Article 1 - General Provisions_Updated_05-03-2021
Unified Development Ordinance
New Hanover County, North Carolina
Updated October 3, 2022
ARTICLE 1: GENERAL PROVISIONS .................................................... 1-1
Section 1.1. Title ................................................................................................................................. 1-1
Section 1.2. Authority ......................................................................................................................... 1-1
1.2.1. General Authority ................................................................................................................ 1-1
1.2.2. References to North Carolina General Statutes. ................................................................ 1-1
Section 1.3. General Purpose and Intent ........................................................................................... 1-1
Section 1.4. Applicability and Jurisdiction .......................................................................................... 1-2
1.4.1. General Applicability ........................................................................................................... 1-2
1.4.2. Exemptions ......................................................................................................................... 1-2
1.4.3. No Development Until Compliance With This Ordinance ................................................... 1-2
Section 1.5. Relationship with the Comprehensive Plan ................................................................... 1-2
Section 1.6. Relationship with other Laws ......................................................................................... 1-2
1.6.1. Conflicts with other County Codes or Laws ........................................................................ 1-2
1.6.2. Conflicts with State or Federal Law .................................................................................... 1-2
1.6.3. Relationship to Private Agreements/Conflicts with Private Agreements ............................ 1-3
1.6.4. Existing Agreements or Vested Rights ............................................................................... 1-3
Section 1.7. Transitional Provisions ................................................................................................... 1-3
1.7.1. Effective Date ..................................................................................................................... 1-3
1.7.2. Construction in Progress .................................................................................................... 1-3
1.7.3. Approvals Granted Before Effective Date .......................................................................... 1-3
1.7.4. Applications in Progress Before Effective Date .................................................................. 1-4
1.7.5. Violations Continue ............................................................................................................. 1-4
1.7.6. Nonconformities .................................................................................................................. 1-5
1.7.7. Permit Choice ..................................................................................................................... 1-5
Section 1.8. Severability ..................................................................................................................... 1-5
Section 1.9. Technical Corrections .................................................................................................... 1-6
ARTICLE 2: MEASUREMENTS AND DEFINITIONS .............................. 2-1
Section 2.1. Measurements ................................................................................................................ 2-1
Section 2.2. Rules of Construction ..................................................................................................... 2-4
2.2.1. Meanings and Intent ........................................................................................................... 2-4
2.2.2. Headings, Illustrations, and Text ........................................................................................ 2-4
2.2.3. Lists and Examples............................................................................................................. 2-4
2.2.4. Computation of Time .......................................................................................................... 2-4
2.2.5. References to Other Regulations/Publications ................................................................... 2-5
2.2.6. Delegation of Authority ....................................................................................................... 2-5
2.2.7. Public Officials and Agencies ............................................................................................. 2-5
2.2.8. Mandatory and Discretionary Terms .................................................................................. 2-5
2.2.9. Conjunctions ....................................................................................................................... 2-5
2.2.10. Tenses and Plurals ............................................................................................................. 2-5
2.2.11. Term not Defined ................................................................................................................ 2-5
2.2.12. Use and Occupation ........................................................................................................... 2-6
Section 2.3. Definitions and Terms .................................................................................................... 2-6
ARTICLE 3: ZONING DISTRICTS........................................................... 3-1
Section 3.1. General ........................................................................................................................... 3-1
3.1.1. Zoning Map and Interpretation ........................................................................................... 3-1
3.1.2. Establishment of Zoning Districts ....................................................................................... 3-2
3.1.3. Superseding Dimensional Standards ................................................................................. 3-3
Section 3.2. Residential Zoning Districts .......................................................................................... 3-13
3.2.1. Intent ................................................................................................................................. 3-13
3.2.2. Established Residential Zoning Districts .......................................................................... 3-14
3.2.3. Residential District Specific Standards ............................................................................. 3-14
3.2.4. Rural Agricultural (RA) District .......................................................................................... 3-14
3.2.5. Airport Residential (AR) District ........................................................................................ 3-16
3.2.6. Residential 20S (R-20S) ................................................................................................... 3-20
3.2.7. Residential 20 (R-20) District ............................................................................................ 3-22
3.2.8. Residential 15 (R-15) District ............................................................................................ 3-24
3.2.9. Residential 10 (R-10) District ............................................................................................ 3-26
3.2.10. Residential 7 (R-7) District ................................................................................................ 3-28
3.2.11. Residential Moderate-High Density (R-5) District ............................................................. 3-30
3.2.12. Residential Multi-Family Low Density (RMF-L) District .................................................... 3-32
3.2.13. Residential Multi-Family Moderate Density (RMF-M) District........................................... 3-34
3.2.14. Residential Multi-Family Medium-High Density (RMF-MH) District .................................. 3-36
3.2.15. Residential Multi-Family High Density (RMF-H) District ................................................... 3-38
Section 3.3. Mixed Use Zoning Districts .......................................................................................... 3-41
3.3.1. Intent ................................................................................................................................. 3-41
3.3.2. Established Mixed Use Zoning Districts ........................................................................... 3-41
3.3.3. General Requirements for Mixed Use Zoning Districts .................................................... 3-41
3.3.4. Urban Mixed Use Zoning (UMXZ) .................................................................................... 3-44
3.3.5. Riverfront Mixed Use (RFMU) Planned Development District .......................................... 3-50
3.3.6. Exceptional Design (EDZD) Planned Development District ............................................. 3-63
3.3.7. Planned Development (PD) District .................................................................................. 3-72
Section 3.4. Commercial and Industrial Districts .............................................................................. 3-77
3.4.1. Intent ................................................................................................................................. 3-77
3.4.2. Established Commercial and Industrial Zoning Districts .................................................. 3-77
3.4.3. Neighborhood Business (B-1) District .............................................................................. 3-78
3.4.4. Community Business (CB) District ................................................................................... 3-80
3.4.5. Regional Business (B-2) District ....................................................................................... 3-82
3.4.6. Office and Institutional (O&I) District ................................................................................ 3-84
3.4.7. Shopping Center (SC) District .......................................................................................... 3-88
3.4.8. Commercial Services (CS) District ................................................................................... 3-90
3.4.9. Airport Commerce (AC) District ........................................................................................ 3-92
3.4.10. Light Industrial (I-1) District ............................................................................................... 3-96
3.4.11. Heavy Industrial (I-2) District ............................................................................................ 3-98
Section 3.5. Overlay and Special Purpose Districts ....................................................................... 3-101
3.5.1. Intent ............................................................................................................................... 3-101
3.5.2. Established Overlay and Special Purpose Zoning Districts ........................................... 3-101
3.5.3. Special Highway Overlay (SHOD) District ...................................................................... 3-102
3.5.4. Water Supply Watershed Overlay (WSW) District ......................................................... 3-104
3.5.5. Conditional Zoning (CZ) District ..................................................................................... 3-106
ARTICLE 4: USES AND USE-SPECIFIC STANDARDS ......................... 4-1
Section 4.1. Categorization of Principal Uses .................................................................................... 4-1
4.1.1. Organization ....................................................................................................................... 4-1
4.1.2. Application and Interpretation ............................................................................................. 4-1
4.1.3. Classification of New or Unlisted Uses ............................................................................... 4-2
4.1.4. Use Classifications ............................................................................................................. 4-2
Section 4.2. Allocation of Principal Uses ............................................................................................ 4-3
4.2.1. Principal Use Permissions .................................................................................................. 4-3
Section 4.3. Standards for Specified Principal Uses ........................................................................ 4-21
4.3.1. Agricultural Uses ............................................................................................................... 4-21
4.3.2. Residential Uses ............................................................................................................... 4-21
4.3.3. Civic & Institutional Uses .................................................................................................. 4-32
4.3.4. Commercial Uses ............................................................................................................. 4-43
4.3.5. Industrial Uses .................................................................................................................. 4-53
Section 4.4. Accessory Use and Structure Standards ..................................................................... 4-60
4.4.1. Purpose ............................................................................................................................ 4-60
4.4.2. Approval of Accessory Uses and Structures .................................................................... 4-60
4.4.3. Permissions for Specified Accessory Uses and Structures.............................................. 4-60
4.4.4. Standards for Specified Accessory Uses and Structures ................................................. 4-61
Section 4.5. Temporary Use Standards ........................................................................................... 4-67
4.5.1. Purpose ............................................................................................................................ 4-67
4.5.2. General Standards for Temporary Uses........................................................................... 4-67
4.5.3. Permissions for Specified Temporary Uses ..................................................................... 4-67
4.5.4. Standards for Specified Temporary Uses ........................................................................ 4-68
ARTICLE 5: GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS ........................ 5-1
Section 5.1. Parking and Loading ...................................................................................................... 5-1
5.1.1. Applicability ......................................................................................................................... 5-1
5.1.2. Minimum Off-Street Parking Standards .............................................................................. 5-1
5.1.3. Alternative Parking Plans ................................................................................................. 5-10
5.1.4. Off-Street Parking Design Standards ............................................................................... 5-14
5.1.5. Loading Areas ................................................................................................................... 5-16
Section 5.2. Traffic, Access, and Connectivity ................................................................................. 5-19
5.2.1. Visibility at Intersections in Residential Districts ............................................................... 5-19
5.2.2. Development Adjacent to Road, Right-of-Way, or Easement .......................................... 5-19
5.2.3. NCDOT Driveway Permit Required .................................................................................. 5-19
5.2.4. Traffic Impact Analysis Worksheet ................................................................................... 5-19
Section 5.3. Tree Retention .............................................................................................................. 5-20
5.3.1. Applicability ....................................................................................................................... 5-20
5.3.2. Forestry And Property Clearing ........................................................................................ 5-20
5.3.3. Tree Inventory ................................................................................................................... 5-20
5.3.4. Tree Retention Standards ................................................................................................ 5-21
5.3.5. Tree Removal Permits ...................................................................................................... 5-22
5.3.6. Tree Protection During Construction ................................................................................ 5-22
5.3.7. Mitigation .......................................................................................................................... 5-23
5.3.8. Optional Incentives For Retaining Trees .......................................................................... 5-24
5.3.9. Removal of Hazardous Trees ........................................................................................... 5-25
Section 5.4. Landscaping and Buffering .......................................................................................... 5-26
5.4.1. Applicability ....................................................................................................................... 5-26
5.4.2. General Standards............................................................................................................ 5-27
5.4.3. Transitional Buffer Standards ........................................................................................... 5-28
5.4.4. Screening .......................................................................................................................... 5-30
5.4.5. Parking Lots ...................................................................................................................... 5-31
5.4.6. Street Yard Standards ...................................................................................................... 5-33
5.4.7. Foundation Plantings ........................................................................................................ 5-35
5.4.8. Maintenance ..................................................................................................................... 5-35
Section 5.5. Exterior Lighting ........................................................................................................... 5-36
5.5.1. Purpose and Intent ........................................................................................................... 5-36
5.5.2. Applicability ....................................................................................................................... 5-36
5.5.3. Time of Review ................................................................................................................. 5-37
5.5.4. General Standards............................................................................................................ 5-37
5.5.5. Prohibited Lighting ............................................................................................................ 5-39
5.5.6. Exemptions for Safety Reasons ....................................................................................... 5-40
Section 5.6. Signs ............................................................................................................................ 5-41
5.6.1. Purpose ............................................................................................................................ 5-41
5.6.2. General Provisions ........................................................................................................... 5-42
5.6.3. Temporary and Special Event Signs ................................................................................ 5-50
5.6.4. Outdoor Advertising Signs ................................................................................................ 5-52
Section 5.7. Conservation Resources ................................................................................................ 5-1
5.7.1. Purpose .............................................................................................................................. 5-1
5.7.2. Applicability ......................................................................................................................... 5-1
5.7.3. Conservation Space General Performance Controls ......................................................... 5-2
5.7.4. Additional Performance Controls ........................................................................................ 5-7
5.7.5. Vegetated Buffer Controls for Conservation ....................................................................... 5-9
Section 5.8. Open Space Requirements .......................................................................................... 5-12
5.8.1. Applicability ....................................................................................................................... 5-12
5.8.2. Open Space Set-Aside Standards .................................................................................... 5-12
5.8.3. Areas Counted Towards Open Space Set-Aside Standards ........................................... 5-12
5.8.4. Design Standards ............................................................................................................. 5-15
5.8.5. Ownership, Management, And Maintenance ................................................................... 5-17
5.8.6. Payments In-Leiu Of Dedication ....................................................................................... 5-17
Section 5.9. Fire Hydrants ................................................................................................................ 5-18
Section 5.10. Airport Height Restriction ............................................................................................. 5-19
5.10.1. Authority ............................................................................................................................ 5-19
5.10.2. Findings ............................................................................................................................ 5-19
5.10.3. Jurisdiction ........................................................................................................................ 5-19
5.10.4. Nonconforming Uses, Structures, and Trees ................................................................... 5-19
5.10.5. Variances .......................................................................................................................... 5-20
5.10.6. Airport Zones .................................................................................................................... 5-20
5.10.7. Airport Zone Height Limits ................................................................................................ 5-21
5.10.8. Use Restrictions ................................................................................................................ 5-22
ARTICLE 6: SUBDIVISION DESIGN AND IMPROVEMENTS ................ 6-1
Section 6.1. General Purpose ............................................................................................................ 6-1
Section 6.2. Design Standards ........................................................................................................... 6-1
6.2.1. General Provisions ............................................................................................................. 6-1
6.2.2. Specific Standards .............................................................................................................. 6-1
Section 6.3. Improvements ............................................................................................................... 6-12
6.3.1. In General ......................................................................................................................... 6-12
6.3.2. Guarantees of Improvements ........................................................................................... 6-13
6.3.3. Required Improvements ................................................................................................... 6-14
6.3.4. Property Owners’ Association (POA) ............................................................................... 6-19
ARTICLE 7: STORMWATER MANAGEMENT ....................................... 7-1
Section 7.1. Title ................................................................................................................................. 7-1
Section 7.2. Purpose .......................................................................................................................... 7-1
Section 7.3. Authority and Jurisdiction ............................................................................................... 7-1
Section 7.4. Objectives ....................................................................................................................... 7-1
Section 7.5. Incorporation of Design Manual by Reference ............................................................... 7-1
Section 7.6. Definitions ....................................................................................................................... 7-2
Section 7.7. Policies ........................................................................................................................... 7-7
7.7.1. County’s Role ..................................................................................................................... 7-7
7.7.2. Property owner responsibility ............................................................................................. 7-7
7.7.3. Limitations of article ............................................................................................................ 7-7
7.7.4. Consistency with county, state, federal rules and regulations............................................ 7-7
Section 7.8. Development Plans and Permits .................................................................................... 7-7
7.8.1. Stormwater Management Standards .................................................................................. 7-7
Section 7.9. Plan Review ................................................................................................................... 7-9
Section 7.10. Operation and Maintenance ........................................................................................... 7-9
Section 7.11. Transfer of Ownership .................................................................................................... 7-9
Section 7.12. Variance Requests ....................................................................................................... 7-10
Section 7.13. Right of Entry ................................................................................................................ 7-10
Section 7.14. Violations ........................................................................................................................ 7-1
Section 7.15. Public Nuisances ............................................................................................................ 7-1
Section 7.16. Enforcement ................................................................................................................... 7-2
Section 7.17. Appeals .......................................................................................................................... 7-3
Section 7.18. Judicial Review ............................................................................................................... 7-3
Section 7.19. Severability ..................................................................................................................... 7-4
Section 7.20. Effective Date ................................................................................................................. 7-4
ARTICLE 8: EROSION AND SEDIMENTATION CONTROL .................. 8-1
Section 8.1. Title ................................................................................................................................. 8-1
Section 8.2. Purposes ........................................................................................................................ 8-1
Section 8.3. Definitions ....................................................................................................................... 8-1
Section 8.4. Scope and Exclusions .................................................................................................... 8-5
Section 8.5. General Requirements ................................................................................................... 8-6
Section 8.6. Basic Control Objectives ................................................................................................ 8-6
Section 8.7. Mandatory Standards for Land-Disturbing Activity ......................................................... 8-7
Section 8.8. Design and Performance Standards .............................................................................. 8-8
Section 8.9. Stormwater Outlet Protection ......................................................................................... 8-9
Section 8.10. Borrow and Waste Areas ............................................................................................. 8-11
Section 8.11. Access and Haul Roads ............................................................................................... 8-11
Section 8.12. Operations in Lakes, Natural Watercourses ................................................................ 8-11
Section 8.13. Responsibility for Maintenance .................................................................................... 8-11
Section 8.14. Restoration of Areas Affected by Failure to Comply .................................................... 8-11
Section 8.15. Additional Measures ..................................................................................................... 8-12
Section 8.16. Areas Not Otherwise Covered ..................................................................................... 8-12
Section 8.17. Permits ......................................................................................................................... 8-12
Section 8.18. Erosion and Sedimentation Control Plans ................................................................... 8-13
Section 8.19. Plan Review Appeals ................................................................................................... 8-17
Section 8.20. Inspections and Investigations ..................................................................................... 8-19
Section 8.21. Penalties ....................................................................................................................... 8-19
Section 8.22. Injunctive Relief ............................................................................................................ 8-21
Section 8.23. Severability ................................................................................................................... 8-21
Section 8.24. Effective Date ............................................................................................................... 8-21
Section 8.25. Reserved ...................................................................................................................... 8-21
ARTICLE 9: FLOOD DAMAGE PREVENTION ....................................... 9-1
Section 9.1. Statutory Authorization ................................................................................................... 9-1
Section 9.2. Findings of Fact .............................................................................................................. 9-1
Section 9.3. Purpose .......................................................................................................................... 9-1
Section 9.4. Objectives ....................................................................................................................... 9-2
Section 9.5. Definitions ....................................................................................................................... 9-2
Section 9.6. General Provisions ....................................................................................................... 9-11
9.6.1. Applicability and Basis for Special Flood Hazard Areas................................................... 9-11
9.6.2. Establishment of Floodplain Development Permit ............................................................ 9-12
9.6.3. Compliance ....................................................................................................................... 9-12
9.6.4. Abrogation and Greater Restrictions ................................................................................ 9-12
9.6.5. Interpretation ..................................................................................................................... 9-12
9.6.6. Warning and Disclaimer of Liability .................................................................................. 9-12
9.6.7. Penalties for Violations ..................................................................................................... 9-12
Section 9.7. Administration ............................................................................................................... 9-13
9.7.1. Designation of Floodplain Administrator ........................................................................... 9-13
9.7.2. Floodplain Development Application, Permit and Certification ........................................ 9-13
9.7.3. Duties and Responsibilities of the Floodplain Administrator ............................................ 9-18
9.7.4. Corrective Procedures ...................................................................................................... 9-20
9.7.5. Variance Procedures ........................................................................................................ 9-21
Section 9.8. Provisions for Flood Hazard Reduction ....................................................................... 9-23
9.8.1. General Standards............................................................................................................ 9-23
9.8.2. Specific Standards ............................................................................................................ 9-25
9.8.3. Standards for Floodplains Without Established Base Flood Elevations ........................... 9-32
9.8.4. Standards for Riverine Floodplains With Base Flood Elevations but Without
Established Floodways or Non-Encroachment Areas ...................................................... 9-33
9.8.5. Floodways and Non-Encroachment Areas ....................................................................... 9-33
9.8.6. Coastal High Hazard Area (Zone VE). ............................................................................. 9-34
9.8.7. Standards for Coastal A Zones (Zone CAZ) LiMWA ........................................................ 9-37
9.8.8. Standards for Areas of Shallow Flooding (Zone AO) ....................................................... 9-38
9.8.9. Effect on Rights and Liabilities Under the Existing Flood Damage Prevention
Ordinance ......................................................................................................................... 9-39
9.8.10. Effect Upon Outstanding Floodplain Development Permits ............................................. 9-39
ARTICLE 10: ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES ................................ 10-1
Section 10.1. Advisory and Decision-Making Bodies ......................................................................... 10-1
10.1.1. General ............................................................................................................................. 10-1
10.1.2. Board of Commissioners .................................................................................................. 10-2
10.1.3. Planning Board ................................................................................................................. 10-3
10.1.4. Board of Adjustment ......................................................................................................... 10-4
10.1.5. Technical Review Committee (TRC) ................................................................................ 10-5
10.1.6. Planning Director .............................................................................................................. 10-1
10.1.7. County Engineer ............................................................................................................... 10-2
Section 10.2. Standard Review Procedures ...................................................................................... 10-2
10.2.1. General ............................................................................................................................. 10-2
10.2.2. Pre-Application Conference .............................................................................................. 10-2
10.2.3. Community Information Meeting ....................................................................................... 10-3
10.2.4. Application Submittal and Acceptance ............................................................................. 10-4
10.2.5. Staff Review and Action ................................................................................................... 10-6
10.2.6. Public Hearing and Preliminary Forum Scheduling and Public Notification ..................... 10-7
10.2.7. Public Hearing and Preliminary Forum Procedures ......................................................... 10-1
10.2.8. Advisory Body Review and Action .................................................................................... 10-1
10.2.9. Decision-making Body Review and Action ....................................................................... 10-2
10.2.10. Post-decision Limitations and Actions ........................................................................... 10-3
Section 10.3. Application-Specific Procedures .................................................................................. 10-5
10.3.1. Text Amendment .............................................................................................................. 10-5
10.3.2. Zoning Map Amendment .................................................................................................. 10-7
10.3.3. Conditional Zoning .......................................................................................................... 10-10
10.3.4. Master Planned Development ........................................................................................ 10-14
10.3.5. Special Use Permit ......................................................................................................... 10-20
10.3.6. Site Plan ......................................................................................................................... 10-24
10.3.7. Subdivision ..................................................................................................................... 10-27
10.3.8. Zoning Compliance Approval ......................................................................................... 10-34
10.3.9. Tree Removal Permit ...................................................................................................... 10-35
10.3.10. Floodplain Development Permit ................................................................................... 10-38
10.3.11. Variance – Zoning and Subdivision ............................................................................. 10-38
10.3.12. Variance – Floodplain .................................................................................................. 10-41
10.3.13. Reasonable Accommodation ....................................................................................... 10-41
10.3.14. Appeal of Administrative Decision ............................................................................... 10-43
10.3.15. Interpretation ................................................................................................................ 10-46
ARTICLE 11: NONCONFORMING SITUATIONS ................................. 11-1
Section 11.1. General Applicability .................................................................................................... 11-1
Section 11.2. Use of Undeveloped Nonconforming Lots ................................................................... 11-1
11.2.1. Nonconforming Single Lot of Record ................................................................................ 11-1
11.2.2. Nonconforming Vacant Contiguous Lots of Record ......................................................... 11-1
Section 11.3. Completion of Nonconforming Projects ....................................................................... 11-1
Section 11.4. Extension or Enlargement of Nonconforming Situations ............................................. 11-1
11.4.1. Existing Industrial Uses .................................................................................................... 11-2
11.4.2. Modifications and/or Expansions of Existing Industrial Uses ........................................... 11-2
Section 11.5. Change in Kind of Nonconforming Use ........................................................................ 11-4
Section 11.6. Abandonment and Discontinuance of Nonconforming Situations ................................ 11-4
Section 11.7. Nonconforming Signs ................................................................................................... 11-5
11.7.1. Determination of Nonconformity ....................................................................................... 11-5
11.7.2. Loss of Nonconforming Status ......................................................................................... 11-5
11.7.3. Maintenance and Repair of Nonconforming Signs ........................................................... 11-5
ARTICLE 12: VIOLATIONS AND ENFORCEMENT ............................. 12-1
Section 12.1. General Provisions ....................................................................................................... 12-1
12.1.1. Purpose ............................................................................................................................ 12-1
12.1.2. Compliance Required ....................................................................................................... 12-1
Section 12.2. Violations and Responsible Persons............................................................................ 12-1
12.2.1. Violations Generally .......................................................................................................... 12-1
12.2.2. Specific Violations ............................................................................................................. 12-1
12.2.3. Responsible Persons ........................................................................................................ 12-2
Section 12.3. Enforcement Responsibility and Procedures ............................................................... 12-2
12.3.1. Responsibility for Enforcement ......................................................................................... 12-2
12.3.2. Complaints Regarding Violations ..................................................................................... 12-3
12.3.3. Inspections ........................................................................................................................ 12-3
12.3.4. Enforcement Procedure .................................................................................................... 12-3
12.3.5. Application of Remedies and Penalties ............................................................................ 12-4
12.3.6. Emergency Enforcement without Notice .......................................................................... 12-4
Section 12.4. Remedies and Penalties .............................................................................................. 12-4
APPENDICES ............................................................................................ 1
Appendix 1: Final Plat Certificates ............................................................................................................ 1
Unified Development Ordinance | New Hanover County, NC 1-1
Article 1: General Provisions
Section 1.1. Title
This Ordinance shall be officially known as the “Unified Development Ordinance of New
Hanover County, North Carolina” and may be referred to as “the Unified Development
Ordinance” or “this Ordinance” or the “UDO.”
Section 1.2. Authority
1.2.1. GENERAL AUTHORITY
This Ordinance consolidates the County’s zoning, subdivision, and flood damage
prevention regulatory authority as authorized by the North Carolina General
Statutes, and is adopted in accordance with:
A.The authority granted to New Hanover County by the General Assembly of the
State of North Carolina;
B.The North Carolina General Statutes, including:
1.Chapter 153A, Article 6 (General Police Powers);
2.Chapter 160D (Local Planning and Development Regulation);
3.Chapter 113A, Article 4 (Sedimentation and Pollution Control);
4.Chapter 143, Article 21, Part 6 (Floodway Regulations); and
C.All other relevant laws of the State of North Carolina. [05-03-2021]
1.2.2. REFERENCES TO NORTH CAROLINA GENERAL STATUTES.
Whenever any provision of this Ordinance refers to or cites a section of the North
Carolina General Statutes and that section is later amended or superseded, this
Ordinance shall be deemed amended to refer to the amended section or the
section that most nearly corresponds to the superseded section.
Section 1.3. General Purpose and Intent
It is the purpose of this Ordinance to:
A.Promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the residents of New Hanover
County;
B.Implement the policies and goals contained within officially adopted County plans;
C.Preserve the overall quality of life for residents and visitors;
D.Maintain orderly and compatible land-use and development patterns;
E.Support long-term community resilience;
F.Establish clear and efficient development review and approval procedures; and
G.Accommodate growth and development that complies with the preceding stated
purposes.
1-2 New Hanover County, NC | Unified Development Ordinance
Section 1.4. Applicability and Jurisdiction
1.4.1. GENERAL APPLICABILITY
The regulations set forth in this Ordinance shall be applicable within the planning
jurisdiction of unincorporated New Hanover County, unless land or development is
expressly exempted by a specific section or subsection of this Ordinance.
1.4.2. EXEMPTIONS
The following are exempted from this Ordinance:
A. Property used for bona fide farm purposes as defined by the North Carolina
General Statutes, except that the standards in Article 9: Flood Damage Prevention,
shall apply to property used for bona fide farm purposes. [05-03-2021]
B. Court-ordered subdivisions of land that comply with state law and all relevant
requirements of this Ordinance.
1.4.3. NO DEVELOPMENT UNTIL COMPLIANCE WITH THIS ORDINANCE
A. Unless exempted, no land shall be developed without compliance with this
Ordinance and all other applicable County, state, and federal regulations.
B. No person shall use, occupy, or sell any land or buildings or authorize or permit the
use, occupancy, or sale of land or buildings under their control, except in
accordance with this Ordinance.
C. No building, or portion thereof, shall be erected, used, moved, or altered except in
conformity with the regulations specified in the zoning district in which it is located.
Section 1.5. Relationship with the Comprehensive Plan
The New Hanover County Comprehensive Plan serves as the basic policy guide for the
regulations included this Ordinance. The policies and actions of the Comprehensive Plan may
be amended from time to time to meet the changing requirements of the County in accordance
with state law.
Section 1.6. Relationship with other Laws
1.6.1. CONFLICTS WITH OTHER COUNTY CODES OR LAWS
When the requirements of this Ordinance conflict with the requirements of other
lawfully adopted rules, regulations, or ordinances of New Hanover County, the
more stringent requirements shall govern. The more restrictive provision is the one
that imposes greater restrictions or burdens, or more stringent controls.
1.6.2. CONFLICTS WITH STATE OR FEDERAL LAW
If a provision of this Ordinance is inconsistent with a provision found in the law or
regulations of the state or federal government, the more restrictive provision shall
control, to the extent permitted by law.
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1.6.3. RELATIONSHIP TO PRIVATE AGREEMENTS/CONFLICTS WITH PRIVATE
AGREEMENTS
Nothing in this Ordinance is intended to supersede, annul, or interfere with any
deed restriction, covenant, easement, or other agreement between private parties,
but such deed restrictions, covenants, easements and other private agreements
shall not excuse any failure to comply with this Ordinance. The County may review
private agreements, such as those related to maintenance of private common open
space set-asides, but the County shall not be responsible for monitoring or
enforcing private covenants and restrictions.
1.6.4. EXISTING AGREEMENTS OR VESTED RIGHTS
Nothing in this Ordinance is intended to repeal, supersede, annul, impair, or
interfere with any existing private agreements or vested rights previously adopted
or issued in accordance with all applicable laws, provided such agreements or
rights are lawfully established and remain in effect.
Section 1.7. Transitional Provisions
1.7.1. EFFECTIVE DATE
This Ordinance was adopted on February 3, 2020 and became effective on
February 3, 2020.
1.7.2. CONSTRUCTION IN PROGRESS
The adoption of this Ordinance does not require a change in the plans,
construction, or designated use of any building or structure for which actual
construction was lawfully begun before February 3, 2020 and on which actual
construction has been diligently pursued. For the purpose of this provision, “actual
construction” includes the erection of construction materials in permanent position
and fastened in a permanent manner, or demolition, elimination, and removal of an
existing structure in connection with such construction, provided that actual
construction work must be diligently pursued until completion of the building or
structure. [05-03-2021]
1.7.3. APPROVALS GRANTED BEFORE EFFECTIVE DATE
A. Approved zoning permits, building permits, variances, special use permits,
subdivision plans, and site plans that are valid on February 3, 2020 shall remain
valid until their expiration date. Development may be completed in accordance with
such approvals even if such building, development or structure does not fully
comply with provisions of this Ordinance. If building is not commenced and
diligently pursued in the time allowed under the original approval or any extension
granted, then the building, development or structure shall be subject to the
requirements of this Ordinance.
B. To the extent a prior-approved application proposes development that does not
comply with this Ordinance, the subsequent development, although permitted, shall
be nonconforming and subject to the provisions of Article 11: Nonconforming
Situations.
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C. Any re-application for an expired approval or permit shall comply with the standards
in effect at the time of re-application. [05-03-2021]
D. All development and use of land in a PD District that was approved before
September 8, 2020 shall comply with the standards approved for that district. The
Planning Director may approve minor deviations from the PD District standards
identified in Section 10.3.4.C.8.b, Minor Deviations, provided the deviations have
no material effect on the character of the approved development. All other
modifications of the PD District standards shall be considered major modifications
and are subject to the procedures and standards in Section 10.3.4, Master Planned
Development. [09-08-2020]
1.7.4. APPLICATIONS IN PROGRESS BEFORE EFFECTIVE DATE
A. Applications that were submitted in complete form and are pending on February 3,
2020 shall be reviewed and decided in accordance with the regulations in effect
when the application was accepted, unless the applicant chooses an updated
development regulation in accordance with Section 1.7.7, Permit Choice.
B. Completed applications shall be processed in good faith and shall comply with any
time frames for review, approval, and completion as established in the regulations
in effect at the time of application acceptance. If the application fails to comply with
the required time frames, it shall expire and future development shall be subject to
the requirements of this Ordinance.
C. An applicant with a pending application accepted before February 3, 2020 may opt
to have the proposed development reviewed and decided under the standards of
this Ordinance by withdrawing the pending application and submitting a new
application in accordance with the standards of this Ordinance. The application
submittal fees will be waived for this new application.
D. An applicant with a pending application for a PD District that was accepted before
September 8, 2020 may opt to have the proposed PD District reviewed and decided
under either the zoning regulations in effect at the time the application was
accepted, in whole, or the procedures and standards of this ordinance, in whole. If
the applicant opts to have the proposed PD District reviewed under the procedures
of this Ordinance, the applicant shall withdraw the pending application and submit a
new application in accordance with the standards of this Ordinance. The
application submittal fees will be waived for this new application. [09-08-2020]
E. Except for a PD District approved in accordance with subsection D above, to the
extent an application approved under this section proposes development that does
not comply with this Ordinance, the development, although permitted, shall be
nonconforming and subject to the provisions of Article 11: Nonconforming
Situations.
1.7.5. VIOLATIONS CONTINUE
Any violation of the previous Ordinance and other regulations replaced by this
Ordinance shall continue to be a violation under this Ordinance, and subject to the
penalties set forth in Article 12: Violations and Enforcement, unless the
development complies with the express terms of this Ordinance.
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1.7.6. NONCONFORMITIES
If any use, structure, lot of record, or sign was legally established on the date of its
development, but does not fully comply with the standards of this Ordinance or any
amendments thereto, that use, structure, lot of record, or sign shall be considered
nonconforming and subject to the provisions of Article 11:: Nonconforming
Situations. If a use, structure, lot of record, or sign that was legally nonconforming
under the previous Ordinance becomes conforming under this Ordinance, it shall
no longer be deemed nonconforming and subject to the provisions of Article 11::
Nonconforming Situations.
1.7.7. PERMIT CHOICE
A. If an applicant submits an application for approval and a development regulation
changes between the time the application was determined to be complete and a
decision for approval was rendered, the applicant may choose which adopted
version of the development regulation will apply to the approval.
B. Where multiple approvals are required to complete a development project, the
applicant may choose the version of each of the development regulations applicable
to the project upon submittal of the application for the initial approval. This provision
is applicable only for those subsequent applications filed within 18 months of the
date following the approval of the initial application.
C. By default, the adopted version of the development regulation in place at the time of
each application submittal shall apply to each application, unless the applicant
submits to the Planning Director a written request to apply a different adopted
version of a development regulation pursuant to this section. The Planning Director
shall make a determination on the validity of the request in accordance with this
section.
D. If the applicant chooses the version of the rule in place at the time of the application,
the applicant shall not be required to await the outcome of the amendment to the
development regulation(s) prior to acting on the approval or permit.
E. If an application is placed on hold at the request of the applicant for a period of six
(6) consecutive months or more, or the applicant fails to respond to comments or
provide additional information reasonably requested by the County or State
government for a period of six (6) consecutive months or more, the application
review shall be discontinued and the development regulations in effect at the time
permit processing is resumed apply to the application.
F. For the purposes of the vesting protections of this ordinance, an erosion and
sedimentation control permit or a sign permit shall not be considered an initial
application by this section. [05-03-2021]
Section 1.8. Severability
It is the legislative intent of the Board of County Commissioners that if any section, subsection,
sentence, clause, or phrase of this Ordinance is for any reason held by a court of competent
jurisdiction to be invalid, such decision shall not affect the validity and continued enforcement of
any other provision of this Ordinance. The Board of County Commissioners hereby declares
that it would have adopted this Ordinance and any section, subsection, sentence, clause, or
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phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences,
clauses, or phrases of the Ordinance is declared invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction.
Section 1.9. Technical Corrections
The Planning Director is authorized to make corrections of a purely technical nature to this
Ordinance to cure typographical, formatting, or other similar errors.