Permitted Land Uses

Agricultural Uses

NCGS 106-581.1, defines the terms "agriculture," "agricultural," and "farming" to include the following activities:

• The cultivation of soil for production and harvesting of crops, including fruits, vegetables, sod, flowers, and ornamental plants;
• The planting and production of timber;
• Dairying and the raising, management, care, and training of livestock, including horses, bees, poultry, deer, elk, and other animals for individual and public use, consumption, and marketing;
• Aquaculture;
• The operation, management, conservation, improvement, and maintenance of a farm and the structures and buildings on the farm, including building and structure repair, replacement, expansion, and construction incident to the farming operation; and
• When performed on the farm, the marketing and selling of agricultural products; agritourism; the storage and use of materials for agricultural purposes; and packing, treating, processing, sorting, storage, and other activities performed to add value to crops, livestock, and agricultural items produced on the farm.

Residential Uses

Civic, Governmental, & Institutional Uses

Civic Use: A land use related to government or community functions. Examples include government offices, libraries, and community centers.

Governmental Use: A land use operated by a local, state, or federal government entity in the execution of that government body or agency's duties.

Institutional Use: A land use which serves the community's social educational, health, and cultural needs, typically through a government entity or non-profit organization.

Office & Service Uses

Retail & Wholesale Uses

Retail Use: Establishments engaged in selling goods or merchandise to the general public for personal or household consumption and rendering services incidental to the sale of such goods.

Wholesale Use: An establishment primarily engaged in selling durable and non-durable goods to retailers; to industrial, commercial, institutional, farm, construction contractors; or for professional business uses; or to other wholesalers. Merchandise is stored inside enclosed buildings unless outdoor storage is permitted in the zoning district in which it is located. Activities including physically assembling, sorting, and grading goods in large lots and breaking bulk lots for redistribution in smaller lots are conducted inside enclosed buildings in such a way as to have a minimal impact on surrounding properties. Operations with over 25% of sales to retail customers shall also be considered a retail use.

Recreation & Entertainment Uses

Industrial, Transportation, & Utility Uses

Industrial Use: A land use where goods are produced either from raw materials or the assembly of goods manufactured from raw materials elsewhere. This use also includes the warehousing and distribution of manufactured goods, and may include some wholesale of those goods. Retail sales may be conducted on a limited basis as an accessory to manufacturing (i.e. outlet store).

Transportation Use: A land use related to transportation services including, but not limited to, rail, public transit, taxi services, truck terminals, and bus services.

Utility Use: Facilities of any agency which, under public franchise or ownership, provides the general public with electricity, gas, oil, water, sewage, or rail transportation. The term utility shall not be construed to include the following: corporate or general offices; storage or service buildings or yards; gas or oil processing, manufacturing or storage facilities; transmission towers; or postal facilities.

Other Uses