Montgomery County Unincorporated
City Zoning Code

1.1.

Intent. Where the regulations and restrictions applicable within a zoning district permitting a proposed use are inadequate to ensure the compatibility of a proposed development with the immediately surrounding neighborhood in accordance with the principles of this Ordinance and applicable adopted plans, the property owner may apply for a rezoning to a conditional zoning bearing the same designation as a standard zoning district but subject to additional conditions.

1.2.

Conditional Zoning Established. A conditional zoning bearing the designation CZ is hereby established as a companion district for every district established in Article III. These districts are: CZ-R-1, CZ-R-2, CZ-R-3, CZ-C, and CZ-I

All regulations which apply to a general use zoning district also apply to the companion conditional zoning district. All other regulations, which may be offered by the property owner and approved by the Governing Body as a part of the rezoning process shall also apply.

1.3.

General Requirements.

A.

Conditional Zoning Application. The conditional zoning application shall be considered only upon request by the property owner(s). The owner(s) may specify the use(s) of the property and shall propose conditions to ensure compatibility between the development and the surrounding neighborhood.

B.

Site Plan. A site plan for any development made pursuant to a conditional zoning shall be submitted for review in the same manner as other developmental plans required by this Ordinance.

C.

Community Meeting. The community meeting shall be conducted by the applicant with citizens of the proposed conditional zoning's neighborhood and is held at least thirty (30) days prior to application submittal. A report of the community meeting is drafted by the applicant and submitted with the application. The report must include who was invited, who attended, issues discussed, and any changes made as a result of the meeting. If the proposed conditional zoning is abutted by vacant lots, no community meeting will be required.

D.

Uses within District. Within an approved conditional zoning, no use shall be permitted except pursuant to the conditions imposed on the conditional zoning in the approval of the rezoning.

E.

Consent. The Governing Body must obtain the property owner(s) written consent to conditions related to conditional zoning approval.

F.

Special Use. A conditional zoning application that proposes a use which is only designated by the approval and issuance of a special use permit must also apply and seek approval for the intended special use permit.

1.4.

Other Regulations Apply. Within a conditional zoning, all standards and requirements of the corresponding zoning district shall be met, except to the extent that the conditions imposed are more restrictive than those standards.

1.5.

Required Findings. As provided in Article IV, when there is an amendment to the zoning map, the Board of County Commissioners shall adopt a statement of reasonableness analyzing relevant factors among those identified in Article IV.

1.6.

Amendment of Permit Conditions. The Governing Body may change or amend a conditional zoning permit in the same procedure as that required for the original issuance of the conditional zoning permit.

1.7.

Expiration. Expiration will follow the same guidelines and regulations detailed in Article V, Section 7.

2.1.

Intent. The R-1 residential district is established as a district in which the principal use of land is for low-density residential and agricultural purposes. The regulations of this district are intended to protect the agricultural sections of the community from an influx of uses likely to render it undesirable for farms and future development, and to ensure that residential developments dependent upon septic tank systems for sewage disposal will occur at sufficiently low densities to ensure a healthful environment.

2.2.

Permitted Uses.

A.

Agriculture.

B.

Silviculture.

C.

Stick built houses (Single-family dwellings only).

D.

Modular homes built to North Carolina Code (single-family dwellings only).

E.

Parks, playgrounds, community centers, schools, churches, cemeteries, country clubs, golf courses.

F.

Greenhouse and nursery operations (but no commercial sales on premises).

G.

Public utility substations or pumping stations.

H.

Home occupations-limited to residences of premises. Use shall not occupy more than twenty-five percent (25%) of total floor area of home and no products or displays shall be visible from the street.

I.

Accessory mobile home—Custodial relationship (temporary use).

J.

Any uses permitted with standards and conditions in the R-1 District.

2.3.

Permitted Uses With Conditions.

A.

Residential storage facility (site built).

Residential storage facilities may only be permitted in lots that are accessory by deed and recombination to an existing residential lot. All applications for residential storage facilities must adhere to the standards set forth below.

•

A site plan showing the boundaries of the property, proposed building, parking area, and proximity to the property with the required associated residence;

•

Building plans of similar design and construction as the associated residence;

•

The use shall not be detrimental to adjacent properties due to noise, refuse, traffic, topography, and other factors;

•

The storage of junked motor vehicles shall be prohibited on the subject tract;

•

Outside lighting shall be signed to prevent direct glare on adjoining properties;

•

Setbacks shall adhere to zoning district standards;

•

The proposed structure shall not be used for any commercial or industrial activity or use.

•

The accessory lot where a storage facility is being proposed must be recombined with the primary lot.

B.

Towers of communication, broadcasting, receiving, radar and any other purpose (see Article X Wireless Telecommunication Facilities Regulation)

2.4.

Special Use Permits.

A.

Campgrounds

B.

Residential planned developments (subject to the conditions contained in Article VII).

C.

Cluster developments (subject to the conditions contained in Article VIII).

2.5.

Dimensional Requirements.

A.

Minimum required lot area: 20,000 square feet.

B.

Minimum required lot width: 80 feet.

C.

Minimum required front yard: 30 feet measured from the street right-of-way line.

D.

Minimum required side yards: 10 feet measured from the property line.

E.

Minimum required rear yard: 20 feet measured from the rear property line.

2.6.

Location of Accessory Building. Accessory buildings may occupy ten percent (10%) of the gross lot area [and] must be built a minimum of ten (10) feet from any lot line.

2.7.

Corner Lots. On corner lots, the side yard on that side of the lot abutting the side street shall be twenty (20) feet.

2.8.

Signs. Community uses permitted in this district may erect only one non-flashing sign, which harmonizes with the character of the neighborhood and does not exceed twelve (12) square feet in area All other permitted uses may erect only one nonilluminated sign which does not exceed six (6) square feet in area, unless otherwise approved by the Montgomery County Planning Board.

2.9.

Parking. Off-street parking shall be provided as required in Article 1, Section 8 of this Ordinance.

(Ord. of 12-18-2007(2); Ord. No. TA-01-2015, Att. 2, 4-21-2015; Ord. No. TA-01-2023, 3-21-2023)

3.1.

Intent. The R-2 Residential District is established to promote low and medium density residential neighborhoods.

3.2.

Permitted Uses.

A.

All uses permitted in the R-1 residential district.

B.

Double wide mobile homes.

C.

Multi-family dwellings.

D.

Accessory mobile home—Custodial relationship (temporary use).

3.3.

Permitted Uses with Standards and Conditions

A.

Any uses permitted with standards and conditions within R-1 Districts.

3.4.

Special Uses.

A.

Any special uses permitted within the R-1 District.

3.5.

Conditional Zoning Districts.

Editor's note— Ord. No. TA-01-2024, adopted Sept. 17, 2024, repealed the former subsection 3.5(A), which pertained to photovoltaic facility regulations. Said ordinance enacted a new Art. XII pertaining to solar power generation systems.

3.6.

Dimensional Requirements.

A.

Minimum required lot area: 20,000 square feet.

B.

Minimum required lot width: 80 feet.

C.

Minimum required front yard: 30 feet measured from the street right-of-way line.

D.

Minimum required side yards: 10 feet measured from the property line.

E.

Minimum required rear yard: 20 feet measured from the rear property line.

F.

Area in addition for second structure: 3,000 square feet.

3.7.

Location of Accessory Building. Accessory buildings may occupy ten (10) percent (10%) of the gross lot area [and] must be built a minimum of ten (10) feet from any lot line.

3.8.

Corner Lots. On corner lots, the side yard on that side of the lot abutting the side street shall be twenty (20) feet.

3.9.

Signs. Community uses permitted in this district may erect only one (1) non-flashing sign, which harmonizes with the character of the neighborhood and does not exceed twelve (12) square feet in area. All other permitted uses may erect only one (1) nonilluminated sign which does not exceed six (6) square feet in area, unless otherwise approved by the Montgomery County Planning Board.

3.10.

Parking. Off-street parking shall be provided as required in Article I, Section 8 of this Ordinance.

(Ord. of 12-18-2007(2); Ord. No. TA-01-2015, Att. 2, 4-21-2015; Ord. No. TA-01-2017, (4-18-2017(1)); Ord. No. TA-02-2017,(4-18-2017(2)); Ord. No. TA-03-2017, (4-18-2017(3)); Ord. No. TA-01-2023, 3-21-2023; Ord. No. TA-01-2024, 9-17-2024)

4.1. Intent. The R-3 District is established to promote areas for affordable housing as well as other housing from R-1 and R-2.

4.2.

Permitted Uses.

A.

All uses permitted in R-1 and R-2.

B.

Singlewide mobile homes.

C.

Accessory mobile home—Custodial relationship (temporary use).

4.3.

Permitted Uses with Standards and Conditions

A.

Any uses permitted with standards and conditions within R-1 and R-2 Districts.

4.4.

Special Uses

A.

Any special uses permitted in R-1 or R-2 Districts.

4.5.

Dimensional Requirements.

A.

Minimum required lot area: 20,000 square feet.

B.

Minimum required lot width: 80 feet.

C.

Minimum required front yard: 30 feet measured from the street right-of-way line.

D.

Minimum required side yards: 10 feet measured from the property line.

E.

Minimum required rear yard: 20 feet measured from the rear property line.

F.

Reserved.

G.

Area in addition for second structure: 3,000 square feet.

4.6.

Location of Accessory Building. Accessory buildings may occupy ten percent (10%) of the gross lot area [and] must be built a minimum of ten (10) feet from any lot line.

4.7.

Corner Lots. On corner lots, the side yard on that side of the lot abutting the side street shall be twenty (20) feet.

4.8.

Signs. Community uses permitted in this district may erect only one (1) non-flashing sign, which harmonizes with the character of the neighborhood and does not exceed twelve (12) square feet in area. All other permitted uses may erect only one nonilluminated sign which does not exceed six (6) square feet in area, unless otherwise approved by the Montgomery County Planning Board.

4.9.

Parking. Off-street parking shall be provided as required in Article I, Section 8 of this Ordinance.

(Ord. of 12-18-2007(2); Ord. No. TA-01-2015, Att. 2, 4-21-2015; Ord. No. TA-01-2023, 3-21-2023)

5.1.

Intent. The Commercial District is established as a district in which the principal use of land is for the provision of retail goods and services. Residential homes can be placed in this district with a signed, notarized, and recorded statement in the Register of Deeds stating that all commercial uses may be placed next to the residence.

5.2.

Permitted Uses.

A.

Banks and other financial institutions.

B.

Barber and beauty shops.

C.

Grocery stores, drug stores, and dry good stores.

D.

Hardware stores.

E.

Laundries, laundromats and dry-cleaning pick-up stations.

F.

Restaurant.

E.

Building material sales.

G.

All uses which are permitted in the R-1, R-2 and R-3.

5.3.

Permitted Uses with Standards and Conditions

A.

Any uses permitted with standards and conditions in R-1, R-2, and R-3, Districts.

5.4.

Special Uses.

A.

Marinas and minor boat facilities.

B.

Service stations. (All major automobile repair or storage shall be performed inside the structure.)

C.

Mobile home and trailer sales.

D.

Motels.

E.

New and used car sales.

F.

Amusement places, including open-air drive-in theaters.

G.

Automobile parts and accessories.

H.

Automobile repair.

I.

Boat and marine sales.

J.

Storage services and warehousing (mini-warehouses).

K.

Towers of communication, broadcasting, receiving, radar and any other purpose (see Article X—Wireless Telecommunication Facilities Regulation).

L.

Arenas (see Article V Section 5—Standards for Specific Special Use Permits).

M.

RV Park (see Article V Section 5—Standards for Specific Special Use Permits).

N.

Any special uses permitted within R-1, R-2, and R-3 Districts.

5.5.

Conditional Zoning Districts.

A.

Nursery and garden stores.

B.

Veterinarians and kennels.

C.

Highway fruit stands and gift shops.

D.

Live bait stores.

E.

Farmer's market.

F.

Day care facilities.

G.

Funeral homes.

5.6.

Dimensional Requirements.

A.

Minimum required lot area: 10,000 square feet.

B.

Minimum required lot width: 100 feet.

C.

Minimum required front yard: 40 feet measured from the street right-of-way line. The first fifteen (15) feet from the property line shall be developed for the purpose of sidewalks, grass and plants, and shall not be used for any purpose except for the necessary drives and walks not including off-street parking.

D.

Minimum required side yards: No side yard is required except where a lot abuts a residentially zoned lot or where the lot is a corner lot. Lots abutting a residentially zoned lot shall have at least a 15-foot side yard measured from the side property line. On corner lots, the side yards fronting on the side street shall have at least a 15-foot width.

E.

Minimum required rear yard: No rear yard is required except where a lot abuts residentially zoned lot. In such instance, the abutting rear yard shall be at least fifteen (15) feet measured from the rear property line.

5.7.

Signs.

•

No sign shall exceed one hundred (100) square feet in area.

•

No sign shall be located less than ten (10) feet from any public right-of-way.

•

No flashing signs will be allowed. All lighting must be motionless.

•

No more than 100-AMP electrical will be allowed.

•

No lighting shall obstruct drivers view.

•

Sign must be ground mounted constructed of metal, brick, or fiberglass.

•

Any directional gateway sign shall be subject to approval by the North Carolina Department of Transportation.

•

No directional gateway sign shall be placed where it may cause a hazard, or obstructed to the view of a driver.

•

Only one 100-square foot sign and one 50-square foot sign will be permitted per location. Signs will not be allowed to be placed together. This applies to property that exceeds five (5) acres.

Outdoor Advertising Signs as Follows (Billboards):

•

672 square feet on four-lane highways.

•

400 square feet on two-lane highways.

•

No more than 100-AMP Electrical will be allowed.

5.8.

Parking. Off-street parking shall be provided as required in Article I, Section 8 of this Ordinance.

5.9.

Buffers. Landscaped buffer strips shall be required where any use in this district abuts land zoned residential (R-1, R-2, R-3). The buffer strips shall be a minimum of continuous evergreen composition not less than six (6) feet in height or less than fifteen (15) feet in width or a buffer plan must be submitted to the Planning Board for review. The buffer plan must be a to scale sketch showing the property, the adjacent properties, highways or roads and the buffer to be used. (This includes height, location and material to be used.) The buffer must be installed before a Certificate of Occupancy can be issued. The buffer plan will remain in the zoning file. The buffering requirement may be waived by the County Adjustment upon recommendation of the Planning Board along any boundary, which is naturally screened by evergreen plant materials or topography, or may be deferred in isolated areas.

5.10.

Appearance. No commercial business shall maintain an aesthetic nuisance such as trash dumpsters in the front of the property, loading docks in the front of the property, abandoned equipment, used or new material that is being stored in public view or any other nuisance that may be determined by the County Commissioners. The Board of Adjustment may also wavier the appearance requirement upon review of a valid request.

(Ord. No. TA-1-23-2012; Ord. No. TA-01-2015, Att. 2, 4-21-2015)

6.1.

Intent. This is an area primarily for industrial assembly, fabrication, and storage located on planned sites with access to highways and containing adequate utility facilities. Residential homes can be placed in this district with a signed, notarized, and recorded statement in the Register of Deeds stating that all industrial uses may be placed next to the residence.

6.2.

Permitted Uses.

A.

Apparel and other finished products—manufacturing.

B.

Towers of communication, broadcasting, receiving, radar and any other purpose (see Article X—Wireless Telecommunication Facilities Regulation).

C.

Printing, publishing, and allied industries.

D.

Professional, scientific, and controlling instruments; photographic and optical goods, watches and clocks-manufacturing.

E.

Public utility substations, pumping stations, water storage facilities, and water treatment plants.

F.

Textile mill products—manufacturing.

G.

Reserved.

H.

Transportation terminals and facilities.

I.

Warehousing and storage services.

J.

Wholesale trade, except for petroleum bulk stations.

K.

Fabricated metal products—manufacturing.

L.

Lumber and wood products—manufacturing.

M.

Milling and animal feed preparation.

N.

Mobile home and modular home manufacturing.

O.

Rubber and miscellaneous plastic products—manufacturing.

P.

All uses which are permitted in the R-1, R-2, R-3 and Commercial districts.

6.3.

Permitted Uses with Standards and Conditions

A.

Any uses permitted with standards and conditions within R-1, R-2, R-3, and C Districts.

6.4.

Special Uses.

A.

Abattoirs, slaughter houses, and meat processing plants.

B.

Commercial or industrial incinerators.

C.

Junk yards and auto salvage yards.

D.

Landfills.

E.

Sewage treatment plants.

F.

Scrap and waste materials processing.

G.

Any establishments emitting offensive smoke, dust, noise or odor shall only be approved on finding that the public health is not impaired, and surrounding land use will not be adversely affected.

H.

Any special uses permitted in R-1, R-2, R-3, and Commercial Districts.

6.5.

Conditional Zoning Districts.

A.

Paper and allied products—manufacturing.

B.

Chemical and allied products—manufacturing.

C.

Food and kindred products—manufacturing.

6.6.

Dimensional Requirements.

A.

Minimum required lot area: 1 acre.

B.

Minimum required lot width: 100 feet.

C.

Minimum required front yards: 40 feet measured from the street right-of-way line. This yard shall not be used for any purpose other than the necessary drives and walks and shall not be used for off-street parking.

D.

Minimum required side yards: 15 feet except where a lot abuts a residentially zoned lot. Lots abutting residentially zoned lots shall have at least a 50-foot side yard measured from the side property line.

E.

Minimum required rear yard: 25 feet except where a lot abuts a residentially zoned lot. Lots abutting residentially zoned lots shall have at least a 50-foot rear yard measured from the rear property line.

6.7.

Signs.

•

No sign shall exceed one hundred (100) square feet in area.

•

No sign shall be located less than ten (10) feet from any public right-of-way.

•

No flashing signs will be allowed. All lighting must be motionless.

•

No more than 100-AMP electrical will be allowed.

•

No lighting shall obstruct drivers view.

•

Sign must be ground mounted constructed of metal, brick, or fiberglass.

•

Any directional gateway sign shall be subject to approval by the North Carolina Department of Transportation.

•

No directional gateway sign shall be placed where it may cause a hazard, or obstructed to the view of a driver.

•

Only one 100-square feet sign and one 50-square feet sign will be permitted per location. Signs will not be allowed to be placed together. This applies to property that exceeds five (5) acres.

Outdoor Advertising Signs as Follows (Billboards).

•

672 square feet on four-lane highways.

•

400 square feet on two-lane highways.

•

No more than 100-AMP electrical will be allowed.

6.8.

Parking. Off-street parking shall be provided as required in Article I, Section 8 of this Ordinance.

6.9.

Buffers. Landscaped buffer strips shall be required where any use in this district abuts land zoned residential (R-1, R-2 and R-3). The buffer strips shall be a minimum of continuous evergreen composition not less than six (6) feet in height or less than fifteen (15) feet in width or an alternate buffer plan must be submitted to the Planning Board for review. The buffer plan must be a to scale sketch showing the property, the adjacent properties, highways or roads and the buffer to be used. (This includes height, location and material to be used.) The buffer must be installed before a Certificate of Occupancy can be issued. The buffer plan will remain in the zoning file. The buffering requirement may be waived by the Board of Adjustment upon recommendation of the Planning Board along any boundary, which is naturally screened by evergreen plant materials or topography, or may be deferred in isolated areas.

6.10.

Appearance. No industrial business shall maintain an aesthetic nuisance such as trash dumpsters in the front of the property, loading docks in the front of the property, abandoned equipment, used or new material that is being stored in public view or any other nuisance that may be determined by the County Commissioners. The Board of Adjustment may also wavier the appearance requirement upon review of a valid request.

(Ord. No. TA-1-23-2012; Ord. No. TA-01-2015, Att. 2, 4-21-2015)

7.1.

Density.

Outside Critical Area

(No critical area in Montgomery County).

One (1) dwelling unit per acre (40,000 square feet excluding roadway right-of-way).

Twelve percent (12%) built-upon area for all developments other that single family residential. (Built upon areas shall be designed and sited to minimize stormwater runoff impact to the receiving waters and minimized concentrated stormwater flow.)

7.2.

Development Under 10/70 Rule. A maximum of ten percent (10%) of Montgomery County's area in the WS-II watershed outside the critical area as delineated on July 1, 1993 may be allowed to be developed up to seventy percent (70%) built-upon surface area, as determined on a project by project basis. For the purpose of calculating built-upon area, the total project area shall include total acreage in the tract on which the project is to be developed.

Each project must to the maximum extent practicable minimize built-upon surface area, direct stormwater runoff away from surface waters, and incorporate Best Management Practices to minimize water quality impacts.

7.3.

Buffers. A vegetative buffer is required along all perennial waters. (See Section 13.3 Buffer Specifications in Article I.)

7.4.

Use Restrictions. Best Management Practices are required for forestry and transportation.

•

Silviculture activities are subject to the provisions of the Forest Practices Guidelines Related to Water Quality [15A NCAC 11 0101-0209].

•

The Department of Transportation must use BMPs as described in their document, "Water Supply Watershed Best Management Practices."

No new discharging landfills are allowed.

8.1. Density.

Outside Critical Area

(No critical area in Montgomery County).

One (1) dwelling unit per one-half (½) acre (20,000 square feet excluding roadway right-of-way).

Twenty-four percent (24%) built-upon area for all developments other than single family residential. (Built-upon areas shall be designed and sited to minimize stormwater runoff impact to the receiving waters and minimize concentrated stormwater flow.)

8.2.

Development Under 10/70 Rule. A maximum of ten percent (10%) of Montgomery County's area in the WS-III watershed outside of the critical area as delineated on July 1, 1993 may be allowed to be developed up to seventy percent (70%) built-upon surface area, as determined on a project by project basis. For the purpose of calculating built-upon areas, the total project area shall include total acreage in the tract on which the project is to be developed.

Each project must to the extent practicable minimize built-upon surface area, direst stormwater runoff way from surface waters, and incorporate Best Management Practices to minimize water quality impacts.

8.3.

Buffers. A vegetative buffer is required along all perennial waters. (See Section 13.3 Buffer Specifications in Article 1.)

8.4.

Use Restrictions. Best Management Practices are required for forestry and transportation.

•

Silviculture activities are subject to the provisions of the Forest Practices Guidelines Related to Water Quality [15A NCAC 11.0101-0209].

•

The Department of Transportation must use BMPs as described in their document, "Water Supply Watershed Best Management Practices."

No new discharging landfills are allowed.

9.1.

Density. The following applies only to projects requiring a Sediment/Erosion Control Plan (involving one (1) acre or more of land disturbing activity).

Critical Area

One (1) dwelling unit per one-half (½) acre (20,000 square feet excluding roadway right-of-way).

Twenty-four percent (24%) built-upon area for all development other than single family residential. (Built-upon areas shall be designed an sited to minimize stormwater runoff impact to the receiving waters and minimize concentrated stormwater flow.)

Protected Area

With Curb and Gutter:

One (1) dwelling unit per one-half (½) acre (20,000 square feet excluding roadway right-of-way).

Twenty-four percent (24%) built-upon area for all development other than single family residential.

Without Curb and Gutter:

One (1) dwelling unit per one-third (⅓) acre (excluding roadway right-of-way).

Thirty-six percent (36%) built-upon area for all development other than single family residential.

9.2.

Development Under 10/70 Rule. A maximum of ten percent (10%) of Montgomery County's area in the WS-IV watershed outside the critical area as delineated on July 1, 1993 may be allowed to be developed up to seventy percent (70%) built-upon surface area, as determined on a project by project basis. For the purpose of calculating built-upon area, the total project area shall include total acreage in the tract on which the project is to be developed.

Each project must to the maximum extent practicable minimize built-upon surface area, direct stormwater runoff away from surface waters, and incorporate Best Management Practices to minimize water quality impacts.

9.3.

Buffers. A vegetative buffer is required along all perennial waters. (See Section 13.3 Buffer Specifications in Article I.)

9.4.

Use Restrictions.

Critical Area

Agriculture, forestry, and transportation are required to use Best Management Practices (BMPs).

•

Agricultural activities are subject to provisions of the Food Security Act of 1985 and the Food, Agriculture, Conservation and Trade Act of 1990. Activities in the WS-IV critical area must maintain a ten (10) foot vegetated buffer or equivalent control, and animal operations with greater than one hundred (100) animal units must use BMPs as determined by the Soil and Water Conservation Commission.

•

Silviculture activities are subject to the provisions of the Forest Practices Guidelines Related to Water Quality [15A NCAC 11.0101-0209].

•

The Department of Transportation must use BMPs as described in their document, "Water Supply Watershed Best Management Practices."

No new landfills are allowed.

No new residuals or petroleum contaminated soil application sites are allowed.

Protected Area

Forestry and transportation activities must use Best Management Practices.

•

Silviculture activities are subject to the provisions of the Forest Practices Guidelines Related to Water Quality [15A NCAC 11 0101-0209].

•

The Department of Transportation must use BMPs as described in their document, "Water Supply Watershed Best Management Practices."