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1. What is the Zoning Ordinance?

The zoning ordinance creates different zones, or districts, to establish regulations for how the land in each district can be used. These regulations include a listing of which types of land uses are allowed in each district and standards for the development of sites to include setbacks from property lines, parking, signage and buffers. The zoning ordinance consists of the ordinance text and an official zoning map.

Zoning Ordinance

2. When is a Zoning Permit Required?

A Zoning Permit is required for all new construction, additions to buildings and alterations when the footprint of the building is changed. Zoning permits are also required for new land uses and changes of use for a property including accessory uses and pools. Zoning permits are not required for fences, piers, bulkheads, driveways and other at-grade improvements that do not change the existing use, however there may be other permits required, so it is best to contact our office before beginning work.

Zoning Permit Application

3. What uses are allowed in the zoning districts?

A central part of the zoning ordinance is the Table of Uses, which shows what type of development or use of land is permitted in each zoning district. The Table of Uses distinguishes between uses that merit detailed consideration prior to being allowed and those that do not by dividing uses into three categories:

Permitted (P) – These uses require a Zoning Permit which is generally issued along with the building permit; these are referred to as “by right” uses. All requirements in the zoning ordinance, including setback requirements, must be met.

Special Requirement Uses (SR) – These uses are also “by right” uses; however, there are additional standards set forth in the ordinance text. A site plan and sometimes supplemental information must be submitted to allow staff to verify that the proposal meets ordinance requirements.

Special Uses (S) – These uses require a Special Use Permit to be issued by the Onslow County Zoning Board of Adjustment after a public hearing. A site plan drawn by a land surveyor or engineer is required. Owners of properties within 1,000 feet of the site will be notified of the proposed use and the public hearing date.

Table of Uses

4. Do I need a permit for an Accessory Building?

Yes, a Zoning Permit is required. A Building Permit is also required for any accessory building with any dimension greater than 12 feet or more than one story, and the structure must meet the requirements of the North Carolina Residential Code. Permits will also be required for any trade work proposed (electrical, plumbing, etc.). Please contact our office for more details.

5. Do I need a permit to install a fence?

No, a permit is not required and the Zoning Ordinance does not specify the location of fences. Property owners may decide to locate a fence on the property line. We do, however, recommend that property owners communicate with their neighbor regarding the proposed location of a fence so that there are no misunderstandings regarding the location of the property line.

Electrical fences shall be protected if within three feet of a property line and any electrical fence along privacy fences shall be located within the privacy fence. Bona fide farms are exempt from this requirement.

6. Am I allowed to have an accessory apartment on my property?

Accessory apartments are permitted in the RA, R-90, R-30M and R-20, HB and CB zoning districts providing that the apartment size is no greater than 60% of the square footage of the principle structure or 900 square feet, whichever is less. Manufactured Homes cannot be used as accessory apartments.

7. Can I operate a business from my home?

Home Occupations are permitted as an accessory use to a dwelling in all zoning districts except the IND-H, IND-L, and CON districts, subject to the requirements of Article IX, Section 903.3 of the Zoning Ordinance.

A site plan and floor plan of sufficient detail and accuracy to allow a determination of compliance with the requirements of the ordinance must be submitted with the permit application.

Home Occupation Application

8. Is a permit required to install a pool, spa or hot tub?

All swimming pools, hot tubs, and spas in Onslow County, defined by the Code of Ordinances as permanent outdoor structures (in-ground, above-ground, and on-ground) intended for swimming or bathing that contain water over 24 inches deep, are required to be completely surrounded by a fence or solid wall not less than four feet in height.

A Zoning Permit is required for these structures and Building and Electrical Permits are required if the pool contains water over 24 inches. Please contact our office for more information.

9. Can I keep horses on my property?

Horse stables are permitted as an accessory use to a dwelling in all zoning districts, as long as the lot has an area of at least one (1) acre, and each structure or fence complies with the setback and permitting requirements of the Zoning Ordinance.

Private Stables (as a stand alone use) are allowed by Special Requirement Permit in the RA zoning district, subject to the following:

- All barns and other accessory structures shall be setback fifty (50) feet from the right-of-way and twenty feet from all other property lines.
- Minimum lot size of one (1) acre.

Public Stables (as a stand alone use) are allowed by Special Requirement Permit in the RA and HB zoning districts, subject to the following:

-Minimum lot size of five (5) acres.
- All barns and other accessory structures shall be setback fifty (50) feet from the right-of-way and twenty (20) feet from all other property lines.
- Owners should consult the Cooperative Extension Office for best management practices and guidelines for pasture areas.

Zoning Regulations For Keeping Horses

10. Can I install an electrical service to hook-up a Recreational Vehicle (RV) on my property?

Property owners may store their personal RV on their property and may apply for an electrical permit to install a power pole or service to support that storage.

If a property owner is interested in setting up a RV on their site for occupancy, the owner must apply for a Special Use Permit. Special Use Permits for the set-up of a RV are only permitted in the RA, R-30M and R-8M zoning districts. This process includes submitting a complete application, site plan, fee and stamped, addressed envelopes for all property owners within 1,000 feet of the site. Upon the receipt of a complete application, staff will schedule a public hearing to be held by the Board of Adjustment.

11. How do I establish a family (private) cemetery on my property?

Private cemeteries are allowed in the RA zoning district with a Special Requirement Permit, and in all other zoning districts (excluding the O-I and CON) with a Special Use Permit.

The minimum parent parcel size required for a private cemetery is three (3) acres. The maximum size of the proposed cemetery site is one (1) acre. When a private cemetery is proposed to be established on a property of less than 3 acres, a Special Use Permit will be required.

The proposed cemetery must be enclosed by fence or marked by permanent boundary markers. A surveyed site plan is required and must show an access easement and 20’ minimum setback from all property lines. The boundary of the private cemetery and easement must be recorded at the Onslow County Register of Deeds.

The Zoning Administrator may issue a temporary permit to allow for an interment giving the applicant 180 days to record the map and another 360 days to have the fence or markers installed.