(Amended by Ord. 20-099 on 9/1/20)

Effective on: 9/1/2020

(Amended by Ord. 12-114 on 10-2-12)

Effective on: 1/1/1901

(Amended by Ord. 12-114 on 10/2/12)

Effective on: 1/1/1901

The Floodplain Administrator has the following powers and duties:

Other departments may be empowered by the City Council, this ordinance, state or federal law to develop, maintain and implement technical standards, specifications, and guidelines.

(Amended by Ord. 10-133 on 9/7/10)

Effective on: 1/1/1901

The table on the following page summarizes the review and decision-making authority under this ordinance:

(Amended by Ord. 10-133 on 9/7/10, Ord. 10-156 on 10/19/10, Ord. 12-26 on 4/3/12, Ord. 12-114 on 10/2/12, Ord. 20-099 on 9/1/20, and Ord. 20-155 on 11/17/20)

Effective on: 11/17/2020

The City Council provides for the manner in which the provisions of this ordinance are determined, established, enforced, amended, supplemented, and changed.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

With the exception of the City Council, each of the boards, commissions and committees provided for by this ordinance must adopt rules and maintain records in accordance with the following:

1. Rules of Conduct
   Boards, commissions and committees must adopt rules necessary to conduct their affairs.
2. Conformance
   The rules adopted must be in accordance with state law and the provisions of this ordinance.
3. Residency
   With the exception of members of the Technical Review Committee, the Guilford County Joint Historic Preservation Committee, and administrative officials, all board and commission members must be residents of the City of Greensboro or its extraterritorial jurisdiction.
4. Election and Terms of Officers
   Unless otherwise expressly stated by ordinance, members of a board, commission or committee must elect a Chair and Vice-Chair.
5. Record of Meetings
   Boards, commissions and committees must keep minutes of their proceedings, showing the vote of each member upon every action or, if absent or failing to vote, indicate such fact. Where applicable, they must also keep records of evidence presented and their official actions. All such records and minutes are public record.
6. Temporary Disqualification for Conflict of Interest
   A member of a board, commission, or City Council charged with making decisions may not participate in any vote on a matter that would violate an applicant’s right to an impartial decision maker. Common conflicts include, but are not limited to, a member having a fixed opinion prior to hearing the matter that is not susceptible to change, communications outside of an advertised public hearing dealing with the subject matter, (for quasi-judicial), a close familial, business, or other associational relationship with an affected person, or a financial interest in the outcome of the matter. If an objection is raised to a member’s participation and that member does not recuse himself or herself, the remaining members of the Board must by majority vote rule on the objection.
7. General Powers
   In the application and enforcement of the specific powers and duties established by this ordinance, a board, commission or committee has the authority to:
   1. appoint, at its discretion, subcommittees to concern themselves with specific planning and community development matters;
   2. make such other studies and plans and to review such other related matters as directed by the City Council; and
   3. exercise other powers and authority provided to it by the City Council, this ordinance, or state law.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

1. Inclusion of Alternates
   The City Council may appoint alternate members to a board, commission or committee to serve in the absence or temporary disqualification of regular members, or to fill a vacancy pending appointment of a new member.
2. Powers and Duties
   In the absence or temporary disqualification of a regular member, alternate members have and may exercise all of the powers and duties of a regular member.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

1. Length of Terms
   Regular members and alternate members will serve a term of 3 years unless otherwise expressly stated, provided that upon initial appointment the terms of office may be staggered. The terms of all members may not expire at the same time.
2. Maximum Consecutive Terms
   Regular members may not serve more than 2 full consecutive terms unless otherwise expressly stated.
3. Filling of Vacancies
   Vacancies created by resignation or other causes must be filled by a new member or an alternate member appointed to serve for the remainder of the unexpired term. Such service is not counted towards the maximum serving of 2 consecutive terms. unless it is greater than half the term.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

If the population in the city’s extraterritorial jurisdiction reaches the population specified in NCGS 160D-202, the Guilford County Board of County Commissioners must appoint additional regular members to affected city boards and commissions in accordance with NCGS 160D-307.

(Amended by Ord. 21-127 on 8/17/21)

Effective on: 8/17/2021

Compensation for members may be provided for by the City Council.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Unless otherwise expressly stated in this ordinance, the City Council must conform to the rules and procedures provided in the City Charter.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

In the application and enforcement of this ordinance, the City Council has the following powers and duties:

1. A.
   Review and Recommendation
   The City Council has review and recommendation authority for Type 5 Modifications (30-4-11).
2. B.
   Final Approval
   The City Council has final decision-making authority for the following:

   1. 1.
      Comprehensive Plan Amendments (30-4-3), except in accordance with 30-4-5.6(D)2);
   2. 2.
      Ordinance Text Amendments (30-4-4);
   3. 3.
      Zoning Map Amendments (30-4-5 through 30-4-8);
   4. 4.
      Establishment of Original Zoning (30-4-9);
   5. 5.
      Local Historic District and Landmark Designations (30-4-12);
   6. 6.
      Type 4 Modifications (30-4-11);
   7. 7.
      Designation of Redevelopment Areas;
   8. 8.
      Street Name Changes;(30-4-23);
   9. 9.
      Street, Alley and Walkway Closings (30-4-22); and
   10. 10.
       Design manuals for overlay zoning districts (30-4-8).
3. C.
   Appeal
   The City Council is authorized to hear and decide appeals for the following:

   1. 1.
      Zoning Map Amendments (30-4-5 through 30-4-8);
   2. 2.
      Special Use Permits (30-4-10);
   3. 3.
      Site Plans (30-4-15);
   4. 4.
      Subdivisions (30-4-17), and Preliminary Plats;
   5. 5.
      Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3 Modifications (30-4-11); and
   6. 6.
      Site Specific Development Plans (30-4-25).

Effective on: 1/1/1901

A planning board known as the Technical Review Committee (TRC) is hereby established pursuant to NCGS 160D-301: however, the TRC shall not be subject to Article V of Chapter 2 of the Greensboro Code of Ordinances.

(Amended by Ord. 20-099 on 9/1/20 and Ord. 21-127 on 8/17/21)

Effective on: 8/17/2021

1. The Technical Review Committee is composed of 8 members with one representative from each of the following departments (divisions):
   1. Planning (Administration);
   2. Planning (Current Planning);
   3. Engineering and Inspections (Engineering);
   4. Parks and Recreation;
   5. Fire Department;
   6. Transportation;
   7. Water Resources (Engineering); and
   8. Water Resources (Stormwater).
2. These members are designated by their respective department heads.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Five or more members of the Technical Review Committee constitutes a quorum.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

The Planning Director or the Planning Director’s designated representative serves as Chair of the Technical Review Committee.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

1. A.
   Review and Recommendation
   The Technical Review Committee has review and recommendation authority for the following:

   1. 1.
      Type 3, 4 and 5 Modifications (30-4-11); 
   2. 2.
      Site Specific Development Plans (30-4-25);
   3. 3.
      Street, Alley and Walkway Closings (30-4-22);
   4. 4.
      Street Name Changes (30-4-23);
   5. 5.
      Unified Development Plans (30-4-6 and 30-4-6.6(A); and
   6. 6.
      TN Development Plans (30-4-7).
2. B.
   Final Action
   The Technical Review Committee has final decision-making authority for the following procedures:

   1. 1.
      Type 2 Modifications (30-4-11);
   2. 2.
      Major Subdivision Preliminary Plats (30-4-17);
   3. 3.
      Site Plans (30-4-15);
   4. 4.
      Watershed Plans;
   5. 5.
      Stormwater Management Plans; 
   6. 6.
      Planned Unit Development Concept Plans;
   7. 7.
      Release of Utility Easements.
3. C.
   Appeal
   The Technical Review Committee is authorized to hear and decide appeals of decisions on:

   1. 1.
      Minor Subdivision Preliminary Plats (30-4-17);
   2. 2.
      Final Subdivision Plats (30-4-17);
   3. 3.
      Site Grading Plans; and
   4. 4.
      Type 1 Modifications (30-4-11).
4. D.
   Nonregulatory
   The Technical Review Committee must provide for a continuing, coordinated, and comprehensive review of the technical aspects of this ordinance.
   
   (Amended by Ord. 20-099 on 9/1/20)

Effective on: 9/1/2020

1. Required Vote for Approval
   Six or more favorable votes are required to make a recommendation or any other decision in favor of an applicant. Votes containing a tie will be considered recommendations or decisions for denial and may be appealed in accordance with Subsection (C) below.
2. Vote of the Chair
   The Chair votes as any other Board member.
3. Appeals to Department Directors
   All decisions rendered in a tie vote may be appealed to the directors of the departments which compose the Technical Review Committee. The concurring affirmative vote of a majority of directors is required to make a recommendation or any other decision in favor of an applicant. Tie votes will be considered recommendations or decisions for denial.
4. Any vote by a member of the Technical Review Committee related to a submitted application shall be directly related to compliance with all applicable ordinance requirements that are under the purview of said department.

(Amended by Ord. 12-114 on 10/2/12 and Ord. 14-35 on 3/18/14)

Effective on: 1/1/1901

A planning board known as the Planning and Zoning Commission is hereby established pursuant to NCGS 160D-301.

(Amended by Ord. 21-127 on 8/17/21)

Effective on: 8/17/2021

The Planning and Zoning Commission consists of 9 regular members appointed by the City Council.

Effective on: 6/15/2021

Five or more members of the Planning and Zoning Commission constitutes a quorum.

Effective on: 6/15/2021

1. Review and Recommendation
   The Planning and Zoning Commission has review and recommendation authority for the following:
   1. Ordinance Text Amendments (30-4-4);
   2. Zoning Map Amendments (30-4-5.7);
   3. Establishment of Original Zoning (30-4-9); 
   4. Zoning Map Amendments for overlay zoning districts and Design Manuals for overlay zoning districts (30-4-8);
   5. GSO 2040 Comprehensive Plan Amendments (30-4-3);
   6. Street Name Changes. (30-4-23);
   7. Street, Alley and Walkway Closings (30-4-22);
   8. Designation of Redevelopment Areas; 
   9. Type 4 and Type 5 Modifications (30-4-11); and 
   10. Department of Housing and Urban Development Consolidated Plan: 
       1. To review and provide recommendations concerning programs contained in the Consolidated Plan covering the Community Development Block Grant, HOME and Emergency Shelter Grant Program for the City;
       2. To provide professional expertise for developing program goals and policy; and
       3. To gather information from the public, development and business communities with respect to the Consolidated Plan..
2. Final Action
   The Planning and Zoning Commission has final decision-making authority (subject to appeal) for the following:
   1. Zoning Map Amendments (30-4-5.6);
   2. Unified Development Plans (30-4-6.6);
   3. Traditional Neighborhood Development Plans (30-4-7);
   4. Type 3 Modifications (30-4-11); and
   5. Site Specific Development Plans (30-4-25).
3. Appeals 
   The Planning and Zoning Commission is authorized to hear and decide appeals of the following administrative decisions in accordance with 30-4-27:

   1. Subdivision Preliminary Plats (30-4-17);

   2. Site Plans (30-4-15); and

   3. Type 1 and Type 2 Modifications (30-4-11).

4. The Planning and Zoning Commission shall form a Tree Conservation and Landscaping (Tree Board) subcommittee, composed of three members, and led by a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission to perform the following powers and duties: 

   1. To provide professional expertise for developing program goals and policy related to tree conservation and landscape;

   2. To review and provide recommendations for the long term tree management and maintenance plan for the city;

   3. To evaluate and monitor current regulations for effectiveness, and recommend appropriate changes regarding the tree conservation and landscape provisions of this ordinance to the city council; and

   4. To gather information from the public, development and business communities with respect to the tree conservation and landscape provisions of this ordinance.
      
      (Amended by Ord. 20-099 on 9/1/20)

Effective on: 6/15/2021

1. Six or more favorable votes are required for approval of an application before the Planning and Zoning Commission.
2. When an application before the Planning and Zoning Commission receives fewer than 6 favorable votes, but a majority favorable vote, that action constitutes a favorable recommendation and the application will be forwarded to the City Council for final action following a public hearing.
3. The concurring affirmative vote of a majority of Planning and Zoning Commission members present and voting is required to make a recommendation in favor of an applicant. Tie votes will not be considered a recommendation.
4. When an application receives a tie vote or a majority unfavorable vote from the Planning and Zoning Commission, the application is deemed denied.
5. All zoning map amendment decisions of the Planning and Zoning Commission may be appealed to the City Council (30-4-5.6(E)).
6. [Reserved]
7. The Chair votes as any other Commission member.
   
   (Amended by Ord. 13-122 on 9/17/13, Ord. 20-099 on 9/1/20, and Ord. 21-075 on 6/15/21)

Effective on: 6/15/2021

A planning agency known as the Board of Adjustment is hereby established pursuant to NCGS 160D-302.

(Amended by Ord. 21-127 on 8/17/21)

Effective on: 8/17/2021

The Board of Adjustment is appointed by the City Council and must consist of 7 regular members and 2 alternate members.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Four or more regular or alternate members of the Board of Adjustment present and eligible to vote constitutes a quorum.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

1. Final Action
   The Board of Adjustment has final decision-making authority for the following procedures:
   1. Variances (30-4-13);
   2. Special Exceptions (30-4-14); 
   3. Changes of Use for Nonconforming Uses (30-2-3.4) or Alterations of Nonconforming Uses (30-2-3.2(D)); and
   4. Special Use Permits (30-4-10).
2. Appeals
   The Board of Adjustment has the authority to hear and decide appeals of Zoning Administrative Determinations (30-4-27).

(Amended by Ord. 13-156 on 12/17/13, Ord. 12-114 on 10/2/12, Ord. 20-099 on 9/1/20, and Ord. 20-155 on 11/17/20)

Effective on: 11/17/2020

1. Required Vote for Approval
   1. An affirmative vote of 4/5 of the appointed members shall be required to grant a variance from the provisions of this ordinance. Vacant positions on the board and members who are disqualified from voting on a quasi-judicial matter shall not be considered members of the board for calculation of the requisite majority if there are no qualified alternates available to take the place of such members.
   2. An affirmative vote of the majority of members is required:
      1. To grant a special exception as may be assigned by this ordinance;
      2. To reverse or modify any order, requirement, decision, determination, or interpretation of an appeal of an administrative officer charged with enforcing this ordinance; and
      3. To decide in favor of the applicant any other matter upon which the Board of Adjustment is required to pass under this ordinance.
   3. Vacant positions on the board and members who are disqualified from voting on a quasi-judicial matter shall not be considered members of the board for calculation of the requisite majority if there are no qualified alternates available to take the place of such members.
2. Vote of the Chair
   The Chair votes as any other board member.

(Amended by Ord. 10-156 on 10/19/10, Ord. 12-114 on 10/2/12, Ord. 13-122 on 9/17/13, and Ord. 15-102 on 7/21/15)

Effective on: 1/1/1901

A Historic Preservation Commission is hereby established pursuant to NCGS 160D-303. Pursuant to NCGS 160D-945, nothing in this ordinance affects the status of any historic district or historic property established or designated under the authority of NCGS Article 7 of Chapter 160D; such establishment or designation being prior to the effective date of this ordinance. Nothing in this ordinance affects the validity of the Guilford County Joint Historic Properties Commission created by Ordinance 80-86 dated October 6, 1980.

(Amended by Ord. 21-127 on 8/17/21)

Effective on: 8/17/2021

1. Number of Members
   The Historic Preservation Commission consists of 9 members who are appointed by the City Council.
2. District Representation
   Each locally zoned historic district must be represented by at least one person on the Historic Preservation Commission who resides or owns property in the locally zoned historic district.
3. Qualification for Membership
   Members must be qualified based on demonstrated interest or experience in history, architectural history, historic preservation, architecture, archeology, planning, or related fields.
4. Designation
   The Guilford County Joint Historic Properties Commission may be designated by the City Council to perform the duties of a Historic Preservation Commission.
   
   (Amended by Ord. 21-182 on 12/21/21)
   

Effective on: 12/21/2021

Five or more members of the Historic Preservation Commission constitutes a quorum.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

1. Review and Recommendation
   The Historic Preservation Commission has review and recommendation authority for the following:
   1. Designation of Local Historic District overlay district including design guidelines and zoning map amendments (see Historic District Preservation Manual and Design Guidelines);
   2. Designation of Landmark Signs (30-4-12.2);
   3. Ordinance Text Amendments, when required (30-4-4);
   4. Zoning Map Amendments, when required (30-4-5 through 30-4-8);
   5. Special Use Permits, when required (30-4-10);
   6. Special Exceptions, when required (30-4-14);
   7. Variances, when required (30-4-13); and
   8. Street, Alley and Walkway Closings, when required (30-4-22).
2. Final Action
   1. The Historic Preservation Commission has final decision-making authority for a certificate of appropriateness (30-4-12.4) when the subject property is located within a designated local historic district.
   2. The Historic Preservation Commission has final decision-making authority for designation of landmark signs (30-4-12.2).
3. Nonregulatory
   In addition to the specific powers and duties required in the enforcement and application of, the Historic Preservation Commission has the following nonregulatory authority:
   1. Review proposed nominations of National Historic Districts and sites;
   2. to undertake an inventory of properties of historical, prehistorical, architectural, and/or cultural significance;
   3. to acquire by any lawful means the fee or any lesser included interest, including options to purchase, to properties within established historic districts or to any such properties designated as landmarks; to hold, manage, preserve, restore, and improve the same; and to exchange or dispose of the property by public or private sale, lease, or otherwise, subject to covenants or other legally binding restrictions which will secure appropriate rights of public access and promote the preservation of the property;
   4. to restore, preserve, and operate historic properties;
   5. to conduct an educational program with respect to historic properties and districts within its jurisdiction;
   6. to prepare and recommend adoption of a preservation plan;
   7. to negotiate at any time with the owner of a building, structure, site, area, or object for its acquisition or its preservation when such action is reasonably necessary or appropriate;
   8. to cooperate with the state, federal, and local governments in historic preservation activities. The City Council or the Historic Preservation Commission when authorized by the City Council may contract with the state of federal government or with any other organization, provided the terms are not inconsistent with state or federal law;
   9. to enter, solely in performance of its official duties and only at reasonable times, upon private lands for examination or survey thereof. However, no member, employee, or agent of the Historic Preservation Commission may enter any private building or structure without the express consent of the owner or occupant thereof; and
   10. to exercise other powers and authority provided to it by the City Council, this ordinance, and State law. 

Effective on: 1/1/1901

An affirmative vote of a majority of those members present and voting is required before any recommendation or action is made on any matter considered. When any matter is transmitted to the City Council without recommendations, the reasons for the lack of a recommendation must be stated.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

A Guilford County Joint Historic Preservation Commission is hereby established pursuant to NCGS 160D-303.

(Amended by Ord. 21-127 on 8/17/21)

Effective on: 8/17/2021

The historical heritage of the County is one of its most valued and important assets. Conservation of historic properties will stabilize and increase the values in their areas and strengthen the overall economy of the county and state. The City of Greensboro seeks:

1. to safeguard its heritage by preserving any property therein that embodies important elements of its cultural, social, economic, political, or architectural history; and
2. to promote the use and conservation of such property for the education, pleasure, and enrichment of the residents of the county and state.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

1. Number of Members
   The Guilford County Joint Historic Preservation Commission consists of 11 members with 3 of those members appointed by the Greensboro City Council.
2. Qualification for Membership
   Members must be qualified based on demonstrated interest or experience in history, architectural history, historic preservation, architecture, archaeology, planning, or related fields.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

The Guilford County Joint Historic Preservation Commission must prepare and submit an annual report to the Greensboro City Council.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

1. Review and Recommendation
   The Guilford County Joint Historic Preservation Commission has review and recommendation authority for the following within the City of Greensboro:
   1. to recommend to the City Council, building, structures, sites, areas, or objects within the corresponding zoning jurisdiction to be designated by ordinance as landmarks;
   2. to recommend to the City Council that landmark designation of any building, structure, site, area, or object as a historic property be revoked or removed.
2. Final Action
   The Guilford County Joint Historic Preservation Commission has final decision-making authority for Certificates of Appropriateness for a designated Landmark.
3. Nonregulatory
   The Guilford County Joint Historic Preservation Commission has the following nonregulatory powers and duties:
   1. to acquire by any lawful means the fee or any lesser included interest, including options to purchase, to any such historic properties; to hold, manage, preserve, restore, and improve the same; and to exchange or dispose of the property by public or private sale, lease, or otherwise, subject to covenants or other legally binding restrictions which will secure appropriate rights of public access and promote the preservation of the property;
   2. to restore, preserve, and operate such historic properties;
   3. to negotiate with the owner of a designated historic property for its preservation as allowed by NCGS Article 2 of Chapter 160D when such action is reasonably necessary or appropriate for the preservation;
   4. to conduct an educational program on historic properties within its jurisdiction;
   5. to cooperate with the state, federal, and local governments in pursuance of the purposes of this section. The Commission when authorized by the City Council may contract with the state or the federal government, or with any agency or with any other organization, provided the terms are not inconsistent with state or federal law;
   6. to enter, solely in performance of its official duties and only at reasonable times, upon private lands for examination or survey thereof. However, no member, employee, or agent of the Commission may enter any private building or structure without the express consent of the owner or occupant thereof;
   7. to act as, establish, or designate a group, body, or committee to give advice to property owners concerning the treatment of the historical and visual characteristics of their properties such as color schemes, gardens and landscape features, and minor decorative elements;
   8. to take steps, during the period of postponement of demolition or alteration of any historic property, to ascertain what the City Council can or may do to preserve such properties including consultation with private civic groups, interested private citizens, and other public boards or agencies and including investigation of potential acquisition by the City Council when the preservation of a given historic property is clearly in the interest of the general welfare of the community and such property is of certain historic and architectural significance;
   9. to propose to the City Council changes to this or any other ordinance and propose new ordinances or laws relating to historic properties or relating to a total program for the protection and/or development of the historic resources of the County, the municipalities therein, and its environs;
   10. to communicate with other boards or commissions or with agencies of the local government or other governmental units to offer or request assistance, aid, guidance, or advice concerning matters under its purview or of mutual interest;
   11. to publish information about or otherwise inform the public of any matters pertinent to its purview, duties, organization, procedures, responsibilities, functions, or requirements as its budget may allow;
   12. to report violations of this ordinance or the building code with respect to historic properties to the city's Planning Director;
   13. to accept funds granted to the Commission for preservation purposes from private individuals and organizations;
   14. to organize itself and conduct its business; and
   15. to exercise other powers and authority provided to it by the City Council and state law.

(Amended by Ord. 21-127 on 8/17/21)

Effective on: 8/17/2021

The City Council may make appropriations to the Guilford County Joint Historic Preservation Commission in any amount that it may determine necessary for the expenses of the operation of the Commission, and may make available any additional amounts necessary for the acquisition, restoration, preservation, operation, and management of historic buildings, structures, sites, areas, or objects designated as historic properties, or of land on which historic buildings or structures are located or to which they may be removed.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

The Guilford County Joint Historic Preservation Commission may recommend to the City Council suitable arrangements for the procurement or provision of staff or technical services.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

In case any building, structure, site, area, or object designated a historic property is about to be demolished whether as a result of deliberate neglect or otherwise, materially altered, remodeled, or removed, except in compliance with this section, the city or Guilford County Joint Historic Preservation Commission may institute any appropriate action or proceeding to prevent such unlawful demolition, material alteration, remodeling, or removal; to restrain, correct, or abate such violation; or to prevent any illegal act or conduct with respect to such historic property.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

A Redevelopment Commission is hereby established pursuant to NCGS 160A-504.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

The Redevelopment Commission consists of 5 members appointed by the City Council.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

The Redevelopment Commission makes the following findings and recommendations to the City Council after considering facts and information contained in studies and investigations made by city agencies:

1. that there are within the territorial limits of the city areas in which there is a predominance of buildings or improvements, and which, by reason of dilapidation, deterioration, age or obsolescence, inadequate provision for ventilation, light, air, sanitation, or open spaces, high density of population and overcrowded, unsanitary or unsafe conditions, endanger life and property by fire and other causes, and which conditions substantially impair the sound growth of the community, and which conditions are conducive to ill health, transmission of disease, infant mortality, juvenile delinquency and crime, and which are detrimental to the public health, safety, morals, and welfare of the community, and which areas, by reason of the aforesaid conditions, are blighted or deteriorated areas now existing within the territorial limits of the city; and
2. that the redevelopment of such areas is necessary in the interest of the public health, safety, morals, or welfare of the residents of the city.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

The Redevelopment Commission is vested with all the powers and duties and must perform all the acts authorized by NCGS 160A-500 et seq.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

1. Review and Recommendation
   The Planning Director has review and recommendation authority for the following:
   1. Comprehensive Plan Amendments (30-4-3);
   2. Ordinance Text Amendments (30-4-4);
   3. Establishment of Original Zoning (30-4-9);
   4. Zoning Map Amendments (30-4-5 through 30-4-8);
   5. Special Use Permits (30-4-10);
   6. Variances (30-4-13);
   7. Special Exceptions (30-4-14);
   8. Site Specific Development Plans (30-4-25);
   9. Local Historic District Designations (30-4-12);
   10. Sign Permits (30-4-26.5);
   11. Tank Permits; and
   12. Other permits and certificates as per this ordinance.
2. Final Approval
   The Planning Director has final decision-making authority for the following:
   1. Type 1 Modifications (30-4-11);
   2. Plot Plans (30-4-15);
   3. Minor Subdivision Preliminary Plats (30-4-17);
   4. Final Subdivision Plats (30-4-17);
   5. Administrative Interpretations (30-4-2);
   6. Zoning Map Interpretations (30-1-10.2):
   7. Change of Nonconforming Use (30-2-3.4); and
   8. Expansion or alteration of a Nonconforming Structure (30-2-3.2).

Effective on: 1/1/1901

30-3-13.1     Review all floodplain development applications and approve permits for all proposed development within special flood hazard areas and future conditions flood hazard areas to assure that applicable requirements have been satisfied.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

30-3-13.2     Advise permittee that additional federal or State permits, reviews or approvals (Wetlands, Endangered Species, Erosion and Sedimentation Control, Riparian Buffers, Mining, etc.) may be required and require that copies of such permits be provided and maintained on file with the floodplain development permit;

Effective on: 1/1/1901

30-3-13.3     Notify adjacent communities and the North Carolina Department of Crime Control and Public Safety, Division of Emergency Management, State Coordinator for the National Flood Insurance Program prior to any alteration or relocation of a watercourse, and submit evidence of such notification to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA);

Effective on: 1/1/1901

30-3-13.4     Assure that maintenance is provided within the altered or relocated portion of said watercourse so that the flood-carrying capacity is maintained;

Effective on: 1/1/1901

30-3-13.5     Prevent encroachments within floodways and non-encroachment areas unless the certification and flood damage prevention provisions of 30-12-2.2 are met;

Effective on: 1/1/1901

30-3-13.6     obtain actual elevation (in relation to NAVD 1988) of the reference level (including basement) and all attendant utilities of all new and substantially improved structures, in accordance with 30-4-26.10(A);

Effective on: 1/19/2021

30-3-13.7     Obtain actual elevation (in relation to NAVD 1988) to which all new and substantially improved nonresidential structures and utilities have been flood proofed, in accordance with 30-4-26.10(B);

Effective on: 1/19/2021

30-3-13.8     Obtain actual elevation (in relation to NAVD 1988) of all public utilities in accordance with 30-12-2.3(A)12);

Effective on: 1/19/2021

30-3-13.9     When flood-proofing is utilized for a particular structure, obtain certifications from a registered professional engineer or architect in accordance with 30-4-26.10(B) and 30-12-2.3(B)2);

Effective on: 1/1/1901

30-3-13.10   Where interpretation is needed as to the exact location of boundaries of the areas of special flood hazard or future conditions flood hazard areas (for example, where there appears to be a conflict between a mapped boundary and actual field conditions), make the necessary interpretation. Any person contesting the location of the boundary shall be given a reasonable opportunity to appeal the interpretation;

Effective on: 1/1/1901

30-3-13.11   when base flood elevation (BFE) data has not been provided in accordance with 30-12-2.1(F), the Planning Director shall obtain, review, and reasonably utilize any base flood elevation data along with floodway data or non-encroachment area data available from a federal, state, or other source, including data developed pursuant to 30-12-2.3(C), in order to administer the flood prevention regulations of this ordinance.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

30-3-13.12   When base flood elevation (BFE) data is provided but no floodway nor non-encroachment area data has been provided in accordance with  30-12-2.1(F), obtain, review, and reasonably utilize any floodway data or non-encroachment area data available from a federal, state, or other source in order to administer the flood prevention regulations of this ordinance.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

30-3-13.13   When the lowest ground elevation of a parcel or in the case of a structure, the lowest adjacent grade and lowest floor, located in a special flood hazard area is above the base flood elevation (BFE), advise the property owner of the option to apply for a Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) from FEMA. Maintain a copy of the Letter of Map Amendment (LOMA) issued by FEMA in the floodplain development permit file.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

30-3-13.14   maintain all records that pertain to the administration of the flood prevention regulations of this ordinance and make these records available for public inspection.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

30-3-13.15   make on-site inspections of work in progress. In exercising this power, the Floodplain Administrator has a right, upon presentation of proper credentials, to enter on any premises within the jurisdiction of the community at any reasonable hour for the purposes of inspection or other enforcement action.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

30-3-13.16   Issue stop work orders as required. Whenever a building or part thereof is being constructed, reconstructed, altered, or repaired in violation of the flood prevention regulations of this ordinance, the Floodplain Administrator may order the work to be immediately stopped. The stop work order shall be in writing and directed to the person doing the work. The stop work order shall state the specific work to be stopped, the specific reason(s) for the stoppage, and the condition(s) under which the work may be resumed.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

30-3-13.17   Revoke floodplain development permits as required. The Floodplain Administrator may revoke and require the return of the floodplain development permit by notifying the permit holder in writing stating the reason(s) for the revocation. Permits shall be revoked for any substantial departure from the approved application, plans, or specifications; for refusal or failure to comply with the requirements of state or local laws; or for false statements or misrepresentations made in securing the permit. Any floodplain development permit mistakenly issued in violation of an applicable state or local law may also be revoked.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

30-3-13.18   Make periodic inspections throughout all special flood hazard areas within the jurisdiction of the community. The Floodplain Administrator and each member of his inspections department shall have a right, upon presentation of proper credentials, to enter on any premises within the territorial jurisdiction of the department at any reasonable hour for the purposes of inspection or other enforcement action.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

30-3-13.19   Follow through with enforcement procedures of 30-5-3.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

30-3-13.20   Review, provide input, and make recommendations for variance requests.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

30-3-13.21   Maintain a current map repository to include, but not be limited to, the FIS Report, FIRM and other official flood maps and studies adopted in accordance with 30-12-2.1(F), including any revisions thereto including Letters of Map Change, issued by FEMA. Notify State of North Carolina and FEMA of mapping needs.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

30-3-13.22   Coordinate revisions to FIS reports and FIRMs, including Letters of Map Revision Based on Fill (LOMR-F) and Letters of Map Revision (LOMR).

(Amended by Ord. 21-011 on 1/19/21)

Effective on: 1/19/2021

A planning agency known as the Property Owners Review Team (PORT) is hereby established pursuant to NCGS 160D-301.

(Amended by Ord. 21-127 on 8/17/21)

Effective on: 8/17/2021

1. Number of Members
   The PORT shall be composed of five voting members and three advisory members who will be appointed by the City Council for terms to expire as of August 15.
2. Qualification for Membership
   Members shall be residents of the city.
3. Composition
   Voting members shall be composed of one property owner from the Urban Residential Mixed Use character area, one property owner from the Historic Core character area, two property owners from the Pedestrian Mixed Use character area, and one representative from Downtown Greensboro Inc.’s Board, who is also a downtown property owner. The non-voting advisory members shall be composed of two representatives from the design community who have recently been involved with projects in Downtown (i.e architect, landscape architect, engineer, urban and/ or landscape designer, historic preservationist, etc.), and one Downtown Greensboro Inc. President or designee.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Three voting members of the Property Owners Review Team shall constitute a quorum. The concurrence of at least a majority of those members present will be required before any recommendation or action is made on any matter considered.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

The Property Owners Review Team shall have the following powers and duties:

1. To provide for a continuing, coordinated, and comprehensive review of the technical aspects of this Ordinance, as it relates to the design guidelines within the Downtown Design Overlay District, and for the approval of certain technical aspects of development proposals;
2. To review technical aspects of development occurring within Downtown as specified by this Ordinance;
3. To review appeals, orders, requirements, decisions, determinations, or interpretations made by an administrative official charged with enforcing the Downtown Overlay District standards;
4. To perform any other related duties that the City Council may direct; and
5. To exercise other powers and authority provided to it by the City Council, this Ordinance, or state law.

(Added by Ord. 10-133 on 9/7/10)

Effective on: 1/1/1901