Zoning Ordinance Stokes County, North Carolina

ZONING ORDINANCE

Stokes County, North Carolina

Table of Contents

Page

ARTICLE I Authority and Enactment Clause .............................................................1

ARTICLE II Short Title ..............................................................................................2

ARTICLE III Jurisdiction

Section 30 Territorial Application .........................................................3

Section 31 Bona Fide Farms Exempt.....................................................3

Section 32 Grandfather Clause ..............................................................3

ARTICLE IV Definitions

Section 40 Interpretation of Commonly Used Terms and Words..........4

Section 41 Definitions of Specific Terms and Words ...........................4

ARTICLE V Establishment of Districts

Section 50 General Use Zoning District ..............................................11

Section 50A Conditional Use District Historical ...................................11

Section 51 Conditional Zoning District ...............................................12

Section 52 Procedures for Conditional Zoning Districts .....................13

Section 53 District Boundaries shown on Zoning Map .......................13

Section 54 Due Consideration Given to District Boundaries ..............13

Section 55 Rules Governing Interpretation of District Boundaries .....14

ARTICLE VI Application of Regulations

Section 60 Zoning Affects Every Building and Use ............................15

Section 61 Reduction of Lot and Yard Areas Prohibited ....................15

Section 62 Relationship of Building to Lot .........................................15

ARTICLE VII Non-Conforming Situations

Section 70 Continuing the Use of Non-Conforming Land ..................16

Section 71 Continuing the Use of Non-Conforming Buildings ...........17

Section 72 Replacement of Non-Conforming Mobile Homes .............19

Section 72A Replacement of Non-Conforming Single Family ..............20

Dwellings

Section 73 Signs ...................................................................................21

Section 74 Off-Street Parking and Storage ..........................................24

Section 75 Off-Street Loading and Unloading Space ..........................28

Section 76 Regulations Governing Mobile Home Parks .....................28

Section 77 Individual Mobile Home - Temporary Permits .................35

Section 77A Permits ...............................................................................35

Section 78 Temporary Uses .................................................................35

ARTICLE VIII Use Requirements by District

Section 80 R-A Residential-Agricultural District ................................40

Section 81 R-20 Residential-Low Density ..........................................55

Section 82 R-15 Residential-Moderate Density ..................................57

Section 83 R-8 Residential-High Density District ...............................59

Section 84 R-E Residential Exclusive District ....................................61

Section 85 R-R Residential Restricted .................................................63

Section 86 R-M Residential Mixed......................................................65

Section 87 Residential Multi-family ....................................................70

Section 88 MHP Manufactured Housing Park.....................................70

Section 89 H-B Highway Business District .........................................71

Section 90 C-S Community Shopping District ....................................84

Section 91 M-I Light Manufacturing District ......................................87

Section 92 M-2 Heavy Manufacturing District ...................................92

Section 93 Floodplain District .............................................................97

ARTICLE IX Exceptions and Modifications

Section 94 Substandard Lots ..............................................................100

Section 95 Front Yard Setbacks for Dwellings..................................100

Section 96 Height Limitations ...........................................................100

Section 97 Visibility at Intersections .................................................100

Section 98 Fences in Residential Zones.............................................100

Section 99 Group Development - Deleted ...……………………… 101

Section 100 Planned Unit Development ........................................ 101

ARTICLE X Administration and Enforcement

Section 101 Zoning Enforcement Officer ............................................109

Section 102 Certification of Zoning Compliance Required ................109

Section 103 Application for Certificate of Zoning Compliance ..........109

Section 104 Health Department Approval of Water Supply and .........109

Sewage Disposal Facilities

Section 105 Certificate of Occupancy Required ..................................110

Section 106 Remedies Available .........................................................110

ARTICLE XI Board of Adjustment

Section 110 Establishment of Board of Adjustment ............................111

Section 111 Proceedings of the Board of Adjustment .........................111

Section 112 Powers and Duties of the Board of Adjustment ...............114

Section 113 Quasi-Judicial Decisions and Judicial Review ................115

Section 114 Duties of the Zoning Enforcement Officer, Board of ..... 115

Adjustment, Courts and County Commissioners on

Matters of Appeal

ARTICLE XII Amendments and Changes

Section 120 Motion to Amend ............................................................ 117

Section 121 Protest Against Amendment ........................................... 117

Section 122 Planning Board Action .................................................... 117

ARTICLE XIII Conditional Zoning

Section 130 Purposes .......................................................................... 118

Section 131 Jurisdiction ...................................................................... 118

Section 132 Procedure for Obtaining a Conditional Zoning Approval118

Section 133 Vested Rights ...................................................................122

Section 134 General Provisions in Granting Conditional Zoning .......124

Section 135 Regulations Governing Duplex and Multi-Family ..........125

Dwellings

Section 136 Procedures for obtaining a Special Use...........................127

ARTICLE XIV Legal Provisions

Section 140 Conflict with Other Ordinances.......................................128

Section 141 Validity............................................................................128

Section 142 Penalties...........................................................................128

Section 143 Effective Date .................................................................132

ARTICLE XV Drinking Supply Watershed Protection

Section 1 Establishment of Watershed Overlay District.............................133

Section 2 Definitions...................................................................................134

Section 3 Intent .........................................................................................136

Section 4 Applicability................................................................................136

Section 5 Exceptions and Applicability.......................................................137

Section 6 Watershed II – Critical Area (WS-II CA)....................................137

Section 7 Watershed II Watershed Balance of Watershed .........................138

Section 8 WSIV Watershed-Protected Area (WS IV PA)...........................139

Section 9 Cluster Development...................................................................140

Section 10 Stream Buffer Areas Required.....................................................141

Section 11 Administration.............................................................................141

Section 12 Adoption and Effective Date.......................................................144

APPENDIX-A-DIMENSIONAL REQUIREMENTS TABLES...........................................141

APPENDIX-B-WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATION FACILITIES..............................147

REQUIREMENTS

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR THE ZONING OF

STOKES COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA

ARTICLE I

Authority and Enactment Clause

In pursuance of authority conferred by Chapter 160D of the General Statutes of North Carolina,

and for the purpose of promoting the public health, safety, morals and general welfare; promoting

the orderly development of the county; lessening congestion in the roads and streets; securing

safety from fire, panic, and other dangers; providing adequate light and air; preventing the

overcrowding of land, avoiding undue concentration of population; and facilitating the adequate

provision of transportation, water, sewerage, schools, parks, and other public requirements, all in

accordance with a well-considered comprehensive plan. (Amended 6-1-21)

NOW, THEREFORE, The Board of County Commissioners of Stokes County, North Carolina,

does hereby ordain and enact into law these Articles and Sections.

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

ARTICLE II

Short Title

This Ordinance shall be known as “The Zoning Ordinance of Stokes County, North Carolina,” and

the map referred to, which is identified by the title “Official Zoning Map, Stokes County, North

Carolina” shall be known as the “Zoning Map.”

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

ARTICLE III

Jurisdiction

Section 30 Territorial Application

This Ordinance shall apply to all lands within areas designated as “official zone areas” by the

Board of County Commissioners of Stokes County. This Ordinance may also regulate territory

within the zoning regulation jurisdiction of any municipality whose governing body by resolution

agrees to such regulation; provided, however, that any such municipal governing body may, upon

one year’s written notice or such lesser time on which both Boards may agree, (#19) withdraw

from the jurisdiction of the county zoning regulations, and those regulations shall have no further

effect within the municipality’s jurisdiction.

Section 31 Bona Fide Farms Exempt

Stokes County does not intend to regulate farming activities. Cropland or farm buildings, including

such structures as farmhouses, tenant housing (dwelling for workers who are employed on the farm

where they reside), tobacco barns, and apple sheds, are excluded from the regulations described in

the zoning text. The regulations of this zoning ordinance take effect only when farmland is

developed for some type of non-farm activity. For example, if a farmer sold his farm for a 50-unit

residential subdivision, or a 5-acre tract for a shopping center, or a 2-acre tract for an industrial

site, the land—whoever owned it—would then be regulated by this Ordinance.

The rationale for excluding farming activities from zoning controls is simply that farming activities

generally take place on relatively large tracts of land -- 20, 50, 100 acres or more. The location of

a farmhouse, or a tobacco barn has little impact on a neighbor who may live two miles away. This

is not the case when a person owns a lot of an acre or less in size. What happens on the neighboring

property has direct impact on his property.

Amendment #19 -- Amended August 5, 1985

For example, the property owner wants to develop his property for a residential subdivision or a

commercial or industrial use, and the adjoining landowner wants to be assured that his property is

protected. This could be done either by excluding certain incompatible uses or insuring that other

uses are developed to specific standards that enhance the quality of the neighborhood.

Section 32 Grandfather Clause

Any use of land or building shall be regulated by this Ordinance. However, any outstanding

building permit valid at the time of adoption shall remain in force, and nothing in this Ordinance

shall require a change of plans, construction, or designated use of any structure for which such

permit has been issued.

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

ARTICLE IV

Definitions

For the purpose of interpreting this Ordinance certain words or terms are herein defined. The

following words shall, for the purpose of this Ordinance, have the meaning herein indicated.

Section 40 Interpretation of Commonly Used Terms and Words

Words used in the present tense include the future tense.

Words used in the singular number include the plural, and words used in the plural number include

the singular, unless the natural construction of the wording indicates otherwise.

The word “person” includes a firm, association, corporation, trust, and company, as well as an

individual.

The words “used for” shall include the meaning “designed for.”

The word “structure” shall include the word “building.”

The word “lot” shall include the words “plot,” “parcel,” or “tract.”

The word “shall” is always mandatory and not merely directory.

Section 41 Definitions of Specific Terms and Words

Accessory Use: A use customarily incidental and subordinate to the principal use or building and

located on the same lot with such principal use or building.

Agricultural Tourism (Agritourism): Any activity carried out on a bona fide farm or ranch as

defined by NC General Statute 160D-903 (a) (1-4) that allows members of the general public, for

recreational, entertainment, or educational purposes, to view or enjoy rural activities. these

activities include farming, ranching, historic, cultural, harvest your own activities, or natural

activities and attractions, or an agricultural use where agricultural products are processed, treated

sorted, blended, made, stored, sold at wholesale or retail for consumption on or off the premises,

offers tours to the public, provides samples and or sales of agricultural products or similar uses

that will enhance the over-all property for agricultural tourism. See North Carolina General Statue

references, GS106-581.1 Agriculture defined, and GS99E-30 Definitions, GS99e-31 Liability,

GS99E-32 Warning required concerning Agritourism Activity Liability. (Amended 12-3-13 &

Amended 6-1-21)

Agritourism – Restaurant/Lodging: A restaurant or lodging facility associated with and located

on property that qualifies as an Agritourism venue site and meets the statutory requirements for a

bona fide farm. (Amended 10-2-18)

Alley: A public way, which affords only a secondary, means of access to abutting property and

not intended for general traffic circulation.

Backyard Workshop: A small commercial operation located at the rear of a dwelling unit where

the principal use of the lot is for residential and the secondary activity is commercial.

Bed and Breakfast Home: A private home offering bed and breakfast accommodations to eight

(8) or less persons per night for a period of less than one (1) week. (#28)

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

Buffer Strip: A buffer strip shall consist of a planted strip at least ten (10) feet in width, composed

of deciduous or evergreen trees or a mixture of each, spaced not more than twenty (20) feet apart

and not less than one (1) row of dense shrubs, spaced not more than five (5) feet apart.

Building: Any structure having a roof supported by columns or by walls, and intended for shelter,

housing or enclosure of persons, animals or chattels.

Building, Accessory: A building subordinate to the main building on a lot and used for purposes

customarily incidental to those of the main building.

Building, Principal: A building in which is conducted the main or principal use of the lot on

which said building is situated.

Building Setback Line: A line establishing the minimum allowable distance between the nearest

portion of any building (excluding the outermost three (3) feet of any uncovered porches, eaves,

gutters and similar fixtures) and the street, road, or highway right of way line or easement line

when measured perpendicular thereto.

Crematory: A single furnace or retort for use in the cremation of human remains. (Amended 12-

3-13)

Crematorium: A room in which a crematory furnace or retort is housed in a funeral home.

(Amended 12-3-13)

Customary Home Occupation: Any use conducted entirely within a dwelling and carried on by

the occupants thereof, which use is clearly incidental and secondary to the use of the dwelling for

residential purposes and does not change the character thereof, and in connection with which there

is no display, no outside storage, no stock-in-trade nor commodity sold on the premises; provided

further, that no person not a resident on the premises is employed in connection with the home

occupation, except that not more than two (2) assistants may be employed by the following

occupations: physician, dentist, chiropractor. Such occupation shall be carried on solely within

the main dwelling and shall not occupy more than twenty-five percent (25%) of the total floor

space of the dwelling.

Amendment #28 -- Amended February 2, 1993

Amendment # -- March 7, 1995

Dwelling Unit: A building, or portion thereof, designed, arranged or used for permanent living

quarters for one (1) family. The term “dwelling” shall not be deemed to include a motel, hotel,

tourist home, mobile home or other structure designed for transient residence.

Dwelling, Single-Family: A detached building designed for or occupied exclusively by one (1)

family.

Dwelling, Two-Family: A building arranged or designed to be occupied by two (2) families living

independently of each other.

Dwelling, Multi-Family: A building or portion thereof used or designed as a residence for three

(3) or more families living independently of each other; including apartment houses and group

housing projects.

Easement: A right of use over the property of another that entitles its holder to a specific limited

use or enjoyment.

Family: One or more persons living together as a household.

Floodplain: That area designated on the official zoning map as the floodplain.

Funeral Home: A building that can be used for the embalming or the deceased prior to burial and

for the viewing of the deceased and ceremonies connected therewith before burial. (Amended 12-

3-13)

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

Funeral Home with Crematorium: A building used for the embalming and or cremation of the

deceased prior to burial and the viewing of the deceased and ceremonies connected therewith

before burial or cremation. (Amended 12-3-13)

Gable Roof: The generally triangular section of a wall at the end of a pitched roof occupying the

space between the two slopes of the roof.

Gross Floor Area: The total floor area of all buildings in a project including basements,

mezzanines and upper floors, exclusive of stairways and elevator shafts. It excludes separate

service facilities outside the main building such as boiler rooms and maintenance shops.

Group Camp: A camp providing camping facilities for ten (10) or more persons.

Group Development: A group of two (2) or more principal structures built on a single lot, tract

or parcel of land not subdivided into the customary blocks and lots and which will not be

subdivided, and designed for occupancy by separate families, businesses or other enterprises. Such

developments shall be fully subject to applicable provisions of county subdivision regulations.

Examples would be: cluster-type subdivisions, row houses, apartment courts, housing projects,

school and hospital campuses, shopping centers, and industrial parks.

Amendment # -- Amended March 7, 1995

Hip Roof: The external angle formed by the meeting of two adjacent sloping sides of a roof. (#)

Amendment # --Amended December 20, 1999

Junk Yard: The use of more than six hundred (600) square feet of the area of any lot for the

storage, keeping or abandonment of junk, including scrap metals, or other scrap materials, or for

the dismantling, demolition, or abandonment of automobiles or other vehicles or machinery or

parts thereof.

Lot: A parcel of land occupied or capable of being occupied by a building or group of buildings

devoted to a common use, together with the customary accessories and open spaces belonging to

the same.

Lot, Corner: A lot which occupies the interior angle at the intersection of two (2) street lines

which make an angle of more than forty-five degrees (45 ) and less than one hundred and thirty-

five degrees (135 ) with each other. The street line forming the least frontage shall be deemed the

front of the lot except where the two (2) street lines are equal, in which case the owner shall be

required to specify which is the front when requesting a zoning compliance permit.

Lot Depth: The depth of a lot is the mean distance of the side lines of the lot measured from the

midpoint of the front line to the midpoint of the rear lot line.

Lot of Record: A lot which is part of a subdivision, a plat of which has been recorded in the

Office of the Register of Deeds of Stokes County, or a lot described by metes and bounds, the

description of which has been so recorded.

Lot Width: The distance between side lot lines measured at the building setback line.

Manufactured Home, Class A: A manufactured home constructed after July 1, 1976, that meets

or exceeds construction standards promulgated by the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban

Development that were in effect at the time of construction and that satisfies the following

additional criteria:

 The manufactured home has a length not exceeding four times its width (double-wide,

triple-wide units).

 The pitch of the roof of the manufactured home has a minimum vertical rise of two and two

tenths feet for each twelve feet of horizontal run (2.2 ft. and 12 ft.) and the roof is finished

with a type of shingle that is commonly used in standard residential construction.

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

 All roof structures shall provide an eave projection of no less than six inches, which may

include a gutter.

 The exterior siding consists predominantly of vinyl or aluminum horizontal lap siding (whose

reflectivity does not exceed that of gloss white paint), wood or hardboard, comparable in

composition, appearance and durability to the exterior siding commonly used in standard

residential construction.

 The manufactured home is set up in accordance with the standards set by the North Carolina

Department of Insurance and a continuous, permanent masonry foundation or masonry curtain

wall, unpierced except for required ventilation and access, is installed under the perimeter of

the manufactured home.

 Stairs, porches, entrance platforms, ramps and other means of entrance and exit to and from

the home shall be installed or constructed in accordance with the standards set by the North

Carolina Department of Insurance, attached firmly to the primary structure and anchored

securely to the ground.

 The moving hitch, wheels and axles, and transporting lights have been removed.

Amendment—August 1, 1997

Manufactured Home, Class B: A manufactured home constructed after July 1, 1976 that meets

or exceeds the construction standards promulgated by the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban

Development that were in effect at the time of construction, but does not satisfy all the criteria

necessary to qualify the house as a Class A manufactured home.

Manufactured Home, Class C: A manufactured home that does not meet the definitional criteria

of a Class A or Class B manufactured home.

Minimum Acreage Measurement Requirements: Acreage measurements (square footage) of

lots shall be exclusive of all right of ways or easements for vehicular traffic.

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

Mobile Home: A mobile home shall mean a movable or portable manufactured housing unit over

thirty-two (32) feet in length and at least eight (8) feet in width, constructed to be towed on its

chassis and designed without a permanent foundation for year-round occupancy, which includes

one or more components that can be retracted for towing purposes and subsequently expanded for

additional capacity or of two (2) or more units separately towable but designed to be joined into

one integral unit, as well as a portable dwelling composed of a single unit. Such vehicle shall

contain as an integral part of its construction kitchen facilities and a completely equipped bathroom

consisting of a flush toilet, lavatory, and bathtub or shower. All units constructed since 1976 shall

comply with the National Mobile Construction and Safety Standards adopted by the U.S.

Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Mobile Home Park: Any site or tract of land where three (3) or more mobile homes are located

that are utilized as dwelling units and a rental fee is paid to the landowner or park operator.

Modular Unit: A factory-fabricated transportable building designed to be used by itself or to be

incorporated with similar units at a building site into a modular structure. The term is intended to

apply to major assemblies and does not include pre-fabricated sub-elements which are to be

incorporated into a structure at the site. These units shall comply with the North Carolina

Residential Building Code or have received an N.C. Validation stamp attesting to compliance or

said code.

Mortuaries: A place in which dead bodies are kept until burial. (Amended 12-3-13)

Non-Conforming Situation: A situation that occurs when, on the effective date of this Ordinance

or any amendment to it, an existing lot or structure or use of an existing lot or structure does not

conform to one or more of the regulations applicable to the district in which the lot or structure is

located. Among other possibilities, a non-conforming situation may arise because a lot does not

meet minimum acreage requirements, because structures do not satisfy maximum height or

minimum floor space limitations, because the relationship between existing buildings and the land

(in such matters as density and setback requirements) is not in conformity with the Ordinance, or

because land or buildings are used for purposes made unlawful by the Ordinance. (#24)

Non-Conforming Uses: A non-conforming situation that occurs when property is used for a

purpose or in a manner made unlawful by the use regulations applicable to the district in which the

property is located. (For example: A commercial office building in a residential district may be

non-conforming use.) The term also refers to the activity that constitutes the use made of the

property. (For example: All the activity associated with running a bakery in a residentially zoned

area is a non-conforming use.) (#24)

Amendment #24--Amended February 15, 1988

Open Storage: Unroofed storage area, whether fenced or not, in excess of four hundred (400)

square feet.

Oriented: The placement or alignment of a structure in respect to said point or location.

Parallel: The position or placement of a use in which all parts are extending in the same direction.

Parking Space: A storage space of not less than nine (9) feet by eighteen (18) feet for one (1)

automobile plus the necessary access space. It shall always be located outside the dedicated street

or highway right of way.

Planned Recreational Resort: A unified development including one or more types of dwellings

or uses (i.e. lodge, cabins, campgrounds, single family dwellings) on separate lots or common sites

with supporting recreational facilities on a relatively large tract of land. This development may

include necessary food services, which would be primarily for the benefit of the people residing

there.

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

Planned Residential Development: The planned unit development is a permitted use designed

to provide for the development’s incorporating a single type or a variety of residential and related

uses which are planned and developed as a unit. Such development may consist of individual lots

or common building sites. Common land must be an element of the plan related to effecting the

long-term value of the entire development.

Portable On-site Storage Unit: A portable on-site storage unit is any container designed for the

storage of personal property and for transport by commercial vehicle that is typically rented to

owners or occupants of property for their temporary use. A portable on-site storage unit is not a

building or structure.

Amended August 3, 2010

Private Outdoor Kennel: A location where dogs or other domesticated animals are kept,

groomed, bred boarded, trained, or sold.

Recycling Center: A facility used for collection and processing of recyclable materials.

Processing means the preparation of materials for efficient shipments, or to an end user’s

specification, by such means as baling, briquetting, compacting, flattening, grinding, crushing,

sorting, shredding, and cleaning. (Amended 12-3-13)

Sewer Systems, Public: A system serving ten (10) or more dwelling units and approved by the

Stokes County Division of the District Health Department or the North Carolina Department of

Natural Resources and Community Development, Division of Environmental Management.

Sign Area: Sign area shall be measured by the smallest square, rectangle, triangle, circle or

combination thereof, which will encompass the entire advertising copy area including architectural

trim and structural members. In computing area only one (1) side of a double-faced sign shall be

considered.

Signs: Any notice containing words, letters, figures:

Billboards: A sign which directs attention to a business, commodity, service, or

entertainment conducted, sold or offered elsewhere than upon the premises

where the sign is displayed.

Business Sign: A sign which directs attention to a business, profession, or industry located

upon the premises where the sign is displayed, to type of products sold,

manufactured, or assembled and/or to service or entertainment offered on said

premises.

Identification Sign: A sign used to identify only the name of the individual, family,

organization, or enterprise occupying the premises; the profession of the

occupant or the name of the building on which the sign is displayed.

Bulletin Board: A sign used to announce meetings or programs to be held on the premises

of a church, school, library, museum, community recreation center, or similar

non-commercial places of public assembly.

Amendment # -- December 20, 1999

Street, (Road): A dedicated and accepted public right-of-way for vehicular traffic which affords

the principal means of access to abutting properties.

Structure: Anything constructed or erected, the use of which requires more or less permanent

location on the ground or which is attached to something having more or less permanent location

on the ground.

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

Trailer, Camper: A vehicle with or without its own motive power, equipped or used for

temporary living purposes and mounted on wheels or designed to be so mounted and transported.

Watershed: A watershed is an area in which natural ridge lines form the outer perimeter of a

basin which diverts rainfall and natural drainage into streams of rivers which in turn drain lower

elevations. When such watersheds contain Class I and II reservoirs, then such area is regulated by

the Rules and Regulations for the Protection of Public Water Supplies as adopted by the North

Carolina State Board of Health.

Water Supply System, Public: Refer to definition as written in Rules Governing Public Water

Systems, North Carolina Administrative Code Title 15A Department of Environment, Health, and

Natural Resources, Subchapter 18C Water Supplies, Sections .0100 through .2100 as amended,

provided that there is an adequate supply of water to provide fire suppression (The Stokes County

Fire Marshal’s office shall determine if the water supply is adequate to provide fire

suppression)(Definition amended 12-8-98)

Yard: An open space on the same lot with a principal building, unoccupied and unobstructed from

the ground upward except as otherwise provided herein.

Yard, Front: An open, unoccupied space on the same lot with a principal building, extending the

full width of the lot and situated between the street or highway right-of-way line and the front line

of the building, projected to the side lines of the lot.

Yard, Rear: An open, unoccupied space on the same lot with a principal building, extending the

full width of the lot and situated between the rear line of the lot and the rear line of the building

projected to the side lines of the lot.

Yard, Side: An open, unoccupied space on the same lot with a principal building, situated between

the side line of the building and the adjacent side line of the lot and extending from the rear line of

the front yard to the front line of the rear yard.

Zoning Enforcement Officer: The person whom the county has authorized to administer the

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance.

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

ARTICLE V

Establishment of Districts

Section 50 General Use Zoning Districts

For the purpose of this Ordinance, the County of Stokes is divided into the following general

purpose districts.

R-A Residential-Agricultural District

R-20 Residential-Low Density

R-15 Residential-Medium Density

R-8 Residential-High Density

R-E Residential - Exclusive

R-R Residential – Restricted

R-M Residential – Mixed

RMF Residential – Multi-family

MHP Manufactured Housing Park

H-B Highway-Business District

C-S Community Shopping District

M-1 Light Manufacturing District

M-2 Heavy Manufacturing District

F-P Flood Plain District

Section 50A Conditional Use Districts Historical

This section of the ordinance is a historical reference to existing districts located in the county.

No new applications for rezoning to a Conditional Use zoning district, Conditional Use permits,

or Special Use permits will be accepted. These districts will stay intact and subject to the

conditional or special use permit under which they were issued but henceforth shall be referred to

as conditional zoning permits. Any proposed changes to these districts or permits would be

subject to the rules that are in effect at the time of the request. (Amended 6-1-21)

For each general use district established in Section 50 above, a companion conditional use district

is hereby established.

R-A-CU Residential-Agricultural District Conditional Use

R-20-CU Residential-Low Density Conditional Use

R-15-CU Residential-Medium Density Conditional Use

R-8-CU Residential-High Density Conditional Use

R-E-CU Residential – Exclusive Conditional Use

R-R-CU Residential – Restricted Conditional Use

R-M-CU Residential – Mixed Conditional Use

RMF-CU Residential – Multi-family Conditional Use

MHP-CU Manufactured Housing Park Conditional Use

H-B-CU Highway-Business District Conditional Use

C-S-CU Community Shopping District Conditional Use

M-1-CU Light Manufacturing District Conditional Use

M-2-CU Heavy Manufacturing District Conditional Use

F-P-CU Flood Plain District Conditional Use

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

Section 51 Conditional Zoning District

For each general use district established in Section 50, a companion conditional zoning district is

hereby established.

R-A-CZ Residential-Agricultural Conditional Zoning District

R-20-CZ Residential-Low Density Conditional Zoning District

R-15-CZ Residential-Medium Density Conditional Zoning District

R-8-CZ Residential-High Density Conditional Zoning District

R-E-CZ Residential- Exclusive Conditional Zoning District

R-R-CZ Residential- Restricted Conditional Zoning District

R-M-CZ Residential-Mixed Conditional Zoning District

RMF-CZ Residential-Multi-Family Conditional Zoning District

H-B-CZ Highway-Business District Conditional Zoning District

C-S-CZ Community Shopping District Conditional Zoning District

M-1-CZ Light Manufacturing District Conditional Zoning District

M-2-CZ Heavy Manufacturing District Conditional Zoning District

F-P-CZ Flood Plain District Conditional Zoning District

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

Section 52 Procedures For Conditional Zoning Districts

52.1 All regulations which apply to a general use zoning district shall also apply to the

conditional zoning district. Conditional Zoning districts are zoning districts in

which the development and use of the property is subject to predetermined

ordinance standards and the rules, regulations and conditions imposed as part of the

legislative decision creating the district and applying it to the particular property

through the development of identified use(s) at a specific location in accordance

with a site plan acceptable to the Board of Commissioners.

52.2 The conditional zoning district will be considered only upon the request of the

petitioner for rezoning.

52.3 The petitioner must specify the actual use(s) intended from the list of permitted uses

in the conditional zoning district.

52.4 In rezoning the property the Board of Commissioners may impose additional

reasonable conditions. If the conditions are acceptable to the petitioner, the Board

shall rezone the property attaching the conditions to the conditional zoning district.

All conditions shall be binding on the land

52.5 Any violations of the conditions of the conditional zoning district shall be a violation

of the zoning ordinance.

Section 53 District Boundaries Shown on Zoning Map

The boundaries of the districts as shown on the map accompanying this Ordinance and made a part

hereof entitled “Official Zoning Map, Stokes County, North Carolina.” The zoning map and all

the notations, references and amendments thereof, and other information shown thereon are hereby

made a part of this Ordinance the same as if such information set forth on the map were all fully

described as set out herein. The zoning map properly attested is posted at the Stokes County

Courthouse and is available for the inspection by the public.

Section 54 Due Consideration Given to District Boundaries

In the creation, by this Ordinance, of the respective districts, careful consideration is given to the

peculiar suitability of each and every district for the particular uses and regulations applied thereto,

and the necessary and proper grouping and arrangement of various uses and densities of population

in accordance with a well-considered comprehensive plan for the physical development of the

county.

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

Section 55 Rules Governing Interpretations of District Boundaries

Where uncertainty exists as to the boundaries of any of the aforesaid districts as shown on the

zoning map, the following rules shall apply:

55.1 Where such district boundaries are indicated as approximately following street,

alley, or highway lines, such lines shall be construed to be such boundaries.

55.2 Where district boundaries are so indicated that they approximately follow lot lines

such lot lines shall be construed to be said boundaries.

55.3 Where district boundaries are so indicated that they are approximately parallel to

the center line of streets, alleys or highways, or the rights-of-way of same, such

district boundaries shall be construed as being parallel thereto and at such distance

therefrom as indicated on the zoning map.

55.4 Where a district boundary line divides a lot or tract in single ownership, the district

requirements for the least restricted portion of such lot or tract shall be deemed to

apply to the whole thereof, provided such extensions shall not include any part of a

lot or tract more than thirty-five (35) feet beyond the district boundary line. The

term “least restricted” shall refer to use restrictions, not lot or tract size.

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

ARTICLE VI

Application of Regulations

Section 60 Zoning Affects Every Building and Use

No building or land shall hereafter be used and no building or part thereof shall be erected, moved

or altered except in conformity with the regulations herein specified for the district in which it is

located, except as hereinafter provided in this Ordinance.

Section 61 Reduction of Lot and Yard Areas Prohibited

No yard or lot existing at the time of passage of this Ordinance shall be reduced in size or area

below the minimum requirements set forth herein, except for street widening. Yards or lots created

after the effective date of this Ordinance shall meet at least the minimum requirements established

by this Ordinance.

Section 62 Relationship of Building to Lot

Every building hereafter erected, moved or structurally altered shall be located on a lot and in no

case shall there be more than one (1) principal building and its customary accessory buildings on

the lot, except in the case of a specially designed group development of institutional, residential,

commercial or industrial buildings in an appropriate zoning district (i.e. school campus, cluster

housing, shopping center, industrial park, and so forth) as permitted by Section 95.

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

ARTICLE VII

NON-CONFORMING SITUATIONS

Section 70 Non-Conforming Uses (#24)

Non-Conforming uses may be continued subject to the following provisions:

70.1 A non-conforming use may be extended throughout any portion of a completed

building that, when the use was made non-conforming by this Ordinance, was

manifestly designed or arranged to accommodate such use. However, a non-

conforming use may not be extended to additional buildings or to land outside the

original building. A non-conforming use may be relocated on the same tax parcel

if said relocation will improve the health and safety of the surrounding area;

provided that said relocation does not create a substantial enlargement of the non-

conforming use and the overall result of the relocation is an improvement over the

existing site location. Amended December 1, 2020

70.2 A non-conforming use shall not be changed to any use but a conforming use. When

a non-conforming use has been changed to a conforming use, the premises shall not

thereafter be used for any non-conforming use.

70.3 Physical alterations of structures or the placement of new structures on open land

are unlawful if they result in:

a. An increase in the total amount of space devoted to a non-conforming use.

b. Non-conformity with respect to dimensional restrictions such as yard

requirements, height limitations or density requirements.

70.4 A structure that is non-conforming in any respect or a structure that is used in a non-

conforming manner may be reconstructed or replaced if partially or totally

destroyed, subject to the following restrictions:

a. The total amount of space devoted to a non-conforming use may not be

increased.

b. The reconstructed building may not be more non-conforming with respect to

dimensional restrictions such as yard requirements, height limitations, or

density requirements; and such dimensional non-conformities must be

eliminated if that can reasonably be accomplished without unduly burdening

the reconstruction process or limiting the right to continue the non-conforming

use of such building.

Amendment #24--Amended February 15, 1988

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

70.5 If a non-conforming use is discontinued for a continuous period of more than one

hundred eighty (180) days, any future use of the land or building shall be in

conformity with the provisions of this Ordinance.

a. The Board of Adjustment may issue a special use permit to allow a non-

conforming use that has been discontinued for more than 180 consecutive days,

but less than two (2) years, to be reinstated if it finds that:

The discontinuance resulted from factors that, for all practical purposes, were

beyond the control of the person maintaining the non-conforming use.

b. Non-conforming uses that are a risk to public health and safety shall not be

allowed to continue once the activity is stopped. Activities in this category

include but are not limited to tire disposal and automobile salvage yards.

70.6 Subject to 71.3 Concerning Repairs. Minor repairs to and routine maintenance of

property where non-conforming situations exist are permitted and encouraged.

Major renovation, work estimated to cost more than ten (10) percent of the

appraised value of the structure to be renovated (and not required by the partial or

total destruction of a structure, see Section 71.4) may be done pursuant to a special

use permit issued by the Board of Adjustment. The Board of Adjustment shall issue

such a permit if it finds that the work will not result in a violation of any other

paragraphs of this non-conforming section or make the property more incompatible

with the surrounding neighborhood. This provision does not pertain to single

family residential structures or mobile homes.

70.6 The status of a non-conforming use shall not be affected by change of ownership of

the property housing such non-conforming use.

Section 71 Non-Conforming Buildings and Structures

Non-conforming buildings and structures shall be allowed to remain subject to the following

provisions:

71.1 A non-conforming building or structure shall not be enlarged or extended unless

such extension shall comply with all the requirements of this Ordinance for the

district in which it is located.

71.2 Physical alteration of structure or the placement of new structures on open land are

unlawful if they result in:

a. An increase in the total amount of space devoted to a non-conforming use.

b. Nonconformity with respect to dimensional restrictions such as yard

requirements, height limitations, or density requirements.

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

71.2.1 Notwithstanding any other provision of this Ordinance, a single family dwelling,

(mobile home) made non-conforming based on dimensional requirements may be

replaced by another mobile home provided that such dimensional non-conformities

must be eliminated if that can reasonably be accomplished without unduly

burdening the reconstruction process or limiting the right to continue the non-

conforming use of such building.

71.3 Minor repairs to and routine maintenance of property where non-conforming

situations exist are permitted and encouraged. Major renovation, work estimated

to cost more than ten (10) percent of the appraised value of the structure to be

renovated (and not required by the partial or total destruction of a structure, see

Section 71.4) may be done pursuant to a special-use permit issued by the Board of

Adjustment. The Board of Adjustment shall issue such a permit if it finds that the

work will not result in a violation of any other violation of any other paragraphs of

this non-conforming section or make the property more incompatible with the

surrounding neighborhood.

71.4 A structure that is non-conforming in any respect or a structure that is used in a non-

conforming manner may be reconstructed or replaced if partially or totally

destroyed, subject to the following restrictions:

a. The total amount of space devoted to a non-conforming use may not be

increased.

b. The reconstructed building may not be more non-conforming with respect to

dimensional restrictions such as yard requirements, height limitations, or

density requirements, and such dimensional non-conformities must be

eliminated if that can reasonably be accomplished without unduly burdening

the reconstruction process or limiting the right to continue the non-conforming

use of such building.

71.5 The status of a non-conforming building shall not be affected by change of

ownership of said building.

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

Section 72 Replacement of Non-Conforming Mobile Homes

Non-conforming mobile homes on individual lots in the R-A, R-20, R-15, H-B, C-S, M-I and M-

2 zoning classification districts.

(Amended 10-3-00)

72.1 A mobile home used for residential purposes and maintained as a non-conforming

use may be replaced with a similar structure of a larger size, so long as dimensional

non-conformities such as yard requirements, height limitations, or density

requirements, etc., must be eliminated if that can reasonably be accomplished

without unduly burdening the reconstruction process or limiting the right to

continue the non-conforming use of such a building. In particular, a mobile home

may be replaced with a larger mobile home, and a “single wide” mobile home may

be replaced with a “double wide” mobile home.

72.2 Any replacement mobile home shall comply with Federal mobile home

construction and safety standards if constructed after June 15, 1976. Any

replacement mobile home built prior to June 15, 1976 shall not be allowed.

72.3 Any replacement mobile home shall comply with Part III, standards for installations

of mobile homes of the North Carolina Regulations for Mobile Homes and Modular

Housing as adopted in 1979 and from time-to-time amended.

72.4 A mobile home that replaces an existing mobile home shall be skirted with a non-

flammable material.

72.5 The replacement of a non-conforming mobile home with another mobile home that

meets all the conditions mentioned in this section must occur within ninety (90)

days of the date of discontinuation of the non-conforming use, unless approved

otherwise by the enforcement officer.

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

Section 72A Replacement of Non-Conforming Single Family Dwellings

Non-conforming single family dwellings on individual lots in the M-I and M-2 zoning

classification district may be replaced, rehabilitated, enlarged or extended under the following

conditions.

72A.1 Any structure used for single family residential purposes and maintained as a non-

conforming situation may be replaced with a single family dwelling, so long as such

dimensional non-conformities such as yard requirements, height limitations, or

density requirements, etc., must be eliminated if that can reasonably be

accomplished without unduly burdening the reconstruction process or limiting the

right to continue the non-conforming use of such building.

72A.2 The replacement of a non-conforming single family dwelling with a single family

dwelling must occur within one (1) year of the date of discontinuation of the non-

conforming situation.

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

Section 73 Signs

It is the purpose of this section to permit signs of a residential, commercial, and industrial nature

in appropriate sites throughout Stokes County. Although signs are a necessary part of the

community, the size and placement of signs shall be controlled in order to protect the property

values, to protect the physical appearance of the community, and to prohibit signs that may

contribute to traffic hazards.

73.1 Location: No advertising sign or structure, which includes billboards and

business signs, shall be erected, constructed or maintained so as to interfere with

vision clearance along any public thoroughfare or at any intersection or junction

of two or more thoroughfares. Nor shall any sign or structure be located within a

thoroughfare right-of-way, or less than three hundred (300) feet from any

residential structure.

73.2 Illumination: No flashing, intermittent, red, green, or yellow illumination shall be

used on any sign or structure located in the same line of vision as a traffic control

signal. Nor shall any flashing or intermittent sign be so arranged as to have the

effect of partially blinding oncoming drivers. All illuminated signs or structures

shall be so placed as to prevent the light rays or illumination therefrom being cast

upon residential dwellings. All advertising signs or structures with flashing or

intermittent lights shall be located at least two hundred (200) feet from residential

district boundaries.

73.3 Maintenance and Removal: All signs and sign structures shall be kept in good

repair and maintained in proper state of preservation. The Zoning Enforcement

Officer shall have the authority to cause the removal of any sign unsafe or such

signs to be repaired and made otherwise to comply with the requirements of this

Section. Any sign, which is no longer functional or has been abandoned shall be

repaired or removed within thirty (30) days following such abandonment.

73.4 Administration: The Zoning Enforcement Officer shall refuse a permit for the

erection or construction of any sign or structure, which does not meet the

requirements of this Section. The Zoning Enforcement Officer shall order the

removal of any signs that are not constructed or maintained in accordance with the

provisions of this Ordinance.

73.5 Permit Required: Applications for permits shall be submitted on forms obtained

at the office of the Zoning Enforcement Officer. Each application shall be

accompanied by plans which shall:

a. Indicate the proposed site by identifying the property by ownership, location,

and use.

b. Show the location of the sign on the lot in relation to property lines and

buildings, zoning district boundaries, right-of-way lines, and existing signs.

c. Show size, character, complete structural specifications and methods of

anchoring and support.

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

d. If warranted, the Zoning Enforcement Officer may require additional

information that will enable him to determine whether or not the sign will be

erected in conformance with this section.

73.6 Non-Conforming Signs: Non-conforming on-site signs shall be removed at the

discontinuance of a business use. Property owners are responsible for removal of

non-conforming signs.

73.7 Signs Permitted In Residential Districts:

a. One nameplate sign shall be permitted, provided the surface area does not

exceed two (2) square feet.

b. One identification sign not to exceed twenty-four (24) square feet in surface

area shall be permitted for each major entrance to a subdivision, school,

recreational facility, public safety facility or other permitted uses.

c. One identification sign per lot for customary home occupations, kindergartens

and rest home, etc. Such signs shall not exceed three (3) square feet in area.

No sign shall be illuminated.

d. Church bulletin boards.

(1) One sign shall be allowed per street, road or right-of-way frontage

(2) Maximum size of single sign shall be 120 sq. ft.

(3) Maximum height of sign shall be 25 ft.

(4) Signs may be illuminated, but may not have blinking type lighting.

(5) Signs shall be located a minimum of 5 ft. behind any rights-of-way

or easement.

(6) These signs shall require a permit.

e. Billboards (off-site business signs).

(1) Zoning District where permitted - R-A (Residential Agricultural).

(2) Maximum size of single sign - thirty-two (32) square feet.

(3) Spacing between signs - each billboard shall be at least one thousand

(1000) feet radius from another billboard.

(4) Setbacks - billboards shall be located a minimum of five (5) feet

behind any rights of ways or easements.

(5) No billboards shall be allowed in any required front, side, or rear

yard set-backs.

(6) Signs are restricted to legal businesses as allowed by the Stokes

County Zoning Ordinance. (Not for in-home occupations, or

backyard workshops.)

(7) Persons installing signs must have permission from property owner.

(8) Signs shall not be illuminated.

(9) These signs shall require a permit.

(10) Height – maximum height of any sign shall be twenty-five (25) feet.

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

73.71 Private Directional Signs

Free-standing signs that direct people to businesses or instructional facilities such

as churches may be allowed provided they do not exceed two (2) square feet in area.

Such signs shall not be illuminated. (No Permits Required)

73.8 Signs permitted in Commercial and Industrial Districts

a. Wall and projecting business signs shall be permitted, provided that the total

area of such signs for any one building shall not exceed one square foot per

linear foot of lot frontage. (Amended 10-3-00)

b. One freestanding business sign shall be permitted for each separate street

frontage of an establishment. The area of any such sign shall not exceed one

and a half (1.5) square feet of surface area for each linear foot of lot frontage of

the street. In the case of more than one establishment per lot, the area of

individual freestanding signs shall be based on the street frontage of that portion

of the lot used by each establishment. In no case shall the total area in

freestanding business signs on a lot exceed three (3) square feet of each linear

foot of lot frontage.

(Amended 10-3-00)

1) Setback- signs shall be located a minimum of five (5) feet behind any rights-

of-way or easement

Amended 10-3-00)

2) Height- Maximum height of signs shall be limited to twenty-five (25) feet.

(Amended 10-3-00)

c. Signs projecting at right angles from a building shall be allowed when

suspended from a canopy provided the sign is at least eight (8) feet above the

sidewalk. Otherwise signs must be mounted flat with building walls and must

not project more than eighteen (18) inches from such walls.

d. Roof business signs shall be permitted provided no portion of such signs

extends beyond the edge of any exterior wall, the height of the sign above the

roof does not exceed one third (1/3) of the height of the building on which it is

located, and free passage from any part of the roof to any other part is not

prevented.

e. Billboards, provided not more than one (1) billboard structure will be allowed

per one hundred (100) feet or less of lot frontage in single ownership with one

(1) additional billboard structure allowed per additional one hundred (100) feet

of lot frontage.

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

Section 74 Off-Street Parking and Storage

Off-street automobile parking or storage space shall be provided on every lot on which any of the

following uses are hereafter established. At the time of the erection of any building, or at the time

any principal building is enlarged or increased in capacity by adding dwelling units, guest rooms,

seats or floor area, or before conversion from one type of use to another, permanent off-street

parking space in the amount specified by this section shall be provided. Such parking space may

be provided in a parking garage or properly graded open space.

74.1 Certification of Minimum Parking Requirements

Each application for a zoning compliance permit or certificate of occupancy

submitted to the Zoning Enforcement Officer as provided for in Article X shall

include information as to the location and dimensions of off-street parking and

loading space and the means of ingress and egress to such space. This

information shall be in sufficient detail to enable the Zoning Enforcement Officer

to determine whether the requirements of this section are met.

74.2 Combination of Required Parking Space

The required parking space for any number of separate uses may be combined in

one (1) lot, but the required space assigned to one use may not be assigned to

another use, except that one-half (1/2) of the parking space required for churches,

theaters, or assembly halls whose peak attendance will be at night or on Sundays

may be assigned to a use which will be closed at night or on Sundays.

74.3 Remote Parking Space

If the off-street parking space required by this Ordinance cannot reasonably be

provided on the same lot on which the principal use is located, such space may be

provided on any space within five hundred (500) feet of the main entrance to such

principal use, provided such space is in the same ownership as the principal use.

Said land shall be used for no other purpose so long as no other adequate

provision for parking space meeting the requirements of this Ordinance has been

made for the principal use.

74.4 Requirements for Parking Lots in Residential Districts

Where parking lots for more than five (5) automobiles are permitted or required in

residential districts, the following provisions shall be complied with:

74.4.1 The lot may be used only for parking and not for any type of commercial

loading, sales, repair work, dismantling or servicing.

74.4.2 All entrances, exits, barricades at sidewalks, and drainage works shall be

approved by the Zoning Enforcement Officer prior to construction.

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

74.4.3 A buffer strip as defined in Subsection 41 shall be required along all side

and rear lot lines.

74.4.4 Only one (1) entrance and one (1) exit sign not larger than four (4) square

feet in area prescribing parking regulations may be erected at each entrance

or exit.

74.4.5 Minimum Parking Requirements

The required number of off-street parking spaces for each land use is specified below:

LAND USE REQUIRED PARKING SPACE

Automobile sales and One (1) space for each two (2) employees

repair garages at maximum employment on a single shift,

plus two (2) spaces for each 300 square

feet of repair or maintenance space.

Automobile washeterias One (1) space for each two (2) employees

at maximum employment on a single shift.

Reserve spaces equal to five (5) times the

capacity of the facility at the location of

ingress and egress.

Bed and Breakfast One (1) space for each bedroom plus one

Homes space for each two (2) employees. (#28)

Amendment #28--Amended February 2, 1993

Bowling Alleys Two (2) spaces for each lane, plus one (1)

additional space for each two (2) employees.

Camps for tents and One (1) parking space for each site provided

camping trailers for tents and camping trailers plus ten (10)

additional parking spaces.

Funeral Homes One (1) space for each four (4) seats in the

main chapel.

Elementary Schools One (1) space for each classroom and

and Middle Schools administrative office.

(both public and private)

Group Camp Facility One (1) space for each camper in which

the facility is designed.

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

Hospital One (1) space for each four (4) patient beds

plus one (1) space for each staff or visiting

doctor plus one (1) space for each four (4)

employees.

Hotels One (1) space for each two (2) rooms,

plus one (1) additional space for each

five (5) employees.

Kindergartens or One (1) space for each employee and

Nurseries four (4) spaces for off-street drop-off

and pickup.

Libraries One (1) space for each four (4) seats

provided for patron use.

Medical Offices Four (4) spaces for each doctor participating

and Clinics at the clinic, plus one (1) space for each

employee.

Mobile Homes One (1) space for each mobile home.

Mobile Home Park Two (2) spaces for each unit.

Motels, Tourist Homes One (1) space for each accommodation plus

and Tourist Courts two (2) additional spaces for employees.

Offices, Business One (1) space for each 200 square feet

Professional or Public, of gross floor area.

Including Banks

Outdoor Recreation Areas One (1) space for each three (3) persons able

and Amusement Parks to use such facility at its maximum capacity,

plus ten (10) spaces for waiting plus one (1)

space for each two (2) employees.

Places of Public Assembly One (1) space for each four (4) seats

Including Private Clubs, provided for patron use, plus one (1)

and Lodges, Auditoriums, space for each 100 square feet of floor

Dance Halls, Pool Rooms, of ground area used for amusement or

Theaters, Stadiums, assembly, but not containing fixed seats.

Gymnasiums, Amusement

Parks, Community Centers,

and all similar places of

Public Assembly

Rescue Squads and Parking space equivalent to three (3)

Armories times the floor space in the main building.

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

Residential Dwellings, Two (2) spaces for each dwelling unit.

Single-Family and Two-

Family

Residential Dwellings, One and one-half (1 ½) spaces for each

Multi-Family dwelling unit.

Restaurants, Drive-In Parking space equivalent to five (5) times

the floor space in the main building.

Restaurants, Indoor One (1) space for each three (3) seats or

stools, plus one (1) space for each two (2)

employees on the shift with the largest

employment.

Retail Business and One (1) space for each 200 square feet

Consumer Service of gross floor area.

Outlets

Sanitariums, Rest and One (1) space for each six (6) patient beds,

Convalescent Homes plus one (1) space for each staff or visiting

for the Aged, and similar doctor, plus one (1) space for each four (4)

Institutions employees.

Senior High Schools One (1) space for each ten (10) students

and Colleges, both for whom the school was designed, plus

Public and Private one (1) space for each classroom and

administrative office.

Service Stations Two (2) spaces for each gas pump plus

three (3) spaces for each grease rack or

similar facility.

Shopping Centers Three (3) square feet of parking space

for each square foot of gross floor area.

Wholesaling and One (1) space for each two (2) employees

Industrial Uses at maximum employment on a single shift.

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

Section 75 Off-street Loading and Unloading Space

Every building or structure used for business, trade or industry hereafter erected shall provide space

as indicated herein for the loading and unloading of vehicles off the street or public alley. Such a

space shall have access to an alley or, if there is no alley, to a street. For the purposes of this

section, an off-street loading space shall have a minimum dimension of twelve (12) feet by forty

(40) feet and an overhead clearance of fourteen (14) feet in height above the alley or street grade.

Retail Operations One (1) loading space for each twenty

thousand (20,000) square feet of gross

floor area or fraction thereof.

Industrial and One (1) loading space for each fifty

Wholesale (50,000) square feet of gross floor area

Operations or fraction thereof.

Section 76 Regulations Governing Mobile Home Parks

The purpose of these mobile home park regulations is to provide an acceptable environment for

what are in fact small communities of mobile homes. Mobile home parks shall be located in the

MHP (Manufactured Housing Park) zoning district.

76.1 Definitions

For the purpose of interpreting this Ordinance certain words or terms are herein

defined:

76.1.1 Mobile Home

A mobile home shall mean a movable or portable over thirty-two (32) feet

in length and at least eight (8) feet in width, constructed to be towed on its

chassis and designed without a permanent foundation for year-round

occupancy, which includes one or more components that can be retracted

for towing purposes and subsequently expanded for additional capacity or

of two (2) or more units separately towable but designed to be joined into

one integral unit, as well as a portable dwelling composed of a single unit.

Such vehicle shall contain as an integral part of its construction kitchen

facilities and a completely equipped bathroom consisting of a flush toilet,

lavatory, and bathtub or shower. All units constructed since 1976 shall

comply with the National Mobile Construction and Safety Standards

adopted by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Units constructed prior to 1976, and do not meet the construction

standards of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

(HUD), shall not be permitted in mobile home parks. (# Amendment #--

December 20, 1999

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

76.1.2 Trailer

A trailer shall mean any vehicle or structure designed to be transported and

intended for human occupancy as a dwelling for short periods of time.

Such vehicles contain limited or no kitchen and bathroom facilities.

76.1.3 Mobile Home Space

A plot of land within a mobile home park designed for the accommodation

of one mobile home in accordance with the requirements set forth in this

Ordinance.

76.1.4 Mobile Home Park

Any site or tract of land where three (3) or more mobile homes are located

that are utilized as dwelling units and a rental fee is paid to the landowner

or park operator.

76.2 Compliance with Regulations

All mobile home parks existing at the time of adoption of this Ordinance are not

required to comply with these regulations. However, before any existing park can

add additional mobile home sites, or a new park constructed, all requirements of

this Ordinance must be met.

76.3 Approval Process

76.3.1 Development Plan

A development plan shall be presented to the administrative office

(County Manager or his designated representative). The development plan

shall comply with the specifications listed in Section 76.6. A fee shall be

paid to the county for each proposal to cover the cost of advertising and

administrative costs. (#8) Copies of the development plan shall be

forwarded to the Stokes County Planning Board for review and to the

County Board of Commissioners for action.

Amendment #8--Amended August 15, 1993 (Amended 12-8-98)

76.3.2 Public Hearing

The administrative officer shall schedule a public hearing on the proposal

within sixty (60) days after the proposal is filed. Public notice of the

hearing shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the

community at least once each week for two successive weeks prior to the

public hearing. The administrative officer shall also post notice on the

property involved for a period of one week prior to the hearing.

76.3.3 Action by the Planning Board

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

The Planning Board shall review the proposal prior to the public hearing

and negotiate with the developer for any changes that might be needed to

comply with the Ordinance. The recommendations of the planning board

shall be presented to the Board of County Commissioners prior to the

public hearing. The planning board may revise its recommendations

following the public hearing and present such recommendations to the

Commissioners before final action is taken.

76.3.4 Action by the County Board of Commissioners

The Commissioners shall approve, modify, or deny the application for a

mobile home park following the public hearing. In making their final

decision, the Board of County Commissioners shall insure:

a. The mobile home park will not impair the integrity or character of the

surrounding or adjoining land uses, nor be detrimental to the health,

morals, or welfare of residents of the area.

b. Careful consideration has been given to the impact of the mobile home

park on the community, particularly the additional requirements for

transportation, schools, parks and playgrounds.

c. That development will not occur in natural or fragile areas, such as in

flood plains.

d. That adequate utilities, access roads, drainage, sanitation or other

necessary facilities have been or are being approved.

e. That adequate measures have been taken or will be taken to provide

ingress and egress so designed as to minimize traffic congestion in the

public streets.

76.4 Revocation of Approval

In any case where the requirements of this Ordinance are not being met, the

administrative officer shall give the park owner notice of intention to revoke

approval at least ten (10) days prior to the review by the County Board of

Commissioners. After review, the Board may revoke approval of the mobile

home park.

76.5 Expiration

In the case where an approval has not been exercised within one (1) year, the

approval shall be null and void. “Exercised” as set forth in this section shall mean

that the binding contracts for the construction of the main building have been let;

or in the absence of contracts that the main building is under construction to a

substantial degree; or that prerequisite conditions involving substantial investment

are contracted for or completed (sewage, drainage, etc.). When construction is not

a part of the use, “exercised” shall mean that the use is in operation in compliance

with the requirements set forth in this Ordinance.

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

76.6 Development Plan

A plan clearly indicating the developer’s intention to comply with the provisions

of this Ordinance shall be submitted for approval. Such plans shall be drawn at a

scale of not less than one (100) feet to the inch and shall show the following on

one or more sheets that are either 15 X 18 inches or 20 X 24 inches in size.

76.6.1 A site plan of the proposed mobile home park.

76.6.2 The name of the mobile home park, the names and addresses of the

owner(s) and the designer of the park.

76.6.3 Date, approximate north arrow, and scale.

76.6.4 The boundary line of the tract with accurate linear and angular dimensions

drawn to scale.

76.6.5 The locations of existing and platted property lines, streets, buildings,

water courses, railroads, bridges, water mains, sewers, culverts, drain pipes

and any utility easements, both on the land to be developed into a mobile

home park and on land immediately adjoining. The names of adjoining

sub-divisions or the names of record or owners of adjoining parcels of un-

subdivided land.

76.6.6 The names, proposed location and approximate dimensions of proposed

streets, alleys, driveways, entrances, exits, walkways, easements, recreation

areas, parks and other spaces, reservations, mobile home spaces, and

building lines within the park. This information should be graphically

shown only. It is not required to prepare detailed computations or fieldwork

above that required to obtain the above information.

76.6.7 Plans of proposed utility layouts (sewer lines, septic tank drainfields, and

water and storm drainage) showing feasible connections to existing and

proposed utility systems.

76.6.8 Where public water and public sewer is not available, a written statement

from the health department shall be submitted with the mobile home park

plans that indicate that the park has adequate land area and suitable

topography to accommodate the proposed methods of water supply and

sewage disposal.

76.6.9 Location and number of garbage receptacles.

76.6.10 Plans for electric lighting.

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

76.7 Specifications for Mobile Home Parks

76.7.1 Mobile Home Space

Each mobile home in a mobile home park shall occupy a designated space

having at least five thousand (5,000) square feet, and a width of at least

fifty (50) feet, exclusive of common driveways.

76.7.2 Roads

All roads serving a manufactured home park should be paved. Roads

should have a fifteen (15)-ft.-paved roadway with at least six (6)-inches

compacted ABC stone with a turn around sufficient to allow emergency

vehicles to navigate. (Certification shall include but is not limited to

receipts showing the amount of stone placed on the road as well as

engineering and surveying data, when necessary). The Stokes County

Planning & Community Development Department shall determine if the

roads are in compliance with the applicable standards. The park owner

shall sign a Road Maintenance Agreement, which must be approved by the

county attorney.

76.7.3 Parking Spaces

Two (2) off-street driveway parking spaces with not less than four (4)

inches of crushed stone or other suitable material on a well-compacted

sub-base shall be provided for each mobile home space. Required parking

spaces may be included within the five thousand (5,000) square feet

required for each mobile home space.

76.7.4 Recreation Area

At least four hundred (400) square feet of recreation space shall be

provided for each mobile home.

76.7.5 Spacing

No mobile home or other structures within a mobile home park shall be

closer to each other than twenty-five (25) feet, except that storage or other

auxiliary structure for the exclusive use of the mobile home may be closer

to that mobile home than twenty-five (25) feet.

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

76.7.6 Spacing from Exterior Boundary

No mobile home shall be located closer than thirty (30) feet to the exterior

boundary of the park or a bounding street or highway right-of-way.

Buildings used for laundry or recreation purposes shall be located no

closer than forty (40) feet to the exterior boundary of the park or the right-

of-way of a boundary street or highway.

76.7.7 Flood Prevention

Mobile home parks shall be located on ground not susceptible to flooding

and graded so as to prevent any water from ponding or accumulating on the

premises.

76.7.8 Lighting

All mobile home parks shall be adequately lighted.

76.7.9 Tiedowns

All mobile homes shall have tiedowns, which comply with North Carolina

Regulations for Mobile Homes.

76.7.10 Underpinning

All units shall be underpinned (skirted) by a solid, non-flammable

material.

76.8 Utilities Required

76.8.1 Water

An adequate and safe supply of water shall be readily available at each

mobile home park space. Each mobile home park shall obtain water from

a public water supply when available, and when unavailable, from a source

approved by the County Health Department. The supply shall be adequate

for the park requirements. The drinking, cooking, laundry and general

bathroom water supply for each individual mobile home shall be obtained

from faucets or other plumbing connections located within each mobile

home.

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

76.8.2 Sanitary Sewer

Each mobile home park shall be provided with an adequate sewage

disposal system, either by connecting to a public sewage system or septic

tank system approved by the County Health Department and/or North

Carolina Department of Natural Resources and Community Development,

Division of Environmental Management. All sewage waste from toilets,

showers, bathtubs, lavatories, wash basins, refrigerator drains, sinks,

faucets, and water using appliances not herein mentioned, shall be piped

into the mobile home park sewage disposal system.

76.8.3 Electricity

Each mobile home located in a mobile home park shall be provided with

electricity sufficient enough to safely meet the maximum anticipated

requirements of a mobile home. All wiring connections from the meter to

mobile home must comply with the National Electrical Codes.

76.9 Facilities Required

76.9.1 Garbage and Trash Containers

One (1) covered garbage and trash container twenty-four (24) gallon

maximum capacity shall be provided for each mobile home; containers

shall be placed on racks which are approved by the County Health

Department, and such racks shall be located within the mobile home park

at a point which is readily accessible for collection. In lieu of requiring

individual garbage and trash container for each mobile home, other

approved garbage and trash disposal facilities may be provided with the

approval of the County Manager.

76.9.2 Concrete Pads

Each mobile home must be provided with a minimum ten- (10) feet by ten

(10) feet concrete pad at the front entrance.

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

Section 77 Individual Mobile Home-Temporary Permits

Not more than one (1) mobile home may be permitted in a rear yard of residential district as an

accessory use on a temporary basis, provided the Board of Adjustment shall make a finding that a

personal hardship situation justifying such a special exception exists. Such hardship shall involve

the need to care for elderly parents or other dependents of the family occupying the principal

building. Reasons justifying separate quarters shall be incompatibility, contagious disease, illness,

or lack of adequate space within the principal building. Temporary use for permits may be issued

in such cases for one (1) year, (#9) but may be renewed for successive one (1) year periods so long

as the hardship continues to exist. Application for renewal of a temporary use permit shall be made

thirty (30) days prior to the expiration date of said permit. All applications shall be made to the

Zoning Enforcement Officer and, in turn, shall be reviewed by the Board of Adjustment to

determine relative need. All such mobile homes must have access to water and sewer systems

approved by the municipality in which it is located or the County Health Department if location is

beyond the corporate limits, and said mobile homes must be maintained in such a way as to create

no nuisance conditions. Furthermore, if any such mobile home must be situated closer to the side

or rear yard line than permitted by the dimensional requirements of the district, a variance must be

obtained from the Board of Adjustment.

Section 77A Permits

The Stokes County Health Department shall not issue a permit on a site or tract of land, until the

mobile home park enforcement officer has determined that the mobile home lot complies with the

county mobile home park regulations.

The Stokes County Inspection Department shall not issue a permit to hook up electricity for a

mobile home until the mobile home park enforcement officer has determined that the mobile home

lot has been constructed in compliance with the county mobile home park regulations.

Amendment #9--Amended December 5, 1983

Section 78 Temporary Uses (#26)

Intent

Certain uses shall not be allowed as permanent uses but may be allowed on a

temporary basis if conditions are met that will minimize their impact on

neighboring land uses.

78.1 Turkey Shoots

78.1.1 Definition

A place or event where contestants discharge shotguns in competition for

prizes.

78.1.2 Time Limits on Activity

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

This activity shall be limited to 90 consecutive days of operation once a

year. If the 90 day period goes from one year to the next, then applicant

must wait at least 6 months before applying for a new permit.

Amended August 3, 2010

78.1.3 Zoning Districts Where Allowed

(R-A) Residential Agricultural District. Turkey Shoots on vacant tracts of

land shall not be allowed unless the event is associated and supplemental to

some other use, club, church, civic organization, recreational use.

Amended August 3, 2010

78.1.4 Operating times

No later than 10:30 P.M. on Friday or Saturday.

Amended August 3, 2010

78.1.5 Separation Distance From Property Line

All turkey shoots shall be established with the firing line to target area

perpendicular to a road right-of-way with the following exception: Sites

which have more than one road right-of-way must designate the road on

which the front yard is to be located. A firing line must be established

perpendicular to that road and for a distance of 200 feet from and parallel to

any other intersecting road right-of-way. The minimum distance from the

firing point measured in the direction of fire to the nearest property line shall

be 300 feet. If a backstop is used, this separation may be reduced to 200

feet.

Amended October 2, 1990

Amended August 3, 2010

However, the Zoning Enforcement Officer can still deny a permit if he

determines that there exists special circumstances which create a risk of

harm to life and/or property at or around the site of the turkey shoot even

though all dimensional requirements are met.

78.1.6 Backstop Standard

All backstops shall be constructed of a material that will allow the shot to

penetrate and not pass through it, shall be of a minimum thickness of two

feet and maintained at a height of four feet above the target.

78.1.7 Health Requirements

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

Provisions for adequate and proper health standards shall be met in disposal

of garbage and refuse and in sanitary facilities. Any food service shall be

approved by the Stokes County Health Department Environmental Health

Section.

Amended August 3, 2010

78.1.8 Off-Street Parking

Adequate off-street parking shall be provided outside of a public right-of-

way.

78.1.9 Limited Access

The property where the turkey shoot is located shall be fenced, posted or

otherwise controlled to insure the safety of contestants, spectators and the

public at large.

78.2 Mobile home on residential lot while rebuilding or constructing a permanent

site-built home.

78.2.1 Conditions When Allowed

During the construction of a new site-built home or after a home has been

substantially damaged by fire or other disaster so as to make the same

inhabitable, a property owner may live temporarily in a mobile home during

the construction phase. This activity is permitted only in zoning districts

where mobile homes are allowed by right.

78.2.2 Time Limitation on Use

The mobile home may be used as a dwelling for a maximum of 2 years.

Also, it shall be removed within 30 days after the principal dwelling is

occupied.

78.2.3 Health and Safety Requirements

The mobile home shall be connected to an approved septic tank system and

to an approved electrical source.

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

78.3 Contractors’ Offices and Storage Trailers

Modular units may be used as temporary offices and storage trailers on construction

sites until the permanent buildings are finished. This unit shall be removed within

thirty (30) days of completion of the project.

Amended August 3, 2010

78.4 Temporary Storage Units (Portable On-site Storage Unit)

Portable On-site Storage Unit, (Pods or other similar containment units). Road

trailers intended for highway use, mobile homes and camper trailers are not

permitted as temporary storage units. Temporary Storage Trailers are not to be set

up as permanent structures. Electrical service, plumbing fixtures or mechanical

service is not permitted on temporary storage units. Time limit is one (1) year.

Amended August 3, 2010

78.5 Classrooms

Modular units used as temporary classrooms may be permitted in any residential

district. The local school board shall determine how long they remain on the site.

Amended August 3, 2010

78.6 Circuses and Carnivals

Circuses and carnivals may be permitted in any residential-agriculture, business or

industrial district for a period not to exceed one (1) week.

78.7 Sale Lots (Nonprofit Organizations)

Any nonprofit charitable, civic organization, religious, or educational organization

may operate a sales lot for Christmas trees, baked goods, or collected clothing, and

the like in any residential-agriculture, commercial or industrial district provided no

structure is erected other than tents or temporary booths.

Amended August 3, 2010

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

78.8 Seasonal/Outdoor Markets

1) The establishment of temporary sales lots, and seasonal agricultural

product sales are permitted for a period of ninety days upon the issuance of

a temporary use permit by the Stokes County Department of Planning and

Community Development.

2) The use shall not require the construction of a permanent building.

3) Off-street parking shall be required and be determined by Article VII

Section 74.

4) The use shall, including all sales items, parking, and maneuvering shall

meet a minimum 15 foot setback from any abutting residential property

line and street rights of way.

78.9 Temporary Signs

Any use allowed under this section may provide temporary signs, both on-site and

off-site. However, they shall not exceed 24 square feet in area and shall be removed

within 24 hours of the completion of the temporary activity.

78.10 Political Signs

Non-illuminated temporary political signs and posters are permitted. Such signs

shall be removed within 14 days after the election for which they were made.

Approval Process

No permit shall be required for any of the temporary uses listed, except turkey

shoots, classrooms, contractors’ offices and storage trailers, seasonal/outdoor

markets; however, the Enforcement Officer shall require any temporary use to cease

operation if it clearly violates the conditions specified in this section.

The Zoning Enforcement Officer shall approve all temporary uses as follows:

With Permit

*Classrooms

*Contractors’ office and storage trailers

* Seasonal/Outdoor Markets

*Turkey Shoots

Without Permit

*Sales lots in commercial districts

*Circuses and carnivals

*Temporary signs

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

ARTICLE VIII

Use Requirements by District

Within the districts indicated on the zoning map no building or land shall be used, and no building

shall be erected or altered which is intended or designed to be used in whole or in part, for any use

other than those listed as permitted for that district in this Article.

Section 80 R-A—Residential-Agricultural District

The RA Residential Agricultural district is intended to accommodate crop and livestock

production, forestry, as well as scattered non-farm development on traditional rural lots. Site-

built, modular, or multi-sectional Class A, and single - wide Class B manufactured dwelling units

situated on scattered individual lots and in minor subdivisions shall be the principal residential

use permitted provided they meet the required lot and yard size requirements. Any proposal for

a major single-family subdivision, manufactured home park or multi-family development shall

require a rezoning from the RA Residential Agricultural district to an appropriate residential

district that will accommodate a more intense use.

80.1 Permitted Uses

Agricultural Tourism (Agritourism):

Any activity carried out on a bona fide farm or ranch as defined by NC General

Statute 160D-903 (a) (1-4) that allows members of the general public, for

recreational, entertainment, or educational purposes, to view or enjoy rural

activities. these activities include farming, ranching, historic, cultural, harvest your

own activities, or natural activities and attractions, or an agricultural use where

agricultural products are processed, treated sorted, blended, made, stored, sold at

wholesale or retail for consumption on or off the premises, offers tours to the public,

provides samples and or sales of agricultural products or similar uses that will

enhance the over-all property for agricultural tourism. See North Carolina General

Statute references, GS106-581.1 Agriculture defined, and GS99E-30 Definitions,

GS99e-31 Liability, GS99E-32 Warning required concerning Agritourism Activity

Liability. (Amended 12-3-13), (Amended 6-1-21)

1) Where Allowed: RA (Residential Agricultural) District

2) Minimum Area: 5 Acres

3) Eligibility: Property must meet eligibility requirements as a bona fide farm

as defined in NCGS 160D-903 (a) (1-4) to be considered for an Agricultural

tourism facility or site.

Site Plan (Minor Agricultural facility): A development sketch plan is required for all

Minor Agricultural Tourism proposals unless otherwise noted.

Minor Facility Development Plan – Sketch plan of property including the

following items.

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

 Proposed activities

 Access and parking

 Sanitation

Site Plan (Major Agricultural facility): A development site plan is required for all

Conditional Zoning proposals for a Major Agricultural Tourism facility. (See section

80.2- Conditional Zoning Site Development Requirements)

Agricultural Tourism – Minor Facilities

Agricultural Tourism – Minor facility -A minor facility includes the production, sale and

display of agricultural products, offers tours or provides an agricultural related activity.

(Activities may include but are not limited to the following activities)

 Agricultural crop mazes

 Barnyard and Fiber animals

 Farm Roadside stands (products produced on site)

 Horse riding & walking trails

 Greenhouse & Nurseries (products produced on site)

 Hayrides

 Historic Farms

 Holiday Farms – (Christmas trees produced on site)

 Orchards

 Organic farming

 Pick Your Own Farms

 Pumpkin patches

 School Field Trips

 Vineyards

 Weddings (Catering from permitted establishment only)

 Wineries

Agricultural Tourism – Major Facilities – (Conditional Zoning approval required)

Agricultural Tourism – Major facility - A major facility includes the uses listed under a minor

facility plus a proposal for restaurants, tourist homes, outdoor event or activity/centers or similar

uses associated with agricultural tourism activity. These uses should enhance the over-all

property in relation to tourism and is subject to the issuance of a conditional zoning permit.

(Activities may include but are not limited to the following activities)

 Permitted uses listed under Minor Agricultural Facility

 Hunting clubs & lodges

 (10) ten acre minimum

 Zip Lines

 (10) ten acre minimum

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

Any form of agriculture, or horticulture, including the sale of products at a retail

stand on the property where produced.

Backyard workshops

Bed and Breakfast Home (#28)

1) The Bed and Breakfast Home shall be operated by the landowners, or their

agent who shall reside on the property.

2) The use shall be located in a structure which was originally constructed as

a dwelling.

3) Meals served on the premises shall be only for guests of the facility.

Amendment #28--Amended February 2, 1993

4) All facilities shall comply with the rules governing the sanitation of Bed and

Breakfast Homes as specified in 15A NCAC 18A.2200.

5) Signage shall be limited to one home occupation sign or one free standing

sign not to exceed three square feet in area. Either may be directly or

indirectly illuminated.

Churches and their customary related uses including cemeteries,

1) Provided that all buildings and graves shall be set back at least twenty (20)

feet from any property line

Customary accessory uses and structures including private garages, swimming

pools and other accessory structures in the rear yard where they shall not cover more

than thirty percent (30%) of said rear yard.

Customary home occupations, including dressmaking, cooking and baking,

hairdressing, music instruction, the renting of not more than one (1) room, the

practice of such professions as insurance and accounting, shall be permitted as

accessory uses in a residence. The Board of Adjustment shall decide whether other

home occupations not listed here are within the spirit of this category of accessory

uses.

Kindergartens and day nurseries,

1) Provided that not less than one hundred (100) square feet of play area is

provided for each child,

2) Provided further said aggregate play space is surrounded by a sturdy fence

at least four (4) feet in height.

Manufactured Home on individual Lots

The intent of the standards set forth in this ordinance is to ensure that

manufactured homes are compatible with other dwellings in residential areas and

meet a minimum construction, placement and architectural standard while

providing an alternative means of affordable housing.

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

The use of a single section Class B manufactured home may be used as an

accessory structure for the purpose of building a new or rebuilding a damaged

home with the issuance of a temporary permit valid only for a period of two (2)

years. Any variance to this requirement shall be made to the Board of

Adjustment. It is the intent that the requirements 1-12 shall not apply to homes

being used for this purpose.

Single section manufactured homes used as an accessory structure on tracts ten

(10) acres or larger shall be issued a temporary permit valid for a period of two (2)

years. When the two (2) year duration period has ended a new two (2) year

temporary permit must be issued and so forth until the home is removed.

It is intended that any single section manufactured home that is a home of record

with the Stokes County Tax and the Planning and Community Development

Department as of December 31, 1999 shall be considered “grand fathered “and

shall not need to meet these requirements. However, if this home of record is

moved or placed on any new lot or parcel the requirements listed below shall

apply with the exception to requirements # 2, 6, and 7.

Mobile Homes may be situated on individual lots in the R-A Residential Districts,

provided they meet the same lot and yard size requirements as immobile homes

and also meet the following requirements.

1) The single section home shall be on a lot/parcel located in an area in which

the majority of the surrounding housing uses are of the same type.

2) The manufactured home shall have a minimum nominal width of fourteen

(14) feet.

3) The towing apparatus, wheels, axles, and transporting lights shall be

removed.

4) The manufactured home shall be oriented parallel or within a ten (10)

degree deflection of being parallel to lot frontage. Any request to vary this

requirement shall be made to the BOA. This requirement shall only apply

to tracts that are of one (1) acre of size or smaller or if the location of the

home is within 125 feet from the center of the road or street.

5) The home shall have a continuous, permanent masonry foundation or

masonry curtain wall installed under the perimeter of the manufactured

home and be constructed in accordance with the NC building code, being

unpierced except for required access and ventilation. Installation must be

completed prior to final electrical service is approved.

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

6) The exterior appearance of the home shall consist of a siding that is made

of one or more of the following: vinyl, aluminum, wood, press board,

stucco, brick or stone, but in no case shall the reflectivity of the siding be

greater than a flat white paint.

7) The main roof of each manufactured home shall be a gable or hip roof

pitch of at least a minimum nominal vertical rise of three (3) feet for each

twelve (12) feet or greater horizontal run. The roof shall be covered with a

material that is residential in appearance, including but not limited to

approved wood, asphalt composition or fiberglass shingles, but excluding

corrugated aluminum, fiberglass or metal roofs.

8) Stairs, porches, entrance platforms, ramps and other means or entrance and

exit to and from the manufactured home shall be installed or constructed in

compliance with the standards of the NC State building code, attached and

anchored securely to the ground. Wood stairs shall only be used in

conjunction with a porch or entrance platform with a minimum size of

twenty (20) square feet. It is the intention to prohibit the use of wood

stairs only at the entrance to a manufactured home.

9) The home shall have a minimum nominal heated square footage size of

840 square feet.

10) Manufactured homes constructed before July 1, 1976 that do not meet the

construction standards of the U.S Department of Housing and Urban

Development (HUD), will be permitted for agricultural use only.

11) Two (2) accessory mobile homes are allowed on parcels ten (10) acres or

greater. If the primary residence is a singlewide mobile home, only one

accessory mobile is allowed (Individual lot requirements are waived for

the accessory mobile home).

12) Parcels less than ten (10) acres will be required to provide each home site

with an individual recorded lot.

Amendment --# December 20, 1999

Manufactured Home, Class A

Amendment –August 1, 1997

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

Public elementary and secondary schools, colleges, and universities, and private

schools having a curriculum approximately the same as ordinarily given in public

schools.

Public safety facilities such as fire and police stations and rescue squad

headquarters,

1) Provided that all vehicles and equipment shall be stored indoors;

2) Provided further, that all buildings shall be set back at least twenty (20) feet

from all property lines

3) Shall be designed and landscaped in such a way as to blend in with the

surrounding area.

Public works and public utility facilities such as transformer stations, pumping

stations, water towers, and telephone exchanges, provided:

1) Such facilities are essential to the service of the community and no vehicles

or materials shall be stored on the premises. (#13)

2) All buildings and apparatus shall be set back at least twenty (20) feet from

all property lines and shall be designed and landscaped in such a way as to

blend in with the surrounding area.

Signs, subject to Section 73

Single Family Dwellings

Temporary Sawmills

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

80.2 Conditional Zoning Site Development Requirements

A development plan shall be prepared for all conditional zoning applications and be sealed

by an Architect, Engineer, or Surveyor licensed in the State of North Carolina containing

the following information

A. The location, floor plans and general exterior dimensions of main and

accessory buildings.

B. Location, arrangement, and dimensions of truck loading and unloading

spaces and docks.

C. Architectural plans all for proposed buildings

D. Location, design and dimensions of vehicular entrances, exits, and drives.

E. Ground cover, streams topography, slopes, banks, and ditches.

F. The location, dimensions, and arrangements of areas to be devoted to

plantings, lawns, trees, and other plants.

G. Location and materials of walls and fences.

H. Specific drainage systems, as it relates to the site and adjoining properties.

I. Location, arrangements and dimensions of automobile parking spaces,

width of aisles, width of bays, angled parking and sidewalk layouts.

J. The plans for proposed utility layouts, including sanitary sewers, storm

sewers, water distribution lines and electrical service.

K. Plans for refuse disposal equipment and method of refuse disposal such as

compactors or dumpsters. An opaque or decorative fence of a least six (6)

feet in height shall enclose all dumpsters.

L. Preliminary sediment control plan. Developer must submit a copy of the

approved sediment control plan prior to development or construction.

M. Delineation of areas to be constructed in phases and sequential order.

N. An analysis of anticipated traffic volume.

O. The plans for proposed utility layouts, including sanitary sewer, storm

sewers, water distribution lines, natural or propane gas lines, telephone and

electrical service (all utilities shall be constructed to local government

body standards, if applicable).

P. Evidence that the North Carolina Department of Transportation has been

made aware of the proposed development and that the developer will

coordinate for the development with this agency.

Q. Or any other information that the Boards deem necessary.

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

 Agritourism – Restaurant/Lodging

1) A Restaurant or Lodging facility associated with and located on property

that qualifies as an Agritourism venue site.

2) The primary purpose of the Restaurant and or Lodging facility is to serve

the Agritourism venue site.

3) If the Agritourism venue site ceases operation then the Restaurant and or

Lodging facility no longer qualifies to operate under the zoning

classification of RA-CZ.

4) The Restaurant and or Lodging facility must meet all applicable federal,

state and local laws.

5) All parking shall be on site and designated for that use.

6) Any signage, which identifies the use shall be in accordance with standards

of the underlying zoning district. (Amended 10-2-18)

 Airstrip/Landing facility, Private Accessory Use

1) That the proposed use will not endanger the public health and safety, nor

substantially reduce the value of nearby property.

2) That the proposed use will not constitute a nuisance to properties located

in residential districts with respect to noise, dust fumes, light, vibration, or

traffic.

3) That the proposed use and design will comply with all applicable Federal

Aviation Administration regulations.

4) All appropriate FAA permit (s) shall be included with site plan

submission.

5) Access to the runway and taxiway shall be controlled by an approved

method of either a vegetative or natural buffer or by fencing of at least six

(6) feet in height as determined by the Boards.

6) There shall be a minimum three hundred (300) foot setback from the

airstrip and any adjoining residential property.

7) Accessory structures associated with the use shall meet the setback

requirements for primary structures for the underlying zoning district.

 Amusements/Recreational Facilities For Profit (Outdoors) (swimming pools, fishing

lakes, etc.)

1) Outdoor amusement facilities shall be separated by an opaque screen from

any abutting property that is located in a residential district, if required by

the Boards.

2) No amusement facilities, such as miniature golf courses, skateboard

courses, or mechanical rides shall be located within 100 feet of any

adjoining property line.

3) Hours of operation shall be no earlier than 7:00 a.m. and no later than

12:00 midnight.

4) No motorized vehicles, such as motorcycles, dirt bikes, go-carts, all terrain

vehicles, and similar uses shall not be allowed.

5) The site shall have a minimum of ten (10) acres, unless otherwise

determined by the Board.

6) Ancillary support activities, such as the provision of food and beverages,

parking and other concessions or vending operations shall permitted on a

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

temporary basis and only during the operation of the use and shall meet all

applicable state health codes.

7) All parking shall be on site in a designated area for that purpose.

8) Any signage, which identifies the use, shall be in accordance with

standards of the underlying zoning district.

 Cemeteries (For profit)

1) Burial sites, tombstones, crypts, monuments and mausoleums must be

located at least 100 feet from any street right-of-way line or abutting

property line.

2) Buildings for maintenance, management, rent and/ or sale of cemetery lots

must conform to building type permitted in the zoning district. The

owners of the property, and their agents, heirs, or assignees shall be

responsible for the continual maintenance and up keep of all facilities and

grounds.

3) The proposed use shall be located on a tract no less than ten (10)

contiguous acres exclusive of transportation easements and rights of ways.

4) Burial sites shall be located 100 feet from any surrounding well and 15

feet from any part of a septic system.

5) A plat shall be recorded with the Register of Deeds naming the cemetery

and describing the location of the burial site(s).

Amended 10-2-07

 Cemeteries (Church-off site)

1) Burial sites, tombstones, crypts, monuments and mausoleums, or other

structures must be located at least 30 feet from any public street right-of-

way line or abutting property line.

2) Burial sites shall be located 100 feet from any surrounding well and 15

feet from any part of a septic system.

3) Buildings for maintenance, management of cemetery lots must conform to

building type permitted in the zoning district. The owners of the property,

and their agents, heirs, or assignees shall be responsible for the continual

maintenance and up keep of all facilities and grounds.

4) The proposed use shall be located on a tract no less than one (1)

contiguous acre exclusive of transportation easements and rights of ways.

5) A plat shall be recorded with the Register of Deeds naming the cemetery

and describing the location of the burial site(s).

Adopted 10-2-07

 Campground, RV park (Temporary Occupancy)

1) Property shall be accessed from a street/road maintained and approved by

the North Carolina Department of Transportation and able to serve any

emergency vehicle (s).

2) The park shall have all weather roads and driveways that directly abut all

spaces.

3) Parking space shall be provided to accommodate at least one (1)

automobile and camping vehicle for each camping spaces.

4) A safe, adequate and conveniently located water supply shall be provided

for each park in compliance with applicable regulations.

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

5) Each park shall provide a sewage disposal/dumping facility, approved by

the Stokes County Environmental Health Department. Any dumping

facility shall be located one hundred (100) feet from any adjoining

property line, structure or campsite.

6) No Class A, B, manufactured home shall be allowed to be set-up or stored

in a recreational park, except for a home being used exclusively for the

park manager or operator dwelling.

7) The recreational park may contain a retail sales counter and/or a coin

operated machines for the park residents’ use only, provided they are

completely enclosed within a structure and there is no exterior advertising.

8) Garbage and refuse disposal shall be provided in a permanent dumpster

container (s). Each dumpster shall be enclosed by a wood fence of at least

six (6) feet in height to prevent debris from leaving the containment area.

9) The use shall be of a temporary nature and the same occupant shall not

occupy any campsite, cabin, or vehicle for a period of more than ninety

(90) days.

10) All parking shall be on site in a designated area for that purpose.

11) The use shall be located on tracts of land that are at least 10 contiguous

acres, unless otherwise determined by the Board.

 Commercial/Private Outdoor Kennel (Boarding and breeding of animals, birds and

reptiles)

1) The outdoor containment of animals shall be at least 100 feet from any

abutting property line.

2) Any outside containment areas shall be screened with a solid fence that is

at a height of no less than six (6) feet.

3) Review and inspection by Stokes County Animal Control.

4) Minimum lot area of (3) three acres shall be required and the use shall be

considered an accessory use on a lot containing a principal single family

dwelling and shall be located in the rear of the property.

 Community Centers, Clubs, and Lodges

 County Governmental Uses / Board of Commissioners

 Driving ranges and accessory uses

1) The use shall be located at least 200 feet from any exterior property line.

2) The use shall be located on tracts that are at least 10 contiguous acres,

unless otherwise approved by the Board.

3) The minimum lot depth from the tees to the end of the driving area shall

be one thousand (1000) feet or the end shall be controlled with netting

and/or berms to prevent golf balls from leaving the property.

4) Fencing, netting, trees, or other control measures shall be provided around

the perimeter of the driving area so as to prevent golf balls from leaving

the driving area.

5) Driveway access to the facility shall be paved and must directly connect to

a road that is maintained the NC DOT. Residential and gravel roads shall

not be allowed for access.

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

 Golf Courses and Accessory Uses

1) Fencing, netting, trees, or other control measures shall be provided around

the perimeter of the golf course so as to prevent golf balls from leaving the

course area.

2) There shall be a minimum distance of fifty (50) feet between any

clubhouse or other principle building (s) and any adjacent residentially

zoned property.

3) Driveway access to the facility shall be paved and must directly connect to

a road that is maintained the NC DOT. Residential and gravel roads shall

not be allowed for access.

 Hunting Clubs & Lodges

1) (10) ten acre minimum

 Land Clearing / Inert Debris Landfill Minor (Off-site) For Profit

1) Any landfill shall obtain all applicable permits and comply with the

standards of the Stokes County Environmental Health Department and the

State of North Carolina. All approved permits shall be submitted in the

site plan to the Planning Department prior to issuance of the Conditional

Zoning permit.

2) Driveway access to the facility shall be paved and must directly connect to

a road that is maintained the by NC DOT. Residential and gravel roads

shall not be allowed for access.

3) All driveways which serve the site shall be wide enough to accommodate

two way traffic at all times and an area on the site shall be provided

accommodate vehicles entering the site so that no traffic waiting to enter

the site will be backed up on any public right-of-way.

4) The maximum area of the site shall be limited to two (2) acres.

5) A minor landfill shall be limited to a maximum period of operation of

three (3) years from the date of issuance of the Conditional Zoning permit.

6) No portion of any such landfill shall be located within 100 feet of any

exterior property line. This includes structures, equipment storage,

parking areas, and fill areas. Access drives may cross this area but not be

placed laterally through this area.

7) The fill area shall be located at least 100 feet from any existing drinking

water well at the time of approval.

8) A fifteen (15) foot evergreen tree buffer of at least 6 ft. in height shall be

retained around the exterior property line.

9) Vehicular and pedestrian access to the site must be controlled; the site

must be closed and secured during hours of non-operation.

10) Operation of use shall be between the times of 7:00am and 5:00pm,

Monday through Saturday.

11) No filling of any kind is allowed within 100 feet of the regulatory flood

plain or floodway fringe or within any drainage ways.

12) The landfill operator shall be responsible for removal of any and all debris,

dirt, or other materials that fall from vehicles entering or leaving the

landfill from all adjoining streets. Failure to comply shall constitute a

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

violation of this ordinance and shall constitute grounds for revocation of

the operating permit.

13) A surety bond or irrevocable letter of credit in an amount to be determined

by the County Manager and with consultation with a consulting engineer

shall be provided to ensure that any active landfill area will be closed in an

approved fashion. The amount of the bond will be based upon the

maximum acreage expected to be in use at any given time. No more than

25% of the total area to be filled may be actively used at any one time.

14) A reclamation plan shall be provided to show how the site will be

reclaimed upon the closing of the landfill. Upon closure, a minimum of

one (1) foot of clean soil, graded to maximum slope of three to one (3:1),

and stabilized with vegetation or by other approved means.

 Land Clearing / Inert Debris Landfill Major (Off-site) For Profit

1) Any landfill shall obtain all applicable permits and comply with the

standards of the Stokes County Environmental Health Department and the

State of North Carolina. All approved permits shall be submitted in the

site plan to the Planning Department prior to issuance of the Conditional

Zoning permit.

2) Driveway access to the facility shall be paved and must directly connect to

a road that is maintained the by NC DOT. Residential and gravel roads

shall not be allowed for access.

3) All driveways which serve the site shall be wide enough to accommodate

two way traffic at all times and an area on the site shall be provided

accommodate vehicles entering the site so that no traffic waiting to enter

the site will be backed up on any public right-of-way.

4) No portion of any such landfill shall be located within 100 feet of any

exterior property line. This includes structures, equipment storage, and

parking areas. Access drives may cross this area but not be placed

laterally through this area.

5) The fill area shall be located at least 300 feet from any residential district

and any existing drinking water well at the time of approval.

6) A fifteen (15) foot evergreen tree buffer of at least 6 ft. in height shall be

retained around the exterior property line.

7) Vehicular and pedestrian access to the site must be controlled; the site

must be closed and secured during hours of non-operation.

8) Operation of use shall be between the times of 7:00am and 5:00pm,

Monday through Saturday.

9) The fill area of the site shall be limited to a maximum of 10 acres.

10) No filling of any kind is allowed within 100 feet of the regulatory flood

plain or floodway fringe or within any drainage ways.

11) The landfill operator shall be responsible for removal of any and all debris,

dirt, or other materials that fall from vehicles entering or leaving the

landfill from all adjoining streets. Failure to comply shall constitute a

violation of this ordinance and shall constitute grounds for revocation of

the operating permit.

12) A surety bond or irrevocable letter of credit in an amount to be determined

by the County Manager and with consultation with a consulting engineer

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

shall be provided to ensure that any active landfill area will be closed in an

approved fashion. The amount of the bond will be based upon the

maximum acreage expected to be in use at any given time. No more than

25% of the total area to be filled may be actively used at any one time.

13) A reclamation plan shall be provided to show how the site will be

reclaimed upon the closing of the landfill. Upon closure, a minimum of

one (1) foot of clean soil, graded to maximum slope of three to one (3:1),

and stabilized with vegetation or by other approved means.

 Motor Cross Course (Including bicycles without motors)

1) Outdoor amusement facilities shall be separated by an opaque screen from

any abutting property that is located in a residential district, if required by

the Boards.

2) All structures and accessory structures shall be located at least 100 feet

from any adjoining property lines.

3) No portion of the riding course shall be located within 100 feet of any

adjoining property line.

4) Hours of operation shall be no earlier than 7:00 a.m. and no later than

12:00 midnight.

5) The site shall have a minimum of ten (10) acres, unless otherwise

determined by the Board.

6) Ancillary support activities, such as the provision of food and beverages,

parking and other concessions or vending operations shall permitted on a

temporary basis and only during the operation of the use and shall meet all

applicable state health codes.

7) All parking shall be on a permanent site in a designated area for that

purpose.

8) Any signage, which identifies the use, shall be in accordance with

standards of the underlying zoning district.

 Parks (Public or Private)

 Planned Recreational Resort

Board of Commissioners subject to the following conditions:

1) All conditional use requests are subject to the requirements and procedures

as set forth in Article XIII (Conditional Uses).

2) A site plan reviewed by the Planning Board and approved by the Board of

Commissioners.

3) The minimal tract shall be ten (10) acres unless otherwise determined by

the board.

4) Any structure (including parking areas or swimming pools shall be at least

one hundred (100) feet from any exterior property line.

5) Each dwelling unit shall comply with the off-street parking requirements

found in Article VII, Section 74.

6) Recreational facilities such as trails, swimming pools, golf courses shall be

secondary activities to the residential uses and be primarily for the benefit

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

of the people residing there. Such uses as skeet, and firing ranges, motor

cross, and go-cart tracts shall not be permitted.

7) Common open space shall be a part of the project.

8) Overall density shall not exceed that allowed in the current zoning

classification, although clustering is allowed.

9) Roads within the project shall be public or private and comply with the

development standards in the county subdivision regulations.

10) No billboards or freestanding commercial signs shall be permitted on site;

however, one (1) identification sign shall be permitted at each entrance,

directional signs shall be allowed on site as needed.

Amendment #231—amended 2-7-2012

 Stables/Riding Academies (Commercial)

1) Stables with more than 10 stalls shall be located on tracts that are 10

contiguous acres or larger, unless otherwise determined by the Board.

2) All structures and accessory structures shall be located at least 100 feet

from any adjoining property lines.

 Rest and Convalescent homes not used primarily for the treatment of contagious

diseases, alcoholics, drug addicts or psychotics

 Wireless Telecommunications Facilities (See Appendix B)

 Zip Lines

1) (10) ten acre minimum

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

80.3 Dimensional Requirements

80.3.1 One-acre (43,560) square feet minimum required lot area per dwelling unit. Lots

with access to public water will be allowed a minimum thirty thousand (30,000)

square feet lot area per dwelling unit provided that there is an adequate supply of

water to provide fire suppression. (According to NFPA 1142)

(Amended 12-8-98 & 12-2-03)

Amendment #3--Amended June 20, 1983

Amendment #15--Amended August 20, 1984

Amendment #16--Amended January 7, 1985

Amendment #5--Amended June 20, 1983

80.3.2 One hundred (100) feet minimum required mean lot width per dwelling unit.

80.3.3 Forty (40) feet minimum required front yard.

80.3.4 Minimum required rear yard shall be twenty (20) percent of the mean lot depth,

provided that such rear yard need not exceed thirty (30) feet.

80.3.5 Minimum required side yards for the principal building shall be at least fifteen (15)

feet.

80.3.6 Maximum permissible lot coverage by the principal building shall not exceed

twenty (20) percent of the total area.

80.3.7 Height of buildings shall not exceed thirty-five (35) feet unless the depth of the

front and total width of the side yards required herein shall be increased by one (1)

foot for each two (2) feet or fraction thereof of the buildings height in excess of

thirty-five feet.

80.3.8 Accessory building shall not be erected in any required front or side yard or within

twenty (20) feet of any street or highway line or within ten (10) feet of any lot line

not a street or highway line. An accessory building or use may be located not less

than (10) feet from any property line. Manufactured housing shall not be used as

an accessory building. Accessory buildings shall not be located on lots less than

five (5) acres unless there is a principal building (Home) on the lot.

80.3.9 Off-street parking shall be provided as required in Section 74 of this Ordinance.

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

Section 81 R-20 Residential—Low-Density

This district is intended to be a quiet, low-density neighborhood consisting of single family

residences along with limited home occupations and limited private and community uses.

81.1 Permitted Uses

All uses permitted in the R-A (Residential-Agricultural) District except mobile

homes, mobile home parks, rest homes, clubs and lodges, and backyard workshops.

The raising of livestock for commercial or non-commercial use including, but not

limited to the following: cows, pigs, horses, chickens, turkeys, ducks, sheep, goats,

and other similar type animals shall not be a permitted use in the R-20 zoning

district. On parcels of land five (5) acres and greater horses are permitted for the

personal use of the property owner. This does not permit commercial boarding,

breeding, or training of horses.

(Amended 2-2-99)

Bed and Breakfast Home

1) The Bed and Breakfast Home shall be operated by the landowners, or their

agent who shall reside on the property.

2) The use shall be located in a structure which was originally constructed as

a dwelling.

3) Meals served on the premises shall be only for guests of the facility.

Amendment #28--Amended February 2, 1993

4) All facilities shall comply with the rules governing the sanitation of Bed and

Breakfast Homes as specified in 15A NCAC 18A.2200.

5) Signage shall be limited to one home occupation sign or one free standing

sign not to exceed three square feet in area. Either may be directly or

indirectly illuminated.

81.2 Conditional Zoning

County Governmental Uses/Board of Commissioners

81.3 Dimensional Requirements

81.3.1 Twenty thousand (20,000) sq. ft. minimum required lot area per dwelling unit.

Public sewer and water systems are required. Where there is not an adequate

supply of water for fire suppression, (Reference NFPA 1142) the minimum lot

size shall be one-acre (43,560) sq. ft.

81.3.2 One hundred (100) feet minimum lot width.

81.3.3 Thirty (30) feet minimum front yard.

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

81.3.4 Minimum required side yards for the principal building shall be at least fifteen (15)

feet.

81.3.5 Minimum required rear yard shall be twenty (20) percent of the mean lot depth,

provided that such yard need not exceed thirty (30) feet.

81.3.6 Maximum permissible lot coverage by the principal building and all accessory

buildings shall not exceed thirty (30) percent of the total lot area.

81.3.7 Height of buildings shall not exceed thirty-five (35) feet unless the depth of the

front and total width of the side yard required herein shall be increased by one (1)

foot for each two (2) feet, or fraction thereof, of building height in excess of thirty-

five (35) feet.

81.3.8 Accessory buildings shall not be erected in any required front or side yard or within

twenty (20) feet of any street or highway line or within ten (10) feet of any lot line

not a street or highway line. An accessory building or use may be located in a rear

yard provided it is located not less than ten (10) ten feet from any property line.

81.3.9 Off-street parking shall be provided as required in Section 74 of this Ordinance.

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

Section 82 R-15 Residential-Moderate Density

This district is intended to be a quiet, medium-density neighborhood consisting of limited home

occupations, and limited private and public community uses. It is expected that public water and

sewer facilities will be available to each lot, providing a healthful environment.

82.1 Permitted Uses

All uses permitted in the R-20 Residential District.

Bed and Breakfast Home

1) The Bed and Breakfast Home shall be operated by the landowners, or their

agent who shall reside on the property.

2) The use shall be located in a structure which was originally constructed as

a dwelling.

3) Meals served on the premises shall be only for guests of the facility.

Amendment #28--Amended February 2, 1993

4) All facilities shall comply with the rules governing the sanitation of Bed and

Breakfast Homes as specified in 15A NCAC 18A.2200.

5) Signage shall be limited to one home occupation sign or one free standing

sign not to exceed three square feet in area. Either may be directly or

indirectly illuminated.

82.2 Conditional Zoning

County Government Uses (#15)/Board of Commissioners (#16)

82.3 Dimensional Requirements

82.3.1 Fifteen thousand (15,000) square feet minimum lot area per dwelling unit.

82.3.2 Ninety (90) feet minimum mean lot width.

Amendment #15--Amended August 20, 1984.

Amendment #16--Amended January 7, 1985.

Amendment #28--Amended February 2, 1993.

82.3.3 Thirty (30) feet minimum front yard.

82.3.4 Minimum required side yards for the principal building shall be at least

twelve (12) feet, except that any side yard abutting a street or highway shall

be at least fifteen (15) feet.

82.3.5 Minimum required rear yard shall be twenty (20) percent of the mean lot

depth, provided that such yard need not exceed thirty (30) feet.

82.3.6 Maximum permissible lot coverage by the principal building and all

accessory buildings shall not exceed thirty (30) percent of the total lot area.

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

82.3.7 Height of buildings shall not exceed thirty-five (35) feet unless the depth of

the front and total width of the side yard required herein shall be increased

by one (1) foot for each two (2) feet, or fraction thereof, of the building

height in excess of thirty-five (35) feet.

82.3.8 Accessory buildings shall not be erected in any required front or side yard

within twenty (20) feet of any street or highway line or within ten (10) feet

of any lot line not a street or highway line. An accessory building or use

may be located in a rear yard provided it is located not less than ten (10) feet

from any property line.

82.3.9 Off-street parking shall be provided as required in Section 74 of this

Ordinance.

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

Section 83 R-8 Residential High Density District

Residential District is established as a district where two family and multi-family dwellings will

be permitted along with single family dwellings. It is required that public water and sewer facilities

will be available to each lot in such districts.

Amendment #28--Amended February 2, 1993.

83.1 Permitted Uses

Clubs and lodges, catering exclusively to members and their guests

Multi-family dwellings

Offices for doctors, dentists, chiropractors, lawyers, accountants, insurance persons

and similar professional persons

Rest and convalescent homes not used primarily for the treatment of contagious

diseases, alcoholics, drug addicts, or psychotics

Rooming and boarding houses and tourist homes

Signs, subject to Section 73

Two family dwellings

Single family dwellings (#14)

Bed and Breakfast Home

1) The Bed and Breakfast Home shall be operated by the landowners, or their

agent who shall reside on the property.

2) The use shall be located in a structure which was originally constructed as

a dwelling.

3) Meals served on the premises shall be only for guests of the facility.

Amendment #28--Amended February 2, 1993

4) All facilities shall comply with the rules governing the sanitation of Bed and

Breakfast Homes as specified in 15A NCAC 18A.2200.

5) Signage shall be limited to one home occupation sign or one free standing

sign not to exceed three square feet in area. Either may be directly or

indirectly illuminated.

83.2 Conditional Zoning

County Governmental Uses (#15)/Board of Commissioners (#16)

83.3 Dimensional Requirements

83.3.1 Eight thousand (8,000) square feet; minimum required lot area for the first

dwelling unit; four thousand (4,000) square feet additional lot area required

for the second dwelling unit; and three thousand (3,000) square feet

additional lot area per dwelling unit for each unit in excess of two (2), up to

a maximum of twelve (12) dwelling units per acre.

Amendment #14--Amended February 6, 1984

Amendment #15--Amended August 20, 1984

Amendment #16--Amended January 7, 1985

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

83.3.2 Seventy (70) feet minimum required mean lot width for the first dwelling

unit; twenty (20) feet additional mean lot width for the second dwelling.

83.3.3 Thirty (30) feet minimum required front yard.

83.3.4 Minimum required side yard for the principal building shall be at least ten

(10) feet except that any side yard abutting a public thoroughfare shall be at

least fifteen (15) feet.

83.3.5 Minimum required rear yard shall be twenty percent of the mean lot depth,

provided that such rear yard need not exceed thirty (30) feet.

83.3.6 Maximum permissible lot coverage by the principal building and all

accessory buildings shall not exceed forty (40) percent of the total lot area.

83.3.7 Height of buildings shall not exceed thirty-five (35) feet unless the depth of

the front yard and total width of the side yards required herein shall be

increased by one (1) foot for each two (2) feet or fraction thereof, of building

height in excess of thirty-five (35) feet.

83.3.8 Accessory buildings shall not be erected in any required front or side yard

or within twenty (20) feet of any street or highway line or within five (5)

feet of any lot line not a street or highway line. An accessory building or

use may be located in a rear yard provided it is located not less than ten (10)

feet from the rear yard line.

83.3.9 Off-street parking shall be provided as required in Section 74 of this

Ordinance.

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

Section 84 Residential Exclusive District

RE - Residential Exclusive - The residential exclusive district is intended primarily for major

single-family subdivisions (see definition of major subdivision) consisting of only site-built or

modular dwellings. Doublewides (Class A-multi-sectional) and singlewides (Class B with HUD

label or Class C without HUD label) manufactured units are specifically excluded. Other

compatible uses as specified in the Table of Uses by districts are permitted, but the range of uses

is limited and the development criteria may be higher than in the RA (Residential Agricultural)

district.

84.1 Permitted Uses

Site -built homes

Modular homes

All uses permitted in the R-A (Residential-Agricultural) District except mobile

homes, rest homes, clubs, lodges, and backyard workshops.

The raising of livestock for commercial or non-commercial use including, but not

limited to the following: cows, pigs, horses, chickens, turkeys, ducks, sheep, goats,

and other similar type animals shall not be a permitted use in the RE zoning district.

On parcels of land five (5) acres and greater horses are permitted for the personal

use of the property owner. This does not permit commercial boarding, breeding, or

training of horses.

Bed and Breakfast Home

1) The Bed and Breakfast Home shall be operated by the landowners, or their

agent who shall reside on the property.

2) The use shall be located in a structure which was originally constructed as

a dwelling.

3) Meals served on the premises shall be only for guests of the facility.

Amendment #28--Amended February 2, 1993

4) All facilities shall comply with the rules governing the sanitation of Bed and

Breakfast Homes as specified in 15A NCAC 18A.2200.

5) Signage shall be limited to one home occupation sign or one free standing

sign not to exceed three square feet in area. Either may be directly or

indirectly illuminated.

84.2 Conditional Zoning

County Governmental Uses/Board of Commissioners

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

84.3 Dimensional Requirements

84.3.1 One-acre (43,560) square feet minimum required lot area per dwelling

unit. Lots with access to public water will be allowed a minimum thirty

thousand (30,000) square feet lot area per dwelling unit provided that there

is an adequate supply of water to provide fire suppression. (According to

NFPA 1142)

(Amended 12-8-98 & 12-2-03)

84.3.2 One hundred (100) feet minimum required mean lot width per dwelling unit

84.3.3 Forty (40) feet minimum front yard

84.3.4 Minimum required side yards for the principal building shall be at least

fifteen (15) feet.

84.3.5 Minimum required rear yard shall be twenty (20) percent of the mean lot

depth, provided that such yard need not exceed thirty (30) feet.

84.3.6 Maximum permissible lot coverage by the principal building and all

accessory buildings shall not exceed thirty (30) percent of the total lot area.

84.3.7 Height of buildings shall not exceed thirty-five (35) feet unless the depth of

the front and total width of the side yard required herein shall be increased

by one (1) foot for each two (2) feet, or fraction thereof, of building height

in excess of thirty-five (35) feet.

84.3.8 Accessory buildings shall not be erected in any required front or side yard

or within twenty (20) feet of any street or highway line or within ten (10)

feet of any lot line not a street or highway line. An accessory building or use

may be located in a rear yard provided it is located not less than ten (10) ten

feet from any property line.

84.3.9 Off-street parking shall be provided as required in Section 74 of this

Ordinance.

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

Section 85 Residential Restricted

RR Residential Restricted - The residential restricted district is intended primarily for major

single-family subdivisions (see definition of major subdivision) consisting of only site-built,

modular dwellings or Class A manufactured units. Other compatible uses as specified in the

Table of Uses by districts are permitted, but the range of uses is limited and the development

criteria may be higher than in the RA (Residential Agricultural) district.

85.1 Permitted Uses

Site -built homes

Modular homes

Class A - manufactured housing, (multi-sectional doublewide and triple-wide)

All uses permitted in the R-A (Residential-Agricultural) District except, rest homes,

clubs, and lodges.

The raising of livestock for commercial or non-commercial use including, but not

limited to the following: cows, pigs, horses, chickens, turkeys, ducks, sheep, goats,

and other similar type animals shall not be a permitted use in the RR zoning district.

On parcels of land five (5) acres and greater horses are permitted for the personal

use of the property owner. This does not permit commercial boarding, breeding, or

training of horses.

Bed and Breakfast Home

1) The Bed and Breakfast Home shall be operated by the landowners, or their

agent who shall reside on the property.

2) The use shall be located in a structure which was originally constructed as

a dwelling.

3) Meals served on the premises shall be only for guests of the facility.

Amendment #28--Amended February 2, 1993

4) All facilities shall comply with the rules governing the sanitation of Bed and

Breakfast Homes as specified in 15A NCAC 18A.2200.

5) Signage shall be limited to one home occupation sign or one free standing

sign not to exceed three square feet in area. Either may be directly or

indirectly illuminated.

85.2 Conditional Zoning

County Governmental Uses/Board of Commissioners

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

85.3 Dimensional Requirements

85.3.1 One-acre (43,560) square feet minimum required lot area per dwelling

unit. Lots with access to public water will be allowed a minimum thirty

thousand (30,000) square feet lot area per dwelling unit provided that there

is an adequate supply of water to provide fire suppression. (According to

NFPA 1142)

(Amended 12-8-98 & 12-2-03)

85.3.2 One hundred (100) feet minimum required mean lot width per dwelling unit

85.3.3 Forty (40) feet minimum front yard

85.3.4 Minimum required side yards for the principal building shall be at least

fifteen (15) feet.

85.3.5 Minimum required rear yard shall be twenty (20) percent of the mean lot

depth, provided that such yard need not exceed thirty (30) feet.

85.3.6 Maximum permissible lot coverage by the principal building and all

accessory buildings shall not exceed thirty (30) percent of the total lot area.

85.3.7 Height of buildings shall not exceed thirty-five (35) feet unless the depth of

the front and total width of the side yard required herein shall be increased

by one (1) foot for each two (2) feet, or fraction thereof, of building height

in excess of thirty-five (35) feet.

85.3.8 Accessory buildings shall not be erected in any required front or side yard

or within twenty (20) feet of any street or highway line or within ten (10)

feet of any lot line not a street or highway line. An accessory building or

use may be located in a rear yard provided it is located not less than ten (10)

ten feet from any property line.

85.3.9 Off-street parking shall be provided as required in Section 74 of this

Ordinance.

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

Section 86 Residential Mixed

RM - Residential Mixed - The residential mixed district is intended primarily for major single-

family subdivisions (see definition of major subdivision) consisting of only site-built, modular

dwellings or Class A (Multi-sectional) and Class B (single wides) manufactured units. Other

compatible uses as specified in the Table of Uses by districts are permitted, but the range of uses

is limited and the development criteria may be higher than in the RA (Residential Agricultural)

district.

86.1 Permitted Uses

Site -built homes

Modular homes

Class A - manufactured housing, (multi-sectional doublewide and triple-wide)

Class B - manufactured housing, (singlewides that meet HUD standards)

Bed and Breakfast Home

1) The Bed and Breakfast Home shall be operated by the landowners, or their

agent who shall reside on the property.

2) The use shall be located in a structure which was originally constructed as

a dwelling.

3) Meals served on the premises shall be only for guests of the facility.

Amendment #28--Amended February 2, 1993

4) All facilities shall comply with the rules governing the sanitation of Bed and

Breakfast Homes as specified in 15A NCAC 18A.2200.

5) Signage shall be limited to one home occupation sign or one free standing

sign not to exceed three square feet in area. Either may be directly or

indirectly illuminated.

The intent of the standards set forth in this ordinance is to ensure that

manufactured homes are compatible with other dwellings in residential areas and

meet a minimum construction, placement and architectural standard while

providing an alternative means of affordable housing.

Single section manufactured homes used as an accessory structure on tracts ten

(10) acres or larger shall be issued a temporary permit valid for a period of two (2)

years. When the two- (2) year duration period has ended a new two (2) year

temporary permit must be issued and so forth until the home is removed.

The use of a single section Class B manufactured home may be used as an

accessory structure for the purpose of building a new or rebuilding a damaged

home with the issuance of a temporary permit valid only for a period of two (2)

years. Any variance to this requirement shall be made to the Board of

Adjustment. It is the intent that the requirements 1-12 shall not apply to homes

being used for this purpose.

Stokes County Zoning Ordinance

It is intended that any single section manufactured home that is a home of record

with the Stokes County Tax and the Planning and Community Development

Department as of December 31, 1999 shall be considered “grand fathered” and

shall not need to meet these requirements. However, if this home of record is

moved or placed on any new lot or parcel the requirements listed below shall

apply with the exception to requirement # 2, 6, and 7.

Mobile Homes may be situated on individual lots in the R-M Residential Districts,