The purpose of this section is to ensure the safe and efficient movement of vehicles, bicyclists, pedestrians, and deliveries on development sites in the Town's jurisdiction. More specifically, these standards are intended to:

   A.   Protect the health and safety of Town residents and visitors;

   B.   Ensure pedestrian accessibility is included in site planning;

   C.   Protect the safety of motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists from traffic entering or exiting the street system; and

   D.   Encourage alternative forms of transportation.

(Ord. 2020-36, passed 12-2-2019)

   A.   General. Unless exempted in accordance with Section 5.1.3, Exemptions, or except where otherwise expressly stated, the standards in this section apply to all new development in the Town's jurisdiction.

   B.   Existing Development. Compliance with these standards shall also apply to redevelopment of an existing structure, building, or use when it is expanded, enlarged, or otherwise increased in intensity in an amount equivalent to or beyond 50 percent.

   C.   Conflict. In the event of conflict or overlap with the standards in this section and the standards in Article 6: Subdivisions, the standards in Article 6 shall control.

(Ord. 2020-36, passed 12-2-2019)

The following forms of development are exempted from the standards in this section:

   A.   Redevelopment consisting of one single-family detached home on its own lot of record (though these standards shall be applied to residential subdivisions proposing more than one lot); and

   B.   Redevelopment of an existing duplex.

(Ord. 2020-36, passed 12-2-2019; Ord. 2022-19, passed 10-4-2021)

Except where authorized in accordance with Section 5.1.4.B, Alternative Access, all development shall comply with the following standards:

   A.   General Requirements.

      1.   Every lot shall abut or have direct access, via a driveway, to a publicly-maintained street.

      2.   No building or structure shall be constructed or placed on a lot that does not abut or have direct access to a publicly-maintained street.

      3.   Access to residential lots shall meet the minimum requirements of Section 4.3 Residential Use Types.

      4.   Direct access to a publicly-maintained street shall not extend through or across land in a different zoning district than the lot being served by the access (see Figure 5.1,4.A: Lot Access). This requirement is waived when the land in the different zoning district:

         a.   Is classified as a business or mixed-use district; or

         b.   Allows the use being served by the direct access; or

         c.   Provides the sole means of access for the use.

   B.   Alternative Access. As an alternative to compliance with the general standards in subsection (A) above, development may incorporate one of the following alternative street access standards (see Figure 5.1,4.B: Alternative Lot Access):

      1.   Multiple Lot Development. Up to a maximum of three individual lots in a multiple lot development may have shared rights of access along a single driveway that is at least 20 feet in width and leads to a publicly-maintained street.

      2.   Single-Family Lot of Record. Vacant lots of record established prior to January 1, 2020, that do not abut a publicly-maintained street may establish access through a recorded access easement, provided the lot is used for one single-family detached dwelling and its allowable accessory uses, and provided the easement complies with the following:

         a.   The minimum easement width is 20 feet;

         b.   The minimum separation between the easement and any other platted access or right-of-way is at least 150 feet;

         c.   The location of the easement is recorded on a plat; and

         d.   The easement permits ingress, egress, regress, and necessary utilities to serve the lot.

Development subject to the standards in this section that includes construction activity affecting streets or street rights-of-way shall also comply with the standards in Section 6.10, Streets.

(Ord. 2020-36, passed 12-2-2019)

The standards in this section apply to all driveways in the Town's jurisdiction, except where specifically exempted by the text of this Ordinance. Lawfully-established driveways existing prior January 1, 2020, that do not conform to these standards shall be subject to the standards in Article 7: Nonconformities.

   A.   Purpose for These Standards. These driveway standards are intended to:

      1.   Ensure safe vehicular movements in the Town's jurisdiction;

      2.   Configure lot access in accordance with the Town's adopted policy guidance for roadway corridors;

      3.   Minimize conflicts between pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles;

      4.   Provide as much physical separation between street intersections and driveways serving individual land uses as is practicable;

      5.   Minimize individual access points to collector and arterial streets to the minimum necessary; and

      6.   Encourage shared access to individual lots.

   B.   Compliance with NCDOT Standards.

      1.   Driveways providing ingress or egress to a State-maintained street shall be placed and constructed in accordance with the "Policy on Street and Driveway Access to North Carolina Highways" adopted by the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), as amended.

      2.   All driveways connecting to State-maintained streets shall obtain driveway permit approval from NCDOT prior to the construction.

   C.   Compliance with Town Standards.

      1.   Driveways providing ingress or egress to a Town-maintained street shall be placed and constructed in accordance with the applicable Town standards.

      2.   All driveways connecting to Town-maintained streets shall obtain driveway permit approval from the Town prior to construction.

   D.   Driveway Configuration.

      1.   All driveways shall be constructed so that:

         a.   Vehicles can enter and exit from a lot without posing any substantial danger to themselves, pedestrians, bicycles, or vehicles traveling on abutting streets; and

         b.   Interference with the free and convenient flow of traffic on abutting or surrounding streets is minimized.

      2.   Driveway radii shall be designed in accordance with the Town specifications, and shall not extend beyond side lot lines.

      3.   No driveway serving an off-street parking area or providing on-site circulation is permitted within any required landscaping area, but driveways may be installed across these areas.

      4.   Driveways shall be as nearly perpendicular to the street right-of-way as possible (see Figure 5.1.6.D: Driveway Configuration).

      5.   Driveways shall line up with other driveways across the street, where practicable.

      6.   Driveways on corner lots shall provide access from the street with less traffic, to the maximum extent practicable.

   E.   Minimum Driveway Width and Depth.

      1.   Driveways shall be configured to extend into the lot they serve for a minimum distance in accordance with Table 5.1.6.E: Minimum Driveway Width and Depth.

 

      2.   The width of any driveway accessing a public street shall not exceed 36 feet at its intersection with the right-of-way, except as required by the NCDOT, the Town of Zebulon, or in an approved transportation impact analysis (see Section 6.13, Transportation Impact Analysis).

   F.   Minimum Parking Lot Stem Length.

      1.   Driveways serving off-street parking lots shall comply with the standards for minimum stem length in Table 5.1.6.F: Parking Lot Stem Length.

      2.   In no instance shall a parking lot be configured to allow access to an individual off-street parking space, drive aisle, or other vehicular accessway at a point closer to the street right-of-way than the minimum parking stem length (see Figure 5.1.6.F: Parking Lot Stem Length).

      3.   In cases where a development is subject to a transportation impact analysis, the parking lot stem length specified in the transportation impact analysis shall control.

      4.   Nothing shall limit a parking lot stem with a longer length than specified in this subsection.

 

   G.   Required Driveway Spacing.

      1.   Spacing from Streets.

         a.   No portion of any driveway leading from a street shall be closer than 100 feet to the corner of any adjacent street intersection measured from the edge of the right-of-way.

         b.   On lots with less than 100 feet of lot width, the driveway shall be located as far as practicable from the adjacent street intersection.

      2.   Spacing from Other Driveways.

         a.   Certain Residential Uses.

         i.   Except when configured as paired driveways, driveways serving individual single-family detached dwellings, individual single-family attached dwellings, duplex, triplex, or quadriplex buildings shall be located at least 20 linear feet from any other driveway on the same or different lot.

         ii.   For the purposes of this section, paired driveways are up to two driveways, whether on the same or different lots, where one side of a driveway is within five feet of the side of the other driveway.

         b.   All Other Uses. No two driveway access points, whether on the same or different lots, shall be located within 50 feet of each other, to the maximum extent practicable.

   H.   Driveway Surfacing. New driveways established after January 1, 2020, that abut a paved street shall be surfaced with asphalt, pavers, or six inches of concrete. Single- family detached dwellings and duplex dwellings on lots of 21,780 square feet or more may be served by a gravel driveway.

   I.   Driveways on Collector Streets Prohibited. Driveways on Town-maintained collector and arterial streets are prohibited.

(Ord. 2020-36, passed 12-2-2019)

   A.   Sight Distance Triangles Established. Corner lots and lots with driveways, alleys, or other methods of ingress/egress to a street shall include sight distance triangles to ensure visibility for drivers and pedestrians moving through or in an intersection. Required sight distance triangles shall be configured in accordance with Table 5.1.7.A: Sight Distance Triangle Requirements. Land within a required sight distance triangle shall comply with the standards in Section 5.1.7.C, Limitations on Obstructions within Required Sight Distance Triangles.

 

 

   B.   Measurement of Sight Distance Triangle. Sight distance triangles shall be an area between a point at the edge of a street right-of-way located 70 linear feet from the intersection and a second point at the edge of the opposing street right-of-way located ten feet from the intersection (see Figure 5.1.7.B: Sight Distance Triangles).

   C.   Limitations on Obstructions Within Required Sight Distance Triangles.

      1.   No planting, structure, fence, wall, slope, embankment, parked vehicle, or other obstruction to vision between the heights of two-and-one-half (2 ½) feet and ten feet above the centerline grades of intersecting streets or accessways may be located within a required sight distance triangle.

      2.   No structure or object, regardless of its size, which obstructs visibility within a required sight distance triangle to the detriment of vehicular or pedestrian traffic shall be permitted.

(Ord. 2020-36, passed 12-2-2019)

   A.   Purpose and Intent. The intent of this section is to provide for parking lot connections between comparable commercial, mixed-use, and multi-family land uses that front arterial and collector streets so that vehicles leaving one lot may access the adjoining lot without having to re-enter the street system.

   B.   Applicability. The standards in this section shall apply to lots abutting arterial and collector streets that contain any of the following uses:

      1.   Uses in the commercial uses classification in Table 4.2.3, Principal Use Table;

      2.   Mixed-use development; and

      3.   Multi-family development.

   C.   Exemptions. Parking lot connections are not required when any of the following conditions are present:

      1.   Adjacent lots do not have common frontage along an arterial or collector street;

      2.   Significant topographical differences in existing or proposed conditions are present;

      3.   Significant natural features exist in the only viable location for parking lot connections;

      4.   Vehicular safety factors exist or would be created including, but not limited to, unsafe turning movements or pedestrian conflicts;

      5.   Sufficient access already exists without need for additional parking lot connections;

      6.   Residential, institutional, or other incompatible land uses are present on adjacent lots;

      7.   Existing infrastructure obstructions; or

      8.   Other safety or security factors, in the opinion of the Planning Director or Town Engineer.

   D.   Configuration.

      1.   Parking lot connections shall join parking lots on two or more different lots (see Figure 5.1.8: Parking Lot Connections) subject to these standards.

      2.   A parking lot connection shall be included on at least two sides of a lot except when conditions prevent connections in accordance with Section 5.1.8.C, Exemptions.

      3.   Parking lot connections shall be paved with asphalt, concrete, or pavers and shall maintain a minimum width of 12 feet for one-way traffic and 18 feet for two-way traffic.

      4.   All parking lot connections shall be built to the lot line, to the maximum extent practicable.

      5.   A minimum distance of 40 feet shall be required between a parking lot connection and an intersection or driveway entrance.

   E.   Impact on Required Site Features.

      1.   Where a required parking lot connection eliminates a required landscape planting area, the landscaping requirements shall be reduced to accommodate the cross-accessway and replacement landscaping shall not be required.

      2.   When a required parking lot connection eliminates required off-street parking spaces, replacement spaces shall not be required.

   F.   Easement Required. A parking lot connection easement shall be recorded on the final plat for property involving a subdivision, or recorded by separate instrument when, no plat is proposed.

   G.   Connection Required. Development on vacant land subject to these standards shall install parking lot connections to the shared property line. However, if the abutting landowner that does not already have a parking lot connection stub and is unwilling to allow the connection to be built to the shared property line due to the impact of the grading equipment or other construction activity on their property, then the Planning Director shall notify the unwilling property owner that they will be responsible for completing the entire parking lot connection when their property is developed.

(Ord. 2020-36, passed 12-2-2019)

On-site pedestrian walkways that minimize conflict between pedestrians and vehicles shall be provided on all non-residential, mixed-use, and multi-family development sites, and shall be configured in accordance with the following standards.

   A.   On-site pedestrian walkways shall connect building entrances to off-street parking areas and to other building entrances on the same site (see Figure 5.1.9: Pedestrian Walkways).

   B.   Development subject to these standards shall provide at least one connection to an existing or planned public sidewalk or existing greenway via an on-site pedestrian walkway configured in accordance with these standards.

   C.   Connections shall be made to all existing or planned adjacent transit facilities, to the maximum extent practicable.

   D.   On-site pedestrian walkways shall be paved with asphalt, concrete, or other all-weather material, and shall be of contrasting color or materials when crossing drive aisles.

   E.   On-site pedestrian walkways shall be positively drained and configured to avoid areas of pooling water.

   F.   On-site pedestrian walkways shall be in compliance with applicable State and federal requirements, including ADA requirements.

   G.   Development with 200 or more off-street parking spaces shall provide fully-separated, improved on-site pedestrian walkways within planted landscape islands located a minimum of every six parking rows. On-site pedestrian walkways shall be aligned perpendicular to the buildings served and terminate at building entrances, to the maximum extent practicable.

(Ord. 2020-36, passed 12-2-2019)

Development subject to the standards in this section shall comply with all applicable standards in Section 6.8, Sidewalks.

(Ord. 2020-36, passed 12-2-2019)

Development on lots identified in the Town's adopted policy guidance as subject to the requirements for greenways shall comply with all applicable standards in Section 6.4, Greenways.

(Ord. 2020-36, passed 12-2-2019)

These residential design guidelines are proposed as suggestions for ways to ensure that new single-family detached, duplex, triplex, and quadraplex housing is high quality, aesthetically pleasing, and provides a wide variety of living options for Town residents. More specifically, these guidelines are intended to:

   A.   Ensure single-family detached, duplex, triplex, and quadraplex homes maintain consistent exterior materials and architectural treatments on the front and sides of buildings;

   B.   Establish guidance regarding changes of exterior finishes and materials on individual facades;

   C.   Avoid garage-dominated street fronts in residential neighborhoods;

   D.   Encourage duplex, triplex, and quadraplex structures to appear as single-family homes; and

   E.   Ensure an adequate level of variability in single-family home design so as to avoid monotonous streetscapes where every dwelling appears identical or very similar to its neighboring dwellings.

(Ord. 2020-36, passed 12-2-2019; Ord. 2025-11, passed 10-7-2024)

   A.   Single-family detached, single-family attached, duplex, triplex, and quadraplex dwellings shall comply with these guidelines in the following instances:

      1.   When proposed development is subject to a signed statement of consent in accordance with Section 5.2.3, Statement of Consent; and

      2.   When compliance with these guidelines is included as a condition of approval associated with a conditional rezoning (see Section 2.2.6, Conditional Rezoning).

   B.   Single-family detached, attached, duplex, triplex, and quadraplex dwellings not subject to a statement of consent are not required to comply with these guidelines, though conformance is strongly encouraged.

(Ord. 2020-36, passed 12-2-2019; Ord. 2025-11, passed 10-7-2024)

   A.   Compliance with the design guidelines in this section is voluntary and at the discretion of the applicant. In cases where an applicant chooses to comply with the guidelines in this section, the applicant shall sign the following statement of consent and include it with the application for a preliminary plat, special use permit, site plan, or building permit, as appropriate.

The single-family detached, attached, duplex, triplex, and quadraplex dwellings depicted on the attached site plan, subdivision plat, or other development approval is subject to the Town of Zebulon's Single-Family Residential Design Guidelines in place at the time the application for this development was determined to be complete. I hereby voluntarily consent to the application of these design guidelines, this acceptance of which shall run with the land regardless of changes in ownership, and recognize that failure to comply with the applicable guidelines following approval is a violation of the Unified Development Ordinance.

Landowner Signature Date

   B.   The signed statement of consent and the development approval shall be recorded in the office of the Wake County Register of Deeds prior to issuance of a building permit.

   C.   Applicants seeking to establish single-family attached development may consent to complying with the multi-family design standard as an alternative to these provisions.

(Ord. 2020-36, passed 12-2-2019; Ord. No. 2025-11, passed 10-7-2024)

   A.   Side and Rear Facades.

      1.   Although the front facade of a principal building is expected to be the primary focal point in terms of architectural character and features, all sides of a building shall incorporate architectural detailing and windows that complement the front facade and provide visual interest.

      2.   Blank walls void of windows or architectural detailing are prohibited when adjacent to a street.

   B.   Foundation Materials.

      1.   Poured concrete foundations, concrete block foundations, or smooth-faced concrete masonry unit foundations shall be covered by decks, porches, or be clad in face brick, stone, stucco, or some other masonry material accurately imitating these materials. In no instance shall poured concrete, concrete block, or smooth-faced concrete masonry unit foundations be visible on a front or street-facing facade.

      2.   In cases where a dwelling includes a finished or unfinished basement, the exterior basement walls on the rear or on sides not visible from streets are exempted from these standards.

   C.   Material Changes.

      1.   Exterior materials on the front facade shall not change at outside corners, but shall continue along side facades for a minimum distance of at least five feet. Wherever possible, materials shall continue to a logical termination point such as a change in roof line or where a separate wing meets the main body of the dwelling (see Figure 5.2.4.C: Exterior Material Changes).

      2.   Exterior material changes shall take place along a horizontal line where two forms meet, such as the wall and the foundation, the first and second stories, or the wall and roof. It is acceptable for material changes to be configured as

architectural accents in areas around windows, doors, cornices, at corners, or in a repeating pattern across a facade.

      3.   Where two or more exterior materials meet or are combined, the heavier or more massive material shall be located below the lighter element(s). For example, brick below wood siding, stone below brick, wood siding below stucco, etc.

      4.   It is acceptable for heavier materials to be used as accents around doors, windows, and corners.

   D.   Prohibited Materials.

      1.   The use of corrugated metal siding, unpainted plywood, or smooth-face concrete block is prohibited.

      2.   Synthetic stucco or EIFS shall be prohibited within two feet of the finished grade.

      3.   Vinyl siding is prohibited as an exterior material though vinyl trim, windows, and soffit are acceptable.

   E.   Street-Facing Garages.

      1.   Maximum Door Width. Street-facing garage doors configured in accordance with these guidelines shall not exceed a maximum width of 18 feet per garage door.

      2.   Location. The placement of the primary entrance closer to the street than a street-facing garage door is strongly encouraged, but in no instance shall a primary entrance be more than nine feet farther from the street than a street-facing garage door.

      3.   Design Features. Street-facing garages configured in accordance with these guidelines shall incorporate at least three of the following design features on the building wall containing the garage doors (see Figure 5.2.4.E.3: Garage Door Design Features):

         a.   Each garage door shall include transparent or opaque windows;

         b.   Garage doors shall incorporate decorative hinges or hardware that may be functional or aesthetic;

         c.   Garage doors shall include an overhang, eave, trellis, arbor, awning, or other similar architectural feature that projects at least 16 inches beyond the facade directly above the garage door(s);

         d.   Garage doors shall be flanked on either side by vertical design elements like columns, pilasters, posts, or similar vertical feature; or

         e.   The garage door(s) are located at least two or more feet behind a front porch or the primary entrance to the dwelling.

   F.   Side-Loaded Garages. Side-loaded garages configured in accordance with these guidelines may be closer to the street than the primary entrance to the dwelling, provided the garage facade facing the street includes compatible design features found on other building facades, including but not limited to:

      1.   Windows;

      2.   Eaves;

      3.   Overhangs;

      4.   Decorative trim;

      5.   Material changes; or

      6.   Other architectural features included for the sake of compatibility with the building's other facades.

   G.   Duplex Entrances.

      1.   A duplex structure shall be organized so as to give the appearance of being a large single-family detached home.

      2.   A single shared main entry door is strongly encouraged.

      3.   In no instance shall two entry doors be located on the same side of the house.

   H.   Architectural Variability.

      1.   A continuous row of identical buildings along a block shall be prohibited. Each building shall include "distinctly different" front facade elevations within any single phase of the development such that:

         a.   No three structures that are side-by-side may have the same front facade elevation; and

         b.   No structures directly across the street from one another shall have the same front facade elevation (see Figure 5.2.4.H.1: Distinctly Different).

      2.   For the purposes of this section, "distinctly different" shall mean that a dwelling must differ from other adjacent and opposing dwellings in at least six of the following ways (see Figure 5.2.4.H.2: Distinction Options):

         a.   A discernable color variation, not a slight variation of a similar hue, such as beige or pastel;

         b.   Variation in exterior materials;

         c.   Use of two or more distinct variations in roof forms (e.g. gable, hip, shed, mansard, gambrel, flat, or other);

         d.   Variations in the number of building stories of at least one story;

         e.   Variation in the amount of habitable space by 400 square feet or more;

         f.   A change in the depth of the setback from the street which gives the dwelling its street address by 15 feet or more;

         g.   Changes in the type and color of roofing material on structures with pitched roofs;

         h.   The orientation of the longest building axis to the street the dwelling faces, whether parallel, perpendicular, or at an angle; or

         i.   The orientation of primary roof ridgeline to the street the dwelling faces, whether parallel, perpendicular, or at an angle.

(Ord. 2020-36, passed 12-2-2019)

   A.   Purpose and Intent. These commercial design standards supplement the applicable zoning district and use-specific standards of this Ordinance by providing minimum requirements for design and configuration of commercial development within the Town's planning jurisdiction. They are proposed to provide clarity on the Town's expectations for the quality and appearance of new commercial development. More specifically, the purposes of these standards are to:

      1.   Foster high-quality, attractive commercial development consistent with Town's adopted policy guidance;

      2.   Assure a fair and consistent application of the commercial design standards to new development and redevelopment;

      3.   Foster creativity in commercial design and greater compatibility between commercial development and its local surroundings; and

      4.   Promote property values and protect existing public and private investment.

      1.   These commercial design standards shall apply to new construction of any principal structures from all use types listed in the Commercial and Institutional Use Classification section of Table 4.2.3, Principal Use Table.

   C.   Exemptions. The standards in this section shall not apply to the following forms of development:

      1.   Mixed-uses, which shall instead comply with the standards in Section 5.3.2, Mixed-Use Design Standards;

      2.   Development located within the LHO district;

      3.   Industrial use types identified in Table 4.2.3, Principal Use Table;

      4.   Conversion of an existing noncommercial structure to a commercial use where no additional floor area is being added; and

      5.   Routine maintenance and repairs to existing commercial buildings.

   D.   Timing of Review. Review for compliance with these standards shall take place during review of an associated rezoning, site plan, or special use permit, as appropriate.

   E.   Building Walls Distinguished.

      1.   Exterior building walls on principal buildings subject to these standards shall be distinguished as primary, secondary, and tertiary in accordance with the following standards (see Figure 5.3.1.E: Commercial Building Walls Distinguished):

         a.   Primary walls are the architectural front facade of the building that faces the street from which the building is addressed.

         b.   Secondary building walls are exterior building walls that correspond to the side or rear of a building that are visible from public recreation lands or streets other than the street that the building is addressed from.

         c.   Tertiary walls are all other exterior building walls.

      2.   Different standards apply to building walls based on their designation as a primary, secondary, or tertiary building wall.

      3.   In cases where site conditions result in a situation where a building wall could be designated as either a primary or secondary wall by the Planning Director, the wall shall be treated as a primary wall. Nothing in these standards shall limit the number of primary walls on any particular building.

      4.   In cases where site conditions result in a situation where a building wall could be designated as either a secondary or tertiary wall by the Planning Director, the wall shall be treated as a secondary wall.

   F.   Design Requirements. Development subject to these standards shall be designed in accordance with the following:

      1.   Street Network.

         a.   On sites including new streets, an interconnected network of streets shall be provided, to the maximum extent practicable, and streets shall connect to adjacent existing streets outside of the development.

         b.   Circulation patterns for drive-through facilities shall be designed to accommodate the stacking of vehicles without interfering with the movement of vehicles or pedestrians.

         c.   Development shall comply with all applicable provisions in Section 5.1, Access and Circulation.

      2.   Customer Entrances.

         a.   Building entrances shall be designated as a primary or a secondary entrance by the applicant, but each principal building shall have at least one primary entrance. Nothing shall limit a building from having multiple primary entrances.

         b.   Primary building entrances shall be visually prominent and shall include at least three of the following features (see Figure 5.3.1.F.2.b: Primary Building Entrances):

            i.   Changes in building material or color;

            ii.   Changes in paving or walking surface materials;

            iii.   A significant architectural feature that extends above the primary roof height;

            iv.   A projection or recess of at least five feet beyond the adjacent wall plane;

            v.   Outdoor pedestrian gathering or seating areas capable of serving at least five people at the same time;

            vi.   A canopy, awning, portico, archway, arcade, or other covering that extends outwards from the building wall by at least five feet;

            vii.   Glazing that extends upwards for at least 75 percent of the building's height proximate to the entrance door(s);

            viii.   Architectural detailing around the entryway such as tilework, entablature, or integrated moldings; or

            ix.   Fountains, artwork, or landscaping plantings in raised planters immediately adjacent to the entrance door(s).

      3.   Building Address Numbers.

         a.   Every principal building subject to these standards shall include the building's street address above or adjacent to the primary building entrance in accordance with applicable requirements in the Town Code of Ordinances.

         b.   Address numbers shall be provided in numeric form rather than spelled out, and shall be provided in an easily discernable typeface.

      4.   Building Articulation. Building walls subject to these standards shall include articulation features in accordance with the following standards (see Figure 5.3.1.F.4: Commercial Building Articulation).

         a.   Number of Articulation Types Required. The minimum number of articulation features to be provided on any single building wall depends upon whether the wall is a primary, secondary, or a tertiary wall.

            i.   Primary Building Walls. Primary building walls shall be configured to provide at least two types of building articulation listed in Section 5.3.1.F.4.b, Types of Building Articulation.

            ii.   Secondary Building Walls. Secondary building walls shall provide at least one of the building articulation types identified in Section 5.3.1.F.4.b, Types of Building Articulation.

            iii.   Tertiary Building Walls. Tertiary building walls shall not be required to provide any building articulation features.

         b.   Types of Building Articulation. Each of the following seven features shall qualify as one type of building articulation for the purposes of Section 5.3.1.F.4.a, Number of Articulation Types Required:

            i.   Horizontal Facade Modulation.

               1.   Horizontal facade modulation is the projection or recesses of building floor area either forward of primary wall plane or inwards from the primary wall plane.

               2.   Each individual projection or recess shall have a minimum depth of ten feet either beyond or inwards from the primary wall plane.

               3.   Each individual projection or recess shall have a minimum span of at least to 20 percent of the facade's total length.

               4.   At least 40 percent of the facade's total length shall be occupied by a projection or recess.

               5.   Individual projections or recesses along a wall shall be separated from one another by at least two linear feet.

               6.   In the case of multi-story buildings, horizontal facade modulation shall be required only on the first floor for two-story buildings and on the first and second floors for three- or more-story buildings.

            ii.   Vertical Facade Modulation. Vertical facade modulation consists of architectural building elements such as columns, pilasters, posts, bays, fins, ribs, moldings, pediments, arcades, or similar features that extend outwards or recess inwards from the primary wall plan for a minimum distance of two feet. Vertical facade modulation shall extend from the grade to the top of the facade and shall maintain regular spacing across at least 50 percent of the facade.

            iii.   Bow or Curvilinear Feature.

               1.   Inclusion of a convex or concave bow or other curvilinear wall feature with a minimum depth or projection of at least ten feet relative to the primary facade plane.

               2.   Bows or curvilinear features shall occupy at least 50 percent of the total facade length.

               3.   In the case of multi-story buildings, a bow or curvilinear feature shall be required only on the first floor for two-story buildings and on the first and second floors for three- or more-story buildings.

            iv.   Green Wall. Wall-mounted panels affixed to an exterior building wall configured in accordance with the following:

               1.   Each panel shall include living plants in a growing medium spaced so that no portion of the growing medium or the exterior wall beneath the panel is visible from a distance of five feet;

               2.   Panels shall be self-watering and comprised of cold-hardy plants acclimatized to central North Carolina;

               3.   Invasive plants are prohibited;

               4.   Panels shall be configured so that at least 40 percent of the exterior facade is beneath a panel; and

               5.   Plants shall be maintained and replaced as needed to ensure compliance with subsection (1) above.

            v.   Roof Modulation. Inclusion of differing roof planes, roof pitches, roof forms, roof heights, or roof materials that are visually distinct from one another.

            vi.   Primary Building Entrance. Inclusion of a primary building entrance configured in accordance with Section 5.3.1.F.2. Customer Entrances.

            vii.   Outdoor Seating. Inclusion of an outdoor seating or outdoor dining area adjacent to the facade with all the following features:

               1.   A direct means of entry into the building;

               2.   Seating capable of accommodating at least five people at the same time;

               3.   Protection from automobiles and bicycles circulating on the site or on an adjacent street;

               4.   Exterior lighting, if the establishment is open before sunrise or after dark;

               5.   Shading from the sun or rain; and

               6.   Wifi access, if wifi is provided to members of the public indoors.

      5.   Materials and Colors.

         a.   Material Configuration.

            i.   Where two or more materials are proposed on a building facade, the heavier or more massive material (like stone) shall be located below the lighter or less massive material (stucco).

            ii.   Heavier details may be permitted as details on corners or around doors and windows.

            iii.   Material changes shall take place at locations such as the intersection of building wings, the intersection of differing storefronts or leaseholds, interior corners, or other logical locations.

            iv.   Material changes shall not take place at outside corners and material returns shall be included to a logical termination point past an exterior building corner such as a bump-out, building wing, or change in wall direction (see Figure 5.3.1.F.5: Commercial Building Materials).

         b.   Prohibited Materials. The following materials shall be prohibited on any primary or secondary building facade walls:

            i.   Untextured tilt-up concrete panels;

            ii.   Pre-fabricated steel panels;

            iii.   Corrugated sheet metal;

            iv.   Smooth-face concrete blocks;

            v.   Vinyl siding, soffit, or fascia;

            vi.   Synthetic stucco within two feet of the grade;

            vii.   Asphalt shingles or siding; or

            viii.   Mirrored glass.

         c.   Color.

            i.   Primary Colors. Overly bright neon, or "day-glow" colors shall not be used as primary exterior building colors. Nothing shall limit pastel or traditional community material colors.

            ii.   Accent Colors. Building trim and accent areas may feature brighter colors, including primary colors, but these colors may not comprise more than 15 percent of any building facade.

      6.   Roof Form.

         a.   Roof pitches less than 3:12 and flat roofs shall require a parapet wall on all sides visible from the street. Parapet walls shall fully screen all roof-fop mechanical equipment from the street in accordance with Section 5.10, Screening.

         b.   Parapet walls shall have decorative cornices or caps.

         c.   A pitched roof shall have eaves that extend a minimum of 12 inches beyond the building face.

         d.   Gable roofs shall incorporate roof rakes that project outwards a minimum of six inches from the building face.

      7.   Fenestration. Building walls shall incorporate fenestration features in accordance with the following standards (see Figure 5.3.1.F.7: Commercial Building Fenestrations:

         a.   Primary Building Walls. Primary building walls shall be configured so that:

            i.   At least 40 percent of the first floor portion of the primary wail is occupied by visually transparent windows or doors;

            ii.   At least 30 percent of a second floor portion of the primary wall (if provided) is occupied by visually transparent windows or doors;

            iii.   A window or functional general access doorway is located at least every 20 feet along the facade; and

            iv.   No more than 50 percent of any single window or door is obstructed by a window sign or other opaque display.

         b.   Secondary Building Walls. Secondary building walls shall be configured so that at least 30 percent of the ground floor facade and at least 20 percent of any second floor facade is occupied by:

            i.   Visually transparent windows or doors with regular spacing;

               ii.   False or opaque windows with regular spacing;

         iii.   Articulated wall forms designed to mimic window openings that also include an overhang or awning.

      8.   Awnings.

         a.   No awning shall extend outwards from the building wall more than the width of the sidewalk or ten feet, whichever is less.

         b.   Awnings must be self-supporting from the building wall.

         c.   No supports shall rest on or interfere with the use of pedestrian walkways or streets.

         d.   In no case shall any awning extend beyond the street curb or interfere with street trees or public utilities.

      9.   Outparcels. Development on outparcels or pad sites associated with a commercial development shall comply with the following requirements (see Figure 5.3.1.F.9: Outparcel Development):

         a.   Buildings on outparcels or pad sites shall incorporate materials that are similar to and compatible with those used on the primary buildings in the development. Corporate or prototypical architecture shall be reconfigured as necessary in order to comply with this standard.

         b.   Building walls associated with development on an outparcel or pad site shall be configured solely in accordance with the articulation and fenestration provisions for primary or secondary walls, as appropriate for the main buildings in the development.

         c.   Spaces between buildings on outparcels or pad sites shall include pedestrian amenities such as plazas, seating areas, and gathering places in addition to off-street parking spaces.

         d.   Outparcel buildings on lots at street corners shall be located and configured to define the corner through a combination of:

         i.   Locating the building as close to the rights-of-way as is practicable;

         ii.   Limiting surface parking between the building and the streets;

         iii.   Providing a public gathering space adjacent to the corner; and

         iv.   Distinctive roof form or other pedestrian features such as porches, canopies, or arcades.

      10.   Multi-Building Development. Development composed of multiple buildings totaling 30,000 gross square feet or more shall be configured in one or more of the following ways (see Figure 5.3.1.F.10: Multi-Building Development):

         a.   Break up the site into a series of smaller "blocks" defined by on-site streets, pedestrian walkways, or other circulation routes;

         b.   Locate the buildings around the corner of an adjacent street intersection or entry point to the development;

         c.   Enclose parking areas, public spaces, or other site amenities on at least three sides through the placement of buildings; or

         d.   Enclose outdoor dining or gathering places between buildings.

      11.   Site Features.

         a.   Off-Street Parking Location.

            i.   Sites comprised of commercial buildings subject to these design standards shall be configured such that no more than 50 percent of the provided off-street parking shall be located between a building's primary building facade and the street it faces.

            ii.   Off-street parking serving development located within a Gateway Corridor Overlay (GCO) district shall be configured in accordance with the applicable requirements in Section 3.8.3, Gateway Corridor Overlay (GCO) District.

         b.   Service, Loading, and Delivery Areas. Ground mounted mechanical equipment, solid waste collection, recycling collection, and loading spaces shall be located to the rear or side yard and screened in accordance with Section 5.10, Screening.

         c.   Canopies. Except for canopies associated with fuel sales, overhead canopies intended to cover the vehicles of patrons shall be configured in accordance with the following standards:

            i.   The total number of canopies shall be limited to one per building;

            ii.   The canopy shall be physically connected to the principal structure;

            iii.   The canopy shall be located to the side or rear of the structure, or configured so that it has the appearance of being enclosed by building walls on at least two sides;

            iv.   The canopy shall be configured of consistent or complimentary materials and colors as the primary exterior materials, including canopy supports;

            v.   The canopy shall be subject to maximum height standards for buildings in the zoning district where located; and

            vi.   The canopy shall comply with the standards in Section 5.4, Exterior Lighting.

   G.   Standards for Large Format Retail Uses. The following standards shall apply to large format retail uses.

      1.   Large Format Retail Uses Distinguished. Large format retail uses are commercial use types (see Table 4.2.3, Principal Use Table) in buildings that are:

         a.   More than 50,000 square feet gross floor area on the ground floor for a single tenant;

         b.   More than 150,000 square feet on the ground floor serving multiple tenants, including outparcels.

      2.   Compliance with Commercial Design Requirements. Large format retail uses shall comply with the following commercial design standards:

         a.   Section 5.3.1.F.1, Street Network;

         b.   Section 5.3.1.F.3, Building Address Numbers;

         c.   Section 5.3.1.F.4, Building Articulation;

         d.   Section 5.3.1.F.5, Materials and Colors;

         e.   Section 5.3.1.F.6, Roof Form;

         f.   Section 5.3.1.F.8, Awnings;

         g.   Section 5.3.1.F.9, Outparcels;

         h.   Section 5.3.1.F.10, Multi-Building Development; and

         i.   Section 5.3.1.F.11, Site Features, except off-street parking location.

      3.   Additional Standards for Large Format Retail Uses.

         a.   Customer Entrances. Large format retail establishments shall comply with the standards in Section 5.3.1.F.2, Customer Entrances, except that primary entrances shall include four of the listed options instead of three.

         b.   Fenestration. Building walls on large format retail uses shall incorporate fenestration features in accordance with the following standards (see Figure 5.3.1.G.3.b: Large Retail Building Fenestration):

            i.   Primary Building Walls. Primary building walls shall be configured so that:

               1.   At least 10 percent of the first floor portion of the primary wall is occupied by visually transparent windows or doors; and

               2.   No more than 50 percent of any single window or door is obstructed by a window sign or other opaque display.

            ii.   Secondary Building Walls. Secondary building walls shall be configured so that at least 5 percent of the ground floor facade is occupied by:

               1.   Visually transparent windows or doors;

               2.   False or opaque windows;

               3.   Articulated wall forms designed to mimic window openings that also include an overhang or awning.

         c.   Off-Street Parking Location.

            i.   Sites comprised of large format retail buildings subject to these design standards shall be configured such that no more than 75 percent of the provided off-street parking shall be located between a building's primary building facade and the street it faces.

            ii.   Off-street parking serving large format retail development located within a Gateway Corridor Overlay (GCO) district shall be configured in accordance with the applicable requirements in Section 3.8.3, Gateway Corridor Overlay (GCO) District.

   A.   Purpose and Intent. The purpose for these standards is to create vibrant, pedestrian-oriented areas of residential and non-residential use that are located in the same building or in close proximity to one another on the same site. More specifically, these standards are intended to:

      1.   Create well-designed, desirable places for Town residents and visitors to shop, dine, recreate, and live;

      2.   Ensure development within mixed use areas is compact and walkable;

      3.   Shorten travel times and support alternative modes of transportation by reducing the need for automobile travel within urban portions of the Town;

      4.   Encourage human-scaled development that is pedestrian-oriented;

      5.   Reduce development costs by facilitating the most dense forms of development in areas easily served by public infrastructure; and

      6.   Accommodate both vertically mixed-use development within an individual building as well as horizontally mixed-use development on a single site.

   B.   Applicability. The standards in this section shall apply to all the following:

      1.   New development within the OI district;

      2.   New multi-story development within the DTP district;

      3.   Live/work dwellings;

      4.   Upper story residential; and

      5.   Any development that includes principal use types from the residential and commercial or institutional use classifications in Table 4.2.3, Principal Use Table, within the same building or within the same development site.

      1.   Agriculture-related uses;

      2.   Renovation or redevelopment of existing structures; and

      3.   Mixed-use development established prior to January 1, 2020.

   D.   Timing of Review. Review for compliance with these standards shall take place during review of an associated rezoning, site plan, special use permit, or planned development master plan, as appropriate.

   E.   Design Requirements. Development subject to these standards shall be designed in accordance with the following:

      1.   Street Network. In cases where mixed-use development involves the construction of new streets or alleys, the new streets shall be configured in accordance with the following standards:

         a.   Streets shall be organized into a grid pattern with block lengths that do not exceed 500 feet.

         b.   Streets shall be configured to a design speed of 25 miles per hour.

         c.   Streets shall include traffic-calming features such as roundabouts, raised pedestrian crossings, bulb-outs, speed tables, raised medians, and chicanes, but excluding speed bumps, which shall not be included.

         d.   Streets shall include well-defined ADA-compliant crosswalks and small turning radii at intersections.

         e.   Streets shall include bicycle lanes in accordance with NCDOT standards.

         f.   Streets shall include sidewalks configured in accordance with Section 6.4, Sidewalks.

         g.   Mid-block alleys shall be included to facilitate off-street parking and to accommodate service functions.

         h.   Cul-de-sacs and dead-end streets are prohibited, except where topography or natural features make them necessary.

      2.   Building Orientation.

         a.   Single Building Development. New development consisting of a single building shall be oriented such that the long axis of the building is either parallel or perpendicular to the street right-of-way it faces.

         b.   Multiple Building Development. Development comprised of multiple buildings shall be configured with two or more of the following design elements (see Figure 5.3.2.E.2.b: Multiple Building Development):

            i.   Site configuration os a series of smaller "blocks" defined by buildings fronting on-site streets and internal vehicle accessways, utilizing pedestrian oriented design such as walkways, or other circulation routes and multi-modal transportation access/waiting areas when appropriate;

            ii.   Corner buildings designed to front both sides of an adjacent street intersection or entry point to the development in an "L" configuration;

            iii.   Buildings facing each other across a relatively narrow vehicular access area with pedestrian amenities in a "main street" character;

            iv.   Buildings enclosing at least three sides of parking areas, public spaces, or other site amenities; or

            v.   Buildings enclosing outdoor dining or gathering spaces for pedestrians between buildings.

      3.   Building Location.

         a.   Buildings on lots bounding streets shall be built to the edge of the sidewalk. In the case of double or reverse frontage lots, the building shall be located adjacent to the street providing the street address for the building.

         b.   When development is proposed on a corner lot, the building shall be configured to occupy the lot corner at the street intersection.

         c.   Nothing shall prevent a mixed-use building from exceeding a maximum front or corner side setback being setback, provided the area between the building and the street is occupied by a public gathering space, open space set-aside, or an area used for outdoor dining.

      4.   Lot Frontage to be Occupied by Building Wall.

         a.   In order to ensure an inviting and desirable streetscape for pedestrians, mixed use development shall be configured so that at least 70 percent of the lot frontage is occupied by building wall (see Figure 5.3.2.E.4: Occupied Frontage).

         b.   Areas occupied by gathering areas (like plazas), urban open space set-aside, or outdoor dining areas shall be credited towards the lot frontage requirements.

      5.   Ground Floor Configuration. The ground floor of vertically-integrated mixed-use buildings and buildings located in the OI district shall be configured to meet the North Carolina Building Code requirements for commercial development. Nothing shall require the ground floor to be occupied by a non-residential use.

      6.   Off-Street Parking Location.

         a.   Off-street parking areas shall be located to the side or rear of buildings subject to these standards.

         b.   Mixed-use buildings located outside the NC district and with two or more habitable stories may be configured to allow up to one row of off-street parking spaces between the building and the street it fronts (see Figure 5.3.2.E.6: Off-Street Parking Location). All other off-street parking shall be located to the side or the rear of a mixed-use building.

      7.   Building Articulation. Buildings subject to these standards shall be configured so that no single facade fronting a public street shall extend for longer than 35 linear feet without inclusion of one or more of the following features (see Figure 5.3.2.E.7: Mixed-Use Building Articulation):

         a.   The use of projections or recesses in the building facade wall with a depth of between 18 inches and 36 inches from the primary facade plane and a minimum span of eight feet;

         b.   The use of columns, pilasters, or other architectural detail harmonious with the general design of the structure with a minimum width of eight inches and spaced no less than every ten feet on-center;

         c.   Distinct changes in building material that are vertically aligned with variations in roof form and parapet heights; or

         d.   A single vertical accent or focal point such as a tower feature located on a prominent building corner.

      8.   Fenestration.

         a.   Blank, windowless walls facing sidewalks, streets, and other public places shall be prohibited.

         b.   At least 40 percent of the first floor facade facing a street shall be transparent, whether through the use of glass windows, doors, or both (see Figure 5.3.2.E.8: Mixed-use Building Fenestration).

         c.   At least 25 percent of each upper story facade facing a street shall be transparent.

         d.   Ventilation grates or emergency exit doors located at the first floor level oriented toward a street shall be decorative.

      9.   Building Entrances.

         a.   Primary structures must be oriented with their main entrance facing the street upon which the project fronts.

         b.   If the site is on a corner, it may have its main entrance oriented to either street or at the corner.

         c.   Entrances serving mixed-use buildings shall include at least two of the following features fronts (see Figure 5.3.2.E.9: Mixed-Use Building Entrances):

            i.   Canopies or porticos;

            ii.   Overhangs;

            iii.   Recesses/projections;

            iv.   Soldier courses or story lines;

            v.   Galleries or arcades;

            vi.   Raised corniced parapets over the door;

            vii.   Peaked roof forms;

            viii.   Arches;

            ix.   Architectural detail such as tile work and moldings integrated into the building structure and design; or

            x.   Integral planters that incorporate landscaped areas and places for sitting.

      10.   Roof Form.

         a.   Roof pitches less than 3:12 and flat roofs shall require a parapet wall on all sides visible from the street. Parapet walls shall fully screen all roof-top mechanical equipment from the street.

         b.   Parapet walls shall have decorative cornices or caps.

         c.   A pitched roof shall have eaves that extend a minimum of 12 inches from the building face.

         d.   Roof-mounted mechanical equipment on a pitched roof shall be screened or otherwise camouflaged from view from the street.

      11.   Weather Protection. Weather protection for pedestrians, such as awnings, canopies, galleries, and arcades, shall be provided along building frontages abutting a public sidewalk or a hard-surfaced expansion of a sidewalk, and along building frontages between a building entrance and a public street or accessway.

      12.   Drive-Up/Drive Through Prohibited. No building within a mixed-use development or downtown district shall include drive-up or drive through facilities.

      13.   Signage. Pole signs shall be prohibited on lots with mixed-use development.

      1.   The sides and back of enclosures shall be constructed of the same materials as the primary building and the following materials are prohibited.

         a.   Natural wood fence panels.

         b.   Synthetic Stucco or EFIS.

         c.   Chain-Link.

         d.   Reflective Corrugated Metal.

      2.   Gates shall be constructed of a metal panel system and painted or coated black, grey, or similar neutral color.

      3.    Enclosures shall meet the requirements of Table 5.10.5 Screening Methods.

(Ord. 2020-36, passed 12-2-2019; Ord. 2022-19, passed 10-4-2021; Ord. 2022-40, passed 5-2-2022)

   A.   Purpose and Intent. These multi-family residential design standards supplement the applicable zoning district and use-specific standards of this Ordinance by providing the minimum requirements for design and configuration of multi-family development within the Town's planning jurisdiction. They are intended to:

      1.   Ensure multi-family development takes place in a manner consistent with the context, scale, and proportion of its surroundings;

      2.   Promote greater compatibility between new multi-family development and other allowable use types, particularly adjacent residential single-family detached dwellings;

      3.   Establish expectations for minimum level of quality for multi-family development;

      4.   Encourage creativity in design and promote individual project identity;

      5.   Create neighborhoods with enhanced architectural and visual interest; and

      6.   Preserve property values and protect public and private investment.

   B.   Applicability.

      1.   Generally. Except where expressly exempted in writing in this Ordinance, the standards in this section shall apply to the following forms of development:

         a.   New multi-family dwellings;

         b.   New triplex and quadplex dwellings; and

         c.   New multi-unit residential structures within a continuing care retirement community use type; and

         d.   New assisted living facilities and nursing homes.

      2.   Voluntary Compliance for Single-Family Attached Dwellings.

         a.   Single-family attached development shall be exempted from these standards, though a landowner may voluntarily agree to comply with them, comply with them as part of a conditional rezoning (see Section 2.2.6, Conditional Rezoning), or comply in order to take advantage of a sustainable development incentive (see Section 5.12, Sustainability Incentives).

         b.   In cases where an applicant agrees to comply with these standards, a signed copy of the following statement shall be included on all approved site plans and subdivision plats.

The single-family attached development depicted on the attached site plan or subdivision plat is subject to the Town of Zebulon's Multi-Family Residential Design Standards in place at the time the application for this development was determined to be complete. I _________________ hereby voluntarily consent to the application of these design standards, the acceptance of which shall run with the land regardless of changes in ownership, and recognize that failure to comply with the applicable requirements following approval is a violation of the Unified Development Ordinance.

                                                                                       

   Landowner Signature          Date

         c.   The signed statement of consent and an associated site plan depicting the development's compliance with these standards shall be recorded in the office of the Wake County Register of Deeds prior to issuance of a building permit.

      1.   Single-family attached development, unless subject to voluntary consent by the landowner in accordance with subsection (2) above or subject to conditions of approval incorporated in a conditional rezoning approval;

      2.   Duplex dwellings;

      3.   Renovation or redevelopment of existing structures; and

      4.   Routine maintenance and repairs.

   D.   Timing of Review. Review for compliance with these standards shall take place during review of an associated rezoning, site plan, special use permit, or planned development, as appropriate.

   E.   Design Requirements. Development subject to these standards shall be designed in accordance with the following:

      1.   Street Network.

         a.   On sites including new streets, an interconnected network of streets shall be provided, to the maximum extent practicable, and streets shall connect to adjacent existing streets outside of the development.

         b.   Vehicular driveways into a development with 10 or more dwelling units shall be at least 100 feet away from any major intersection, to the maximum extent practicable.

         c.   Driveways shall be consolidated in order to reduce curb cuts, to the maximum extent practicable.

      2.   Building Orientation.

         a.   Buildings that abut streets shall be oriented parallel to the street they front rather than being oriented at an angle to the street.

         b.   On corner lots, the long axis of the building shall be parallel to the longest lot frontage unless such orientation is incompatible with adjacent, existing development along the same street (see Figure 5.3.3.E.2: Multi-Family Building Orientation).

         c.   Buildings within multiple-building developments shall be clustered in order to define open space recreation areas and development entry points.

      3.   Building Entrances.

         a.   The facades of buildings abutting streets shall be configured so that entryways to individual dwelling units or shared entrances face the street.

         b.   Access to upper-floor dwelling units shall be obtained from shared internal entries. In no instance shall walkways to individual upper-story dwelling units take place on the exterior of the building.

         c.   Individual ground-floor and shared entryways shall be sheltered from the weather either by:

            i.   Recessing the entrance at least three feet to the inside of the primary ground floor facade plane; or

            ii.   Inclusion of an overhead architectural treatment that extends outward at least three feet from the primary facade plane.

      4.   Building Facades.

         a.   Buildings subject to these standards shall maintain a consistent level of architectural detailing and composition on each building facade facing a street.

         b.   Building facades facing streets shall provide a minimum of three of the following architectural elements (see Figure 5.3.3.E.4: Multi-Family Building Facades):

            i.   A covered porch or terrace;

            ii.   One or more dormer windows or cupolas;

            iii.   Eyebrow windows;

            iv.   Awnings or overhangs;

            v.   Decorative moldings;

            vi.   Shutters;

            vii.   Pillars, posts, or pilasters;

            viii.   One or more bay windows with a minimum twelve-inch projection from the facade plane;

            ix.   Multiple windows with a minimum of four-inch-wide trim;

            x.   Corniced parapets;

            xi.   Eaves with a minimum of four-inch-wide trim; or

            xii.   Integral planters that incorporate landscaped areas and/or places for sitting.

         c.   Garage entries, loading and service entries, utility rooms, stairs, elevators, or similar features shall not occupy more than 20 percent of the width of a building facade facing a street.

         d.   Attached street-facing garages serving individual dwelling units shall be recessed at least three feet inwards from the primary first floor facade plane or be associated with an upper-story projection that exists above the garage.

         e.   Developments with three or more principal buildings shall provide variation in building size, shape, height, color, and roofline in a manner that allows different buildings to be distinguished from one another.

      5.   Building Corners. Building corners that are adjacent to one or more streets shall include at least one of the following features (see Figure 5.3.3.E.5: Multi-Family Building Corners):

         a.   A plaza or other gathering space;

         b.   A shared ground-floor pedestrian entryway;

         c.   A distinctive roof feature such as a tower, turret, spire, pediment, or other architectural feature with a height above the roofline of adjacent dwelling units;

         d.   Changes in roof type or pitch from the adjacent building sides; or

         e.   Upper-story balconies or terraces that wrap both sides of the corner.

      6.   Building Massing.

         a.   Upper story facade walls shall not project beyond the ground floor footprint except to accommodate bump-outs with windows.

         b.   In the case of two-story buildings, the exterior facade wells of the second floor shall be in line with or setback from the first floor facade walls.

         c.   In the case of three- (or more) story buildings, upper story facade walls shall be setback from the second or ground-floor floor facade walls to preserve light and air and avoid casting shadows (see Figure 5.3.3.E.6: Multi-Family Building Massing).

      7.   Building Articulation.

         a.   Street-facing building facades shall be articulated with wall offsets, in the form of recesses or projections from the primary facade plane, of at least two feet for every 35 linear feet of facade frontage (see Figure 5.3.3.E.7: Multi-Family Facade Articulation).

         b.   Where provided, projections or recesses shall extend from the grade to the top of the highest story in line with the ground-floor footprint.

      8.   Building Height.

         a.   Buildings subject to the standards of this section shall have a maximum heigh t of two stories or 18 feet within 100 feet of a lot with an existing single-family detached residential dwelling, without an intervening street (see Figure 5.3.3.e.8: Multi-Family Building Height).

         b.   Building stories that are 75 percent or more below the finished grade at the front of the lot shall not be counted towards the number of allowable stories.

         a.   Development shall incorporate roof pitches between 3:12 and 12:12, or shall incorporate parapet walls with a dimensional cornice around a flat roof.

         b.   Alternative roof forms or pitches are encouraged for small roof sections over porches, entryways, or similar features.

         c.   Buildings with eaves shall be configured such that no single horizontal eave continues for more than 60 linear feet without being broken up by a gable, building projection, and articulation feature.

         d.   Buildings with overhanging eaves and roof rakes shall extend at least six inches past supporting walls.

      10.   Building Materials and Colors.

         a.   Configuration.

            i.   The predominate exterior material shall be brick, stone, cementitious, or other masonry material.

            ii.   Buildings subject to these standards shall include at least two primary exterior materials on any single building.

            iii.   Changes in colors and materials shall take place at internal corners or in logical locations, such as: building wings, bays, bump-outs, or recesses (see Figure 5.3.3.E.10: Multi-Family Building Materials). In no instance shall exterior materials or colors change at outside corners.

            iv.   Heavier or more bulky exterior materials shall be located beneath or below lighter materials.

         b.   Prohibited Materials. The following materials shall be prohibited on any facade facing a street, open space, or district intended primarily for single-family detached development:

            i.   Smooth-faced concrete block;

            ii.   Corrugated metal siding;

            iii.   Vinyl siding (excluding windows or soffits); or

            iv.   Synthetic stucco within two feet of the grade.

      11.   Accessory Structures. In addition to the standards in Section 4.4, Accessory Uses, accessory uses and structures associated with a development subject to these standards shall comply with the following:

         a.   Street-facing detached garages on corner lots shall be located to the side or rear of buildings.

         b.   Access to accessory structures (such as garages, carports, storage areas, etc.) shall be provided from alleys or secondary streets, to the maximum extent practicable.

         c.   Accessory buildings shall include exterior materials, colors, and roof form designed to be consistent with the principal structure.

         d.   Accessory structures shall not physically obstruct pedestrian entrances.

         e.   Centralized refuse collection containers, if provided, shall be located in an enclosed area located to the rear of principal buildings.

      12.   Site Features.

         a.   Except for nursing homes, development subject to these standards shall not include a gate or obstruction that blocks access to the site for vehicles, bicycles, or pedestrians.

         b.   Off-street parking serving guests shall be evenly distributed throughout the development.

         c.   Shared refuse collection containers shall be evenly distributed throughout the development or be centrally located.

         d.   Detached garages or carports shall not be located between a principal building and the street it faces.

         e.   Utilities shall be provided underground, and utility vaults shall be clustered in areas outside of required landscaping.

(Ord. 2020-36, passed 12-2-2019; Ord. 2022-19, passed 10-4-2021; Ord. 2023-11, passed 11-7-2022)

The purpose of this section is to establish standards for exterior lighting on individual lots to help ensure the safety of motorists and pedestrians traveling on streets, sidewalks, and trails, and to minimize the potential for adverse impacts on properties from excessive light intensity, light trespass, and glare originating on adjacent lots.

(Ord. 2020-36, passed 12-2-2019)

   A.   General. The provisions of this section shall apply to all multi-family, mixed-use, and nonresidential development unless exempted in accordance with Section 5.4.3, Exemptions.

   B.   Expansion or Remodeling. All expansions or remodeling of principal buildings, parking areas, or open uses of land shall comply with these standards, subject to the requirements in Section 7.4, Nonconforming Sites.

(Ord. 2020-36, passed 12-2-2019)

The following forms of exterior lighting or activities are exempt from the requirements of this section:

   A.   Special events and holiday displays;

   B.   Exterior lighting used exclusively for recreational activities, concerts, plays or other outdoor events that are open to the public, provided that the event or function meets all other applicable requirements of this Ordinance. Such lighting shall be located at least 50 feet from any adjoining residential district or use and shall not be illuminated except during the activity and brief periods immediately before and after the event.

   C.   FAA-required lighting on buildings, towers, or other structures;

   D.   Interior lighting for stadiums, arenas, and similar facilities;

   E.   Security lighting controlled and activated by motion sensor devices that is shielded or aimed towards the ground and that remains lit for a duration of 10 minutes or less;

   F.   Public street lighting;

   G.   Lighting of flags;

   H.   Temporary lighting necessary for construction or emergencies, when used by construction workers or emergency personnel; and

   I.   Exterior lighting associated with single-family detached, single-family attached, and duplex dwellings, except that these forms of development shall be subject to Section 5.4.4, Prohibited Lighting.

(Ord. 2020-36, passed 12-2-2019)

The following forms of exterior lighting shall be prohibited:

   A.   Traffic Control Signals.

      1.   Lighting that imitates an official highway or traffic control light or sign; or

      2.   Lighting in the direct line of sight with any traffic control light or sign.

   B.   Flashing or Revolving. Flashing, revolving, or intermittent exterior lighting visible from any lot line or street.

   C.   High Intensity Lighting.

      1.   High intensity light beams, such as searchlights or laser lights, except when used by federal, State, or local authorities; or

      2.   High intensity LED or neon lighting fixtures mounted around the interior or exterior of a window, door, or other architectural feature on a structure.

   D.   Luminous Tube Lighting. Luminous tube lighting (e.g., neon, rope lighting, etc.) is prohibited on building exteriors and in configurations where it outlines a window or glass door from the inside of a structure.

(Ord. 2020-36, passed 12-2-2019)

   A.   Applicability.

      1.   An exterior lighting plan shall be required for all areas proposed for illumination that exceed 10,000 square feet in area.

      2.   Projects with multiple areas proposed to be illuminated (such as separate parking lots) shall submit a site lighting plan if the sum of the multiple areas exceed 10,000 square feet.

   B.   Elements to Include. Regardless of whether an exterior lighting plan is prepared, a site plan, or building permit application, as appropriate, shall indicate the following:

      1.   Exterior lighting fixture type;

      2.   Exterior lighting pole height;

      3.   Exterior lighting fixture shielding; and

      4.   A statement by the applicant that any proposed exterior lighting complies with the applicable requirements in this section.

   C.   Certification Required. Certification must be provided by the person preparing a lighting plan that the proposed development complies with the exterior lighting standards of this section.

(Ord. 2020-36, passed 12-2-2019)

All lighting fixtures designed or placed so as to illuminate any portion of a site shall meet the following requirements:

   A.   Shielding.

      1.   Overhead lighting fixtures shall be designed to prevent light from emitting upwards towards the sky.

      2.   Under canopy lighting fixtures should be completely recessed within the canopy.

      3.   Wall packs shall be cut-off and wall-mounted floodlights shall be shielded (e.g., true cutoff type bulb or light source not visible from off-site) to direct light downward.

      4.   Exterior lighting fixtures located on private property and visible from a residential land use shall be configured so that the source of illumination (the bulb) is not visible from the residential land use (see Figure 5.4.6.A: Light Shielding).

   B.   Fixture Height.

      1.   Lighting fixtures shall be a maximum of 30 feet in height within the parking lot and shall be a maximum of 15 feet in height within non-vehicular pedestrian areas.

      2.   All light fixtures located within 50 feet of any single-family detached or duplex dwelling shall not exceed 15 feet in height.

   C.   Lamp Type.

      1.   Incandescent, florescent, metal halide, light-emitting diode (LED), or color corrected high-pressure sodium lamps are permitted.

      2.   Non-color-corrected high pressure sodium lamps are prohibited.

      3.   Other lamp types are allowed when the color emitted is similar to the permitted lamp types.

      4.   The same lamp type must be used for the same or similar types of lighting throughout a development.

   D.   Mounting Location. Exterior lighting shall be mounted and configured in such a manner so that the cone of illumination is contained on-site and does not cross any lot line around the perimeter of the site (see Figure 5.4.6.D: Mounting Location).

   E.   Appearance.

      1.   Exterior lighting fixtures shall be designed as an integral element that complements the design of the project through compatible style, material, and color.

      2.   Exterior lighting fixtures shall be designed in a consistent and coordinated manner for the entire site.

(Ord. 2020-36, passed 12-2-2019)

Exterior lighting shall be designed and located such that the maximum illumination measured in footcandles at ground level at any lot line shall not exceed the standards in Table 5.4.7: Maximum Illumination Levels.

   A.   Lighting fixtures that do not comply with these standards that were lawfully established as of January 1, 2020, may remain, and shall be considered nonconforming structures.

   B.   Any modifications, replacement, or expansions to the exterior lighting facilities serving a development shall conform to the standards of this Ordinance.(Ord. 2020-36, passed 12-2-2019)

These standards provide development standards for permanent fences and walls on individual lots or development sites. These standards are proposed to protect the health and safety of the public while balancing the practical uses for fencing and walls like security and privacy with the need for aesthetic quality and a high quality built environment. More specifically, these standards are intended to:

   A.   Provide for privacy and security on individual lots;

   B.   Ensure proper construction techniques are followed and that fences and walls are maintained in good repair;

   C.   Assist with the transition between public and private spaces; and

   D.   Ensure fencing and walls are consistent with the Town's desired architectural character.

(Ord. 2020-36, passed 12-2-2019)

   A.   Generally. The provisions of this section shall apply to all construction or replacement of all fences, screening walls, or retaining walls. A fence or wall may only be erected in accordance with the standards in this section.

   B.   Pre-Existing Development. Lawfully-established fences and walls established prior to January 1, 2020 that do not comply with these standards shall be subject to the applicable standards in Article 7: Nonconformities.

(Ord. 2020-36, passed 12-2-2019)

The following are exempted from the standards in this section:

   A.   Bona fide farms and agricultural use types in districts where these uses are permitted;

   B.   Temporary fences for construction sites, including but not limited to: fencing necessary for soil erosion and sedimentation control and tree protection.

(Ord. 2020-36, passed 12-2-2019)

   A.   General. No fence or wall shall:

      1.   Be located within the public right-of-way (except for public fences or walls, or as needed for retention of soil);

      2.   Impede visibility of the required property address number; or

      3.   Block pedestrian access from doors or windows.

   B.   Easements.

      1.   In cases where a fence or wall is proposed within an easement, the applicant shall provide evidence of the easement owner's consent regarding placement of the fence or wall.

      2.   The landowner shall remain solely liable for any repair or replacement if any portion of the fence or wall located within a required easement is damaged during maintenance or construction activities within the easement by the easement owner or their agent.

   C.   Block Drainage. Fences or walls shall not alter or impede the natural flow of water in any stream, creek, drainage swale, or ditch.

   D.   Obstructions at Intersection. Except for necessary retaining walls, no fence or wall shall be located within a required sight distance triangle (see Section 5.1.7, Sight Distance Triangles).

   E.   Required Setbacks. Fences or walls may be located within required setbacks, but shall not encroach onto a separate lot.

   F.   Required Landscaping Areas. Fences or walls may be located in required landscaping areas, subject to the standards in Section 5.6.8, Features Allowed Within Required Landscaping Areas.

(Ord. 2020-36, passed 12-2-2019)

   A.   Maximum fence and wall height shall be in accordance with Table 5.5.5: Maximum Fence and Wall Height, and Figure 5.5.5: Maximum Fence and Wall Height:

 

   B.   Fence and wall height shall be measured in accordance with the standards in Section 9.3.15, Fence and Wall Height.

(Ord. 2020-36, passed 12-2-2019)

All fencing and walls subject to the standards of this section shall be constructed in accordance with the North Carolina Building Code, and shall be designed and constructed in order to meet the minimum applicable wind loading standards in the Town of Zebulon.

(Ord. 2020-36, passed 12-2-2019)

Fences and walls shall be designed, constructed, and maintained to ensure a minimum useful life of at least ten years, and be configured in accordance with the standards in Section 5.5.8, Permitted Materials.

(Ord. 2020-36, passed 12-2-2019)

The following fencing materials are permitted for fences and walls:

   A.   Masonry or stone;

   B.   Ornamental iron, steel, or aluminum;

   C.   Wood;

   D.   Vinyl, plastic, or composite; or

   E.   Chain-link, except where prohibited by this Ordinance.(Ord. 2020-36, passed 12-2-2019)

   A.   Barbed Wire as Fencing. Barbed wire as a fence is prohibited in all zoning districts except that it may be allowed as part of a bona fide farm use.

   B.   Barbed Wire Atop Another Material.

      1.   No barbed or razor wire shall be permitted on a fence or wall in a residential or OI district.

      2.   Barbed or razor wire may be used atop another fencing material (e.g., chain link) outside of residential or OI districts only in cases where the barbed or razor wire is at least six feet above the ground measured at the base of the fence.

(Ord. 2020-36, passed 12-2-2019)

Fences that carry an electrical current are allowed solely for the purposes of enclosing livestock as part of a bona fide farm use. Nothing shall prohibit below-ground electrical fences intended for the keeping of pets.

(Ord. 2020-36, passed 12-2-2019)

   A.   Fences made of wooden pallets, tires, debris, junk, rolled plastic, sheet metal, untreated or unpainted plywood, readily flammable material, or waste materials shall be prohibited, unless the materials have been recycled and reprocessed, for marketing to the general public as building materials designed to resemble new building materials (e.g., picket fencing made from recycled plastic and fiber).

   B.   In no instance shall tarps or silt fencing remain on a lot or site after completion of construction.

(Ord. 2020-36, passed 12-2-2019)

Temporary fences in place for up to 90 days may be comprised of any material approved by the Planning Director.

(Ord. 2020-36, passed 12-2-2019)

   A.   Walls shall be constructed of one or more of the following materials:

      1.   Stucco over concrete block;

      2.   Exposed aggregate concrete; or

      3.   Brick, stone, or architectural block assembled in a structurally safe and attractive condition.

   B.   No walls of exposed smooth-face concrete block shall be permitted.

   C.   Stacked stone or other masonry configurations where no mortar or other bonding agent is used between stones or individual masonry units shall not exceed 36 inch height above grade.

   D.   Alternative wall materials may be permitted by the Planning Director provided they provide a similar level of opacity to that of the listed materials and are in keeping with the architecture of the development.

(Ord. 2020-36, passed 12-2-2019)

All fences or walls shall be configured so that the finished side faces outwards. For the purposes of this section, the finished side does not include any supporting members or bracing (see Figure 5.5.14: Finished Side).

(Ord. 2020-36, passed 12-2-2019)

   A.   Any fence or wall which, through neglect, lack of repair, type or manner of construction, method of placement or otherwise, constitutes a hazard or endangers any person, animal, or property is in violation of this Ordinance.

   B.   When a fence or wall is in violation of this Ordinance, the Planning Director shall require the owner or occupant of the property upon which the fence or wall is located to repair, replace, or demolish the fence or wall in accordance with all applicable standards in this Ordinance.

(Ord. 2020-36, passed 12-2-2019)

These landscaping standards are organized into three main groups of related standards:

   A.   Applicability and configuration provisions in Subsections 5.6.3 through 5.6.8;

   B.   The standards for the five types of required landscaping (parking lots, perimeter buffers, foundation plantings, streetscape buffers, and street trees) in Subsections 5.6.9 through 0; and

   C.   The flexibility, maintenance, and replacement standards in Subsections 5.6.14 through 5.6.18.

(Ord. 2020-36, passed 12-2-2019)

The purpose of these provisions is to establish minimum requirements for the provision and maintenance of functionally adequate, attractive screening and buffering of buildings, site features, and off-street parking areas. These standards are intended to:

   A.   Promote and increase design compatibility between different land uses, while ensuring attractive views from streets and adjacent properties;

   B.   Assist in delineating separations of spaces, structures, uses, and activities on a site, or between adjacent sites;

   C.   Shield adjacent properties from potentially adverse external impacts of adjacent land uses and activities;

   D.   Abate glare and moderate temperatures of impervious areas;

   E.   Help filter air of fumes and dust;

   F.   Provide shade;

   G.   Reduce noise;

   H.   Reduce the visual impact of large expanses of pavement;

   I.   Promote energy conservation;

   J.   Reduce the amount and rate of stormwater runoff and erosion;

   K.   Improve stormwater runoff quality;

   L.   Increase in the capacity for groundwater recharge; and

   M.   Enhance the appearance and value of both residential and non-residential development.

(Ord. 2020-36, passed 12-2-2019)

The standards in this section apply to the following forms of development:

   A.   New Principal Buildings or Uses. New principal buildings or open uses of land, including publicly-owned buildings or sites, constructed, reconstructed, or established after January 1, 2020.

   B.   Improvements and Expansions. All improvements, including expansions or remodeling of principal buildings, parking areas, or open uses of land that exceed 3,000 square feet in area shall comply with these standards, subject to the requirements in Section 7.4, Nonconforming Sites.

   C.   Multi-Phase Development. Multi-family, non-residential, and mixed-use development that is planned and developed in phases shall be required to install landscaping that is associated with the active phase or phases only, unless an alternative arrangement is otherwise agreed to by the Planning Director and the developer. An active phase of a development is the one that is subject to permitted and on-going development activity.

(Ord. 2020-36, passed 12-2-2019)

The following forms of development are exempted from these standards.

   A.   Changes to an existing or development of a new proposed single-family detached or duplex dwelling on a residentially-zoned lot.

   B.   Routine maintenance of existing vegetation, such as watering and fertilizing.

   C.   The removal of dead trees and shrubs, or trees and shrubs that have been diagnosed and determined to be diseased beyond treatment, provided the screening function of the landscaping is maintained or re-established. Failure to maintain the screening function of a required landscaping area is a violation of this Ordinance.

   D.   Pruning of vegetation, provided the screening function of the required landscaping is maintained. Severe pruning is a violation of this Ordinance, and shall require replacement of required vegetation.

   E.   Repaving or restriping of a parking lot, provided there is no increase in parking lot size or the number of parking spaces.

(Ord. 2020-36, passed 12-2-2019)

   A.   Generally.

      1.   A landscape plan depicting how required landscaping will be planted in accordance with these standards shall be included with an application for site plan, preliminary plat, zoning compliance permit, or building permit, as appropriate, to ensure compliance with this section.

      2.   The landscape plan shall be approved prior to, or concurrent with, the approval of a site plan, preliminary plat, zoning compliance permit, or the issuance of a building permit.

      3.   A landscape plan shall contain, at a minimum, the following:

         a.   Location of required planting material;

         b.   Grouping or clusters of planting material, if proposed;

         c.   Identification of required plants, including their scientific names;

         d.   Minimum and maximum dimensions of all planting yard areas;

         e.   Calculations determining the number of canopy trees, understory trees, and shrubs required;

         f.   Locations, species, sizes, and methods of protection during construction for existing vegetation to be retained and counted towards minimum landscaping requirements;

         g.   Location(s), species, and size or planting density of required trees included if the development is subject to the standards in Section 5.9, Reforestation; and

         h.   Existing topography, or proposed topography where site grading is proposed to occur.

   B.   Phased Development. Development subject to these standards that is planned in phases may submit a landscape plan for the entire development, or separate landscape plans for each phase, which shall be approved prior to approval of the final plat.

   C.   Landscaping in a Stormwater Retention Pond. If trees or shrubs are proposed on or within 20 feet of the embankment of a stormwater retention pond, a landscape plan showing the retention pond and surrounding landscaping must be submitted for review to determine that the safety and functionality of the device will not be compromised by the trees or shrubs.

(Ord. 2020-36, passed 12-2-2019)

   A.   Canopy Tree Size.

      1.   Canopy trees shall have a minimum height at maturity of 40 feet and a minimum crown width of 30 feet (see Figure 5.6.6: Plant Material Specifications).

      2.   All canopy trees shall have a minimum height of eight feet, or more, and a minimum caliper size of two and one-half (2 ½) inches, or more, at planting (see Section 9.3.12.A, Determining Tree Size at Time of Planting).

      3.   Evergreen trees shall be a minimum of six feet in height at planting.

   B.   Understory Tree Size.

      1.   Understory trees shall have a minimum height at maturity of 15 to 40 feet, except that trees to be placed below overhead utility lines may not exceed a mature height of 20 feet (see Figure 5.6.6: Plant Material Specifications).

      2.   All understory trees shall have a minimum height of four feet, or more, and a minimum caliper size of one-and-one-half inches, or more, at planting (see Section 9.3.12.A, Determining Tree Size at Time of Planting).

      3.   Drought tolerant understory trees shall have a minimum caliper size of one inch at planting.

      4.   Nothing shall limit the use of multi-stemmed understory trees provided that 25 percent or more of the leaders meet the requirements in Section 9.3.12.A, Determining Tree Size at Time of Planting.

   C.   Shrub Size and Variety.

      1.   All shrubs shall be at least a three-gallon size and have a minimum height or spread of 18 inches at the time of planting (see Section 5.6.6: Plant Material Specifications).

      2.   Shrubs shall reach a minimum height of 36 inches and a spread of 30 inches within three years of planting.

      3.   Decorative grasses may be proposed as a substitute for shrubs, provided the grasses meet the screening objectives and are approved by the Planning Director.

      4.   Shrubs or grasses used to screen off-street parking areas shall be evergreen or retain their leaves/blades throughout the year.

   D.   Native or Locally-Adapted Species.

      1.   Required landscaping materials shall be cold-hardy for the location where planted.

      2.   Plant species used in required landscaping areas must be native species or species of a locally-adapted nature. Other species require approval by the Planning Director.

   E.   Species Diversity.

      1.   To curtail the spread of disease or insect infestation in a plant species, new plantings shall comply with the following standards:

      2.   When fewer than 20 trees are required on a site, at least two different species shall be utilized, in roughly equal proportions (see Figure 5.6.6.E: Species Diversity).

      3.   When more than 20 but fewer than 40 trees are required to be planted on site, at least three different species shall be utilized, in roughly equal proportions.

      4.   When 40 or more trees are required on a site, at least four different species shall be utilized, in roughly equal proportions.

      5.   A larger number of different species than specified may be utilized.

      6.   In no instance shall invasive species, as determined by the North Carolina Extension Service, be utilized as landscaping materials to meet the requirements of this Ordinance.

   F.   Stabilization.

      1.   Required landscaping areas shall be stabilized and maintained with vegetative cover, mulch, decorative gravel, cinders, or other approved materials to prevent soil erosion and allow rainwater infiltration.

      2.   Required landscaping areas with slopes of 15 percent or more shall be stabilized with vegetative cover (not mulch or gravel) designed to minimize erosion. Required vegetative cover shall be established and functional prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy.

      3.   Use of landscape fabric on slopes of 15 percent or more is discouraged.

(Ord. 2020-36, passed 12-2-2019)

   A.   Outside Public Street Rights-of-Way.

      1.   Except for street trees, required landscaping material shall not be located within a street right-of-way.

      2.   Where provided, street trees shall be configured in accordance with Section 5.6.13, Street Trees.

   B.   Grouping of Plant Material.

      1.   Except for street trees, streetscape buffers, shrubs around the perimeter of a parking lot, shrubs along a primary or front facade foundation, or when vegetation is included as a screening device in accordance with Section 5.10, Screening, required plant material may generally be grouped or clustered, provided the overall screening objective in these standards is adequately addressed.

      2.   Street trees shall maintain on-center spacing requirements in Section 5.6.13, Street Trees.

      3.   Streetscape buffers shall maintain the on-center spacing requirements in Section 5.6.12, Streetscape Buffers.

      4.   Shrubs intended to screen building foundations from view from the public realm shall not exceed the maximum on-center spacing in Section 5.6.11, Foundation Plantings.

      5.   Shrubs intended to screen features in accordance with Section 5.10, Screening, may not be grouped if such grouping results in the failure to meet the minimum screening standards of this Ordinance.

   C.   Multiple-Lot Development. A multiple-lot development is not required to provide perimeter buffers along lot lines internal to the development, but the perimeter of the development shall be subject to the standards in Section 5.6.10, Perimeter Buffers.

   D.   Easements.

      1.   Trees and shrubs may be located within a required easement on a case-by-case basis with the permission of the easement holder.

      2.   When landscaping is within an easement, the landowner is responsible for replacement of any required vegetation if maintenance or other actions result in its removal.

      3.   When landscaping is planted in a drainage easement, it shall not impact the easement design or impede the flow of water through the easement.

      4.   Where an easement and a required landscape area coincide and there is a prohibition on planting within the easement, then the required landscaping area shall be located outside the easement.

   E.   Setback Smaller than Required Landscaping Area. In cases where a required setback is smaller or more narrow than a required landscaping area, the landscaping area width or size shall not be reduced except as authorized by any of the following:

      1.   An alternative landscape plan;

      2.   An administrative adjustment;

      3.   A conditional rezoning approval;

      4.   An approved planned development master plan; or

      5.   A sustainable development incentive.

   F.   Fire Protection System. Minimum clear separation distances required by the current adopted version of the North Carolina Fire Code shall be maintained for landscaping near a fire protection system.

   G.   Landscaping in Bio-Retention Cells. Trees and shrubs used in bio-retention cells or rain gardens located in parking lots or within landscape yards may be counted toward tree or shrub requirements of this Ordinance, provided they meet the minimum specifications in Section 5.6.6: Plant Material Specifications.

   H.   Permitted Encroachments.

      1.   The following features may be located entirely within required landscaping areas, provided the screening function of the landscaping is maintained and provided any encroachments into a required setback are in accordance with Table 9.3.5: Allowable Encroachment into Required Setbacks:

         a.   Principal buildings, provided the minimum setbacks of the zoning district where located, are maintained;

         b.   Landscaping features such as, ornamental pools, planting boxes, sculpture, arbors, trellises, and birdbaths;

         c.   Pet shelters, well houses, and mechanical enclosures;

         d.   On-grade patios, steps, benches, outdoor fireplaces, playground equipment serving an individual dwelling unit, accessibility ramps, roof overhangs, and fire escapes;

         e.   Ornamental entry columns, gates, fences, walls, and retaining walls;

         f.   Flagpoles of 30 feet in height or less;

         g.   Lamp and address posts;

         h.   Utility cabinets of four feet in height or less;

         i.   Mailboxes; and

         j.   Signage.

      2.   The following features may cross a required landscaping area in a manner that minimizes the impact to the required landscaping:

         a.   Driveways, sidewalks, pedestrian walkways, greenways, or multi-use trails;

         b.   Utilities; and

         c.   Stormwater management facilities.

   I.   Prohibited Features. The following features shall not be located within a required landscaping area:

      1.   An accessory structure or open air use;

      2.   Off-street parking or loading areas; or

      3.   Outdoor storage or display of products for sale.

(Ord. 2020-36, passed 12-2-2019)

   A.   Berms. Berms may be used independently, or in conjunction with a wall or fencing, to meet the screening intent of a perimeter buffer or other required screening when configured in accordance with the following:

      1.   Berms shall have a minimum height of three feet, a minimum crown width of at least three feet, and a slope of no greater than 3:1.

      2.   Berms shall be no taller than twelve feet above the toe of the berm.

      3.   Berms shall be stabilized with trees, shrubs, and ground cover.

      4.   A berm may not damage the roots of existing healthy vegetation being preserved for credit towards the landscaping requirements in this Ordinance. Suffocation of existing roots by deposition of fill in excess of 12 inches shall be considered damage to existing tree roots.

      5.   A berm shall not interfere with required a sight distance triangle (see Section 5.1.7, Sight Distance Triangles).

   B.   Fences and Walls.

      1.   Opaque fences or walls, a minimum of four feet in height, constructed within required landscaping areas, and configured in accordance with Section 5.5, Fences and Walls, may reduce the minimum and average perimeter buffer width requirement in accordance with Table 5.6.10.C: Perimeter Buffer Configuration.

      2.   If utilized, fences or walls shall be located within the required landscaping area and all required shrubs shall be planted between the fence or wall and the lot line.

      3.   Required trees may be planted either in front of or behind the fence or wall.

   C.   Planters.

      1.   Planters, if provided, shall be constructed of masonry, stone, or pressure treated lumber stamped for ground contact. Other materials may be approved, based upon their durability, by the Planning Director.

      2.   Planters shall maintain a minimum height of 30 inches and have an effective planting area of seven feet (measured in any direction) if trees are to be planted and an effective planting area of four feet (measured in any direction) if no trees are to be included.

      3.   The minimum height of shrubs in the planter, except for ground cover, shall be six inches at the time of planting.

(Ord. 2020-36, passed 12-2-2019)

All parking lots serving multi-family, mixed-use, and non-residential developments shall comply with the following parking lot landscaping standards:

   A.   Shade Trees. All parking lots shall be served by shade trees to reduce the heat island effect and soften the appearance of the parking lot, in accordance with the following standards:

      1.   Parking lots subject to these standards shall include at least one canopy tree for every 12 off-street parking spaces provided.

      2.   Required canopy trees may be placed around, in, or near the parking lot provided that no parking space is more than 50 feet from the trunk of a canopy tree (see Figure 5.6.9.A: Parking Lot Shading).

      3.   Required canopy trees shall be distributed throughout parking areas and may be located in landscape islands, between rows of parking, in driveway medians, and within ten feet of the perimeter of the parking lot.

   B.   Interior Plantings.

      1.   Area to be Landscaped. For the purposes of this section, the interior of a parking lot shall be all of the area within the outer boundary of the parking lot including interior and corner landscape islands intended to fulfill the interior parking lot landscaping requirements, but not including landscaping planted around the perimeter of the parking lot (see Figure 5.6.9.B: Parking Lot Interior Plantings).

      2.   Landscaping Islands and Strips. A parking aisle with more than 12 vehicle spaces in a single row shall provide and maintain landscaping islands at each end, or provide landscaping strips along the full length of the row, in accordance with the following standards.

         a.   Islands shall have a minimum dimension of nine feet and a minimum area of 200 square feet, including the curb (if curbing is provided).

         b.   Landscape islands shall provide 1,000 cubic feet of soil per tree.

         c.   Landscape islands that do not contain canopy trees shall contain three or more shrubs and also may contain understory trees.

         d.   Landscaping islands intended for the placement of canopy or understory trees shall maintain a minimum width of nine feet.

         e.   Landscape strips between adjoining rows of parking spaces or serving as driveway medians shall have a minimum dimension of nine feet, including the curb (if provided). Landscape strips that do not have canopy trees shall include shrubs planted no more than five feet on-center.

         f.   Landscaping strips running the full length of a row of parking spaces shall be provided so that no more than six rows of parking spaces are provided without a landscaping strip.

      3.   Separation of Light Poles and Trees. In order to prevent the need to excessively trim required trees within landscape areas and to maintain the effectiveness of parking area exterior lighting, light poles shall be spaced at least ten linear feet from a canopy tree trunk, to the maximum extent practicable.

      4.   Protection of Landscape Islands.

         a.   Landscape islands shall be protected from vehicle damage by the installation of curbing, wheel stops, or other comparable methods.

         b.   The placement of plant material within landscape islands shall allow for a two-and-one-half-foot vehicle overhang from the face of the curb or wheel stop.

      5.   Protection from Pedestrian Walkways. In cases where a pedestrian walkway must be located within five feet of a tree trunk, wooden walkways, pervious pavers, or other methods shall be used to ensure the required tree is not damaged by the walkway.

      6.   Stormwater Management. A landscape island may be designed to function as a stormwater management device, provided its landscaping performance function is maintained.

      7.   Structural Soil Required. Landscaping islands and strips located within a parking lot shall be comprised of properly-prepared structural soil that has been properly amended and cultivated to support healthy vegetation.

   C.   Perimeter Plantings.

      1.   Intent. Parking lot perimeter landscaping shall be designed to soften the view of the parking lot from an abutting street or development and to filter spillover light from vehicle headlights. Required plant material shall be planted in such a way as to best achieve this intent.

      2.   Location. Required plant material shall be placed adjacent to the perimeter of the parking lot.

      3.   Planting Rate.

         a.   Parking lot perimeter landscaping shall consist of a single continuous row of evergreen shrubs planted no greater than three feet on-center and within five feet of the parking lot edge.

         b.   Applicants may propose an alternative plant species, such as native grasses, provided the proposed plant material provides a fully opaque screen to a maximum height of 36 inches above grade throughout the year, as approved by the Planning Director.

      4.   Size of Plant Material.

         a.   Shrubs used for parking lot perimeter landscaping shall be of a minimum size necessary to achieve a maximum height of 36 inches above grade within three years of planting.

         b.   In cases when vegetation provided as perimeter plantings around a parking lot grow to a height exceeding 48 inches above grade, they shall be trimmed or pruned as necessary to maintain a minimum height of 36 inches.

         c.   It shall be a violation of this Ordinance to remove or severely prune shrubs required as parking lot perimeter vegetation to a height of less than 36 inches.

      5.   Alternatives. Perimeter parking lot plantings may be supplemented or replaced through use of a vegetated berm configured in accordance with Section 5.6.8.A, Berms, or an opaque fence or wall that meets the screening objective of this section and is configured in accordance with Section 5.5, Fences and Walls.

      6.   Exemptions.

         a.   Where off-street parking lots are adjacent to one another, but on different lots, perimeter plantings or other forms of screening are not required along the common boundary between the two parking lots.

         b.   Developments consisting of multiple lots that are planned and developed as a single, unified, or consolidated project may be configured so that perimeter plantings are only located around the perimeter of the entire development instead of between parking lots and buildings located within the development.

(Ord. 2020-36, passed 12-2-2019)

   A.   Purpose and Intent. These standards are proposed to eliminate or minimize potential nuisances, such as dirt, litter, noise, glare of lights, signs, and unsightly buildings or parking areas through physical and visual separation between land uses in separate zoning districts.

   B.   Applicability.

      1.   All development shall comply with the perimeter buffer standards in this section.

      2.   Development shall provide perimeter buffers along side and rear lot lines in accordance with Table 5.6.10.F, Buffer Application.

      3.   Lot lines abutting street rights-of-way shall comply with the standards in Section 5.6.12, Streetscape Buffers.

   C.   Buffers Distinguished. Table 5.6.10.C: Perimeter Buffer Configuration, establishes the standards for perimeter buffers, including the minimum requirements for each of the following buffer types:

      1.   Type A, Separation Buffer;

      2.   Type B, Intermittent Buffer;

      3.   Type C, Semi-Opaque Buffer; and

      4.   Type D, Opaque Buffer.

   D.   Buffer Determination.

      1.   The lot or site being developed is the one responsible for providing the required perimeter buffer, which shall be located solely upon the lot or site being developed.

      2.   The type of perimeter buffer required is based upon the zoning district designation of the land being developed as well as the zoning district designation of the abutting lots (see Table 5.6.10.F, Buffer Application).

   E.   Buffer Location.

      1.   Perimeter buffers required by this section shall be located along the outer perimeter of the lot and shall extend to the connecting lot lines.

      2.   In cases where the lot line is within a drainage swale, the perimeter buffer shall extend to the edge of the swale instead of the lot line.

      3.   A perimeter buffer may be located along shared access easements between parcels in nonresidential developments.Table 5.6.10.C: Perimeter Buffer Configuration

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   F.   Buffer Application. Table 5.6.10.F, Buffer Application, specifies the type of perimeter buffer that development shall provide between it and adjacent land, based on the zoning district of the development site and that of the adjacent land. The buffer type is indicated by a letter corresponding to one of the three buffer types described in Table 5.6.10.C: Perimeter Buffer Configuration.

 

   G.   Exemptions. Developments consisting of multiple lots that are planned and developed as a single, unified, or consolidated project may be configured so that perimeter buffers are only located around the perimeter of the entire development instead of between lots within the development.

(Ord. 2020-36, passed 12-2-2019)

   A.   Purpose and Intent.

      1.   Foundation plantings provided in accordance with this section are intended to soften the visual impacts of a building's base or foundation along any facade visible from a street other than an alley.

      2.   These standards are also intended to provide for the even dispersal of trees across a development site.

   B.   Applicability. Except where exempted by Section 5.6.11.C, Exemption, these standards shall apply to all new residential, institutional, and commercial development constructed in the Town after January 1, 2020.

   C.   Exemption. The following forms of development and site locations shall be exempted from these standards:

      1.   Development existing prior to January 1, 2020, including any additions or expansions;

      2.   Land uses listed under the Industrial land use classification in Table 4.2.3, Principal Use Table;

      3.   Helicopter landing pads, telecommunications facilities, and utilities; and

      4.   Uses where the obstruction of the site or the building constitutes a danger to public safety in the determination of the Planning Director.

   D.   Required Plant Material.

      1.   Foundation Plantings.

         a.   Evergreen shrubs or decorative grasses with a minimum height of 18 inches shall be located within 10 feet of any building foundation wall visible from a public street excluding alleys.

         b.   Shrubs shall maintain a maximum on-center placement of three feet (see Figure 5.6.11.D.1: Foundation Plantings and Site Landscaping).

         c.   Shrubs are not required in front of steps or access ramps.

      2.   Site Landscaping.

         a.   One canopy tree for every 2,000 square feet of lot area for the first 20,000 square feet of a lot.

         b.   These trees may be located anywhere on the site except where limited by Section 5.6.11.E, Placement.

   E.   Placement. Landscaping material associated with these standards shall not be located in the following areas:

      1.   Portions of a development site subject to Section 5.10, Screening;

      2.   Areas subject to the standards in Section 5.1.7, Sight Distance Triangles;

      3.   Lands within a utility or drainage easement;

      4.   Lands beneath overhead utilities; or

      5.   Lands within a required stormwater control measure unless the measure relies on flora to assist with water quality protection.

   F.   Credit from Required Landscaping. Other required landscaping material or existing vegetation may be credited towards these requirements in cases where such landscaping material meets the intent of these standards in the opinion of the Planning Director.

(Ord. 2020-36, passed 12-2-2019)

   A.   Purpose and Intent. Streetscape buffers are proposed to soften the view of development from the Town's street rights-of-way, and are intended to:

      1.   Enhance pedestrian orientation and encourage pedestrian travel;

      2.   Address urban heat islands by providing shade for streets and sidewalks;

      3.   Provide shade on sidewalks;

      4.   Promote the Town's "sense of place";

      5.   Support property values by enhancing the aesthetic character of the Town's streets; and

      6.   Provide habitat for flora and fauna.

   B.   Applicability.

      1.   The standards in this section shall apply to all lot lines bounded by the following features, whether existing or identified in the Town's adopted policy guidance.

         a.   Collector streets; and

         b.   Arterial streets.

      2.   In cases where a future street is planned but its approximate location is not indicated on an adopted or approved Town map or plan, streetscape buffering shall not be required on lots abutting the future street alignment.

   C.   Exemption. Streetscape buffers are not required in the following instances:

      1.   When the primary building facade, or the facade with the building's primary entrance faces and is visible from the arterial or collector street right-of-way;

      2.   Lot lines abutting platted street rights-of-way that are or have remained unopened for at least 15 years; or

      3.   Lot frontages where the entirety of the lot frontage is within a required sight distance triangle.

   D.   Minimum Buffer Width.

      1.   Streetscape buffers shall maintain a minimum width of at least 15 feet from the lot lines subject to these standards.

      2.   Streetscape buffers shall not be located within required sight distance triangles (see Section 5.1.7, Sight Distance Triangles).

   E.   Required Plant Material. Streetscape buffers shall be configured as a Type C semi-opaque buffer except that the minimum number of required shrubs is reduced from 25 to 20, and the on-center spacing is reduced to 5 feet.