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Unified Development Ordinance
Full Version
A full version of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) (PDF) is available online.
To search the UDO, please use Acrobat’s Search feature by hitting CTRL+F or selecting the binoculars on the left side of the document. Click on a section listed in the Table of Contents to quickly jump to that section.
Table of Contents
- Article 1
- Article 2
- Article 3
- Article 4
- Article 5
- Article 6
- Article 7
- Article 8
- Article 9
- Article 10
- Article 11
- Article 12
- Article 13
- Article 14
Article 1 - General Provisions
- 1.1 Title (PDF)
- 1.2 Authority (PDF)
- 1.2.1 General
- 1.2.2 Authority to Regulate Zoning, Subdivision And Building Practices in ETJ
- 1.2.3 Reference to North Carolina General Statutes
- 1.3 Purpose (PDF)
- 1.3.1 General
- 1.3.2 Specific
- 1.4 Applicability and Jurisdiction (PDF)
- 1.4.1 General
- 1.4.2 Application to Town
- 1.4.3 No Development Until Compliance with this Ordinance
- 1.4.4 Bona Fide Farms Exempt
- 1.5 Official Zoning District Map (PDF)
- 1.5.1 Official Zoning District Map
- 1.5.2 Incorporated by Reference
- 1.5.3 Zoning District Boundaries
- 1.5.4 Changes to Official Zoning District Map
- 1.5.5 Mapping Disputes
- 1.6 Interpretation and Conflict (PDF)
- 1.6.1 Meaning and Intent
- 1.6.2 Text Controls
- 1.6.3 Authority for Interpretation
- 1.6.4 Statutory References
- 1.6.5 Computation of Time
- 1.6.6 Delegation of Authority
- 1.6.7 Technical and Non-Technical Words
- 1.6.8 Mandatory and Discretionary Terms
- 1.6.9 Conjunctions
- 1.6.10 Tense and Usage
- 1.6.11 Gender
- 1.7 Relationship to Other Regulations and Private Agreements (PDF)
- 1.7.1 Conflicts with Other Regulations
- 1.7.2 Relationship with Private-Party Easements, Covenants, or Agreements
- 1.7.3 Repeal of Inconsistent or Conflicting Provisions
- 1.8 Liability for Damages (PDF)
- 1.9 Severability (PDF)
- 1.10 Effective Date/Transitional Provisions (PDF)
- 1.10.1 Effective Date
- 1.10.2 Final Approval
- 1.10.3 Complete Applications
- 1.10.4 Violations Continue
- 1.10.5 Legal Nonconformities Under Previous Ordinances
- 1.10.6 Tree Clearing
Article 2 - Administration
- 2.1 Review and Decision-Making Bodies (PDF)
- 2.1.1 Town Council
- 2.1.2 Planning Board
- 2.1.3 Board of Adjustment
- 2.1.4 Transit Advisory Committee
- 2.1.5 Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Resources Advisory Commission
- 2.1.6 Planning Director
- 2.1.7 Technical Review Committee
- 2.1.8 Hearing Officer
- 2.1.9 Apex Environmental Advisory Board
- 2.1.10 Housing Advisory Board
- 2.2 Common Review Procedures (PDF)
- 2.2.1 Authority to File Applications
- 2.2.2 Planning Director Authorized to Establish Application Submission Schedule
- 2.2.3 Simultaneous Processing
- 2.2.4 Form of Application
- 2.2.5 Fees
- 2.2.6 Pre-Application Meeting
- 2.2.7 Neighborhood Notice
- 2.2.8 Application Submission
- 2.2.9 Staff Report
- 2.2.10 Scheduling Public Hearing(s)
- 2.2.11 Public Notification
- 2.2.12 Withdrawal of Application
- 2.2.13 Citizen Comments
- 2.2.14 Review and Recommendation of Planning Board
- 2.2.15 Action by the Town Council
- 2.2.16 Decisions
- 2.2.17 Notification of Decision
- 2.2.18 Public Hearing Procedures
- 2.2.19 Quasi-judicial Public Hearing Procedures
- 2.3 Development Approvals (PDF)
- 2.3.1 General Overview
- 2.3.2 Amendments to the Text of this Ordinance of Official Zoning District Map (Rezonings)
- 2.3.3 Conditional Zoning Districts
- 2.3.4 Planned Development Districts
- 2.3.5 Special Use Permit
- 2.3.6 Site Plan
- 2.3.7 Subdivision
- 2.3.8 Variance Permit
- 2.3.9 Administrative Adjustment
- 2.3.10 Certificate of Zoning Compliance
- 2.3.11 Temporary Use
- 2.3.12 Appeals
- 2.3.13 Beneficial Use Determination
- 2.3.14 Vested Rights
- 2.3.15 Tree Removal and/or Pond Drainage Plan
- 2.3.16 Sustainable Development Conditional Zoning District
- 2.3.17 Site Work Prior to Development Approvals
- 2.3.18 Utility Service
Article 3 - Zoning Districts
- 3.1 Purpose and Intent (PDF)
- 3.2 Zoning Districts Established (PDF)
- 3.2.1 Residential Districts
- 3.2.2 Business Districts
- 3.2.3 Reserved
- 3.2.4 Other Districts
- 3.2.5 Conditional Zoning Residential Districts
- 3.2.6 Conditional Zoning Business Districts
- 3.2.7 Conditional Zoning Planned Development Districts
- 3.2.8 Conditional Zoning Other Districts
- 3.2.9 Overlay Districts
- 3.3 District Purposes (PDF)
- 3.3.1 Residential Districts
- 3.3.2 Business Districts
- 3.3.3 Planned Development Districts
- 3.3.4 Other Districts
- 3.3.5 Overlay Districts
- 3.4 Official Zoning District Map and District Boundaries (PDF)
- 3.4.1 Establishment of Official Zoning District Map
- 3.4.2 Amendment to the Official Zoning District Map
- 3.4.3 Replacement of Official Zoning District Map
Article 4 - Use Regulations
- 4.1 General Overview (PDF)
- 4.1.1 General
- 4.1.2 Outside Storage and Sales
- 4.2 Use Table (PDF)
- 4.2.1 General
- 4.2.2 Use Table
- 4.3 Use Classifications (PDF)
- 4.3.1 Residential Uses
- 4.3.2 Public and Civic Uses
- 4.3.3 Utilities
- 4.3.4 Recreational Uses
- 4.3.5 Commercial Uses
- 4.3.6 Industrial Uses
- 4.3.7 Agricultural Uses
- 4.4 Supplemental Standards (PDF)
- 4.4.1 Residential Uses
- 4.4.2 Public and Civic Uses
- 4.4.3 Utilities
- 4.4.4 Recreational Uses
- 4.4.5 Commercial Uses
- 4.4.6 Industrial Uses
- 4.5 Accessory Uses and Structures (PDF)
- 4.5.1 Purpose
- 4.5.2 Generally
- 4.5.3 Accessory Structures
- 4.5.4 Single-Family Recreational Accessory Use
- 4.5.5 Home Occupation
- 4.5.6 Accessory Apartment
- 4.6 Temporary Uses and Structures (PDF)
- 4.6.1 Permit Required
- 4.6.2 No Permit Required
Article 5 - Measurements
- 5.1 Table of Intensity and Dimensional Standards (PDF)
- 5.1.1 Residential Districts
- 5.1.2 Business Districts
- 5.1.3 Planned Development Districts
- 5.1.4 Other Development Districts
- 5.1.5 Small Town Character Overlay District
- 5.2 General Measurement Requirements (PDF)
- 5.2.1 Density
- 5.2.2 Setbacks
- 5.2.3 Lot Measurement
- 5.2.4 Height Measurement and Requirements
- 5.2.5 Bulk Measurement and Requirements
- 5.2.6 Distances
- 5.2.7 Dimensional Standards for Detached Accessory Structures
Article 6 - Overlay Districts
- 6.1 Watershed Protection Overlay Districts (PDF)
- 6.1.1 Purpose, Authority, and Enactment
- 6.1.2 Primary and Secondary Watershed Protection Overlay Districts
- 6.1.3 Exemptions
- 6.1.4 General
- 6.1.5 Uses
- 6.1.6 Low-Density Development Option
- 6.1.7 High-Density Development Option
- 6.1.8 Clustered Development Option
- 6.1.9 Definition of Built-Upon Area
- 6.1.10 Calculation of Built-Upon Area
- 6.1.11 Riparian Buffers
- 6.1.12 Stormwater Control Measures (SCMs)
- 6.1.13 Modifications by Variance
- 6.1.14 Mitigation for Riparian Buffers
- 6.1.15 Civil Penalties
- 6.1.16 Criminal Penalties
- 6.1.17 Remedies
- 6.2 Flood Damage Prevention Overlay District (PDF)
- 6.2.1 Authority
- 6.2.2 Findings
- 6.2.3 Purpose
- 6.2.4 Objectives
- 6.2.5 Applicability
- 6.2.6 Basis for Establishing the Special Flood Hazard Areas
- 6.2.7 Establishment of Floodplain Development Permit
- 6.2.8 Compliance
- 6.2.9 Abrogation and Greater Restrictions
- 6.2.10 Interpretation
- 6.2.11 Warning and Disclaimer of Liability
- 6.2.12 Penalties for Violation
- 6.2.13 Administration
- 6.2.14 Administrative Procedures
- 6.2.15 Variance Procedures
- 6.2.16 Provisions for Flood Hazard Reduction
- 6.2.17 Standards for Streams without Established Base Flood Elevations, Floodways and/or Non-Encroachment Areas
- 6.2.18 Standards for Subdivisions
- 6.2.19 Terms Defined
- 6.3 Small Town Character Overlay District (PDF)
- 6.3.1 Small Town Character Overlay District
Article 7 - Subdivision
- 7.1 General Provisions (PDF)
- 7.1.1 Authority and Exemptions
- 7.1.2 Jurisdiction
- 7.1.3 Registration of Plats
- 7.1.4 Conformance with Article Prerequisite to Acceptance of Streets, Extension of Services
- 7.1.5 Conformance with Official Plans
- 7.1.6 Condominium and Townhouse Developments
- 7.1.7 Substitution of Fees in Lieu of Public Improvements
- 7.1.8 Penalties and Remedies for Violation of Article
- 7.1.9 Inspection Fees as Prescribed
- 7.2 Design Standards (PDF)
- 7.2.1 Streets
- 7.2.2 Blocks
- 7.2.3 Lots
- 7.2.4 Easements
- 7.2.5 Single-Family Residential Grading
- 7.3 Private Recreation and Open Space (PDF)
- 7.3.1 Privately-owned Play Lawns
- 7.4 Dedication of ROW (PDF)
- 7.4.1 Reasonable Relationship
- 7.4.2 No Deprivation of Land
- 7.4.3 Density Credit Transfer
- 7.5 Required Improvements (PDF)
- 7.5.1 Generally and Exemptions
- 7.5.2 Permanent Reference Points
- 7.5.3 Water Lines and Sanitary Sewers
- 7.5.4 Streets
- 7.5.5 Required Landscaped Median
- 7.5.6 Reserved
- 7.5.7 Storm Drainage
- 7.5.8 Underground Utilities
- 7.5.9 Schedule of Installation
- 7.5.10 Installation of and Reimbursement for Oversized and/or On-Site/Off-Site Improvements
- 7.5.11 Ownership of Completed Improvements
- 7.5.12 Installation Prerequisite to Approval of Final Plat and Extension of Town Services or Utilities
- 7.5.13 Performance Guarantee in Lieu of Construction Prior to Acceptance of Final Plat
- 7.5.14 Defects Guarantee
- 7.5.15 Maintenance Guarantee
- 7.5.16 Final Plat Review Contingent on Execution of Guarantees
- 7.5.17 Irrevocable Letter of Credit in Lieu of Surety Bond or Other Guarantee of Performance
Article 8 - General Development Standards
- 8.1 Resource Conservation (PDF)
- 8.1.1 General
- 8.1.2 Resource Conservation Area
- 8.1.3 Tree and Vegetation Conservation
- 8.1.4 Development Restrictions on Steep Slopes
- 8.1.5 Reserved
- 8.1.6 Retaining Structures
- 8.2 Landscaping, Buffering, and Screening (PDF)
- 8.2.1 Purpose and Intent
- 8.2.2 General Landscaping Design Standards
- 8.2.3 Maintenance Responsibility and Replacement of Damaged Vegetation
- 8.2.4 Building Landscaping Requirements
- 8.2.5 Vehicle Use Area Landscaping
- 8.2.6 Buffering
- 8.2.7 Fences, Walls, and Berms
- 8.2.8 Screening
- 8.3 Off-Street Parking and Loading (PDF)
- 8.3.1 Applicability
- 8.3.2 Off-Street Parking Requirements
- 8.3.3 Rules for Computing Requirements
- 8.3.4 Location
- 8.3.5 Off-Street Loading Requirements
- 8.3.6 Parking Lot Design Standards
- 8.3.7 Use of Off-Street Parking Areas
- 8.3.8 Accessible Parking for Physically Handicapped Persons
- 8.3.9 Off-Street Parking Alternatives
- 8.3.10 Parking Structures
- 8.3.11 Electric Vehicle Charging Spaces
- 8.4 Community Amenities and Pedestrian Flow (PDF)
- 8.4.1 General
- 8.4.2 Applicability
- 8.4.3 Community Amenities
- 8.4.4 Pedestrian Flows
- 8.4.5 Public Art on Private Property
- 8.5 Operational Compatibility Standards (PDF)
- 8.5.1 Glare
- 8.5.2 Heat and Humidity
- 8.5.3 Noise
- 8.5.4 Vibration
- 8.5.5 Operational/Physical Compatibility
- 8.5.6 Evidence of Compliance
- 8.6 Exterior Lighting (PDF)
- 8.6.1 Purpose and Intent
- 8.6.2 Lighting Plan
- 8.6.3 Illumination Standards
- 8.6.4 Design Requirements
- 8.6.5 Exemptions
- 8.6.6 Final Inspection
- 8.7 Signs (PDF)
- 8.7.1 Permitted Signs: Location, Size, and Number
- 8.7.2 Prohibited Signs
- 8.7.3 Sign Area Measurement
- 8.7.4 Sign Design and Color
- 8.7.5 Master Sign Plan Requirement
- 8.7.6 Installation Requirements
- 8.7.7 Central Business District, Apex National Register Historic District, Small Town Character Overlay District, and Mixed Office-Residential-Retail
- 8.7.8 Nonconforming Signs
- 8.7.9 Definitions
Article 9 - Design Standards
- 9.1 General (PDF)
- 9.1.1 Purpose and Intent
- 9.1.2 Applicability
- 9.1.3 General Compatibility Requirement
- 9.2 Building Aesthetics (PDF)
- 9.2.1 Purpose
- 9.2.2 Building Design
- 9.2.3 Avoiding Monotony of Design
- 9.2.4 Harmony of Design
- 9.3 Architectural Character (PDF)
- 9.3.1 Purpose
- 9.3.2 Roofs
- 9.3.3 Facades
- 9.3.4 Entryways
- 9.3.5 Color and Materials
- 9.3.6 Reserved
Article 10 - Nonconformities
- 10.1 Purpose and Intent (PDF)
- 10.2 Nonconforming Uses (PDF)
- 10.2.1 Normal Maintenance or Repair
- 10.2.2 Enlargement or Expansion
- 10.2.3 Relocation
- 10.2.4 Damage and Restoration of Structure Housing Nonconforming Use
- 10.2.5 Change in Use
- 10.2.6 Discontinuance or Abandonment
- 10.2.7 Unsafe Because of Maintenance
- 10.3 Nonconforming Structures (PDF)
- 10.3.1 Normal Maintenance
- 10.3.2 Enlargement or Expansion
- 10.3.3 Relocation
- 10.3.4 Damage and Restoration of Nonconforming Structure
- 10.3.5 Unsafe Because of Maintenance
- 10.3.6 Mobile Homes on Individual Lots
- 10.4 Nonconforming Lots of Record (PDF)
- 10.4.1 Setback Reductions
- 10.5 Nonconformities Created by Eminent Domain Proceedings (PDF)
- 10.5.1 Authority to Gain Certificate of Conformity
- 10.5.2 Applicability
- 10.5.3 Procedure
- 10.6 Nonconforming Signs (PDF)
- 10.6.1 Notification of Nonconformities
- 10.6.2 Removal of Nonconforming Signs
- 10.6.3 Nonconforming Signs Not Altered
- 10.6.4 Moving or Replacing Nonconforming Signs
- 10.6.5 Damage to Nonconforming Signs
- 10.6.6 Changing Message of Nonconforming Signs
- 10.6.7 Repair and Renovation of Nonconforming Signs
- 10.6.8 Discontinuation of Business
- 10.6.9 Nonconforming Billboards Left Blank
- 10.6.10 Amortization of Nonconforming Signs
Article 11 - Enforcement
- 11.1 General (PDF)
- 11.1.1 Authority
- 11.1.2 Purpose
- 11.1.3 Unlawful to Violate this Ordinance
- 11.1.4 Responsible Person
- 11.2 Inspection (PDF)
- 11.3 Performance Bond (PDF)
- 11.4 Remedies and Penalties (PDF)
- 11.4.1 Permit Revocation
- 11.4.2 Disapproval of Subsequent Permits and Development Approvals
- 11.4.3 Injunction and Abatement Order
- 11.4.4 Civil Penalties
- 11.4.5 Criminal Penalty
- 11.4.6 Other Relief
- 11.5 Procedures (PDF)
- 11.5.1 Investigation
- 11.5.2 Warning of Violation
- 11.5.3 Notice of Violation and Correction Order
- 11.5.4 Appeal to Board of Adjustment
- 11.5.5 Extension of Time Limit to Correct Violation
- 11.5.6 Enforcement Action After Time to Correct Violation
- 11.5.7 Emergency Enforcement Without Notice
Article 12 - Definitions
Article 13 - Transportation Development Fees
Article 14 - Parks, Recreation, Greenways, and Open Space
- 14.1 Park, Recreation, and Open Space Sites (PDF)
- 14.1.1 Dedication Generally; Fee in Lieu of Dedication Generally; Construction of Public Recreation Facilities with Fee-in-Lieu Monies Generally
- 14.1.2 Exemptions
- 14.1.3 Standards for Dedication
- 14.1.4 Standards for Town Council’s Choice Between Land Dedication, Payment of Fee-in-Lieu, Construction of Public Recreation Facilities with Fee-in-Lieu Monies, or Combination Thereof
- 14.1.5 Procedure for Determination of Choice Between Land Dedication, Payment of Fee-in-Lieu, Construction of Public Recreation Facilities with Fee-in-Lieu Monies, or Combination Thereof; Performance Guarantees
- 14.1.6 Computation of Size of Area Required for Dedication
- 14.1.7 Computation of Fee-In-Lieu of Dedication
- 14.1.8 Use of Land by Town; Sale of Land by Town; Use of Funds Received in Lieu of Dedication
- 14.1.9 Special Committee to Settle Disagreements Between Town and Developer
- 14.2 Greenways (PDF)
- 14.2.1 Greenways