Morganton City Zoning Code

ARTICLE 4

DEVELOPMENT AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

4.1.1 Suitability of Land

Land which, on the basis of engineering or other expert surveys, has been determined to pose an ascertainable danger to life or property by reason of its unsuitability for the use proposed shall not be developed for that purpose, until such measures are taken to correct said conditions and to eliminate said dangers.

Areas that have been used for disposal of solid waste shall not be developed unless tests by the Health Department, a structural engineer and a soils expert determine that the land is suitable for the purpose proposed.

All development proposals shall be consistent with the need to minimize flood damage in accordance with regulations of the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.1.2 Lot Use

No building or land shall hereafter be used and no building or part thereof shall be erected, moved or altered except in conformity with the regulations herein specified for the district in which it is located, except as hereinafter provided in this Ordinance.

Only one (1) principal building and its customary accessory structure(s) may hereafter be erected on any single-family or two-family residential lot.

FIGURE 4.1: PRINCIPAL AND ACCESSORY STRUCTURES

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.1.3 Lot of Record

No yard or lot existing at the time of passage of this Ordinance shall be reduced in size or area below the minimum requirements set forth herein. Yards or lots created after the effective date of this Ordinance shall be at least the minimum requirements established by this Ordinance.

Where the owner of a lawfully existing lot of official record in any residential district or the owner’s successor in title thereto does not own sufficient contiguous land to enable the owner to conform to the minimum lot size requirements of this Ordinance, such lot may be used as a residential building site, where permitted, provided, however, that the other requirements of the district are complied with or a variance is obtained from the Board of Adjustment.

Notwithstanding the foregoing, whenever two (2) or more adjoining vacant lots of record are in a single ownership at any time after the adoption of this Ordinance and such lots individually have less area or width than the minimum requirements of the district in which such lots are located, such lots shall be considered as one (1) or more lots which meet the minimum requirements of this Ordinance for the district in which such lots are located and shall be combined by deed or plat prior to the development of any such lot.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.1.4 Lot Access

No building, structure or use of land, for other than agricultural purposes, shall be established on a lot nor shall any lot be created that does not abut upon a public street or private street built to City or State standards to which it has legal access.

The minimum width of legal access upon a street for any property of two (2) acres or greater shall be 40 feet.

The minimum width of legal access upon a street for any property of less than two (2) acres shall be 25 feet.

This access requirement shall not apply to lawfully existing lots of record with a minimum of 25 feet of frontage on a dedicated access easement that has a recorded maintenance agreement. One additional lot may be subdivided from an existing lot with a minimum of 25 feet on an existing dedicated access easement.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.1.5 Flexibility in Administration

In the event that the unusual topography, location of existing buildings, or location or size of the parcel to be developed would make strict adherence to the requirements of this Article serve no meaningful purpose or would make it physically impossible to install and maintain the required improvements, the Development and Design Services Department may alter the requirements of this Section up to 10 percent less than the minimum requirement or 10 percent more than the maximum requirement, provided the spirit and intent of the Section are maintained. Such an alteration may occur only at the request of the developer, who shall submit a plan to the Development and Design Services Department showing existing site features or alternative improvements that would achieve the intent of the requirements of this Article. The vacancy or non-use of an adjoining parcel shall not constitute grounds for providing relief to the requirements contained in this Article. Neither shall the desire of an owner to make a more intensive use or greater economic use of the property be grounds for reducing the requirements.

Any deviation from the requirements of this Article of greater than 10 percent shall require review and approval by the City Council as an Alternative Design subject to the procedures set forth in Section 2.2.7.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.2.1 General Provisions

The lot sizes required for the various districts in this Ordinance were drawn upon the assumption that adequate water supply and sewage disposal systems are available to each and every lot. The lack of adequate systems for one (1) or both facilities may require larger lot areas or, in some instances, because of Health Department Standards, may not permit development as intended.

In all zoning districts, double frontage or through lots shall provide the minimum yard requirements for front yards along both street fronts.

All structure heights shall be measured as shown in Figure 4.4.

All setbacks shall be measured from the property line to the nearest point of the structure as shown in Figure 4.5.

Where a property abuts a street right-of-way or access easement, the setback shall be measured from the right-of-way of easement line.

The front setbacks of flag lots shall be established where the lot width is met.

FIGURE 4.2: FLAG LOT FRONT SETBACK

On a corner lot in any district other than the Central Business District (CBD), no planting, structure, fence, wall, or other obstruction to vision that is more than two (2) feet tall as measured at street level shall be placed in the sight triangle. The sight triangle is the area formed by a diagonal line connecting two (2) points located on intersecting property lines (or a property line and the curb or a driveway). The following are the distances used to establish a sight triangle as measured from the edge-of-pavement of intersecting streets:

TABLE 4.1: SIGHT DISTANCE
Right-of-Way Width (feet) (A)	Distance (feet) (B)
Driveway	10
Less than 50	20
50	25
60	30
70	35
80	40
90	45
100 or greater	50

TABLE 4.1: SIGHT DISTANCE
Right-of-Way Width (feet) (A)	Distance (feet) (B)
Driveway	10
Less than 50	20
50	25
60	30
70	35
80	40
90	45
100 or greater	50

TABLE 4.1: SIGHT DISTANCE
Right-of-Way Width (feet) (A)	Distance (feet) (B)
Driveway	10
Less than 50	20
50	25
60	30
70	35
80	40
90	45
100 or greater	50

TABLE 4.1: SIGHT DISTANCE
Right-of-Way Width (feet) (A)	Distance (feet) (B)
Driveway	10
Less than 50	20
50	25
60	30
70	35
80	40
90	45
100 or greater	50

FIGURE 4.3: SIGHT TRIANGLE

FIGURE 4.4: HEIGHT MEASUREMENTS

FIGURE 4.5: YARD DEFINITIONS AND SETBACK MEASUREMENTS

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.2.2 Base Residential Density and Dimensional Standards

The following dimensions are the base density and dimensional standards for each zoning district. Districts may be subject to density bonuses and reduced setbacks as noted in Section 4.2.3, subject to the performance standards of this Article. Additional infill dimensional standards for properties in the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay are in Section 4.2.6.

TABLE 4.2: BASE RESIDENTIAL DENSITY AND DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS
District	Base Max. Residential Density	Residential Min. Lot Size (Square feet)¹	Min. Lot Width (feet)	Front Setback (feet)	Side Setback (feet)	Rear Setback (feet)	Max. Height (feet)
LID	2 DUA	20,000	80	30	10	25	35
MID	2 DUA	20,000	70	20	10	20	35
HID	6 DUA	6,000	60	20	10	20	35
CBD	N/A	N/A	N/A	0 min. 5 max.	N/A	N/A	35
EID²	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
SID	N/A	N/A	50	20	10	20	65
N/A=Not applicable DUA=Dwelling Units per Acre ¹The minimum lot size for infill development of less than two (2) acres shall be equal to the average lot size of all lots within 200 feet of the property, or the minimum lot size in the table above, whichever is smaller. ²Residential Performance Standards do not apply in the EID zone.

TABLE 4.2: BASE RESIDENTIAL DENSITY AND DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS
District	Base Max. Residential Density	Residential Min. Lot Size (Square feet)¹	Min. Lot Width (feet)	Front Setback (feet)	Side Setback (feet)	Rear Setback (feet)	Max. Height (feet)
LID	2 DUA	20,000	80	30	10	25	35
MID	2 DUA	20,000	70	20	10	20	35
HID	6 DUA	6,000	60	20	10	20	35
CBD	N/A	N/A	N/A	0 min. 5 max.	N/A	N/A	35
EID²	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
SID	N/A	N/A	50	20	10	20	65
N/A=Not applicable DUA=Dwelling Units per Acre ¹The minimum lot size for infill development of less than two (2) acres shall be equal to the average lot size of all lots within 200 feet of the property, or the minimum lot size in the table above, whichever is smaller. ²Residential Performance Standards do not apply in the EID zone.

TABLE 4.2: BASE RESIDENTIAL DENSITY AND DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS
District	Base Max. Residential Density	Residential Min. Lot Size (Square feet)¹	Min. Lot Width (feet)	Front Setback (feet)	Side Setback (feet)	Rear Setback (feet)	Max. Height (feet)
LID	2 DUA	20,000	80	30	10	25	35
MID	2 DUA	20,000	70	20	10	20	35
HID	6 DUA	6,000	60	20	10	20	35
CBD	N/A	N/A	N/A	0 min. 5 max.	N/A	N/A	35
EID²	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
SID	N/A	N/A	50	20	10	20	65
N/A=Not applicable DUA=Dwelling Units per Acre ¹The minimum lot size for infill development of less than two (2) acres shall be equal to the average lot size of all lots within 200 feet of the property, or the minimum lot size in the table above, whichever is smaller. ²Residential Performance Standards do not apply in the EID zone.

TABLE 4.2: BASE RESIDENTIAL DENSITY AND DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS
District	Base Max. Residential Density	Residential Min. Lot Size (Square feet)¹	Min. Lot Width (feet)	Front Setback (feet)	Side Setback (feet)	Rear Setback (feet)	Max. Height (feet)
LID	2 DUA	20,000	80	30	10	25	35
MID	2 DUA	20,000	70	20	10	20	35
HID	6 DUA	6,000	60	20	10	20	35
CBD	N/A	N/A	N/A	0 min. 5 max.	N/A	N/A	35
EID²	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
SID	N/A	N/A	50	20	10	20	65
N/A=Not applicable DUA=Dwelling Units per Acre ¹The minimum lot size for infill development of less than two (2) acres shall be equal to the average lot size of all lots within 200 feet of the property, or the minimum lot size in the table above, whichever is smaller. ²Residential Performance Standards do not apply in the EID zone.

FIGURE 4.6: BASE RESIDENTIAL DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS

(Ord. No. 21-15, 05/03/2021)

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.2.3 Maximum Residential Performance Density and Dimensional Standards

Subject to the performance point system of Section 4.3, the following standards are the maximum residential performance density and dimensional standards for each zoning district.

TABLE 4.3: PERFORMANCE RESIDENTIAL DENSITY AND DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS
District	Performance Max. Residential Density¹	Residential Min. Lot Width (feet)²	Front Setback (feet)	Side Setback (feet)	Rear Setback (feet)	Max. Height (feet)
LID	6 DUA	60-detached 25-attached	25 10³	5 0³	20 15^3,4	35
MID	10 DUA	50-detached 25-attached	20 10³	5-detached 0-attached	15⁴	50
HID	20 DUA	40-detached 25-attached	20 10³	5-detached 0-attached	5⁴	11-17 points =50 18 points and up =65
CBD	N/A	N/A	0 min. 5 max.	N/A	N/A	11-17 points =50 18 points and up =65
EID	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
SID	N/A	40-detached 25-attached	20	5-detached 0-attached	5	65
N/A=Not applicable DUA=Dwelling Units per Acre ¹There is no minimum lot size for residential developments utilizing the performance standards of Section 4.3. All districts shall be density-based. ²Detached lot widths apply to detached dwelling units, and attached lot widths apply to attached dwelling units. Any lots of less than 50 feet in width shall be alley-loaded and shall not have driveways accessing the fronting street. ³Multi- family dwellings type 2 ⁴Garage doors for multi-family dwellings type 2 shall be set back a minimum of 18 feet ⁵Residential Performance Standards do not apply in EID.

TABLE 4.3: PERFORMANCE RESIDENTIAL DENSITY AND DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS
District	Performance Max. Residential Density¹	Residential Min. Lot Width (feet)²	Front Setback (feet)	Side Setback (feet)	Rear Setback (feet)	Max. Height (feet)
LID	6 DUA	60-detached 25-attached	25 10³	5 0³	20 15^3,4	35
MID	10 DUA	50-detached 25-attached	20 10³	5-detached 0-attached	15⁴	50
HID	20 DUA	40-detached 25-attached	20 10³	5-detached 0-attached	5⁴	11-17 points =50 18 points and up =65
CBD	N/A	N/A	0 min. 5 max.	N/A	N/A	11-17 points =50 18 points and up =65
EID	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
SID	N/A	40-detached 25-attached	20	5-detached 0-attached	5	65
N/A=Not applicable DUA=Dwelling Units per Acre ¹There is no minimum lot size for residential developments utilizing the performance standards of Section 4.3. All districts shall be density-based. ²Detached lot widths apply to detached dwelling units, and attached lot widths apply to attached dwelling units. Any lots of less than 50 feet in width shall be alley-loaded and shall not have driveways accessing the fronting street. ³Multi- family dwellings type 2 ⁴Garage doors for multi-family dwellings type 2 shall be set back a minimum of 18 feet ⁵Residential Performance Standards do not apply in EID.

TABLE 4.3: PERFORMANCE RESIDENTIAL DENSITY AND DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS
District	Performance Max. Residential Density¹	Residential Min. Lot Width (feet)²	Front Setback (feet)	Side Setback (feet)	Rear Setback (feet)	Max. Height (feet)
LID	6 DUA	60-detached 25-attached	25 10³	5 0³	20 15^3,4	35
MID	10 DUA	50-detached 25-attached	20 10³	5-detached 0-attached	15⁴	50
HID	20 DUA	40-detached 25-attached	20 10³	5-detached 0-attached	5⁴	11-17 points =50 18 points and up =65
CBD	N/A	N/A	0 min. 5 max.	N/A	N/A	11-17 points =50 18 points and up =65
EID	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
SID	N/A	40-detached 25-attached	20	5-detached 0-attached	5	65
N/A=Not applicable DUA=Dwelling Units per Acre ¹There is no minimum lot size for residential developments utilizing the performance standards of Section 4.3. All districts shall be density-based. ²Detached lot widths apply to detached dwelling units, and attached lot widths apply to attached dwelling units. Any lots of less than 50 feet in width shall be alley-loaded and shall not have driveways accessing the fronting street. ³Multi- family dwellings type 2 ⁴Garage doors for multi-family dwellings type 2 shall be set back a minimum of 18 feet ⁵Residential Performance Standards do not apply in EID.

TABLE 4.3: PERFORMANCE RESIDENTIAL DENSITY AND DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS
District	Performance Max. Residential Density¹	Residential Min. Lot Width (feet)²	Front Setback (feet)	Side Setback (feet)	Rear Setback (feet)	Max. Height (feet)
LID	6 DUA	60-detached 25-attached	25 10³	5 0³	20 15^3,4	35
MID	10 DUA	50-detached 25-attached	20 10³	5-detached 0-attached	15⁴	50
HID	20 DUA	40-detached 25-attached	20 10³	5-detached 0-attached	5⁴	11-17 points =50 18 points and up =65
CBD	N/A	N/A	0 min. 5 max.	N/A	N/A	11-17 points =50 18 points and up =65
EID	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
SID	N/A	40-detached 25-attached	20	5-detached 0-attached	5	65
N/A=Not applicable DUA=Dwelling Units per Acre ¹There is no minimum lot size for residential developments utilizing the performance standards of Section 4.3. All districts shall be density-based. ²Detached lot widths apply to detached dwelling units, and attached lot widths apply to attached dwelling units. Any lots of less than 50 feet in width shall be alley-loaded and shall not have driveways accessing the fronting street. ³Multi- family dwellings type 2 ⁴Garage doors for multi-family dwellings type 2 shall be set back a minimum of 18 feet ⁵Residential Performance Standards do not apply in EID.

FIGURE 4.7: PERFORMANCE RESIDENTIAL DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.2.4 Non-residential Dimensional Standards

The following non-residential dimensional standards apply for each zoning district. Districts may be subject to dimensional standards as noted in Section 4.2.3, subject to the performance standards of this Article.

TABLE 4.4: NON-RESIDENTIAL DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS
District	Min. Lot Size (Square feet)	Min. Lot Width (feet)	Front Setback (feet)	Side Setback (feet)	Rear Setback (feet)	Max. Height (feet)
LID	40,000	100	30	10	25	35
MID	20,000	80	20	10	20	35
HID	10,000	60	20	10	20	35¹
CBD	N/A	N/A	0 min 5 max	N/A	N/A	65
EID	20,000	50	50	50	50	65
SID	N/A	50	20	10	20	65
N/A=Not applicable ¹= See Exception Section 4.2.5 (F)

TABLE 4.4: NON-RESIDENTIAL DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS
District	Min. Lot Size (Square feet)	Min. Lot Width (feet)	Front Setback (feet)	Side Setback (feet)	Rear Setback (feet)	Max. Height (feet)
LID	40,000	100	30	10	25	35
MID	20,000	80	20	10	20	35
HID	10,000	60	20	10	20	35¹
CBD	N/A	N/A	0 min 5 max	N/A	N/A	65
EID	20,000	50	50	50	50	65
SID	N/A	50	20	10	20	65
N/A=Not applicable ¹= See Exception Section 4.2.5 (F)

TABLE 4.4: NON-RESIDENTIAL DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS
District	Min. Lot Size (Square feet)	Min. Lot Width (feet)	Front Setback (feet)	Side Setback (feet)	Rear Setback (feet)	Max. Height (feet)
LID	40,000	100	30	10	25	35
MID	20,000	80	20	10	20	35
HID	10,000	60	20	10	20	35¹
CBD	N/A	N/A	0 min 5 max	N/A	N/A	65
EID	20,000	50	50	50	50	65
SID	N/A	50	20	10	20	65
N/A=Not applicable ¹= See Exception Section 4.2.5 (F)

TABLE 4.4: NON-RESIDENTIAL DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS
District	Min. Lot Size (Square feet)	Min. Lot Width (feet)	Front Setback (feet)	Side Setback (feet)	Rear Setback (feet)	Max. Height (feet)
LID	40,000	100	30	10	25	35
MID	20,000	80	20	10	20	35
HID	10,000	60	20	10	20	35¹
CBD	N/A	N/A	0 min 5 max	N/A	N/A	65
EID	20,000	50	50	50	50	65
SID	N/A	50	20	10	20	65
N/A=Not applicable ¹= See Exception Section 4.2.5 (F)

FIGURE 4.8: NON-RESIDENTIAL DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.2.5 Exceptions to Dimensional Standards

The front setback for each district shall apply to the side yard of corner lots abutting a public street and to double frontage lots.

The height limitations of this Section shall not apply to public buildings, churches, temples, schools, hospitals, belfries, cupolas and domes not intended for residential purposes, or to monuments, water towers, observation towers, power and communication transmission towers, flag poles and similar structures provided such structures meet the required North Carolina Building Code. Height limitations shall apply to cellular telephone towers as regulated herein.

Canopies, awnings, open stairways, uncovered porches, uncovered decks, uncovered patios, bay windows, chimneys, and heating units may encroach into the setback up to three (3) feet. Any structure less than 12 inches above grade shall not be subject to setback requirements.

The dimensional provisions of this section do not apply to residential accessory structures, which are regulated in Section 3.4.2 (B).

Utility uses as defined by this Ordinance are not subject to the minimum lot sizes set forth for each zoning district.

Non-residential buildings within HID districts may be constructed to a maximum height of 75 feet if utilizing Building Design Standards as per section 4.8.6.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.2.6 Neighborhood Conservation Overlay Dimensional Standards

For infill lots in the Neighborhood Conservation Overlay where lots located on either side of a center lot are improved with buildings, and the structures are no more than 200 feet apart, the required setback of the center lot shall be the average of the setback of the two (2) closest lots in either direction along the block.

FIGURE 4.9: INFILL AVERAGE FRONT SETBACK

For infill lots in the NC-O, the maximum wall height adjacent to the side property line is 22 feet or the average height of the two abutting neighboring wall planes, whichever is greater. The wall height may be increased one (1) foot for each foot of horizontal distance the wall is moved from the side setback line, not to exceed the maximum height allowed within the district.

FIGURE 4.10: NC-O INFILL AVERAGE WALL HEIGHT

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.2.7 Restricted Residential Overlay Dimensional Standards

For infill lots in the Restricted Residential Overlay where lots located on either side of a center lot are improved with buildings, and the structures are no more than 200 feet apart, the required setback of the center lot shall be the average of the setback of the two (2) closest lots in either direction along the block.

For infill lots in the Restricted Residential Overlay, the maximum wall height adjacent to each side property line is 35 feet, or the average height of the two abutting neighboring wall planes, whichever is greater. The wall height may be increased one (1) foot for each foot of horizontal distance the wall is moved from the side setback line, not to exceed the maximum height allowed within the district.

(Ord. No. 20-43, 11/02/2020)

Effective on: 11/2/2020

4.3.1 Performance Standards for Residential Development

Dimensional standards may be altered, and density may be increased as indicated below up to the maximum density for the district as shown in the Maximum Residential Performance Density and Dimensional Standards Table in Section 4.2.3. Points can be accrued as indicated in the following categories of this Chapter. Numbers shall be rounded up when the calculation results in greater than 0.5 of a unit.

TABLE 4.5: PERFORMANCE POINTS DENSITY BONUS SCALE
Performance Points	Allowable Density Increase (dwelling units per acre up to maximum for district)
11-13	2
14-17	4
18-21	8
22-28	16
29 and up	Limited only by Height Limit

TABLE 4.5: PERFORMANCE POINTS DENSITY BONUS SCALE
Performance Points	Allowable Density Increase (dwelling units per acre up to maximum for district)
11-13	2
14-17	4
18-21	8
22-28	16
29 and up	Limited only by Height Limit

TABLE 4.5: PERFORMANCE POINTS DENSITY BONUS SCALE
Performance Points	Allowable Density Increase (dwelling units per acre up to maximum for district)
11-13	2
14-17	4
18-21	8
22-28	16
29 and up	Limited only by Height Limit

TABLE 4.5: PERFORMANCE POINTS DENSITY BONUS SCALE
Performance Points	Allowable Density Increase (dwelling units per acre up to maximum for district)
11-13	2
14-17	4
18-21	8
22-28	16
29 and up	Limited only by Height Limit

For example, a 10 acre residential development in the MID district has a base density of two (2) dwelling units an acre, according to Table 4.3. This would yield a maximum of 20 dwelling units. If the developer provides the following performance standards as shown in Table 4.6 on the next page, then the development can achieve an additional two (2) DUA density bonus, as seen in the example down below. This would then increase the maximum development density to four (4) dwelling units per acre. In the example down below, the new maximum yield would be 40 dwelling units.

Street Yard

1 point

Residential Yards

1 point

20% open space

1 point

Connectivity Ratio

1 point

Sidewalks Both Sides of Street

2 points

Decorative Street Lighting

1 point

Wall Materials

1 point

Garages

1 point

Roofs

1 point

Façade Articulation

1 point

Porches

+1 point

12 points

12 points=4 DUA Density Bonus

2 DUA (base) + 2 DUA Bonus = 4 DUA

10 acres x 4 DUA= 40 dwelling units

TABLE 4.6: PERFORMANCE STANDARD OPTIONS
Performance Criteria	Points if Performance Standard Met
Landscaping-Section 4.4 (At least 2 points must be for landscaping)
Buffer Yard (or in CBD)	1 (or 2 with fence) 2 for base standard in CBD 3 for performance standard in CBD
Street Yard (or in CBD)	1
Street Yard with fence provided adjacent to railroad ROW	1
Parking Lot Yard	1
Building Yard	1
Residential Yard	1
Retention of All Existing Trees over 8”DBH	1
Open Space-Section 4.5 (At least 1 point must be for Open Space (choose 1 option))
Infill development of 2 acres or less¹	3
20% of total development area¹ (or in CBD)	1
30% of total development area¹(or 10% of total development area in CDB)	2
40% (or in CBD) of total development area¹	3
Fulfills park or greenway on adopted plan	1 (bonus point)
Non-residential, not in CBD¹	1
Infrastructure-Section 4.7 (At least 3 points must be for Infrastructure)
Reuse of a previously developed site with services available to site (power, water, sewer), regardless of existing structures on site ²	3, or 4 in CBD
Initial development of a vacant infill site with no previous development²	1
Redevelopment of brownfield site, where remediation is part of the development	1
Connectivity Ratio (or in CBD)	1
New Sidewalks (one side of street)	1
New Sidewalks (both sides of street)	2
Existing lots with no street frontage shall automatically receive one point for sidewalks	1
Upgrade existing sidewalk to comply with current standards	1
Decorative Street Lighting	1
Addition of Street Level Retail on Multiple Level Multi-use Development (CBD)	6
Addition of Pervious Paved or Indoor Parking – 1 Space per unit (CBD)	4
Use of Pervious Paving for 20% of driving or parking surfaces (outside CBD)	1
Universal Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (minimum 1 per 30 dwelling units for residential or 1 per 30 parking spaces for non-residential)	1
Building Design-Section 4.8 (At least 5 points must be for building design)
Redevelopment of an existing building with services available to site (power, water sewer), preserving 90% or greater of building shell³	5 6 in CBD
Redevelopment of an existing building with services available to site (power, water sewer), preserving 50% or greater of building shell³	3 4 in CBD
Redevelopment of existing site with existing building such that a new building wall is brought in line with current front setback requirements (CBD only)^3,4	6
Wall Materials	1
Roofs	1
Garages	1
Garages meeting 4.8.5.1.C provided for 20% of multi-family dwelling units on the site	1
Façade Articulation	1
Porches and/or Balconies	1
Porches and/or Balconies for 50% of total number of units not facing front facade	1
Windows	1
Foundation (or in CBD)	1
Affordable Housing-Section 4.9 (4 points may be used as bonus points or 2 points may be used for Building Design Standards and 2 points for bonus points)
Construction of housing receiving NCLIHTC Program funding	4
¹Mutually exclusive open space provisions
²Mutually exclusive infrastructure provisions
³Mutually exclusive building design provisions
⁴The existing building does not have to be retained

TABLE 4.6: PERFORMANCE STANDARD OPTIONS
Performance Criteria	Points if Performance Standard Met
Landscaping-Section 4.4 (At least 2 points must be for landscaping)
Buffer Yard (or in CBD)	1 (or 2 with fence) 2 for base standard in CBD 3 for performance standard in CBD
Street Yard (or in CBD)	1
Street Yard with fence provided adjacent to railroad ROW	1
Parking Lot Yard	1
Building Yard	1
Residential Yard	1
Retention of All Existing Trees over 8”DBH	1
Open Space-Section 4.5 (At least 1 point must be for Open Space (choose 1 option))
Infill development of 2 acres or less¹	3
20% of total development area¹ (or in CBD)	1
30% of total development area¹(or 10% of total development area in CDB)	2
40% (or in CBD) of total development area¹	3
Fulfills park or greenway on adopted plan	1 (bonus point)
Non-residential, not in CBD¹	1
Infrastructure-Section 4.7 (At least 3 points must be for Infrastructure)
Reuse of a previously developed site with services available to site (power, water, sewer), regardless of existing structures on site ²	3, or 4 in CBD
Initial development of a vacant infill site with no previous development²	1
Redevelopment of brownfield site, where remediation is part of the development	1
Connectivity Ratio (or in CBD)	1
New Sidewalks (one side of street)	1
New Sidewalks (both sides of street)	2
Existing lots with no street frontage shall automatically receive one point for sidewalks	1
Upgrade existing sidewalk to comply with current standards	1
Decorative Street Lighting	1
Addition of Street Level Retail on Multiple Level Multi-use Development (CBD)	6
Addition of Pervious Paved or Indoor Parking – 1 Space per unit (CBD)	4
Use of Pervious Paving for 20% of driving or parking surfaces (outside CBD)	1
Universal Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (minimum 1 per 30 dwelling units for residential or 1 per 30 parking spaces for non-residential)	1
Building Design-Section 4.8 (At least 5 points must be for building design)
Redevelopment of an existing building with services available to site (power, water sewer), preserving 90% or greater of building shell³	5 6 in CBD
Redevelopment of an existing building with services available to site (power, water sewer), preserving 50% or greater of building shell³	3 4 in CBD
Redevelopment of existing site with existing building such that a new building wall is brought in line with current front setback requirements (CBD only)^3,4	6
Wall Materials	1
Roofs	1
Garages	1
Garages meeting 4.8.5.1.C provided for 20% of multi-family dwelling units on the site	1
Façade Articulation	1
Porches and/or Balconies	1
Porches and/or Balconies for 50% of total number of units not facing front facade	1
Windows	1
Foundation (or in CBD)	1
Affordable Housing-Section 4.9 (4 points may be used as bonus points or 2 points may be used for Building Design Standards and 2 points for bonus points)
Construction of housing receiving NCLIHTC Program funding	4
¹Mutually exclusive open space provisions
²Mutually exclusive infrastructure provisions
³Mutually exclusive building design provisions
⁴The existing building does not have to be retained

TABLE 4.6: PERFORMANCE STANDARD OPTIONS
Performance Criteria	Points if Performance Standard Met
Landscaping-Section 4.4 (At least 2 points must be for landscaping)
Buffer Yard (or in CBD)	1 (or 2 with fence) 2 for base standard in CBD 3 for performance standard in CBD
Street Yard (or in CBD)	1
Street Yard with fence provided adjacent to railroad ROW	1
Parking Lot Yard	1
Building Yard	1
Residential Yard	1
Retention of All Existing Trees over 8”DBH	1
Open Space-Section 4.5 (At least 1 point must be for Open Space (choose 1 option))
Infill development of 2 acres or less¹	3
20% of total development area¹ (or in CBD)	1
30% of total development area¹(or 10% of total development area in CDB)	2
40% (or in CBD) of total development area¹	3
Fulfills park or greenway on adopted plan	1 (bonus point)
Non-residential, not in CBD¹	1
Infrastructure-Section 4.7 (At least 3 points must be for Infrastructure)
Reuse of a previously developed site with services available to site (power, water, sewer), regardless of existing structures on site ²	3, or 4 in CBD
Initial development of a vacant infill site with no previous development²	1
Redevelopment of brownfield site, where remediation is part of the development	1
Connectivity Ratio (or in CBD)	1
New Sidewalks (one side of street)	1
New Sidewalks (both sides of street)	2
Existing lots with no street frontage shall automatically receive one point for sidewalks	1
Upgrade existing sidewalk to comply with current standards	1
Decorative Street Lighting	1
Addition of Street Level Retail on Multiple Level Multi-use Development (CBD)	6
Addition of Pervious Paved or Indoor Parking – 1 Space per unit (CBD)	4
Use of Pervious Paving for 20% of driving or parking surfaces (outside CBD)	1
Universal Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (minimum 1 per 30 dwelling units for residential or 1 per 30 parking spaces for non-residential)	1
Building Design-Section 4.8 (At least 5 points must be for building design)
Redevelopment of an existing building with services available to site (power, water sewer), preserving 90% or greater of building shell³	5 6 in CBD
Redevelopment of an existing building with services available to site (power, water sewer), preserving 50% or greater of building shell³	3 4 in CBD
Redevelopment of existing site with existing building such that a new building wall is brought in line with current front setback requirements (CBD only)^3,4	6
Wall Materials	1
Roofs	1
Garages	1
Garages meeting 4.8.5.1.C provided for 20% of multi-family dwelling units on the site	1
Façade Articulation	1
Porches and/or Balconies	1
Porches and/or Balconies for 50% of total number of units not facing front facade	1
Windows	1
Foundation (or in CBD)	1
Affordable Housing-Section 4.9 (4 points may be used as bonus points or 2 points may be used for Building Design Standards and 2 points for bonus points)
Construction of housing receiving NCLIHTC Program funding	4
¹Mutually exclusive open space provisions
²Mutually exclusive infrastructure provisions
³Mutually exclusive building design provisions
⁴The existing building does not have to be retained

TABLE 4.6: PERFORMANCE STANDARD OPTIONS
Performance Criteria	Points if Performance Standard Met
Landscaping-Section 4.4 (At least 2 points must be for landscaping)
Buffer Yard (or in CBD)	1 (or 2 with fence) 2 for base standard in CBD 3 for performance standard in CBD
Street Yard (or in CBD)	1
Street Yard with fence provided adjacent to railroad ROW	1
Parking Lot Yard	1
Building Yard	1
Residential Yard	1
Retention of All Existing Trees over 8”DBH	1
Open Space-Section 4.5 (At least 1 point must be for Open Space (choose 1 option))
Infill development of 2 acres or less¹	3
20% of total development area¹ (or in CBD)	1
30% of total development area¹(or 10% of total development area in CDB)	2
40% (or in CBD) of total development area¹	3
Fulfills park or greenway on adopted plan	1 (bonus point)
Non-residential, not in CBD¹	1
Infrastructure-Section 4.7 (At least 3 points must be for Infrastructure)
Reuse of a previously developed site with services available to site (power, water, sewer), regardless of existing structures on site ²	3, or 4 in CBD
Initial development of a vacant infill site with no previous development²	1
Redevelopment of brownfield site, where remediation is part of the development	1
Connectivity Ratio (or in CBD)	1
New Sidewalks (one side of street)	1
New Sidewalks (both sides of street)	2
Existing lots with no street frontage shall automatically receive one point for sidewalks	1
Upgrade existing sidewalk to comply with current standards	1
Decorative Street Lighting	1
Addition of Street Level Retail on Multiple Level Multi-use Development (CBD)	6
Addition of Pervious Paved or Indoor Parking – 1 Space per unit (CBD)	4
Use of Pervious Paving for 20% of driving or parking surfaces (outside CBD)	1
Universal Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (minimum 1 per 30 dwelling units for residential or 1 per 30 parking spaces for non-residential)	1
Building Design-Section 4.8 (At least 5 points must be for building design)
Redevelopment of an existing building with services available to site (power, water sewer), preserving 90% or greater of building shell³	5 6 in CBD
Redevelopment of an existing building with services available to site (power, water sewer), preserving 50% or greater of building shell³	3 4 in CBD
Redevelopment of existing site with existing building such that a new building wall is brought in line with current front setback requirements (CBD only)^3,4	6
Wall Materials	1
Roofs	1
Garages	1
Garages meeting 4.8.5.1.C provided for 20% of multi-family dwelling units on the site	1
Façade Articulation	1
Porches and/or Balconies	1
Porches and/or Balconies for 50% of total number of units not facing front facade	1
Windows	1
Foundation (or in CBD)	1
Affordable Housing-Section 4.9 (4 points may be used as bonus points or 2 points may be used for Building Design Standards and 2 points for bonus points)
Construction of housing receiving NCLIHTC Program funding	4
¹Mutually exclusive open space provisions
²Mutually exclusive infrastructure provisions
³Mutually exclusive building design provisions
⁴The existing building does not have to be retained

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.3.2 Performance Standards for Non-Residential Development

Performance standards are required for non-residential developments within the LID and MID zoning districts and the Corridor and River District Overlays districts as indicated in Section 4.3.1. Performance standards are optional and are encouraged in all other zoning districts.

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.4.1 Purpose and Applicability

The purpose of this Section is to regulate the installation, protection, and long-term management of trees and shrubs and to minimize potential nuisances, such as visual impacts, noise, dust, odor, litter, heat, and glare of lights, from adjacent properties and the community. The appropriate use of existing and supplemental landscaping enhances the appearance of the built environment, blends new development with the natural landscape, and reduces the environmental impact of development. Existing vegetation should be protected and retained where possible to ensure a natural established landscape.

The requirement for installation of landscaping shall be initiated by any one (1) or more of the following activities on a property:

New construction or the initial use of the property
A substantial change of use or change in zoning classification
Any building or parking expansion of greater than 20 percent

The requirements of this section do not apply to single-family or two-family residential development on existing lots of record that are not utilizing performance standards for density bonuses.

The provisions of this Section are designed to specifically address the application of landscape resources to varying styles of development and the impact of such applications on the appearance, health and financial well-being of the community. The provisions are broken into six (6) landscaping and screening categories:

Buffer Yards
Street Yards
Parking Lot Yards
Building Yards
Screening Yards
Residential Lot Yards

FIGURE 4.11: LANDSCAPING YARDS

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.4.2 General Standards for All Landscaping

The preservation of existing vegetation and natural features is encouraged. Significant trees, forest stands, natural vegetation, specimen trees, severe natural topography, drainage features and water courses are encouraged to be preserved to the extent that is reasonable and practical while otherwise not reasonably prohibiting development.

In cases where an existing, landscaped or vegetated area is located on the same property as the proposed development, further plantings and or improvements shall not be required so long as existing vegetation is of sufficient width and contains adequate materials to meet the requirements of this Ordinance. If the landscaped or vegetated area is deficient, the developer shall make needed improvements and/or additions to satisfy the landscaping requirements and intent of this Ordinance.

No structure other than a wall, fence, sidewalk, mailbox, sign, light fixture, or driveway shall be permitted within a required landscaping area. A sidewalk shall be permitted to cross the required landscaping area at an approximately perpendicular angle; a sidewalk shall not be permitted to be laid parallel to the street within the required landscaping area. No off-street parking may take place in any required landscaping area. Where plant materials are required, the required amount of plant materials shall be installed on the side of any wall or fence opposite the new development.

Within 30 feet of overhead utility lines, two (2) small trees shall be used in lieu of each large tree required. Such small trees shall not reach a mature height of greater than 15 feet. No landscaping shall be used that at maturity will impede on fire hydrants, water meters, sewer cleanouts, electrical transformers, or other similar above ground utility features. The landscaping plan for the site shall provide a three-foot clearance exclusive of large and small trees, as well as large shrubs, around these features; for electrical transformers, a minimum ten-foot clearance is required on the site with the access doors. Additionally, the landscaping around above ground utility features may not consist of any plant with sharp or pricking leaves or features.

Vegetation may be selected from the Recommended Planting List incorporated in the City of Morganton Landscape Manual, as the same may be amended from time to time, and any plants used which are not selected from this list must be proven, to the satisfaction of the zoning administrator, to live under the climate and conditions found in the City of Morganton. Under no circumstances shall any plantings be used which are contained on N. C. State University’s Invasive Species List. At least 75% of the required shrubs shall be evergreen species locally adapted to the area. The use of existing vegetation to satisfy the requirements of this section is strongly encouraged. It is recognized that supplemental plantings may be required in addition to native materials.

All diagrams in this Section are for illustrative purposes. No landscaping feature shall impede sight lines of traffic within the sight triangle as defined in Section 4.2.1 (G).

Landscaping plans must specify the genus, species, and variety for each plant. Planting plans shall show symbols of plants at mature spread for the variety specified. As far as possible, mature growth of plants shall not encroach upon adjacent property. Maintenance should be able to be performed from within the subject property boundaries.

(Ord. No. 19-52, 12/02/2019)

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.4.3 Buffer Yards

Buffer yards are intended to separate higher intensity and lower intensity uses. Buffers shall be measured from the subject property line into the site to be developed. All required buffer yards shall abut the subject property line, except where there is conflict with an existing underground easement running along the subject property line; in such instances, the buffer yard shall be required to abut the edge of the easement. For new developments, the buffer yard shall abut the property line with the easement abutting the buffer yard to the inside of the property. Required buffer yard width shall not decrease the required building setback for each zoning district as set forth in Section 4.2.

Buffer yards shall function as opaque visual screens with a minimum height of six (6) feet. Plant selection should ensure that the minimum height is achieved within one year of installation.

Generally, the responsibility for screening is that of the more intense land use. However, new developments with a less intense use being constructed next to an existing more intense use shall provide the required landscaping on the new development’s property.

Fences located within a buffer yard shall be located on the side closest to the neighboring property line while allowing adequate room to maintain both sides of the fence.

In addition to the requirements of this Section, buffer yard landscaping shall meet the general standards set forth in Section 4.4.2.

There are three types of buffer yards. The requirements and depictions of these buffer yards are shown on the following pages.

1.
Type 1: Multi-family residential development adjacent to single-family and two-family residential development
2.
Type 2: Non-residential development adjacent to any type of residential development (not including development within an Exclusive Industrial District)
3.
Type 3: All development in an Exclusive Industrial District (EID) adjacent to all other zoning districts

Buffer yards are not required within the CBD, except where the CBD directly abuts (not across a street) another zone.

4.4.4 Street Yards

Street yards are intended to provide transition between vehicular travelways and the built environment and create a continuous vegetated aesthetic along the street rights-of-way. Street yards shall be measured from the right-of-way line (front property line) into the subject property.

Street yard requirements shall not apply to development within the CBD zoning district.

In addition to the requirements of this Section, street yard landscaping shall meet the general standards set forth in Section 4.4.2.

Developments along streets with existing street trees may use such trees to satisfy the tree requirements of the street yard as long as the minimum number of trees are present. Required street yard shrubs shall be installed around existing street trees in a manner that does not damage the existing trees.

4.4.5 Parking Lot Yards

Parking lot landscaping is required within all multi-family residential and non-residential parking lots of greater than nine (9) spaces except motor vehicle or boat sales display areas. Instead, perimeter landscaping around motor vehicle or boat sales display areas shall be utilized at the same rate as required in Subsections 4.4.5.2.

The parking lot yard requirement may be met by the street yard requirement, buffer yard requirement, or building yard requirement for parking that is immediately adjacent to a street yard, buffer yard, or building yard.

Trees shall be planted in a manner that provides shade for parking area at maturity within 10 feet of the pavement edge. Each planting area shall be a minimum of 200 square feet, with a minimum dimension of seven (7) feet. Planting areas shall be protected with concrete curbing.

Required shrubs may be located around the parking lot perimeter (within 10 feet of the pavement edge) or within landscaped islands.

In addition to the requirements of this Section, parking lot yard landscaping shall meet the general standards set forth in Section 4.4.2.

For loading yards and other paved areas not designated as parking spaces, landscaping shall be added at a ratio of one large tree for every 5,000 square feet of such additional paved area. This landscaping may be spread throughout the parking and driveway areas in a manner approved by the Zoning Administrator. Any required buffer, building and street yard landscaping may be used to satisfy this requirement when directly adjacent to the additional paved areas.

(Ord. No. 19-52, 12/02/2019)

4.4.6 Building Yards

The intent of building yards is to create a buffer between buildings and parking areas for pedestrians entering and exiting buildings and to improve the appearance of building entrances.

Building yard width shall be based on the total area of the building. Widths shall be measured from the applicable building wall. Building yards shall be located on any side of a building where parking area is adjacent to the building. This shall not apply to the CBD, single-family dwellings, or two-family dwellings. Developments within the EID zoning district may follow an alternative standard as set forth in this Section.

The building yard requirement may be met by the street yard requirement or parking lot yard requirement for buildings immediately adjacent to a street yard or parking lot.

Building yards may be crossed by walkways to general access doorways, however a maximum of 25 percent of the building yard may be composed of walkways.

In addition to the requirements of this Section, building yard landscaping shall meet the general standards set forth in Section 4.4.2.

4.4.7 Screening Yard

The screening requirements of this Section shall apply to the garbage containers, mechanical equipment and outdoor storage for all new and expanding non-residential and multi-family development:

A.
Any permitted outdoor storage or utility structures shall be screened in the form of a wall or fence, and shrubs, so as to provide an opaque screen for outdoor storage, waste containers and utility structures. The screen shall exceed the height of the storage or equipment by a minimum of six (6) inches, shall not exceed the height limitations set forth in Section 4.4.9 for fences and walls, and shall not interfere with the operation of utility equipment. The height and density of landscaping at maturity shall be proportionate to the dimensions of the fence or wall.
B.
Dumpsters and other waste collection containers shall not be located in the front yard of any structure or within any required buffer yard and shall be screened from view of the street and adjacent properties. Gates must be provided for dumpster and waste collection enclosures.
C.
Ground-mounted mechanical equipment shall be located in the rear or side yard and screened from view of the street.
D.
Any fencing used to fulfill the requirements of this Section shall be supplemented with landscaping. Chain link fence with slats shall not be used to meet the requirement of this Section.
E.
All screens shall utilize building materials and design which are compatible with those used for the exterior of the principal building.

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.4.8 Residential Yards

TABLE 4.16: RESIDENTIAL YARD PERFORMANCE STANDARD
Criteria	Minimum Performance Standard¹
LARGE TREES	1 per 20 linear feet of building width
SMALL TREES	Optional
LARGE SHRUBS	Optional
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	2 per 20 linear feet of building width
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.0
¹Multi-family residential developments in the CBD district shall automatically receive a performance point for residential yards

TABLE 4.16: RESIDENTIAL YARD PERFORMANCE STANDARD
Criteria	Minimum Performance Standard¹
LARGE TREES	1 per 20 linear feet of building width
SMALL TREES	Optional
LARGE SHRUBS	Optional
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	2 per 20 linear feet of building width
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.0
¹Multi-family residential developments in the CBD district shall automatically receive a performance point for residential yards

TABLE 4.16: RESIDENTIAL YARD PERFORMANCE STANDARD
Criteria	Minimum Performance Standard¹
LARGE TREES	1 per 20 linear feet of building width
SMALL TREES	Optional
LARGE SHRUBS	Optional
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	2 per 20 linear feet of building width
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.0
¹Multi-family residential developments in the CBD district shall automatically receive a performance point for residential yards

TABLE 4.16: RESIDENTIAL YARD PERFORMANCE STANDARD
Criteria	Minimum Performance Standard¹
LARGE TREES	1 per 20 linear feet of building width
SMALL TREES	Optional
LARGE SHRUBS	Optional
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	2 per 20 linear feet of building width
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.0
¹Multi-family residential developments in the CBD district shall automatically receive a performance point for residential yards

FIGURE 4.21: RESIDENTIAL YARD EXAMPLE

4.4.10 Berms

Any berm that is constructed as part of a landscaping yard shall meet the following standards:

The berm shall have a minimum height of three (3) feet, a minimum crown width of two (2) feet, and a side slope with a width to height ratio of no greater than three to one (3:1) if less than four (4) feet in height and a width to height ratio of no greater than four to one (4:1) if more than four (4) feet in height.
Berms shall have adequate groundcover or other plant material to prevent erosion and shall be substantially planted and covered with live vegetation. No berm shall consist entirely of turf grass, groundcover, mulch or similar material.
Berms shall be designed to prevent standing water or the impeded flow of stormwater.
Berms shall be free of structures or merchandise.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.4.12 Plant Installation Standards

Trees to be planted shall be selected from the approved species listed in this Section. The Development and Design Services Department may approve alternative large or small maturing trees excluding, but not limited to, Callory pears, Bradford pears, sweet gum (excludes fruitless varieties), catalpa, wild cherry, wild elm, princess, hackberry and tree-of-heaven.

Minimum tree caliper at installation measured six (6) inches above ground on all large maturing trees shall be two (2) inches and the minimum height shall be eight (8) feet.

Required landscaping shall be installed with the minimum size specifications:

TABLE 4.23: PLANT INSTALLATION SIZE STANDARDS
Type	Minimum Height at Maturity (ft)	Minimum Height at Planting	Minimum Caliper¹at Planting (in)	Minimum Spacing (ft on center)
LARGE TREES	40	8 feet	2	20
SMALL TREES	15	6 feet	1.5	10
LARGE SHRUBS	8	3 feet	n/a	4
MEDIUM SHRUBS	4	1 feet	n/a	2
SMALL SHRUBS²	2	12 inches	n/a	2
¹ Caliper shall be measured six inches above the ground. ²Shrubs do not include ground covers.

TABLE 4.23: PLANT INSTALLATION SIZE STANDARDS
Type	Minimum Height at Maturity (ft)	Minimum Height at Planting	Minimum Caliper¹at Planting (in)	Minimum Spacing (ft on center)
LARGE TREES	40	8 feet	2	20
SMALL TREES	15	6 feet	1.5	10
LARGE SHRUBS	8	3 feet	n/a	4
MEDIUM SHRUBS	4	1 feet	n/a	2
SMALL SHRUBS²	2	12 inches	n/a	2
¹ Caliper shall be measured six inches above the ground. ²Shrubs do not include ground covers.

TABLE 4.23: PLANT INSTALLATION SIZE STANDARDS
Type	Minimum Height at Maturity (ft)	Minimum Height at Planting	Minimum Caliper¹at Planting (in)	Minimum Spacing (ft on center)
LARGE TREES	40	8 feet	2	20
SMALL TREES	15	6 feet	1.5	10
LARGE SHRUBS	8	3 feet	n/a	4
MEDIUM SHRUBS	4	1 feet	n/a	2
SMALL SHRUBS²	2	12 inches	n/a	2
¹ Caliper shall be measured six inches above the ground. ²Shrubs do not include ground covers.

TABLE 4.23: PLANT INSTALLATION SIZE STANDARDS
Type	Minimum Height at Maturity (ft)	Minimum Height at Planting	Minimum Caliper¹at Planting (in)	Minimum Spacing (ft on center)
LARGE TREES	40	8 feet	2	20
SMALL TREES	15	6 feet	1.5	10
LARGE SHRUBS	8	3 feet	n/a	4
MEDIUM SHRUBS	4	1 feet	n/a	2
SMALL SHRUBS²	2	12 inches	n/a	2
¹ Caliper shall be measured six inches above the ground. ²Shrubs do not include ground covers.

All plants shall be installed in accordance with the latest edition of the American Standards for Nursery Stock, published by the American Nurserymen’s Association and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
No trees identified as large trees shall be planted within 30 feet of overhead utility lines or within five (5) feet of a utility easement. This does not include low-voltage insulated or covered lines of 240 volts or less or telephone or cablevision lines.
All plant material installed shall be free from disease and scarring.
Plant materials shall be planted in accordance with generally accepted and recommended planting and growing practices.
All plant material shall be installed in a fashion that ensures the availability of sufficient soil and water to sustain healthy growth.
All plant material shall be planted in a manner which is not intrusive to utilities or pavement.
Except as herein provided, on a corner lot in any district, no hedge, shrubbery, tree, natural growth, sign, fence, wall, or other obstruction shall be placed or maintained within a sight triangle as defined by this ordinance.

(Ord. No. 19-52, 12/02/2019)

Effective on: 12/2/2019

4.4.13 Landscaping Maintenance

Required landscaping shall be maintained to mature growth habit, and trees shall not be topped.

The owner of the property where landscaping is required shall be responsible for the maintenance of all landscaping materials. Such maintenance shall include all actions necessary to keep the landscaped area free of litter and debris; to keep plantings healthy; to keep plant growth from interfering with safe vehicular and pedestrian travel, or use of parking areas, or from creating nuisances to adjoining properties; and to keep walls, fences and berms in good repair and neat appearance. Guying and staking shall only be used if necessary. All guying and staking shall be removed within one year of planting.

The landscaping shown on the plans approved by the Zoning permit shall be carried out and maintained to the satisfaction of the Zoning Administrator, including that any missing, dead, diseased, or damaged plants shall be replaced. Any vegetation that is part of a required landscaping area shall be replaced within 60 days in the event that it dies. All landscaping materials shall be protected from damage by erosion, motor vehicles, or pedestrians which could reduce the effectiveness of the required landscaping.

See the American National Standards for Tree Care Operations: Tree, Shrub, and Other Woody Plant Maintenance-Standard Practices (Pruning) published by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI A300) for pruning tips.

Should landscaping be altered at any time from the landscaping approved by the Zoning Permit, an updated landscaping plan shall be assessed for compliance and, if approved, shall become part of the any approved Zoning Permit for the site.

FIGURE 4.22: TREE MEASUREMENT TERMS

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.5.1 Purpose and Applicability

The purpose of this Section is:

1.
To protect existing environmental resources including streams, wetlands, floodplains, soils, forest stands, specimen trees and other significant vegetation and wildlife.
2.
To promote the reservation of open space in environmentally sensitive areas.
3.
To provide recreational amenities for the residents of the City.

The standards of this Section shall apply to new developments with greater than five (5) residential dwelling units for which the developer is seeking performance points for density bonuses.

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.5.2 Open Space Allocation

Open space shall be dedicated in accordance with the table below for residential performance points. Percentages are based on total development area.

TABLE 4.24: OPEN SPACE ALLOCATION PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
Performance Point	Percent Open Space
3	Infill development of 2 acres or less
1	20% (or in CDB)¹
2	30% (or 10% of total development area in CDB)¹
3	40%
1 (bonus point)	Fulfills park or greenway on adopted plan
1	Non-residential, not in CBD¹
¹Mutually exclusive points

TABLE 4.24: OPEN SPACE ALLOCATION PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
Performance Point	Percent Open Space
3	Infill development of 2 acres or less
1	20% (or in CDB)¹
2	30% (or 10% of total development area in CDB)¹
3	40%
1 (bonus point)	Fulfills park or greenway on adopted plan
1	Non-residential, not in CBD¹
¹Mutually exclusive points

TABLE 4.24: OPEN SPACE ALLOCATION PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
Performance Point	Percent Open Space
3	Infill development of 2 acres or less
1	20% (or in CDB)¹
2	30% (or 10% of total development area in CDB)¹
3	40%
1 (bonus point)	Fulfills park or greenway on adopted plan
1	Non-residential, not in CBD¹
¹Mutually exclusive points

TABLE 4.24: OPEN SPACE ALLOCATION PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
Performance Point	Percent Open Space
3	Infill development of 2 acres or less
1	20% (or in CDB)¹
2	30% (or 10% of total development area in CDB)¹
3	40%
1 (bonus point)	Fulfills park or greenway on adopted plan
1	Non-residential, not in CBD¹
¹Mutually exclusive points

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.5.3 Existing Features Plan

An Existing Features Plan is intended to assist the developer and Development and Design Services Department to determine the best location for development and open spaces. Existing Features Plans are required for all developments in the River District Overlay and those developments meeting performance standards for increased residential density.

FIGURE 4.23: CONCEPTUAL EXISTING FEATURES PLAN

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.5.4 Configuration of Open Space

The minimum width for any open space is 50 feet. Exceptions may be granted for trail easements, linear parks, and tree conservation areas.

Access to open space shall be provided by an abutting street or easement of not less than 15 feet in width.

At least 60 percent of open space shall be contiguous. For the purposes of this section, contiguous includes any open space bisected by a local street, provided that:

1.
A pedestrian crosswalk provides access to the open space on both sides of the street; and
2.
The right-of-way area is not included in the calculation of minimum open space required.

Where feasible, the open space should adjoin any neighboring areas of open space, other protected areas, and non-protected natural areas.

Open space should be directly accessible to the largest practicable number of dwelling units within the development.

No lot shall be more than one quarter (1/4) mile from open space, as measured in a straight line from the lot line to the nearest point of open space.

Lakes or ponds within the development used as open space shall provide adequate community access beyond the 15 foot minimum as determined by the Development and Design Services Department.

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.5.5 Open Space Types

All open space used to meet the performance standards of this section shall be classified as one (1) or more of the following categories and be classified as private common area open space or public open space. The Existing Features Plan should be used as a guide by the developer and Development and Design Services Department to determine the most appropriate open space type and location. Also City and County Plans particularly park and open space plans, shall be considered when evaluating the most appropriate open space type. One bonus performance point shall be granted for any open space that fulfills a park or greenway segment identified on an adopted plan.

4.5.6 Allowed Uses of Open Space

Unless otherwise stated, open space intended to achieve the performance standard may be used for the following:

A.
Conservation areas for natural, archeological or historic resources;
B.
Meadows, woodlands, wetlands, wildlife corridors, game preserves, or similar conservation-oriented areas;
C.
Pedestrian or multi-purpose trails;
D.
Passive recreation areas;
E.
Active recreation areas, provided that impervious area is limited to no more than 25 percent of the total open space for the development;
F.
Golf courses (excluding clubhouse areas and maintenance facilities), provided that the area does not exceed 50 percent of the total open space for the development and that impervious area is no more than 25 percent of the total open space for the development;
G.
Water bodies, such as lakes, pond and floodways, provided that the total surface area does not exceed 50 percent of the total open space for the development;
H.
Crop production, community garden;
I.
Stormwater control measures, provided that area does not exceed 25 percent of the total open space for the development and the stormwater control measure is designed as a pond amenity of greater than one-half (1/2) acre or greater, is surrounded by open space, and is accessible to all residents; and
J.
Easements for drainage, access and underground utilities.

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.5.7 Prohibited Uses of Open Space

Open space intended to achieve the performance standard shall not be used for the following:

A.
Individual conventional wastewater disposal systems (excluding innovative/alternative systems);
B.
Overhead electric transmission lines or high voltage electric transmission lines; and
C.
Streets and impervious parking areas.

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.5.8 Open Space Ownership and Maintenance

Open space may be owned or administered by one (1) or a combination of the following methods:

Fee simple ownership by a unit of government or private non-profit land conservancy;
Common ownership by Homeowners Association;
Split deeded ownership by individual property owners within the development;
By individual private ownership such as a farmer, developer or other private entity that maintains the open space in accordance with the purposes of this Section. (i.e. farming, equestrian facility).
Deed restricted open space easements on individual private properties.

The City Council shall have the authority to accept or reject land dedications made as a requirement of this Section.

The owner of dedicated open space shall be responsible for the continuing upkeep and proper maintenance of the same.

In the case of common ownership by a Homeowners Association, the restrictive covenants shall provide that, in the event the Homeowners Association fails to maintain the open space according to the standards of this Ordinance, the City may, following reasonable notice, demand that deficiency of maintenance be corrected, or enter the open space to maintain it. The cost of such maintenance shall be charged to the Homeowners Association.

The developer shall place in a conspicuous manner upon the Final Plat of the subdivision a notation concerning control of open space.

The developer will provide proof of registration of the Articles of Incorporation with the appropriate state agency for the formation of the Homeowners Association to the Development and Design Services Department.

Homeowners' Associations or similar legal entities that are responsible for the maintenance and control of open space areas and common areas shall be established by the developer who shall record in the Register of Deeds a declaration of covenants and restrictions that will govern the association or similar legal entity. A copy of the recorded document shall be provided to the Development and Design Services Department and such document shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

Provision for the establishment of the association or similar entity is required before any lot in the development is sold or any building occupied and membership shall be mandatory for each homeowner and any successive buyer.
The association or similar legal entity has clear legal authority to maintain and exercise control over such common open space areas.
The association or similar legal entity has the power to compel contributions from residents of the development to cover their proportionate shares of the costs associated with the maintenance and upkeep of such common areas. Further, assessments levied can become a lien on the property if allowed in the master deed establishing the homeowners association or similar legal entity.
The open space restrictions must be permanent, not just for a period of years.
The association or similar legal entity must be responsible for liability insurance, applicable taxes and the maintenance of open space and other facilities under their control.
The association or similar legal entity must be able to adjust the assessment to meet changing needs.
The association shall be responsible for maintaining all public storm water drainage systems and easements within the development not being maintained by the City, County, State or other approved entity.

It shall be expressly stated within the restrictive covenants/homeowners association documents that it will be the responsibility of the developer or successors or assigns to enforce such covenants or restrictions until such time as control has been transferred to the Homeowners Association Board of Directors. It shall be the sole responsibility of the developer, successor or assigns to correct any deficiencies prior to transfer of control over to the Homeowners Association Board of Directors.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.6.1 Purpose and Applicability

The purpose of this Section is to ensure that adequate and well-designed parking and site access is provided for developments in the City of Morganton.

Unless otherwise specified, the requirements of this Section shall be initiated by any one (1) or more of the following activities on a property:

New construction or the initial use of the property
A substantial change of use or change in zoning classification
Any building or parking expansion of greater than 20 percent

The requirements of this section do not apply to single-family or two-family residential development on existing lots of record that are not utilizing performance standards for density bonuses.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.6.2 General Provisions

All off-street parking areas shall be landscaped in accordance with the regulations in Section 4.4.

No off-street parking area shall be located over an on-site wastewater drain field.

Off-street parking areas shall be properly maintained in all respects. In particular, off-street parking area surfaces shall be kept in good condition (free from potholes, etc.) and parking space lines or markings shall be kept clearly visible and distinct.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.6.3 Parking Lot Design

Parking lots shall not be located closer than 10 feet from a public right-of-way, except in the CBD zoning district. In the CBD zoning district, parking lots shall not be located closer than five (5) feet from the public right-of-way.

Off-street parking areas shall be designed so that parked vehicles do not encroach upon, extend onto, or cause vehicles to back into public rights-of-way, sidewalks or strike against or damage any wall, vegetation, utility, or other structure. Curbs or bumpers are required and shall be a minimum of six (6) inches high.

Off-street parking areas shall be designed to facilitate adequate movement and access by sanitation, emergency and other public service vehicles.

No surface parking or circulation driveway is permitted within any required or established buffer area, except that driveways providing access to the parking area may be installed across these areas.

No new off-street parking area in the CBD districts shall extend toward a public street right-of-way beyond the front wall of the closest adjacent building. See Figure 4.25.

FIGURE 4.25: PARKING LOCATION IN RELATION TO BUILDINGS IN THE CBD

F.
CBD Parking Lot Screen Wall
All new or expanding off-street parking areas in the CBD zoning district that abut a public street right-of-way shall be screened with a hedgerow, masonry wall, or fence of at least three (3) feet in height that meets the fence and wall requirements of Section 4.4.9. These features shall not impeded sight lines within sight triangles as defined in Section 4.2.1 (G).
G.
No parking aisle (defined as a drive aisle and the parking located on each side) serving the general public that contains more than 10 parking spaces shall dead end, except that the Development and Design Services Department may approve dead-end aisles for up to 20 spaces on small lots where expected traffic is minimal. Any parking aisle that dead-ends shall be provided a suitable turnaround.
H.
For non-residential uses in the Corridor and River District Overlays (except for civic uses and developments in the EID zoning district) with more than two (2) rows of parking located in the front yard of the principal building, the following standards shall be met in addition to the landscaping requirements of Section 4.4.5:
1. 1.
  Parking shall have additional screening using one (1) of the following methods:
  1. a.
    The minimum street yard width required by Section 4.4.4 shall be doubled and the number of shrubs shall be increased by 25 percent; or
  2. b.
    Parking may be shared and screened with outparcel buildings (See Figure 4.26).
2. 2.
  No more than three (3) parking aisles (defined as a drive aisle and the parking located on each side) shall abut. Otherwise, parking aisles shall be separated from each other by planted medians which may include pedestrian walkways. Parking lots shall be designed to allow pedestrians to safely move from their vehicles to the building (s). On small lots, this may be achieved by providing a sidewalk at the perimeter of the lot. On larger lots, corridors within the parking area should channel pedestrians from the car to the perimeter of the lot or to the building. These corridors may be delineated by a paving material that differs from that of vehicular areas and planted to provide shade. Small posts or bollards may be included. (See Figure 4.26).
3. 3.
  Landscape islands that are arranged in a manner that clearly delineates parking bays and drive aisles. A landscape island shall, at a minimum, be placed at the end of each parking bay.
4. 4.
  All open pedestrian walkways, sidewalks, and passageways shall be landscaped on a ratio of 1 canopy tree and 15 shrubs per 100 linear feet of walkway, sidewalk, or passageway. The landscaping shall be installed within 10 feet of the edge of pedestrian walkway, sidewalk, or passageway. This landscaping material may be used meet required parking lot yard landscaping requirements.

FIGURE 4.26: EXAMPLE OF PARKING AREA FOR LARGE SCALE DEVELOPMENT

*Option 1-Street Yard doubled with 25% more shrubs*	*Option 2-Outparcels*

*No Outparcels, Enhanced Street Yard or Landscaped Pedestrian Walkway*

*Planted Median with Pedestrian Walkway*	*No Parking Aisle Separation*

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.6.4 Parking Dimensions

All new parking areas shall meet the following dimensional requirements:

TABLE 4.25: PARKING DIMENSIONS
Angle	Stall Width (min/max)	Stall Depth (min/max)	Drive Aisle Width		Landscaped Island Width (min)	Wheel Stop Location Adjacent Sidewalk (forward parking)	Wheel Stop Location Adjacent Sidewalk (reverse parking)
Angle	Stall Width (min/max)	Stall Depth (min/max)	One-way aisle (min/max)	Two-way aisle (min/max)	Landscaped Island Width (min)	Wheel Stop Location Adjacent Sidewalk (forward parking)	Wheel Stop Location Adjacent Sidewalk (reverse parking)
0°	8 ft. / 10 ft.	22 ft. / 26 ft.	12 ft. / 14 ft.	20 ft. / 22 ft.	7 ft.	N/A	N/A
45°	9 ft. / 11 ft.	18 ft. / 20 ft.	12 ft. / 14 ft.	24 ft. / 26 ft.	7 ft.	2 ft.	4 ft.
60°	9 ft. / 11 ft.	18 ft. / 20 ft.	18 ft. / 20 ft.	24 ft. / 26 ft.	7 ft.	2 ft.	4 ft.
90°	9 ft. / 11 ft.	18 ft. / 20 ft.	24 ft. / 26 ft.	24 ft. / 26 ft.	7 ft.	2 ft.	4 ft.
N/A=Not applicable ¹Landscaped island width excludes any included curb

TABLE 4.25: PARKING DIMENSIONS
Angle	Stall Width (min/max)	Stall Depth (min/max)	Drive Aisle Width		Landscaped Island Width (min)	Wheel Stop Location Adjacent Sidewalk (forward parking)	Wheel Stop Location Adjacent Sidewalk (reverse parking)
Angle	Stall Width (min/max)	Stall Depth (min/max)	One-way aisle (min/max)	Two-way aisle (min/max)	Landscaped Island Width (min)	Wheel Stop Location Adjacent Sidewalk (forward parking)	Wheel Stop Location Adjacent Sidewalk (reverse parking)
0°	8 ft. / 10 ft.	22 ft. / 26 ft.	12 ft. / 14 ft.	20 ft. / 22 ft.	7 ft.	N/A	N/A
45°	9 ft. / 11 ft.	18 ft. / 20 ft.	12 ft. / 14 ft.	24 ft. / 26 ft.	7 ft.	2 ft.	4 ft.
60°	9 ft. / 11 ft.	18 ft. / 20 ft.	18 ft. / 20 ft.	24 ft. / 26 ft.	7 ft.	2 ft.	4 ft.
90°	9 ft. / 11 ft.	18 ft. / 20 ft.	24 ft. / 26 ft.	24 ft. / 26 ft.	7 ft.	2 ft.	4 ft.
N/A=Not applicable ¹Landscaped island width excludes any included curb

TABLE 4.25: PARKING DIMENSIONS
Angle	Stall Width (min/max)	Stall Depth (min/max)	Drive Aisle Width		Landscaped Island Width (min)	Wheel Stop Location Adjacent Sidewalk (forward parking)	Wheel Stop Location Adjacent Sidewalk (reverse parking)
Angle	Stall Width (min/max)	Stall Depth (min/max)	One-way aisle (min/max)	Two-way aisle (min/max)	Landscaped Island Width (min)	Wheel Stop Location Adjacent Sidewalk (forward parking)	Wheel Stop Location Adjacent Sidewalk (reverse parking)
0°	8 ft. / 10 ft.	22 ft. / 26 ft.	12 ft. / 14 ft.	20 ft. / 22 ft.	7 ft.	N/A	N/A
45°	9 ft. / 11 ft.	18 ft. / 20 ft.	12 ft. / 14 ft.	24 ft. / 26 ft.	7 ft.	2 ft.	4 ft.
60°	9 ft. / 11 ft.	18 ft. / 20 ft.	18 ft. / 20 ft.	24 ft. / 26 ft.	7 ft.	2 ft.	4 ft.
90°	9 ft. / 11 ft.	18 ft. / 20 ft.	24 ft. / 26 ft.	24 ft. / 26 ft.	7 ft.	2 ft.	4 ft.
N/A=Not applicable ¹Landscaped island width excludes any included curb

TABLE 4.25: PARKING DIMENSIONS
Angle	Stall Width (min/max)	Stall Depth (min/max)	Drive Aisle Width		Landscaped Island Width (min)	Wheel Stop Location Adjacent Sidewalk (forward parking)	Wheel Stop Location Adjacent Sidewalk (reverse parking)
Angle	Stall Width (min/max)	Stall Depth (min/max)	One-way aisle (min/max)	Two-way aisle (min/max)	Landscaped Island Width (min)	Wheel Stop Location Adjacent Sidewalk (forward parking)	Wheel Stop Location Adjacent Sidewalk (reverse parking)
0°	8 ft. / 10 ft.	22 ft. / 26 ft.	12 ft. / 14 ft.	20 ft. / 22 ft.	7 ft.	N/A	N/A
45°	9 ft. / 11 ft.	18 ft. / 20 ft.	12 ft. / 14 ft.	24 ft. / 26 ft.	7 ft.	2 ft.	4 ft.
60°	9 ft. / 11 ft.	18 ft. / 20 ft.	18 ft. / 20 ft.	24 ft. / 26 ft.	7 ft.	2 ft.	4 ft.
90°	9 ft. / 11 ft.	18 ft. / 20 ft.	24 ft. / 26 ft.	24 ft. / 26 ft.	7 ft.	2 ft.	4 ft.
N/A=Not applicable ¹Landscaped island width excludes any included curb

Exceptions:

Parking spaces and drive aisles in alternative sizes to the noted dimension may be considered at the discretion of the Development and Design Services Department for particular uses.

Accessible spaces must meet the accessibility requirements of the North Carolina Building Code.

FIGURE 4.27: PARKING DIMENSIONS

*Two-way Aisle 90°*	*Typical 0° Parking*

*One-way Aisle 45 (Typical)*	*One-way Aisle 45° (Reverse Angle)*

*Two-way Aisle 45 (Typical)*	*Two-way Aisle 45° (Reverse Angle)*

*One-way Aisle 60°*	*Two-way Aisle 60°*

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.6.5 Parking Surface

All parking areas within the Corridor and River District Overlays (except for single-family and two-family residential uses) shall be paved with asphalt, concrete, pavers, or similar paving material and shall be landscaped in accordance with the requirements of Section 4.4.5. All parking areas of greater than 20 spaces shall also be constructed with standard or valley curb and gutter or an alternative Low Impact Development method as shown in the pictures below.


*Standard curb and gutter*	*Curb and gutter with curb cuts directed to landscaped area*	*Recessed curb with sheet flow drainage to landscaped area*

B.
Wheel stops with sheet flow drainage to landscaped area
Non-residential and multi-family uses not located in the Corridor or River District Overlays shall pave all front and side yard parking areas, driveways and ADA parking spaces. The minimum number of spaces required for the use shall be paved. Any additional parking areas located in rear yards may be gravel or similar durable wearing surface. Curb and gutter is not required for developments not located in the Corridor or River District Overlays. However, wheel stops shall be provided with a minimum two (2) foot separation from the edge of landscaped areas.
C.
All paving shall meet the requirements of the City of Morganton Engineering Standards and Specifications.

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.6.6 Number of Parking Spaces

All new developments in all zoning districts shall provide a sufficient number of off-street parking spaces to accommodate the number of vehicles that ordinarily are attracted to the development in question except as provided in subsection 4.4.6 (A) (1) below. Proof of sufficient parking, except for the central business district, shall be provided upon application for a Zoning Permit.

1.
Within the Central Business District, off-street parking is not required. On-Street parking is to be shared and may not be allocated to individual owners or businesses unless a valet parking agreement, in a form and of content to the satisfaction of the City Attorney, is reviewed by the Planning Commission and approved by City Council.

The City recognizes that the Parking Requirements Table set forth in this Section cannot and does not cover every possible situation that may arise. Therefore, in cases not specifically covered, the Development and Design Services Department is authorized to determine the parking requirements using the Table as a guide.

Permeable Pavers

See the Parking Requirements Table on the following pages for minimum parking space requirements. The Development and Design Services Department may reduce the minimum number of parking spaces required or increase the maximum number allowed by up to 10 percent if the applicant can demonstrate that the number of required parking spaces is excessive or inadequate due to use or property constraints.

Except for single-family residential uses, two-family residential uses, and uses providing 10 or fewer on-site parking spaces, the maximum number of parking spaces provided shall be 125 percent the required minimum shown in the Parking Requirements Table on the following pages, unless approved by the Development and Design Services Department. Any number of parking spaces above the maximum shall utilize permeable pavers or Low Impact Development design.

TABLE 4.26: NUMBER OF PARKING SPACES REQUIRED
Use	Minimum Number of Spaces
Agricultural
Agricultural uses (unless otherwise specified)	N/A
Equestrian uses (horseback riding, stables)	1 per horse stall
Greenhouse or horticultural nursery	1 per 800 square feet of gross sales floor area
Produce stand (permanent)	1 per 300 square feet of gross floor area
Residential
Residential uses (unless otherwise specified)	2 per dwelling
Accessory dwellings	1 per dwelling
Bed & breakfast inns	2 +1 per guest room
Home occupations, customary (includes daycare homes)	Residential use requirement + 1 space
Home occupations, intensive	Residential use requirement + 1 space per employee
Civic, Government, & Institutional
Civic, Government, and Institutional uses (unless otherwise specified)	1 per 300 square feet of gross floor area
Colleges, Universities, & associated facilities	1 per 4 students
Correctional facility	1 per 2 employees on peak shift
Community outreach offices	2 per employee on peak shift
Emergency Services (fire, police, EMT, & similar uses)	1 per employee + 1 per 3 volunteer personnel on peak shift + 1 per 200 square feet of office space
Hospitals, public and private	1 per 400 square feet of gross floor area of administrative area + 1 per bed
Religious institutions & related uses	1 per 4 seats
Research facilities	1 per 2 employees on peak shift
Residential care facilities	1 space per 2 beds
Schools and associated facilities, elementary and middle (public and private)	1.5 per classroom
Schools and associated facilities, high (public and private)	10 per classroom
Schools (trade & vocational)	1 per 4 students
Office & Service
Office and Service uses (unless otherwise specified)	1 per 300 square feet of gross floor area
Artists, craftsmen	1 per employee
Crematories	1 per employee at peak shift
Funeral homes and mortuaries	1 per 4 seats
Hotels and motels	1 per room + 2 spaces per 3 employees at peak shift
Motion picture production	1 per employee at peak shift
Motor vehicle or boat services	4 spaces per service bay + 1 per employee at peak shift
Research, development or testing services	1 per employee + spaces required to satisfy projected peak parking demands
Retail & Wholesale
Retail uses (unless otherwise specified)	1 per 300 square feet of gross floor area
Farmer’s markets	1 per every 4 persons of max. capacity
Microbreweries and wineries (with on-site sales)	1 per 300 square feet of gross floor area or 1 per every 3 seats (if seating is provided)
Motor vehicle or boat sales or rental	3 spaces + 1 space per every 400 square feet of building gross floor area
Restaurants	5 spaces plus 1 per every 3 seats
Wholesale	1 per 400 square feet of gross office & sales floor area + 2 per each 3 employees at peak shift
Recreation & Entertainment
Recreation and Entertainment Uses (unless otherwise specified)	1 per 150 square feet of gross floor area or 1 per every 4 persons of max. capacity (as applicable)
Campgrounds	1.25 per campsite at campground (1 at each campsite)
Electronic Gaming Operations	1 per two (2) gaming machines/terminals/computers or 1 per 100 square feet of gross floor area, whichever is greater
Industrial, Warehousing, Transportation, & Utility
Industrial, Warehousing, Transportation, and Utility uses (unless otherwise specified)	1 per employee + 1 per each company vehicle at peak shift
Junkyards, salvage yards, recycling operations and similar uses	1 per employee on peak shift + 1 per 5,000 square feet devoted to material storage + 1 per company vehicle
Warehouse, mini	1 per 4,000 square feet of gross floor area
Wireless telecommunications towers	1 space
Other
Drive-throughs (associated with permitted use)	Stacking for 5 vehicles at each bay (on-site)
Temporary Uses	Adequate for use

TABLE 4.26: NUMBER OF PARKING SPACES REQUIRED
Use	Minimum Number of Spaces
Agricultural
Agricultural uses (unless otherwise specified)	N/A
Equestrian uses (horseback riding, stables)	1 per horse stall
Greenhouse or horticultural nursery	1 per 800 square feet of gross sales floor area
Produce stand (permanent)	1 per 300 square feet of gross floor area
Residential
Residential uses (unless otherwise specified)	2 per dwelling
Accessory dwellings	1 per dwelling
Bed & breakfast inns	2 +1 per guest room
Home occupations, customary (includes daycare homes)	Residential use requirement + 1 space
Home occupations, intensive	Residential use requirement + 1 space per employee
Civic, Government, & Institutional
Civic, Government, and Institutional uses (unless otherwise specified)	1 per 300 square feet of gross floor area
Colleges, Universities, & associated facilities	1 per 4 students
Correctional facility	1 per 2 employees on peak shift
Community outreach offices	2 per employee on peak shift
Emergency Services (fire, police, EMT, & similar uses)	1 per employee + 1 per 3 volunteer personnel on peak shift + 1 per 200 square feet of office space
Hospitals, public and private	1 per 400 square feet of gross floor area of administrative area + 1 per bed
Religious institutions & related uses	1 per 4 seats
Research facilities	1 per 2 employees on peak shift
Residential care facilities	1 space per 2 beds
Schools and associated facilities, elementary and middle (public and private)	1.5 per classroom
Schools and associated facilities, high (public and private)	10 per classroom
Schools (trade & vocational)	1 per 4 students
Office & Service
Office and Service uses (unless otherwise specified)	1 per 300 square feet of gross floor area
Artists, craftsmen	1 per employee
Crematories	1 per employee at peak shift
Funeral homes and mortuaries	1 per 4 seats
Hotels and motels	1 per room + 2 spaces per 3 employees at peak shift
Motion picture production	1 per employee at peak shift
Motor vehicle or boat services	4 spaces per service bay + 1 per employee at peak shift
Research, development or testing services	1 per employee + spaces required to satisfy projected peak parking demands
Retail & Wholesale
Retail uses (unless otherwise specified)	1 per 300 square feet of gross floor area
Farmer’s markets	1 per every 4 persons of max. capacity
Microbreweries and wineries (with on-site sales)	1 per 300 square feet of gross floor area or 1 per every 3 seats (if seating is provided)
Motor vehicle or boat sales or rental	3 spaces + 1 space per every 400 square feet of building gross floor area
Restaurants	5 spaces plus 1 per every 3 seats
Wholesale	1 per 400 square feet of gross office & sales floor area + 2 per each 3 employees at peak shift
Recreation & Entertainment
Recreation and Entertainment Uses (unless otherwise specified)	1 per 150 square feet of gross floor area or 1 per every 4 persons of max. capacity (as applicable)
Campgrounds	1.25 per campsite at campground (1 at each campsite)
Electronic Gaming Operations	1 per two (2) gaming machines/terminals/computers or 1 per 100 square feet of gross floor area, whichever is greater
Industrial, Warehousing, Transportation, & Utility
Industrial, Warehousing, Transportation, and Utility uses (unless otherwise specified)	1 per employee + 1 per each company vehicle at peak shift
Junkyards, salvage yards, recycling operations and similar uses	1 per employee on peak shift + 1 per 5,000 square feet devoted to material storage + 1 per company vehicle
Warehouse, mini	1 per 4,000 square feet of gross floor area
Wireless telecommunications towers	1 space
Other
Drive-throughs (associated with permitted use)	Stacking for 5 vehicles at each bay (on-site)
Temporary Uses	Adequate for use

TABLE 4.26: NUMBER OF PARKING SPACES REQUIRED
Use	Minimum Number of Spaces
Agricultural
Agricultural uses (unless otherwise specified)	N/A
Equestrian uses (horseback riding, stables)	1 per horse stall
Greenhouse or horticultural nursery	1 per 800 square feet of gross sales floor area
Produce stand (permanent)	1 per 300 square feet of gross floor area
Residential
Residential uses (unless otherwise specified)	2 per dwelling
Accessory dwellings	1 per dwelling
Bed & breakfast inns	2 +1 per guest room
Home occupations, customary (includes daycare homes)	Residential use requirement + 1 space
Home occupations, intensive	Residential use requirement + 1 space per employee
Civic, Government, & Institutional
Civic, Government, and Institutional uses (unless otherwise specified)	1 per 300 square feet of gross floor area
Colleges, Universities, & associated facilities	1 per 4 students
Correctional facility	1 per 2 employees on peak shift
Community outreach offices	2 per employee on peak shift
Emergency Services (fire, police, EMT, & similar uses)	1 per employee + 1 per 3 volunteer personnel on peak shift + 1 per 200 square feet of office space
Hospitals, public and private	1 per 400 square feet of gross floor area of administrative area + 1 per bed
Religious institutions & related uses	1 per 4 seats
Research facilities	1 per 2 employees on peak shift
Residential care facilities	1 space per 2 beds
Schools and associated facilities, elementary and middle (public and private)	1.5 per classroom
Schools and associated facilities, high (public and private)	10 per classroom
Schools (trade & vocational)	1 per 4 students
Office & Service
Office and Service uses (unless otherwise specified)	1 per 300 square feet of gross floor area
Artists, craftsmen	1 per employee
Crematories	1 per employee at peak shift
Funeral homes and mortuaries	1 per 4 seats
Hotels and motels	1 per room + 2 spaces per 3 employees at peak shift
Motion picture production	1 per employee at peak shift
Motor vehicle or boat services	4 spaces per service bay + 1 per employee at peak shift
Research, development or testing services	1 per employee + spaces required to satisfy projected peak parking demands
Retail & Wholesale
Retail uses (unless otherwise specified)	1 per 300 square feet of gross floor area
Farmer’s markets	1 per every 4 persons of max. capacity
Microbreweries and wineries (with on-site sales)	1 per 300 square feet of gross floor area or 1 per every 3 seats (if seating is provided)
Motor vehicle or boat sales or rental	3 spaces + 1 space per every 400 square feet of building gross floor area
Restaurants	5 spaces plus 1 per every 3 seats
Wholesale	1 per 400 square feet of gross office & sales floor area + 2 per each 3 employees at peak shift
Recreation & Entertainment
Recreation and Entertainment Uses (unless otherwise specified)	1 per 150 square feet of gross floor area or 1 per every 4 persons of max. capacity (as applicable)
Campgrounds	1.25 per campsite at campground (1 at each campsite)
Electronic Gaming Operations	1 per two (2) gaming machines/terminals/computers or 1 per 100 square feet of gross floor area, whichever is greater
Industrial, Warehousing, Transportation, & Utility
Industrial, Warehousing, Transportation, and Utility uses (unless otherwise specified)	1 per employee + 1 per each company vehicle at peak shift
Junkyards, salvage yards, recycling operations and similar uses	1 per employee on peak shift + 1 per 5,000 square feet devoted to material storage + 1 per company vehicle
Warehouse, mini	1 per 4,000 square feet of gross floor area
Wireless telecommunications towers	1 space
Other
Drive-throughs (associated with permitted use)	Stacking for 5 vehicles at each bay (on-site)
Temporary Uses	Adequate for use

TABLE 4.26: NUMBER OF PARKING SPACES REQUIRED
Use	Minimum Number of Spaces
Agricultural
Agricultural uses (unless otherwise specified)	N/A
Equestrian uses (horseback riding, stables)	1 per horse stall
Greenhouse or horticultural nursery	1 per 800 square feet of gross sales floor area
Produce stand (permanent)	1 per 300 square feet of gross floor area
Residential
Residential uses (unless otherwise specified)	2 per dwelling
Accessory dwellings	1 per dwelling
Bed & breakfast inns	2 +1 per guest room
Home occupations, customary (includes daycare homes)	Residential use requirement + 1 space
Home occupations, intensive	Residential use requirement + 1 space per employee
Civic, Government, & Institutional
Civic, Government, and Institutional uses (unless otherwise specified)	1 per 300 square feet of gross floor area
Colleges, Universities, & associated facilities	1 per 4 students
Correctional facility	1 per 2 employees on peak shift
Community outreach offices	2 per employee on peak shift
Emergency Services (fire, police, EMT, & similar uses)	1 per employee + 1 per 3 volunteer personnel on peak shift + 1 per 200 square feet of office space
Hospitals, public and private	1 per 400 square feet of gross floor area of administrative area + 1 per bed
Religious institutions & related uses	1 per 4 seats
Research facilities	1 per 2 employees on peak shift
Residential care facilities	1 space per 2 beds
Schools and associated facilities, elementary and middle (public and private)	1.5 per classroom
Schools and associated facilities, high (public and private)	10 per classroom
Schools (trade & vocational)	1 per 4 students
Office & Service
Office and Service uses (unless otherwise specified)	1 per 300 square feet of gross floor area
Artists, craftsmen	1 per employee
Crematories	1 per employee at peak shift
Funeral homes and mortuaries	1 per 4 seats
Hotels and motels	1 per room + 2 spaces per 3 employees at peak shift
Motion picture production	1 per employee at peak shift
Motor vehicle or boat services	4 spaces per service bay + 1 per employee at peak shift
Research, development or testing services	1 per employee + spaces required to satisfy projected peak parking demands
Retail & Wholesale
Retail uses (unless otherwise specified)	1 per 300 square feet of gross floor area
Farmer’s markets	1 per every 4 persons of max. capacity
Microbreweries and wineries (with on-site sales)	1 per 300 square feet of gross floor area or 1 per every 3 seats (if seating is provided)
Motor vehicle or boat sales or rental	3 spaces + 1 space per every 400 square feet of building gross floor area
Restaurants	5 spaces plus 1 per every 3 seats
Wholesale	1 per 400 square feet of gross office & sales floor area + 2 per each 3 employees at peak shift
Recreation & Entertainment
Recreation and Entertainment Uses (unless otherwise specified)	1 per 150 square feet of gross floor area or 1 per every 4 persons of max. capacity (as applicable)
Campgrounds	1.25 per campsite at campground (1 at each campsite)
Electronic Gaming Operations	1 per two (2) gaming machines/terminals/computers or 1 per 100 square feet of gross floor area, whichever is greater
Industrial, Warehousing, Transportation, & Utility
Industrial, Warehousing, Transportation, and Utility uses (unless otherwise specified)	1 per employee + 1 per each company vehicle at peak shift
Junkyards, salvage yards, recycling operations and similar uses	1 per employee on peak shift + 1 per 5,000 square feet devoted to material storage + 1 per company vehicle
Warehouse, mini	1 per 4,000 square feet of gross floor area
Wireless telecommunications towers	1 space
Other
Drive-throughs (associated with permitted use)	Stacking for 5 vehicles at each bay (on-site)
Temporary Uses	Adequate for use

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.6.7 Parking Location, Sharing, and Connectivity

For all off-street parking lots, the required space shall be provided on the same plot with the use or on a lot separated therefrom by not more than 400 feet, except for residential uses, which must be provided on the same lot. Portions of any lot containing parking spaces dedicated to the subject development shall become part of the subject development and shall be reflected on any approved plans and permits issued for the subject development. No parking space shall be dedicated to more than one use, except as under (B) below. An easement recorded in the Burke County Register of Deeds is required prior to issuing any permit.

The joint use of shared off-street parking between two (2) uses may be made by contract by two (2) or more adjacent property owners. Developments that operate at different times may jointly use or share the same parking spaces with a maximum of one-half (1/2) of the parking spaces credited to both uses. An easement recorded in the Burke County Register of Deeds is required prior to issuing any permit.

All newly constructed non-residential parking lots shall be designed to accommodate interconnection between adjacent sites unless natural features prevent connection.

FIGURE 4.28: PARKING CONNECTIVITY

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.6.8 Loading Area Requirements

Subject to Subsection (C), whenever the normal operation of any development requires that goods, merchandise, or equipment be routinely delivered to or shipped from that development, a sufficient off-street loading and unloading area must be provided in accordance with this Section to accommodate the delivery or shipment operations in a safe and convenient manner, with limited impact upon neighboring lower-intensity uses.

Loading and unloading areas shall be so located and designed so that the vehicles intended to use them can:

1.
maneuver safely and conveniently to and from a public right-of-way; and
2.
complete the loading and unloading operations without obstructing or interfering with any public right-of-way or any parking space or parking lot aisle.

No area allocated to loading and unloading facilities may be used to satisfy the area requirements for off-street parking.

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.6.9 Parking of Commercial and Recreational Vehicles

On any LID or MID zoned lot of less than one (1) acre in size, commercial vehicles which may be parked on an overnight basis shall be limited to vans and trucks of no greater than three (3) axles. This requirement shall not be interpreted to prohibit vehicles from loading and unloading household goods in any LID or MID district for a period of up to 24 hours.

No residentially-developed lot may be used as the base of operation for any freight hauling truck.

For purposes of this Ordinance, a recreational vehicle shall not be deemed a dwelling unit and the usage of a recreational vehicle for living, sleeping or housekeeping purposes and the connection of such vehicle to utility services (other than for periodic maintenance and/or repair purposes) shall be prohibited unless the vehicle is located in a camping and recreational vehicle park so designed to accommodate recreation vehicles.

In case of extreme emergency, not for convenience purposes, recreational vehicles may be utilized for temporary living quarters for a period of no longer than 18 months, under the following conditions.

a.
Only persons who occupied the original dwelling unit shall occupy the recreational vehicle;
b.
The recreational vehicle shall be connected to power and potable water;
c.
The recreational vehicle shall have an internal system for collection of human waste, and the waste shall be properly disposed of;
d.
The recreational vehicle shall remain in good repair and at all times be capable of being removed from the site under motor vehicle power;
e.
Measurable progress must be made towards returning the original dwelling to an habitable state;
f.
Once the original dwelling receives a Certificate of Occupancy, the recreational vehicle shall be removed from service as emergency accommodation within two weeks. The Development and Design Services Director shall interpret and apply this section such that it is consistent with the spirit, purpose, and intent of this ordinance, such that public safety is secured, and substantial justice is achieved to all parties.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.6.10 Driveways

Driveways that connect to state-maintained streets shall comply with NCDOT standards.

Driveways that connect to City-maintained streets shall comply with the Public Works standards set forth in Article C of Chapter 1 of Part 4 of the City of Morganton Code of Ordinances.

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.7.1 Purpose and Applicability

The purpose of this Section is to ensure that new developments provide adequate infrastructure that is compatible with adopted plans and City Standards. It is also the intent of this Section to provide for enhanced infrastructure in the Corridor and River District Overlays and within higher density residential development through performance standards.

Unless otherwise specified, the requirements of this Section shall be initiated by any one (1) or more of the following activities on a property:

New construction or the initial use of the property
A substantial change of use or change in zoning classification
Any building or parking expansion of greater than 20 percent

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.7.2 Conformance with Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP)

The location and design of streets shall be in conformance with the Greater Hickory Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP).

In any case where any part of a development lies within the corridor of a thoroughfare shown on a roadway corridor map adopted pursuant to NCGS Chapter 136, ARTICLE 2E, no development approval shall be granted with respect to the property in the roadway corridor. Provided, however, no development plan approval shall be delayed by the provision of the roadway corridor map procedure for more than three (3) years from the date of its original submittal.

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.7.4 Sidewalks

In addition to the sidewalk requirements of the Subdivision Ordinance the following standards shall apply:

4.7.6 Utility Standards

All utilities shall be installed underground and meet requirements of the City of Morganton Engineering Standards and Specifications.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.1 Purpose

The purpose of this Section is to ensure architectural compatibility and the establishment and preservation of architectural character throughout the City. Enumerated in the sections below are general standards all buildings, performance standards for residential buildings, standards for non-residential buildings, standards for buildings in the CBD zoning district.

These standards are intended to ensure that the basic elements characteristic to Western North Carolina architecture are integrated into the non-residential buildings constructed in Morganton, so that the City can achieve its desired aesthetic and reinforce the City’s character and sense of place.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.2 Applicability

The standards of this Section 4.8 shall apply as follows:

TABLE 4.27: BUILDING DESIGN STANDARDS BY BUILDING TYPE
Applicable Building Type	Applicable Section
Residential Buildings (performance standards and points for increased density)	4.8.5
Multi-family Residential Buildings	4.8.5.1
Single-family and Two-family Residential Buildings	4.8.5.2
Non-residential Buildings (Corridor Overlay in all districts, River District Overlay in all districts, in all LID and MID districts, and buildings in HID districts greater than 35 feet tall)	4.8.6
Central Business District Buildings (all buildings within the Central Business District zoning designation)	4.8.7

TABLE 4.27: BUILDING DESIGN STANDARDS BY BUILDING TYPE
Applicable Building Type	Applicable Section
Residential Buildings (performance standards and points for increased density)	4.8.5
Multi-family Residential Buildings	4.8.5.1
Single-family and Two-family Residential Buildings	4.8.5.2
Non-residential Buildings (Corridor Overlay in all districts, River District Overlay in all districts, in all LID and MID districts, and buildings in HID districts greater than 35 feet tall)	4.8.6
Central Business District Buildings (all buildings within the Central Business District zoning designation)	4.8.7

TABLE 4.27: BUILDING DESIGN STANDARDS BY BUILDING TYPE
Applicable Building Type	Applicable Section
Residential Buildings (performance standards and points for increased density)	4.8.5
Multi-family Residential Buildings	4.8.5.1
Single-family and Two-family Residential Buildings	4.8.5.2
Non-residential Buildings (Corridor Overlay in all districts, River District Overlay in all districts, in all LID and MID districts, and buildings in HID districts greater than 35 feet tall)	4.8.6
Central Business District Buildings (all buildings within the Central Business District zoning designation)	4.8.7

TABLE 4.27: BUILDING DESIGN STANDARDS BY BUILDING TYPE
Applicable Building Type	Applicable Section
Residential Buildings (performance standards and points for increased density)	4.8.5
Multi-family Residential Buildings	4.8.5.1
Single-family and Two-family Residential Buildings	4.8.5.2
Non-residential Buildings (Corridor Overlay in all districts, River District Overlay in all districts, in all LID and MID districts, and buildings in HID districts greater than 35 feet tall)	4.8.6
Central Business District Buildings (all buildings within the Central Business District zoning designation)	4.8.7

The standards shall apply to new construction and expansions of greater than 20% of the gross floor area, or exterior remodels of over 50% of any primary façade. If a nonconforming building is being expanded by greater than 20 percent, then the existing portion of the building shall comply with the following standards:
1. The primary building material as permitted by Section 4.8.6.7 shall be continued over to 50 percent of the front façade of the existing building.
2. A minimum of one (1) vertical articulation element listed in Section 4.8.6.4 (A) shall be incorporated into the front façade.
3. A minimum of one (1) horizontal articulation element listed in Section 4.8.6.5 (A) shall be incorporated into the front façade.
4. All unscreened mechanical or utility equipment shall be screened per Section 4.8.6.12.
Non-residential building design standards shall not apply to existing residential structures that have a change-of-use to a non-residential use as permitted by this Ordinance.

FIGURE: 4.30: EXAMPLE OF BUILDING EXPANSION DESIGN COMPLIANCE

Existing Stucco Building	Building with greater than 20% addition

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.3 General Building Design Standards

The primary entrance shall be architecturally and functionally designed on the front façade facing the primary public street, except that buildings interior to a development may be arranged to front a common courtyard, parking area, driveway, or private street. Building entrances shall be emphasized using massing, architectural features, and/or changes in the roofline.

The front façade of the principal structure shall be parallel to the front lot line and street. Any side of a building that faces an arterial or collector street that is not screened from view by a berm or landscaping shall be treated as a front façade.

Any residential lots of less than 50 feet in width shall be alley-loaded and shall not have driveways accessing the fronting street.

Manufactured housing shall not be used as permanent structures except in the MH-O district.

Modular buildings shall not be used as permanent structures unless such are placed on a permanent masonry foundation and meet all of the other design standards for buildings in the district in which they are located.

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.8.4 Neighborhood Conservation Overlay Residential Design Standards

The following are suggested guidelines which the City recommends be followed by owners and developers.

Wall Materials
1. Exterior wall materials should be wood, fiber cement board, brick, stone, vinyl, or similar materials.
2. The front wall of such infill residences should incorporate at least 25 percent of the primary material used on residences located within 200 feet.
Roofs
1. Roof materials shall be asphalt shingles, wood shakes, standing seam metal, slate, tile, or similar materials.
2. The primary roof of a single-family residential building shall be pitched. Pitched roofs for one-story buildings shall have a slope of between 4:12 and 8:12. Pitched roofs for one-and-a-half (1 ½) or multiple story buildings shall have a slope of between 6:12 and 12:12. Secondary roofs may be flat and shall have a parapet wall with a decorative cap or cornice.
3. Architectural elements such as height variations, gables, dormers, cupolas, towers, and other similar elements shall be incorporated into the roof design at a minimum of every 25 linear feet on the primary/front façade.
4. Roofs shall be in scale with the building and shall have an overhang of six (6) inches or more to facilitate proper water run-off.


*Height variation and dormers*	*Large expanse of roof without variation*

*More than 6-inch Gable Overhang*	*No Gable Overhang*

Garages
1. Garages on infill residences shall incorporate similarly situated garages as residences located within 200 feet. For example, if all garages on houses residences within 200 are recessed from the front façade, then the garage on the infill house shall have a garage that is recessed from the front façade.
2. Garages and carports shall be set back a minimum of 20 feet from a public street right-of-way.
3. Attached garages for more than two (2) cars shall not face the primary street. Garages on corner lots may face the non-fronting street.


*Side-loaded three-car garage*	*Front-loaded three-car garage*

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.5 Residential Performance Building Design Standards

For each of the following standards that are met residential developments are eligible for one (1) performance point under the provisions of Section 4.3.1. For the purposes of this Section, building wall types are defined as follows:

A.
Primary/Front Façade
Any building wall plane which is oriented toward a street right-of-way and contains the primary building entrance.

FIGURE 4.31: PRIMARY/FRONT FACADE

B.
Secondary/Corner Side Façade
Building wall planes that do not contain the primary entrance to the building and face a secondary street right-of-way on a corner lot or an internal private street for multi-family residential developments.

FIGURE 4.32: SECONDARY /CORNER SIDE FACADE

C.
Side Façade
Building wall planes that do not face a street right-of-way and are generally perpendicular to the primary/front façade.

FIGURE 4.33: SIDE FACADE

D.
Rear Façade
Building wall planes that face the rear yard and generally parallel to the primary/front façade.

FIGURE 4.34: REAR FACADE

4.8.6 Non-Residential Building Design Standards

The requirements of this Section shall apply to the non-residential buildings in the following areas:

Non-residential buildings located within the Corridor Overlay in all zoning districts;
Non-residential buildings located within the River District Overlay in all zoning districts;
Non-residential buildings located within the LID and MID zoning districts as indicated in Section 3.4, but shall not apply to existing residential structures that have a change-of-use to a non-residential use as permitted by this Ordinance; and
Non-residential buildings within any HID district that exceed 35 feet in height.
For all other areas these standards shall serve as guidelines and are strongly encouraged.

4.9.1 Purpose

The intent of the affordable housing performance points is to encourage development of affordable housing in the City of Morganton and to facilitate achieving densities that maximize land use for this type of housing.

Effective on: 9/13/2021

4.9.2 Applicability and Limitations

Meeting this standard will result in a total of four (4) performance points. The applicant has the choice of using all four points strictly for bonus points to assist in achieving the needed density under Section 4.2.3 or two points can be applied to meet the minimum points required for the Building Design criteria of Section 4.8 while the other two points are allocated strictly for the bonus density.

This performance standard shall apply to new developments that apply for and are awarded funding through the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency’s Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program. For the purposes of this standard, affordability shall be defined as housing units that will be affordable to and occupied by households with incomes at or below (80%) of area median income (AMI) for Burke County per HUD’s published income limits.

A Land Use Restrictive Covenant declaring a commitment to comply with the Low-Income Tax Credit program for 30 years shall be recorded with the Burke County Register of Deeds.

(Ord. No. 21-36, 09/13/2021)

Effective on: 9/13/2021

4.4.3.1 Type 1 Buffer Yards: Multi-family Residential Development Adjacent to Single-family and Two-family Residential

TABLE 4.7: TYPE 1 BUFFER YARD
Criteria	Base Standard²	Performance Standard² (choose a minimum of 3 to obtain 1 performance point*)
Width	10 feet	15 feet
LARGE TREES	1 per 100 hundred linear feet	2 per 100 hundred linear feet
SMALL TREES	2 per 100 hundred linear feet	3 per 100 hundred linear feet
LARGE SHRUBS	15 per 100 hundred linear feet	20 per 100 hundred linear feet
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	10 per 100 hundred linear feet	15 per 100 hundred linear feet
Fence, Wall or Berm¹	Optional (allows reduction in shrubs and buffer width by 50%)	Fence, wall or berm (*counts for 1 full performance point)
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	N/A
¹Any fence, wall, or berm used to meet the requirements of this section shall meet the requirements of Section 4.4.9 or 4.4.10 and be a minimum of 6 feet and 90 percent opaque. Use of a fence, wall, or berm meeting these minimum requirements shall result in one performance point. ²Multi-family residential developments in the CBD district shall automatically receive 1 performance point for buffer yards. Meeting the Base Standard will result in 2 performance points. Meeting the Performance Standard will result in 3 performance points.

TABLE 4.7: TYPE 1 BUFFER YARD
Criteria	Base Standard²	Performance Standard² (choose a minimum of 3 to obtain 1 performance point*)
Width	10 feet	15 feet
LARGE TREES	1 per 100 hundred linear feet	2 per 100 hundred linear feet
SMALL TREES	2 per 100 hundred linear feet	3 per 100 hundred linear feet
LARGE SHRUBS	15 per 100 hundred linear feet	20 per 100 hundred linear feet
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	10 per 100 hundred linear feet	15 per 100 hundred linear feet
Fence, Wall or Berm¹	Optional (allows reduction in shrubs and buffer width by 50%)	Fence, wall or berm (*counts for 1 full performance point)
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	N/A
¹Any fence, wall, or berm used to meet the requirements of this section shall meet the requirements of Section 4.4.9 or 4.4.10 and be a minimum of 6 feet and 90 percent opaque. Use of a fence, wall, or berm meeting these minimum requirements shall result in one performance point. ²Multi-family residential developments in the CBD district shall automatically receive 1 performance point for buffer yards. Meeting the Base Standard will result in 2 performance points. Meeting the Performance Standard will result in 3 performance points.

TABLE 4.7: TYPE 1 BUFFER YARD
Criteria	Base Standard²	Performance Standard² (choose a minimum of 3 to obtain 1 performance point*)
Width	10 feet	15 feet
LARGE TREES	1 per 100 hundred linear feet	2 per 100 hundred linear feet
SMALL TREES	2 per 100 hundred linear feet	3 per 100 hundred linear feet
LARGE SHRUBS	15 per 100 hundred linear feet	20 per 100 hundred linear feet
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	10 per 100 hundred linear feet	15 per 100 hundred linear feet
Fence, Wall or Berm¹	Optional (allows reduction in shrubs and buffer width by 50%)	Fence, wall or berm (*counts for 1 full performance point)
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	N/A
¹Any fence, wall, or berm used to meet the requirements of this section shall meet the requirements of Section 4.4.9 or 4.4.10 and be a minimum of 6 feet and 90 percent opaque. Use of a fence, wall, or berm meeting these minimum requirements shall result in one performance point. ²Multi-family residential developments in the CBD district shall automatically receive 1 performance point for buffer yards. Meeting the Base Standard will result in 2 performance points. Meeting the Performance Standard will result in 3 performance points.

TABLE 4.7: TYPE 1 BUFFER YARD
Criteria	Base Standard²	Performance Standard² (choose a minimum of 3 to obtain 1 performance point*)
Width	10 feet	15 feet
LARGE TREES	1 per 100 hundred linear feet	2 per 100 hundred linear feet
SMALL TREES	2 per 100 hundred linear feet	3 per 100 hundred linear feet
LARGE SHRUBS	15 per 100 hundred linear feet	20 per 100 hundred linear feet
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	10 per 100 hundred linear feet	15 per 100 hundred linear feet
Fence, Wall or Berm¹	Optional (allows reduction in shrubs and buffer width by 50%)	Fence, wall or berm (*counts for 1 full performance point)
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	N/A
¹Any fence, wall, or berm used to meet the requirements of this section shall meet the requirements of Section 4.4.9 or 4.4.10 and be a minimum of 6 feet and 90 percent opaque. Use of a fence, wall, or berm meeting these minimum requirements shall result in one performance point. ²Multi-family residential developments in the CBD district shall automatically receive 1 performance point for buffer yards. Meeting the Base Standard will result in 2 performance points. Meeting the Performance Standard will result in 3 performance points.

FIGURE 4.12: TYPE 1 BUFFER YARD EXAMPLES

*Base Standard*	*Performance Standard*

*Base Standard with Fence*	*Performance Standard with Fence*

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.4.3.2 Type 2 Buffer Yards: Non-residential Development (Excluding EID) Adjacent to Any Residential

TABLE 4.8: TYPE 2 BUFFER YARDS
Criteria	Base Standard	Performance Standard (required in Corridor and River District Overlays)
Width	15 feet	20 feet
LARGE TREES	1 per 100 hundred linear feet	2 per 100 hundred linear feet
SMALL TREES	2 per 100 hundred linear feet	3 per 100 hundred linear feet
LARGE SHRUBS	15 per 100 hundred linear feet	20 per 100 hundred linear feet
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	10 per 100 hundred linear feet	15 per 100 hundred linear feet
Fence, Wall or Berm¹	Optional (allows reduction in shrubs and buffer width by 50%)	Optional (allows reduction in shrubs and buffer width by 25%)
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles, mulch, or landscaping rock
¹Any fence, wall, or berm used to meet the requirements of this section shall meet the requirements of Section 4.4.9 or 4.4.10 and be a minimum of 6 feet and 90 percent opaque. Use of a fence, wall, or berm meeting these minimum requirements shall result in one performance point.

TABLE 4.8: TYPE 2 BUFFER YARDS
Criteria	Base Standard	Performance Standard (required in Corridor and River District Overlays)
Width	15 feet	20 feet
LARGE TREES	1 per 100 hundred linear feet	2 per 100 hundred linear feet
SMALL TREES	2 per 100 hundred linear feet	3 per 100 hundred linear feet
LARGE SHRUBS	15 per 100 hundred linear feet	20 per 100 hundred linear feet
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	10 per 100 hundred linear feet	15 per 100 hundred linear feet
Fence, Wall or Berm¹	Optional (allows reduction in shrubs and buffer width by 50%)	Optional (allows reduction in shrubs and buffer width by 25%)
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles, mulch, or landscaping rock
¹Any fence, wall, or berm used to meet the requirements of this section shall meet the requirements of Section 4.4.9 or 4.4.10 and be a minimum of 6 feet and 90 percent opaque. Use of a fence, wall, or berm meeting these minimum requirements shall result in one performance point.

TABLE 4.8: TYPE 2 BUFFER YARDS
Criteria	Base Standard	Performance Standard (required in Corridor and River District Overlays)
Width	15 feet	20 feet
LARGE TREES	1 per 100 hundred linear feet	2 per 100 hundred linear feet
SMALL TREES	2 per 100 hundred linear feet	3 per 100 hundred linear feet
LARGE SHRUBS	15 per 100 hundred linear feet	20 per 100 hundred linear feet
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	10 per 100 hundred linear feet	15 per 100 hundred linear feet
Fence, Wall or Berm¹	Optional (allows reduction in shrubs and buffer width by 50%)	Optional (allows reduction in shrubs and buffer width by 25%)
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles, mulch, or landscaping rock
¹Any fence, wall, or berm used to meet the requirements of this section shall meet the requirements of Section 4.4.9 or 4.4.10 and be a minimum of 6 feet and 90 percent opaque. Use of a fence, wall, or berm meeting these minimum requirements shall result in one performance point.

TABLE 4.8: TYPE 2 BUFFER YARDS
Criteria	Base Standard	Performance Standard (required in Corridor and River District Overlays)
Width	15 feet	20 feet
LARGE TREES	1 per 100 hundred linear feet	2 per 100 hundred linear feet
SMALL TREES	2 per 100 hundred linear feet	3 per 100 hundred linear feet
LARGE SHRUBS	15 per 100 hundred linear feet	20 per 100 hundred linear feet
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	10 per 100 hundred linear feet	15 per 100 hundred linear feet
Fence, Wall or Berm¹	Optional (allows reduction in shrubs and buffer width by 50%)	Optional (allows reduction in shrubs and buffer width by 25%)
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles, mulch, or landscaping rock
¹Any fence, wall, or berm used to meet the requirements of this section shall meet the requirements of Section 4.4.9 or 4.4.10 and be a minimum of 6 feet and 90 percent opaque. Use of a fence, wall, or berm meeting these minimum requirements shall result in one performance point.

FIGURE 4.13: TYPE 2 BUFFER YARD EXAMPLES

*Base Standard*	*Performance Standard*

*Base Standard with Fence*	*Performance Standard with Fence*

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.4.3.3 Type 3 Buffer Yards: All Development within an Exclusive Industrial District (EID) Adjacent to All Other Zoning Districts

TABLE 4.9: TYPE 3 BUFFER YARDS
Criteria	Standard
Width	50 feet
LARGE TREES	4 per 100 hundred linear feet
SMALL TREES	5 per 100 hundred linear feet
LARGE SHRUBS	30 per 100 hundred linear feet
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	35 per 100 hundred linear feet
Fence, Wall or Berm¹	Optional (allows reduction in shrubs and buffer width by 25%)
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.
¹Any fence, wall, or berm used to meet the requirements of this section shall meet the requirements of Section 4.4.9 or 4.4.10 and be a minimum of 6 feet and 90 percent opaque. Use of a fence, wall, or berm meeting these minimum requirements shall result in one performance point.

TABLE 4.9: TYPE 3 BUFFER YARDS
Criteria	Standard
Width	50 feet
LARGE TREES	4 per 100 hundred linear feet
SMALL TREES	5 per 100 hundred linear feet
LARGE SHRUBS	30 per 100 hundred linear feet
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	35 per 100 hundred linear feet
Fence, Wall or Berm¹	Optional (allows reduction in shrubs and buffer width by 25%)
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.
¹Any fence, wall, or berm used to meet the requirements of this section shall meet the requirements of Section 4.4.9 or 4.4.10 and be a minimum of 6 feet and 90 percent opaque. Use of a fence, wall, or berm meeting these minimum requirements shall result in one performance point.

TABLE 4.9: TYPE 3 BUFFER YARDS
Criteria	Standard
Width	50 feet
LARGE TREES	4 per 100 hundred linear feet
SMALL TREES	5 per 100 hundred linear feet
LARGE SHRUBS	30 per 100 hundred linear feet
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	35 per 100 hundred linear feet
Fence, Wall or Berm¹	Optional (allows reduction in shrubs and buffer width by 25%)
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.
¹Any fence, wall, or berm used to meet the requirements of this section shall meet the requirements of Section 4.4.9 or 4.4.10 and be a minimum of 6 feet and 90 percent opaque. Use of a fence, wall, or berm meeting these minimum requirements shall result in one performance point.

TABLE 4.9: TYPE 3 BUFFER YARDS
Criteria	Standard
Width	50 feet
LARGE TREES	4 per 100 hundred linear feet
SMALL TREES	5 per 100 hundred linear feet
LARGE SHRUBS	30 per 100 hundred linear feet
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	35 per 100 hundred linear feet
Fence, Wall or Berm¹	Optional (allows reduction in shrubs and buffer width by 25%)
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.
¹Any fence, wall, or berm used to meet the requirements of this section shall meet the requirements of Section 4.4.9 or 4.4.10 and be a minimum of 6 feet and 90 percent opaque. Use of a fence, wall, or berm meeting these minimum requirements shall result in one performance point.

FIGURE 4.14: TYPE 3 BUFFER YARD EXAMPLES

*Minimum Standard*	*Minimum Standard with Fence*

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.4.4.1 Residential Development Street Yard

The street yard shall be installed along entire street frontage of the existing street from which the residential development takes access.

TABLE 4.10: RESIDENTIAL STREET YARD PERFORMANCE STANDARD
Criteria	Performance Standard
Width	10 feet
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.
Options-(choose a minimum of 3 to obtain 1 performance point)
Fence, Wall, or Berm	Fence, wall, or berm¹
LARGE TREES	NA
SMALL TREES	4 per 100 hundred linear feet
LARGE SHRUBS	10 per 100 hundred linear feet
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	20 per 100 hundred linear feet
¹Fences and walls shall meet the requirements of Section 4.4.9. Berms shall meet the requirements of Section 4.4.10.

TABLE 4.10: RESIDENTIAL STREET YARD PERFORMANCE STANDARD
Criteria	Performance Standard
Width	10 feet
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.
Options-(choose a minimum of 3 to obtain 1 performance point)
Fence, Wall, or Berm	Fence, wall, or berm¹
LARGE TREES	NA
SMALL TREES	4 per 100 hundred linear feet
LARGE SHRUBS	10 per 100 hundred linear feet
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	20 per 100 hundred linear feet
¹Fences and walls shall meet the requirements of Section 4.4.9. Berms shall meet the requirements of Section 4.4.10.

TABLE 4.10: RESIDENTIAL STREET YARD PERFORMANCE STANDARD
Criteria	Performance Standard
Width	10 feet
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.
Options-(choose a minimum of 3 to obtain 1 performance point)
Fence, Wall, or Berm	Fence, wall, or berm¹
LARGE TREES	NA
SMALL TREES	4 per 100 hundred linear feet
LARGE SHRUBS	10 per 100 hundred linear feet
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	20 per 100 hundred linear feet
¹Fences and walls shall meet the requirements of Section 4.4.9. Berms shall meet the requirements of Section 4.4.10.

TABLE 4.10: RESIDENTIAL STREET YARD PERFORMANCE STANDARD
Criteria	Performance Standard
Width	10 feet
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.
Options-(choose a minimum of 3 to obtain 1 performance point)
Fence, Wall, or Berm	Fence, wall, or berm¹
LARGE TREES	NA
SMALL TREES	4 per 100 hundred linear feet
LARGE SHRUBS	10 per 100 hundred linear feet
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	20 per 100 hundred linear feet
¹Fences and walls shall meet the requirements of Section 4.4.9. Berms shall meet the requirements of Section 4.4.10.

FIGURE 4.15: RESIDENTIAL STREET YARD EXAMPLE

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.4.4.2 Non-residential Development Street Yard

TABLE 4.11: NON-RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT STREET YARD STANDARDS
Criteria	Base Standard	C-O Performance Standard	RD-O Performance Standard
Width	5 feet	10 feet	10 feet
Fence or Wall¹	Optional (allows reduction in shrubs by 50%)	Optional (allows reduction in shrubs by 25%)	50% of the street frontage²
LARGE TREES	NA	NA	NA
SMALL TREES	2 per 100 hundred linear feet	3 per 100 hundred linear feet	5 per 100 hundred linear feet
LARGE SHRUBS	5 per 100 hundred linear feet	10 per 100 hundred linear feet	10 per 100 hundred linear feet
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	10 per 100 hundred linear feet	15 per 100 hundred linear feet	15 per 100 hundred linear feet
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.
Boulders	NA	NA	1 boulder per 50 linear feet²
¹Fences and walls shall meet the requirements of Section 4.4.9. Berms shall meet the requirements of Section 4.4.10 ²Either a fence or landscaping boulders shall be installed in the street yards of the River District Overlay. Boulders shall be a minimum of 3 feet in height and 3 feet in one other dimension (width or depth) and shall be maintained in natural format (ex. not painted) (see RD-O diagram under Figure 4.16).

TABLE 4.11: NON-RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT STREET YARD STANDARDS
Criteria	Base Standard	C-O Performance Standard	RD-O Performance Standard
Width	5 feet	10 feet	10 feet
Fence or Wall¹	Optional (allows reduction in shrubs by 50%)	Optional (allows reduction in shrubs by 25%)	50% of the street frontage²
LARGE TREES	NA	NA	NA
SMALL TREES	2 per 100 hundred linear feet	3 per 100 hundred linear feet	5 per 100 hundred linear feet
LARGE SHRUBS	5 per 100 hundred linear feet	10 per 100 hundred linear feet	10 per 100 hundred linear feet
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	10 per 100 hundred linear feet	15 per 100 hundred linear feet	15 per 100 hundred linear feet
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.
Boulders	NA	NA	1 boulder per 50 linear feet²
¹Fences and walls shall meet the requirements of Section 4.4.9. Berms shall meet the requirements of Section 4.4.10 ²Either a fence or landscaping boulders shall be installed in the street yards of the River District Overlay. Boulders shall be a minimum of 3 feet in height and 3 feet in one other dimension (width or depth) and shall be maintained in natural format (ex. not painted) (see RD-O diagram under Figure 4.16).

TABLE 4.11: NON-RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT STREET YARD STANDARDS
Criteria	Base Standard	C-O Performance Standard	RD-O Performance Standard
Width	5 feet	10 feet	10 feet
Fence or Wall¹	Optional (allows reduction in shrubs by 50%)	Optional (allows reduction in shrubs by 25%)	50% of the street frontage²
LARGE TREES	NA	NA	NA
SMALL TREES	2 per 100 hundred linear feet	3 per 100 hundred linear feet	5 per 100 hundred linear feet
LARGE SHRUBS	5 per 100 hundred linear feet	10 per 100 hundred linear feet	10 per 100 hundred linear feet
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	10 per 100 hundred linear feet	15 per 100 hundred linear feet	15 per 100 hundred linear feet
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.
Boulders	NA	NA	1 boulder per 50 linear feet²
¹Fences and walls shall meet the requirements of Section 4.4.9. Berms shall meet the requirements of Section 4.4.10 ²Either a fence or landscaping boulders shall be installed in the street yards of the River District Overlay. Boulders shall be a minimum of 3 feet in height and 3 feet in one other dimension (width or depth) and shall be maintained in natural format (ex. not painted) (see RD-O diagram under Figure 4.16).

TABLE 4.11: NON-RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT STREET YARD STANDARDS
Criteria	Base Standard	C-O Performance Standard	RD-O Performance Standard
Width	5 feet	10 feet	10 feet
Fence or Wall¹	Optional (allows reduction in shrubs by 50%)	Optional (allows reduction in shrubs by 25%)	50% of the street frontage²
LARGE TREES	NA	NA	NA
SMALL TREES	2 per 100 hundred linear feet	3 per 100 hundred linear feet	5 per 100 hundred linear feet
LARGE SHRUBS	5 per 100 hundred linear feet	10 per 100 hundred linear feet	10 per 100 hundred linear feet
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	10 per 100 hundred linear feet	15 per 100 hundred linear feet	15 per 100 hundred linear feet
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.
Boulders	NA	NA	1 boulder per 50 linear feet²
¹Fences and walls shall meet the requirements of Section 4.4.9. Berms shall meet the requirements of Section 4.4.10 ²Either a fence or landscaping boulders shall be installed in the street yards of the River District Overlay. Boulders shall be a minimum of 3 feet in height and 3 feet in one other dimension (width or depth) and shall be maintained in natural format (ex. not painted) (see RD-O diagram under Figure 4.16).

FIGURE 4.16: NON-RESIDENTIAL STREET YARD EXAMPLES

*Base Standard*

*Corridor Overlay Performance Standard*

*River District Overlay Performance Standard*


*Example Fence and Boulders*

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.4.5.1 Multi-family Residential Parking Lot Yard Standard

TABLE 4.12: MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL PARKING LOT YARD PERFORMANCE STANDARD
Criteria	Performance Standard
Landscaping Area	200 square feet
LARGE TREES	1 within 60 feet of every parking space
SMALL TREES	2 small trees replace 1 large tree if overhead utility lines conflict
LARGE SHRUBS	Optional
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	1 per parking space (may be located around parking lot perimeter within 10 feet of paving)
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.

TABLE 4.12: MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL PARKING LOT YARD PERFORMANCE STANDARD
Criteria	Performance Standard
Landscaping Area	200 square feet
LARGE TREES	1 within 60 feet of every parking space
SMALL TREES	2 small trees replace 1 large tree if overhead utility lines conflict
LARGE SHRUBS	Optional
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	1 per parking space (may be located around parking lot perimeter within 10 feet of paving)
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.

TABLE 4.12: MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL PARKING LOT YARD PERFORMANCE STANDARD
Criteria	Performance Standard
Landscaping Area	200 square feet
LARGE TREES	1 within 60 feet of every parking space
SMALL TREES	2 small trees replace 1 large tree if overhead utility lines conflict
LARGE SHRUBS	Optional
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	1 per parking space (may be located around parking lot perimeter within 10 feet of paving)
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.

TABLE 4.12: MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL PARKING LOT YARD PERFORMANCE STANDARD
Criteria	Performance Standard
Landscaping Area	200 square feet
LARGE TREES	1 within 60 feet of every parking space
SMALL TREES	2 small trees replace 1 large tree if overhead utility lines conflict
LARGE SHRUBS	Optional
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	1 per parking space (may be located around parking lot perimeter within 10 feet of paving)
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.

FIGURE 4.17: MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL PARKING LOT YARD DIAGRAM

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.4.5.2 Non-Residential Parking Lot Yard Standards

TABLE 4.13: NON-RESIDENTIAL PARKING LOT YARD STANDARDS
Criteria	Base Standard	C-O Performance Standard	RD-O Performance Standard
Landscaping Area	200 square feet	200 square feet	200 square feet
LARGE TREES	1 per 10 parking spaces (may be located around the perimeter within 10 feet of paving)	1 within 60 feet of every parking space	1 within 60 feet of every parking space
SMALL TREES	2 small trees replace 1 large tree if overhead utility lines conflict	2 small trees replace 1 large tree if overhead utility lines conflict	2 small trees replace 1 large tree if overhead utility lines conflict
LARGE SHRUBS	Optional	Optional	Optional
MEDIUM SHRUBS or SMALL SHRUBS	Optional	1 per parking space	1 per parking space
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4"depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element	Pine needles or wood chips to 4"depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element	Pine needles or wood chips to 4"depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element
Boulders¹	Optional	Optional	1 per 10 parking spaces
¹Landscaping boulders shall be a minimum of 3 feet in height and 3 feet in one other dimension (width or depth) and shall be maintained in natural format (ex. not painted). Each boulder allows the reduction in required shrubs at a rate of 3 shrubs per boulder. A minimum of 50 percent of required shrubs shall be retained.

TABLE 4.13: NON-RESIDENTIAL PARKING LOT YARD STANDARDS
Criteria	Base Standard	C-O Performance Standard	RD-O Performance Standard
Landscaping Area	200 square feet	200 square feet	200 square feet
LARGE TREES	1 per 10 parking spaces (may be located around the perimeter within 10 feet of paving)	1 within 60 feet of every parking space	1 within 60 feet of every parking space
SMALL TREES	2 small trees replace 1 large tree if overhead utility lines conflict	2 small trees replace 1 large tree if overhead utility lines conflict	2 small trees replace 1 large tree if overhead utility lines conflict
LARGE SHRUBS	Optional	Optional	Optional
MEDIUM SHRUBS or SMALL SHRUBS	Optional	1 per parking space	1 per parking space
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4"depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element	Pine needles or wood chips to 4"depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element	Pine needles or wood chips to 4"depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element
Boulders¹	Optional	Optional	1 per 10 parking spaces
¹Landscaping boulders shall be a minimum of 3 feet in height and 3 feet in one other dimension (width or depth) and shall be maintained in natural format (ex. not painted). Each boulder allows the reduction in required shrubs at a rate of 3 shrubs per boulder. A minimum of 50 percent of required shrubs shall be retained.

TABLE 4.13: NON-RESIDENTIAL PARKING LOT YARD STANDARDS
Criteria	Base Standard	C-O Performance Standard	RD-O Performance Standard
Landscaping Area	200 square feet	200 square feet	200 square feet
LARGE TREES	1 per 10 parking spaces (may be located around the perimeter within 10 feet of paving)	1 within 60 feet of every parking space	1 within 60 feet of every parking space
SMALL TREES	2 small trees replace 1 large tree if overhead utility lines conflict	2 small trees replace 1 large tree if overhead utility lines conflict	2 small trees replace 1 large tree if overhead utility lines conflict
LARGE SHRUBS	Optional	Optional	Optional
MEDIUM SHRUBS or SMALL SHRUBS	Optional	1 per parking space	1 per parking space
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4"depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element	Pine needles or wood chips to 4"depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element	Pine needles or wood chips to 4"depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element
Boulders¹	Optional	Optional	1 per 10 parking spaces
¹Landscaping boulders shall be a minimum of 3 feet in height and 3 feet in one other dimension (width or depth) and shall be maintained in natural format (ex. not painted). Each boulder allows the reduction in required shrubs at a rate of 3 shrubs per boulder. A minimum of 50 percent of required shrubs shall be retained.

TABLE 4.13: NON-RESIDENTIAL PARKING LOT YARD STANDARDS
Criteria	Base Standard	C-O Performance Standard	RD-O Performance Standard
Landscaping Area	200 square feet	200 square feet	200 square feet
LARGE TREES	1 per 10 parking spaces (may be located around the perimeter within 10 feet of paving)	1 within 60 feet of every parking space	1 within 60 feet of every parking space
SMALL TREES	2 small trees replace 1 large tree if overhead utility lines conflict	2 small trees replace 1 large tree if overhead utility lines conflict	2 small trees replace 1 large tree if overhead utility lines conflict
LARGE SHRUBS	Optional	Optional	Optional
MEDIUM SHRUBS or SMALL SHRUBS	Optional	1 per parking space	1 per parking space
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4"depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element	Pine needles or wood chips to 4"depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element	Pine needles or wood chips to 4"depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element
Boulders¹	Optional	Optional	1 per 10 parking spaces
¹Landscaping boulders shall be a minimum of 3 feet in height and 3 feet in one other dimension (width or depth) and shall be maintained in natural format (ex. not painted). Each boulder allows the reduction in required shrubs at a rate of 3 shrubs per boulder. A minimum of 50 percent of required shrubs shall be retained.

FIGURE 4.18: NON-RESIDENTIAL PARKING LOT YARD EXAMPLES

*Base Standard*

*Corridor Overlay Performance Standard*


*River District Overlay Performance Standard*

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.4.6.1 Multi-family Residential Building Yard Performance Standard

Meeting this standard will result in one (1) performance point.

TABLE 4.14: MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL BUILDING YARD PERFORMANCE STANDARD
Criteria	Performance Standard
Width	8 feet
SMALL TREES	1 per 50 linear feet of building yard
LARGE SHRUBS	Optional
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	4 per 10 linear feet of building yard
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.

TABLE 4.14: MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL BUILDING YARD PERFORMANCE STANDARD
Criteria	Performance Standard
Width	8 feet
SMALL TREES	1 per 50 linear feet of building yard
LARGE SHRUBS	Optional
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	4 per 10 linear feet of building yard
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.

TABLE 4.14: MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL BUILDING YARD PERFORMANCE STANDARD
Criteria	Performance Standard
Width	8 feet
SMALL TREES	1 per 50 linear feet of building yard
LARGE SHRUBS	Optional
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	4 per 10 linear feet of building yard
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.

TABLE 4.14: MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL BUILDING YARD PERFORMANCE STANDARD
Criteria	Performance Standard
Width	8 feet
SMALL TREES	1 per 50 linear feet of building yard
LARGE SHRUBS	Optional
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	4 per 10 linear feet of building yard
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.

FIGURE 4.19: Multi-family Residential Building Yard Performance Standard Diagram

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.4.6.2 Non-residential Building Yard Standards

TABLE 4.15: NON-RESIDENTIAL BUILDING YARD STANDARDS
Criteria	BASE STANDARD			PERFORMANCE STANDARD
	Total Building Area			Total Building Area
	Less than 20,000 square feet	20,000-60,000 square feet	Greater than 60,000 square feet	Less than 20,000 square feet	20,000-60,000 square feet	Greater than 60,000 square feet
Width	3 feet	5 feet	8 feet	5 feet	8 feet	10 feet
SMALL TREES	N/A	N/A	1 per 50 linear feet of building yard	N/A	1 per 50 linear feet of building yard	2 per 50 linear feet of building yard
Shrubs	2 per 10 linear feet of building yard	3 per 10 linear feet of building yard	4 per 10 linear feet of building yard	3 per 10 linear feet of building yard	5 per 10 linear feet of building yard	7 per 10 linear feet of building yard
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.
Boulders¹	Optional	Optional	Optional	Optional	1 per 50 linear feet of building yard	1 per 50 linear feet of building yard
¹Landscaping boulders shall be a minimum of 3 feet in height and 3 feet in one other dimension (width or depth) and shall be maintained in natural format (ex. not painted). Each boulder allows the reduction in required shrubs at a rate of 3 shrubs per boulder. A minimum of 50 percent of required shrubs shall be retained.

TABLE 4.15: NON-RESIDENTIAL BUILDING YARD STANDARDS
Criteria	BASE STANDARD			PERFORMANCE STANDARD
	Total Building Area			Total Building Area
	Less than 20,000 square feet	20,000-60,000 square feet	Greater than 60,000 square feet	Less than 20,000 square feet	20,000-60,000 square feet	Greater than 60,000 square feet
Width	3 feet	5 feet	8 feet	5 feet	8 feet	10 feet
SMALL TREES	N/A	N/A	1 per 50 linear feet of building yard	N/A	1 per 50 linear feet of building yard	2 per 50 linear feet of building yard
Shrubs	2 per 10 linear feet of building yard	3 per 10 linear feet of building yard	4 per 10 linear feet of building yard	3 per 10 linear feet of building yard	5 per 10 linear feet of building yard	7 per 10 linear feet of building yard
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.
Boulders¹	Optional	Optional	Optional	Optional	1 per 50 linear feet of building yard	1 per 50 linear feet of building yard
¹Landscaping boulders shall be a minimum of 3 feet in height and 3 feet in one other dimension (width or depth) and shall be maintained in natural format (ex. not painted). Each boulder allows the reduction in required shrubs at a rate of 3 shrubs per boulder. A minimum of 50 percent of required shrubs shall be retained.

TABLE 4.15: NON-RESIDENTIAL BUILDING YARD STANDARDS
Criteria	BASE STANDARD			PERFORMANCE STANDARD
	Total Building Area			Total Building Area
	Less than 20,000 square feet	20,000-60,000 square feet	Greater than 60,000 square feet	Less than 20,000 square feet	20,000-60,000 square feet	Greater than 60,000 square feet
Width	3 feet	5 feet	8 feet	5 feet	8 feet	10 feet
SMALL TREES	N/A	N/A	1 per 50 linear feet of building yard	N/A	1 per 50 linear feet of building yard	2 per 50 linear feet of building yard
Shrubs	2 per 10 linear feet of building yard	3 per 10 linear feet of building yard	4 per 10 linear feet of building yard	3 per 10 linear feet of building yard	5 per 10 linear feet of building yard	7 per 10 linear feet of building yard
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.
Boulders¹	Optional	Optional	Optional	Optional	1 per 50 linear feet of building yard	1 per 50 linear feet of building yard
¹Landscaping boulders shall be a minimum of 3 feet in height and 3 feet in one other dimension (width or depth) and shall be maintained in natural format (ex. not painted). Each boulder allows the reduction in required shrubs at a rate of 3 shrubs per boulder. A minimum of 50 percent of required shrubs shall be retained.

TABLE 4.15: NON-RESIDENTIAL BUILDING YARD STANDARDS
Criteria	BASE STANDARD			PERFORMANCE STANDARD
	Total Building Area			Total Building Area
	Less than 20,000 square feet	20,000-60,000 square feet	Greater than 60,000 square feet	Less than 20,000 square feet	20,000-60,000 square feet	Greater than 60,000 square feet
Width	3 feet	5 feet	8 feet	5 feet	8 feet	10 feet
SMALL TREES	N/A	N/A	1 per 50 linear feet of building yard	N/A	1 per 50 linear feet of building yard	2 per 50 linear feet of building yard
Shrubs	2 per 10 linear feet of building yard	3 per 10 linear feet of building yard	4 per 10 linear feet of building yard	3 per 10 linear feet of building yard	5 per 10 linear feet of building yard	7 per 10 linear feet of building yard
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.
Boulders¹	Optional	Optional	Optional	Optional	1 per 50 linear feet of building yard	1 per 50 linear feet of building yard
¹Landscaping boulders shall be a minimum of 3 feet in height and 3 feet in one other dimension (width or depth) and shall be maintained in natural format (ex. not painted). Each boulder allows the reduction in required shrubs at a rate of 3 shrubs per boulder. A minimum of 50 percent of required shrubs shall be retained.

FIGURE 4.20: NON-RESIDENTIAL BUILDING YARD EXAMPLE

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.4.6.3 EID Building Yard Standard

In lieu of the non-residential building yard standard, any development in the EID zoning district may install at a minimum one (1) large tree for each 5,000 square feet of building coverage. These large trees shall be distributed throughout the project site and are in addition to any required buffer yards, street yards, parking lot yards, and screening yards.

FIGURE 4.21: EID BUILDING YARD EXAMPLE

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.4.8.1 Multi-family Residential Performance Standards

Multi- family residential yards are not required in CBD due to front setback requirements; therefore multi-family residential developments in the CBD district shall automatically receive one (1) performance point in lieu of residential yards.

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4

4.4.8.2 Single-family and Two-family Residential Performance Standards

A.
The intent of the Residential Yard is to replace some of the trees removed during the grading process and establish a residential tree canopy and to provide a building yard transition between the street and structure.
B.
Residential yard trees and shrubs may be placed anywhere on the property except that at least one (1) tree is placed in the front yard.
C.
Trees and shrubs shall be planted outside of the public right-of-way. Maintenance of the trees and shrubs may be the responsibility of the individual property owner. Vegetation may be selected from the approved plant list in The Landscape Manual. The use of existing vegetation to satisfy the large tree standard is encouraged.
D.
Meeting this standard will result in one (1) performance point.

TABLE 4.16: SINGLE- FAMILY RESIDENTIAL YARD PERFORMANCE STANDARD
Criteria	Minimum Performance Standard¹
LARGE TREES	1 per 20 linear feet of building width
SMALL TREES	Optional
LARGE SHRUBS	Optional
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	2 per 20 linear feet of building width
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element
¹Multi-family residential developments in the CBD district shall automatically receive a performance point for residential yards

TABLE 4.16: SINGLE- FAMILY RESIDENTIAL YARD PERFORMANCE STANDARD
Criteria	Minimum Performance Standard¹
LARGE TREES	1 per 20 linear feet of building width
SMALL TREES	Optional
LARGE SHRUBS	Optional
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	2 per 20 linear feet of building width
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element
¹Multi-family residential developments in the CBD district shall automatically receive a performance point for residential yards

TABLE 4.16: SINGLE- FAMILY RESIDENTIAL YARD PERFORMANCE STANDARD
Criteria	Minimum Performance Standard¹
LARGE TREES	1 per 20 linear feet of building width
SMALL TREES	Optional
LARGE SHRUBS	Optional
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	2 per 20 linear feet of building width
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element
¹Multi-family residential developments in the CBD district shall automatically receive a performance point for residential yards

TABLE 4.16: SINGLE- FAMILY RESIDENTIAL YARD PERFORMANCE STANDARD
Criteria	Minimum Performance Standard¹
LARGE TREES	1 per 20 linear feet of building width
SMALL TREES	Optional
LARGE SHRUBS	Optional
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	2 per 20 linear feet of building width
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element
¹Multi-family residential developments in the CBD district shall automatically receive a performance point for residential yards

FIGURE 4.21: RESIDENTIAL YARD EXAMPLE

(There are no ordinances associated with this section.)

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.4.9.1 General Requirements

Unless otherwise specified within this Ordinance, fences and walls shall be exempt from setback and yard requirements. Fences may be located up to the property line, but shall not be located in any right-of-way or sight-triangle. For streets without a right-of-way, fences shall be located a minimum of 10 feet from the edge of pavement. Fences may be located closer than 10 feet to the edge of pavement if there is an existing retaining structure, as long as the fence is no closer to the pavement than the existing retaining structure.

Fences and walls not maintained in a safe manner or good order through neglect, lack of repair, manner of construction, method of placement, or otherwise deemed unsafe by the City shall be repaired, replaced, or removed.

Fences and walls shall not contain advertising, signs, logos or other lettering

Where a fence or wall is used as part of required screening, the side of the fence or wall facing the adjacent property shall be a finished face; double -faced fences and walls are encouraged.

Fences and walls shall be installed and maintained so as not to interfere with the sight distance in parking areas, driveways, and at street intersections.

Nothing in this subsection shall preclude the installation of temporary fences around construction works, erected or maintained pursuant to the NC Building Code or Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control Act requirements.

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.4.9.2 Height and Materials

All new fences and walls shall meet the height and material requirements in the table below. The requirement of this subsection shall not apply to bona fide farms.

TABLE 4.17: FENCE AND WALL STANDARDS
Criteria	NC-O District		LID, MID, HID, CBD and SID Districts		EID District
Criteria	Front Yards	Side & Rear Yards	Front Yards	Side & Rear Yards	Front Yards	Side & Rear Yards
Max. Height¹	5 feet	6 feet	5 feet	8 feet	6 feet	8 feet
Permitted Materials	brick stone stucco or EIFS vinyl wood or composite wood wrought iron or similar aluminum	brick chain link stone stucco or EIFS vinyl wood wrought iron or similar aluminum	brick stone vinyl vinyl coated chain link² wood or composite wood wrought iron or similar aluminum	brick chain link split-face concrete block stone stucco or EIFS vinyl wood or composite wood wrought iron or similar aluminum	brick stone vinyl vinyl coated chain link² wrought iron or similar aluminum	brick chain link standard or split-face concrete block stone vinyl wood or composite wood wrought iron or similar aluminum
¹ Unless a higher fence exists on a common property line of an adjacent lot, in which case the proposed fence can be no higher than that fence. Retaining walls built to State Building Code are exempt from the maximum height requirements. The capital of a fence post or column may extend up to two feet above the maximum height. For fencing screening utility sites, mining and quarrying operations, or correctional facilities in any district, height of fencing on all sides may be 8 feet for security purposes. ² Chain link fences are not permitted in the front yard of any property located within the Corridor and River District Overlays, except for vinyl coated chain link fences for utility sites, mining and quarrying operations, or correctional facilities. (See 4.4.9.2 Height and Materials for more information)

TABLE 4.17: FENCE AND WALL STANDARDS
Criteria	NC-O District		LID, MID, HID, CBD and SID Districts		EID District
Criteria	Front Yards	Side & Rear Yards	Front Yards	Side & Rear Yards	Front Yards	Side & Rear Yards
Max. Height¹	5 feet	6 feet	5 feet	8 feet	6 feet	8 feet
Permitted Materials	brick stone stucco or EIFS vinyl wood or composite wood wrought iron or similar aluminum	brick chain link stone stucco or EIFS vinyl wood wrought iron or similar aluminum	brick stone vinyl vinyl coated chain link² wood or composite wood wrought iron or similar aluminum	brick chain link split-face concrete block stone stucco or EIFS vinyl wood or composite wood wrought iron or similar aluminum	brick stone vinyl vinyl coated chain link² wrought iron or similar aluminum	brick chain link standard or split-face concrete block stone vinyl wood or composite wood wrought iron or similar aluminum
¹ Unless a higher fence exists on a common property line of an adjacent lot, in which case the proposed fence can be no higher than that fence. Retaining walls built to State Building Code are exempt from the maximum height requirements. The capital of a fence post or column may extend up to two feet above the maximum height. For fencing screening utility sites, mining and quarrying operations, or correctional facilities in any district, height of fencing on all sides may be 8 feet for security purposes. ² Chain link fences are not permitted in the front yard of any property located within the Corridor and River District Overlays, except for vinyl coated chain link fences for utility sites, mining and quarrying operations, or correctional facilities. (See 4.4.9.2 Height and Materials for more information)

TABLE 4.17: FENCE AND WALL STANDARDS
Criteria	NC-O District		LID, MID, HID, CBD and SID Districts		EID District
Criteria	Front Yards	Side & Rear Yards	Front Yards	Side & Rear Yards	Front Yards	Side & Rear Yards
Max. Height¹	5 feet	6 feet	5 feet	8 feet	6 feet	8 feet
Permitted Materials	brick stone stucco or EIFS vinyl wood or composite wood wrought iron or similar aluminum	brick chain link stone stucco or EIFS vinyl wood wrought iron or similar aluminum	brick stone vinyl vinyl coated chain link² wood or composite wood wrought iron or similar aluminum	brick chain link split-face concrete block stone stucco or EIFS vinyl wood or composite wood wrought iron or similar aluminum	brick stone vinyl vinyl coated chain link² wrought iron or similar aluminum	brick chain link standard or split-face concrete block stone vinyl wood or composite wood wrought iron or similar aluminum
¹ Unless a higher fence exists on a common property line of an adjacent lot, in which case the proposed fence can be no higher than that fence. Retaining walls built to State Building Code are exempt from the maximum height requirements. The capital of a fence post or column may extend up to two feet above the maximum height. For fencing screening utility sites, mining and quarrying operations, or correctional facilities in any district, height of fencing on all sides may be 8 feet for security purposes. ² Chain link fences are not permitted in the front yard of any property located within the Corridor and River District Overlays, except for vinyl coated chain link fences for utility sites, mining and quarrying operations, or correctional facilities. (See 4.4.9.2 Height and Materials for more information)

TABLE 4.17: FENCE AND WALL STANDARDS
Criteria	NC-O District		LID, MID, HID, CBD and SID Districts		EID District
Criteria	Front Yards	Side & Rear Yards	Front Yards	Side & Rear Yards	Front Yards	Side & Rear Yards
Max. Height¹	5 feet	6 feet	5 feet	8 feet	6 feet	8 feet
Permitted Materials	brick stone stucco or EIFS vinyl wood or composite wood wrought iron or similar aluminum	brick chain link stone stucco or EIFS vinyl wood wrought iron or similar aluminum	brick stone vinyl vinyl coated chain link² wood or composite wood wrought iron or similar aluminum	brick chain link split-face concrete block stone stucco or EIFS vinyl wood or composite wood wrought iron or similar aluminum	brick stone vinyl vinyl coated chain link² wrought iron or similar aluminum	brick chain link standard or split-face concrete block stone vinyl wood or composite wood wrought iron or similar aluminum
¹ Unless a higher fence exists on a common property line of an adjacent lot, in which case the proposed fence can be no higher than that fence. Retaining walls built to State Building Code are exempt from the maximum height requirements. The capital of a fence post or column may extend up to two feet above the maximum height. For fencing screening utility sites, mining and quarrying operations, or correctional facilities in any district, height of fencing on all sides may be 8 feet for security purposes. ² Chain link fences are not permitted in the front yard of any property located within the Corridor and River District Overlays, except for vinyl coated chain link fences for utility sites, mining and quarrying operations, or correctional facilities. (See 4.4.9.2 Height and Materials for more information)

(Ord. No. 21-37, 09/13/2021)

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.4.9.3 Design

Materials may include a combination of the listed permitted materials for each fence type. Fences shall be constructed of materials manufactured and sold as fencing materials. Wood palettes, tires, pipes, and similar items shall not be used as fencing materials.

In addition to the requirements of this Section, front yard fences in the Corridor and River District Overlays shall meet the street yard design requirements of Section 4.4.4.

Front yard fences shall not be opaque and shall be at least 50 percent transparent.

The finished side of the fence shall be installed facing the street right-of-way and adjacent properties.

Chain link fences for non-residential and multi-family residential uses shall be supplemented with landscaping to the outside of the fence at a minimum rate of one (1) large shrub per five (5) linear feet. Chain link fence with slats shall not be used to meet screening requirements.

Barbed wire on top of chain link fences is permitted for rear yard fences not visible from a street in the EID district only.

Fences and walls shall be compatible in design and material of the buildings on the property.

No fence or wall which will block or materially impede the flow of stormwater runoff shall be constructed within a storm drainage easement.

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.5.5.1 Nature Preserve

Open spaces designated as nature preserves shall be left largely undisturbed except for the optional clearing of underbrush for the provision of a walking trail. Nature preserves are the encouraged open space type for floodways; flood fringe areas (100-year floodplain); stream buffers as required by the Watershed Protection Ordinance or Phase II Stormwater Ordinance; slopes of greater than 25 percent; jurisdictional wetlands under federal law (Clean Water Act, Section 404) that meet the definition applied by the US Army Corps of Engineers; tree conservation areas; individual existing healthy trees greater than 10 inches DBH and their critical root zones; habitat for federal or state endangered or threatened species; and scenic viewsheds such as ridge lines, field borders, meadows, fields, river views, natural woodlands that can be seen from roadways.

EXAMPLES OF NATURE PRESERVES

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.5.5.2 Greenway

Greenways are large, irregular open spaces designed to incorporate natural settings such as creeks and significant stands of trees within and between neighborhoods. Greenways connect points of interest in a community such as schools, parks, and other civic uses. Greenways are typically more natural and may contain irregular topography. Greenways shall be used for, at a minimum, trails for walking, jogging, and biking. Greenways, as designated on adopted City and County plans provide for walking, jogging, and biking connecting points of interest in the community such as schools parks and other civic uses.

EXAMPLES OF GREENWAYS

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.5.5.3 Greenbelt

Greenbelts run along the perimeter of a neighborhood, and serve to buffer a neighborhood from surrounding non-compatible uses such as a highway corridor or industrial district, or a developed area from agricultural areas or adjacent communities. Greenbelts are wider and provide more existing natural vegetation than any buffer yard required as part of Section 4.4.3. Greenbelts differ from the other types of open spaces in that they are left natural, and are not intended for recreational use.

EXAMPLES OF GREENBELTS

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.5.5.4 Agricultural Preserve

Open spaces designated as agricultural preserves shall be used for active farming in the form of crop cultivation, the keeping of livestock, or equestrian facilities. Agricultural preserves are encouraged to protect areas of agricultural and rural heritage and promote compatible active agricultural operations.

EXAMPLES OF AGRICULTURAL PRESERVES

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.5.5.5 Recreational Amenity Center

Recreational amenity centers are intended for active recreational use and may include swimming pools, splash pads, tennis courts and similar uses. Recreational amenity centers shall be centrally located to the residences that they serve.

EXAMPLES OF RECREATIONAL AMENITY CENTERS

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.5.5.6 Playground

Playgrounds are for active recreational use and provide sunny and shaded play equipment and play areas for children as well as open shelter with benches. Playgrounds may be part of other types of open space, such as parks or recreational amenity centers, or may stand alone.

EXAMPLES OF PLAYGROUNDS

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.5.5.7 Square or Green

Squares or greens are primarily intended for passive recreational use and may have monuments, pavilions, sitting areas. Squares or greens shall be bounded by streets on a minimum of 50 percent of their perimeter. Squares or greens are encouraged to be entirely bounded by streets and/or lanes. Squares and greens shall be planted parallel to all streets and shall contain canopy trees along street frontages.

EXAMPLES OF SQUARES

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.5.5.8 Park

Parks may be designed for passive and/or active recreational use. Parks shall be bounded by streets on a minimum of 10 percent of their perimeter. Large parks should create a central open space which services an entire neighborhood or group of neighborhoods; or incorporates physical features which are an asset to the community (i.e. lake or river frontage, high ground, significant stands of trees). Undergrowth should be limited and landscaping shall be installed in a manner that promotes attractiveness and safety. Parks may be combined with greenways and greenbelts and may include golf courses and community gardens.

EXAMPLES OF PARKS

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.7.3.1 Compliance with Subdivision Ordinance

All new streets shall, at a minimum, meet the requirements set forth in the Subdivision Ordinance.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.7.3.2 Street Connectivity for Residential Development

Residential developments that meet the connectivity ratio set forth in this subsection are eligible receive one (1) performance point. The minimum connectivity ratio to receive this performance point is 1.40 (see example below). The phrase “connectivity ratio” means the number of street links divided by the number of nodes or link ends, including cul-de-sac heads. A “link” means and refers to that portion of a street defined by a node at each end or at one (1) end. Approved stubs to adjacent property shall be considered links. However, alleys shall not be considered links. A “node” refers to the terminus of a street or the intersection of two (2) or more streets, except that intersections that use a roundabout shall not be counted as a node. For purposes of this subsection, the street links and nodes within the collector or thoroughfare streets providing access to a proposed development shall not be considered in computing the connectivity ratio.

FIGURE 4.29: PERFORMANCE CONNECTIVITY RATIO

Example 1: Development does not meet ratio (12 links/10 nodes=1.20 ratio)	Example 2: Same development modified to meet Ratio (14 links/9 nodes=1.55 ratio)

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.7.4.1 Sidewalks for Residential Development

The installation of sidewalks on one side of all public streets within a residential development shall receive one (1) performance point. The installation of sidewalks on both sides of all public streets within a residential development shall receive two (2) performance points. A minimum four (4) foot planting strip shall be located between the sidewalk and the street (back of curb). The planting strip shall be planted with grass. Sidewalks shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of the City of Morganton Engineering Standards and Specifications.

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.7.4.2 Sidewalks for Non-residential Development

The installation of sidewalk along all street frontage for a development is required within the Corridor and River District Overlays. The installation of sidewalks on one side of all public street within a non-residential development shall receive one (1) performance point. The installation of sidewalks on both sides of all public streets within a non- residential development shall receive two (2) performance points. A minimum six (6) foot planting strip shall be located between the sidewalk and the street (back of curb). The planting strip shall be planted with grass. Sidewalks shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of the City of Morganton Engineering Standards and Specifications.

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.7.4.3 Payments In Lieu

In lieu of installation or construction of the required sidewalk or sidewalks as described above, an owner, sub-divider, or other developer may, with the approval of the City’s Department of Development and Design Services, pay to the City an amount determined by multiplying the linear footage of the required sidewalk by the current estimated cost per foot of sidewalk, less any grading costs, as may be computed by the Department of Development and Design Services. Such funds shall be set aside by the City to be used to build sidewalks in areas that would better serve the neighborhood or area adjoining or near to the subject property, so that the City’s system of sidewalks may be extended in an orderly manner and may be tied together by logical extensions. Payments in lieu shall be treated the same as construction of a sidewalk for the purpose of performance standard points.

(Ord. No. 19-53, 12/02/2019)

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.7.5.1 Applicability

Parking areas, sidewalks, and building entrances shall be lighted in order to contribute to the security of the property and to facilitate the safe passage of persons using these areas after dark. However, measures shall be provided to minimize light spillover onto adjacent properties and glare toward motor vehicle operators.

The following types of lighting shall be exempt from the standards of this Section:

1.
Underwater lighting used for the illumination of swimming pools and fountains;
2.
The lighting of governmental flags;
3.
Lighting used for nighttime street and utility construction and repair shall not be subject to these lighting standards, but shall comply with the street lighting policy of the City;
4.
Lighting used for agricultural purposes or in conjunction with a bona fide farm operation, except that such lighting shall be designed and sited to prevent light trespass onto public streets or adjacent occupied lots;
5.
Emergency lighting, used by police, firefighting, or medical personnel, or at their direction for as long as the emergency exists; and
6.
Lighting attached to or associated with single-family and two-family residential structures customarily used for security and safety, provided that light does not cause light trespass or glare onto adjacent properties.

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.7.5.2 General Lighting Requirements

Lighting design shall be coordinated throughout a development site.

All light fixtures shall be located, aimed or shielded so as to minimize stray light trespassing across property boundaries and be directed in a way so as not to jeopardize traffic safety. All lights shall be full cut-off angled at 45 degrees or less to vertical.

Lighting within public rights-of-way shall be installed in accordance with the City of Morganton Engineering Standards and Specifications and Duke Energy requirements.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.7.5.3 Prohibited Lighting

Flashing, colored or obtrusive lighting.

Flood or spot lamps aimed higher than forty-five degrees above straight down (half-way between straight down and straight to the side).

Non-shielded wall packs

The use of laser source light or any similar high intensity light for outdoor advertising or entertainment, when projected above the horizontal.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.7.5.4 Lighting Height

No freestanding light poles shall exceed a maximum of 30 feet mounting height except that sports facility lighting shall not be limited but shall be the minimum necessary to provide proper illumination of the active play area and surrounding spectator areas.

All light fixtures attached to building walls shall be placed at the minimum height necessary to achieve their purpose.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.7.5.5 Lighting Maintenance

All light fixtures that are required to be shielded shall be installed and maintained in such a manner that the shielding is effective as required.

Anything other than routine servicing and same-type lamp replacement of any exterior lighting shall require City approval prior to installation.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.7.5.6 Residential Development Lighting Performance Standards

Residential developments that have decorative pedestrian-scale lighting installed along all streets shall receive one performance point. Pedestrian-scale lighting shall be 10-15 feet tall.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.5.1 Multi-family Residential Performance Standards

Wall Materials (one performance point)

1.
Exterior wall materials shall be wood, fiber cement board, brick, stone, vinyl, or similar materials.
2.
A minimum of two (2) materials shall be mixed on all facades, and a minimum of 50 percent of all facades shall be brick, stone, or a material similar in appearance and durability. Brick, stone or similar heavy materials shall be located below lighter materials such as wood or vinyl.


*Mostly brick and stone with vinyl accents*	*All vinyl siding*

B.
Roofs (one performance point)
1. 1.
  Roof materials shall be asphalt shingles, wood shakes, standing seam metal, slate, tile, or similar materials.
2. 2.
  Pitched roofs for one-story buildings shall have a slope of between 4:12 and 8:12. Pitched roofs for one-and-a-half (1 ½) or multiple story buildings shall have a slope of between 6:12 and 12:12.
3. 3.
  Flat roofs shall have a parapet wall with a decorative cap or cornice.
4. 4.
  Architectural elements such as height variations, gables, dormers, cupolas, towers, and other similar elements shall be incorporated into the roof design at a minimum of every 25 linear feet on all facades.
5. 5.
  Roofs shall be in scale with the building and shall have an overhang of six (6) inches or more to facilitate proper water run-off.


*Proportional roof with variation and overhang*	*Shallow roof with no variation or side overhang*

*Flat roof with decorative parapet and variation*	*Flat roof with no decorative parapet or variation*

C.
Garages (one performance point)
1. 1.
  Garages shall not be located on the primary/front façade.
2. 2.
  All garages shall be located on alleys or parking courtyards to the rear or interior of the building or building block.


*Alley-loaded garages*	*Front-loaded garages*

D.
Façade Articulation (one performance point)
1. 1.
  Façade articulation in the form of gables, projections, recesses, and/or porches or balconies of a minimum of three (3) feet in depth shall be located a minimum of every 25 feet along the all facades.
2. 2.
  Exterior stairs and open circulation corridors shall not be located on the front façade.


*Façade articulation with recesses and projections*	*No façade articulation*

*Interior stairs and circulation corridors*	*Exterior stairs and circulation corridors*

E.
Porches and Balconies (one performance point)
1. 1.
  Porches or balconies a minimum of eight (8) feet wide and four (4) feet deep shall be incorporated on the front façade for a minimum of 50% of the dwellings on the front facade.


*With porches and balconies*	*No porches or balconies*

F.
Windows (one performance point)
1. 1.
  A minimum of 25 percent of the primary façade and 20 percent of all secondary facades shall be composed of window area.
2. 2.
  Windows shall follow a regular rhythm and be aligned on and between floors.


*Adequate windows with regular rhythm and alignment*	*Few windows with no regular rhythm and alignment*

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.8.5.2 Single-family and Two-family Residential Performance Standards

For newly subdivided lots utilizing performance standards to achieve altered dimensional standards (such as smaller lot sizes and/or smaller lot widths) a covenant shall be recorded requiring structures built on the lots to adhere to single-family and two-family residential performance standard requirements for building design as applicable at the time of development.

A.
Wall Materials (one performance point)
1. 1.
  Exterior wall materials shall be wood, fiber cement board, brick, stone, vinyl, or similar materials.
2. 2.
  A minimum of two (2) materials shall be mixed on the front and corner side facades, and a minimum of 50 percent of the front and corner side facades shall be brick, stone, or a material similar in appearance and durability. Brick, stone or similar heavy materials shall be located below lighter materials such as wood or vinyl.
3. 3.
  The front wall shall incorporate at least 25 percent of the primary material used on the side walls of the building.


*Fifty percent stone*	*All vinyl siding*

B.
Roofs (one performance point)
1. 1.
  Roof materials shall be asphalt shingles, wood shakes, standing seam metal, slate, tile, or similar materials.
2. 2.
  The primary roof of a single-family residential building shall be pitched. Pitched roofs for one-story buildings shall have a slope of between 4:12 and 8:12. Pitched roofs for one-and-a-half (1 ½) or multiple story buildings shall have a slope of between 6:12 and 12:12. Secondary roofs may be flat and shall have a parapet wall with a decorative cap or cornice.
3. 3.
  Architectural elements such as height variations, gables, dormers, cupolas, towers, and other similar elements shall be incorporated into the roof design at a minimum of every 25 linear feet on the primary/front façade.
4. 4.
  Roofs shall be in scale with the building and shall have an overhang of six (6) inches or more to facilitate proper water run-off.


*Height variation and dormers*	*Large expanse of roof without variation*

More than 6-inch Gable Overhang	No Gable Overhang

C.
Garages (one performance point)
1. 1.
  Front-loaded garages shall not have visual prominence on the front façade and shall not compose more than 40 percent of the total length of the front elevation.
2. 2.
  Front-loaded garages and carports shall be flush with or recessed behind the front wall plane that contains the primary entrance to the dwelling facing the primary street frontage.
3. 3.
  Garages and carports shall be set back a minimum of 20 feet from a public street right-of-way.
4. 4.
  Attached garages for more than two (2) cars shall not face the primary street. Garages on corner lots may face the non-fronting street.
5. 5.
  The maximum width for individual garage door shall be 12 feet.


*Recessed garage with individual doors*	*Prominent garage with door exceeding 12 feet*

*Side-loaded three-car Garage*	*Front-loaded three-car Garage with door exceeding 12 feet*

D.
Façade Articulation (one performance point)
1. 1.
  Façade articulation in the form of gables, projections, recesses, and/or porches of a minimum of three (3) feet in depth shall be located a minimum of every 25 feet along the front and corner side façades.
2. 2.
  Two-family (duplex) residences shall be designed in such a way that the primary entrances are not both on the same plane of the primary/front façade.
3. 3.
  Two-family residences on corner lots shall be designed with one unit’s primary entrance facing one fronting street and the other units facing the other fronting street.


*Wall articulation with recesses and projections*	*No wall articulation*

*Entrances on different plane of facade*	*Entrances on same plane of facade*

E.
Porches and Balconies (one performance point)
1. 1.
  Porches and balconies a minimum of eight (8) feet wide and four (4) feet deep shall be incorporated on the front façade for all dwellings.
2. 2.
  Houses greater than 30 feet wide shall incorporate a porch on the front façade that is a minimum of 40 percent of the length of the primary/front façade and a minimum of five (5) feet deep.


*House with porch*	*House without porch*

F.
Windows (one performance point)
1. 1.
  A minimum of 20 percent of the primary/front façade and 15 percent of all other facades shall be composed of window area.
2. 2.
  Windows shall follow a regular rhythm and be aligned on and between floors.


*Adequate windows with regular rhythm and alignment*	*Few windows with no regular rhythm or alignment*

G.
Foundations (one performance point)
The foundation of the dwelling shall be clad in brick or stone, and the first floor shall be elevated a minimum of 24 inches from the finished grade.


*Elevated brick foundation*	*At-grade foundation*

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.8.6.1 Architectural Compatibility and Cohesiveness

Buildings shall be designed so that each side of the building is architecturally compatible with each other side of the building, unless otherwise exempted by a specific provision of this Section.

Where more than one building is being constructed as part of a larger common development plan, each building in that development, including pad sites and out parcels, buildings shall be designed in a manner that fosters a cohesive architectural aesthetic throughout the development. Architectural compatibility within a development may include the use of the following methods:

Similar building materials
Similarly colored building materials
Proportional quantities of building materials on building facades
Similar roof forms
Similar architectural detailing

Additions to existing buildings shall match the materials of the building. If the existing building is constructed of non-conforming materials and the addition is greater than 20 percent of the gross floor area, then the addition shall incorporate a permitted primary material into the design of the addition and the front façade.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.6.2 Building Wall Types

Different design standards apply to different types of building walls. For the purposes of this Section, building walls shall be divided into the following categories:

Primary Building Façade / Primary Building Wall
Any building wall plane which is oriented toward a public street or internal access drive, or which contains the primary building entrance (single tenant structures) or entrances (multi-tenant structures). Buildings on corners have more than one Primary Building Façade/Primary Building Wall. Primary Building Walls are always active building walls.

FIGURE 4.35: PRIMARY BUILDING WALL

Secondary Building Wall
All building wall planes that are not defined as a Primary Façade / Primary Building Wall or as a Utility / Service Building Wall are Secondary Building Walls. Secondary building walls may be active or inactive depending on location and access to the building.

FIGURE 4.36: SECONDARY BUILDING WALL

Active Building Wall
Any building wall plane, or portion of a wall plane, whether along a primary or secondary building wall, which:
1. Contains a customer entrance;
2. Is oriented toward a public street or internal access drive;
3. Is adjacent to a pedestrian walkway; or
4. Is adjacent to a customer parking area

FIGURE 4.37: BUILDING WALL TYPES

Utility/Service Building Walls
The building wall plane, or portion thereof, that contains utility and service areas.

FIGURE 4.38: UTILITY/SERVICE WALL

Industrial Building Walls
Each portion of a wall plane of an industrial, warehousing or similarly used building which is not adjacent to interior space used for offices, customer service, retail areas, product display areas or similar nonindustrial spaces.

FIGURE 4.39: INDUSTRIAL BUILDING WALLS


Note: Walls of the projecting portion of the building (which contain offices and showroom areas) are not classified as Industrial Building Walls.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.6.3 Building Modulation

Building modulation is the varying of the footprint of a building by projecting or recessing portions of the façade from the base plane of the building wall. The use of a modulated façade helps to define the most important portion(s) of a building (such as customer entrances), reduces monotony along building walls and helps to distinguish adjacent buildings from each other by encouraging distinctive designs. The following building modulation standards apply to all non-residential buildings of greater than 50 linear feet on the primary façade:

Primary building facades shall be modulated through the use of projections or recessions of the building wall from the base wall plane.
Projections or recessions used to meet this requirement shall project or recede from the base wall plane by a minimum of one (1) foot or two (2) percent of the length of the façade, whichever is greater.
The combined length of the modulating feature(s) shall be a minimum of 35 percent of the width of the base wall plane.

FIGURE 4.40: BUILDING MODULATION


The illustrations above demonstrate compliance with the building modulation standards through the use of a single projection from the base wall plane.


The illustrations above demonstrate compliance with the building modulation standards through the use of multiple projections from the base wall plane.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.6.4 Vertical Articulation

Vertical articulation is used to give emphasis to the height of a building and to provide relief along the vertical wall plane. Appropriate vertical articulation techniques vary based on the size and height of a building, as well as its architectural style. Vertical articulation shall be provided on each vertical building wall plane as required below. Utility/Service and Industrial building wall types shall be exempt from these standards.

Buildings shall be vertically articulated by using a minimum of three (3) of the techniques listed below:
1. Using visually “heavy” building materials, such as stone, on lower surfaces when a “lighter” material is used on higher surfaces. Using larger or more coarsely faced building materials on lower surfaces and smaller or more finely textured materials on higher surfaces
2. Using different colors of materials along the vertical wall plane, with darker colors used on lower surfaces and lighter colors used on higher surfaces
3. Projecting the base of the building outward from the façade to create an architecturally distinct ledge along the base
4. Recessing upper stories on multi-story buildings
5. On multi-story buildings, using features that project perpendicularly to the building wall to divide the base of the building from upper stories
6. Using a pitched roof form over the entire structure
7. Including minor pitched roof forms on buildings with parapet walls
8. Using stepped parapet walls
9. Providing towers or similar features that extend vertically above the top of the building wall
10. Varying the height of different portions of a building
11. Using tall windows, particularly when coupled with an arched frame at the top
12. Using distinct masonry patterns or inlays that extend vertically along the building wall
13. Using pilasters or engaged columns that extend vertically along the building wall
Buildings that are three (3) or more stories or more than 35 feet above grade shall be designed with a visually distinct base. The base shall extend a minimum of 10 percent and maximum of 20 percent of the height of the vertical wall plane from grade.

FIGURE 4.41: VERTICAL ARTICULATION


The illustrations above demonstrate proper division of a multi-story building into vertically distinct portions of the vertical wall plane, including base, body, and top sections.




These illustrations demonstrate how individual features combine to provide vertical articulation on a building. The highlighted features include change in building height, the use of a pitched roof form, and the use of columns to achieve compliance with the vertical articulation standards.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.6.5 Horizontal Articulation

Horizontal articulation is used to provide visual interest along the horizontal wall plane and to define the human scale of a building. Appropriate horizontal articulation techniques vary based on the architectural style of a building, as well as its intended use. Utility/Service and Industrial building wall types shall be exempt from these standards.

Ground floor building walls shall be articulated in a manner that provides visual interest and emphasizes the human scale by using one (1) or more of the below referenced techniques, or by an equally effective method that achieves the stated goal:
1. Awnings
2. Trellises
3. Arcades
4. Recessed openings
5. Arbors/Pergolas
6. Porticos
7. Decorative masonry patterns or inlays
8. Decorative metalwork


*Awnings*	*Trellises*

*Recessed openings and Decorative metalwork*	*Portico and Pergola*

*Arcade and Decorative Masonry Patterns*

A minimum of 75 percent of the width of the horizontal wall plane of the primary façade(s) shall contain articulating features (see Figure 4.42). More than one feature type may be used to meet this requirement.
A minimum of 50 percent of the width of the horizontal wall plane of secondary building walls shall contain articulating features (see Figure 4.42). More than one feature type may be used to meet this requirement.
Features used to satisfy these requirements shall not be separated by a gap wider than 10 feet between the outer edges of each individual feature.
Features used to satisfy this requirement shall be appropriate to the context of the wall on which they are placed. An example of an inappropriate use of an architectural feature would be to place an awning in a location that does not cover a pedestrian walkway or window.


*Awnings over windows*	*Awnings not over windows*

FIGURE 4.42: HORIZONTAL ARTICULATION

These illustrations demonstrate how individual features provide horizontal articulation on buildings. The highlighted features include awnings (top), decorative inlayed brick (middle), and arcade (bottom). The bottom diagram also illustrates a building that has at least 75 percent of the primary façade and 50 percent of the secondary façade with horizontal articulating features.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.6.6 Roof Form

A roof is an integral structural component of the building, but it is also an opportunity to design a “roofscape” that is reflective of the foothills region and as such should be treated as an architectural elevation. The roofscape should be varied and reinforce the rhythm and scale of the street facades as well as reflect the variation in the area’s natural topography. The following requirements shall apply to roofs:

Pitched roofs shall be simple hip, shed or gable forms. Mansard roofs are prohibited.

FIGURE 4.43: ROOF TYPES

*Hip Roof*	*Shed Roof*	*Gable Roof*	*Mansard Roof*

Pitched roof forms shall utilize eaves which overhang the building wall a minimum of 12 inches.
A pitched primary roof form shall have a minimum pitch of 6 inches of vertical rise to each 12 inches of horizontal run (6:12) and a maximum pitch of 12 inches of vertical rise to each 12 inches of horizontal run (12:12). Secondary roof forms shall have a minimum pitch of 4 inches of vertical rise to each 12 inches of horizontal run (4:12).
Roof pitches of less than 2:12 and flat roofs shall incorporate a parapet wall on all sides of the building.
Parapet walls exceeding 100 feet in length along the primary façade(s) of a building shall include at least one pitched roof element. Such minor pitched roof element(s) shall occupy a minimum of 20 percent of the width of the building façade.
Parapet walls on primary facades shall contain at least one (1) change in height of at least one (1) foot a minimum of every 25 feet, through the use of a stepped wall or the inclusion of a minor pitched roof form. Height changes shall align with the modulation of the building wall.
Parapet walls may not exceed 10 feet in height at any point along the wall.
An articulated cornice shall be provided along those portions of a parapet wall that are located above a section of a building that projects from the base wall plane. Cornices shall continue around all sides of a parapet wall on which they are required, and may only terminate at an interior building corner or continue at least eight (8) feet around an exterior building corner.

FIGURE 4.44: ROOF FORM


The illustrations above demonstrate proper use of a pitched roof on a modulated building wall. As the illustration shows, the pitched roof form is enhanced with minor pitched roof elements and changes in height that correspond to changes in in the base wall plane.

The illustration above demonstrates the proper inclusion of minor pitched roof forms on a building with a parapet wall.

*Continuous parapet with height changes*	*Non-continuous false front parapet without height changes*

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.6.7 Materials and Color

Exterior materials and colors shall meet the standards outlined below. Utility/Service and Industrial building wall types shall be exempt from these standards.

Primary and Secondary Walls
1. Brick, stone or other material similar in appearance and durability shall be used as cladding over a minimum of 50 percent of the surface area of each primary and secondary building wall. Materials that are fabricated to have the same appearance as a primary building material shall be permitted, unless otherwise noted. All other materials not expressly permitted are prohibited.

1. The following accent materials may be used as cladding on up to 50 percent of the surface area of the primary and secondary building walls:
  1. Wood clapboard or fiber cement board horizontal or vertical siding
  2. Vinyl siding horizontal or vertical siding
  3. Architectural grade metal
  4. Stucco or Exterior insulation and finishing systems (EIFS)
  5. Ceramic Tile / Terracotta
  6. Split-faced block


*Brick facade*	*Painted concrete block and metal facades*

1. Windows and other glazed areas shall be excluded from the calculation of the surface area of a building wall for the purpose of the material proportion standards.
2. Primary and secondary facade colors shall be of low reflectance earth tone, muted, subtle, or neutral colors. The use of high-intensity, fluorescent, or neon colors is not permitted.


*Muted neutral colors*	*High intensity colors*

1. In addition to the requirements listed above the following additional material standards shall apply in the River District Overlay:
  1. Stone or similar material shall be used to clad a minimum of 20 percent of the surface area of each primary building façade.
  2. All masonry work shall use a laying method that gives a dry-stack or mortared appearance.


*Dry-stack examples*

*Mortared examples*

1. 1. Brick and stone cladding materials may not be painted or otherwise altered in color from their natural appearance.
  2. Exposed wooden structural members shall be stained a natural wood color.

Utility / Service Walls
Utility / Service walls on buildings may use standard concrete masonry units (concrete block) as a cladding material, provided that the block is either integrally colored or painted to match the color of the permitted material that is used to clad the greatest proportion of the surface area of the primary and secondary building walls.

FIGURE 4.45: MATERIALS

*Multi-tenant Office Building*

*Single Tenant Office Building*

*Multi-tenant Retail Building*

*Hotel*

*Fast-food restaurant*

*Office portion of industrial building*
The illustrations above demonstrate the application of permitted primary and accent cladding materials to the exterior of different building types.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.6.8 Windows and Glazing

The use of glazed (glass) surface areas on a building wall enhances the aesthetic character of the building by adding a transparent contrast to the other cladding materials used on the wall. Transparent surfaces also increase the “activity” of a building wall by making interior spaces visible to the outside, particularly in the vicinity of customer entrances and along building walls that are adjacent to pedestrian walkways. Methods of achieving transparency can include the use of glass doors, windows and curtain walls. The following glazing standards shall be met. Industrial and Utility/Service building walls are exempt from the minimum glazing requirements.

At least 30 percent of the length of the first floor shall contain glazed area. For buildings located on a corner, the first floor secondary street façade shall be at least 15 percent windows.
Multi-story buildings shall be designed with a minimum glazed area of 25 percent of the surface area of each building wall above the first story. Each upper story building wall shall contain a roughly proportional amount of glazed area as each other story above the ground floor. Windows shall be aligned vertically and horizontally between floors follow the same window rhythm.
Glazing shall not extend over more than 70 percent of a primary building wall. Glazing may not extend over more that 50 percent of any building wall other than a primary building wall.
Glazed areas shall not be separated by a distance of greater than 20 feet on any portion of a building wall on which glazing is required.
Opaque or mirrorized glass is prohibited. Decorative stained glass windows are permitted. Glass block that obscures interior visibility may not be used to satisfy the minimum glazing requirement. False windows may not be used to satisfy the minimum glazing requirement.
Windows shall be proportioned so that they emphasize the vertical rather than horizontal dimension of the opening. This may be achieved by either proportioning the window opening so that its height is greater than its width, or, when a horizontal window opening is used, using internal framing that divides the window into vertically proportioned elements. Transom and accent windows, occupying no more than five (5) percent of the building wall on which they are located, may be horizontally oriented.
Windows shall be inset from the surrounding wall cladding material by a minimum of two (2) inches.

FIGURE 4.46: WINDOWS AND GLAZING

The illustration above highlights those areas of the building that are counted toward the minimum glazing standards.

The illustration above highlights the effective use of vertically proportioned windows. The arched tops emphasize the height of the window and articulate the vertical dimension of the building wall.

The illustration above demonstrates the vertical alignment of upper and lower story windows on a multi-story building. This repetitive vertical alignment helps to articulate the vertical wall planes.

*Adequate window area*	*Windows covered for interior display*

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.6.9 Building Entrances

The primary entrance(s) to each building or tenant space shall be oriented toward the adjacent public street, or, when located in the interior of a larger development, toward an internal access drive.

Buildings with a gross floor area of more than 50,000 square feet shall provide a minimum of two (2) customer entrances on the primary façade which are separated by a minimum distance of 100 linear feet from their outer edges.

Primary customer entrances shall be clearly defined by distinct architectural features. Each primary entrance shall be defined by a minimum of two (2) of the following features:

Awnings or porticos
Recesses/projections of the building wall
Arcades
Raised corniced parapets over the entry
Pitched roof forms
Arched architectural features
Display windows
The use of cladding materials around the entrance that are visually distinct from other materials on the building wall.
Masonry, tile, metal or glass inlays around the entrance.
Columns or similar vertical features

FIGURE 4.47: BUILDING ENTRANCES

The illustrations above highlight the elements that emphasize the primary entrance into the building. These elements include a portico, projection from the base wall plane, and projecting gable roof forms.

The illustrations above demonstrate the emphasis of building entries for the following building types: multi-tenant retail building; large scale, single-tenant retail building; and restaurant.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.6.10 Awnings

Awning material shall be canvas or architectural grade (non-corrugated) metal with a matte, non-reflective finish.

Awnings shall have a minimum of 2:12 slope and shall not be flat.

Awnings shall not be backlit or outlined with neon, LED or other lighting.

Awnings shall be placed at the top of window or doorway openings, and shall not extend beyond such openings.

No awning shall extend more than the width of the sidewalk or 10 feet, whichever is less and shall maintain a clear height of at least eight (8) feet above grade.

Awnings shall be self-supporting from the wall. No supports shall rest on or interfere with the use of pedestrian walkways or streets. In no case, shall any awning extend beyond the street curb or interfere with street trees or public utilities.

FIGURE 4.48: AWNINGS


The illustrations above demonstrate the improper use (top) and proper use (bottom) of awnings. The awnings on the bottom illustration only cover the window and door openings.

*Canvas awnings over window openings*	*Backlit vinyl awning covering length of building*

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.6.11 Orientation of Certain Features

Buildings shall be oriented in a manner that drive-through windows, menu/ordering areas and automobile service bay doors are not directly visible from the primary fronting street when viewed at a point in the street that is directly perpendicular to the center of the primary façade.

Building walls that contain utility and service areas shall be oriented so that they are not visible from adjacent public streets or internal access drives (except dedicated service drives).


*No drive-through window or ordering station on front facade*	*Drive-through ordering station* *on front facade*

*Service bays on secondary building wall*	*Service bays on primary building wall*

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.6.12 Mechanical and Utility Equipment

All building mounted mechanical and utility equipment shall be located on the utility/service façade.

Ground level building mounted mechanical and utility equipment shall be screened by walls that are composed of the same cladding material that is used on the building wall adjacent to their mounting location.

Mechanical and utility equipment which extends along the vertical wall plane above a height of six (6) feet from grade shall be painted to match the color of the primary material on that building wall.

All rooftop mounted mechanical equipment shall be screened or located in a manner that it is not visible from any point along an active building wall.


*Screened ground-level equipment*	*Unscreened ground-level equipment*

*Screened roof-top equipment*	*Unscreened roof-top equipment*

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.6.13 Accessory Building Design

The exterior materials of non-residential accessory buildings shall substantially match the primary and/or secondary materials of the principal structure and surrounding buildings.

Accessory structures shall be located in the rear yard and shall not exceed 15 feet or the height of the principal structure, whichever is less.


*Materials match principal structure*	*Materials do not match principal structure*

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.7.1 Applicability

The standards of Section apply to all buildings in the CBD zoning district. The standards are intended to maintain Downtown Morganton’s historic character and ensure that infill development is compatible. For the purposes of this Section, building wall types are defined as follows:

Primary/Front Façade
Any building wall plane which is oriented toward a street right-of-way and contains the primary building entrance.

FIGURE 4.49: PRIMARY/FRONT FAÇADE

Secondary/Corner Side Façade
Building wall planes that do not contain the primary entrance to the building (but may contain a secondary entrance) and face a secondary street right-of-way on a corner lot.

FIGURE 4.50: SECONDARY /CORNER SIDE FAÇADE

Side Interior Façade
Building wall planes that do not face a street right-of-way and are generally perpendicular to the primary/front façade. In a Central Business District setting, these facades often directly abut the side interior façade of an adjacent structure and do not contain windows or doorways.

FIGURE 4.51: SIDE INTERIOR FAÇADE

Rear Façade
Building wall planes that face the rear yard and generally parallel to the primary/front façade. In a Central Business District setting, these facades often face rear alley ways.

FIGURE 4.52: REAR FAÇADE

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.7.2 Guidelines for National Register Historic Districts: Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation

A portion of the Central Business District is in a National Register Historic District. In general, the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation are recommended when repairing, adding on, or rehabilitating existing buildings in the downtown, especially if the owner of the building wishes to utilize rehabilitation tax credits. These standards are located in APPENDIX B for reference purposes.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.7.3 Building Orientation

Building orientation refers to how the structure is placed on a property, with particular focus on the primary façade of the structure.

Structures shall be oriented so that their primary façade faces, and is parallel with, the principal street on which they are located.
On corner lots both facades shall be oriented so that they face, and are parallel with, the adjoining streets.

FIGURE 4.53: BUILDING ORIENTATION

The illustrations above demonstrate the proper orientation of buildings parallel to the primary and secondary streets.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.7.4 Building Height

The minimum clear interior height of the first story of building, as measured from the finished floor to the bottom of the second story floor plate shall be 12 feet.

New buildings shall not be constructed that are more than two (2) stories or 24 feet taller or less than two (2) stories or 24 feet shorter than the average of the other buildings within the same block on the same side of the street within 250 feet.

FIGURE 4.54: BUILDING HEIGHT

*Not more than 2 stories shorter than adjacent buildings*

*More than 2 stories taller than adjacent buildings*
The illustrations above demonstrate minimum height of the first floor and building heights that are in the correct and incorrect range compared to the scale of the other buildings on the street. Maximum overall building heights for the CBD are set forth in Section 4.2.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.7.5 Building Massing and Scale

A building’s mass defines its relationship to other structures and the street, as well as contributes to an area’s identity. Neighboring buildings of similar size and massing work together to create a pleasing streetscape and provide consistency between adjacent buildings with different designs. A building’s scale refers to its perceived size in relation to a person (i.e., human scale) or neighboring structures (i.e., architectural scale). Adjacent buildings sharing human-scaled architectural elements (e.g., windows, doors, porches, vestibules, stoops, awnings at entrance level, other ground-level pedestrian amenities) help establish an inviting, pedestrian-oriented streetscape. The following standards regarding massing and scale shall be met:

New construction on lots that are significantly wider than adjacent existing lots shall utilize a design that divides and proportions the building to replicate the massing and scale of adjacent buildings.
Where other buildings within 250 feet on the same side of the street and within the same block occupy the full width of the lot b at the front build-to line, the new construction shall occupy the full width of the lot at the build-to line between the side lot lines unless sufficient width exists to provide driveway or pedestrian access to a rear parking area. Such pedestrian access shall be a minimum of six (6) feet wide.

FIGURE 4.55: MASSING AND SCALE

*Infill Lot*

*Acceptable*

*Not Acceptable*
The illustrations above demonstrate acceptable and unacceptable building massing in an infill situation.

*Infill Lot*

*Acceptable*

*Not Acceptable-* *Taller gabled parapet and lack of second floor windows*
The illustrations above demonstrate acceptable and unacceptable architectural scaling in an infill situation.

*Infill Lot*

*Acceptable*

*Not Acceptable*
The illustrations above demonstrate acceptable and unacceptable building width in an infill situation.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.7.6 Building Façade Articulation

The use of architectural features and detailing on a building facade helps to define the scale and massing of a building. Elements should proportion a structure into a discernible base, middle and top, with an emphasis on accentuating the human scale along the facade of the ground story to create an inviting environment for pedestrians. The following building façade articulation requirements shall apply to all new construction:

Architectural features and ornamentation shall be required on all facades of a building facing a public street to provide articulation and define the scale of the building.
No primary or secondary/side corner façade shall have a length of wall greater than 10 feet without doors, windows, or horizontal articulation feature (as described in Subsection D) are prohibited.
Buildings shall be vertically articulated by using a minimum of three (3) of the techniques listed below and depicted in the following Figure:
1. Using different colors of materials along the vertical wall plane, with darker colors used on lower surfaces and lighter colors used on higher surfaces
2. Providing a mid-level cornice.
3. Recessing upper stories on multi-story buildings
4. Using stepped parapet walls
5. Providing towers or similar features that extend vertically above the top of the building wall
6. Varying the height of different portions of a building
7. Using distinct masonry patterns or inlays that extend vertically along the building wall
8. Using piers or engaged columns that extend vertically along the building wall
Building walls shall be horizontally articulated in a manner that provides visual interest and emphasizes the human scale by using two (2) or more of the below referenced techniques, or by an equally effective method that achieves the stated goal:
1. Awnings
2. Trellises
3. Arcades
4. Transom Windows
5. Decorative masonry patterns
6. Decorative metalwork
7. Decorative inlays of brick, masonry, wood, stone or tile

FIGURE 4.56: FAÇADE ARTICULATION

The diagram above illustrates the different features of a downtown building façade that may be incorporated in to new construction as appropriate.

*Articulated facade*	*Unarticulated facade*

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.7.7 Roof Form

The predominant roof from of all other buildings within 250 feet on the same side of the street and within the same block shall be the roof form used for new construction. For flat roofs, parapets walls are required on any façade facing a public street.

Parapets walls shall extend a minimum of two (2) feet above the top of the building wall, but shall not extend more than five (5) feet above the main building wall.

Parapet wall height for adjoining buildings with the same number of stories shall vary by a minimum of two (2) feet and a maximum of five (5) feet. Stepped or vertically articulated parapet walls may exceed these height limitations within the middle 30 percent of the building facade, but in no case shall the highest point of a stepped parapet exceed eight (8) feet in height above the main building wall.

Exposed gutters and downspouts are prohibited on the primary façade of a building.

Gutters, downspouts and scuppers shall be placed so that they are concealed from view from the primary façade or secondary facades that front on a public sidewalk.

FIGURE 4.57: ROOF FORM

The diagrams above illustrate the maximum parapet height (left) and the relationship of adjoining parapet walls and how they come together to form a varied roof line along the block of buildings.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.7.8 Materials and Color

Primary Materials

A minimum of 75 percent of primary and secondary facades shall be clad architectural quality, individually set, naturally colored brick, granite, limestone, marble or similar slab or block stone are allowed for use on the primary surfaces of exposed building facades.
Brick shall be applied in a manner that emphasizes the storefront, window openings, projecting lentils, corbeling adjacent to and/or as a part of the cornice features, building piers, and other ornamental features.
Brick shall be applied in a manner that adds interest to the façade by utilizing masonry techniques that vary the patterns of brick through the use of a variety of brick course patterns and designs.
Special attention shall be given to corners to ensure the brick course work is wrapped in a continuous manner along all sides of the building.
No more than two (2) styles of brick may be utilized on a facade.
Where there are multiple exposed facades facing public streets, the same course patterns, brick styles and other characteristics shall be applied equally to each facade.
Rear facades may be designed without any architectural detailing, but shall use the primary building materials.

Secondary Materials

Treated wood, stacked stone, exterior quality tile, stucco or EIFS, cast or preformed concrete and architectural grade metal may be utilized on building surfaces where the primary cladding materials are not applied, provided that such materials (excluding glazed areas) do not exceed 25 percent of the surface area of the facade


*Brick façade with formed concrete accents*	*Stucco/EIFS facade*

Lintels
If exposed lintels are used in construction, they shall be made of stone or brick, and shall project a minimum of three (3) inches from the surface of the building
Cornices
1. Upper story and mid-level cornices may be included on the primary building façade.
2. Cornices may be constructed of brick, architectural grade metal or cast concrete.
Inlays
1. The primary building surface may include decorative inlays that do not total more than 10 percent of the primary façade surface area.
2. Inlay materials may include, tile, natural stone, decorative glass, or similar materials.

FIGURE 4.58: EXTERIOR MATERIALS

The illustrations above depict appropriate primary (left) and secondary (right) material locations on an example building.



The figures above show examples of lintels (top left), inlays (bottom left), and cornices (right). The example cornices are (top to bottom) brick, cast concrete, and metal.

Color
1. Brick and stone shall be unpainted and naturally colored. Brick may only be painted to maintain the historic integrity of existing buildings
2. Where existing brick buildings have been painted, the primary surfaces of the buildings may only be repainted with low reflectance, earth tone, muted, subtle, and neutral colors. The use of high-intensity, metallic, fluorescent, or neon colors is not permitted.
3. Secondary materials may be painted.


*Brick façade with bright accents*	*High-intensity colors on whole facade*

FIGURE 4.59: BUILDING COLOR

The figure above shows the appropriate use of primary and accent colors on primary and secondary surfaces of the building façade.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.7.9 Storefront Design

The storefront is the public face of a building and the most prominent feature at the pedestrian scale. A storefront designed to be open and inviting will help to welcome patrons inside, while a storefront that is hardened presents the opposite message. Most storefronts have an abundance of glass, which is a contributing factor in good storefront design since the openness of the glass invites browsing and allows pedestrians to see interior activity. Good storefront design also allows for pedestrians to be able to view the interior of the building from the main portion of the sidewalk. Therefore, excessively recessed storefronts are discouraged since they require a passerby to leave the main sidewalk to see clearly into the storefront. The following storefront design standards requirements shall apply to all new construction and reconstruction of storefronts:

Buildings shall be designed so that the majority (greater than 50 percent) of the width of the storefront wall is located immediately adjacent to the public sidewalk. Storefronts shall run the length of the first floor facade between the exterior building piers.
No more than 20 percent of the storefront wall may be recessed beyond eight (8) feet from the public sidewalk.
Storefront design shall be proportional to that of other buildings within the same block on the same side of the street without being an exact replication of those buildings.
Bulkheads should be neither too high, blocking the view of pedestrians, nor too low, so that a completely glass walled storefront is created. Bulkheads shall be constructed along all storefront areas, excluding customer entrances. Bulkheads shall be a minimum of 24 inches and maximum of 36 inches in height. Bulkheads may be constructed of brick, wood, or a combination of those two materials. Bulkheads shall include architectural detailing such as inlays, trim, changes in color or changes in material.
A minimum of 70 percent and maximum of 90 percent of the surface area of the storefront shall consist of transparent glass between a height of two (2) feet and 10 feet above the grade of the adjacent sidewalk. Glass block does not count toward this requirement.
Reflective or opaque glass is prohibited.
Permanent bars, gates, shutters, fencing or other barrier materials are prohibited on the exterior of a primary facade. Security gates may be used after business hours.

FIGURE 4.60: STOREFRONT DESIGN

*Properly Sized Bulkhead*	*Improperly Sized Bulkhead*

The diagram above illustrates the proper glazing ratio for a storefront design.

	These illustrations are examples of acceptable storefront designs that demonstrate diversity of design while still meeting the standards of this section.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.7.10 Upper Story Windows

Upper story windows shall have a minimum height to width ratio of two to one (2:1) and a maximum height to width ratio of three to one (3:1).

On primary and secondary facades, upper story windows shall have the appearance of operable double hung windows.

Upper story windows should align horizontally with windows on the same story and be centered on windows below.

Only transparent, non-mirrorized glass shall be used.

On primary and secondary facades, a minimum of 30 percent of the linear width of each upper floor shall contain glazed area.

FIGURE 4.61: UPPER STORY WINDOWS

		*Acceptable Upper Story Window*

		*Unacceptable Upper Story Window*
The diagrams above illustrate proper alignment of upper story windows with first floor windows (left) and a properly designed upper story window (right).


*ACCEPTABLE:* The illustrations above show examples of acceptable upper story windows.

*NOT ACCEPTABLE:* The illustrations above show examples of unacceptable upper story windows.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.7.11 Entrances

From a pedestrian point of view, doors and entranceways are one of the most obvious and recognizable building features. The door and entranceway is a gateway to building interior and therefore it is important that the entrance be perceived as a cohesive element of the storefront façade and not as a separate entity.

Primary entrances of first floor uses shall face the primary street frontage, while secondary entrances may face parking areas or secondary street frontages.
On primary and secondary street frontages, the surface area of primary and secondary entrances to first floor uses shall have a minimum glazed area of 70 percent.
Only transparent glass is permitted. Reflective or opaque glass is prohibited.

FIGURE 4.62: ENTRANCES

	*Acceptable Entrance Doors*

	*Unacceptable Entrance Doors*
The diagrams above illustrate well designed building entrances (left) and a properly designed entrance doors (right).

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.7.12 Awnings and Canopies

Rectangular awning

Awnings and canopies can serve several functions such as stimulating visual interest, protecting pedestrians from weather, and shielding items from sun damage in storefront displays. Awnings are recommended to provide visual interest and protect pedestrians from inclement weather. Awning shall meet the following standards:

Awnings shall not extend in width past the storefront area into the building piers. Awning shape shall relate to the window or door opening. Barrel shaped awnings should be used to complement arched openings while rectangular awnings should be used on rectangular openings.
When there are multiple storefronts, awnings/canopies should correspond in size, color, and material. Buildings with multiple storefronts shall use separate awnings for each storefront.
Barrel awning
Awnings and canopies shall not block architectural features, including transom windows, and shall be attached to the vertical wall and lead to the public entrance.
Awnings shall protrude at least three (3) feet from the building façade and shall be at least eight (8) feet above the grade of the sidewalk.
Acceptable materials include woven cloth, canvas or architectural metal. Awnings shall be a shade of black or any other accent color that is low reflectance, earth tone, muted, subtle, and neutral colors. The use of high-intensity, metallic, fluorescent, or neon colors is not permitted. Backlighting of awnings is not permitted.

FIGURE 4.64: AWNINGS

The diagram above illustrates the minimum awning depth and clearance.

*Acceptable placement*	*Unacceptable placement beyond storefront*

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.7.13 Lighting

Building mounted lighting may be used to draw attention to window displays, signs, store information and a building’s architectural details.

Neon-framed windows

Building mounted lighting shall provide particular focus on the architectural integration of lighting into the overall design of the structure.

Lighting shall be directed onto the display or building element not onto the street or adjacent properties.

Lighting fixtures shall complement the architectural elements within the existing façade.

Framing window displays or other architectural features of the building with neon or tube lighting is not permitted.

Lighting shall be in full compliance with all other outdoor lighting provisions, as set forth in Section 4.7.5.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.7.14 Mechanical and Utility Equipment

In order to conceal utility equipment from public view, it shall be integrated with the building structure by either placing or mounting it directly to the structure and located in such a manner that it is not visible from a public street.

Utility equipment may be screened through the use of parapet walls or architecturally integrated screen walls.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.7.15 Maintenance and Repair of Existing Historic Structures

Refer to APPENDIX B for information and resources regarding the maintenance and repair of existing historic structures.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

Morganton City Zoning Code

ARTICLE 4

DEVELOPMENT AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

4.1.1 Suitability of Land

All development proposals shall be consistent with the need to minimize flood damage in accordance with regulations of the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.1.2 Lot Use

Only one (1) principal building and its customary accessory structure(s) may hereafter be erected on any single-family or two-family residential lot.

FIGURE 4.1: PRINCIPAL AND ACCESSORY STRUCTURES

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.1.3 Lot of Record

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.1.4 Lot Access

The minimum width of legal access upon a street for any property of two (2) acres or greater shall be 40 feet.

The minimum width of legal access upon a street for any property of less than two (2) acres shall be 25 feet.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.1.5 Flexibility in Administration

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.2.1 General Provisions

In all zoning districts, double frontage or through lots shall provide the minimum yard requirements for front yards along both street fronts.

All structure heights shall be measured as shown in Figure 4.4.

All setbacks shall be measured from the property line to the nearest point of the structure as shown in Figure 4.5.

Where a property abuts a street right-of-way or access easement, the setback shall be measured from the right-of-way of easement line.

The front setbacks of flag lots shall be established where the lot width is met.

FIGURE 4.2: FLAG LOT FRONT SETBACK

On a corner lot in any district other than the Central Business District (CBD), no planting, structure, fence, wall, or other obstruction to vision that is more than two (2) feet tall as measured at street level shall be placed in the sight triangle. The sight triangle is the area formed by a diagonal line connecting two (2) points located on intersecting property lines (or a property line and the curb or a driveway). The following are the distances used to establish a sight triangle as measured from the edge-of-pavement of intersecting streets:

TABLE 4.1: SIGHT DISTANCE
Right-of-Way Width (feet) (A)	Distance (feet) (B)
Driveway	10
Less than 50	20
50	25
60	30
70	35
80	40
90	45
100 or greater	50

TABLE 4.1: SIGHT DISTANCE
Right-of-Way Width (feet) (A)	Distance (feet) (B)
Driveway	10
Less than 50	20
50	25
60	30
70	35
80	40
90	45
100 or greater	50

TABLE 4.1: SIGHT DISTANCE
Right-of-Way Width (feet) (A)	Distance (feet) (B)
Driveway	10
Less than 50	20
50	25
60	30
70	35
80	40
90	45
100 or greater	50

TABLE 4.1: SIGHT DISTANCE
Right-of-Way Width (feet) (A)	Distance (feet) (B)
Driveway	10
Less than 50	20
50	25
60	30
70	35
80	40
90	45
100 or greater	50

FIGURE 4.3: SIGHT TRIANGLE

FIGURE 4.4: HEIGHT MEASUREMENTS

FIGURE 4.5: YARD DEFINITIONS AND SETBACK MEASUREMENTS

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.2.2 Base Residential Density and Dimensional Standards

TABLE 4.2: BASE RESIDENTIAL DENSITY AND DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS
District	Base Max. Residential Density	Residential Min. Lot Size (Square feet)¹	Min. Lot Width (feet)	Front Setback (feet)	Side Setback (feet)	Rear Setback (feet)	Max. Height (feet)
LID	2 DUA	20,000	80	30	10	25	35
MID	2 DUA	20,000	70	20	10	20	35
HID	6 DUA	6,000	60	20	10	20	35
CBD	N/A	N/A	N/A	0 min. 5 max.	N/A	N/A	35
EID²	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
SID	N/A	N/A	50	20	10	20	65
N/A=Not applicable DUA=Dwelling Units per Acre ¹The minimum lot size for infill development of less than two (2) acres shall be equal to the average lot size of all lots within 200 feet of the property, or the minimum lot size in the table above, whichever is smaller. ²Residential Performance Standards do not apply in the EID zone.

TABLE 4.2: BASE RESIDENTIAL DENSITY AND DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS
District	Base Max. Residential Density	Residential Min. Lot Size (Square feet)¹	Min. Lot Width (feet)	Front Setback (feet)	Side Setback (feet)	Rear Setback (feet)	Max. Height (feet)
LID	2 DUA	20,000	80	30	10	25	35
MID	2 DUA	20,000	70	20	10	20	35
HID	6 DUA	6,000	60	20	10	20	35
CBD	N/A	N/A	N/A	0 min. 5 max.	N/A	N/A	35
EID²	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
SID	N/A	N/A	50	20	10	20	65
N/A=Not applicable DUA=Dwelling Units per Acre ¹The minimum lot size for infill development of less than two (2) acres shall be equal to the average lot size of all lots within 200 feet of the property, or the minimum lot size in the table above, whichever is smaller. ²Residential Performance Standards do not apply in the EID zone.

TABLE 4.2: BASE RESIDENTIAL DENSITY AND DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS
District	Base Max. Residential Density	Residential Min. Lot Size (Square feet)¹	Min. Lot Width (feet)	Front Setback (feet)	Side Setback (feet)	Rear Setback (feet)	Max. Height (feet)
LID	2 DUA	20,000	80	30	10	25	35
MID	2 DUA	20,000	70	20	10	20	35
HID	6 DUA	6,000	60	20	10	20	35
CBD	N/A	N/A	N/A	0 min. 5 max.	N/A	N/A	35
EID²	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
SID	N/A	N/A	50	20	10	20	65
N/A=Not applicable DUA=Dwelling Units per Acre ¹The minimum lot size for infill development of less than two (2) acres shall be equal to the average lot size of all lots within 200 feet of the property, or the minimum lot size in the table above, whichever is smaller. ²Residential Performance Standards do not apply in the EID zone.

TABLE 4.2: BASE RESIDENTIAL DENSITY AND DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS
District	Base Max. Residential Density	Residential Min. Lot Size (Square feet)¹	Min. Lot Width (feet)	Front Setback (feet)	Side Setback (feet)	Rear Setback (feet)	Max. Height (feet)
LID	2 DUA	20,000	80	30	10	25	35
MID	2 DUA	20,000	70	20	10	20	35
HID	6 DUA	6,000	60	20	10	20	35
CBD	N/A	N/A	N/A	0 min. 5 max.	N/A	N/A	35
EID²	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
SID	N/A	N/A	50	20	10	20	65
N/A=Not applicable DUA=Dwelling Units per Acre ¹The minimum lot size for infill development of less than two (2) acres shall be equal to the average lot size of all lots within 200 feet of the property, or the minimum lot size in the table above, whichever is smaller. ²Residential Performance Standards do not apply in the EID zone.

FIGURE 4.6: BASE RESIDENTIAL DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS

(Ord. No. 21-15, 05/03/2021)

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.2.3 Maximum Residential Performance Density and Dimensional Standards

Subject to the performance point system of Section 4.3, the following standards are the maximum residential performance density and dimensional standards for each zoning district.

TABLE 4.3: PERFORMANCE RESIDENTIAL DENSITY AND DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS
District	Performance Max. Residential Density¹	Residential Min. Lot Width (feet)²	Front Setback (feet)	Side Setback (feet)	Rear Setback (feet)	Max. Height (feet)
LID	6 DUA	60-detached 25-attached	25 10³	5 0³	20 15^3,4	35
MID	10 DUA	50-detached 25-attached	20 10³	5-detached 0-attached	15⁴	50
HID	20 DUA	40-detached 25-attached	20 10³	5-detached 0-attached	5⁴	11-17 points =50 18 points and up =65
CBD	N/A	N/A	0 min. 5 max.	N/A	N/A	11-17 points =50 18 points and up =65
EID	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
SID	N/A	40-detached 25-attached	20	5-detached 0-attached	5	65
N/A=Not applicable DUA=Dwelling Units per Acre ¹There is no minimum lot size for residential developments utilizing the performance standards of Section 4.3. All districts shall be density-based. ²Detached lot widths apply to detached dwelling units, and attached lot widths apply to attached dwelling units. Any lots of less than 50 feet in width shall be alley-loaded and shall not have driveways accessing the fronting street. ³Multi- family dwellings type 2 ⁴Garage doors for multi-family dwellings type 2 shall be set back a minimum of 18 feet ⁵Residential Performance Standards do not apply in EID.

TABLE 4.3: PERFORMANCE RESIDENTIAL DENSITY AND DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS
District	Performance Max. Residential Density¹	Residential Min. Lot Width (feet)²	Front Setback (feet)	Side Setback (feet)	Rear Setback (feet)	Max. Height (feet)
LID	6 DUA	60-detached 25-attached	25 10³	5 0³	20 15^3,4	35
MID	10 DUA	50-detached 25-attached	20 10³	5-detached 0-attached	15⁴	50
HID	20 DUA	40-detached 25-attached	20 10³	5-detached 0-attached	5⁴	11-17 points =50 18 points and up =65
CBD	N/A	N/A	0 min. 5 max.	N/A	N/A	11-17 points =50 18 points and up =65
EID	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
SID	N/A	40-detached 25-attached	20	5-detached 0-attached	5	65
N/A=Not applicable DUA=Dwelling Units per Acre ¹There is no minimum lot size for residential developments utilizing the performance standards of Section 4.3. All districts shall be density-based. ²Detached lot widths apply to detached dwelling units, and attached lot widths apply to attached dwelling units. Any lots of less than 50 feet in width shall be alley-loaded and shall not have driveways accessing the fronting street. ³Multi- family dwellings type 2 ⁴Garage doors for multi-family dwellings type 2 shall be set back a minimum of 18 feet ⁵Residential Performance Standards do not apply in EID.

TABLE 4.3: PERFORMANCE RESIDENTIAL DENSITY AND DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS
District	Performance Max. Residential Density¹	Residential Min. Lot Width (feet)²	Front Setback (feet)	Side Setback (feet)	Rear Setback (feet)	Max. Height (feet)
LID	6 DUA	60-detached 25-attached	25 10³	5 0³	20 15^3,4	35
MID	10 DUA	50-detached 25-attached	20 10³	5-detached 0-attached	15⁴	50
HID	20 DUA	40-detached 25-attached	20 10³	5-detached 0-attached	5⁴	11-17 points =50 18 points and up =65
CBD	N/A	N/A	0 min. 5 max.	N/A	N/A	11-17 points =50 18 points and up =65
EID	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
SID	N/A	40-detached 25-attached	20	5-detached 0-attached	5	65
N/A=Not applicable DUA=Dwelling Units per Acre ¹There is no minimum lot size for residential developments utilizing the performance standards of Section 4.3. All districts shall be density-based. ²Detached lot widths apply to detached dwelling units, and attached lot widths apply to attached dwelling units. Any lots of less than 50 feet in width shall be alley-loaded and shall not have driveways accessing the fronting street. ³Multi- family dwellings type 2 ⁴Garage doors for multi-family dwellings type 2 shall be set back a minimum of 18 feet ⁵Residential Performance Standards do not apply in EID.

TABLE 4.3: PERFORMANCE RESIDENTIAL DENSITY AND DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS
District	Performance Max. Residential Density¹	Residential Min. Lot Width (feet)²	Front Setback (feet)	Side Setback (feet)	Rear Setback (feet)	Max. Height (feet)
LID	6 DUA	60-detached 25-attached	25 10³	5 0³	20 15^3,4	35
MID	10 DUA	50-detached 25-attached	20 10³	5-detached 0-attached	15⁴	50
HID	20 DUA	40-detached 25-attached	20 10³	5-detached 0-attached	5⁴	11-17 points =50 18 points and up =65
CBD	N/A	N/A	0 min. 5 max.	N/A	N/A	11-17 points =50 18 points and up =65
EID	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
SID	N/A	40-detached 25-attached	20	5-detached 0-attached	5	65
N/A=Not applicable DUA=Dwelling Units per Acre ¹There is no minimum lot size for residential developments utilizing the performance standards of Section 4.3. All districts shall be density-based. ²Detached lot widths apply to detached dwelling units, and attached lot widths apply to attached dwelling units. Any lots of less than 50 feet in width shall be alley-loaded and shall not have driveways accessing the fronting street. ³Multi- family dwellings type 2 ⁴Garage doors for multi-family dwellings type 2 shall be set back a minimum of 18 feet ⁵Residential Performance Standards do not apply in EID.

FIGURE 4.7: PERFORMANCE RESIDENTIAL DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.2.4 Non-residential Dimensional Standards

TABLE 4.4: NON-RESIDENTIAL DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS
District	Min. Lot Size (Square feet)	Min. Lot Width (feet)	Front Setback (feet)	Side Setback (feet)	Rear Setback (feet)	Max. Height (feet)
LID	40,000	100	30	10	25	35
MID	20,000	80	20	10	20	35
HID	10,000	60	20	10	20	35¹
CBD	N/A	N/A	0 min 5 max	N/A	N/A	65
EID	20,000	50	50	50	50	65
SID	N/A	50	20	10	20	65
N/A=Not applicable ¹= See Exception Section 4.2.5 (F)

TABLE 4.4: NON-RESIDENTIAL DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS
District	Min. Lot Size (Square feet)	Min. Lot Width (feet)	Front Setback (feet)	Side Setback (feet)	Rear Setback (feet)	Max. Height (feet)
LID	40,000	100	30	10	25	35
MID	20,000	80	20	10	20	35
HID	10,000	60	20	10	20	35¹
CBD	N/A	N/A	0 min 5 max	N/A	N/A	65
EID	20,000	50	50	50	50	65
SID	N/A	50	20	10	20	65
N/A=Not applicable ¹= See Exception Section 4.2.5 (F)

TABLE 4.4: NON-RESIDENTIAL DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS
District	Min. Lot Size (Square feet)	Min. Lot Width (feet)	Front Setback (feet)	Side Setback (feet)	Rear Setback (feet)	Max. Height (feet)
LID	40,000	100	30	10	25	35
MID	20,000	80	20	10	20	35
HID	10,000	60	20	10	20	35¹
CBD	N/A	N/A	0 min 5 max	N/A	N/A	65
EID	20,000	50	50	50	50	65
SID	N/A	50	20	10	20	65
N/A=Not applicable ¹= See Exception Section 4.2.5 (F)

TABLE 4.4: NON-RESIDENTIAL DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS
District	Min. Lot Size (Square feet)	Min. Lot Width (feet)	Front Setback (feet)	Side Setback (feet)	Rear Setback (feet)	Max. Height (feet)
LID	40,000	100	30	10	25	35
MID	20,000	80	20	10	20	35
HID	10,000	60	20	10	20	35¹
CBD	N/A	N/A	0 min 5 max	N/A	N/A	65
EID	20,000	50	50	50	50	65
SID	N/A	50	20	10	20	65
N/A=Not applicable ¹= See Exception Section 4.2.5 (F)

FIGURE 4.8: NON-RESIDENTIAL DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.2.5 Exceptions to Dimensional Standards

The front setback for each district shall apply to the side yard of corner lots abutting a public street and to double frontage lots.

The dimensional provisions of this section do not apply to residential accessory structures, which are regulated in Section 3.4.2 (B).

Utility uses as defined by this Ordinance are not subject to the minimum lot sizes set forth for each zoning district.

Non-residential buildings within HID districts may be constructed to a maximum height of 75 feet if utilizing Building Design Standards as per section 4.8.6.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.2.6 Neighborhood Conservation Overlay Dimensional Standards

FIGURE 4.9: INFILL AVERAGE FRONT SETBACK

For infill lots in the NC-O, the maximum wall height adjacent to the side property line is 22 feet or the average height of the two abutting neighboring wall planes, whichever is greater. The wall height may be increased one (1) foot for each foot of horizontal distance the wall is moved from the side setback line, not to exceed the maximum height allowed within the district.

FIGURE 4.10: NC-O INFILL AVERAGE WALL HEIGHT

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.2.7 Restricted Residential Overlay Dimensional Standards

(Ord. No. 20-43, 11/02/2020)

Effective on: 11/2/2020

4.3.1 Performance Standards for Residential Development

TABLE 4.5: PERFORMANCE POINTS DENSITY BONUS SCALE
Performance Points	Allowable Density Increase (dwelling units per acre up to maximum for district)
11-13	2
14-17	4
18-21	8
22-28	16
29 and up	Limited only by Height Limit

TABLE 4.5: PERFORMANCE POINTS DENSITY BONUS SCALE
Performance Points	Allowable Density Increase (dwelling units per acre up to maximum for district)
11-13	2
14-17	4
18-21	8
22-28	16
29 and up	Limited only by Height Limit

TABLE 4.5: PERFORMANCE POINTS DENSITY BONUS SCALE
Performance Points	Allowable Density Increase (dwelling units per acre up to maximum for district)
11-13	2
14-17	4
18-21	8
22-28	16
29 and up	Limited only by Height Limit

TABLE 4.5: PERFORMANCE POINTS DENSITY BONUS SCALE
Performance Points	Allowable Density Increase (dwelling units per acre up to maximum for district)
11-13	2
14-17	4
18-21	8
22-28	16
29 and up	Limited only by Height Limit

Street Yard

1 point

Residential Yards

1 point

20% open space

1 point

Connectivity Ratio

1 point

Sidewalks Both Sides of Street

2 points

Decorative Street Lighting

1 point

Wall Materials

1 point

Garages

1 point

Roofs

1 point

Façade Articulation

1 point

Porches

+1 point

12 points

12 points=4 DUA Density Bonus

2 DUA (base) + 2 DUA Bonus = 4 DUA

10 acres x 4 DUA= 40 dwelling units

TABLE 4.6: PERFORMANCE STANDARD OPTIONS
Performance Criteria	Points if Performance Standard Met
Landscaping-Section 4.4 (At least 2 points must be for landscaping)
Buffer Yard (or in CBD)	1 (or 2 with fence) 2 for base standard in CBD 3 for performance standard in CBD
Street Yard (or in CBD)	1
Street Yard with fence provided adjacent to railroad ROW	1
Parking Lot Yard	1
Building Yard	1
Residential Yard	1
Retention of All Existing Trees over 8”DBH	1
Open Space-Section 4.5 (At least 1 point must be for Open Space (choose 1 option))
Infill development of 2 acres or less¹	3
20% of total development area¹ (or in CBD)	1
30% of total development area¹(or 10% of total development area in CDB)	2
40% (or in CBD) of total development area¹	3
Fulfills park or greenway on adopted plan	1 (bonus point)
Non-residential, not in CBD¹	1
Infrastructure-Section 4.7 (At least 3 points must be for Infrastructure)
Reuse of a previously developed site with services available to site (power, water, sewer), regardless of existing structures on site ²	3, or 4 in CBD
Initial development of a vacant infill site with no previous development²	1
Redevelopment of brownfield site, where remediation is part of the development	1
Connectivity Ratio (or in CBD)	1
New Sidewalks (one side of street)	1
New Sidewalks (both sides of street)	2
Existing lots with no street frontage shall automatically receive one point for sidewalks	1
Upgrade existing sidewalk to comply with current standards	1
Decorative Street Lighting	1
Addition of Street Level Retail on Multiple Level Multi-use Development (CBD)	6
Addition of Pervious Paved or Indoor Parking – 1 Space per unit (CBD)	4
Use of Pervious Paving for 20% of driving or parking surfaces (outside CBD)	1
Universal Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (minimum 1 per 30 dwelling units for residential or 1 per 30 parking spaces for non-residential)	1
Building Design-Section 4.8 (At least 5 points must be for building design)
Redevelopment of an existing building with services available to site (power, water sewer), preserving 90% or greater of building shell³	5 6 in CBD
Redevelopment of an existing building with services available to site (power, water sewer), preserving 50% or greater of building shell³	3 4 in CBD
Redevelopment of existing site with existing building such that a new building wall is brought in line with current front setback requirements (CBD only)^3,4	6
Wall Materials	1
Roofs	1
Garages	1
Garages meeting 4.8.5.1.C provided for 20% of multi-family dwelling units on the site	1
Façade Articulation	1
Porches and/or Balconies	1
Porches and/or Balconies for 50% of total number of units not facing front facade	1
Windows	1
Foundation (or in CBD)	1
Affordable Housing-Section 4.9 (4 points may be used as bonus points or 2 points may be used for Building Design Standards and 2 points for bonus points)
Construction of housing receiving NCLIHTC Program funding	4
¹Mutually exclusive open space provisions
²Mutually exclusive infrastructure provisions
³Mutually exclusive building design provisions
⁴The existing building does not have to be retained

TABLE 4.6: PERFORMANCE STANDARD OPTIONS
Performance Criteria	Points if Performance Standard Met
Landscaping-Section 4.4 (At least 2 points must be for landscaping)
Buffer Yard (or in CBD)	1 (or 2 with fence) 2 for base standard in CBD 3 for performance standard in CBD
Street Yard (or in CBD)	1
Street Yard with fence provided adjacent to railroad ROW	1
Parking Lot Yard	1
Building Yard	1
Residential Yard	1
Retention of All Existing Trees over 8”DBH	1
Open Space-Section 4.5 (At least 1 point must be for Open Space (choose 1 option))
Infill development of 2 acres or less¹	3
20% of total development area¹ (or in CBD)	1
30% of total development area¹(or 10% of total development area in CDB)	2
40% (or in CBD) of total development area¹	3
Fulfills park or greenway on adopted plan	1 (bonus point)
Non-residential, not in CBD¹	1
Infrastructure-Section 4.7 (At least 3 points must be for Infrastructure)
Reuse of a previously developed site with services available to site (power, water, sewer), regardless of existing structures on site ²	3, or 4 in CBD
Initial development of a vacant infill site with no previous development²	1
Redevelopment of brownfield site, where remediation is part of the development	1
Connectivity Ratio (or in CBD)	1
New Sidewalks (one side of street)	1
New Sidewalks (both sides of street)	2
Existing lots with no street frontage shall automatically receive one point for sidewalks	1
Upgrade existing sidewalk to comply with current standards	1
Decorative Street Lighting	1
Addition of Street Level Retail on Multiple Level Multi-use Development (CBD)	6
Addition of Pervious Paved or Indoor Parking – 1 Space per unit (CBD)	4
Use of Pervious Paving for 20% of driving or parking surfaces (outside CBD)	1
Universal Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (minimum 1 per 30 dwelling units for residential or 1 per 30 parking spaces for non-residential)	1
Building Design-Section 4.8 (At least 5 points must be for building design)
Redevelopment of an existing building with services available to site (power, water sewer), preserving 90% or greater of building shell³	5 6 in CBD
Redevelopment of an existing building with services available to site (power, water sewer), preserving 50% or greater of building shell³	3 4 in CBD
Redevelopment of existing site with existing building such that a new building wall is brought in line with current front setback requirements (CBD only)^3,4	6
Wall Materials	1
Roofs	1
Garages	1
Garages meeting 4.8.5.1.C provided for 20% of multi-family dwelling units on the site	1
Façade Articulation	1
Porches and/or Balconies	1
Porches and/or Balconies for 50% of total number of units not facing front facade	1
Windows	1
Foundation (or in CBD)	1
Affordable Housing-Section 4.9 (4 points may be used as bonus points or 2 points may be used for Building Design Standards and 2 points for bonus points)
Construction of housing receiving NCLIHTC Program funding	4
¹Mutually exclusive open space provisions
²Mutually exclusive infrastructure provisions
³Mutually exclusive building design provisions
⁴The existing building does not have to be retained

TABLE 4.6: PERFORMANCE STANDARD OPTIONS
Performance Criteria	Points if Performance Standard Met
Landscaping-Section 4.4 (At least 2 points must be for landscaping)
Buffer Yard (or in CBD)	1 (or 2 with fence) 2 for base standard in CBD 3 for performance standard in CBD
Street Yard (or in CBD)	1
Street Yard with fence provided adjacent to railroad ROW	1
Parking Lot Yard	1
Building Yard	1
Residential Yard	1
Retention of All Existing Trees over 8”DBH	1
Open Space-Section 4.5 (At least 1 point must be for Open Space (choose 1 option))
Infill development of 2 acres or less¹	3
20% of total development area¹ (or in CBD)	1
30% of total development area¹(or 10% of total development area in CDB)	2
40% (or in CBD) of total development area¹	3
Fulfills park or greenway on adopted plan	1 (bonus point)
Non-residential, not in CBD¹	1
Infrastructure-Section 4.7 (At least 3 points must be for Infrastructure)
Reuse of a previously developed site with services available to site (power, water, sewer), regardless of existing structures on site ²	3, or 4 in CBD
Initial development of a vacant infill site with no previous development²	1
Redevelopment of brownfield site, where remediation is part of the development	1
Connectivity Ratio (or in CBD)	1
New Sidewalks (one side of street)	1
New Sidewalks (both sides of street)	2
Existing lots with no street frontage shall automatically receive one point for sidewalks	1
Upgrade existing sidewalk to comply with current standards	1
Decorative Street Lighting	1
Addition of Street Level Retail on Multiple Level Multi-use Development (CBD)	6
Addition of Pervious Paved or Indoor Parking – 1 Space per unit (CBD)	4
Use of Pervious Paving for 20% of driving or parking surfaces (outside CBD)	1
Universal Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (minimum 1 per 30 dwelling units for residential or 1 per 30 parking spaces for non-residential)	1
Building Design-Section 4.8 (At least 5 points must be for building design)
Redevelopment of an existing building with services available to site (power, water sewer), preserving 90% or greater of building shell³	5 6 in CBD
Redevelopment of an existing building with services available to site (power, water sewer), preserving 50% or greater of building shell³	3 4 in CBD
Redevelopment of existing site with existing building such that a new building wall is brought in line with current front setback requirements (CBD only)^3,4	6
Wall Materials	1
Roofs	1
Garages	1
Garages meeting 4.8.5.1.C provided for 20% of multi-family dwelling units on the site	1
Façade Articulation	1
Porches and/or Balconies	1
Porches and/or Balconies for 50% of total number of units not facing front facade	1
Windows	1
Foundation (or in CBD)	1
Affordable Housing-Section 4.9 (4 points may be used as bonus points or 2 points may be used for Building Design Standards and 2 points for bonus points)
Construction of housing receiving NCLIHTC Program funding	4
¹Mutually exclusive open space provisions
²Mutually exclusive infrastructure provisions
³Mutually exclusive building design provisions
⁴The existing building does not have to be retained

TABLE 4.6: PERFORMANCE STANDARD OPTIONS
Performance Criteria	Points if Performance Standard Met
Landscaping-Section 4.4 (At least 2 points must be for landscaping)
Buffer Yard (or in CBD)	1 (or 2 with fence) 2 for base standard in CBD 3 for performance standard in CBD
Street Yard (or in CBD)	1
Street Yard with fence provided adjacent to railroad ROW	1
Parking Lot Yard	1
Building Yard	1
Residential Yard	1
Retention of All Existing Trees over 8”DBH	1
Open Space-Section 4.5 (At least 1 point must be for Open Space (choose 1 option))
Infill development of 2 acres or less¹	3
20% of total development area¹ (or in CBD)	1
30% of total development area¹(or 10% of total development area in CDB)	2
40% (or in CBD) of total development area¹	3
Fulfills park or greenway on adopted plan	1 (bonus point)
Non-residential, not in CBD¹	1
Infrastructure-Section 4.7 (At least 3 points must be for Infrastructure)
Reuse of a previously developed site with services available to site (power, water, sewer), regardless of existing structures on site ²	3, or 4 in CBD
Initial development of a vacant infill site with no previous development²	1
Redevelopment of brownfield site, where remediation is part of the development	1
Connectivity Ratio (or in CBD)	1
New Sidewalks (one side of street)	1
New Sidewalks (both sides of street)	2
Existing lots with no street frontage shall automatically receive one point for sidewalks	1
Upgrade existing sidewalk to comply with current standards	1
Decorative Street Lighting	1
Addition of Street Level Retail on Multiple Level Multi-use Development (CBD)	6
Addition of Pervious Paved or Indoor Parking – 1 Space per unit (CBD)	4
Use of Pervious Paving for 20% of driving or parking surfaces (outside CBD)	1
Universal Electric Vehicle Charging Stations (minimum 1 per 30 dwelling units for residential or 1 per 30 parking spaces for non-residential)	1
Building Design-Section 4.8 (At least 5 points must be for building design)
Redevelopment of an existing building with services available to site (power, water sewer), preserving 90% or greater of building shell³	5 6 in CBD
Redevelopment of an existing building with services available to site (power, water sewer), preserving 50% or greater of building shell³	3 4 in CBD
Redevelopment of existing site with existing building such that a new building wall is brought in line with current front setback requirements (CBD only)^3,4	6
Wall Materials	1
Roofs	1
Garages	1
Garages meeting 4.8.5.1.C provided for 20% of multi-family dwelling units on the site	1
Façade Articulation	1
Porches and/or Balconies	1
Porches and/or Balconies for 50% of total number of units not facing front facade	1
Windows	1
Foundation (or in CBD)	1
Affordable Housing-Section 4.9 (4 points may be used as bonus points or 2 points may be used for Building Design Standards and 2 points for bonus points)
Construction of housing receiving NCLIHTC Program funding	4
¹Mutually exclusive open space provisions
²Mutually exclusive infrastructure provisions
³Mutually exclusive building design provisions
⁴The existing building does not have to be retained

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.3.2 Performance Standards for Non-Residential Development

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.4.1 Purpose and Applicability

The requirement for installation of landscaping shall be initiated by any one (1) or more of the following activities on a property:

New construction or the initial use of the property
A substantial change of use or change in zoning classification
Any building or parking expansion of greater than 20 percent

The requirements of this section do not apply to single-family or two-family residential development on existing lots of record that are not utilizing performance standards for density bonuses.

Buffer Yards
Street Yards
Parking Lot Yards
Building Yards
Screening Yards
Residential Lot Yards

FIGURE 4.11: LANDSCAPING YARDS

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.4.2 General Standards for All Landscaping

All diagrams in this Section are for illustrative purposes. No landscaping feature shall impede sight lines of traffic within the sight triangle as defined in Section 4.2.1 (G).

(Ord. No. 19-52, 12/02/2019)

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.4.3 Buffer Yards

Buffer yards shall function as opaque visual screens with a minimum height of six (6) feet. Plant selection should ensure that the minimum height is achieved within one year of installation.

Fences located within a buffer yard shall be located on the side closest to the neighboring property line while allowing adequate room to maintain both sides of the fence.

In addition to the requirements of this Section, buffer yard landscaping shall meet the general standards set forth in Section 4.4.2.

There are three types of buffer yards. The requirements and depictions of these buffer yards are shown on the following pages.

1.
Type 1: Multi-family residential development adjacent to single-family and two-family residential development
2.
Type 2: Non-residential development adjacent to any type of residential development (not including development within an Exclusive Industrial District)
3.
Type 3: All development in an Exclusive Industrial District (EID) adjacent to all other zoning districts

Buffer yards are not required within the CBD, except where the CBD directly abuts (not across a street) another zone.

4.4.4 Street Yards

Street yard requirements shall not apply to development within the CBD zoning district.

In addition to the requirements of this Section, street yard landscaping shall meet the general standards set forth in Section 4.4.2.

4.4.5 Parking Lot Yards

Required shrubs may be located around the parking lot perimeter (within 10 feet of the pavement edge) or within landscaped islands.

In addition to the requirements of this Section, parking lot yard landscaping shall meet the general standards set forth in Section 4.4.2.

(Ord. No. 19-52, 12/02/2019)

4.4.6 Building Yards

The intent of building yards is to create a buffer between buildings and parking areas for pedestrians entering and exiting buildings and to improve the appearance of building entrances.

The building yard requirement may be met by the street yard requirement or parking lot yard requirement for buildings immediately adjacent to a street yard or parking lot.

Building yards may be crossed by walkways to general access doorways, however a maximum of 25 percent of the building yard may be composed of walkways.

In addition to the requirements of this Section, building yard landscaping shall meet the general standards set forth in Section 4.4.2.

4.4.7 Screening Yard

The screening requirements of this Section shall apply to the garbage containers, mechanical equipment and outdoor storage for all new and expanding non-residential and multi-family development:

A.
Any permitted outdoor storage or utility structures shall be screened in the form of a wall or fence, and shrubs, so as to provide an opaque screen for outdoor storage, waste containers and utility structures. The screen shall exceed the height of the storage or equipment by a minimum of six (6) inches, shall not exceed the height limitations set forth in Section 4.4.9 for fences and walls, and shall not interfere with the operation of utility equipment. The height and density of landscaping at maturity shall be proportionate to the dimensions of the fence or wall.
B.
Dumpsters and other waste collection containers shall not be located in the front yard of any structure or within any required buffer yard and shall be screened from view of the street and adjacent properties. Gates must be provided for dumpster and waste collection enclosures.
C.
Ground-mounted mechanical equipment shall be located in the rear or side yard and screened from view of the street.
D.
Any fencing used to fulfill the requirements of this Section shall be supplemented with landscaping. Chain link fence with slats shall not be used to meet the requirement of this Section.
E.
All screens shall utilize building materials and design which are compatible with those used for the exterior of the principal building.

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.4.8 Residential Yards

TABLE 4.16: RESIDENTIAL YARD PERFORMANCE STANDARD
Criteria	Minimum Performance Standard¹
LARGE TREES	1 per 20 linear feet of building width
SMALL TREES	Optional
LARGE SHRUBS	Optional
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	2 per 20 linear feet of building width
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.0
¹Multi-family residential developments in the CBD district shall automatically receive a performance point for residential yards

TABLE 4.16: RESIDENTIAL YARD PERFORMANCE STANDARD
Criteria	Minimum Performance Standard¹
LARGE TREES	1 per 20 linear feet of building width
SMALL TREES	Optional
LARGE SHRUBS	Optional
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	2 per 20 linear feet of building width
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.0
¹Multi-family residential developments in the CBD district shall automatically receive a performance point for residential yards

TABLE 4.16: RESIDENTIAL YARD PERFORMANCE STANDARD
Criteria	Minimum Performance Standard¹
LARGE TREES	1 per 20 linear feet of building width
SMALL TREES	Optional
LARGE SHRUBS	Optional
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	2 per 20 linear feet of building width
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.0
¹Multi-family residential developments in the CBD district shall automatically receive a performance point for residential yards

TABLE 4.16: RESIDENTIAL YARD PERFORMANCE STANDARD
Criteria	Minimum Performance Standard¹
LARGE TREES	1 per 20 linear feet of building width
SMALL TREES	Optional
LARGE SHRUBS	Optional
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	2 per 20 linear feet of building width
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.0
¹Multi-family residential developments in the CBD district shall automatically receive a performance point for residential yards

FIGURE 4.21: RESIDENTIAL YARD EXAMPLE

4.4.10 Berms

Any berm that is constructed as part of a landscaping yard shall meet the following standards:

The berm shall have a minimum height of three (3) feet, a minimum crown width of two (2) feet, and a side slope with a width to height ratio of no greater than three to one (3:1) if less than four (4) feet in height and a width to height ratio of no greater than four to one (4:1) if more than four (4) feet in height.
Berms shall have adequate groundcover or other plant material to prevent erosion and shall be substantially planted and covered with live vegetation. No berm shall consist entirely of turf grass, groundcover, mulch or similar material.
Berms shall be designed to prevent standing water or the impeded flow of stormwater.
Berms shall be free of structures or merchandise.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.4.12 Plant Installation Standards

Minimum tree caliper at installation measured six (6) inches above ground on all large maturing trees shall be two (2) inches and the minimum height shall be eight (8) feet.

Required landscaping shall be installed with the minimum size specifications:

TABLE 4.23: PLANT INSTALLATION SIZE STANDARDS
Type	Minimum Height at Maturity (ft)	Minimum Height at Planting	Minimum Caliper¹at Planting (in)	Minimum Spacing (ft on center)
LARGE TREES	40	8 feet	2	20
SMALL TREES	15	6 feet	1.5	10
LARGE SHRUBS	8	3 feet	n/a	4
MEDIUM SHRUBS	4	1 feet	n/a	2
SMALL SHRUBS²	2	12 inches	n/a	2
¹ Caliper shall be measured six inches above the ground. ²Shrubs do not include ground covers.

TABLE 4.23: PLANT INSTALLATION SIZE STANDARDS
Type	Minimum Height at Maturity (ft)	Minimum Height at Planting	Minimum Caliper¹at Planting (in)	Minimum Spacing (ft on center)
LARGE TREES	40	8 feet	2	20
SMALL TREES	15	6 feet	1.5	10
LARGE SHRUBS	8	3 feet	n/a	4
MEDIUM SHRUBS	4	1 feet	n/a	2
SMALL SHRUBS²	2	12 inches	n/a	2
¹ Caliper shall be measured six inches above the ground. ²Shrubs do not include ground covers.

TABLE 4.23: PLANT INSTALLATION SIZE STANDARDS
Type	Minimum Height at Maturity (ft)	Minimum Height at Planting	Minimum Caliper¹at Planting (in)	Minimum Spacing (ft on center)
LARGE TREES	40	8 feet	2	20
SMALL TREES	15	6 feet	1.5	10
LARGE SHRUBS	8	3 feet	n/a	4
MEDIUM SHRUBS	4	1 feet	n/a	2
SMALL SHRUBS²	2	12 inches	n/a	2
¹ Caliper shall be measured six inches above the ground. ²Shrubs do not include ground covers.

TABLE 4.23: PLANT INSTALLATION SIZE STANDARDS
Type	Minimum Height at Maturity (ft)	Minimum Height at Planting	Minimum Caliper¹at Planting (in)	Minimum Spacing (ft on center)
LARGE TREES	40	8 feet	2	20
SMALL TREES	15	6 feet	1.5	10
LARGE SHRUBS	8	3 feet	n/a	4
MEDIUM SHRUBS	4	1 feet	n/a	2
SMALL SHRUBS²	2	12 inches	n/a	2
¹ Caliper shall be measured six inches above the ground. ²Shrubs do not include ground covers.

All plants shall be installed in accordance with the latest edition of the American Standards for Nursery Stock, published by the American Nurserymen’s Association and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI).
No trees identified as large trees shall be planted within 30 feet of overhead utility lines or within five (5) feet of a utility easement. This does not include low-voltage insulated or covered lines of 240 volts or less or telephone or cablevision lines.
All plant material installed shall be free from disease and scarring.
Plant materials shall be planted in accordance with generally accepted and recommended planting and growing practices.
All plant material shall be installed in a fashion that ensures the availability of sufficient soil and water to sustain healthy growth.
All plant material shall be planted in a manner which is not intrusive to utilities or pavement.
Except as herein provided, on a corner lot in any district, no hedge, shrubbery, tree, natural growth, sign, fence, wall, or other obstruction shall be placed or maintained within a sight triangle as defined by this ordinance.

(Ord. No. 19-52, 12/02/2019)

Effective on: 12/2/2019

4.4.13 Landscaping Maintenance

Required landscaping shall be maintained to mature growth habit, and trees shall not be topped.

FIGURE 4.22: TREE MEASUREMENT TERMS

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.5.1 Purpose and Applicability

The purpose of this Section is:

1.
To protect existing environmental resources including streams, wetlands, floodplains, soils, forest stands, specimen trees and other significant vegetation and wildlife.
2.
To promote the reservation of open space in environmentally sensitive areas.
3.
To provide recreational amenities for the residents of the City.

The standards of this Section shall apply to new developments with greater than five (5) residential dwelling units for which the developer is seeking performance points for density bonuses.

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.5.2 Open Space Allocation

Open space shall be dedicated in accordance with the table below for residential performance points. Percentages are based on total development area.

TABLE 4.24: OPEN SPACE ALLOCATION PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
Performance Point	Percent Open Space
3	Infill development of 2 acres or less
1	20% (or in CDB)¹
2	30% (or 10% of total development area in CDB)¹
3	40%
1 (bonus point)	Fulfills park or greenway on adopted plan
1	Non-residential, not in CBD¹
¹Mutually exclusive points

TABLE 4.24: OPEN SPACE ALLOCATION PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
Performance Point	Percent Open Space
3	Infill development of 2 acres or less
1	20% (or in CDB)¹
2	30% (or 10% of total development area in CDB)¹
3	40%
1 (bonus point)	Fulfills park or greenway on adopted plan
1	Non-residential, not in CBD¹
¹Mutually exclusive points

TABLE 4.24: OPEN SPACE ALLOCATION PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
Performance Point	Percent Open Space
3	Infill development of 2 acres or less
1	20% (or in CDB)¹
2	30% (or 10% of total development area in CDB)¹
3	40%
1 (bonus point)	Fulfills park or greenway on adopted plan
1	Non-residential, not in CBD¹
¹Mutually exclusive points

TABLE 4.24: OPEN SPACE ALLOCATION PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
Performance Point	Percent Open Space
3	Infill development of 2 acres or less
1	20% (or in CDB)¹
2	30% (or 10% of total development area in CDB)¹
3	40%
1 (bonus point)	Fulfills park or greenway on adopted plan
1	Non-residential, not in CBD¹
¹Mutually exclusive points

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.5.3 Existing Features Plan

FIGURE 4.23: CONCEPTUAL EXISTING FEATURES PLAN

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.5.4 Configuration of Open Space

The minimum width for any open space is 50 feet. Exceptions may be granted for trail easements, linear parks, and tree conservation areas.

Access to open space shall be provided by an abutting street or easement of not less than 15 feet in width.

At least 60 percent of open space shall be contiguous. For the purposes of this section, contiguous includes any open space bisected by a local street, provided that:

1.
A pedestrian crosswalk provides access to the open space on both sides of the street; and
2.
The right-of-way area is not included in the calculation of minimum open space required.

Where feasible, the open space should adjoin any neighboring areas of open space, other protected areas, and non-protected natural areas.

Open space should be directly accessible to the largest practicable number of dwelling units within the development.

No lot shall be more than one quarter (1/4) mile from open space, as measured in a straight line from the lot line to the nearest point of open space.

Lakes or ponds within the development used as open space shall provide adequate community access beyond the 15 foot minimum as determined by the Development and Design Services Department.

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.5.5 Open Space Types

4.5.6 Allowed Uses of Open Space

Unless otherwise stated, open space intended to achieve the performance standard may be used for the following:

A.
Conservation areas for natural, archeological or historic resources;
B.
Meadows, woodlands, wetlands, wildlife corridors, game preserves, or similar conservation-oriented areas;
C.
Pedestrian or multi-purpose trails;
D.
Passive recreation areas;
E.
Active recreation areas, provided that impervious area is limited to no more than 25 percent of the total open space for the development;
F.
Golf courses (excluding clubhouse areas and maintenance facilities), provided that the area does not exceed 50 percent of the total open space for the development and that impervious area is no more than 25 percent of the total open space for the development;
G.
Water bodies, such as lakes, pond and floodways, provided that the total surface area does not exceed 50 percent of the total open space for the development;
H.
Crop production, community garden;
I.
Stormwater control measures, provided that area does not exceed 25 percent of the total open space for the development and the stormwater control measure is designed as a pond amenity of greater than one-half (1/2) acre or greater, is surrounded by open space, and is accessible to all residents; and
J.
Easements for drainage, access and underground utilities.

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.5.7 Prohibited Uses of Open Space

Open space intended to achieve the performance standard shall not be used for the following:

A.
Individual conventional wastewater disposal systems (excluding innovative/alternative systems);
B.
Overhead electric transmission lines or high voltage electric transmission lines; and
C.
Streets and impervious parking areas.

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.5.8 Open Space Ownership and Maintenance

Open space may be owned or administered by one (1) or a combination of the following methods:

Fee simple ownership by a unit of government or private non-profit land conservancy;
Common ownership by Homeowners Association;
Split deeded ownership by individual property owners within the development;
By individual private ownership such as a farmer, developer or other private entity that maintains the open space in accordance with the purposes of this Section. (i.e. farming, equestrian facility).
Deed restricted open space easements on individual private properties.

The City Council shall have the authority to accept or reject land dedications made as a requirement of this Section.

The owner of dedicated open space shall be responsible for the continuing upkeep and proper maintenance of the same.

The developer shall place in a conspicuous manner upon the Final Plat of the subdivision a notation concerning control of open space.

Provision for the establishment of the association or similar entity is required before any lot in the development is sold or any building occupied and membership shall be mandatory for each homeowner and any successive buyer.
The association or similar legal entity has clear legal authority to maintain and exercise control over such common open space areas.
The association or similar legal entity has the power to compel contributions from residents of the development to cover their proportionate shares of the costs associated with the maintenance and upkeep of such common areas. Further, assessments levied can become a lien on the property if allowed in the master deed establishing the homeowners association or similar legal entity.
The open space restrictions must be permanent, not just for a period of years.
The association or similar legal entity must be responsible for liability insurance, applicable taxes and the maintenance of open space and other facilities under their control.
The association or similar legal entity must be able to adjust the assessment to meet changing needs.
The association shall be responsible for maintaining all public storm water drainage systems and easements within the development not being maintained by the City, County, State or other approved entity.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.6.1 Purpose and Applicability

The purpose of this Section is to ensure that adequate and well-designed parking and site access is provided for developments in the City of Morganton.

Unless otherwise specified, the requirements of this Section shall be initiated by any one (1) or more of the following activities on a property:

New construction or the initial use of the property
A substantial change of use or change in zoning classification
Any building or parking expansion of greater than 20 percent

The requirements of this section do not apply to single-family or two-family residential development on existing lots of record that are not utilizing performance standards for density bonuses.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.6.2 General Provisions

All off-street parking areas shall be landscaped in accordance with the regulations in Section 4.4.

No off-street parking area shall be located over an on-site wastewater drain field.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.6.3 Parking Lot Design

Off-street parking areas shall be designed to facilitate adequate movement and access by sanitation, emergency and other public service vehicles.

No surface parking or circulation driveway is permitted within any required or established buffer area, except that driveways providing access to the parking area may be installed across these areas.

No new off-street parking area in the CBD districts shall extend toward a public street right-of-way beyond the front wall of the closest adjacent building. See Figure 4.25.

FIGURE 4.25: PARKING LOCATION IN RELATION TO BUILDINGS IN THE CBD

F.
CBD Parking Lot Screen Wall
All new or expanding off-street parking areas in the CBD zoning district that abut a public street right-of-way shall be screened with a hedgerow, masonry wall, or fence of at least three (3) feet in height that meets the fence and wall requirements of Section 4.4.9. These features shall not impeded sight lines within sight triangles as defined in Section 4.2.1 (G).
G.
No parking aisle (defined as a drive aisle and the parking located on each side) serving the general public that contains more than 10 parking spaces shall dead end, except that the Development and Design Services Department may approve dead-end aisles for up to 20 spaces on small lots where expected traffic is minimal. Any parking aisle that dead-ends shall be provided a suitable turnaround.
H.
For non-residential uses in the Corridor and River District Overlays (except for civic uses and developments in the EID zoning district) with more than two (2) rows of parking located in the front yard of the principal building, the following standards shall be met in addition to the landscaping requirements of Section 4.4.5:
1. 1.
  Parking shall have additional screening using one (1) of the following methods:
  1. a.
    The minimum street yard width required by Section 4.4.4 shall be doubled and the number of shrubs shall be increased by 25 percent; or
  2. b.
    Parking may be shared and screened with outparcel buildings (See Figure 4.26).
2. 2.
  No more than three (3) parking aisles (defined as a drive aisle and the parking located on each side) shall abut. Otherwise, parking aisles shall be separated from each other by planted medians which may include pedestrian walkways. Parking lots shall be designed to allow pedestrians to safely move from their vehicles to the building (s). On small lots, this may be achieved by providing a sidewalk at the perimeter of the lot. On larger lots, corridors within the parking area should channel pedestrians from the car to the perimeter of the lot or to the building. These corridors may be delineated by a paving material that differs from that of vehicular areas and planted to provide shade. Small posts or bollards may be included. (See Figure 4.26).
3. 3.
  Landscape islands that are arranged in a manner that clearly delineates parking bays and drive aisles. A landscape island shall, at a minimum, be placed at the end of each parking bay.
4. 4.
  All open pedestrian walkways, sidewalks, and passageways shall be landscaped on a ratio of 1 canopy tree and 15 shrubs per 100 linear feet of walkway, sidewalk, or passageway. The landscaping shall be installed within 10 feet of the edge of pedestrian walkway, sidewalk, or passageway. This landscaping material may be used meet required parking lot yard landscaping requirements.

FIGURE 4.26: EXAMPLE OF PARKING AREA FOR LARGE SCALE DEVELOPMENT

*Option 1-Street Yard doubled with 25% more shrubs*	*Option 2-Outparcels*

*No Outparcels, Enhanced Street Yard or Landscaped Pedestrian Walkway*

*Planted Median with Pedestrian Walkway*	*No Parking Aisle Separation*

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.6.4 Parking Dimensions

All new parking areas shall meet the following dimensional requirements:

TABLE 4.25: PARKING DIMENSIONS
Angle	Stall Width (min/max)	Stall Depth (min/max)	Drive Aisle Width		Landscaped Island Width (min)	Wheel Stop Location Adjacent Sidewalk (forward parking)	Wheel Stop Location Adjacent Sidewalk (reverse parking)
Angle	Stall Width (min/max)	Stall Depth (min/max)	One-way aisle (min/max)	Two-way aisle (min/max)	Landscaped Island Width (min)	Wheel Stop Location Adjacent Sidewalk (forward parking)	Wheel Stop Location Adjacent Sidewalk (reverse parking)
0°	8 ft. / 10 ft.	22 ft. / 26 ft.	12 ft. / 14 ft.	20 ft. / 22 ft.	7 ft.	N/A	N/A
45°	9 ft. / 11 ft.	18 ft. / 20 ft.	12 ft. / 14 ft.	24 ft. / 26 ft.	7 ft.	2 ft.	4 ft.
60°	9 ft. / 11 ft.	18 ft. / 20 ft.	18 ft. / 20 ft.	24 ft. / 26 ft.	7 ft.	2 ft.	4 ft.
90°	9 ft. / 11 ft.	18 ft. / 20 ft.	24 ft. / 26 ft.	24 ft. / 26 ft.	7 ft.	2 ft.	4 ft.
N/A=Not applicable ¹Landscaped island width excludes any included curb

TABLE 4.25: PARKING DIMENSIONS
Angle	Stall Width (min/max)	Stall Depth (min/max)	Drive Aisle Width		Landscaped Island Width (min)	Wheel Stop Location Adjacent Sidewalk (forward parking)	Wheel Stop Location Adjacent Sidewalk (reverse parking)
Angle	Stall Width (min/max)	Stall Depth (min/max)	One-way aisle (min/max)	Two-way aisle (min/max)	Landscaped Island Width (min)	Wheel Stop Location Adjacent Sidewalk (forward parking)	Wheel Stop Location Adjacent Sidewalk (reverse parking)
0°	8 ft. / 10 ft.	22 ft. / 26 ft.	12 ft. / 14 ft.	20 ft. / 22 ft.	7 ft.	N/A	N/A
45°	9 ft. / 11 ft.	18 ft. / 20 ft.	12 ft. / 14 ft.	24 ft. / 26 ft.	7 ft.	2 ft.	4 ft.
60°	9 ft. / 11 ft.	18 ft. / 20 ft.	18 ft. / 20 ft.	24 ft. / 26 ft.	7 ft.	2 ft.	4 ft.
90°	9 ft. / 11 ft.	18 ft. / 20 ft.	24 ft. / 26 ft.	24 ft. / 26 ft.	7 ft.	2 ft.	4 ft.
N/A=Not applicable ¹Landscaped island width excludes any included curb

TABLE 4.25: PARKING DIMENSIONS
Angle	Stall Width (min/max)	Stall Depth (min/max)	Drive Aisle Width		Landscaped Island Width (min)	Wheel Stop Location Adjacent Sidewalk (forward parking)	Wheel Stop Location Adjacent Sidewalk (reverse parking)
Angle	Stall Width (min/max)	Stall Depth (min/max)	One-way aisle (min/max)	Two-way aisle (min/max)	Landscaped Island Width (min)	Wheel Stop Location Adjacent Sidewalk (forward parking)	Wheel Stop Location Adjacent Sidewalk (reverse parking)
0°	8 ft. / 10 ft.	22 ft. / 26 ft.	12 ft. / 14 ft.	20 ft. / 22 ft.	7 ft.	N/A	N/A
45°	9 ft. / 11 ft.	18 ft. / 20 ft.	12 ft. / 14 ft.	24 ft. / 26 ft.	7 ft.	2 ft.	4 ft.
60°	9 ft. / 11 ft.	18 ft. / 20 ft.	18 ft. / 20 ft.	24 ft. / 26 ft.	7 ft.	2 ft.	4 ft.
90°	9 ft. / 11 ft.	18 ft. / 20 ft.	24 ft. / 26 ft.	24 ft. / 26 ft.	7 ft.	2 ft.	4 ft.
N/A=Not applicable ¹Landscaped island width excludes any included curb

TABLE 4.25: PARKING DIMENSIONS
Angle	Stall Width (min/max)	Stall Depth (min/max)	Drive Aisle Width		Landscaped Island Width (min)	Wheel Stop Location Adjacent Sidewalk (forward parking)	Wheel Stop Location Adjacent Sidewalk (reverse parking)
Angle	Stall Width (min/max)	Stall Depth (min/max)	One-way aisle (min/max)	Two-way aisle (min/max)	Landscaped Island Width (min)	Wheel Stop Location Adjacent Sidewalk (forward parking)	Wheel Stop Location Adjacent Sidewalk (reverse parking)
0°	8 ft. / 10 ft.	22 ft. / 26 ft.	12 ft. / 14 ft.	20 ft. / 22 ft.	7 ft.	N/A	N/A
45°	9 ft. / 11 ft.	18 ft. / 20 ft.	12 ft. / 14 ft.	24 ft. / 26 ft.	7 ft.	2 ft.	4 ft.
60°	9 ft. / 11 ft.	18 ft. / 20 ft.	18 ft. / 20 ft.	24 ft. / 26 ft.	7 ft.	2 ft.	4 ft.
90°	9 ft. / 11 ft.	18 ft. / 20 ft.	24 ft. / 26 ft.	24 ft. / 26 ft.	7 ft.	2 ft.	4 ft.
N/A=Not applicable ¹Landscaped island width excludes any included curb

Exceptions:

Parking spaces and drive aisles in alternative sizes to the noted dimension may be considered at the discretion of the Development and Design Services Department for particular uses.

Accessible spaces must meet the accessibility requirements of the North Carolina Building Code.

FIGURE 4.27: PARKING DIMENSIONS

*Two-way Aisle 90°*	*Typical 0° Parking*

*One-way Aisle 45 (Typical)*	*One-way Aisle 45° (Reverse Angle)*

*Two-way Aisle 45 (Typical)*	*Two-way Aisle 45° (Reverse Angle)*

*One-way Aisle 60°*	*Two-way Aisle 60°*

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.6.5 Parking Surface


*Standard curb and gutter*	*Curb and gutter with curb cuts directed to landscaped area*	*Recessed curb with sheet flow drainage to landscaped area*

B.
Wheel stops with sheet flow drainage to landscaped area
Non-residential and multi-family uses not located in the Corridor or River District Overlays shall pave all front and side yard parking areas, driveways and ADA parking spaces. The minimum number of spaces required for the use shall be paved. Any additional parking areas located in rear yards may be gravel or similar durable wearing surface. Curb and gutter is not required for developments not located in the Corridor or River District Overlays. However, wheel stops shall be provided with a minimum two (2) foot separation from the edge of landscaped areas.
C.
All paving shall meet the requirements of the City of Morganton Engineering Standards and Specifications.

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.6.6 Number of Parking Spaces

1.
Within the Central Business District, off-street parking is not required. On-Street parking is to be shared and may not be allocated to individual owners or businesses unless a valet parking agreement, in a form and of content to the satisfaction of the City Attorney, is reviewed by the Planning Commission and approved by City Council.

Permeable Pavers

TABLE 4.26: NUMBER OF PARKING SPACES REQUIRED
Use	Minimum Number of Spaces
Agricultural
Agricultural uses (unless otherwise specified)	N/A
Equestrian uses (horseback riding, stables)	1 per horse stall
Greenhouse or horticultural nursery	1 per 800 square feet of gross sales floor area
Produce stand (permanent)	1 per 300 square feet of gross floor area
Residential
Residential uses (unless otherwise specified)	2 per dwelling
Accessory dwellings	1 per dwelling
Bed & breakfast inns	2 +1 per guest room
Home occupations, customary (includes daycare homes)	Residential use requirement + 1 space
Home occupations, intensive	Residential use requirement + 1 space per employee
Civic, Government, & Institutional
Civic, Government, and Institutional uses (unless otherwise specified)	1 per 300 square feet of gross floor area
Colleges, Universities, & associated facilities	1 per 4 students
Correctional facility	1 per 2 employees on peak shift
Community outreach offices	2 per employee on peak shift
Emergency Services (fire, police, EMT, & similar uses)	1 per employee + 1 per 3 volunteer personnel on peak shift + 1 per 200 square feet of office space
Hospitals, public and private	1 per 400 square feet of gross floor area of administrative area + 1 per bed
Religious institutions & related uses	1 per 4 seats
Research facilities	1 per 2 employees on peak shift
Residential care facilities	1 space per 2 beds
Schools and associated facilities, elementary and middle (public and private)	1.5 per classroom
Schools and associated facilities, high (public and private)	10 per classroom
Schools (trade & vocational)	1 per 4 students
Office & Service
Office and Service uses (unless otherwise specified)	1 per 300 square feet of gross floor area
Artists, craftsmen	1 per employee
Crematories	1 per employee at peak shift
Funeral homes and mortuaries	1 per 4 seats
Hotels and motels	1 per room + 2 spaces per 3 employees at peak shift
Motion picture production	1 per employee at peak shift
Motor vehicle or boat services	4 spaces per service bay + 1 per employee at peak shift
Research, development or testing services	1 per employee + spaces required to satisfy projected peak parking demands
Retail & Wholesale
Retail uses (unless otherwise specified)	1 per 300 square feet of gross floor area
Farmer’s markets	1 per every 4 persons of max. capacity
Microbreweries and wineries (with on-site sales)	1 per 300 square feet of gross floor area or 1 per every 3 seats (if seating is provided)
Motor vehicle or boat sales or rental	3 spaces + 1 space per every 400 square feet of building gross floor area
Restaurants	5 spaces plus 1 per every 3 seats
Wholesale	1 per 400 square feet of gross office & sales floor area + 2 per each 3 employees at peak shift
Recreation & Entertainment
Recreation and Entertainment Uses (unless otherwise specified)	1 per 150 square feet of gross floor area or 1 per every 4 persons of max. capacity (as applicable)
Campgrounds	1.25 per campsite at campground (1 at each campsite)
Electronic Gaming Operations	1 per two (2) gaming machines/terminals/computers or 1 per 100 square feet of gross floor area, whichever is greater
Industrial, Warehousing, Transportation, & Utility
Industrial, Warehousing, Transportation, and Utility uses (unless otherwise specified)	1 per employee + 1 per each company vehicle at peak shift
Junkyards, salvage yards, recycling operations and similar uses	1 per employee on peak shift + 1 per 5,000 square feet devoted to material storage + 1 per company vehicle
Warehouse, mini	1 per 4,000 square feet of gross floor area
Wireless telecommunications towers	1 space
Other
Drive-throughs (associated with permitted use)	Stacking for 5 vehicles at each bay (on-site)
Temporary Uses	Adequate for use

TABLE 4.26: NUMBER OF PARKING SPACES REQUIRED
Use	Minimum Number of Spaces
Agricultural
Agricultural uses (unless otherwise specified)	N/A
Equestrian uses (horseback riding, stables)	1 per horse stall
Greenhouse or horticultural nursery	1 per 800 square feet of gross sales floor area
Produce stand (permanent)	1 per 300 square feet of gross floor area
Residential
Residential uses (unless otherwise specified)	2 per dwelling
Accessory dwellings	1 per dwelling
Bed & breakfast inns	2 +1 per guest room
Home occupations, customary (includes daycare homes)	Residential use requirement + 1 space
Home occupations, intensive	Residential use requirement + 1 space per employee
Civic, Government, & Institutional
Civic, Government, and Institutional uses (unless otherwise specified)	1 per 300 square feet of gross floor area
Colleges, Universities, & associated facilities	1 per 4 students
Correctional facility	1 per 2 employees on peak shift
Community outreach offices	2 per employee on peak shift
Emergency Services (fire, police, EMT, & similar uses)	1 per employee + 1 per 3 volunteer personnel on peak shift + 1 per 200 square feet of office space
Hospitals, public and private	1 per 400 square feet of gross floor area of administrative area + 1 per bed
Religious institutions & related uses	1 per 4 seats
Research facilities	1 per 2 employees on peak shift
Residential care facilities	1 space per 2 beds
Schools and associated facilities, elementary and middle (public and private)	1.5 per classroom
Schools and associated facilities, high (public and private)	10 per classroom
Schools (trade & vocational)	1 per 4 students
Office & Service
Office and Service uses (unless otherwise specified)	1 per 300 square feet of gross floor area
Artists, craftsmen	1 per employee
Crematories	1 per employee at peak shift
Funeral homes and mortuaries	1 per 4 seats
Hotels and motels	1 per room + 2 spaces per 3 employees at peak shift
Motion picture production	1 per employee at peak shift
Motor vehicle or boat services	4 spaces per service bay + 1 per employee at peak shift
Research, development or testing services	1 per employee + spaces required to satisfy projected peak parking demands
Retail & Wholesale
Retail uses (unless otherwise specified)	1 per 300 square feet of gross floor area
Farmer’s markets	1 per every 4 persons of max. capacity
Microbreweries and wineries (with on-site sales)	1 per 300 square feet of gross floor area or 1 per every 3 seats (if seating is provided)
Motor vehicle or boat sales or rental	3 spaces + 1 space per every 400 square feet of building gross floor area
Restaurants	5 spaces plus 1 per every 3 seats
Wholesale	1 per 400 square feet of gross office & sales floor area + 2 per each 3 employees at peak shift
Recreation & Entertainment
Recreation and Entertainment Uses (unless otherwise specified)	1 per 150 square feet of gross floor area or 1 per every 4 persons of max. capacity (as applicable)
Campgrounds	1.25 per campsite at campground (1 at each campsite)
Electronic Gaming Operations	1 per two (2) gaming machines/terminals/computers or 1 per 100 square feet of gross floor area, whichever is greater
Industrial, Warehousing, Transportation, & Utility
Industrial, Warehousing, Transportation, and Utility uses (unless otherwise specified)	1 per employee + 1 per each company vehicle at peak shift
Junkyards, salvage yards, recycling operations and similar uses	1 per employee on peak shift + 1 per 5,000 square feet devoted to material storage + 1 per company vehicle
Warehouse, mini	1 per 4,000 square feet of gross floor area
Wireless telecommunications towers	1 space
Other
Drive-throughs (associated with permitted use)	Stacking for 5 vehicles at each bay (on-site)
Temporary Uses	Adequate for use

TABLE 4.26: NUMBER OF PARKING SPACES REQUIRED
Use	Minimum Number of Spaces
Agricultural
Agricultural uses (unless otherwise specified)	N/A
Equestrian uses (horseback riding, stables)	1 per horse stall
Greenhouse or horticultural nursery	1 per 800 square feet of gross sales floor area
Produce stand (permanent)	1 per 300 square feet of gross floor area
Residential
Residential uses (unless otherwise specified)	2 per dwelling
Accessory dwellings	1 per dwelling
Bed & breakfast inns	2 +1 per guest room
Home occupations, customary (includes daycare homes)	Residential use requirement + 1 space
Home occupations, intensive	Residential use requirement + 1 space per employee
Civic, Government, & Institutional
Civic, Government, and Institutional uses (unless otherwise specified)	1 per 300 square feet of gross floor area
Colleges, Universities, & associated facilities	1 per 4 students
Correctional facility	1 per 2 employees on peak shift
Community outreach offices	2 per employee on peak shift
Emergency Services (fire, police, EMT, & similar uses)	1 per employee + 1 per 3 volunteer personnel on peak shift + 1 per 200 square feet of office space
Hospitals, public and private	1 per 400 square feet of gross floor area of administrative area + 1 per bed
Religious institutions & related uses	1 per 4 seats
Research facilities	1 per 2 employees on peak shift
Residential care facilities	1 space per 2 beds
Schools and associated facilities, elementary and middle (public and private)	1.5 per classroom
Schools and associated facilities, high (public and private)	10 per classroom
Schools (trade & vocational)	1 per 4 students
Office & Service
Office and Service uses (unless otherwise specified)	1 per 300 square feet of gross floor area
Artists, craftsmen	1 per employee
Crematories	1 per employee at peak shift
Funeral homes and mortuaries	1 per 4 seats
Hotels and motels	1 per room + 2 spaces per 3 employees at peak shift
Motion picture production	1 per employee at peak shift
Motor vehicle or boat services	4 spaces per service bay + 1 per employee at peak shift
Research, development or testing services	1 per employee + spaces required to satisfy projected peak parking demands
Retail & Wholesale
Retail uses (unless otherwise specified)	1 per 300 square feet of gross floor area
Farmer’s markets	1 per every 4 persons of max. capacity
Microbreweries and wineries (with on-site sales)	1 per 300 square feet of gross floor area or 1 per every 3 seats (if seating is provided)
Motor vehicle or boat sales or rental	3 spaces + 1 space per every 400 square feet of building gross floor area
Restaurants	5 spaces plus 1 per every 3 seats
Wholesale	1 per 400 square feet of gross office & sales floor area + 2 per each 3 employees at peak shift
Recreation & Entertainment
Recreation and Entertainment Uses (unless otherwise specified)	1 per 150 square feet of gross floor area or 1 per every 4 persons of max. capacity (as applicable)
Campgrounds	1.25 per campsite at campground (1 at each campsite)
Electronic Gaming Operations	1 per two (2) gaming machines/terminals/computers or 1 per 100 square feet of gross floor area, whichever is greater
Industrial, Warehousing, Transportation, & Utility
Industrial, Warehousing, Transportation, and Utility uses (unless otherwise specified)	1 per employee + 1 per each company vehicle at peak shift
Junkyards, salvage yards, recycling operations and similar uses	1 per employee on peak shift + 1 per 5,000 square feet devoted to material storage + 1 per company vehicle
Warehouse, mini	1 per 4,000 square feet of gross floor area
Wireless telecommunications towers	1 space
Other
Drive-throughs (associated with permitted use)	Stacking for 5 vehicles at each bay (on-site)
Temporary Uses	Adequate for use

TABLE 4.26: NUMBER OF PARKING SPACES REQUIRED
Use	Minimum Number of Spaces
Agricultural
Agricultural uses (unless otherwise specified)	N/A
Equestrian uses (horseback riding, stables)	1 per horse stall
Greenhouse or horticultural nursery	1 per 800 square feet of gross sales floor area
Produce stand (permanent)	1 per 300 square feet of gross floor area
Residential
Residential uses (unless otherwise specified)	2 per dwelling
Accessory dwellings	1 per dwelling
Bed & breakfast inns	2 +1 per guest room
Home occupations, customary (includes daycare homes)	Residential use requirement + 1 space
Home occupations, intensive	Residential use requirement + 1 space per employee
Civic, Government, & Institutional
Civic, Government, and Institutional uses (unless otherwise specified)	1 per 300 square feet of gross floor area
Colleges, Universities, & associated facilities	1 per 4 students
Correctional facility	1 per 2 employees on peak shift
Community outreach offices	2 per employee on peak shift
Emergency Services (fire, police, EMT, & similar uses)	1 per employee + 1 per 3 volunteer personnel on peak shift + 1 per 200 square feet of office space
Hospitals, public and private	1 per 400 square feet of gross floor area of administrative area + 1 per bed
Religious institutions & related uses	1 per 4 seats
Research facilities	1 per 2 employees on peak shift
Residential care facilities	1 space per 2 beds
Schools and associated facilities, elementary and middle (public and private)	1.5 per classroom
Schools and associated facilities, high (public and private)	10 per classroom
Schools (trade & vocational)	1 per 4 students
Office & Service
Office and Service uses (unless otherwise specified)	1 per 300 square feet of gross floor area
Artists, craftsmen	1 per employee
Crematories	1 per employee at peak shift
Funeral homes and mortuaries	1 per 4 seats
Hotels and motels	1 per room + 2 spaces per 3 employees at peak shift
Motion picture production	1 per employee at peak shift
Motor vehicle or boat services	4 spaces per service bay + 1 per employee at peak shift
Research, development or testing services	1 per employee + spaces required to satisfy projected peak parking demands
Retail & Wholesale
Retail uses (unless otherwise specified)	1 per 300 square feet of gross floor area
Farmer’s markets	1 per every 4 persons of max. capacity
Microbreweries and wineries (with on-site sales)	1 per 300 square feet of gross floor area or 1 per every 3 seats (if seating is provided)
Motor vehicle or boat sales or rental	3 spaces + 1 space per every 400 square feet of building gross floor area
Restaurants	5 spaces plus 1 per every 3 seats
Wholesale	1 per 400 square feet of gross office & sales floor area + 2 per each 3 employees at peak shift
Recreation & Entertainment
Recreation and Entertainment Uses (unless otherwise specified)	1 per 150 square feet of gross floor area or 1 per every 4 persons of max. capacity (as applicable)
Campgrounds	1.25 per campsite at campground (1 at each campsite)
Electronic Gaming Operations	1 per two (2) gaming machines/terminals/computers or 1 per 100 square feet of gross floor area, whichever is greater
Industrial, Warehousing, Transportation, & Utility
Industrial, Warehousing, Transportation, and Utility uses (unless otherwise specified)	1 per employee + 1 per each company vehicle at peak shift
Junkyards, salvage yards, recycling operations and similar uses	1 per employee on peak shift + 1 per 5,000 square feet devoted to material storage + 1 per company vehicle
Warehouse, mini	1 per 4,000 square feet of gross floor area
Wireless telecommunications towers	1 space
Other
Drive-throughs (associated with permitted use)	Stacking for 5 vehicles at each bay (on-site)
Temporary Uses	Adequate for use

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.6.7 Parking Location, Sharing, and Connectivity

All newly constructed non-residential parking lots shall be designed to accommodate interconnection between adjacent sites unless natural features prevent connection.

FIGURE 4.28: PARKING CONNECTIVITY

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.6.8 Loading Area Requirements

Loading and unloading areas shall be so located and designed so that the vehicles intended to use them can:

1.
maneuver safely and conveniently to and from a public right-of-way; and
2.
complete the loading and unloading operations without obstructing or interfering with any public right-of-way or any parking space or parking lot aisle.

No area allocated to loading and unloading facilities may be used to satisfy the area requirements for off-street parking.

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.6.9 Parking of Commercial and Recreational Vehicles

No residentially-developed lot may be used as the base of operation for any freight hauling truck.

a.
Only persons who occupied the original dwelling unit shall occupy the recreational vehicle;
b.
The recreational vehicle shall be connected to power and potable water;
c.
The recreational vehicle shall have an internal system for collection of human waste, and the waste shall be properly disposed of;
d.
The recreational vehicle shall remain in good repair and at all times be capable of being removed from the site under motor vehicle power;
e.
Measurable progress must be made towards returning the original dwelling to an habitable state;
f.
Once the original dwelling receives a Certificate of Occupancy, the recreational vehicle shall be removed from service as emergency accommodation within two weeks. The Development and Design Services Director shall interpret and apply this section such that it is consistent with the spirit, purpose, and intent of this ordinance, such that public safety is secured, and substantial justice is achieved to all parties.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.6.10 Driveways

Driveways that connect to state-maintained streets shall comply with NCDOT standards.

Driveways that connect to City-maintained streets shall comply with the Public Works standards set forth in Article C of Chapter 1 of Part 4 of the City of Morganton Code of Ordinances.

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.7.1 Purpose and Applicability

Unless otherwise specified, the requirements of this Section shall be initiated by any one (1) or more of the following activities on a property:

New construction or the initial use of the property
A substantial change of use or change in zoning classification
Any building or parking expansion of greater than 20 percent

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.7.2 Conformance with Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP)

The location and design of streets shall be in conformance with the Greater Hickory Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP).

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.7.4 Sidewalks

In addition to the sidewalk requirements of the Subdivision Ordinance the following standards shall apply:

4.7.6 Utility Standards

All utilities shall be installed underground and meet requirements of the City of Morganton Engineering Standards and Specifications.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.1 Purpose

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.2 Applicability

The standards of this Section 4.8 shall apply as follows:

TABLE 4.27: BUILDING DESIGN STANDARDS BY BUILDING TYPE
Applicable Building Type	Applicable Section
Residential Buildings (performance standards and points for increased density)	4.8.5
Multi-family Residential Buildings	4.8.5.1
Single-family and Two-family Residential Buildings	4.8.5.2
Non-residential Buildings (Corridor Overlay in all districts, River District Overlay in all districts, in all LID and MID districts, and buildings in HID districts greater than 35 feet tall)	4.8.6
Central Business District Buildings (all buildings within the Central Business District zoning designation)	4.8.7

TABLE 4.27: BUILDING DESIGN STANDARDS BY BUILDING TYPE
Applicable Building Type	Applicable Section
Residential Buildings (performance standards and points for increased density)	4.8.5
Multi-family Residential Buildings	4.8.5.1
Single-family and Two-family Residential Buildings	4.8.5.2
Non-residential Buildings (Corridor Overlay in all districts, River District Overlay in all districts, in all LID and MID districts, and buildings in HID districts greater than 35 feet tall)	4.8.6
Central Business District Buildings (all buildings within the Central Business District zoning designation)	4.8.7

TABLE 4.27: BUILDING DESIGN STANDARDS BY BUILDING TYPE
Applicable Building Type	Applicable Section
Residential Buildings (performance standards and points for increased density)	4.8.5
Multi-family Residential Buildings	4.8.5.1
Single-family and Two-family Residential Buildings	4.8.5.2
Non-residential Buildings (Corridor Overlay in all districts, River District Overlay in all districts, in all LID and MID districts, and buildings in HID districts greater than 35 feet tall)	4.8.6
Central Business District Buildings (all buildings within the Central Business District zoning designation)	4.8.7

TABLE 4.27: BUILDING DESIGN STANDARDS BY BUILDING TYPE
Applicable Building Type	Applicable Section
Residential Buildings (performance standards and points for increased density)	4.8.5
Multi-family Residential Buildings	4.8.5.1
Single-family and Two-family Residential Buildings	4.8.5.2
Non-residential Buildings (Corridor Overlay in all districts, River District Overlay in all districts, in all LID and MID districts, and buildings in HID districts greater than 35 feet tall)	4.8.6
Central Business District Buildings (all buildings within the Central Business District zoning designation)	4.8.7

The standards shall apply to new construction and expansions of greater than 20% of the gross floor area, or exterior remodels of over 50% of any primary façade. If a nonconforming building is being expanded by greater than 20 percent, then the existing portion of the building shall comply with the following standards:
1. The primary building material as permitted by Section 4.8.6.7 shall be continued over to 50 percent of the front façade of the existing building.
2. A minimum of one (1) vertical articulation element listed in Section 4.8.6.4 (A) shall be incorporated into the front façade.
3. A minimum of one (1) horizontal articulation element listed in Section 4.8.6.5 (A) shall be incorporated into the front façade.
4. All unscreened mechanical or utility equipment shall be screened per Section 4.8.6.12.
Non-residential building design standards shall not apply to existing residential structures that have a change-of-use to a non-residential use as permitted by this Ordinance.

FIGURE: 4.30: EXAMPLE OF BUILDING EXPANSION DESIGN COMPLIANCE

Existing Stucco Building	Building with greater than 20% addition

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.3 General Building Design Standards

Any residential lots of less than 50 feet in width shall be alley-loaded and shall not have driveways accessing the fronting street.

Manufactured housing shall not be used as permanent structures except in the MH-O district.

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.8.4 Neighborhood Conservation Overlay Residential Design Standards

The following are suggested guidelines which the City recommends be followed by owners and developers.

Wall Materials
1. Exterior wall materials should be wood, fiber cement board, brick, stone, vinyl, or similar materials.
2. The front wall of such infill residences should incorporate at least 25 percent of the primary material used on residences located within 200 feet.
Roofs
1. Roof materials shall be asphalt shingles, wood shakes, standing seam metal, slate, tile, or similar materials.
2. The primary roof of a single-family residential building shall be pitched. Pitched roofs for one-story buildings shall have a slope of between 4:12 and 8:12. Pitched roofs for one-and-a-half (1 ½) or multiple story buildings shall have a slope of between 6:12 and 12:12. Secondary roofs may be flat and shall have a parapet wall with a decorative cap or cornice.
3. Architectural elements such as height variations, gables, dormers, cupolas, towers, and other similar elements shall be incorporated into the roof design at a minimum of every 25 linear feet on the primary/front façade.
4. Roofs shall be in scale with the building and shall have an overhang of six (6) inches or more to facilitate proper water run-off.


*Height variation and dormers*	*Large expanse of roof without variation*

*More than 6-inch Gable Overhang*	*No Gable Overhang*

Garages
1. Garages on infill residences shall incorporate similarly situated garages as residences located within 200 feet. For example, if all garages on houses residences within 200 are recessed from the front façade, then the garage on the infill house shall have a garage that is recessed from the front façade.
2. Garages and carports shall be set back a minimum of 20 feet from a public street right-of-way.
3. Attached garages for more than two (2) cars shall not face the primary street. Garages on corner lots may face the non-fronting street.


*Side-loaded three-car garage*	*Front-loaded three-car garage*

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.5 Residential Performance Building Design Standards

A.
Primary/Front Façade
Any building wall plane which is oriented toward a street right-of-way and contains the primary building entrance.

FIGURE 4.31: PRIMARY/FRONT FACADE

B.
Secondary/Corner Side Façade
Building wall planes that do not contain the primary entrance to the building and face a secondary street right-of-way on a corner lot or an internal private street for multi-family residential developments.

FIGURE 4.32: SECONDARY /CORNER SIDE FACADE

C.
Side Façade
Building wall planes that do not face a street right-of-way and are generally perpendicular to the primary/front façade.

FIGURE 4.33: SIDE FACADE

D.
Rear Façade
Building wall planes that face the rear yard and generally parallel to the primary/front façade.

FIGURE 4.34: REAR FACADE

4.8.6 Non-Residential Building Design Standards

The requirements of this Section shall apply to the non-residential buildings in the following areas:

Non-residential buildings located within the Corridor Overlay in all zoning districts;
Non-residential buildings located within the River District Overlay in all zoning districts;
Non-residential buildings located within the LID and MID zoning districts as indicated in Section 3.4, but shall not apply to existing residential structures that have a change-of-use to a non-residential use as permitted by this Ordinance; and
Non-residential buildings within any HID district that exceed 35 feet in height.
For all other areas these standards shall serve as guidelines and are strongly encouraged.

4.9.1 Purpose

Effective on: 9/13/2021

4.9.2 Applicability and Limitations

A Land Use Restrictive Covenant declaring a commitment to comply with the Low-Income Tax Credit program for 30 years shall be recorded with the Burke County Register of Deeds.

(Ord. No. 21-36, 09/13/2021)

Effective on: 9/13/2021

4.4.3.1 Type 1 Buffer Yards: Multi-family Residential Development Adjacent to Single-family and Two-family Residential

TABLE 4.7: TYPE 1 BUFFER YARD
Criteria	Base Standard²	Performance Standard² (choose a minimum of 3 to obtain 1 performance point*)
Width	10 feet	15 feet
LARGE TREES	1 per 100 hundred linear feet	2 per 100 hundred linear feet
SMALL TREES	2 per 100 hundred linear feet	3 per 100 hundred linear feet
LARGE SHRUBS	15 per 100 hundred linear feet	20 per 100 hundred linear feet
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	10 per 100 hundred linear feet	15 per 100 hundred linear feet
Fence, Wall or Berm¹	Optional (allows reduction in shrubs and buffer width by 50%)	Fence, wall or berm (*counts for 1 full performance point)
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	N/A
¹Any fence, wall, or berm used to meet the requirements of this section shall meet the requirements of Section 4.4.9 or 4.4.10 and be a minimum of 6 feet and 90 percent opaque. Use of a fence, wall, or berm meeting these minimum requirements shall result in one performance point. ²Multi-family residential developments in the CBD district shall automatically receive 1 performance point for buffer yards. Meeting the Base Standard will result in 2 performance points. Meeting the Performance Standard will result in 3 performance points.

TABLE 4.7: TYPE 1 BUFFER YARD
Criteria	Base Standard²	Performance Standard² (choose a minimum of 3 to obtain 1 performance point*)
Width	10 feet	15 feet
LARGE TREES	1 per 100 hundred linear feet	2 per 100 hundred linear feet
SMALL TREES	2 per 100 hundred linear feet	3 per 100 hundred linear feet
LARGE SHRUBS	15 per 100 hundred linear feet	20 per 100 hundred linear feet
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	10 per 100 hundred linear feet	15 per 100 hundred linear feet
Fence, Wall or Berm¹	Optional (allows reduction in shrubs and buffer width by 50%)	Fence, wall or berm (*counts for 1 full performance point)
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	N/A
¹Any fence, wall, or berm used to meet the requirements of this section shall meet the requirements of Section 4.4.9 or 4.4.10 and be a minimum of 6 feet and 90 percent opaque. Use of a fence, wall, or berm meeting these minimum requirements shall result in one performance point. ²Multi-family residential developments in the CBD district shall automatically receive 1 performance point for buffer yards. Meeting the Base Standard will result in 2 performance points. Meeting the Performance Standard will result in 3 performance points.

TABLE 4.7: TYPE 1 BUFFER YARD
Criteria	Base Standard²	Performance Standard² (choose a minimum of 3 to obtain 1 performance point*)
Width	10 feet	15 feet
LARGE TREES	1 per 100 hundred linear feet	2 per 100 hundred linear feet
SMALL TREES	2 per 100 hundred linear feet	3 per 100 hundred linear feet
LARGE SHRUBS	15 per 100 hundred linear feet	20 per 100 hundred linear feet
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	10 per 100 hundred linear feet	15 per 100 hundred linear feet
Fence, Wall or Berm¹	Optional (allows reduction in shrubs and buffer width by 50%)	Fence, wall or berm (*counts for 1 full performance point)
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	N/A
¹Any fence, wall, or berm used to meet the requirements of this section shall meet the requirements of Section 4.4.9 or 4.4.10 and be a minimum of 6 feet and 90 percent opaque. Use of a fence, wall, or berm meeting these minimum requirements shall result in one performance point. ²Multi-family residential developments in the CBD district shall automatically receive 1 performance point for buffer yards. Meeting the Base Standard will result in 2 performance points. Meeting the Performance Standard will result in 3 performance points.

TABLE 4.7: TYPE 1 BUFFER YARD
Criteria	Base Standard²	Performance Standard² (choose a minimum of 3 to obtain 1 performance point*)
Width	10 feet	15 feet
LARGE TREES	1 per 100 hundred linear feet	2 per 100 hundred linear feet
SMALL TREES	2 per 100 hundred linear feet	3 per 100 hundred linear feet
LARGE SHRUBS	15 per 100 hundred linear feet	20 per 100 hundred linear feet
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	10 per 100 hundred linear feet	15 per 100 hundred linear feet
Fence, Wall or Berm¹	Optional (allows reduction in shrubs and buffer width by 50%)	Fence, wall or berm (*counts for 1 full performance point)
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	N/A
¹Any fence, wall, or berm used to meet the requirements of this section shall meet the requirements of Section 4.4.9 or 4.4.10 and be a minimum of 6 feet and 90 percent opaque. Use of a fence, wall, or berm meeting these minimum requirements shall result in one performance point. ²Multi-family residential developments in the CBD district shall automatically receive 1 performance point for buffer yards. Meeting the Base Standard will result in 2 performance points. Meeting the Performance Standard will result in 3 performance points.

FIGURE 4.12: TYPE 1 BUFFER YARD EXAMPLES

*Base Standard*	*Performance Standard*

*Base Standard with Fence*	*Performance Standard with Fence*

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.4.3.2 Type 2 Buffer Yards: Non-residential Development (Excluding EID) Adjacent to Any Residential

TABLE 4.8: TYPE 2 BUFFER YARDS
Criteria	Base Standard	Performance Standard (required in Corridor and River District Overlays)
Width	15 feet	20 feet
LARGE TREES	1 per 100 hundred linear feet	2 per 100 hundred linear feet
SMALL TREES	2 per 100 hundred linear feet	3 per 100 hundred linear feet
LARGE SHRUBS	15 per 100 hundred linear feet	20 per 100 hundred linear feet
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	10 per 100 hundred linear feet	15 per 100 hundred linear feet
Fence, Wall or Berm¹	Optional (allows reduction in shrubs and buffer width by 50%)	Optional (allows reduction in shrubs and buffer width by 25%)
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles, mulch, or landscaping rock
¹Any fence, wall, or berm used to meet the requirements of this section shall meet the requirements of Section 4.4.9 or 4.4.10 and be a minimum of 6 feet and 90 percent opaque. Use of a fence, wall, or berm meeting these minimum requirements shall result in one performance point.

TABLE 4.8: TYPE 2 BUFFER YARDS
Criteria	Base Standard	Performance Standard (required in Corridor and River District Overlays)
Width	15 feet	20 feet
LARGE TREES	1 per 100 hundred linear feet	2 per 100 hundred linear feet
SMALL TREES	2 per 100 hundred linear feet	3 per 100 hundred linear feet
LARGE SHRUBS	15 per 100 hundred linear feet	20 per 100 hundred linear feet
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	10 per 100 hundred linear feet	15 per 100 hundred linear feet
Fence, Wall or Berm¹	Optional (allows reduction in shrubs and buffer width by 50%)	Optional (allows reduction in shrubs and buffer width by 25%)
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles, mulch, or landscaping rock
¹Any fence, wall, or berm used to meet the requirements of this section shall meet the requirements of Section 4.4.9 or 4.4.10 and be a minimum of 6 feet and 90 percent opaque. Use of a fence, wall, or berm meeting these minimum requirements shall result in one performance point.

TABLE 4.8: TYPE 2 BUFFER YARDS
Criteria	Base Standard	Performance Standard (required in Corridor and River District Overlays)
Width	15 feet	20 feet
LARGE TREES	1 per 100 hundred linear feet	2 per 100 hundred linear feet
SMALL TREES	2 per 100 hundred linear feet	3 per 100 hundred linear feet
LARGE SHRUBS	15 per 100 hundred linear feet	20 per 100 hundred linear feet
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	10 per 100 hundred linear feet	15 per 100 hundred linear feet
Fence, Wall or Berm¹	Optional (allows reduction in shrubs and buffer width by 50%)	Optional (allows reduction in shrubs and buffer width by 25%)
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles, mulch, or landscaping rock
¹Any fence, wall, or berm used to meet the requirements of this section shall meet the requirements of Section 4.4.9 or 4.4.10 and be a minimum of 6 feet and 90 percent opaque. Use of a fence, wall, or berm meeting these minimum requirements shall result in one performance point.

TABLE 4.8: TYPE 2 BUFFER YARDS
Criteria	Base Standard	Performance Standard (required in Corridor and River District Overlays)
Width	15 feet	20 feet
LARGE TREES	1 per 100 hundred linear feet	2 per 100 hundred linear feet
SMALL TREES	2 per 100 hundred linear feet	3 per 100 hundred linear feet
LARGE SHRUBS	15 per 100 hundred linear feet	20 per 100 hundred linear feet
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	10 per 100 hundred linear feet	15 per 100 hundred linear feet
Fence, Wall or Berm¹	Optional (allows reduction in shrubs and buffer width by 50%)	Optional (allows reduction in shrubs and buffer width by 25%)
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles, mulch, or landscaping rock
¹Any fence, wall, or berm used to meet the requirements of this section shall meet the requirements of Section 4.4.9 or 4.4.10 and be a minimum of 6 feet and 90 percent opaque. Use of a fence, wall, or berm meeting these minimum requirements shall result in one performance point.

FIGURE 4.13: TYPE 2 BUFFER YARD EXAMPLES

*Base Standard*	*Performance Standard*

*Base Standard with Fence*	*Performance Standard with Fence*

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.4.3.3 Type 3 Buffer Yards: All Development within an Exclusive Industrial District (EID) Adjacent to All Other Zoning Districts

TABLE 4.9: TYPE 3 BUFFER YARDS
Criteria	Standard
Width	50 feet
LARGE TREES	4 per 100 hundred linear feet
SMALL TREES	5 per 100 hundred linear feet
LARGE SHRUBS	30 per 100 hundred linear feet
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	35 per 100 hundred linear feet
Fence, Wall or Berm¹	Optional (allows reduction in shrubs and buffer width by 25%)
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.
¹Any fence, wall, or berm used to meet the requirements of this section shall meet the requirements of Section 4.4.9 or 4.4.10 and be a minimum of 6 feet and 90 percent opaque. Use of a fence, wall, or berm meeting these minimum requirements shall result in one performance point.

TABLE 4.9: TYPE 3 BUFFER YARDS
Criteria	Standard
Width	50 feet
LARGE TREES	4 per 100 hundred linear feet
SMALL TREES	5 per 100 hundred linear feet
LARGE SHRUBS	30 per 100 hundred linear feet
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	35 per 100 hundred linear feet
Fence, Wall or Berm¹	Optional (allows reduction in shrubs and buffer width by 25%)
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.
¹Any fence, wall, or berm used to meet the requirements of this section shall meet the requirements of Section 4.4.9 or 4.4.10 and be a minimum of 6 feet and 90 percent opaque. Use of a fence, wall, or berm meeting these minimum requirements shall result in one performance point.

TABLE 4.9: TYPE 3 BUFFER YARDS
Criteria	Standard
Width	50 feet
LARGE TREES	4 per 100 hundred linear feet
SMALL TREES	5 per 100 hundred linear feet
LARGE SHRUBS	30 per 100 hundred linear feet
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	35 per 100 hundred linear feet
Fence, Wall or Berm¹	Optional (allows reduction in shrubs and buffer width by 25%)
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.
¹Any fence, wall, or berm used to meet the requirements of this section shall meet the requirements of Section 4.4.9 or 4.4.10 and be a minimum of 6 feet and 90 percent opaque. Use of a fence, wall, or berm meeting these minimum requirements shall result in one performance point.

TABLE 4.9: TYPE 3 BUFFER YARDS
Criteria	Standard
Width	50 feet
LARGE TREES	4 per 100 hundred linear feet
SMALL TREES	5 per 100 hundred linear feet
LARGE SHRUBS	30 per 100 hundred linear feet
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	35 per 100 hundred linear feet
Fence, Wall or Berm¹	Optional (allows reduction in shrubs and buffer width by 25%)
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.
¹Any fence, wall, or berm used to meet the requirements of this section shall meet the requirements of Section 4.4.9 or 4.4.10 and be a minimum of 6 feet and 90 percent opaque. Use of a fence, wall, or berm meeting these minimum requirements shall result in one performance point.

FIGURE 4.14: TYPE 3 BUFFER YARD EXAMPLES

*Minimum Standard*	*Minimum Standard with Fence*

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.4.4.1 Residential Development Street Yard

The street yard shall be installed along entire street frontage of the existing street from which the residential development takes access.

TABLE 4.10: RESIDENTIAL STREET YARD PERFORMANCE STANDARD
Criteria	Performance Standard
Width	10 feet
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.
Options-(choose a minimum of 3 to obtain 1 performance point)
Fence, Wall, or Berm	Fence, wall, or berm¹
LARGE TREES	NA
SMALL TREES	4 per 100 hundred linear feet
LARGE SHRUBS	10 per 100 hundred linear feet
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	20 per 100 hundred linear feet
¹Fences and walls shall meet the requirements of Section 4.4.9. Berms shall meet the requirements of Section 4.4.10.

TABLE 4.10: RESIDENTIAL STREET YARD PERFORMANCE STANDARD
Criteria	Performance Standard
Width	10 feet
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.
Options-(choose a minimum of 3 to obtain 1 performance point)
Fence, Wall, or Berm	Fence, wall, or berm¹
LARGE TREES	NA
SMALL TREES	4 per 100 hundred linear feet
LARGE SHRUBS	10 per 100 hundred linear feet
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	20 per 100 hundred linear feet
¹Fences and walls shall meet the requirements of Section 4.4.9. Berms shall meet the requirements of Section 4.4.10.

TABLE 4.10: RESIDENTIAL STREET YARD PERFORMANCE STANDARD
Criteria	Performance Standard
Width	10 feet
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.
Options-(choose a minimum of 3 to obtain 1 performance point)
Fence, Wall, or Berm	Fence, wall, or berm¹
LARGE TREES	NA
SMALL TREES	4 per 100 hundred linear feet
LARGE SHRUBS	10 per 100 hundred linear feet
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	20 per 100 hundred linear feet
¹Fences and walls shall meet the requirements of Section 4.4.9. Berms shall meet the requirements of Section 4.4.10.

TABLE 4.10: RESIDENTIAL STREET YARD PERFORMANCE STANDARD
Criteria	Performance Standard
Width	10 feet
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.
Options-(choose a minimum of 3 to obtain 1 performance point)
Fence, Wall, or Berm	Fence, wall, or berm¹
LARGE TREES	NA
SMALL TREES	4 per 100 hundred linear feet
LARGE SHRUBS	10 per 100 hundred linear feet
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	20 per 100 hundred linear feet
¹Fences and walls shall meet the requirements of Section 4.4.9. Berms shall meet the requirements of Section 4.4.10.

FIGURE 4.15: RESIDENTIAL STREET YARD EXAMPLE

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.4.4.2 Non-residential Development Street Yard

TABLE 4.11: NON-RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT STREET YARD STANDARDS
Criteria	Base Standard	C-O Performance Standard	RD-O Performance Standard
Width	5 feet	10 feet	10 feet
Fence or Wall¹	Optional (allows reduction in shrubs by 50%)	Optional (allows reduction in shrubs by 25%)	50% of the street frontage²
LARGE TREES	NA	NA	NA
SMALL TREES	2 per 100 hundred linear feet	3 per 100 hundred linear feet	5 per 100 hundred linear feet
LARGE SHRUBS	5 per 100 hundred linear feet	10 per 100 hundred linear feet	10 per 100 hundred linear feet
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	10 per 100 hundred linear feet	15 per 100 hundred linear feet	15 per 100 hundred linear feet
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.
Boulders	NA	NA	1 boulder per 50 linear feet²
¹Fences and walls shall meet the requirements of Section 4.4.9. Berms shall meet the requirements of Section 4.4.10 ²Either a fence or landscaping boulders shall be installed in the street yards of the River District Overlay. Boulders shall be a minimum of 3 feet in height and 3 feet in one other dimension (width or depth) and shall be maintained in natural format (ex. not painted) (see RD-O diagram under Figure 4.16).

TABLE 4.11: NON-RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT STREET YARD STANDARDS
Criteria	Base Standard	C-O Performance Standard	RD-O Performance Standard
Width	5 feet	10 feet	10 feet
Fence or Wall¹	Optional (allows reduction in shrubs by 50%)	Optional (allows reduction in shrubs by 25%)	50% of the street frontage²
LARGE TREES	NA	NA	NA
SMALL TREES	2 per 100 hundred linear feet	3 per 100 hundred linear feet	5 per 100 hundred linear feet
LARGE SHRUBS	5 per 100 hundred linear feet	10 per 100 hundred linear feet	10 per 100 hundred linear feet
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	10 per 100 hundred linear feet	15 per 100 hundred linear feet	15 per 100 hundred linear feet
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.
Boulders	NA	NA	1 boulder per 50 linear feet²
¹Fences and walls shall meet the requirements of Section 4.4.9. Berms shall meet the requirements of Section 4.4.10 ²Either a fence or landscaping boulders shall be installed in the street yards of the River District Overlay. Boulders shall be a minimum of 3 feet in height and 3 feet in one other dimension (width or depth) and shall be maintained in natural format (ex. not painted) (see RD-O diagram under Figure 4.16).

TABLE 4.11: NON-RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT STREET YARD STANDARDS
Criteria	Base Standard	C-O Performance Standard	RD-O Performance Standard
Width	5 feet	10 feet	10 feet
Fence or Wall¹	Optional (allows reduction in shrubs by 50%)	Optional (allows reduction in shrubs by 25%)	50% of the street frontage²
LARGE TREES	NA	NA	NA
SMALL TREES	2 per 100 hundred linear feet	3 per 100 hundred linear feet	5 per 100 hundred linear feet
LARGE SHRUBS	5 per 100 hundred linear feet	10 per 100 hundred linear feet	10 per 100 hundred linear feet
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	10 per 100 hundred linear feet	15 per 100 hundred linear feet	15 per 100 hundred linear feet
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.
Boulders	NA	NA	1 boulder per 50 linear feet²
¹Fences and walls shall meet the requirements of Section 4.4.9. Berms shall meet the requirements of Section 4.4.10 ²Either a fence or landscaping boulders shall be installed in the street yards of the River District Overlay. Boulders shall be a minimum of 3 feet in height and 3 feet in one other dimension (width or depth) and shall be maintained in natural format (ex. not painted) (see RD-O diagram under Figure 4.16).

TABLE 4.11: NON-RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT STREET YARD STANDARDS
Criteria	Base Standard	C-O Performance Standard	RD-O Performance Standard
Width	5 feet	10 feet	10 feet
Fence or Wall¹	Optional (allows reduction in shrubs by 50%)	Optional (allows reduction in shrubs by 25%)	50% of the street frontage²
LARGE TREES	NA	NA	NA
SMALL TREES	2 per 100 hundred linear feet	3 per 100 hundred linear feet	5 per 100 hundred linear feet
LARGE SHRUBS	5 per 100 hundred linear feet	10 per 100 hundred linear feet	10 per 100 hundred linear feet
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	10 per 100 hundred linear feet	15 per 100 hundred linear feet	15 per 100 hundred linear feet
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.
Boulders	NA	NA	1 boulder per 50 linear feet²
¹Fences and walls shall meet the requirements of Section 4.4.9. Berms shall meet the requirements of Section 4.4.10 ²Either a fence or landscaping boulders shall be installed in the street yards of the River District Overlay. Boulders shall be a minimum of 3 feet in height and 3 feet in one other dimension (width or depth) and shall be maintained in natural format (ex. not painted) (see RD-O diagram under Figure 4.16).

FIGURE 4.16: NON-RESIDENTIAL STREET YARD EXAMPLES

*Base Standard*

*Corridor Overlay Performance Standard*

*River District Overlay Performance Standard*


*Example Fence and Boulders*

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.4.5.1 Multi-family Residential Parking Lot Yard Standard

TABLE 4.12: MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL PARKING LOT YARD PERFORMANCE STANDARD
Criteria	Performance Standard
Landscaping Area	200 square feet
LARGE TREES	1 within 60 feet of every parking space
SMALL TREES	2 small trees replace 1 large tree if overhead utility lines conflict
LARGE SHRUBS	Optional
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	1 per parking space (may be located around parking lot perimeter within 10 feet of paving)
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.

TABLE 4.12: MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL PARKING LOT YARD PERFORMANCE STANDARD
Criteria	Performance Standard
Landscaping Area	200 square feet
LARGE TREES	1 within 60 feet of every parking space
SMALL TREES	2 small trees replace 1 large tree if overhead utility lines conflict
LARGE SHRUBS	Optional
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	1 per parking space (may be located around parking lot perimeter within 10 feet of paving)
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.

TABLE 4.12: MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL PARKING LOT YARD PERFORMANCE STANDARD
Criteria	Performance Standard
Landscaping Area	200 square feet
LARGE TREES	1 within 60 feet of every parking space
SMALL TREES	2 small trees replace 1 large tree if overhead utility lines conflict
LARGE SHRUBS	Optional
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	1 per parking space (may be located around parking lot perimeter within 10 feet of paving)
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.

TABLE 4.12: MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL PARKING LOT YARD PERFORMANCE STANDARD
Criteria	Performance Standard
Landscaping Area	200 square feet
LARGE TREES	1 within 60 feet of every parking space
SMALL TREES	2 small trees replace 1 large tree if overhead utility lines conflict
LARGE SHRUBS	Optional
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	1 per parking space (may be located around parking lot perimeter within 10 feet of paving)
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.

FIGURE 4.17: MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL PARKING LOT YARD DIAGRAM

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.4.5.2 Non-Residential Parking Lot Yard Standards

TABLE 4.13: NON-RESIDENTIAL PARKING LOT YARD STANDARDS
Criteria	Base Standard	C-O Performance Standard	RD-O Performance Standard
Landscaping Area	200 square feet	200 square feet	200 square feet
LARGE TREES	1 per 10 parking spaces (may be located around the perimeter within 10 feet of paving)	1 within 60 feet of every parking space	1 within 60 feet of every parking space
SMALL TREES	2 small trees replace 1 large tree if overhead utility lines conflict	2 small trees replace 1 large tree if overhead utility lines conflict	2 small trees replace 1 large tree if overhead utility lines conflict
LARGE SHRUBS	Optional	Optional	Optional
MEDIUM SHRUBS or SMALL SHRUBS	Optional	1 per parking space	1 per parking space
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4"depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element	Pine needles or wood chips to 4"depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element	Pine needles or wood chips to 4"depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element
Boulders¹	Optional	Optional	1 per 10 parking spaces
¹Landscaping boulders shall be a minimum of 3 feet in height and 3 feet in one other dimension (width or depth) and shall be maintained in natural format (ex. not painted). Each boulder allows the reduction in required shrubs at a rate of 3 shrubs per boulder. A minimum of 50 percent of required shrubs shall be retained.

TABLE 4.13: NON-RESIDENTIAL PARKING LOT YARD STANDARDS
Criteria	Base Standard	C-O Performance Standard	RD-O Performance Standard
Landscaping Area	200 square feet	200 square feet	200 square feet
LARGE TREES	1 per 10 parking spaces (may be located around the perimeter within 10 feet of paving)	1 within 60 feet of every parking space	1 within 60 feet of every parking space
SMALL TREES	2 small trees replace 1 large tree if overhead utility lines conflict	2 small trees replace 1 large tree if overhead utility lines conflict	2 small trees replace 1 large tree if overhead utility lines conflict
LARGE SHRUBS	Optional	Optional	Optional
MEDIUM SHRUBS or SMALL SHRUBS	Optional	1 per parking space	1 per parking space
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4"depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element	Pine needles or wood chips to 4"depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element	Pine needles or wood chips to 4"depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element
Boulders¹	Optional	Optional	1 per 10 parking spaces
¹Landscaping boulders shall be a minimum of 3 feet in height and 3 feet in one other dimension (width or depth) and shall be maintained in natural format (ex. not painted). Each boulder allows the reduction in required shrubs at a rate of 3 shrubs per boulder. A minimum of 50 percent of required shrubs shall be retained.

TABLE 4.13: NON-RESIDENTIAL PARKING LOT YARD STANDARDS
Criteria	Base Standard	C-O Performance Standard	RD-O Performance Standard
Landscaping Area	200 square feet	200 square feet	200 square feet
LARGE TREES	1 per 10 parking spaces (may be located around the perimeter within 10 feet of paving)	1 within 60 feet of every parking space	1 within 60 feet of every parking space
SMALL TREES	2 small trees replace 1 large tree if overhead utility lines conflict	2 small trees replace 1 large tree if overhead utility lines conflict	2 small trees replace 1 large tree if overhead utility lines conflict
LARGE SHRUBS	Optional	Optional	Optional
MEDIUM SHRUBS or SMALL SHRUBS	Optional	1 per parking space	1 per parking space
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4"depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element	Pine needles or wood chips to 4"depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element	Pine needles or wood chips to 4"depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element
Boulders¹	Optional	Optional	1 per 10 parking spaces
¹Landscaping boulders shall be a minimum of 3 feet in height and 3 feet in one other dimension (width or depth) and shall be maintained in natural format (ex. not painted). Each boulder allows the reduction in required shrubs at a rate of 3 shrubs per boulder. A minimum of 50 percent of required shrubs shall be retained.

TABLE 4.13: NON-RESIDENTIAL PARKING LOT YARD STANDARDS
Criteria	Base Standard	C-O Performance Standard	RD-O Performance Standard
Landscaping Area	200 square feet	200 square feet	200 square feet
LARGE TREES	1 per 10 parking spaces (may be located around the perimeter within 10 feet of paving)	1 within 60 feet of every parking space	1 within 60 feet of every parking space
SMALL TREES	2 small trees replace 1 large tree if overhead utility lines conflict	2 small trees replace 1 large tree if overhead utility lines conflict	2 small trees replace 1 large tree if overhead utility lines conflict
LARGE SHRUBS	Optional	Optional	Optional
MEDIUM SHRUBS or SMALL SHRUBS	Optional	1 per parking space	1 per parking space
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4"depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element	Pine needles or wood chips to 4"depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element	Pine needles or wood chips to 4"depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element
Boulders¹	Optional	Optional	1 per 10 parking spaces
¹Landscaping boulders shall be a minimum of 3 feet in height and 3 feet in one other dimension (width or depth) and shall be maintained in natural format (ex. not painted). Each boulder allows the reduction in required shrubs at a rate of 3 shrubs per boulder. A minimum of 50 percent of required shrubs shall be retained.

FIGURE 4.18: NON-RESIDENTIAL PARKING LOT YARD EXAMPLES

*Base Standard*

*Corridor Overlay Performance Standard*


*River District Overlay Performance Standard*

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.4.6.1 Multi-family Residential Building Yard Performance Standard

Meeting this standard will result in one (1) performance point.

TABLE 4.14: MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL BUILDING YARD PERFORMANCE STANDARD
Criteria	Performance Standard
Width	8 feet
SMALL TREES	1 per 50 linear feet of building yard
LARGE SHRUBS	Optional
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	4 per 10 linear feet of building yard
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.

TABLE 4.14: MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL BUILDING YARD PERFORMANCE STANDARD
Criteria	Performance Standard
Width	8 feet
SMALL TREES	1 per 50 linear feet of building yard
LARGE SHRUBS	Optional
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	4 per 10 linear feet of building yard
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.

TABLE 4.14: MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL BUILDING YARD PERFORMANCE STANDARD
Criteria	Performance Standard
Width	8 feet
SMALL TREES	1 per 50 linear feet of building yard
LARGE SHRUBS	Optional
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	4 per 10 linear feet of building yard
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.

TABLE 4.14: MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL BUILDING YARD PERFORMANCE STANDARD
Criteria	Performance Standard
Width	8 feet
SMALL TREES	1 per 50 linear feet of building yard
LARGE SHRUBS	Optional
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	4 per 10 linear feet of building yard
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.

FIGURE 4.19: Multi-family Residential Building Yard Performance Standard Diagram

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.4.6.2 Non-residential Building Yard Standards

TABLE 4.15: NON-RESIDENTIAL BUILDING YARD STANDARDS
Criteria	BASE STANDARD			PERFORMANCE STANDARD
	Total Building Area			Total Building Area
	Less than 20,000 square feet	20,000-60,000 square feet	Greater than 60,000 square feet	Less than 20,000 square feet	20,000-60,000 square feet	Greater than 60,000 square feet
Width	3 feet	5 feet	8 feet	5 feet	8 feet	10 feet
SMALL TREES	N/A	N/A	1 per 50 linear feet of building yard	N/A	1 per 50 linear feet of building yard	2 per 50 linear feet of building yard
Shrubs	2 per 10 linear feet of building yard	3 per 10 linear feet of building yard	4 per 10 linear feet of building yard	3 per 10 linear feet of building yard	5 per 10 linear feet of building yard	7 per 10 linear feet of building yard
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.
Boulders¹	Optional	Optional	Optional	Optional	1 per 50 linear feet of building yard	1 per 50 linear feet of building yard
¹Landscaping boulders shall be a minimum of 3 feet in height and 3 feet in one other dimension (width or depth) and shall be maintained in natural format (ex. not painted). Each boulder allows the reduction in required shrubs at a rate of 3 shrubs per boulder. A minimum of 50 percent of required shrubs shall be retained.

TABLE 4.15: NON-RESIDENTIAL BUILDING YARD STANDARDS
Criteria	BASE STANDARD			PERFORMANCE STANDARD
	Total Building Area			Total Building Area
	Less than 20,000 square feet	20,000-60,000 square feet	Greater than 60,000 square feet	Less than 20,000 square feet	20,000-60,000 square feet	Greater than 60,000 square feet
Width	3 feet	5 feet	8 feet	5 feet	8 feet	10 feet
SMALL TREES	N/A	N/A	1 per 50 linear feet of building yard	N/A	1 per 50 linear feet of building yard	2 per 50 linear feet of building yard
Shrubs	2 per 10 linear feet of building yard	3 per 10 linear feet of building yard	4 per 10 linear feet of building yard	3 per 10 linear feet of building yard	5 per 10 linear feet of building yard	7 per 10 linear feet of building yard
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.
Boulders¹	Optional	Optional	Optional	Optional	1 per 50 linear feet of building yard	1 per 50 linear feet of building yard
¹Landscaping boulders shall be a minimum of 3 feet in height and 3 feet in one other dimension (width or depth) and shall be maintained in natural format (ex. not painted). Each boulder allows the reduction in required shrubs at a rate of 3 shrubs per boulder. A minimum of 50 percent of required shrubs shall be retained.

TABLE 4.15: NON-RESIDENTIAL BUILDING YARD STANDARDS
Criteria	BASE STANDARD			PERFORMANCE STANDARD
	Total Building Area			Total Building Area
	Less than 20,000 square feet	20,000-60,000 square feet	Greater than 60,000 square feet	Less than 20,000 square feet	20,000-60,000 square feet	Greater than 60,000 square feet
Width	3 feet	5 feet	8 feet	5 feet	8 feet	10 feet
SMALL TREES	N/A	N/A	1 per 50 linear feet of building yard	N/A	1 per 50 linear feet of building yard	2 per 50 linear feet of building yard
Shrubs	2 per 10 linear feet of building yard	3 per 10 linear feet of building yard	4 per 10 linear feet of building yard	3 per 10 linear feet of building yard	5 per 10 linear feet of building yard	7 per 10 linear feet of building yard
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.
Boulders¹	Optional	Optional	Optional	Optional	1 per 50 linear feet of building yard	1 per 50 linear feet of building yard
¹Landscaping boulders shall be a minimum of 3 feet in height and 3 feet in one other dimension (width or depth) and shall be maintained in natural format (ex. not painted). Each boulder allows the reduction in required shrubs at a rate of 3 shrubs per boulder. A minimum of 50 percent of required shrubs shall be retained.

TABLE 4.15: NON-RESIDENTIAL BUILDING YARD STANDARDS
Criteria	BASE STANDARD			PERFORMANCE STANDARD
	Total Building Area			Total Building Area
	Less than 20,000 square feet	20,000-60,000 square feet	Greater than 60,000 square feet	Less than 20,000 square feet	20,000-60,000 square feet	Greater than 60,000 square feet
Width	3 feet	5 feet	8 feet	5 feet	8 feet	10 feet
SMALL TREES	N/A	N/A	1 per 50 linear feet of building yard	N/A	1 per 50 linear feet of building yard	2 per 50 linear feet of building yard
Shrubs	2 per 10 linear feet of building yard	3 per 10 linear feet of building yard	4 per 10 linear feet of building yard	3 per 10 linear feet of building yard	5 per 10 linear feet of building yard	7 per 10 linear feet of building yard
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element.
Boulders¹	Optional	Optional	Optional	Optional	1 per 50 linear feet of building yard	1 per 50 linear feet of building yard
¹Landscaping boulders shall be a minimum of 3 feet in height and 3 feet in one other dimension (width or depth) and shall be maintained in natural format (ex. not painted). Each boulder allows the reduction in required shrubs at a rate of 3 shrubs per boulder. A minimum of 50 percent of required shrubs shall be retained.

FIGURE 4.20: NON-RESIDENTIAL BUILDING YARD EXAMPLE

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.4.6.3 EID Building Yard Standard

FIGURE 4.21: EID BUILDING YARD EXAMPLE

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.4.8.1 Multi-family Residential Performance Standards

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4

4.4.8.2 Single-family and Two-family Residential Performance Standards

A.
The intent of the Residential Yard is to replace some of the trees removed during the grading process and establish a residential tree canopy and to provide a building yard transition between the street and structure.
B.
Residential yard trees and shrubs may be placed anywhere on the property except that at least one (1) tree is placed in the front yard.
C.
Trees and shrubs shall be planted outside of the public right-of-way. Maintenance of the trees and shrubs may be the responsibility of the individual property owner. Vegetation may be selected from the approved plant list in The Landscape Manual. The use of existing vegetation to satisfy the large tree standard is encouraged.
D.
Meeting this standard will result in one (1) performance point.

TABLE 4.16: SINGLE- FAMILY RESIDENTIAL YARD PERFORMANCE STANDARD
Criteria	Minimum Performance Standard¹
LARGE TREES	1 per 20 linear feet of building width
SMALL TREES	Optional
LARGE SHRUBS	Optional
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	2 per 20 linear feet of building width
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element
¹Multi-family residential developments in the CBD district shall automatically receive a performance point for residential yards

TABLE 4.16: SINGLE- FAMILY RESIDENTIAL YARD PERFORMANCE STANDARD
Criteria	Minimum Performance Standard¹
LARGE TREES	1 per 20 linear feet of building width
SMALL TREES	Optional
LARGE SHRUBS	Optional
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	2 per 20 linear feet of building width
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element
¹Multi-family residential developments in the CBD district shall automatically receive a performance point for residential yards

TABLE 4.16: SINGLE- FAMILY RESIDENTIAL YARD PERFORMANCE STANDARD
Criteria	Minimum Performance Standard¹
LARGE TREES	1 per 20 linear feet of building width
SMALL TREES	Optional
LARGE SHRUBS	Optional
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	2 per 20 linear feet of building width
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element
¹Multi-family residential developments in the CBD district shall automatically receive a performance point for residential yards

TABLE 4.16: SINGLE- FAMILY RESIDENTIAL YARD PERFORMANCE STANDARD
Criteria	Minimum Performance Standard¹
LARGE TREES	1 per 20 linear feet of building width
SMALL TREES	Optional
LARGE SHRUBS	Optional
Medium or SMALL SHRUBS	2 per 20 linear feet of building width
Mulch	Pine needles or wood chips to 4" depth and may include landscaping rock as a feature element
¹Multi-family residential developments in the CBD district shall automatically receive a performance point for residential yards

FIGURE 4.21: RESIDENTIAL YARD EXAMPLE

(There are no ordinances associated with this section.)

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.4.9.1 General Requirements

Fences and walls shall not contain advertising, signs, logos or other lettering

Where a fence or wall is used as part of required screening, the side of the fence or wall facing the adjacent property shall be a finished face; double -faced fences and walls are encouraged.

Fences and walls shall be installed and maintained so as not to interfere with the sight distance in parking areas, driveways, and at street intersections.

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.4.9.2 Height and Materials

All new fences and walls shall meet the height and material requirements in the table below. The requirement of this subsection shall not apply to bona fide farms.

TABLE 4.17: FENCE AND WALL STANDARDS
Criteria	NC-O District		LID, MID, HID, CBD and SID Districts		EID District
Criteria	Front Yards	Side & Rear Yards	Front Yards	Side & Rear Yards	Front Yards	Side & Rear Yards
Max. Height¹	5 feet	6 feet	5 feet	8 feet	6 feet	8 feet
Permitted Materials	brick stone stucco or EIFS vinyl wood or composite wood wrought iron or similar aluminum	brick chain link stone stucco or EIFS vinyl wood wrought iron or similar aluminum	brick stone vinyl vinyl coated chain link² wood or composite wood wrought iron or similar aluminum	brick chain link split-face concrete block stone stucco or EIFS vinyl wood or composite wood wrought iron or similar aluminum	brick stone vinyl vinyl coated chain link² wrought iron or similar aluminum	brick chain link standard or split-face concrete block stone vinyl wood or composite wood wrought iron or similar aluminum
¹ Unless a higher fence exists on a common property line of an adjacent lot, in which case the proposed fence can be no higher than that fence. Retaining walls built to State Building Code are exempt from the maximum height requirements. The capital of a fence post or column may extend up to two feet above the maximum height. For fencing screening utility sites, mining and quarrying operations, or correctional facilities in any district, height of fencing on all sides may be 8 feet for security purposes. ² Chain link fences are not permitted in the front yard of any property located within the Corridor and River District Overlays, except for vinyl coated chain link fences for utility sites, mining and quarrying operations, or correctional facilities. (See 4.4.9.2 Height and Materials for more information)

TABLE 4.17: FENCE AND WALL STANDARDS
Criteria	NC-O District		LID, MID, HID, CBD and SID Districts		EID District
Criteria	Front Yards	Side & Rear Yards	Front Yards	Side & Rear Yards	Front Yards	Side & Rear Yards
Max. Height¹	5 feet	6 feet	5 feet	8 feet	6 feet	8 feet
Permitted Materials	brick stone stucco or EIFS vinyl wood or composite wood wrought iron or similar aluminum	brick chain link stone stucco or EIFS vinyl wood wrought iron or similar aluminum	brick stone vinyl vinyl coated chain link² wood or composite wood wrought iron or similar aluminum	brick chain link split-face concrete block stone stucco or EIFS vinyl wood or composite wood wrought iron or similar aluminum	brick stone vinyl vinyl coated chain link² wrought iron or similar aluminum	brick chain link standard or split-face concrete block stone vinyl wood or composite wood wrought iron or similar aluminum
¹ Unless a higher fence exists on a common property line of an adjacent lot, in which case the proposed fence can be no higher than that fence. Retaining walls built to State Building Code are exempt from the maximum height requirements. The capital of a fence post or column may extend up to two feet above the maximum height. For fencing screening utility sites, mining and quarrying operations, or correctional facilities in any district, height of fencing on all sides may be 8 feet for security purposes. ² Chain link fences are not permitted in the front yard of any property located within the Corridor and River District Overlays, except for vinyl coated chain link fences for utility sites, mining and quarrying operations, or correctional facilities. (See 4.4.9.2 Height and Materials for more information)

TABLE 4.17: FENCE AND WALL STANDARDS
Criteria	NC-O District		LID, MID, HID, CBD and SID Districts		EID District
Criteria	Front Yards	Side & Rear Yards	Front Yards	Side & Rear Yards	Front Yards	Side & Rear Yards
Max. Height¹	5 feet	6 feet	5 feet	8 feet	6 feet	8 feet
Permitted Materials	brick stone stucco or EIFS vinyl wood or composite wood wrought iron or similar aluminum	brick chain link stone stucco or EIFS vinyl wood wrought iron or similar aluminum	brick stone vinyl vinyl coated chain link² wood or composite wood wrought iron or similar aluminum	brick chain link split-face concrete block stone stucco or EIFS vinyl wood or composite wood wrought iron or similar aluminum	brick stone vinyl vinyl coated chain link² wrought iron or similar aluminum	brick chain link standard or split-face concrete block stone vinyl wood or composite wood wrought iron or similar aluminum
¹ Unless a higher fence exists on a common property line of an adjacent lot, in which case the proposed fence can be no higher than that fence. Retaining walls built to State Building Code are exempt from the maximum height requirements. The capital of a fence post or column may extend up to two feet above the maximum height. For fencing screening utility sites, mining and quarrying operations, or correctional facilities in any district, height of fencing on all sides may be 8 feet for security purposes. ² Chain link fences are not permitted in the front yard of any property located within the Corridor and River District Overlays, except for vinyl coated chain link fences for utility sites, mining and quarrying operations, or correctional facilities. (See 4.4.9.2 Height and Materials for more information)

TABLE 4.17: FENCE AND WALL STANDARDS
Criteria	NC-O District		LID, MID, HID, CBD and SID Districts		EID District
Criteria	Front Yards	Side & Rear Yards	Front Yards	Side & Rear Yards	Front Yards	Side & Rear Yards
Max. Height¹	5 feet	6 feet	5 feet	8 feet	6 feet	8 feet
Permitted Materials	brick stone stucco or EIFS vinyl wood or composite wood wrought iron or similar aluminum	brick chain link stone stucco or EIFS vinyl wood wrought iron or similar aluminum	brick stone vinyl vinyl coated chain link² wood or composite wood wrought iron or similar aluminum	brick chain link split-face concrete block stone stucco or EIFS vinyl wood or composite wood wrought iron or similar aluminum	brick stone vinyl vinyl coated chain link² wrought iron or similar aluminum	brick chain link standard or split-face concrete block stone vinyl wood or composite wood wrought iron or similar aluminum
¹ Unless a higher fence exists on a common property line of an adjacent lot, in which case the proposed fence can be no higher than that fence. Retaining walls built to State Building Code are exempt from the maximum height requirements. The capital of a fence post or column may extend up to two feet above the maximum height. For fencing screening utility sites, mining and quarrying operations, or correctional facilities in any district, height of fencing on all sides may be 8 feet for security purposes. ² Chain link fences are not permitted in the front yard of any property located within the Corridor and River District Overlays, except for vinyl coated chain link fences for utility sites, mining and quarrying operations, or correctional facilities. (See 4.4.9.2 Height and Materials for more information)

(Ord. No. 21-37, 09/13/2021)

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.4.9.3 Design

In addition to the requirements of this Section, front yard fences in the Corridor and River District Overlays shall meet the street yard design requirements of Section 4.4.4.

Front yard fences shall not be opaque and shall be at least 50 percent transparent.

The finished side of the fence shall be installed facing the street right-of-way and adjacent properties.

Barbed wire on top of chain link fences is permitted for rear yard fences not visible from a street in the EID district only.

Fences and walls shall be compatible in design and material of the buildings on the property.

No fence or wall which will block or materially impede the flow of stormwater runoff shall be constructed within a storm drainage easement.

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.5.5.1 Nature Preserve

EXAMPLES OF NATURE PRESERVES

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.5.5.2 Greenway

EXAMPLES OF GREENWAYS

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.5.5.3 Greenbelt

EXAMPLES OF GREENBELTS

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.5.5.4 Agricultural Preserve

EXAMPLES OF AGRICULTURAL PRESERVES

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.5.5.5 Recreational Amenity Center

EXAMPLES OF RECREATIONAL AMENITY CENTERS

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.5.5.6 Playground

EXAMPLES OF PLAYGROUNDS

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.5.5.7 Square or Green

EXAMPLES OF SQUARES

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.5.5.8 Park

EXAMPLES OF PARKS

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.7.3.1 Compliance with Subdivision Ordinance

All new streets shall, at a minimum, meet the requirements set forth in the Subdivision Ordinance.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.7.3.2 Street Connectivity for Residential Development

FIGURE 4.29: PERFORMANCE CONNECTIVITY RATIO

Example 1: Development does not meet ratio (12 links/10 nodes=1.20 ratio)	Example 2: Same development modified to meet Ratio (14 links/9 nodes=1.55 ratio)

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.7.4.1 Sidewalks for Residential Development

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.7.4.2 Sidewalks for Non-residential Development

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.7.4.3 Payments In Lieu

(Ord. No. 19-53, 12/02/2019)

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.7.5.1 Applicability

The following types of lighting shall be exempt from the standards of this Section:

1.
Underwater lighting used for the illumination of swimming pools and fountains;
2.
The lighting of governmental flags;
3.
Lighting used for nighttime street and utility construction and repair shall not be subject to these lighting standards, but shall comply with the street lighting policy of the City;
4.
Lighting used for agricultural purposes or in conjunction with a bona fide farm operation, except that such lighting shall be designed and sited to prevent light trespass onto public streets or adjacent occupied lots;
5.
Emergency lighting, used by police, firefighting, or medical personnel, or at their direction for as long as the emergency exists; and
6.
Lighting attached to or associated with single-family and two-family residential structures customarily used for security and safety, provided that light does not cause light trespass or glare onto adjacent properties.

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.7.5.2 General Lighting Requirements

Lighting design shall be coordinated throughout a development site.

Lighting within public rights-of-way shall be installed in accordance with the City of Morganton Engineering Standards and Specifications and Duke Energy requirements.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.7.5.3 Prohibited Lighting

Flashing, colored or obtrusive lighting.

Flood or spot lamps aimed higher than forty-five degrees above straight down (half-way between straight down and straight to the side).

Non-shielded wall packs

The use of laser source light or any similar high intensity light for outdoor advertising or entertainment, when projected above the horizontal.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.7.5.4 Lighting Height

All light fixtures attached to building walls shall be placed at the minimum height necessary to achieve their purpose.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.7.5.5 Lighting Maintenance

All light fixtures that are required to be shielded shall be installed and maintained in such a manner that the shielding is effective as required.

Anything other than routine servicing and same-type lamp replacement of any exterior lighting shall require City approval prior to installation.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.7.5.6 Residential Development Lighting Performance Standards

Residential developments that have decorative pedestrian-scale lighting installed along all streets shall receive one performance point. Pedestrian-scale lighting shall be 10-15 feet tall.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.5.1 Multi-family Residential Performance Standards

Wall Materials (one performance point)

1.
Exterior wall materials shall be wood, fiber cement board, brick, stone, vinyl, or similar materials.
2.
A minimum of two (2) materials shall be mixed on all facades, and a minimum of 50 percent of all facades shall be brick, stone, or a material similar in appearance and durability. Brick, stone or similar heavy materials shall be located below lighter materials such as wood or vinyl.


*Mostly brick and stone with vinyl accents*	*All vinyl siding*

B.
Roofs (one performance point)
1. 1.
  Roof materials shall be asphalt shingles, wood shakes, standing seam metal, slate, tile, or similar materials.
2. 2.
  Pitched roofs for one-story buildings shall have a slope of between 4:12 and 8:12. Pitched roofs for one-and-a-half (1 ½) or multiple story buildings shall have a slope of between 6:12 and 12:12.
3. 3.
  Flat roofs shall have a parapet wall with a decorative cap or cornice.
4. 4.
  Architectural elements such as height variations, gables, dormers, cupolas, towers, and other similar elements shall be incorporated into the roof design at a minimum of every 25 linear feet on all facades.
5. 5.
  Roofs shall be in scale with the building and shall have an overhang of six (6) inches or more to facilitate proper water run-off.


*Proportional roof with variation and overhang*	*Shallow roof with no variation or side overhang*

*Flat roof with decorative parapet and variation*	*Flat roof with no decorative parapet or variation*

C.
Garages (one performance point)
1. 1.
  Garages shall not be located on the primary/front façade.
2. 2.
  All garages shall be located on alleys or parking courtyards to the rear or interior of the building or building block.


*Alley-loaded garages*	*Front-loaded garages*

D.
Façade Articulation (one performance point)
1. 1.
  Façade articulation in the form of gables, projections, recesses, and/or porches or balconies of a minimum of three (3) feet in depth shall be located a minimum of every 25 feet along the all facades.
2. 2.
  Exterior stairs and open circulation corridors shall not be located on the front façade.


*Façade articulation with recesses and projections*	*No façade articulation*

*Interior stairs and circulation corridors*	*Exterior stairs and circulation corridors*

E.
Porches and Balconies (one performance point)
1. 1.
  Porches or balconies a minimum of eight (8) feet wide and four (4) feet deep shall be incorporated on the front façade for a minimum of 50% of the dwellings on the front facade.


*With porches and balconies*	*No porches or balconies*

F.
Windows (one performance point)
1. 1.
  A minimum of 25 percent of the primary façade and 20 percent of all secondary facades shall be composed of window area.
2. 2.
  Windows shall follow a regular rhythm and be aligned on and between floors.


*Adequate windows with regular rhythm and alignment*	*Few windows with no regular rhythm and alignment*

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.8.5.2 Single-family and Two-family Residential Performance Standards

A.
Wall Materials (one performance point)
1. 1.
  Exterior wall materials shall be wood, fiber cement board, brick, stone, vinyl, or similar materials.
2. 2.
  A minimum of two (2) materials shall be mixed on the front and corner side facades, and a minimum of 50 percent of the front and corner side facades shall be brick, stone, or a material similar in appearance and durability. Brick, stone or similar heavy materials shall be located below lighter materials such as wood or vinyl.
3. 3.
  The front wall shall incorporate at least 25 percent of the primary material used on the side walls of the building.


*Fifty percent stone*	*All vinyl siding*

B.
Roofs (one performance point)
1. 1.
  Roof materials shall be asphalt shingles, wood shakes, standing seam metal, slate, tile, or similar materials.
2. 2.
  The primary roof of a single-family residential building shall be pitched. Pitched roofs for one-story buildings shall have a slope of between 4:12 and 8:12. Pitched roofs for one-and-a-half (1 ½) or multiple story buildings shall have a slope of between 6:12 and 12:12. Secondary roofs may be flat and shall have a parapet wall with a decorative cap or cornice.
3. 3.
  Architectural elements such as height variations, gables, dormers, cupolas, towers, and other similar elements shall be incorporated into the roof design at a minimum of every 25 linear feet on the primary/front façade.
4. 4.
  Roofs shall be in scale with the building and shall have an overhang of six (6) inches or more to facilitate proper water run-off.


*Height variation and dormers*	*Large expanse of roof without variation*

More than 6-inch Gable Overhang	No Gable Overhang

C.
Garages (one performance point)
1. 1.
  Front-loaded garages shall not have visual prominence on the front façade and shall not compose more than 40 percent of the total length of the front elevation.
2. 2.
  Front-loaded garages and carports shall be flush with or recessed behind the front wall plane that contains the primary entrance to the dwelling facing the primary street frontage.
3. 3.
  Garages and carports shall be set back a minimum of 20 feet from a public street right-of-way.
4. 4.
  Attached garages for more than two (2) cars shall not face the primary street. Garages on corner lots may face the non-fronting street.
5. 5.
  The maximum width for individual garage door shall be 12 feet.


*Recessed garage with individual doors*	*Prominent garage with door exceeding 12 feet*

*Side-loaded three-car Garage*	*Front-loaded three-car Garage with door exceeding 12 feet*

D.
Façade Articulation (one performance point)
1. 1.
  Façade articulation in the form of gables, projections, recesses, and/or porches of a minimum of three (3) feet in depth shall be located a minimum of every 25 feet along the front and corner side façades.
2. 2.
  Two-family (duplex) residences shall be designed in such a way that the primary entrances are not both on the same plane of the primary/front façade.
3. 3.
  Two-family residences on corner lots shall be designed with one unit’s primary entrance facing one fronting street and the other units facing the other fronting street.


*Wall articulation with recesses and projections*	*No wall articulation*

*Entrances on different plane of facade*	*Entrances on same plane of facade*

E.
Porches and Balconies (one performance point)
1. 1.
  Porches and balconies a minimum of eight (8) feet wide and four (4) feet deep shall be incorporated on the front façade for all dwellings.
2. 2.
  Houses greater than 30 feet wide shall incorporate a porch on the front façade that is a minimum of 40 percent of the length of the primary/front façade and a minimum of five (5) feet deep.


*House with porch*	*House without porch*

F.
Windows (one performance point)
1. 1.
  A minimum of 20 percent of the primary/front façade and 15 percent of all other facades shall be composed of window area.
2. 2.
  Windows shall follow a regular rhythm and be aligned on and between floors.


*Adequate windows with regular rhythm and alignment*	*Few windows with no regular rhythm or alignment*

G.
Foundations (one performance point)
The foundation of the dwelling shall be clad in brick or stone, and the first floor shall be elevated a minimum of 24 inches from the finished grade.


*Elevated brick foundation*	*At-grade foundation*

Effective on: 5/1/2023

4.8.6.1 Architectural Compatibility and Cohesiveness

Buildings shall be designed so that each side of the building is architecturally compatible with each other side of the building, unless otherwise exempted by a specific provision of this Section.

Similar building materials
Similarly colored building materials
Proportional quantities of building materials on building facades
Similar roof forms
Similar architectural detailing

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.6.2 Building Wall Types

Different design standards apply to different types of building walls. For the purposes of this Section, building walls shall be divided into the following categories:

Primary Building Façade / Primary Building Wall
Any building wall plane which is oriented toward a public street or internal access drive, or which contains the primary building entrance (single tenant structures) or entrances (multi-tenant structures). Buildings on corners have more than one Primary Building Façade/Primary Building Wall. Primary Building Walls are always active building walls.

FIGURE 4.35: PRIMARY BUILDING WALL

Secondary Building Wall
All building wall planes that are not defined as a Primary Façade / Primary Building Wall or as a Utility / Service Building Wall are Secondary Building Walls. Secondary building walls may be active or inactive depending on location and access to the building.

FIGURE 4.36: SECONDARY BUILDING WALL

Active Building Wall
Any building wall plane, or portion of a wall plane, whether along a primary or secondary building wall, which:
1. Contains a customer entrance;
2. Is oriented toward a public street or internal access drive;
3. Is adjacent to a pedestrian walkway; or
4. Is adjacent to a customer parking area

FIGURE 4.37: BUILDING WALL TYPES

Utility/Service Building Walls
The building wall plane, or portion thereof, that contains utility and service areas.

FIGURE 4.38: UTILITY/SERVICE WALL

Industrial Building Walls
Each portion of a wall plane of an industrial, warehousing or similarly used building which is not adjacent to interior space used for offices, customer service, retail areas, product display areas or similar nonindustrial spaces.

FIGURE 4.39: INDUSTRIAL BUILDING WALLS


Note: Walls of the projecting portion of the building (which contain offices and showroom areas) are not classified as Industrial Building Walls.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.6.3 Building Modulation

Primary building facades shall be modulated through the use of projections or recessions of the building wall from the base wall plane.
Projections or recessions used to meet this requirement shall project or recede from the base wall plane by a minimum of one (1) foot or two (2) percent of the length of the façade, whichever is greater.
The combined length of the modulating feature(s) shall be a minimum of 35 percent of the width of the base wall plane.

FIGURE 4.40: BUILDING MODULATION


The illustrations above demonstrate compliance with the building modulation standards through the use of a single projection from the base wall plane.


The illustrations above demonstrate compliance with the building modulation standards through the use of multiple projections from the base wall plane.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.6.4 Vertical Articulation

Buildings shall be vertically articulated by using a minimum of three (3) of the techniques listed below:
1. Using visually “heavy” building materials, such as stone, on lower surfaces when a “lighter” material is used on higher surfaces. Using larger or more coarsely faced building materials on lower surfaces and smaller or more finely textured materials on higher surfaces
2. Using different colors of materials along the vertical wall plane, with darker colors used on lower surfaces and lighter colors used on higher surfaces
3. Projecting the base of the building outward from the façade to create an architecturally distinct ledge along the base
4. Recessing upper stories on multi-story buildings
5. On multi-story buildings, using features that project perpendicularly to the building wall to divide the base of the building from upper stories
6. Using a pitched roof form over the entire structure
7. Including minor pitched roof forms on buildings with parapet walls
8. Using stepped parapet walls
9. Providing towers or similar features that extend vertically above the top of the building wall
10. Varying the height of different portions of a building
11. Using tall windows, particularly when coupled with an arched frame at the top
12. Using distinct masonry patterns or inlays that extend vertically along the building wall
13. Using pilasters or engaged columns that extend vertically along the building wall
Buildings that are three (3) or more stories or more than 35 feet above grade shall be designed with a visually distinct base. The base shall extend a minimum of 10 percent and maximum of 20 percent of the height of the vertical wall plane from grade.

FIGURE 4.41: VERTICAL ARTICULATION


The illustrations above demonstrate proper division of a multi-story building into vertically distinct portions of the vertical wall plane, including base, body, and top sections.




These illustrations demonstrate how individual features combine to provide vertical articulation on a building. The highlighted features include change in building height, the use of a pitched roof form, and the use of columns to achieve compliance with the vertical articulation standards.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.6.5 Horizontal Articulation

Ground floor building walls shall be articulated in a manner that provides visual interest and emphasizes the human scale by using one (1) or more of the below referenced techniques, or by an equally effective method that achieves the stated goal:
1. Awnings
2. Trellises
3. Arcades
4. Recessed openings
5. Arbors/Pergolas
6. Porticos
7. Decorative masonry patterns or inlays
8. Decorative metalwork


*Awnings*	*Trellises*

*Recessed openings and Decorative metalwork*	*Portico and Pergola*

*Arcade and Decorative Masonry Patterns*

A minimum of 75 percent of the width of the horizontal wall plane of the primary façade(s) shall contain articulating features (see Figure 4.42). More than one feature type may be used to meet this requirement.
A minimum of 50 percent of the width of the horizontal wall plane of secondary building walls shall contain articulating features (see Figure 4.42). More than one feature type may be used to meet this requirement.
Features used to satisfy these requirements shall not be separated by a gap wider than 10 feet between the outer edges of each individual feature.
Features used to satisfy this requirement shall be appropriate to the context of the wall on which they are placed. An example of an inappropriate use of an architectural feature would be to place an awning in a location that does not cover a pedestrian walkway or window.


*Awnings over windows*	*Awnings not over windows*

FIGURE 4.42: HORIZONTAL ARTICULATION

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.6.6 Roof Form

Pitched roofs shall be simple hip, shed or gable forms. Mansard roofs are prohibited.

FIGURE 4.43: ROOF TYPES

*Hip Roof*	*Shed Roof*	*Gable Roof*	*Mansard Roof*

Pitched roof forms shall utilize eaves which overhang the building wall a minimum of 12 inches.
A pitched primary roof form shall have a minimum pitch of 6 inches of vertical rise to each 12 inches of horizontal run (6:12) and a maximum pitch of 12 inches of vertical rise to each 12 inches of horizontal run (12:12). Secondary roof forms shall have a minimum pitch of 4 inches of vertical rise to each 12 inches of horizontal run (4:12).
Roof pitches of less than 2:12 and flat roofs shall incorporate a parapet wall on all sides of the building.
Parapet walls exceeding 100 feet in length along the primary façade(s) of a building shall include at least one pitched roof element. Such minor pitched roof element(s) shall occupy a minimum of 20 percent of the width of the building façade.
Parapet walls on primary facades shall contain at least one (1) change in height of at least one (1) foot a minimum of every 25 feet, through the use of a stepped wall or the inclusion of a minor pitched roof form. Height changes shall align with the modulation of the building wall.
Parapet walls may not exceed 10 feet in height at any point along the wall.
An articulated cornice shall be provided along those portions of a parapet wall that are located above a section of a building that projects from the base wall plane. Cornices shall continue around all sides of a parapet wall on which they are required, and may only terminate at an interior building corner or continue at least eight (8) feet around an exterior building corner.

FIGURE 4.44: ROOF FORM


The illustrations above demonstrate proper use of a pitched roof on a modulated building wall. As the illustration shows, the pitched roof form is enhanced with minor pitched roof elements and changes in height that correspond to changes in in the base wall plane.

The illustration above demonstrates the proper inclusion of minor pitched roof forms on a building with a parapet wall.

*Continuous parapet with height changes*	*Non-continuous false front parapet without height changes*

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.6.7 Materials and Color

Exterior materials and colors shall meet the standards outlined below. Utility/Service and Industrial building wall types shall be exempt from these standards.

Primary and Secondary Walls
1. Brick, stone or other material similar in appearance and durability shall be used as cladding over a minimum of 50 percent of the surface area of each primary and secondary building wall. Materials that are fabricated to have the same appearance as a primary building material shall be permitted, unless otherwise noted. All other materials not expressly permitted are prohibited.

1. The following accent materials may be used as cladding on up to 50 percent of the surface area of the primary and secondary building walls:
  1. Wood clapboard or fiber cement board horizontal or vertical siding
  2. Vinyl siding horizontal or vertical siding
  3. Architectural grade metal
  4. Stucco or Exterior insulation and finishing systems (EIFS)
  5. Ceramic Tile / Terracotta
  6. Split-faced block


*Brick facade*	*Painted concrete block and metal facades*

1. Windows and other glazed areas shall be excluded from the calculation of the surface area of a building wall for the purpose of the material proportion standards.
2. Primary and secondary facade colors shall be of low reflectance earth tone, muted, subtle, or neutral colors. The use of high-intensity, fluorescent, or neon colors is not permitted.


*Muted neutral colors*	*High intensity colors*

1. In addition to the requirements listed above the following additional material standards shall apply in the River District Overlay:
  1. Stone or similar material shall be used to clad a minimum of 20 percent of the surface area of each primary building façade.
  2. All masonry work shall use a laying method that gives a dry-stack or mortared appearance.


*Dry-stack examples*

*Mortared examples*

1. 1. Brick and stone cladding materials may not be painted or otherwise altered in color from their natural appearance.
  2. Exposed wooden structural members shall be stained a natural wood color.

Utility / Service Walls
Utility / Service walls on buildings may use standard concrete masonry units (concrete block) as a cladding material, provided that the block is either integrally colored or painted to match the color of the permitted material that is used to clad the greatest proportion of the surface area of the primary and secondary building walls.

FIGURE 4.45: MATERIALS

*Multi-tenant Office Building*

*Single Tenant Office Building*

*Multi-tenant Retail Building*

*Hotel*

*Fast-food restaurant*

*Office portion of industrial building*
The illustrations above demonstrate the application of permitted primary and accent cladding materials to the exterior of different building types.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.6.8 Windows and Glazing

At least 30 percent of the length of the first floor shall contain glazed area. For buildings located on a corner, the first floor secondary street façade shall be at least 15 percent windows.
Multi-story buildings shall be designed with a minimum glazed area of 25 percent of the surface area of each building wall above the first story. Each upper story building wall shall contain a roughly proportional amount of glazed area as each other story above the ground floor. Windows shall be aligned vertically and horizontally between floors follow the same window rhythm.
Glazing shall not extend over more than 70 percent of a primary building wall. Glazing may not extend over more that 50 percent of any building wall other than a primary building wall.
Glazed areas shall not be separated by a distance of greater than 20 feet on any portion of a building wall on which glazing is required.
Opaque or mirrorized glass is prohibited. Decorative stained glass windows are permitted. Glass block that obscures interior visibility may not be used to satisfy the minimum glazing requirement. False windows may not be used to satisfy the minimum glazing requirement.
Windows shall be proportioned so that they emphasize the vertical rather than horizontal dimension of the opening. This may be achieved by either proportioning the window opening so that its height is greater than its width, or, when a horizontal window opening is used, using internal framing that divides the window into vertically proportioned elements. Transom and accent windows, occupying no more than five (5) percent of the building wall on which they are located, may be horizontally oriented.
Windows shall be inset from the surrounding wall cladding material by a minimum of two (2) inches.

FIGURE 4.46: WINDOWS AND GLAZING

The illustration above highlights those areas of the building that are counted toward the minimum glazing standards.

The illustration above highlights the effective use of vertically proportioned windows. The arched tops emphasize the height of the window and articulate the vertical dimension of the building wall.

The illustration above demonstrates the vertical alignment of upper and lower story windows on a multi-story building. This repetitive vertical alignment helps to articulate the vertical wall planes.

*Adequate window area*	*Windows covered for interior display*

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.6.9 Building Entrances

Primary customer entrances shall be clearly defined by distinct architectural features. Each primary entrance shall be defined by a minimum of two (2) of the following features:

Awnings or porticos
Recesses/projections of the building wall
Arcades
Raised corniced parapets over the entry
Pitched roof forms
Arched architectural features
Display windows
The use of cladding materials around the entrance that are visually distinct from other materials on the building wall.
Masonry, tile, metal or glass inlays around the entrance.
Columns or similar vertical features

FIGURE 4.47: BUILDING ENTRANCES

The illustrations above demonstrate the emphasis of building entries for the following building types: multi-tenant retail building; large scale, single-tenant retail building; and restaurant.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.6.10 Awnings

Awning material shall be canvas or architectural grade (non-corrugated) metal with a matte, non-reflective finish.

Awnings shall have a minimum of 2:12 slope and shall not be flat.

Awnings shall not be backlit or outlined with neon, LED or other lighting.

Awnings shall be placed at the top of window or doorway openings, and shall not extend beyond such openings.

No awning shall extend more than the width of the sidewalk or 10 feet, whichever is less and shall maintain a clear height of at least eight (8) feet above grade.

FIGURE 4.48: AWNINGS


The illustrations above demonstrate the improper use (top) and proper use (bottom) of awnings. The awnings on the bottom illustration only cover the window and door openings.

*Canvas awnings over window openings*	*Backlit vinyl awning covering length of building*

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.6.11 Orientation of Certain Features

Building walls that contain utility and service areas shall be oriented so that they are not visible from adjacent public streets or internal access drives (except dedicated service drives).


*No drive-through window or ordering station on front facade*	*Drive-through ordering station* *on front facade*

*Service bays on secondary building wall*	*Service bays on primary building wall*

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.6.12 Mechanical and Utility Equipment

All building mounted mechanical and utility equipment shall be located on the utility/service façade.

All rooftop mounted mechanical equipment shall be screened or located in a manner that it is not visible from any point along an active building wall.


*Screened ground-level equipment*	*Unscreened ground-level equipment*

*Screened roof-top equipment*	*Unscreened roof-top equipment*

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.6.13 Accessory Building Design

The exterior materials of non-residential accessory buildings shall substantially match the primary and/or secondary materials of the principal structure and surrounding buildings.

Accessory structures shall be located in the rear yard and shall not exceed 15 feet or the height of the principal structure, whichever is less.


*Materials match principal structure*	*Materials do not match principal structure*

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.7.1 Applicability

Primary/Front Façade
Any building wall plane which is oriented toward a street right-of-way and contains the primary building entrance.

FIGURE 4.49: PRIMARY/FRONT FAÇADE

Secondary/Corner Side Façade
Building wall planes that do not contain the primary entrance to the building (but may contain a secondary entrance) and face a secondary street right-of-way on a corner lot.

FIGURE 4.50: SECONDARY /CORNER SIDE FAÇADE

Side Interior Façade
Building wall planes that do not face a street right-of-way and are generally perpendicular to the primary/front façade. In a Central Business District setting, these facades often directly abut the side interior façade of an adjacent structure and do not contain windows or doorways.

FIGURE 4.51: SIDE INTERIOR FAÇADE

Rear Façade
Building wall planes that face the rear yard and generally parallel to the primary/front façade. In a Central Business District setting, these facades often face rear alley ways.

FIGURE 4.52: REAR FAÇADE

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.7.2 Guidelines for National Register Historic Districts: Secretary of the Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.7.3 Building Orientation

Building orientation refers to how the structure is placed on a property, with particular focus on the primary façade of the structure.

Structures shall be oriented so that their primary façade faces, and is parallel with, the principal street on which they are located.
On corner lots both facades shall be oriented so that they face, and are parallel with, the adjoining streets.

FIGURE 4.53: BUILDING ORIENTATION

The illustrations above demonstrate the proper orientation of buildings parallel to the primary and secondary streets.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.7.4 Building Height

The minimum clear interior height of the first story of building, as measured from the finished floor to the bottom of the second story floor plate shall be 12 feet.

FIGURE 4.54: BUILDING HEIGHT

*Not more than 2 stories shorter than adjacent buildings*

*More than 2 stories taller than adjacent buildings*
The illustrations above demonstrate minimum height of the first floor and building heights that are in the correct and incorrect range compared to the scale of the other buildings on the street. Maximum overall building heights for the CBD are set forth in Section 4.2.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.7.5 Building Massing and Scale

New construction on lots that are significantly wider than adjacent existing lots shall utilize a design that divides and proportions the building to replicate the massing and scale of adjacent buildings.
Where other buildings within 250 feet on the same side of the street and within the same block occupy the full width of the lot b at the front build-to line, the new construction shall occupy the full width of the lot at the build-to line between the side lot lines unless sufficient width exists to provide driveway or pedestrian access to a rear parking area. Such pedestrian access shall be a minimum of six (6) feet wide.

FIGURE 4.55: MASSING AND SCALE

*Infill Lot*

*Acceptable*

*Not Acceptable*
The illustrations above demonstrate acceptable and unacceptable building massing in an infill situation.

*Infill Lot*

*Acceptable*

*Not Acceptable-* *Taller gabled parapet and lack of second floor windows*
The illustrations above demonstrate acceptable and unacceptable architectural scaling in an infill situation.

*Infill Lot*

*Acceptable*

*Not Acceptable*
The illustrations above demonstrate acceptable and unacceptable building width in an infill situation.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.7.6 Building Façade Articulation

Architectural features and ornamentation shall be required on all facades of a building facing a public street to provide articulation and define the scale of the building.
No primary or secondary/side corner façade shall have a length of wall greater than 10 feet without doors, windows, or horizontal articulation feature (as described in Subsection D) are prohibited.
Buildings shall be vertically articulated by using a minimum of three (3) of the techniques listed below and depicted in the following Figure:
1. Using different colors of materials along the vertical wall plane, with darker colors used on lower surfaces and lighter colors used on higher surfaces
2. Providing a mid-level cornice.
3. Recessing upper stories on multi-story buildings
4. Using stepped parapet walls
5. Providing towers or similar features that extend vertically above the top of the building wall
6. Varying the height of different portions of a building
7. Using distinct masonry patterns or inlays that extend vertically along the building wall
8. Using piers or engaged columns that extend vertically along the building wall
Building walls shall be horizontally articulated in a manner that provides visual interest and emphasizes the human scale by using two (2) or more of the below referenced techniques, or by an equally effective method that achieves the stated goal:
1. Awnings
2. Trellises
3. Arcades
4. Transom Windows
5. Decorative masonry patterns
6. Decorative metalwork
7. Decorative inlays of brick, masonry, wood, stone or tile

FIGURE 4.56: FAÇADE ARTICULATION

The diagram above illustrates the different features of a downtown building façade that may be incorporated in to new construction as appropriate.

*Articulated facade*	*Unarticulated facade*

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.7.7 Roof Form

Parapets walls shall extend a minimum of two (2) feet above the top of the building wall, but shall not extend more than five (5) feet above the main building wall.

Exposed gutters and downspouts are prohibited on the primary façade of a building.

Gutters, downspouts and scuppers shall be placed so that they are concealed from view from the primary façade or secondary facades that front on a public sidewalk.

FIGURE 4.57: ROOF FORM

The diagrams above illustrate the maximum parapet height (left) and the relationship of adjoining parapet walls and how they come together to form a varied roof line along the block of buildings.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.7.8 Materials and Color

Primary Materials

A minimum of 75 percent of primary and secondary facades shall be clad architectural quality, individually set, naturally colored brick, granite, limestone, marble or similar slab or block stone are allowed for use on the primary surfaces of exposed building facades.
Brick shall be applied in a manner that emphasizes the storefront, window openings, projecting lentils, corbeling adjacent to and/or as a part of the cornice features, building piers, and other ornamental features.
Brick shall be applied in a manner that adds interest to the façade by utilizing masonry techniques that vary the patterns of brick through the use of a variety of brick course patterns and designs.
Special attention shall be given to corners to ensure the brick course work is wrapped in a continuous manner along all sides of the building.
No more than two (2) styles of brick may be utilized on a facade.
Where there are multiple exposed facades facing public streets, the same course patterns, brick styles and other characteristics shall be applied equally to each facade.
Rear facades may be designed without any architectural detailing, but shall use the primary building materials.

Secondary Materials


*Brick façade with formed concrete accents*	*Stucco/EIFS facade*

Lintels
If exposed lintels are used in construction, they shall be made of stone or brick, and shall project a minimum of three (3) inches from the surface of the building
Cornices
1. Upper story and mid-level cornices may be included on the primary building façade.
2. Cornices may be constructed of brick, architectural grade metal or cast concrete.
Inlays
1. The primary building surface may include decorative inlays that do not total more than 10 percent of the primary façade surface area.
2. Inlay materials may include, tile, natural stone, decorative glass, or similar materials.

FIGURE 4.58: EXTERIOR MATERIALS

The illustrations above depict appropriate primary (left) and secondary (right) material locations on an example building.



The figures above show examples of lintels (top left), inlays (bottom left), and cornices (right). The example cornices are (top to bottom) brick, cast concrete, and metal.

Color
1. Brick and stone shall be unpainted and naturally colored. Brick may only be painted to maintain the historic integrity of existing buildings
2. Where existing brick buildings have been painted, the primary surfaces of the buildings may only be repainted with low reflectance, earth tone, muted, subtle, and neutral colors. The use of high-intensity, metallic, fluorescent, or neon colors is not permitted.
3. Secondary materials may be painted.


*Brick façade with bright accents*	*High-intensity colors on whole facade*

FIGURE 4.59: BUILDING COLOR

The figure above shows the appropriate use of primary and accent colors on primary and secondary surfaces of the building façade.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.7.9 Storefront Design

Buildings shall be designed so that the majority (greater than 50 percent) of the width of the storefront wall is located immediately adjacent to the public sidewalk. Storefronts shall run the length of the first floor facade between the exterior building piers.
No more than 20 percent of the storefront wall may be recessed beyond eight (8) feet from the public sidewalk.
Storefront design shall be proportional to that of other buildings within the same block on the same side of the street without being an exact replication of those buildings.
Bulkheads should be neither too high, blocking the view of pedestrians, nor too low, so that a completely glass walled storefront is created. Bulkheads shall be constructed along all storefront areas, excluding customer entrances. Bulkheads shall be a minimum of 24 inches and maximum of 36 inches in height. Bulkheads may be constructed of brick, wood, or a combination of those two materials. Bulkheads shall include architectural detailing such as inlays, trim, changes in color or changes in material.
A minimum of 70 percent and maximum of 90 percent of the surface area of the storefront shall consist of transparent glass between a height of two (2) feet and 10 feet above the grade of the adjacent sidewalk. Glass block does not count toward this requirement.
Reflective or opaque glass is prohibited.
Permanent bars, gates, shutters, fencing or other barrier materials are prohibited on the exterior of a primary facade. Security gates may be used after business hours.

FIGURE 4.60: STOREFRONT DESIGN

*Properly Sized Bulkhead*	*Improperly Sized Bulkhead*

The diagram above illustrates the proper glazing ratio for a storefront design.

	These illustrations are examples of acceptable storefront designs that demonstrate diversity of design while still meeting the standards of this section.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.7.10 Upper Story Windows

Upper story windows shall have a minimum height to width ratio of two to one (2:1) and a maximum height to width ratio of three to one (3:1).

On primary and secondary facades, upper story windows shall have the appearance of operable double hung windows.

Upper story windows should align horizontally with windows on the same story and be centered on windows below.

Only transparent, non-mirrorized glass shall be used.

On primary and secondary facades, a minimum of 30 percent of the linear width of each upper floor shall contain glazed area.

FIGURE 4.61: UPPER STORY WINDOWS

		*Acceptable Upper Story Window*

		*Unacceptable Upper Story Window*
The diagrams above illustrate proper alignment of upper story windows with first floor windows (left) and a properly designed upper story window (right).


*ACCEPTABLE:* The illustrations above show examples of acceptable upper story windows.

*NOT ACCEPTABLE:* The illustrations above show examples of unacceptable upper story windows.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.7.11 Entrances

Primary entrances of first floor uses shall face the primary street frontage, while secondary entrances may face parking areas or secondary street frontages.
On primary and secondary street frontages, the surface area of primary and secondary entrances to first floor uses shall have a minimum glazed area of 70 percent.
Only transparent glass is permitted. Reflective or opaque glass is prohibited.

FIGURE 4.62: ENTRANCES

	*Acceptable Entrance Doors*

	*Unacceptable Entrance Doors*
The diagrams above illustrate well designed building entrances (left) and a properly designed entrance doors (right).

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.7.12 Awnings and Canopies

Rectangular awning

Awnings shall not extend in width past the storefront area into the building piers. Awning shape shall relate to the window or door opening. Barrel shaped awnings should be used to complement arched openings while rectangular awnings should be used on rectangular openings.
When there are multiple storefronts, awnings/canopies should correspond in size, color, and material. Buildings with multiple storefronts shall use separate awnings for each storefront.
Barrel awning
Awnings and canopies shall not block architectural features, including transom windows, and shall be attached to the vertical wall and lead to the public entrance.
Awnings shall protrude at least three (3) feet from the building façade and shall be at least eight (8) feet above the grade of the sidewalk.
Acceptable materials include woven cloth, canvas or architectural metal. Awnings shall be a shade of black or any other accent color that is low reflectance, earth tone, muted, subtle, and neutral colors. The use of high-intensity, metallic, fluorescent, or neon colors is not permitted. Backlighting of awnings is not permitted.

FIGURE 4.64: AWNINGS

The diagram above illustrates the minimum awning depth and clearance.

*Acceptable placement*	*Unacceptable placement beyond storefront*

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.7.13 Lighting

Building mounted lighting may be used to draw attention to window displays, signs, store information and a building’s architectural details.

Neon-framed windows

Building mounted lighting shall provide particular focus on the architectural integration of lighting into the overall design of the structure.

Lighting shall be directed onto the display or building element not onto the street or adjacent properties.

Lighting fixtures shall complement the architectural elements within the existing façade.

Framing window displays or other architectural features of the building with neon or tube lighting is not permitted.

Lighting shall be in full compliance with all other outdoor lighting provisions, as set forth in Section 4.7.5.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.7.14 Mechanical and Utility Equipment

Utility equipment may be screened through the use of parapet walls or architecturally integrated screen walls.

Effective on: 1/1/1901

4.8.7.15 Maintenance and Repair of Existing Historic Structures

Refer to APPENDIX B for information and resources regarding the maintenance and repair of existing historic structures.

Effective on: 1/1/1901