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Wilkesboro City Zoning Code

ZONING DISTRICTS

§ 156.301 OFFICIAL ZONING MAP.

   (A)   Official Zoning Map. Designates the location and boundaries of the various zoning districts established in this chapter within the town and its ETJ (hereinafter "town") and is incorporated herein by reference. The official zoning map shall be digitally maintained for public inspection in the office of the Wilkesboro Planning and Community Development Department.
   (B)   Zone district boundaries. Unless otherwise specified, zone district boundaries are lot lines or the centerline of streets, alleys, railroad rights-of-way, or such lines extended. Where a zoning district boundary divides a land parcel under a single ownership into two districts, then the entire parcel shall be zoned for the less restrictive use by the adjustment of the boundaries, provided that the boundary adjustment is a distance of less than 100 feet.
   (C)   Changes to Official Zoning Map. Changes made in zoning district boundaries or other matters portrayed on the Official Zoning Map shall be made in accordance with the provisions of this chapter. Changes shall be entered on the Official Zoning Map promptly after the amendment has been approved by the governing board.
   (D)   Incorporation by reference. Development regulations may reference or incorporate by reference flood insurance rate maps, watershed boundary maps, or other maps officially adopted or promulgated by state and federal agencies. For these maps, a regulation text or zoning map may reference a specific officially adopted map or may incorporate by reference the most recent officially adopted version of such maps.
   (E)   Mapping disputes. The Zoning Enforcement Officer shall have the authority to interpret the Official Zoning Map and decide where the boundaries of the different districts fall, if in dispute.
(Res. 2022-23, passed 8-1-2022)

§ 156.302 ZONING DISTRICTS - INTENT AND DIMENSIONAL REQUIREMENTS.

   (A)   R-20A - Residential/Agricultural.
      (1)   Intent. The purpose of the R-20A District is to provide for development compatible with bona-fide agricultural uses and rural residential uses, such as manufactured housing.
      (2)   Application criteria. These districts will usually be applied:
         (a)   In the town's extraterritorial jurisdiction; and
         (b)   Adjacent to areas zoned R-20, B-3, M-2.
      (3)   General dimensional requirements. There are two lot size requirements for the district depending on whether a lot is served by centralized water or sewer.
 
Minimum Lot Area (sq. ft.)
Minimum Lot Width (ft.)
Maximum Density (du/acre)
Minimum Front Setback (ft.)
Minimum Side Setback (ft.)
Minimum Rear Setback (ft.)
Maximum Building Height (ft.)
Interior Lot
Corner Lot
20,000 (without centralized water or sewer)
100
2.18
40
15
25
[see § 156.502]
30
[see § 156.502]
35
12,000 (with centralized water or sewer)
90
3.63
35
10
20
[see § 156.502]
25
[see § 156.502]
35
 
   (B)   R-20 - Suburban Residential.
      (1)   Intent. The purpose of the Suburban Residential District is to provide areas suitable for low- to moderate-density residential development and supporting public, institutional, and other compatible uses that are designed, constructed, and maintained to avoid detracting from a healthy and aesthetically-pleasing residential environment. This district is generally designed to encourage development of single-family detached residences.
      (2)   Application criteria. These districts will usually be applied:
         (a)   Adjacent to areas zoned R-20A, R-8, B-2, B-3, M-2, PUD, or areas laying just outside of the extraterritorial jurisdiction of the town;
         (b)   Neither centralized water nor sewer exists at the site;
         (c)   Either centralized water or sewer exists at the site, but not both.
      (3)   General dimensional requirements. There are two lot size requirements for the district depending on whether a lot is served by centralized water or sewer.
 
Minimum Lot Area (sq. ft.)
Minimum Lot Width (ft.)
Maximum Density (du/acre)
Minimum Front Setback (ft.)
Minimum Side Setback (ft.)
Minimum Rear Setback (ft.)
Maximum Building Height (ft.)
Interior Lot
Corner Lot
20,000 (without centralized water or sewer)
100
2.18
40
15
25
[see § 156.502]
30
[see § 156.502]
35
12,000 (with centralized water or sewer)
90
3.63
35
10
20
[see § 156.502]
25
[see § 156.502]
35
 
   (C)   R-8 - Single-Family Residential.
      (1)   Intent. The purpose of the Single-Family Residential District is to provide areas suitable for moderate-density residential development and supporting public, institutional, and other compatible uses that are designed, constructed, and maintained to avoid detracting from a healthy and aesthetically-pleasing residential environment. This district will be served by centralized water and sewer facilities.
      (2)   Application criteria. These districts will usually be applied:
         (a)   Adjacent to areas zoned R-20, R-6, B-3, B-1, or PUD;
         (b)   Centralized water and sewer exists at the site, or are to be installed as part of the development process;
         (c)   There is direct vehicular access to a local or collector street.
      (3)   General dimensional requirements.
 
Minimum Lot Area (sq. ft.)
Minimum Lot Width (ft.)
Maximum Density (du/acre)
Minimum Front Setback (ft.)
Minimum Side Setback (ft.)
Minimum Rear Setback (ft.)
Maximum Building Height (ft.)
Interior Lot
Corner Lot
8,000
70
5.44
35
10
20
[see § 156.502]
25
[see § 156.502]
35
 
   (D)   R-6 - General Residential.
      (1)   Intent. The purpose of the General Residential District is to provide areas for higher-density single-family residential, two-family residential, multi-family residential, and other compatible uses that are designed, constructed, and maintained to avoid detracting from a healthy and aesthetically-pleasing residential environment. This district also serves as a transitional district for areas that may be changing from single-family to more intense uses such as multi-family or professional uses. This district will be located in urbanized areas with access to a full range of urban services.
      (2)   Application criteria. These districts will usually be applied:
         (a)   Adjacent to areas zoned R-8, B-1, B-2, B-3, M-2, or PUD;
         (b)   Centralized water and sewer exists at the site, or are to be installed as part of the development process;
         (c)   There is direct vehicular access to a local or collector street.
      (3)   General dimensional requirements. There are several lot size requirements for the district depending on the use.
 
Minimum Lot Area (sq. ft.)
Minimum Lot Width (ft.)
Maximum Density (du/acre)
Minimum Front Setback (ft.)
Minimum Side Setback (ft.)
Minimum Rear Setback (ft.)
Maximum Building Height (ft.)
Interior Lot
Corner Lot
6,000 - single-family
60
7.26
25
8
18
[see § 156.502]
30
[see § 156.502]
35
9,000 - two-family
70
9.68
30
10
20
[see § 156.502]
25
[see § 156.502]
35
9,000 - multi-family
80
10.89
35
12
22
[see § 156.502]
30
[see § 156.502]
50
6,000 - other uses
60
---
25
8
18
[see § 156.502]
20
[see § 156.502]
35
 
   (E)   B-1 - Central Business.
      (1)   Intent. The purpose of the Central Business District is to encourage a mixed-use, pedestrian-oriented business district. The district is intended to accommodate a wide range of uses including retail, office, service, and institutional, as well as residential uses on floors above street level. Performance standards shall be used to ensure the absence of adverse impacts beyond the zoning district boundaries.
      (2)   Application criteria. These districts will usually be applied:
         (a)   Adjacent to areas zoned B-1, B-2, B-3, or R-6;
         (b)   Centralized water and sewer exists at the site, or are to be installed as part of the development process;
         (c)   Development is at a high density and pedestrian facilities already exist or can be reasonably extended.
      (3)   General dimensional requirements.
 
Minimum Lot Area (sq. ft.)
Minimum Lot Width (ft.)
Minimum Front Setback (ft.)
Minimum Side Setback (ft.)
Minimum Rear Setback (ft.)
Maximum Building Height (ft.)
Interior Lot
Corner Lot
---
---
---
See § 156.403(C)
---
---
40
 
   (F)   B-2 - General Business.
      (1)   Intent. The purpose of the General Business District is to provide suitably situated and sized sites that allow a broad range of commercial, office, and service uses. In most cases, this district will be located along thoroughfares, however, the district is not intended to encourage strip commercial development. Performance standards shall be used to ensure the absence of adverse impacts beyond the zoning district boundary.
      (2)   Application criteria. These districts will usually be applied:
         (a)   Adjacent to areas zoned B-1, B-2, B-3, M-1, or M-2;
         (b)   Centralized water and sewer exists at the site, or are to be installed as part of the development process;
         (c)   Development will have access via an arterial street.
      (3)   General dimensional requirements.
 
Minimum Lot Area (sq. ft.)
Minimum Lot Width (ft.)
Minimum Front Setback (ft.)
Minimum Side Setback (ft.)
Minimum Rear Setback (ft.)
Maximum Building Height (ft.)
Interior Lot
Corner Lot
10,000
100
30
See § 156.403(C)
20
20
Primary: 50
Secondary: 65 [See § 156.403(A)]
 
   (G)   B-3 - Limited Business.
      (1)   Intent. The purpose of the Limited Business district is to accommodate moderately intense business and institutional uses in proximity to areas of low intensity use, such as residential neighborhoods. This district may also be used in rural areas where urban services are not provided. Performance standards shall be used to ensure the absence of adverse impacts beyond the area occupied by the building.
      (2)   Application criteria. These districts will usually be applied:
         (a)   Adjacent to areas zoned R-20, R-6, B-1, B-2, B-3, M-1, or M-2;
         (b)   Adequate water and sewer facilities exist either through centralized provision or other means;
         (c)   The site would provide a buffer or step down in the intensity of land use from a commercial or industrial use to a less intense use;
      (3)   General dimensional requirements.
 
Minimum Lot Area (sq. ft.)
Minimum Lot Width (ft.)
Minimum Front Setback (ft.)
Minimum Side Setback (ft.)
Minimum Rear Setback (ft.)
Maximum Building Height (ft.)
Interior Lot
Corner Lot
10,000
75
20
10
20
10
40
 
   (H)   M-1 - Industrial.
      (1)   Intent. The purpose of the Industrial District is to provide locations for enterprises engaged in manufacturing, processing, creating, repairing, renovating, painting, cleaning, and assembling of goods or equipment. This district includes uses that may be offensive due to odors, dust, fumes, traffic, or vibration. The operation may involve some outside activity, such as outdoor storage. To the extent possible, this district will be located away from incompatible uses and separated by features such as roads, natural features, and the like. Where this is not possible, performance standards will be used to ensure the absence of adverse impacts on adjoining properties.
      (2)   Application criteria. These districts will usually be applied:
         (a)   Adjacent to areas zoned B-2, M-1, or M-2;
         (b)   Centralized water and sewer exists at the site, or are to be installed as part of the development process;
         (c)   Development will have access via an arterial street;
         (d)   Where roads, natural features, and the like provide a buffer between the district and other incompatible land uses.
      (3)   General dimensional requirements.
 
Minimum Lot Area (sq. ft.)
Minimum Lot Width (ft.)
Minimum Front Setback (ft.)
Minimum Side Setback (ft.)
Minimum Rear Setback (ft.)
Maximum Building Height (ft.)
Interior Lot
Corner Lot
40,000
150
40
See § 156.403(C)
20
30
---
 
   (I)   M-2 - Limited Industrial.
      (1)   Intent. The purpose of the Limited Industrial District is to provide suitable locations for enterprises engaged in limited manufacturing, distribution, wholesaling, warehousing, and related commercial and service activities. The operation will minimize outdoor storage or similar activity that may have adverse impacts outside of the property. Performance standards will be used to ensure the absence of adverse impacts on adjoining properties.
      (2)   Application criteria. These districts will usually be applied:
         (a)   Adjacent to areas zoned R-6, B-2, B-3, M-1, or M-2;
         (b)   Adequate water and sewer facilities exist either through centralized provision or other means;
         (c)   Development will have access via an arterial street.
      (3)   General dimensional requirements.
 
Minimum Lot Area (sq. ft.)
Minimum Lot Width (ft.)
Minimum Front Setback (ft.)
Minimum Side Setback (ft.)
Minimum Rear Setback (ft.)
Maximum Building Height (ft.)
Interior Lot
Corner Lot
20,000
100
30
See § 156.403(C)
20
20
---
 
(Res. 2022-23, passed 8-1-2022)

§ 156.303 PERMITTED USES.

   (A)   Table 156.303 lists uses permitted within each district in accordance with the following:
      (1)   A "P" indicates a use permitted by right;
      (2)   A "S" indicates a use permitted via a special use permit granted by the Zoning Board of Adjustment;
      (3)   A blank cell indicates a use that is not allowed;
      (4)   A notation in the "Standards" column indicates the cross-reference for additional standards a use must meet.
   (B)   Use interpretation. If an application is submitted for a use that is not listed, a Use Interpretation committee shall be authorized to make a similar use interpretation based on the intent of the district and the similarity to other uses in the district. This committee will consist of the Zoning Enforcement Officer and one member appointed from the Planning Board. If an applicant is denied a favorable use interpretation, they may appeal the decision to the Zoning Board of Adjustment in accordance with this chapter.
TABLE OF PERMITTED USES 156.303
USE TYPE
R20A
R20
R8
R6
B1
B2
B3
M1
M2
Standards
TABLE OF PERMITTED USES 156.303
USE TYPE
R20A
R20
R8
R6
B1
B2
B3
M1
M2
Standards
RESIDENTIAL USES
Accessory dwelling units
S
S
S
S
P
Accessory structures, customary
P
P
P
P
Boarding or rooming house
S
Condominium
S
S
Congregate care facility
P
Duplex
S
P
Family care home
P
P
P
P
Home occupation, customary
P
P
P
P
Manufactured home
P
Manufactured home park
S
Mixed Use Residential
S, DOT
S, DOT
P
S
S
Modular home
P
P
P
P
Multi-family or apartments
S
S
S
Single-family, detached
P
P
P
P
Townhouse
S
S
S
S
COMMERCIAL USES
ABC store
P
Accessory uses and structures
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Adult establishment
P
Animal hospital (without open kennels)
P
P
Appliance sales and service
P
P
Bank or financial service
P
P
P
Bar
S
P
Bed and breakfast
P
S
S
S
Beauty or barber shop
P, DOT
P, DOT
P
P
P
Bicycle sales and service
P
P
P
P
Boat sales and service
S, DOT
P
P
Brewpub
S
P
Building materials, supply and sales
S, DOT
P
P
P
Bus station
P
P
Bus stop
S, DOT
S, DOT
S, DOT
Convenience store without fuel sales
P
P
P
P
Convenience store/ service station with fuel sales
P
S
P
Dance studio
P
P
P
Dry cleaning and laundry
P
P
Drive-thru window
P
Electronic gaming operations
S
Farm equipment sales and service
S, DOT
P
P
P
Feed and grain stores
S, DOT
P
P
P
Florist
P, DOT
P
P
P
Grocery store
S
P
S
Greenhouse/nursery
P, DOT
S, DOT
P
P
Health and fitness center
P, DOT
P, DOT
P
P
S
Heavy equipment sales and service
P
P
P
Hotel/motel
S
P
Kennel
S, DOT
S, DOT
S
S
Manufactured home sales
P
Massage therapists
P
P
P
Medical or dental office
P
S
Medical or dental laboratory
P
P
P
Microbrewery
S
P
P
P
Mini-storage unit
P
S
P
Motor vehicle, body and paint shop
P
P
P
Motor vehicle rental and leasing
P
Motor vehicle sales and service
S, DOT
P
P
Motor vehicle/boat repair (without open storage)
S, DOT
P
P
P
Motor vehicle wash or detailing
P
Music and art studio
P, DOT
P
P
S
Nightclub
P
Office supplies sales and service
P
P
Outdoor recreation facility
S, DOT
Pawnshop
P
Personal service
P, DOT
P, DOT
P
P
S
Produce stand and shop
P, DOT
Professional office
P, DOT
P, DOT
P
P
S
Restaurant and café
S, DOT
S, DOT
P
P
S
Restaurant w/drive-thru
P
Retail, General
P
P
Retail, single and
multi-tenant retail establishments with a gross floor area equal or greater than 30,000 square feet
S
S
Development standards for specific uses § 156.526
Storage services
P
P
P
Tap or Tasting Room
P
P
P
P
Theater, Indoor
P
P
PUBLIC/INSTITUTIONAL USES
Assembly hall/coliseum
P
Cemetery
P
P
P
P
P
Child day care/nursery school
S
P
P
S
P
Church
P
P
P
P
P
P
Clubhouse or lodge
S
P
P
P
College or university
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Community center
S
S
P
P
P
Fire or police station
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Funeral home
P
P
Golf course
P
P
P
Golf driving range
S
P
P
Government offices
P
P
P
Hospitals
P
P
P
Library
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Museum/art gallery
P
P
P
Nursing home
S
P
P
Park, athletic
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Park, community
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
RV parks/campgrounds
S
S
S
Schools, primary and secondary
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Schools, business/ technical/vocational
P
P
P
P
P
P
Telecommunications antenna
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
Telecommunications tower
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
S
Utilities, public
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
P
INDUSTRIAL USES
Asphalt and concrete plant
S
Brewery
P
P
P
Extraction of earth products
S
Correctional facility
Distillery
P
P
P
Farm, bona-fide
P
Feed and grain mill
P
Fill site
S
S
Food or beverage processing
S
P
S
Freight terminal
P
P
Junkyard or salvage yard
P
Motor vehicle graveyard
P
Petroleum products, storage and distribution
P
Publishing and printing establishment
P
P
P
Radio and/or television studio
P
P
P
Warehousing
P
P
P
 
(Res. 2022-23, passed 8-1-2022; Ord. 2024-05 passed 5-6-2024; Ord. 2025-01, passed 4-7-2025)