Here within, this chapter may be referred to as “chapter” or “this chapter”.

(Ord. passed 10-17-2011)

   The regulations as herein set forth have been made for the purpose of promoting the health, safety, and general welfare of county residents, specifically:

   (A)   The purpose of this chapter is to establish procedures and standards for the development and subdivision of land which facilitates the creation of functional neighborhoods where collective security, and community attributes enhance the quality of life for the immediate residents, adjoining neighborhoods, and the county as a whole;

   (B)   The design goals set forth in this chapter aim for orderly growth and development of new neighborhoods;

   (C)   The coordination of streets within proposed neighborhoods with existing or planned streets and with other public facilities;

   (D)   The general distribution of population and traffic in a manner that will avoid congestion and overcrowding;

   (E)   The dedication or reservation of farmland, forests, natural areas, parks, squares, and recreational open space areas, improved and accessible to all residents of the neighborhood to serve as community focal points;

   (F)   Detailing of the public domain of streets, parks, and squares to promote civic awareness and responsibility;

   (G)   Provide for pleasing visual environments to create conditions essential to public health, safety, and the general welfare;

   (H)   The encouragement of the most appropriate use of land in the county; and

   (I)   Protect the natural environment and other valuable resources.

(Ord. passed 10-17-2011)

   The provisions of this chapter shall apply to the unincorporated areas of the county. This chapter shall not be applied to the extra-territorial jurisdiction or corporate limits of any municipality in the county. This chapter shall be permanently kept on file in the office of the county’s Planning Department.

(Ord. passed 10-17-2011)

   (A)   The provisions of this chapter are adopted under authority of the general statutes of the state, with particular reference to G.S. Chapter 160D.

   (B)   No structure or land shall hereafter be located, extended, converted, altered, or developed in any way without full compliance with the terms of this chapter and any other applicable regulations of local, state, or federal governments.

(Ord. passed 10-17-2011; Res. passed 11-16-2020)

   (A)   The zoning provisions of this chapter shall not apply to bona fide farms, as defined herein. This chapter does not exercise any controls over cropland, timberland, or other farmlands, nor does it exercise control over any barn or other farm buildings, including houses for persons working on farms and their families, as long as the houses shall be in same ownership as the farm and located on the farm and shall not exceed four residences. All buildings, including residences, shall meet the following setbacks:

 

 

   (B)   The use of any bona fide farm property for any non-farm purposes shall be subject to the regulations of this chapter, with the exception of those uses determined to be agritourism, as defined by this chapter. In no case shall structures erected for non-farm purposes be exempt from the North Carolina State Building Code or other applicable local, state, or federal regulations.

(Ord. passed 10-17-2011)

   (A)   In the interpretation and application of this chapter all provisions shall be:

      (1)   Considered as minimum requirements; and

      (2)   Deemed neither to limit nor repeal any other powers granted under the state general statutes.

   (B)   In all references to other documents, including but not limited to statutes, plans, and titled works, references shall be assumed to mean the most current version of that document.

(Ord. passed 10-17-2011)

   It is not intended by this chapter to interfere with, abrogate, or annul any easements, covenants, or other agreements between private parties. Wherever the provisions of this chapter conflict with the provisions contained in any other local, state, or federal regulation, the more restrictive provisions shall govern.

(Ord. passed 10-17-2011)