13.1.

Corner visibility. On a corner lot in any zoning district nothing shall be erected, placed, planted, or allowed to grow in such a manner as materially to impede vision between a height of two and a half and ten feet above the centerline grades of the intersecting streets in the area bounded by the street lines of such corner lots and a line joining points along said street lines 50 feet from the point of the intersection.

13.2.

Off-premises signs. The following regulations shall apply to all off-premises signs:

1.

Off-premise signs are permitted in C-1 and I-1 zoning districts.

2.

Off-premises signs shall be permitted on a standard sign, which does not exceed five feet by ten feet, is constructed of 20-gauge sheet metal painted on each side, and is supported by metal tubing posts of the type specified by the Standard Building Code.

3.

There shall be a minimum distance of 800 feet between all off-premises signs.

13.3.

Off-street parking.

13.3.1.

Requirements for off-street parking. The following minimum number of parking spaces shall be required of the nonresidential uses specified below in all districts.

A.

Agriculture uses . One space per employee on the largest shift.

B.

Agriculture support uses. One space per employee on the largest shift, plus one space per 200 square feet of gross floor area provided for customer sales and service operations.

C.

Commercial and entertainment uses, except as specifically designated below: One space per 150 square feet of gross floor area of customer sales and service, plus one space per 200 square feet of office gross floor area, or if the uses has at least 100,000 square feet of gross floor area, five and one-half spaces per 1,000 square feet of gross floor area.

D.

Other commercial and entertainment uses:

Banks. One space per 200 square feet of gross floor area of customer sales and service, plus five spaces off-street waiting (loading) spaces per drive-in lane, plus one space per employee on the largest work shift.

Funeral home. One space per 100 square feet of gross floor area of customer sales and service.

Hospital. Two spaces per three patient beds, plus one space per staff doctor and each other employee on the largest work shift.

Hotel or motel. One space per room or suite, plus one space per every three employees on the largest work shift, plus one space per three persons to the maximum capacity of each public meeting and/or banquet room, plus 50 percent of the spaces otherwise required for accessory uses (e.g., restaurants and bars).

Private clubs. One space per four persons to the maximum capacity of the facility.

Repair services. One space per 300 square feet of gross floor area of customer sales and service, plus one space per employee on the largest work shift.

Restaurant, standard. One space per four patron seats or one space per 100 square feet of gross floor area of customer sales and service, whichever is greater, plus one space per employee on the largest work shift.

School, commercial or trade. One space per four students, plus one space per employee (including faculty) at capacity class attendance period.

Shopping center. Five spaces per 1,000 square feet of gross floor area of customer sales and service.

Theaters and auditoriums. One space per four patrons based on maximum capacity. This requirement may be satisfied on a space-by-space basis by a facility's providing written proof that it has the use of a nearby parking lot available to its patrons (e.g., by contractual arrangement).

Commercial/recreational uses, except as designated below. One space per five patrons to the maximum capacity of facility, plus one space per two employees on the largest work shift.

Other commercial/recreational uses.

Bowling alley. Five spaces per lane, plus one space per employee on the largest work shift.

Drive-in theater. One space per automobile station, plus one space per employee.

Golf driving range. One space per tee, plus one space per employee on the largest work shift.

Miniature golf. One and one-half spaces per hole, plus one space per employee on the largest working shift.

Outdoor theater. One space per three patrons to the maximum capacity of the facility inclusive of both indoor and outdoor capability.

Skating rink, ice or roller. One space per 300 square feet of gross floor area or customer sales and service.

Manufacturing. One space per employee on the largest shift, plus one space per company vehicle normally left on the premises.

Other heavy industrial uses.

Truck terminal. One space per employee on the largest shift, plus one space per truck normally parked on the premises, plus one space per three patrons to the maximum capacity. All spaces where trucks will be parked and associated drives must be surfaced to the minimum requirements for parking lots.

Junkyard. One space per 10,000 square feet of gross land area, plus one space per employee on the largest work shift.

Warehouse. One space per employee on the largest shift, plus one space per 4,000 square feet of gross floor area.

Institutional, indoor, recreational, and special residential uses, except as specifically designated below. One space per three patrons to the maximum capacity, plus one space per employee on the largest shift.

Other indoor institutional, indoor recreational, and special residential uses.

Church. One space per four seats of maximum capacity.

Community and recreation center. One space per 250 square feet of gross floor area, or one space per four patrons to the maximum capacity, plus one space per four patrons to the maximum capacity, plus one space per employee on the largest shift.

Day or nursery school. One space per teacher/employee on the largest shift, plus one off-street loading space per six students.

Group dwellings. One space per bedroom or sleeping room.

Libraries and museums. One space per 250 square feet of gross floor area of customer service or one space per four seats to the maximum capacity, whichever is greater, plus one space per employee on the largest shift.

Nursing homes. One space per six patient beds, plus one space per employee on the largest shift, plus one space per staff member and visiting doctor.

Swimming facility. One space per 75 square feet of gross water area, plus one space per employee on the largest shift.

Tennis, racquetball, handball courts. Four spaces per court, plus one space per employee on the largest shift.

Commercial support uses. One space per employee on the largest shift, plus one space per company vehicle regularly stored on premises.

Veterinary office with enclosed kennels and/or pens. Three spaces per doctor, plus one space per employee on the largest shift.

Nursery uses. One space per each 500 square feet of display and sales area both indoor and outdoor, excluding areas used exclusively for the storage or propagation of plants, but not less than five for each such use.

Office uses. One space per 250 square feet of gross floor area of customer sales and service and office area.

Other office uses.

Beauty and barber shops. Three spaces per operator or one space per 100 square feet of gross floor area of customer sales and service, whichever is larger, plus one space per employee on the largest shift.

Medical offices. One space per each 200 square feet of gross floor area, including pharmacies and other retail uses, but excluding corridor and lobby areas, plus one per each separate medical or dental treatment room or laboratory.

Outdoor recreational uses. One space per five expected patrons at capacity.

Golf courses (nine and eighteen hole). Thirty spaces per nine holes, plus one space per employee on the largest shift, plus 50 percent of spaces otherwise required for any accessory uses (e.g., bars, restaurants).

Golf, par three. Twenty spaces per nine holes, plus one space per employee on the largest shift.

Outdoor swimming pool. One space per 75 square feet of gross water area.

Public services uses. One space per employee on the largest work shift plus one space per company vehicle normally stored on the premises.

Recreational vehicle park. One and one-half spaces per each recreational vehicle site, plus one space per employee on the largest shift.

Convenience store. One space per 100 square feet of gross floor area of customer sales and service.

Fast-food restaurant. One space per 50 square feet of gross floor area of customer sales and service, plus one space per employee on the largest work shift.

Taverns, dance halls, night clubs and lounges. One space per 50 square feet of gross floor area of customer sales and service, plus one space per employee on the largest shift.

Truck stop. One space per each 2,500 square feet of gross site area, but not less than eight per each such use.

Vehicle sales and service. One space per 1,500 square feet of gross floor area of customer sales and service. In addition all areas used for outside display of automobiles must be hard surfaced according to the standards for parking areas.

Mini-warehouse. One space per ten storage cubicles, plus two spaces per manager's residence, plus one space per 25 storage cubicles located at the warehouse office.

Residential uses. Two spaces per each dwelling unit.

13.3.2.

Establishment of off-street parking. Wherever off-street parking is required for the development of a lot, it shall be established and maintained as follows.

1.

Each off-street parking space shall consist of a designated and defined area of at least ten feet in width and 20 feet in length exclusive of access drives and aisles.

2.

Except for lots devoted to single and two dwelling units per structure uses, all areas established for off-street parking shall be designed and be of such size that no vehicle is required to back into a public street to obtain egress.

3.

All areas devoted to off-street parking shall have clearly defined access drives of ingress and egress not to exceed 25 feet, to include curbs.

4.

All areas devoted to permanent off-street parking shall be of a hard surface or in such manner that no dust will result from continuous use. Each off-street parking space shall be clearly marked or otherwise defined. Gravel or plant mix is also acceptable.

5.

No off-street parking space shall extend beyond any lot line; and where an off-street parking space abuts a residential lot line, a setback line of five (5) feet shall be established.

6.

All areas devoted to ingress or egress in a commercial, industrial or multifamily zone shall be denoted by curbing.

13.4.

Off-street loading and unloading. In all zoning districts where permitted uses require the receipt or distribution of materials or merchandise by truck or similar vehicle, off-street loading and unloading space shall be provided. Such requirements will apply to new structures or that portion of existing structures which are altered or expanded after the effective date of this ordinance.

13.4.1.

Requirements for off-street loading and unloading space.

1.

One space shall be required for the first 20,000 square feet of floor area plus one additional space for each 20,000 square feet of floor area up to 100,000 square feet and one space for each additional 40,000 square feet thereafter.

2.

The minimum size of an off-street loading and unloading space shall be ten feet by 50 feet exclusive of driveway and maneuvering space.

3.

No street or alley shall be considered as part of the off-street loading or unloading area.

4.

All areas for loading and unloading shall be so designed and located to permit traffic to exit facing a street or alley.

5.

Off-street loading and unloading and unloading spaces may occupy all or any part of any required yard area.

13.5.

Public street frontage. No building shall be erected on a lot which does not abut for at least 25 feet on a public street.

13.6.

Accessory buildings. An accessory building may be erected either attached or unattached to a principal building on the same lot. An attached accessory building shall be considered a part of the principal building and shall comply with the requirements of the district in which it is located.

An unattached accessory building shall be located in the rear yard of the principal building, shall not occupy more than 30 percent of the area of the rear yard, shall not be located closer than 15 feet to the principal building on an adjoining lot, shall not be located closer than ten feet to any rear or interior side lot line, and shall not project into any required front or street side yard. On corner lots, the accessory building may not be located closer to the road right-of-way than the minimum setback requirement.

13.7.

Automobile wrecking, junkyards, body shops and motor vehicle garage.

13.7.1.

Location of automobile and junkyards.

No operation shall be located nearer than 600 feet from any established residential district.

13.7.2.

Screening. All outdoor storage of salvage and wrecking operations shall be conducted within an enclosed solid opaque fence or solid opaque wall not less than six feet in height nor more than ten feet in height. All of the above businesses shall ensure that the storage of vehicles is screened from public view from any public road. Additional screening may be required. Any fence or wall erected for screening purposes shall be properly painted or otherwise maintained in good condition.

13.7.3.

Storage of materials or vehicles. The storage of salvaged materials, junk materials or vehicles shall not exceed six feet in height.

Vehicles awaiting repair shall not be stored outside of the business establishment or fenced area for periods greater than 48 hours.

13.8.

Cemetery (commercial).

13.8.1.

Location. All cemeteries hereafter established shall have direct access to major thoroughfares with ingress and egress so designed to minimize traffic congestion.

13.8.2.

Size. Any new cemetery shall be located on a site containing not less than ten acres. Structure setback shall conform to the district regulations in which the site is located. All burial lots shall be set back not less than 25 feet from any lot line.

13.9.

Customary home occupations. Customary home occupations in those districts where permitted shall be subject to the following conditions:

1.

A home occupation shall be limited to the gainful occupation or profession conducted by members of the family residing entirely within the dwelling unit and no more than three nonresidents.

2.

No internal or external alterations shall be made which are not customary to dwellings.

3.

In any dwelling unit, all home occupations, collectively, shall not occupy more than 25 percent of the gross floor area of the dwelling unit but not to exceed 600 square feet.

4.

The entrance of the space devoted to a customary home occupation may be from within the building or a private outside entrance.

5.

No display shall be permitted of goods or services which are visible from the outside of the structure except for one nonilluminated sign having an area of not more than two square feet which may be placed flat on a door, wall or window.

6.

Customary home occupations will be limited to goods and services provided to individuals or groups not exceeding, at any given time, five in number.

7.

Telephone service. Home occupation for telephone service only is permitted but shall be restricted to that use only.

8.

There shall not be any product stored in plain view or in the yard of the residence and there shall not be any parking of commercial vehicles at said property over 24 hours.

13.10.

Manufactured housing unit compatibility.

1.

The manufactured housing unit must have a pitched roof and be covered with material that is residential in appearance, including, but not limited to, wood shingles, concrete, fiberglass, metal, slate, built up gravel materials, or other materials that comply with state law and are approved by the building official.

2.

The exterior siding must be residential in appearance, including, but not limited to, clapboards, simulated clapboards, such as conventional vinyl or metal siding, wood shingles, shakes, or similar materials that comply with state law and are approved by the building official.

3.

The manufactured housing unit must have a measured minimum width dimension of at least 14 feet in width.

4.

The manufactured housing unit must be placed on a permanent foundation and be anchored in a manner that complies with state law.

5.

The manufactured housing unit must have the area underneath the home completely underpinned. The underpinning shall be either rock, brick, concrete block, concrete with stucco type finish, vinyl, masonite or other material that comply with state law and are approved by the building official. The unit shall have a hinged and latchable access door and required crawl space venting that complies with state law.

6.

The hitch, axles and wheels must be removed from the unit when placed.

7.

The manufactured housing unit to be placed must be certified under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and as applicable by the Georgia State Fire Marshall's Office. Any unit not purchased directly from a factory or purchased new from a dealer must be inspected for condition before it is moved to the county. A fee will be charged for this service. See section 20. All units must meet the state rules and regulations governing manufactured housing units. Once a unit passes inspection and required fees are paid, the county inspector shall issue a permit.

8.

At the front entrance door there must be a landing that is a minimum of 32 square feet. At the back entrance door there must be a landing of 16 square feet.

9.

The compatibility standards set forth in this section shall apply to all manufactured housing units in Talbot County regardless of zoning district, except for those located in a MHU-1 district.

13.11.

Swimming pool. The following regulations shall apply to swimming pools:

1.

Private swimming pools may be established in agricultural and residential zoning districts provided they are to be used solely by the occupants of the property on which they are located and their guests. All noncommercial pools within a residential zone shall be enclosed by a secure fence or wall not less than five feet in height.

See CORD section — commercial swimming pools.

13.12.

Gasoline service stations. The following regulations shall apply to all gasoline service stations:

1.

There shall be a building setback from all street right-of-way lines a distance of not less than 50 feet, and the canopy of the gasoline building not less than 15 feet to any street right-of-way line. Other yard setbacks shall conform to the zone in which the station is located.

2.

Gasoline pumps islands shall not be located closer than 15 feet to any street right-of-way line; however, when pump islands are constructed perpendicular to the pavement edge, the pump island shall be located not less than 30 feet from the right-of-way lines.

13.13.

Storage of certain vehicles and equipment. The storage of certain vehicles and equipment (defined as automobiles, semi-trailer trucks with greater than three axles, camping or travel trailers and boats and boat motors) without current license plates is prohibited in residential districts for time periods in excess of 72 hours unless such vehicles and equipment are stored in a carport, enclosed building, or behind the nearest portion of a building to a street.

13.14.

Airports. Proposed public airports shall be so located and of sufficient size to meet Federal Aviation Agency requirements and not constitute a nuisance to surrounding uses.

13.15.

Inert landfill. Permits for inert landfills must be approved by the appropriate state agencies and notifications of adjacent property owners prior to approval by county commissioners. Inert landfills approved by the appropriate state agency for handling such permits and operations will be allowed to operate without expanding said operation. Any such expansion must have all necessary approvals with notifications of all adjacent property owners.

13.16.

Public nuisances.

13.16.1.

Illustrative examples of nuisances. The following conditions, whether on occupied or unoccupied lands, public or private property, are hereby declared to be and constitute a public nuisance and shall be abated; although this section shall not be construed to be limiting with regard to its enumeration of public nuisances.

(1)

Weeds or grass allowed to grow to an excessive height or any accumulation of dead weeds, grass, or brush, that may provide safe harborage for rats, mice, snakes and/or other vermin.

(2)

Vegetation that obstructs the safe passage or line-of-sight of motorists or pedestrians at an intersection or driveway connection with a public or private street or alley, or along any street or sidewalk.

(3)

Dead or dying trees or other vegetation which may cause a hazardous situation if they fall.

(4)

Accumulation of rubbish, trash, refuse, junk, construction debris, and other abandoned materials, metals, lumber or other such items.

(5)

The keeping or maintenance of one or more abandoned vehicles in public view or in a manner inconsistent with this article.

(6)

The carcasses of animals or fowl not disposed of within a reasonable time after death.

(7)

Any building or other structure which is in such a dilapidated condition that it is unfit for human habitation, or kept in such an unsanitary condition that it is a menace to the health of people residing in the vicinity thereof, or presents a fire hazard.

(8)

All noises which may annoy or inhibit others in their enjoyment of or the use of their property.

(9)

All disagreeable or obnoxious odors or stenches, as well as the conditions, substances or other causes which give rise to the emission or generation of such odors and stenches.

(10)

The pollution of any public well, stream, lake, canal, or body of water by sewage, dead animals, creamery, industrial wastes, agricultural wastes, or other substances.

(11)

Any building, structure, or other place or location where any activity is conducted, performed or maintained in violation of local, state or federal law.

(12)

Any accumulation of stagnant water.

(13)

Any method of human excretion disposal which does not conform to the provisions of local ordinances, or state or federal law.

13.16.2.

Nuisance prohibited. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, corporation or other entity to cause, permit, maintain, or allow the creation or maintenance of a nuisance, as defined or more specifically described in this article.

13.16.3.

Notice to abate. Whenever a nuisance is found to exist within the jurisdiction of Talbot County, the code enforcement office shall give written notice to the owner or occupant of the property upon which such a nuisance exists or upon the person causing or maintaining the nuisance, to abate the nuisance pursuant to subsection 18.2 of this ordinance.

13.16.4.

Provisions for specific nuisances. Any one of these enumerated nuisances, if violated, would be a misdemeanor and could be prosecuted in the local court as the violation of any other ordinances.

Abandoned vehicles. It shall be unlawful to keep or maintain any abandoned vehicles as defined by the article, and any abandoned vehicle is hereby declared to be a public nuisance and shall be abated as provided in this article.

Trees and other vegetation. It shall be unlawful for the owner or occupant of any lot of land lying and abutting on an intersection of two streets or the intersection of a driveway and a street to allow any trees, shrubs, or bushes lying on said lot or land to grow to a height or in a manner which restricts the line of sight, or which threatens safety or restricts passage of motorists or pedestrians within a public right-of-way or sidewalk.

Noise. It shall be unlawful for any person to create or assist in creating, permit or continue any unreasonably loud, disturbing, or unnecessary noise in the unincorporated areas of Talbot County. Noise of such character, intensity, and duration that is detrimental to the reasonable comfort, health, or life of any individual is prohibited. The following acts, among others, are declared to be loud, disturbing, and unnecessary noises that constitute a public nuisance in violation of this article, and which shall be abated.

(1)

The keeping or maintenance of any domestic animal which, due to prolonged or habitual barking, howling, whining, or other noises, causes annoyance to neighboring residents, or interferes with the reasonable use and enjoyment of the premises occupied by such residents, is hereby declared to be a public nuisance and shall be abated as provided in this article.

(2)

The sounding of any bell, horn, whistle, mechanical device operated by compressed air, or signal device while not in motion, except as a danger signal, for an unnecessary and unreasonable period of time.

(3)

The use of any siren, other than police; fire, or emergency vehicle.

(4)

The use or operation of any musical instrument, radio, loud speaker, or sound amplifying device so loudly as to disturb persons in the vicinity thereof.

(5)

The erection, excavation, demolition, alteration, or repair of any building or structure in the vicinity of residential dwellings between the hours of 10:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m., except in the case of urgent necessity in the interest of public safety, and then, only with a permit from the code enforcement officer.

(6)

The creation of excessive noise on any street adjacent to any school, institution of learning, court, or religious congregation while the same are in session, or which unreasonably interferes with the working of such institution.

(7)

The shouting or crying of peddlers, vendors, or residents which disturbs the peace and quiet of a residential area.

(8)

The unnecessary creation of loud or excessive noise in connection with unloading or loading vehicles or merchandise.

(9)

The use of any vehicle that is in a state of disrepair as to create loud or unnecessary grinding, rattling, backfiring, or other noises.

Violation of any provision of this subpart on "Noise" shall constitute a misdemeanor and shall be punishable as provided by law, and shall also be subject to abatement under Section 13.16.3 herein.

13.17.

Yard sales.

13.17.1.

Permit required. It shall be unlawful for any person to conduct a yard sale in the county without first filing with the county code enforcement officer the information specified and obtaining from the county code enforcement officer a permit to do so, to be known as a "yard sale permit." There will be no charge for the yard sale permit.

13.17.2.

Issuance of permit. A permit shall be issued under this article to any one person only twice within a 12-month period and no such license shall be issued for more than three consecutive calendar days. Each license issued under this article must be prominently displayed on the premises upon which the yard sale is conducted throughout the entire period of the permitted sale. Items for sale must be moved inside at dusk.

13.17.3.

Information to be filed. The information to be filed with the code enforcement officer pursuant to this article shall be as follows:

a)

Name of person conducting the sale.

b)

Name and owner of the property on which the sale is to be conducted, and consent of the owner, if applicant is other than the owner.

c)

Location at which the sale is to be conducted.

d)

Number of days of sale.

e)

Date and nature of any past sale.

f)

Relationship or connection applicant may have had with any other person conducting the sale and the date of or dates of such sale.

g)

Whether or not applicant has been issued any other vendor's license by any local, state or federal agency.

h)

Sworn statement or affirmation by the person signing that the information therein given is full and true and known by him to be so.

13.17.4.

Exceptions. The provisions of this article shall not apply to or affect the following persons or sales:

a)

Persons selling goods pursuant to an order or process of a court of competent jurisdiction.

b)

Persons acting in accordance with their powers and duties as public officials.

c)

Any person selling or advertising for sale an item or items of personal property which are specified, named or described in the advertisement and which separate items do not exceed five in number.