New Bern City Zoning Code
Complete index of all zoning chapters, sections, and subsections
ARTICLE I
- GENERAL PROVISIONS
Sections
- Section 15-1.- Short title.
- Section 15-2. - Authority.
- Section 15-3. - Jurisdiction.
- Section 15-4. - Effective dates.
- Section 15-5. - Relationship to existing zoning, subdivision and flood control ordinance.
- Section 15-6. - Relationship to land use plan.
- Section 15-7. - No use or subdivision of land or building except in conformity with ordinance provisions.
- Section 15-8. - Fees.
- Section 15-9. - Severability.
- Section 15-10. - Computation of time.
- Section 15-11. - Miscellaneous.
- Section 15-12. - Conflicts of interest.
ARTICLE III
ADMINISTRATIVE MECHANISMS2
Sections
- PART I. - ZONING ADMINISTRATOR AND DIRECTOR OF PLANNING AND INSPECTIONS[3]
- PART II. - PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD[4]
- Section 15-24. - Appointment and terms of planning and zoning board members.
- Section 15-25. - Planning and zoning board officers.
- Section 15-26. - Meetings of the planning and zoning board.
- Section 15-27. - Quorum and voting.
- Section 15-28. - Powers and duties of planning and zoning board.
- Section 15-29. - Advisory committees.
- PART III. - BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT[5]
- PART IV. - RESERVED[6]
- PART V. - BOARD OF ALDERMEN[7]
- PART VI. - NOTIFICATION OF OFFICIAL MEETINGS[8]
ARTICLE IV
PERMITS AND FINAL PLAT APPROVAL
Sections
- PART I. - PERMIT REQUIREMENTS
- Section 15-46. - Permits required.
- Section 15-47. - No occupancy, use, or sale of lots until requirements fulfilled.
- Section 15-48. - Who may submit permit applications.
- Section 15-49. - Applications to be complete.
- Section 15-50. - Staff consultation before formal application.
- Section 15-51. - Staff consultation after application submitted.
- Section 15-52. - Zoning permits.
- Section 15-53. - Authorizing use or occupancy before completion of development under zoning permit.
- Section 15-54. - Special use permits.
- Section 15-55. - Recommendations on special use permits.
- Section 15-56. - Reserved.
- Section 15-57. - Reserved.
- Section 15-58. - Additional requirements on special use permits.
- Section 15-59. - Authorizing use, occupancy, or sale before completion of development under special use or conditional use permits.
- Section 15-60. - Completing developments in phases.
- Section 15-61. - Expiration of permits.
- Section 15-62. - Effect of permit on successors and assigns.
- Section 15-63. - Amendments to and minor modifications of permits.
- Section 15-64. - Reconsideration of board action.
- Section 15-65. - Applications to be processed expeditiously.
- Section 15-66. - Maintenance of common areas, improvements, and facilities.
- Section 15-67. - Vested rights.
- Section 15-68. - Site-specific vesting plan.
- Section 15-69. - Subsequent changes prohibited after establishment of vested right; exceptions.
- Section 15-70. - Miscellaneous provisions pertaining to vested rights.
- Section 15-71. - Projects requiring site plan review.
- Section 15-72. - Procedure.
- Section 15-73. - Site plan submission requirements.
- PART II. - MAJOR AND MINOR SUBDIVISIONS
- Section 15-76. - Regulation of subdivisions.
- Section 15-77. - No subdivision without plat approval.
- Section 15-78. - Minor subdivision approval.
- Section 15-79. - Major subdivision approval process.
- Section 15-80. - Endorsements on major subdivision plats.
- Section 15-81. - Plat approval not acceptance of dedication offers.
- Section 15-82. - Performance guarantees.
- Section 15-83. - Maintenance of dedicated areas until acceptance.
- Section 15-84. - Amendments to previously approved subdivision plans.
- Section 15-85. - Public notification requirements for major subdivision plans.
- Section 15-86. - Planned unit developments established.
ARTICLE VI
QUASI-JUDICIAL PROCEDURE9
Sections
- Section 15-101.- Process required.
- Section 15-102. - Notice of hearing.
- Section 15-103. - Administrative materials.
- Section 15-104. - Presentation of evidence.
- Section 15-105. - Appearance of official new issues.
- Section 15-106. - Oaths.
- Section 15-107. - Modification of application at hearing.
- Section 15-108. - Subpoenas.
- Section 15-109. - Voting.
- Section 15-110. - Decisions.
- Section 15-111. - Judicial review.
ARTICLE VII
ENFORCEMENT AND REVIEW10
Sections
- Section 15-112.- Complaints regarding violations.
- Section 15-113. - Persons liable.
- Section 15-114. - General remedies.
- Section 15-115. - Notice of violation.
- Section 15-116. - Stop work order.
- Section 15-117. - Revocation.
- Section 15-118. - Inspections.
- Section 15-119. - Additional remedies for violations of subdivision provisions.
- Section 15-120. - Penalties and remedies for violations.
ARTICLE VIII
NONCONFORMING SITUATIONS
Sections
- Section 15-121.- Definitions.
- Section 15-122. - Continuation of nonconforming situations and completion of nonconforming projects.
- Section 15-123. - Nonconforming lots.
- Section 15-124. - Extension or enlargement of nonconforming situations.
- Section 15-125. - Repair, maintenance and reconstruction.
- Section 15-126. - Change in use of property where a nonconforming situation exists.
- Section 15-127. - Abandonment and discontinuance of nonconforming situations.
- Section 15-128. - Completion of nonconforming projects.
- Section 15-129. - Nonconforming signs.
ARTICLE IX
ZONING DISTRICTS AND ZONING MAP
Sections
- PART I. - ZONING DISTRICTS
- PART II. - ZONING MAP
TABLE OF
PERMISSIBLE USES
Sections
- Section 15-147.- Use of the designations Z and S in table of permissible uses.
- Section 15-148. - Reserved.
- Section 15-149. - Permissible uses and specific exclusions.
- Section 15-150. - Accessory uses.
- Section 15-151. - Permissible uses not requiring permits.
- Section 15-152. - Change in use.
- Section 15-153. - Developments in the C-3 zoning district.
- Section 15-154. - Combination uses.
- Section 15-155. - Reserved.
- Section 15-156. - More specific use controls.
ARTICLE XI
SUPPLEMENTARY USE REGULATIONS
Sections
- Section 15-162.- Special events.
- Section 15-163. - Particular uses.
- Section 15-164. - Rules and regulations relative to manufactured homes located both inside and outside of manufactured home parks within the zoning jurisdiction of the city.
- Section 15-165. - Requirements for approval of mobile home parks.
- Section 15-166. - Satellite receive-only earth station antennas.
- Section 15-167. - Condominiums.
- Section 15-168. - Conveyance of multifamily property for single family use.
- Section 15-169. - Adult establishments.
- Section 15-170. - Telecommunications facilities.
ARTICLE XII
DENSITY AND DIMENSIONAL REGULATIONS
Sections
- Section 15-180.- Minimum lot size requirements.
- Section 15-181. - Residential density.
- Section 15-182. - Residential density bonuses.
- Section 15-183. - Procedures for obtaining density bonuses.
- Section 15-184. - Review criteria [for density bonuses].
- Section 15-185. - Maximum density bonuses.
- Section 15-186. - Minimum lot widths.
- Section 15-187. - Building setback requirements.
- Section 15-188. - Exceptions and modifications.
- Section 15-189. - Building height limitations.
- Section 15-190. - Cluster subdivisions.
- Section 15-191. - Location of accessory buildings.
ARTICLE XIII
OPEN SPACE
Sections
- Section 15-196.- Usable open space.
- Section 15-197. - Mini-parks optional.
- Section 15-198. - Ownership and maintenance of required open space.
- Section 15-199. - Dedication of open space.
- Section 15-200. - Homeowners' associations.
- Section 15-201. - Flexibility in administration authorized.
- Section 15-202. - Fees in lieu of usable open space.
ARTICLE XIV
STREETS AND SIDEWALKS11
Sections
- Section 15-210.- Street classification.
- Section 15-211. - Access to public street in general.
- Section 15-212. - Access to arterial streets.
- Section 15-213. - Entrances to streets.
- Section 15-214. - Development connectivity.
- Section 15-215. - Relationship of streets to topography.
- Section 15-216. - Street width, sidewalk, and drainage requirements in subdivisions.
- Section 15-217. - General layout of streets.
- Section 15-218. - Street intersections.
- Section 15-219. - Construction standards and specifications.
- Section 15-220. - Dedication of streets as "public" and policy regarding private streets.
- Section 15-221. - Vehicle accommodation area, driveway, and sidewalk requirements in unsubdivided developments.
- Section 15-222. - Attention to handicapped in street and sidewalk construction.
- Section 15-223. - Street names.
- Section 15-224. - Bridges.
- Section 15-225. - Utilities.
- Section 15-226. - Signs.
ARTICLE XV
UTILITIES12
Sections
- Section 15-236.- Procedure for the installation of water and/or sewer mains by a property owner or developer, whether within or outside the city.
- Section 15-237. - Procedure for the extension of water and/or sewer mains within the city limits by the city.
- Section 15-238. - Extension of mains to undeveloped areas.
- Section 15-239. - Utility connections; when required.
- Section 15-240. - Separate connections required; exception.
- Section 15-241. - Action by the city upon failure to make connections.
- Section 15-242. - Permit required [for connection to water or sewer system].
- Section 15-243. - Application [for connection permit].
- Section 15-244. - Connection fees generally.
- Section 15-245. - Construction work to be done by the city; exception.
- Section 15-246. - Connection equipment to remain city property.
- Section 15-247. - Procedure for making connections outside of the city.
- Section 15-248. - Use of public sewers required.
- Section 15-249. - Unlawful discharge.
- Section 15-250. - Building sewers and connections.
- Section 15-251. - Lighting requirements.
- Section 15-253. - Electric power.
- Section 15-254. - Telephone service.
- Section 15-255. - Underground utilities.
- Section 15-256. - Utilities to be consistent with internal and external development.
- Section 15-257. - As-built drawings required.
- Section 15-258. - Fire hydrants.
- Section 15-259. - Sites for and screening of dumpsters.
ARTICLE XVI
FLOOD DAMAGE PREVENTION13
Sections
- PART 1. - STATUTORY AUTHORIZATION, FINDINGS OF FACT, PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES
- PART II. - GENERAL PROVISIONS
- Section 15-271. - Lands to which this article applies.
- Section 15-272. - Basis for establishing the special flood hazard areas.
- Section 15-273. - Establishment of floodplain development permit.
- Section 15-274. - Compliance.
- Section 15-275. - Abrogation and greater restrictions.
- Section 15-276. - Interpretation.
- Section 15-277. - Warning and disclaimer of liability.
- Section 15-278. - Penalties for violation.
- PART III. - ADMINISTRATION
- Section 15-283. - Designation of floodplain administrator.
- Section 15-284. - Floodplain development application, permit and certification requirements.
- Section 15-285. - Duties and responsibilities of the floodplain administrator.
- Section 15-286. - Corrective procedures.
- Section 15-287. - Variance procedures.
- PART IV. - PROVISIONS FOR FLOOD HAZARD REDUCTION.
- Section 15-296. - General standards.
- Section 15-297. - Specific standards.
- Section 15-299. - Standards for floodplains without established base flood elevations.
- Section 15-300. - Standards for riverine floodplains with base flood elevations but without established floodways or non-encroachment areas.
- Section 15-301. - Floodways and non-encroachment areas.
- Section 15-302. - Coastal high hazard area (zone VE).
- Section 15-303. - Standards for coastal A zones (zone CAZ) LiMWA.
- Section 15-304. - Standards for areas of shallow flooding (zone AO).
- Section 15-305. - Standards for areas of shallow flooding (zone AH).
- PART V. - LEGAL STATUS PROVISIONS
ARTICLE XVII
SIGNS14
Sections
- Section 15-321.- Definitions.
- Section 15-322. - Permit required for signs.
- Section 15-323. - Signs exempt from regulation.
- Section 15-324. - Certain temporary signs: permit exemptions and additional regulations.
- Section 15-325. - Determining the number of signs.
- Section 15-326. - Computation of sign area.
- Section 15-327. - Total sign surface area.
- Section 15-328. - Freestanding sign surface area.
- Section 15-329. - Number of freestanding signs.
- Section 15-330. - Subdivision and multifamily development entrance signs.
- Section 15-331. - Location and height requirements.
- Section 15-332. - Sign illumination and signs containing lights.
- Section 15-333. - Miscellaneous requirements.
- Section 15-334. - Freeway sign corridor overlay district established.
- Section 15-335. - Permitted uses.
- Section 15-336. - Number of freestanding signs allowed in freeway sign corridor overlay district.
ARTICLE XVIII
PARKING15
Sections
- Section 15-340.- Board findings concerning the need for vehicle accommodation areas.
- Section 15-341. - Definitions.
- Section 15-342. - Number of parking spaces required.
- Section 15-343. - Flexibility in administration required.
- Section 15-344. - Parking space dimensions.
- Section 15-345. - Required widths of parking area aisles and driveways.
- Section 15-346. - General design requirements.
- Section 15-347. - Vehicle accommodation area surfaces.
- Section 15-348. - Joint use of required parking spaces.
- Section 15-349. - Satellite parking.
- Section 15-350. - Special provisions for lots with existing buildings.
- Section 15-351. - Loading and unloading areas.
- Section 15-352. - No parking [to be] indicated near fire hydrants.
ARTICLE XIX
SCREENING, TREES, AND PLANTING16
Sections
- PART I. - SCREENING
- Section 15-361. - Board findings concerning the need for screening requirements.
- Section 15-362. - General screening standard.
- Section 15-363. - Compliance with screening standard.
- Section 15-364. - Descriptions of screens.
- Section 15-365. - Table of screening requirements.
- Section 15-366. - Flexibility in administration required.
- Section 15-367. - Special screening considerations.
- PART II. - TREE PRESERVATION
- Section 15-375. - Part II statement of purpose.
- Section 15-376. - Board findings and declaration of policy on tree preservation.
- Section 15-377. - Definition.
- Section 15-378. - Tree preservation and replacement in new nonresidential developments and residential subdivisions.
- Section 15-379. - Procedural requirements for removal of trees in certain areas.
- Section 15-380. - Protection of regulated trees.
- Section 15-381. - Shade trees in parking areas.
- Section 15-382. - Required trees along dedicated residential streets.
- PART III. - PLANTING
- APPENDIX E. - GUIDE FOR LANDSCAPING
- Section E-1. - Guide for protecting existing trees.
- Section E-2. - Standards for street and parking lot trees.
- Section E-4. - Guide for planting trees.
- Section E-5. - Typical screen types.
- Section E-6. - Sample screening requirement placement.
- Section E-7. - Guide for planting shrubs.
- Section E-8. - List of recommended trees and shrubs.
ARTICLE XX
AMENDMENTS17
Sections
- Section 15-396.- Amendments in general.
- Section 15-397. - Initiation of amendments.
- Section 15-398. - Planning and zoning board consideration of proposed amendments.
- Section 15-399. - Hearing with public notice.
- Section 15-400. - Notice of legislative hearing on proposed zoning amendments.
- Section 15-401. - Citizen comments.
- Section 15-402. - Board of aldermen action on amendments.
- Section 15-403. - Board of aldermen statement.
ARTICLE XXI
NEW BERN HISTORIC DISTRICT18
Sections
- Section 15-411.- Purpose and authority.
- Section 15-412. - Definitions.
- Section 15-413. - Authority to designate historic districts; historic districts established.
- Section 15-414. - Designation of landmarks; adoption of an ordinance; criteria for designation.
- Section 15-415. - Required landmark designation procedures.
- Section 15-416. - Required conformity to dimensional regulations; exceptions.
- Section 15-417. - Off-street parking.
- Section 15-418. - Authentic restoration or reconstruction.
- Section 15-419. - Historic preservation commission; creation; membership tenure; public body.
- Section 15-420. - Rules of procedure; principles and standards for construction, alterations, additions, moving and demolition.
- Section 15-421. - General powers of the commission.
- Section 15-422. - Certificate of appropriateness required.
- Section 15-423. - Application procedures.
- Section 15-424. - Review criteria.
- Section 15-425. - Certain changes not prohibited.
- Section 15-426. - Demolition of landmarks and buildings within historic district.
- Section 15-427. - Remedies.
- Section 15-428. - Compliance and duration.
- Section 15-429. - Prevention of demolition by neglect of buildings and structures within locally designated historic districts.
ARTICLE XXII
COMMERCIAL ENTRANCEWAY CORRIDOR OVERLAY DISTRICTS
Sections
- [ PART I. - GENERAL PROVISIONS]
- PART II. - DESIGN GUIDELINES AND PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
- Section 15-461. - General scope and commentary.
- Section 15-462. - Design guidelines and performance standards—Broad/Queen Street Corridor.
- Section 15-463. - Design guidelines and performance standards—Trent Road Corridor.
- Section 15-464. - Design guidelines and performance standards—Glenburnie Road Corridor.
- Section 15-465. - Design guidelines and performance standards—Neuse Boulevard Corridor.
- Section 15-466. - Design guidelines and performance standards—U.S. Highway 17/Clarendon Boulevard Corridor.
- Section 15-467. - Design guidelines and performance standards—First Street Corridor.
ARTICLE XXV
NEIGHBORHOOD CONSERVATION OVERLAY DISTRICTS
Sections
- Section 15-491.- Neighborhood conservation overlay district statement of purpose.
- Section 15-492. - Criteria for establishment of a neighborhood conservation overlay district.
- Section 15-493. - Establishment of Lawson Creek Neighborhood Conservation Overlay District; promulgation of use and design standards.
- Section 15-494. - Establishment of Dryborough neighborhood conservation overlay district; promulgation of use and design standards.
- Section 15-495. - Establishment of Ghent neighborhood conservation overlay district; promulgation of use and design standards.
ARTICLE XXVI
STORMWATER MANAGEMENT21
Sections
- DIVISION I. - STORMWATER CONTROL
- Section 15-501. - Short title.
- Section 15-502. - Authority and findings.
- Section 15-503. - Purpose and intent.
- Section 15-504. - Applicability.
- Section 15-505. - Interpretation.
- Section 15-506. - Definitions.
- Section 15-507. - Design manual.
- Section 15-508. - Relationship to other laws, regulations and private agreements.
- Section 15-509. - Severability.
- Section 15-510. - Effective date and transitional provisions.
- Section 15-511. - Responsibility for administration.
- Section 15-512. - Review procedures.
- Section 15-513. - Applications for approval.
- Section 15-514. - Approvals.
- Section 15-515. - Appeals.
- Section 15-516. - General standards.
- Section 15-517. - Minor variances.
- Section 15-518. - General standards for maintenance.
- Section 15-519. - Operation and maintenance of engineered stormwater controls.
- Section 15-520. - Inspection program.
- Section 15-521. - Performance security for installation and maintenance.
- Section 15-522. - Deed recordation and indications on plat.
- Section 15-523. - Records of installation and maintenance activities.
- Section 15-524. - Nuisance.
- Section 15-525. - Maintenance easement.
- Section 15-526. - Enforcement and violations.
- Section 15-527. - Remedies and penalties.
- Section 15-528. - Procedures.
- DIVISION II. - ILLICIT DISCHARGES
- Section 15-529. - Prohibition of illegal discharges.
- Section 15-530. - Prohibition of illicit connections.
- Section 15-531. - Waste disposal prohibitions.
- Section 15-532. - Discharges in violation of industrial or construction activity NPDES stormwater discharge permit.
- Section 15-533. - Requirement to prevent, control, and reduce stormwater pollutants.
- Section 15-534. - Requirement to eliminate illegal discharges.
- Section 15-535. - Requirement to eliminate or secure approval for illicit connections.
- Section 15-536. - Watercourse protection.
- Section 15-537. - Requirement to remediate.
- Section 15-538. - Requirement to monitor and analyze.
- Section 15-539. - Notification of spills.