(14) 
Qualified projects developed by nonprofits - A type of residential development project mandated under the Housing Expansion and Affordability Act (HB 538) that gives special consideration to development projects intended to provide affordable housing. Projects must meet the following criteria to qualify:
(a) 
The project consists of a new construction or substantial renovation. Substantial renovation meets the criteria outlined within DHCD's Multifamily Rental Financing Program Guide.
(b) 
The project is on land, including land that is subject to a ground lease, that is either (a) wholly owned by a nonprofit organization or (b) includes improvements owned by an entity that a nonprofit organization controls.
(c) 
The project is deed-restricted to include twenty-five (25%) percent of units that are affordable dwelling units for Caroline County for at least forty (40) years.
B. 
Group Living. Residential occupancy of a building or any portion of a building by a group other than a household. Group living uses typically provide communal kitchen/dining facilities. Group living uses include convents, monasteries, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, shelter care facilities, retirement centers, homeless centers, and halfway houses. The group living subcategories are as follows:
(1) 
Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities or Persons with Related Conditions — a facility licensed by the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and shared by individuals with intellectual disabilities or persons with related conditions.
(2) 
Group residential care facilities (Group Homes) - A dwelling that houses (3) or more unrelated individuals, including supervisory staff located in a residential zone. Such facilities enable residents to live as independently as possible in a home-like environment. The subcategory includes halfway houses that aim to assist in community transition and provide vocational training, counseling, and other services. Release to a halfway house is used in situations such as releasing mental patients and prisoners. People in addiction recovery also use them to adapt to sober living. They usually require residents to follow specific rules, such as sign-in and sign-out procedures and curfews. A halfway house may allow residents to work or study during the daytime and return at night. Residency requirements, purposes, and rules vary at each halfway house. The subcategory also includes small and large intermediate-care nursing homes.
(3) 
Sheltered Care - An activity accessory to and affiliated with a religious facility providing maintenance and personal care for those in need.
(4) 
Assisted Living, Continuing Care - Establishments primarily engaged in providing a range of residential and personal care services with on-site nursing care facilities for (1) the elderly and other persons who are unable to care for themselves fully and/or (2) the elderly and other persons who do not desire to live independently. Individuals live in various residential settings, where meals, housekeeping, social, leisure, and other services assist with daily living. Assisted living facilities with on-site nursing care facilities are included in this subcategory.

§ 128-78 Public, civic, and institutional use categories.

This category includes public, quasi-public, and private uses that provide unique services that benefit the public. The public, civic, and institutional subcategories are as follows:
A. 
Cemetery - Land or structures used for burial or permanently storing dead or cremated remains. Typical uses include cemeteries and mausoleums. It also includes pet cemeteries.
B. 
College or university - Institutions of higher learning that offer general or specialized study courses authorized to grant academic degrees.
C. 
Community center - A structure, including its surrounding premises, that is owned, leased, or otherwise controlled by a unit of local government or a school district and that contains rooms or other facilities limited to use for purposes of meetings, gatherings, or other functions or activities carried on or performed by or under the supervision of a unit of local government, a school district or a civic, educational, religious or charitable organization. Establishing a community center may include authorization for the incidental and accessory sale or resale of food, merchandise, or services in connection with and supporting the principal activity or function being carried on or performed by such unit of local government, school district, or organization.
D. 
Fraternal organization - The use of a building or lot by a not-for-profit organization that restricts access to its facility to bona fide, annual dues-paying members and their occasional guests and where the primary activity is a service not carried on as a business enterprise.
E. 
Governmental facility - Uses related to the administration of local, state, or federal government services or functions.
F. 
Hospital - Uses providing patients with medical or surgical care and inpatient (overnight) care.
(1) 
Health Clinics — Establishments that provide medical, dental, psychiatric, surgical, massage, or physical therapy or other health-related services primarily on an outpatient basis.
(2) 
Nursing care — Establishments licensed by the Maryland Department of Health providing comprehensive or extended care. The facility may offer nonacute inpatient care to residents (a) who have a disease, chronic illness, condition, disability of advanced age, or terminal disease requiring maximal nursing care without continuous hospital services and (b) who require medical services and nursing services rendered by or under the supervision of a licensed nurse together with convalescent, therapeutic, or rehabilitative services. These services may be provided in the residential setting in an approved group residential care facility or an institution serving a larger number of residents.
G. 
Urgent Care Facilities - Medical establishments that provide immediate, non-emergency healthcare services for acute illnesses or injuries that require prompt attention but are not severe enough to warrant emergency room visits. They often operate extended hours, including evenings and weekends, and may offer diagnostic services (e.g., X-rays, lab tests), minor procedures, and treatment for conditions like infections, sprains, or minor cuts. Examples include standalone urgent care centers, chain-operated clinics, hospital-affiliated urgent care, and pediatric urgent care. Other names for urgent care facilities include:
Walk-In Clinics
Immediate Care Centers
Minor Emergency Clinics
Express Care Clinics
Prompt Care Facilities
Acute Care Clinics
Convenience Care Clinics
H. 
Library - Collections of books, manuscripts, and similar materials for free public lending, studying, and reading.
I. 
Museum or cultural facility - Museum-like preservation and exhibition of objects in one or more arts or sciences.
J. 
Parks and recreation - Recreational, social, or multi-purpose uses associated with public parks and open spaces, including playgrounds, playfields, play courts, swimming pools, community centers, and other facilities typically associated with public parks and open space areas. It also includes public and private golf courses and country clubs.
K. 
Religious assembly - Religious services involving public assembly customarily occurring in churches, synagogues, temples, mosques, and other facilities used for religious worship. This category includes buildings and all customary accessory uses or structures, including, but not limited to, a chapel, daycare center, school of general instruction, gymnasium, social hall, and social services programs.
L. 
Safety service - Facilities provided by the Town, state, or federal government that provide fire, police, or life protection, together with the incidental storage and maintenance of necessary vehicles. Typical uses include fire stations and police stations.
M. 
School - Schools at the primary, elementary, junior high, or high school levels providing basic, compulsory state-mandated education.
N. 
Utilities and public service facility.
(1) 
Essential services - Underground or overhead gas, electrical, steam, or water transmission or distribution systems, communication, supply or disposal systems, including poles, wires, mains, drains, sewers, pipes, conduits, cables, fire alarm boxes, traffic signals, hydrants, towers, electric substations, telephone exchange buildings, gas regulator stations, and other similar equipment and accessories that are reasonably necessary to furnish utility services or for the public health, safety, or general welfare.
(2) 
Public utility - Uses or structures, except essential services provided to the general public, such as water, sewerage, sewage treatment, electricity, piped gas, or telecommunications.
(3) 
Alternative energy facilities - Energy production systems that generate energy from the byproducts of the principal use are considered accessory uses, including net-metered installations and installations that generate power to sell wholesale to the power grid.
O. 
Alternative Energy Systems.
(1) 
Wind Energy Conversion System - An electrical generating facility consisting of a wind turbine, generator, other accessory structures and buildings, electrical infrastructure, and other appurtenant structures and facilities.
(2) 
Solar Energy System (SES) - Solar collectors, panels, controls, energy storage devices, heat pumps, heat exchangers, and other materials, hardware, or equipment necessary to the process by which solar radiation is collected, converted into another form of energy, stored, protected from unnecessary dissipation and distributed. Solar systems include solar thermal and photovoltaic.
P. 
Wireless telecommunications - Towers, antennas, equipment, equipment buildings, and other facilities to provide wireless communication services. The following are specific types of wireless telecommunications uses:
(1) 
Freestanding towers - A structure that supports equipment to transmit and/or receive telecommunications signals, including monopoles and guyed and lattice construction steel structures.
(2) 
Building or tower-mounted antennas - The physical device attached to a freestanding tower, building, or other structure through which electromagnetic, wireless telecommunications signals authorized by the Federal Communications Commission are transmitted or received.
(3) 
Satellite earth station, satellite dish: A parabolic antenna and associated electronics and support equipment for transmitting and/or receiving satellite signals.
(4) 
Small wireless facility - "Small cells" are low-powered wireless base stations that function like traditional cell sites in a mobile wireless network but typically cover targeted indoor or localized outdoor areas. "DAS" or "distributed antenna systems" use numerous antennae, commonly known as "nodes," similar in size to small cells and are connected to and controlled by a central hub. This category includes similar facilities, systems, or devices designed to facilitate a mobile wireless network within a localized area and attached to a support structure within sidewalks, streets, or private property.

§ 128-79 Commercial use category.

The commercial use category includes uses that provide a business service or involve selling, leasing, or renting merchandise to the public. The commercial use subcategories are as follows:
A. 
Animal service - Uses that provide goods and services for the care of companion animals.
(1) 
Grooming - Grooming dogs, cats, and similar companion animals, including dog bathing, clipping salons, and pet grooming shops.
(2) 
Boarding or shelter/kennel - Animal shelters, care services, and kennel services for dogs, cats, and companion animals, including boarding kennels, pet resorts/hotels, pet daycare, pet adoption centers, dog training centers, and animal rescue shelters. For purposes of this Ordinance, the keeping of more than four (4) dogs, cats, or similar household companion animals over four (4) months of age or the keeping of more than two (2) such animals for compensation or sale is deemed a boarding or shelter-related animal service use and is allowed only in those zoning districts that permit such uses.
(3) 
Veterinary care - Animal hospitals and veterinary clinics.
B. 
Assembly and entertainment - Uses that provide gathering places for participant or spectator recreation, entertainment, or other assembly activities. Assembly and entertainment uses may provide incidental food or beverage service. Typical uses include arenas, billiard centers, video game arcades, auditoriums, bowling centers, cinemas, and theaters.
C. 
Commercial service - Uses that provide consumer or business services and repair and maintain various products.
(1) 
Building service - Uses that provide maintenance and repair services for all structural and mechanical elements of structures and the exterior spaces of a premises. Typical uses include contractor offices, janitorial, landscape maintenance, extermination, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, window cleaning, and similar services. A business that offers repair and maintenance service technicians who visit customers' homes or places of business is classified as a "building service," e.g., a computer technician. Outdoor storage of equipment and supplies only where explicitly permitted.
(2) 
Business support service - Uses that provide personnel, printing, copying, photographic, or communication services to businesses or consumers. Typical uses include employment agencies, copy and print shops, caterers, telephone answering services, and photo-developing labs.
(3) 
Consumer maintenance and repair service - Uses that provide maintenance, cleaning, and repair services for consumers on a site other than the customer's (i.e., customers bring goods to the repair/maintenance business). Typical uses include laundry and dry-cleaning pick-up shops, tailors, taxidermists, dressmakers, shoe repair, picture framing shops, lock-smiths, vacuum repair shops, electronics repair shops, and similar establishments. In addition, a business that offers repair and maintenance service technicians who visit customers' homes or places of business is classified as a "building service."
(4) 
Personal improvement service - Uses that provide various services associated with personal grooming, instruction, and maintenance of fitness, health, and well-being. Typical uses include barbers, hair and nail salons, day spas, health clubs, yoga studios, martial arts studios, and businesses purporting to offer fortune-telling or psychic services.
(a) 
Tattoo establishments are included in the personal improvement service use subcategory.
(5) 
Research Service - Uses engaged in scientific research and testing services leading to new products and processes. Such uses resemble office buildings or campuses and do not involve the mass production, distribution, or sale of products. Research services do not produce odors, dust, noise, vibration, or other external impacts that are detectable beyond the property lines of the subject property.
D. 
Daycare - Uses providing care, protection, and supervision for children or adults regularly away from their primary residence for less than twenty-four (24) hours per day. Examples include state-licensed childcare centers, preschools, nursery schools, Head Start programs, after-school programs, and adult daycare facilities. In addition, daycare expressly includes state-accredited adult daycare facilities and facilities for childcare.
(1) 
Daycare center - A facility licensed by the State of Maryland that provides daycare for more than eight (8) children or any number of adults.
(2) 
Childcare family - A dwelling unit licensed by the State of Maryland in which daycare is provided for a maximum of eight (8) children, excluding natural, adopted, and foster children of the residents of the dwelling unit.
E. 
Eating and drinking establishments - The eating and drinking establishments use type refers to establishments or places of business primarily engaged in selling prepared foods and beverages for on- or off-premises consumption. Typical uses include restaurants, short-order eating places or bars and cafes, cafeterias, ice cream/yogurt shops, coffee shops, and similar establishments, including a bar area customarily incidental and subordinate to the principal use as an eating establishment.
F. 
Financial service - Uses related to the exchange, lending, borrowing, and safe-keeping of money. Typical examples are banks, credit unions, and consumer loan establishments.
G. 
Funeral and mortuary service - Uses that provide services related to the death of humans or companion animals, including funeral homes, mortuaries, crematoriums, and similar uses.
H. 
Lodging - Uses that provide temporary lodging for less than 30 days where rents are charged by the day or week. Lodging may provide food or entertainment on-premises. Lodging includes the following specific categories:
(1) 
Hotel and motel - An establishment for transients consisting of any number of sleeping rooms in permanent buildings, each room or suite of rooms having complete sanitary facilities and separate entrances, including hotel, motel, lodge, tourist park, and similar establishments, but not including a boarding- or lodging house, inn or bed-and-breakfast establishment.
(2) 
Bed and breakfast - A single-family, owner-occupied dwelling in which overnight sleeping rooms are rented on a short-term basis to transients and at which no meal other than breakfast is served to guests, which is included in their room charge.
(3) 
Boardinghouse and rooming - A private dwelling or part thereof where lodgings with or without meals are provided for compensation to persons not members of the resident family.
(4) 
Short-term Rentals - Any rental tenancy permitting the occupancy of a residential dwelling unit by persons unrelated by blood or marriage to the property owner (or the tenant of the property) for a specified period.
I. 
Office - Uses in an enclosed building, customarily performed in an office, focusing on providing executive, management, administrative, professional, or medical services.
J. 
Retail sales. Uses involving the sale, lease, or rental of new or used goods to the ultimate consumer within an enclosed structure unless otherwise specified.
(1) 
Convenience goods - Retail sales use that sell or otherwise provide (1) sundry goods; (2) products for personal grooming and for the day-to-day maintenance of personal health or (3) food or beverages for off-premises consumption, including grocery stores and similar uses that provide incidental and accessory food and beverage service as part of their primary retail sales business. Typical uses include drug stores, grocery, specialty food stores, wine or liquor stores, gift shops, newsstands, and florists.
(2) 
Neighborhood center — Small-scale infill or redevelopment uses within existing neighborhoods that are limited to businesses that primarily cater to neighborhood residents, such as small grocery stores, personal and professional services, dry cleaners, video shops, cafes, tea rooms, small bakeries, and other uses that are deemed appropriate by the Planning Commission and Board of Appeals.
(3) 
Cannabis Enterprise — An entity licensed by the State of Maryland to acquire, possess, repackage, process, transfer, transport, sell, distribute, or dispense products containing cannabis, related supplies, related products including tinctures, aerosols, oils, or ointments, or educational materials. The category includes Medical Marijuana Dispensaries licensed by the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission to acquire, possess, repackage, process, transfer, transport, sell, distribute, or dispense products containing medical cannabis, related supplies, and related products, including tinctures, aerosols, oils or ointments, or educational materials for use by a qualifying patient or caregiver. The category includes enterprises involving only retail sales and not including on-site consumption and enterprises involving growing, processing, transport, packaging, and warehousing.
(4) 
Adult entertainment establishment.
(a) 
Adult-oriented business - Any business, operation, or activity a significant amount of which consists of the promotion, delivery, provision, or performance of adult entertainment or material, including, but not limited to, that occurring in, at, or in connection with a cabaret, lounge, night club, modeling studio, bar, restaurant, club, lodge, or similar establishment; or
(b) 
Adult book or video store - Adult-oriented business, including the sale, rental, transfer, loan, dissemination, distribution, provision, or promotion of adult entertainment or material in any format, form, or medium, including but not limited to, books, magazines, newspapers, photographs, movies, videos, DVDs, CDs or other audio/video recordings, other electronic recordings but not including coin-operated or pay-view-viewing.
(5) 
Consumer shopping goods - Retail sales use that sell or otherwise provide clothing, fashion accessories, furniture, household appliances, and similar consumer goods, large and small, functional and decorative, for use, entertainment, comfort, or aesthetics. Typical uses include clothing stores, department stores, appliance stores, TV and electronics stores, bike shops, book stores, costume rental stores, uniform supply stores, stationery stores, art galleries, hobby shops, furniture stores, pet stores, and pet supply stores, shoe stores, antique shops, secondhand stores, record stores, toy stores, sporting goods stores, variety stores, video stores, musical instrument stores, office supplies and office furnishing stores and wig shops.
(6) 
Building supplies and equipment - Retail sales use that sell or otherwise provide goods to repair, maintain, or visually enhance a structure or premises. Typical uses include hardware stores, home improvement stores, paint, wallpaper supply stores, and gardens.
K. 
Self-service storage facility (e.g., mini-storage) - An enclosed use that provides separate, self-service storage facilities leased or rented to individuals or small businesses. Facilities are designated to accommodate only interior access to storage lockers or drive-up access from regular-sized passenger vehicles and two-axle non-commercial vehicles.
L. 
Studio, instructional, or service - Uses in an enclosed building that provides instruction or training in music, dance, drama, fine arts, language, or similar activities. It also includes artists' studios and photography studios. See also "personal improvement service" in the commercial services use category.
M. 
Trade school - Uses in an enclosed building that focuses on teaching the skills needed to perform a particular job. Examples include cosmetology schools, modeling academies, computer training facilities, vocational schools, administrative business training facilities, and similar uses. Truck driving schools are classified as "trucking and transportation terminals" (wholesale, distribution, and storage use category).
N. 
Vehicle sales and service. Uses that provide for the sale, rental, maintenance, or repair of new or used vehicles and vehicular equipment. The vehicle sales and service subcategory includes the following specific use types:
(1) 
Commercial vehicle repair and maintenance - Uses, excluding vehicle paint finishing shops, that involve repairing, installing, or maintaining the mechanical components or the bodies of large trucks, mass transit vehicles, large construction or agricultural equipment, aircraft, watercraft, or similar large vehicles and vehicular equipment. This subcategory includes truck stops and truck fueling facilities.
(2) 
Commercial vehicle sales and rentals - Uses that provide for the sale or rental of large trucks, large construction or agricultural equipment, aircraft, or similar large vehicles and vehicular equipment.
(3) 
Fueling station - Uses engaged in retail sales of personal or commercial vehicle fuels, including natural gas fueling stations, rapid vehicle charging stations, and battery exchange facilities for electric vehicles.
(4) 
Personal vehicle repair and maintenance - Uses engaged in repairing, installing, or maintaining the mechanical components of autos, small trucks or vans, motorcycles, motor homes, or recreational vehicles, including recreational boats. It also includes uses that wash, clean, or otherwise protect these vehicles' exterior or interior surfaces. The subcategory does not include vehicle body or paint finishing shops.
(5) 
Personal vehicle sales and rentals - Uses that provide the sale or rental of new or used autos, small trucks or vans, trailers, motorcycles, motor homes, or recreational vehicles, including recreational watercraft. Examples include automobile dealers, auto malls, car rental agencies, and moving equipment rental establishments (e.g., U-Haul).
(6) 
Vehicle body and paint finishing shop - Uses primarily conduct vehicle bodywork and repairs or apply paint to vehicles' exterior or interior surfaces by spraying dipping flow coating or other similar means.

§ 128-80 Wholesale, distribution, and storage use categories.

This category includes uses that provide and distribute goods in large quantities, principally to retail sales, commercial services, or industrial establishments. In addition, long-term and short-term storage of supplies, equipment, commercial goods, and personal items are included. The wholesale, distribution & storage subcategories are as follows:
A. 
Equipment and materials storage, outdoor - Uses related to outdoor storage of equipment, products, or materials, whether or not stored in containers.
(1) 
Contractor's shop - An establishment used for the indoor repair, maintenance, or storage of a contractor's vehicles, equipment, or materials, and may include the contractor's business office.
(2) 
Fuel storage - An establishment that includes "fuel storage tanks" or any vessel or tank that stores gases or liquids, including fuel products such as gasoline, diesel fuel, heating oil, natural gas, natural gas liquids, propane, synthetic gas, or similar products.
(3) 
Grain storage - Bulk storage, drying, or other processing of grain and livestock feed or storage and sale of fertilizer, coal, coke, or firewood with adequate control of dust and particulates during all operations.
B. 
Trucking and transportation terminal - Uses engaged in the dispatching and long-term or short-term storage of trucks, buses, and other vehicles, including parcel service delivery vehicles, taxis, and limousines. Minor repairs and maintenance of vehicles stored on the premises are also included. Includes uses engaged in moving household or office furniture, appliances, and equipment from one location to another, including the temporary on-site storage of those items.
C. 
Warehouse - Uses conducted within a completely enclosed building engaged in long-term and short-term storage of goods that do not meet the definition of a "self-service storage facility" or a "trucking and transportation terminal."
D. 
Mini storage facilities - A building and/or site containing separate secured indoor storage units designed to be rented or leased for private storage of personal goods.
E. 
Wholesale sales and distribution - Uses engaged in wholesale sales, bulk storage, and distribution of goods. Such uses may also include incidental retail sales and wholesale showrooms.
(1) 
Limited wholesale sales and distribution facilities, excluding fuels and other flammable liquids, solids, or explosives held for resale and the bulk storage or handling of fertilizer, grain, and feed.
(2) 
Wholesale sales and distribution facilities, including fuels and other flammable liquids, solids, or explosives held for resale and the bulk storage or handling of fertilizer, grain, and feed.

§ 128-81 Industrial use category.

This category includes uses that produce goods from extracted and raw materials or recyclable or previously prepared materials, including the design, storage, and handling of these products and the materials from which they are produced. The industrial subcategories are:
A. 
Artisan industrial - On-site production of goods by hand manufacturing, involving hand tools and small-scale, light mechanical equipment in a completely enclosed building with no outdoor operations or storage. Typical uses include woodworking and cabinet shops, ceramic studios, jewelry manufacturing, and similar arts and crafts or very small-scale manufacturing with no negative external impacts on surrounding properties.
(1) 
Micro-producers, wine, beer, or distilled spirits, coffee roasting. This category includes coffee-roasting establishments. It also includes micro-producers of beer, wine, and distilled spirits with limited on-site production of wine, beer, or distilled spirits permitted under a Class 7 micro-brewery license or Class 9 limited distillery license issued by the State and in compliance with the requirements of the Federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). Depending on the product produced and the specific permit and license held, the facility may be allowed limited sales for on-premises consumption, sell products to go and sell to a wholesaler for resale to restaurants and retailers. Uses accessories for on-site production, such as tasting rooms for the consumption of beer, wine, or distilled products, may be permitted on the premises if allowed by a state license and in conjunction with the principal on-site production use.
B. 
Limited Industrial - Manufacturing and industrial uses that process, fabricate, assemble, treat, or package finished parts or products without explosive or petroleum materials. Uses in this subcategory do not involve assembling large equipment and machinery. As a result, they have minimal external noise, vibration, odor, hours of operation, and truck and commercial vehicle traffic impacts.
(1) 
Medical cannabis processor - An entity licensed by the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission that transforms medical cannabis into another product or extract, packages, and labels medical cannabis.
C. 
General Industrial - Manufacturing and industrial uses that process, fabricate, assemble, or treat materials for the production of large equipment and machines, as well as industrial uses that, because of their scale or method of operation, regularly produce odors, dust, noise, vibration, truck/commercial vehicle traffic or other external impacts that are detectable beyond the property lines of the subject property.
D. 
Junk or salvage yard - An area or building where waste or scrap materials are bought, sold, exchanged, stored, baled, packed, disassembled, or handled for reclamation, disposal, or other like purposes, including but not limited to scrap iron and other metals, paper, rags, rubber tires, and bottles.
E. 
Fuel storage - This subcategory includes fuel storage tanks with a capacity of 1,000 gallons or greater, individually or in aggregate, whether accessory to an industrial operation or the principal use of the property. This category does not include fuel storage tanks with a capacity of 1,000 gallons or less, either individually or in the aggregate, intended for residential home heating and cooking use only and located on the same lot as the principal use.

§ 128-82 Recycling use category.

This category includes uses that collect, store, or process recyclable material for marketing or reusing the material in manufacturing new, reused, or reconstituted products.
A. 
Recyclable material drop-off facility - An establishment that accepts recyclable consumer commodities directly from the consuming party and stores them temporarily before transferring them to recyclable material processing facilities. Recyclable commodities shall be limited to non-hazardous, non-special, homogeneous, non-putrescible materials such as dry paper, glass, cans, or plastic. The term "recyclable material drop-off facility" as used in this Ordinance shall not include general construction or demolition debris facilities and/or transfer stations, facilities located within a structure principally devoted to another use, facilities temporarily located on a lot under the authority of temporary use, and facilities for collecting used motor oil which are necessary to an automobile service station. Establishments that process recyclable material are classified as "recyclable material processing facilities."
B. 
Recyclable material processing - Establishments that receive and process consumer-recyclable commodities for subsequent use in the secondary market.

§ 128-83 Agricultural use category.

This category includes gardens, farms, orchards, and the like that involve the raising and harvesting of food and non-food crops.
A. 
Agriculture, animal production - The (principal or accessory) use of land to keep or raise farm animals. Animal production is expressly prohibited in the Town.
B. 
Agriculture, crop production - The use of land for growing, raising, or marketing plants to produce food, feed, fiber commodities, or non-food crops. Examples of crop agriculture include cultivation and tillage of the soil and harvesting agricultural or horticultural commodities. Crop agriculture does not include community gardens or raising or keeping farm animals.
C. 
Agriculture, buildings, and structures - This category includes all buildings and structures associated with agriculture uses.
D. 
Community garden - An area managed and maintained by a group of individuals to grow and harvest food crops or non-food crops (e.g., flowers) for personal or group consumption, donation, or sale that is occasional and incidental to the growing and harvesting of food crops. A community garden area may be divided into separate garden plots or orchard areas for cultivation by one or more individuals or farmed collectively by group members. In addition, a community garden may include common areas (e.g., hand tool storage sheds) maintained and used by the group. Community gardens may be principal or accessory uses located at grade (outdoors), roof, or building. Community gardens do not include the raising or keeping of farm animals.
E. 
Indoor plant cultivation - A building or structure and the associated premises used to grow plants under a roof. The use may include accessory storage and processing of plants grown on-premises. Included in this category are greenhouses and hydroponic facilities.
(1) 
Medical cannabis licensed grower - An entity licensed by the Maryland Medical Cannabis Commission to grow medical cannabis.

§ 128-84 Other use category.

This category includes uses that do not fit the other use categories.
A. 
Drive-in or drive-through facility - Any use with drive-through windows or drive-through lanes or that otherwise offers service to the occupants of motor vehicles. Typical uses include drive-through restaurants, drive-through pharmacies, and drive-in restaurants.
B. 
Temporary uses. Use of a building or premises for a purpose that does not conform to the regulations prescribed by this Ordinance does not involve the erection of substantial buildings. However, it is permitted for a defined period.
(1) 
Temporary Use, Emergency - Structures and/or use for emergency public health and safety needs/land use activities.
(2) 
Temporary Use, Construction - On-site contractors' mobile homes used in conjunction with an approved construction project on the same site.
(3) 
Temporary Use, Sale - One trailer or using one building as a temporary field or sales office in connection with building development.

§ 128-85 Accessory use category.

A. 
The category includes uses or structures subordinate to the principal use and customarily incidental to the principal use.
B. 
Accessory structures, including but not limited to piers, docks, garages, and gazebos, may not be erected prior to the principal building.
C. 
One additional single-family residence for the sole purpose of a farm caretaker home may be erected on a single lot used for agricultural uses in the Rural Agriculture (RA) district and meeting the definition of a "farm." No such structure shall be erected prior to the principal residence.
D. 
See § 128-90 for additional use standards.

§ 128-86 Special exceptions sometimes required.

A. 
Notwithstanding any other provisions of this article, whenever the Table of Permitted Uses provides that a use in a nonresidential zone or a nonconforming use in a residential zone is permissible with a zoning permit, a special exception permit shall nevertheless be required if the Director of Planning finds that the proposed use would have an extraordinary impact on neighboring properties or the general public.
B. 
In making this determination, the Director of Planning shall consider, among other factors, whether the use is proposed for an undeveloped or previously developed lot, whether the proposed use constitutes a change from one principal use classification to another, whether the use is proposed for a site that poses peculiar traffic or other hazards or difficulties, and whether the proposed use is substantially unique or is likely to have impacts that differ substantially from those presented by other uses that are permissible in the zoning district in question.

§ 128-87 Permitted Uses Table.

Key:
P – Permitted Use within a zoning district (all uses require site plan approval by the Planning Commission or staff as provided in Article XVI and may be subject to supplemental use standards as provided in Article VI)
SE– Special Exception from the Board of Appeals
IRD – Infill & Redevelopment Overlay Zone (site plan review and approval required)
§ 128-87. Permissible Uses Tables.
Zoning District
Permitted Use Categories and Subcategories
SR
TR
MR
UR
GC
CBC
CM
RHC
I
PN
MI
RA
Household Living
Detached single-family unit
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Two-family unit
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Duplex
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Townhouse
P
P
SE
P
P
P
Four-story Townhouse
P
P
Multifamily/apartment/condo
P
P
SE
P
P
P
Standalone Tri-plex
IRD
IRD
P
IRD
P
Standalone Four-plex
IRD
IRD
P
IRD
P
Accessory dwelling units
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Mixed-use building
IRD
IRD
IRD
P
P
P
P
P
P
Cottage housing development
P
P
P
P
P
P
Manufactured home park, or subdivision
SE
SE
P
Manufactured Home
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Qualified projects developed by nonprofits
SE
SE
SE
SE
SE
SE
SE
SE
SE
SE
SE
Group Living
Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities or Persons with Related Conditions, small
P
P
P
P
P
P
Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities or Persons with Related Conditions, large
P
P
P
P
Group residential care facilities, small
P
P
P
P
P
P
Group residential care facilities, large
P
P
P
P
Assisted living, continuing care
SE
SE
SE
SE
P
P
Shelter Care
SE
SE
SE
SE
SE
SE
Public, Civic, and Institutional
Cemetery
P
College or university
SE
SE
SE
SE
SE
SE
SE
SE
SE
SE
SE
Community center
P
P
P
P
P
P
Fraternal organization
P
P
P
P
P
P
Governmental facility
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Hospitals and Clinics larger than 10,000 square feet
P
P
- Nursing, extended care facility
P
P
P
P
- Nursing home, intermediate care, large
P
P
P
P
- Nursing home, intermediate care, small
P
P
P
P
P
P
- Health Clinics less than 10,000 square feet
SE
SE
SE
SE
P
P
P
P
P
Urgent Care Facilities
P
Parks and recreation
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Religious assembly
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Safety service
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
School
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Essential services
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Public utility
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Alternative energy facilities, wind energy conversion systems
P
P
P
Alternative energy facilities - solar energy power system or heating equipment
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Wireless Telecommunications
Building or tower-mounted antennas
- 50 feet tall or less
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
- More than 50 feet
SE
SE
SE
SE
SE
SE
SE
SE
SE
SE
SE
SE
Satellite dish
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Small wireless facility
See Chapter 126, Town of Denton Code
Animal Services
Grooming
P
P
P
P
Boarding or shelter/kennel (Indoor vs. Outdoor?)
P
P
P
Veterinary care
P
P
P
P
Assembly and entertainment
Assembly and entertainment establishments
P
P
P
P
Commercial Service
Building service
P
P
P
P
Business support service
P
P
P
P
P
Consumer maintenance and repair service
P
P
P
P
Personal improvement service
P
P
P
P
P
P
Research Service
P
P
P
P
P
Daycare center
SE
SE
SE
SE
SE
P
SE
P
Eating and drinking establishments
P
P
P
P
Financial service
P
P
P
P
P
Funeral and mortuary service
P
P
Studio, instructional, or service
P
P
P
P
Trade school
P
P
P
P
P
Lodging
Hotel and motel
P
P
Short-term rentals
See Chapter 98, Town of Denton Code
Bed and breakfast
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Office
Business and professional office
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Medical, dental, and health practitioner
P
P
P
P
P
P
Retail Sales
Convenience goods
P
P
P
P
P
P
Neighborhood Center
IRD
IRD
IRD
IRD
Cannabis enterprises - retail sale only
SE
P
P
P
Adult entertainment establishment
P
Consumer shopping goods
P
P
P
P
P
Building supplies and equipment
P
P
P
Vehicle Sales and Service
Commercial vehicle repair and maintenance
P
P
P
Commercial vehicle sales and rentals
P
P
P
Fueling station
P
P
P
P
Personal vehicle repair and maintenance
P
P
P
P
Personal vehicle sales and rentals
P
P
P
P
Vehicle body and paint finishing shop
P
P
P
Wholesale, Distribution & Storage
Equipment and materials storage, outdoor
P
P
Contractor's shop
P
P
P
P
Trucking and transportation terminal
P
Warehouse
P
P
P
Mini storage facilities
P
P
P
Limited wholesale sales and distribution facilities
P
P
P
Wholesale sales and distribution facilities.
P
P
Industrial
Artisan industrial
P
P
Micro-producers, wine, beer, or distilled spirits, coffee roasting
P
P
P
P
P
Limited industrial
P
General industrial
P
Cannabis Enterprises, growing, processing, transport, packaging, warehousing, and the like
P
Bulk storage or wholesaling of fuels and other flammable liquids over 2,000 gallons
P
Bulk storage or wholesaling of fuels and other flammable liquids less than 2,000 gallons
P
Storage in bulk, drying, or other processing of grain and livestock feed or storage and sale of fertilizer, coal, coke, or firewood
P
Recycling
Recyclable material drop-off facility
P
P
P
P
Agriculture
Agriculture, animal production
Agriculture, crop production
P
Agriculture, buildings, and structures
P
Community garden
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Indoor plant cultivation
P
P
P
P
Other
Drive-in or drive-through facility
P
P
P
P
P
P
Temporary Use, construction
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Temporary uses, emergency
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Temporary Use, sales
P
P
P
P
P
Accessory Uses
Home Occupation
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Portable storage containers, roll-off trash containers.
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Boarding and rooming
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Daycare, family/home
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Garage/Yard sales
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P