DESIGN CRITERIA ARTICLE 6: DESIGN CRITERIA...2021/07/06 · ARTICLE 6 DESIGN CRITERIA FRANKLIN COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE 6-2 When seating consists of benches,

ARTICLE 6

DESIGN CRITERIA

FRANKLIN COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA

UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE 6-1

ARTICLE 6: DESIGN CRITERIA

PURPOSE

The purpose of this Article is to establish design criteria for development

within the County’s planning jurisdiction. More specifically, this Article is

intended to

Ensure that the physical characteristics of proposed development are

compatible with the context of the surrounding areas

Maintain overall coverage of mature trees and landscaping

Minimize the negative impacts of parking facilities

APPLICABILITY

These standards apply to any application for development approval,

except as otherwise outlined in this UDO.

MEASUREMENTS AND EXCEPTIONS

Measurements

Calculations

The following rules apply when computing off-street parking

requirements.

1. Multiple Uses

Unless otherwise approved, lots containing more than one use must

provide parking and loading in an amount equal to the total of the

requirements for all uses. (See the Shared Parking provisions of

Section 6.4.4. for possible exceptions.)

2. Outdoor Areas

For outdoor areas, calculations will be based on the portion of the lot

being used for the specified purpose. For mathematical

computations see Article 1.

3. Occupancy- or Capacity-Based Standards

When computing parking requirements based on employees,

students, residents or occupants, calculations shall be based on the

greatest number of persons working on any single shift, the maximum

enrollment, or the maximum fire-rated capacity, whichever is

applicable and whichever results in the greater number of spaces.

4. Bench Seating

ARTICLE 6

DESIGN CRITERIA



When seating consists of benches, pews, or other similar seating

facilities, each 20” of seating space counts as one seat.

5. Unlisted Uses

Upon receiving a development application for a use not specifically

listed in the off-street parking schedule, the Planning Director must

apply the off-street parking standard specified for the listed use that

the Administrator deems most similar to the proposed use or require

the applicant to prepare and submit a parking study. The study must

include estimates of parking demand based on recommendations

of the Institute of Traffic Engineers (ITE), or other acceptable estimates

as approved by the Planning Director and include other reliable data

collected from uses or combinations of uses that are the same as or

comparable with the proposed use. Comparability will be

determined by density, scale, bulk, area, type of activity, and

location. The study must document the source of data used to

develop the recommendations.

Use of Required Parking Spaces

The off-street parking spaces required by this Article may not be used

for any purpose other than parking, except when permitted for a

Temporary Use or special event and the appropriate amount of parking

is still available in the immediate area.

Tree Preservation Exception

The minimum or maximum number of parking spaces required may be

adjusted (by the minimum amount needed) by the Administrator when it

has been determined that the reductions are necessary to preserve a

healthy tree or trees (with an 8” or greater diameter at breast height) from

being damaged or removed, and where the site plan provides for the

retention of said tree or trees. The maximum amount of parking

modification allowed pursuant to this exception is 20%.

PARKING

Off-street parking (including on-street parking in accordance with the

requirements below) is required subject to the table below. Parking shall be

provided at the time of erection, alteration, enlargement, establishment, or

change of use of any building or open use of land which require additional

off-street parking.

Off-Street Parking Requirements

The following table provides the required parking standards for the uses

found in the Table of Permitted Uses in Article 5.

ARTICLE 6

DESIGN CRITERIA



Off-Street Parking Requirements Table

Use Group

Use Category

Specific Use Type

Off-Street Parking Spaces to be

Provided

Min.

Required

Bicycle

Parking

Spaces Minimum Maximum

RESIDENTIAL USE GROUP

Household Living

Single Family Dwelling, Detached

House 2 per unit

Not

applicable

Not

applicable

Two-Family Dwelling, Duplex

2 per unit + 1

space for each

bedroom over 4;

The first garage

parking space

may not be

counted toward

fulfilling this

requirement

Not

applicable

Not

applicable

Manufactured home 2 per unit Not

applicable

Not

applicable

Manufactured home

subdivision/park

2 per unit + 1

visitor space per

every 5 units

Not

applicable

Not

applicable

Townhomes, parking on each

individual lot

2 per unit + 1

space for each

bedroom over 4;

1 visitor parking

space per 4

units.

Not

applicable

Not

applicable

Multi-Family

(condominium/apartment,

townhomes with shared parking)

1.3 spaces per

studio or one-

bedroom unit; 2

spaces per unit

(two bedrooms

or more); plus 1

visitor parking

space per 4

units; half of any

garage parking

spaces may not

count toward

Not

applicable

2 per 20

auto

spaces

ARTICLE 6

DESIGN CRITERIA



Use Group

Use Category

Specific Use Type


Provided

Min.

Required

Bicycle

Parking


fulfilling this

requirement

Upper-story residence, single unit

Same as Single

Family Dwelling,

Detached House

Not

applicable

Not

applicable

Upper-story residence, multiple units Same as Multi-

Family

Not

applicable

2 per 20

auto

spaces

Group Living

Adult care home (7 or more beds)

1 per employee

on largest shift +

1 space per 2

clients

Not

applicable

2 per 50

auto

spaces

Family care home (6 or fewer beds)

1 per employee

on largest shift, 1

space per 6

clients

Not

applicable

2 per 50

auto

spaces

Supervised living facility (group

home)

1 per employee

on largest shift, 1

space per 3

clients

Not

applicable

2 per 50

auto

spaces

All other group living (except as

noted above) 1.5 per bed

Not

applicable

Not

applicable

ACCESSORY, TEMPORARY, AND HOME OCCUPATION USE GROUP

Accessory Dwelling Unit (including

security or caretaker quarters)

2 spaces (in

addition to other

required on-site

parking)

Not

applicable

Not

applicable

ARTICLE 6

DESIGN CRITERIA



Use Group

Use Category

Specific Use Type


Provided

Min.

Required

Bicycle

Parking


Home Occupation

1 for each

person

employed plus 1

space; patron

parking may not

be located in a

required front

yard (may

overlap with

other required

on-site parking)

Not

applicable

Not

applicable

PUBLIC/CIVIC USE GROUP

Colleges and Universities

Business, trade, technical schools

1 per 3 students

at maximum

enrollment

Not

applicable

2 per 40

auto

spaces

All other colleges/universities (except

as noted above)

1 per 3

employees, plus

1 per full-time

students not

residing on

campus

1 per 1

employee,

plus 1 per

each 1 full-

time student

not residing on

campus

2 per 40

auto

spaces

Cultural Exhibits and Libraries

Libraries 1 per 200 square

feet

1 per 160

square feet

2 per 20

auto

spaces

All other cultural exhibits and libraries

(except as noted above)

1 per 200 square

feet

1 per 160

square feet

2 per 20

auto

spaces

Day Care

Child care home

1 per full-time

employee plus a

drop-off/pick-up

area, see section

6.4.6

1 per 4-person

capacity

Not

applicable

ARTICLE 6

DESIGN CRITERIA



Use Group

Use Category

Specific Use Type


Provided

Min.

Required

Bicycle

Parking


Child care center

1 per full-time

employee plus a

drop-off/pick-up

area, see section

6.4.6

1 per 4-person

capacity

Not

applicable

Adult day care facility 1 per 6-person

capacity

1 per 4-person

capacity

Not

applicable

Detention and Correctional Facilities 1 per 1,000

square feet

1 per 800

square feet

Not

applicable

Emergency and Safety Service

1 space per

employee on

duty

Not

applicable

Not

applicable

Hospitals

1 per 4 in-patient

or outpatient

beds plus 1

space per 2

employees on

largest shift

1 per 3 in-

patient or

outpatient

beds plus 1

space per 1

employee on

largest shift

2 per 50

auto

spaces

Lodge or Private Club 1 per 350 square

feet

1 per 280

square feet

2 per 50

auto

spaces

Parks and Recreation

Botanical garden/arboretum

1 per 10,000

square feet of lot

area

1 per 8,000

square feet of

lot area

2 per 50

auto

spaces

Public recreation (assembly)

buildings

1 per 3 persons

of the designed

capacity of the

structure

1 per 2 persons

of the

designed

capacity of

the structure

2 per 40

auto

spaces;

minimum

10

All other public parks recreation


1 per 3,000

square feet of lot

area

1 per 2,400

square feet

2 per 40

auto

spaces

ARTICLE 6

DESIGN CRITERIA



Use Group

Use Category

Specific Use Type


Provided

Min.

Required

Bicycle

Parking


Religious Assembly

1 per 3 seats in

the principal

assembly room

1 per 2 seats in

the principal

assembly

room

2 per 50

seats

School, Public or Private

1 per 2 seats in

the main

assembly area

1 per 1 seat in

the principal

assembly

room

2 per 50

auto

spaces,

minimum

10

COMMERCIAL USE GROUP

Animal Service

Veterinary 1 per 500 square

feet

1 per 400

square feet

2 per 50

auto

spaces

Kennel

1 per 500 square

feet plus 1 per

employee on

largest shift

1 per 400

square feet

plus 1 space

per 1

employee on

largest shift

2 per 50

auto

spaces

Shelter

1 per 500 square

feet, but no

fewer than 4

1 per 400

square feet

2 per 50

auto

spaces

Body Art Service 1 space per 500

square feet

1 per 400

square feet

Not

applicable

Eating and Drinking Establishments

Bars and Nightclubs

1 per 200 square

feet (minimum of

8)

1 per 150

square feet

2 per 50

auto

spaces

Drive-through restaurant

1 per 150 square

feet of floor area

for public use or

1 per 4 seats,

whichever is

greater

1 per 120

square feet or

1 per 3 seats,

whichever is

lesser

2 per 50

auto

spaces

ARTICLE 6

DESIGN CRITERIA



Use Group

Use Category

Specific Use Type


Provided

Min.

Required

Bicycle

Parking


All other eating/drinking (except as

noted above)

1 per 4 seats,

plus one space

per 2 employees

during the shift of

maximum

employment

1 per 2 seats,

plus 1 spacer

per 1

employee

during the shift

of maximum

employment

2 per 50

auto

spaces

Financial Services

Drive-through facility

1 per 300 square

feet of building

floor area plus

stacking space

for 4 vehicles at

each drive-in

window, plus 2

spaces per each

outdoor ATM

1 per 240

square feet of

building area

plus stacking

space for 4

vehicles at

each drive-in

window, plus 2

spaces per

each outdoor

ATM

Not

applicable

Pawnshop, currency exchange or

payday loan

1 per 300 square

feet

1 per 240

square feet

Not

applicable

All other financial services (except as

noted above)

1 per 300 square

feet

1 per 240

square feet

Not

applicable

Funeral and Interment

Cemetery, mausoleum,

columbarium

1 per full-time

employee

Not

applicable

Not

applicable

Funeral home

1 per 3 seats in

the chapel plus

off-street

passenger

loading

accommodation

for 10 cars

1 per 2 seats in

the chapel

plus off-street

passenger

loading

Not

applicable

Gas Station 1 per pump plus

1 per employee

Not

applicable

Not

applicable

Lodging

ARTICLE 6

DESIGN CRITERIA



Use Group

Use Category

Specific Use Type


Provided

Min.

Required

Bicycle

Parking


Bed and breakfast 1 per room, plus

1 per employee

2 per room,

plus 1 per

employee

2 per 50

auto

spaces

Campgrounds and recreational

vehicle parks

1 per camping

or recreational

vehicle space

2 per camping

or recreational

vehicle space

Not

applicable

Hotel/motel 1 per room 1.25 per room

2 per 50

auto

spaces

Rooming or boarding house 1 per room 1.25 per room

2 per 50

auto

spaces

Office

Conference center/retreat house 1 per 3 seats and

1 per employee 1 per 2 seats

2 per 40

auto

spaces;

minimum 5

spaces

Medical office, clinic or lab

1 per

examination

room plus 1 per 2

employees

1.3 per

examination

room plus 1

space per

employee

2 per 50

auto

spaces

All other office (except as noted

above)

1 per 300 square

feet

1 per 250

square feet

2 per 50

auto

spaces

Recreation and Entertainment, Indoor

Indoor Shooting Range

1 space for each

employee plus 1

space for each

firing

point/station

1 per

employee plus

1.25 spaces for

each firing

point/station

2 per 50

auto

spaces

All other indoor recreation and

entertainment

1 per 300 square

feet

1 per 240

square feet

2 per 50

auto

spaces

ARTICLE 6

DESIGN CRITERIA



Use Group

Use Category

Specific Use Type


Provided

Min.

Required

Bicycle

Parking


Recreation and Entertainment, Outdoor

Basketball Courts 5 spaces per

court

7 spaces per

court

2 per 50

auto

spaces

Day camp

1 per 3 persons

at design

capacity

1 per 2 persons

at design

capacity

4 spaces

or

minimum

of 2 per 40

auto

spaces

(minimum

of 4 racks)

Equestrian facilities/riding

cubs/stables

1 per employee,

plus 1 per every

3 stalls

1 per

employee,

plus 1 per

every 2 stalls

Not

applicable

Firearm/archer ranges and clubs

1 per employee

plus 1 per firing

point/station

1 per

employee plus

2 per firing

point/station

Not

applicable

Fishing club

1 per 3 persons

at design

capacity

1 per 2 persons

at design

capacity

Not

applicable

Golf course 2 per tee 3 per tee Not

applicable

Marina/boating facility 1.5 per boat 2 per boat Not

applicable

Picnic and shelter areas

1 per 10

maximum

patrons

1 per 8

maximum

patrons

2 per 50

auto

spaces

Soccer and other ball fields 8 spaces per

acre

10 spaces per

acre

2 per 50

auto

spaces

ARTICLE 6

DESIGN CRITERIA



Use Group

Use Category

Specific Use Type


Provided

Min.

Required

Bicycle

Parking


Swimming pool 1 per 5 patrons

permitted

1 per 4 patrons

permitted

2 per 50

auto

spaces

Tennis courts 2 spaces per

court

3 spaces per

court

2 per 50

auto

spaces

Wildlife/game preserve/zoo

1 per 10,000

square feet of

land area

Not

applicable

Not

applicable

All other outdoor

recreation/entertainment (except as

noted above)

1 per 2,000

square feet of

land area

1 per 1,500

square feet of

land area

Not

applicable

Retail Sales and Service

Manufactured home sales 1 per 1,000

square feet

1 per 800

square feet

Not

applicable

Neighborhood/convenience-

oriented retail (with gas sales)

1 per 350 square

feet

1 per 280

square feet

Not

applicable

Neighborhood/convenience-

oriented retail (w/o gas sales)

1 per 350 square

feet

1 per 280

square feet

Not

applicable

Outdoor sales/service, displays

and/or storage

1 per 1,000

square feet of

sales area

1 per 800

square feet of

sales area

Not

applicable

All other retail sales and service


1 per 300 square

feet of floor sales

area and 1 per

800 square feet

of storage area

1 per 240

square feet of

sales area and

1 per 640

square feet of

storage area

Not

applicable

Sexually Oriented Business 1 per 3 persons

capacity

1 per 2 persons

capacity

Not

applicable

Vehicle Sales and Service

Vehicle repair/service 3 per service bay 2 per service

bay

Not

applicable

ARTICLE 6

DESIGN CRITERIA



Use Group

Use Category

Specific Use Type


Provided

Min.

Required

Bicycle

Parking


Vehicle sales, leasing or rental

1 per 1,000

square feet of

display or

storage area

1 per 800

square feet of

display or

storage area

Not

applicable

All other vehicle sales/service


1 per 1,000

square feet of

display or

storage area

1 per 800

square feet of

display or

storage area

Not

applicable

INDUSTRIAL USE GROUP

Contractor’s Office, Landscaping,

Grading, etc.

1 per 300 square

feet of office

area and 1 per

800 square feet

of storage area

1 per 240

square feet of

office area

and 1 per 640

square feet of

storage area

Not

applicable

Junk/Salvage Yard

1 per 2

employees

during the shift of

maximum

employment

1 per

employee

during the shift

of maximum

employment

Not

applicable

Manufacturing, Production, and Industrial Service

Artisan

1 per 2

employees

during the shift of

maximum

employment

plus 1 space for

every truck to be

stored or

stopped

simultaneously

1 per

employee

during the shift

of maximum

employment

plus 1 space

for every truck

to be stored or

stopped

simultaneously

2 per 50

auto

spaces

Microdistillery/Microbrewery

1 per 2

employees

during the shift of

maximum

employment

plus 1 space for

1 per

employee per

the shift of

maximum

employment

plus 1 space

2 per 50

auto

spaces

ARTICLE 6

DESIGN CRITERIA



Use Group

Use Category

Specific Use Type


Provided

Min.

Required

Bicycle

Parking


every truck to be

stored or

stopped

simultaneously;

For tasting

rooms, see Bars

and Nightclubs.

for every truck

to be stored or

stopped

simultaneously;

for tasting

rooms, see

Bars and

Nightclubs.

Light/Limited

1 per 2

employees

during the shift of

maximum

employment

plus 1 space for

every truck to be

stored or

stopped

simultaneously

1 per

employee

during the shift

of maximum

employment,

plus 1 space

for every truck

to be stored or

stopped

simultaneously

2 per 50

auto

spaces

General

1 per 2

employees

during the shift of

maximum

employment

plus 1 space for

every truck to be

stored or

stopped

simultaneously

1 per

employee

during the shift

of maximum

employment,

plus 1 space

for every truck

to be stored or

stopped

simultaneously

Not

applicable

Intensive

1 per 2

employees

during the shift of

maximum

employment

plus 1 space for

every truck to be

stored or

stopped

simultaneously

1 per

employee

during the shift

of maximum

employment,

plus 1 space

for every truck

to be stored or

stopped

simultaneously

Not

applicable

ARTICLE 6

DESIGN CRITERIA



Use Group

Use Category

Specific Use Type


Provided

Min.

Required

Bicycle

Parking


Research and

development/laboratories/prototype

production/pilot plant

1 per 2

employees

during the shift of

maximum

employment

plus 1 space for

every truck to be

stored or

stopped

simultaneously

1 per

employee

during the shift

of maximum

employment,

plus 1 space

for every truck

to be stored or

stopped

simultaneously

Not

applicable

Mining/Excavation

1 per 2

employees

during the shift of

maximum

employment

plus 1 space for

every truck to be

stored or

stopped

simultaneously

1 per

employee

during the shift

of maximum

employment,

plus 1 space

for every truck

to be stored or

stopped

simultaneously

Not

applicable

Self-Service Storage

1 per 5,000

square feet of

non-office area

plus 1 per 300

square feet of

office area, with

a minimum of 5

spaces required

1 per 4,000

square feet of

non-office

area plus 1 per

240 square

feet of office

area

Not

applicable

Warehousing, Wholesaling, and Freight Movement

Freight handling, storage and

distribution 1 per 2

employees

during the shift

of maximum

employment

plus 1 space for

every truck to be

1 per

employee

during the shift

of maximum

employment

plus 1 space

for every truck

Not

applicable

Warehousing Not

applicable

Wholesale trade Not

applicable

ARTICLE 6

DESIGN CRITERIA



Use Group

Use Category

Specific Use Type


Provided

Min.

Required

Bicycle

Parking


All other warehousing, wholesaling

and freight movement (except as

noted above)

stored or

stopped

simultaneously

to be stored or

stopped

simultaneously

Not

applicable

Waste-Related Use

Land-clearing and inert debris

landfills, C&D landfills

1 per 2

employees

during the shift

of maximum

employment

plus 1 space for

every truck to be

stored or

stopped

simultaneously

Not

applicable1

per employee

during the shift

of maximum

employment

plus 1 space

for every truck

to be stored or

stopped

simultaneously

Not

applicable

Hazardous or low-level radioactive

waste facility

Not

applicable

Transfer Station Not

applicable

Recycling Collection (household

collection only)

Not

applicable

Sanitary Solid Waste Landfill

(Municipal)

Not

applicable

All other waste-related (except as

noted above)

Not

applicable

AGRICULTURE USE GROUP

Farmers Market

1 per vendor

plus 1 per 1,000

square feet

1 per vendor

plus 1 per 800

square feet

Not

applicable

Livestock Production - - Not

applicable

All other agriculture related (except

as noted above)

1 per 5

employees on

the largest shift

-1 per 4

employees

Not

applicable

OTHER USE GROUP

Airfields and Landing Strips 1 per 5 planes 1 per 4 planes Not

applicable

Solar Farms 2 per site 4 per site Not

applicable

ARTICLE 6

DESIGN CRITERIA



Use Group

Use Category

Specific Use Type


Provided

Min.

Required

Bicycle

Parking


Static Transformer Stations, Radio/TV

and Towers, Relay Station

2 per site or 1 per

employee,

whichever is

greater

3 per site plus

1 per

employee

Not

applicable

Telecommunication Facilities1

Small- or mini-cellular facilities or

concealed cellular facilities None 2 per facility

Not

applicable

Freestanding, less than 200 2 per tower 4 per tower Not

applicable

Freestanding, 200 or greater 2 per tower 4 per tower Not

applicable

Alternative Parking Plan Authorized

Upon review of an Alternative Parking Plan, the Administrator may allow

deviation from the minimum and maximum parking requirements for

nonresidential uses or mixed-use buildings on a particular site if it is

determined that proposed parking plan will result in either excessive or

inadequate parking and/or loading spaces.

An Alternative Parking Plan may be subject to TRC review.

An Alternative Parking Plan may not reduce the number of parking

spaces required for residential uses or those required for handicapped-

accessible parking.

The Alternative Parking Plan shall utilize comparable sites or operations

in other locations similar in context or operation to the proposed site and

shall include, at a minimum, an analysis of:

1. Size and type of the proposed development or use

2. Operational hours and design capacity

3. Number of parking spaces

4. Anticipated visitor volumes

1 Parking not required if accessory to another use.

ARTICLE 6

DESIGN CRITERIA



5. Availability of shared parking nearby (which shall require a written

agreement between owners for consideration)

Off-street Parking Requirements

General

Off-street parking facilities must be designed and constructed to:

1. Allow unobstructed movement into and out of each parking space

without interfering with fixed objects or vehicles.

2. Minimize delay and interference with traffic on streets and drives.

3. Maximize sight distances from parking lot exits and access drives.

4. Ensure that access to parking spaces is from parking lot driveways or

private drives and not directly from public or private streets.

5. Ensure that ingress and egress to parking spaces is by forward motion.

Required Plan and Standards

A plan showing all off-street parking areas must be submitted along with

the property description form in the case of a permitted use and the

application in the case of a special use. Such plan must show the

location and width of all points of ingress and egress, the number,

location, and dimensions of all parking spaces and drive aisles, and the

location and width of the adjoining street right-of-way and the paved

surface thereof. A general or special use may be disapproved for failure

to comply with any applicable regulations of this section.

Location

Where parking is located in the rear yard of a property, the Administrator

may reduce the front setback requirement by no more than 20%.

Required parking spaces and access drives must be paved and

maintained with concrete, asphalt, porous asphalt, porous paving

blocks, or similar material of sufficient thickness and consistency to

support anticipated traffic volumes and weights. Alternative paving

materials and parking area surfaces may be approved by the

Administrator if such materials or surfaces are demonstrated to exhibit

equivalent wear resistance and load bearing characteristics as

concrete or asphalt. Paving is not required for

1. Parking facilities used on an irregular basis for places of worship,

private clubs, or other similar nonprofit organizations.

2. Parking facilities for residential uses when five or fewer spaces are

required.

Markings

ARTICLE 6

DESIGN CRITERIA



All parking spaces must be clearly identified with paint lines, bumper

guards, curbs, or similar treatment.

Dimensional Standards

Off-street parking facilities must be designed and constructed in

accordance with the following dimensional standards.

Parking Space Dimensional Standards

Parking

Angle

(degrees)

(A)

Stall

Width,

edge of

striping (B)

Stall

Length, to

Curb (C)

Aisle

Width (D)

Center-to-center Width of Two-row

Bay with Access Aisle Between

Curb-to-curb (E) Overlap C-C (F)

0

(parallel)

8’-0” 23’-0” 10’-0” 26’-0” -

45 8’6” 17’-8” 12’-8” 48’-0” 44’-6”

60 8’6” 19’-0” 14’-6” 52’-6” 48’-2”

90 8’6” 18’-0” 24’-0” 60’-0” -

ARTICLE 6

DESIGN CRITERIA



Typical Parking Space Layout

0-degree (parallel) 45-degree

60-degree 90-degree

Landscaping

Off-street parking areas must be landscaped in accordance with

Section 6.5.4.

ARTICLE 6

DESIGN CRITERIA



Shared Parking

Description

Shared parking represents an arrangement in which two or more

nonresidential uses with different peak demands (hours of operation)

use the same off-street parking spaces to meet their off-street parking

requirements.

Authorization and Criteria

1. The Administrator is authorized to approve shared parking

arrangements for nonresidential uses with different hours of

operation.

2. The Administrator may permit up to 100% of the parking required for

a daytime use to be supplied by the off-street parking spaces

provided for a nighttime or Sunday use and vice-versa.

3. To approve a shared parking arrangement, the Administrator must

find, based on competent evidence provided by the applicant, that

there is no substantial conflict in the principal operating hours.

Uses with Different Hours of Operation

1. For the purposes of this section, the following uses are considered

daytime uses:

a. Office uses

b. Retail uses

c. Lodging uses

d. Industrial uses

e. Other similar primarily daytime uses, when authorized by the

Administrator

2. For the purposes of this section, the following uses are considered

nighttime or Sunday uses:

a. Auditorium accessory to schools

b. Places of worship

c. Entertainment uses

d. Eating and drinking establishments

e. Other similarly primarily nighttime or Sunday uses, when authorized

by the Administrator

Location of Shared Parking Facility

ARTICLE 6

DESIGN CRITERIA



A use for which an application is being made for shared parking must

be located within 400’ walking distance of a primary entrance of the

use served.

Parking for Persons with Disabilities

A portion of the total number of required off-street parking spaces in each

off-street parking area must be specifically designated, located, and

reserved for use by persons with physical disabilities, in accordance with all

applicable County, state, and federal standards.

Off-Street Loading

Where off-street loading space is required under the district regulations

of a particular district, one or more loading berth or other space shall be

provided for standing, loading, and unloading operations either inside

or outside a building and on the same or adjoining premises with every

building or structure erected after the enactment of this Ordinance; all

to be in accordance with the following requirements:

1. Retail business. One space for each 20,000 square feet of gross floor

area, or fraction thereof.

2. Wholesale trade and industries. One space for each 20,000 square

feet of gross floor area or fraction thereof.

3. Office or institution, including schools and government buildings. One

space for each 50,000 square feet of gross floor area or fraction

thereof.

4. A loading berth shall have minimum plan dimensions of 12’ by 60’

and 14’ overhead clearance. A loading space need not be

necessarily a full berth but shall be sufficient to allow normal loading

and unloading operations of a kind and magnitude appropriate to

the property served thereby. The Administrator shall determine the

sufficiency of loading space, but in no case shall the use of such

space hinder the free movement of vehicles and pedestrians over a

street, sidewalk, or alley.

Drop-Off/Pick-Up Areas

Off-street drop-off/pick-up areas must be sized to accommodate the

demands of projected usage (clinics, etc.) or enrollment (daycare,

schools, etc.) and located so that users do not have to cross traffic areas

and conflict with traffic flow on adjacent streets is avoided.

Must be separated from other vehicular or pedestrian areas by a

minimum 5’ wide area with physical design elements that indicated

traffic flow.

ARTICLE 6

DESIGN CRITERIA



Bicycle Parking Requirements

Bicycle parking shall be provided by all non-residential, multi-family, and

recreational uses. Bicycle parking facilities required by this section shall be

designed to provide convenient bicycle parking and to protect parked

bicycles from being damaged. Acceptable rack elements, rack location

and access, rack area and site conditions such as protection from the

elements and visibility shall conform with the Association of Pedestrian and

Bicycle Professional Bicycle Parking Guidelines.

Bicycle Parking Facilities

Bicycle parking spaces shall be Class I, Class II, or Class III facilities. Racks

which only support one wheel are not acceptable.

1. Class I

Bicycle lockers are generally rectangular enclosures, each holding

one or 2 bicycles.

2. Class II

Bicycle parking racks which allow all 3 major components of the

bicycle, back wheel, frame, and front wheel, to be locked, without

removal of the front wheel.

3. Class III

Racks such as loop, post, rails, “A” and inverted "U" racks. Each rack

provides 2 bicycle parking spaces. Common properties in a class III

facility include its support of the bicycle with or without the front

wheel removed and post or pipe dimensions which allow the lock to

encompass the front tire and down post or the rear wheel and seat

post. Class III facilities are recommended for short-term parking,

although, in combination with shelter, they can be adequate for

long-term storage.

Surfacing

Bicycle parking shall be provided on an improved surface near

pedestrian areas and shall be physically separated from vehicular

areas.

Installation

Installation shall be according to the manufacturers’ instructions.

Placement

Bicycle parking shall be:

1. Separated from vehicle parking by a physical barrier or by at least 5’

where vehicle parking is prohibited and shall be located as close to

ARTICLE 6

DESIGN CRITERIA



public and employee entrances as possible without interfering with

the flow of pedestrian and vehicular traffic.

2. Connected to the intended entrance by pedestrian walkway (i.e.,

not in mud in a landscaping bed).

3. Conveniently located near entrances (where multiple entrances

exist, the racks shall be dispersed among the entrances rather than

located in large groupings).

4. Located so as not to interfere with pedestrian access.

Typical Bicycle Parking

Visitor Parking

Parking provided for visitors of residential developments shall be located

within 200’ of the entrance to the unit(s) they are intended to serve.

ARTICLE 6

DESIGN CRITERIA



LANDSCAPING

Purpose and Intent

The purpose and intent of these regulations is to preserve and protect trees

existing within Franklin County, North Carolina by:

Saving trees on public property from indiscriminate destruction or

unnecessary removal.

Providing a variety of native tree species in the landscape.

Establishing standards limiting and regulating the removal of trees.

Establishing a permit process for the removal of trees.

Building an awareness of the need for and value of preserving trees.

Establishing standards for tree maintenance and protection.

Enhance, maintain, and replenish trees in the Franklin County area to

improve the community’s beauty and appearance.

Benefits of Trees and Landscaping

Franklin County finds it important to adopt an ordinance to preserve and

protect trees since numerous benefits are derived from this practice,

including the following

Assists in the stabilization and fertilization of soil and in the prevention of

soil erosion.

Contributes to the process of ground water recharge and storm water

run-off retardation and protecting against flood hazards and the risk of

landslides.

Contributes to the process of air purification and oxygen regeneration.

Intercepts air-born particulate matter and reduces some air pollutants.

Provides a haven for birds, reptiles, mammals which in turn help control

the insect population.

Provides nuts and fruits for wildlife.

Aids in glare, heat, and noise abatement, maintaining the climatic

balance and decreasing wind velocity.

Provides important psychological, sociological, and aesthetic

counterpoints to the man-made urban setting.

Provides aesthetic qualities which enhance livability.

Promotes energy conservation by maximizing the shading and cooling

effects of trees.

Increases property values.

ARTICLE 6

DESIGN CRITERIA



Buffers uncomplimentary and often incompatible land uses by

providing a transitional area.

Site Interior Landscaping Requirements

Planting Standards for Trees and Shrubs

1. All new plant material should be of good quality, installed in a sound,

workmanship-like manner.

2. All trees shall be properly planted and organically mulched (3-4”

layer) in accordance with accepted practices in the landscape

industry (ANSI Z60 American Standard for Nursery Stock, ANSI A-300

Standard Practices for Tree Care Operations- Tree, Shrub and other

Woody Plant Maintenance, ANSI Z133 Safety Requirements for Tree

Care Operations-Pruning, Trimming, Repairing, Maintaining, and

Removing Trees and Cutting Brush), to prevent winds from loosening

the roots.

3. No trees having a mature height of 15’ or higher shall be placed

within a transmission power line right-of-way.

4. The owner of the property is responsible for the continued proper

maintenance of all landscaping materials and should keep them in

a proper, neat, and orderly appearance, free from refuse and debris.

All dead or unhealthy plant material should immediately be

replaced to maintain the quality of the landscaping.

5. Where new landscape materials are to be installed, the type of

material used should be compatible with plant materials existing on

the property and on adjoining properties. Use of native plant

materials is encouraged. No synthetic plants should be used to satisfy

the requirements.

Installation

1. Canopy trees should not be less than 8’ in height with a minimum 2”

caliper (measured 6” above the ground). Understory trees shall be a

minimum of 1” in caliper (measured 6” above ground) and have a

minimum height of 6’ from the ground. Installation and construction

practices should be utilized which preserve and replace existing

topsoil.

2. Shrubs shall be at least 3 gallons in size. Installation and construction

practices should be utilized which preserve and replace existing

topsoil.

Tree/Landscape Plan

A tree/landscaping plan shall be required in all residential subdivisions

and on all business, office-institutional, industrial, multi-family, residential

ARTICLE 6

DESIGN CRITERIA



development and non-residential uses in a residential district. The plan

must contain the following information (a required tree/landscape plan

can be incorporated into the site plan submittal process required by the

Franklin County Unified Development Ordinance).

1. A tree/landscaping plan shall be submitted to the Franklin County

Planning Department for administrative approval prior to site

disturbance.

2. An accurate drawing of property boundaries

3. A development summary including the total acres in the

development, proposed use(s), required parking and provided

parking spaces and total building square footage

4. The location of proposed buildings, driveways, parking areas,

required parking spaces, and traffic patterns

5. Sight distance triangles as required by NCDOT. (See Figure 6-5.)

Sight Distance Triangle

6. Location of overhead and underground utilities

7. Location, by species, of all deciduous trees at least 20” DBH, all

coniferous trees at least 20” DBH and all understory trees greater than

8” DBH prior to any site disturbance on area to be developed.

Provide general description of all wooded areas within project

boundary.

8. Plan of required landscaping

9. Plant lists with common names, quantity, spacing and size of all

proposed landscaping and plant material at the time of planting

10. Name of the project, owner, name and address of engineer, scale,

date, legend, and north arrow

ARTICLE 6

DESIGN CRITERIA



11. Minor changes or additions to existing development or approved

plans may submit an abbreviated site plan. An abbreviated site plan

shall be allowed when a proposed change is physically limited to

only a contained portion of the site. An abbreviated site plan may

include only that portion of the site plan which is being altered. The

Planning Department shall determine when an abbreviated site plan

may be submitted for a detailed site plan and what items must be

included.

12. Where possible, this information can be submitted on the preliminary

plat.

Modifications

1. Under certain circumstances the application of the standards of this

Ordinance is either inappropriate or ineffective in achieving the

purposes of this Ordinance. When planting is required by this

Ordinance, and the site design, topography, unique relationships to

other properties, natural vegetation, or other special circumstances

exist relative to the proposed development, the developer may

submit a specific alternative plan for planting to the Planning

Department staff. This plan must demonstrate how the purposes

and standards of this Ordinance will be met by measures other than

those found in the Ordinance. The Planning Department staff shall

review the alternate proposal and advise the applicant of the

disposition of the request within fifteen working days of submission

by the applicant. An appeal of the staff’s decision may be made to

the Board of Adjustment.

2. Requests for a delay in complying with this Ordinance due to poor

weather conditions for planting will be considered following written

request directed to the Planning Department staff. The Planning

Department staff may require a surety bond for delays longer than

two weeks. Failure to comply will result in penalties provided for in

Article 3, Enforcement.

Parking Lot Landscaping

Landscaping in the interior of parking lots for properties located in all

business, industrial zones, multi-family, and other non-residential uses in a

residential zoning district as well as all special uses, shall comply with the

following regulations:

In addition to the landscaping provided adjacent to the road right-of-

way, any off-street parking area located within a front or side yard,

containing twenty or more off-street parking spaces shall be

landscaped as herein provided.

ARTICLE 6

DESIGN CRITERIA



1. For each 20 off-street parking spaces located in a front or side yard,

at least one canopy tree and 2 understory trees shall be provided,

with a least 50% of required trees being canopy within the interior of

the parking lot.

2. No parking space shall be further than 50 feet from a tree.

3. Canopy trees shall have a minimum of 2” caliper (measured 6”

above ground) and have a minimum height of 8’ from the ground

surface. Understory trees shall be a minimum of 1” caliper (measured

6” above ground) and have a minimum height 6’ from the ground

surface. All trees shall be selected from an approved species list

which is provided in Appendix I.

4. For an area to be considered as satisfying the landscaping provision

of this part, it must contain a minimum contiguous area of 153 square

feet and be a minimum of 8’-wide.

5. All plant material shall be free from disease when planted and shall

be maintained in a healthy condition. All plant material shall be

installed in a fashion that ensures the availability of sufficient soil and

water to sustain healthy growth. All trees shall be properly guyed and

staked at the time of planting. All plant materials shall be planted in

a manner which is not intrusive to utilities or pavement.

6. The plantings that constitute a landscaped area must be properly

maintained in order for the landscaped area to fulfill the purposes for

which it is established. The owner of the property and/or any tenant

on the property where a landscaped area is required shall be jointly

and severally responsible for the maintenance of all plant material

located within the landscaped area. Such maintenance shall

include all actions necessary to keep the landscaped areas free of

liter and debris and to keep plantings healthy and orderly in

appearance. Any vegetation that constitutes parts of the

landscaped area shall be replaced by the tenant or property owner

if it dies. Replacement trees shall be a minimum of 2” caliper

(measured 6” above ground) for a canopy tree and have a

minimum height of 8’ from the ground surface. Understory trees shall

be a minimum of 1” caliper (measured 6” above ground) and have

a minimum height of 6’ from the ground surface.

Street Trees

Required Landscaping in New Residential Subdivisions

As a requirement of subdivision approval, the subdivider shall plant trees

in the front setback of each lot, on of both sides of all existing and

ARTICLE 6

DESIGN CRITERIA



proposed public and private rights-of-way in the subdivision. Existing

trees may be used to fulfill the requirements of this section.

Front Setback Trees

In calculating the number of trees required per lot frontage, tree types

have been assigned a value in linear feet based on the average mature

canopy spread. The values are 40’ for canopy trees and 30’ for

understory trees. Each lot, including approved recreation/open space

areas, must have 1 canopy tree per street frontage (value of 40’). The

number of trees to be planted on the remaining frontage (total frontage

less value for one canopy tree) is determined by dividing the remaining

frontage by the value(s) assigned to tree types selected for planting by

the subdivider.2

2 For example, the number of trees required on a lot having a frontage of 130’ would

be calculated as follows:

[Total Lot Frontage (130’)] – [Value of Required Canopy Tree (40’)] = [Remaining Lot

Frontage (90’)]

1. Option 1: All Understory Trees

2. 90’ divided by 30’ (value for understory tree) = 3 trees

Total number of required trees = 3 understory trees and 1 canopy tree

3. Option 2: All Canopy Trees

90’ divided by 40’ (value for canopy tree) = 2.3 or 2 trees

Total number of required trees = 3 canopy trees

4. Option 3: Combination of Canopy and Understory Trees

90’ minus 40’ (value for canopy tree) = 50’ = 1 canopy tree

50’ divided by 30’ = 1.6 or 2 understory trees

Total number of required trees = 2 canopy trees and 2 understory trees.

ARTICLE 6

DESIGN CRITERIA



Street trees shall be planted within the required front yard setback, within

5 to 15’ of the property line. Selection and location of trees shall consider

existing and future site conditions including, but not limited to, overhead

and/or underground utility lines, vehicular access drives, the location

and extent of existing vegetation, and soil suitability. Selection of tree

types shall be made from the list of acceptable plant materials found in

Appendix I.

Each canopy tree shall have a minimum of 2” caliper (measured 6”

above ground) and have a minimum height of 8’ from the ground

surface.

Understory trees shall be a minimum of 1” caliper (measured 6” above

ground) and have a minimum height of 6’ from the ground surface.

Existing trees in the front yard setback which meet the minimum size

specifications may be substituted towards meeting the planting criteria,

even if they are not within 5 to 15’ of the property line.

Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to require the removal of

existing trees and vegetation.

Street Trees Types Specifically Encouraged

1. Native, drought tolerant tree species are specifically encouraged.

2. Street tree plantings shall be those canopy trees that are

recommended as Street Trees for North Carolina by the North

Carolina Division of Forest Resources with guidance from the USDA

Plants Database, using the appropriate USDA Plant Hardiness Zone.

Street Trees Specifically Prohibited

Crepe Myrtles and Bradford Pear Trees are specifically prohibited from

being utilized to meet the minimum street tree landscaping requirement.

See Appendix I, Official Franklin County Street Tree Planting List.

Credit for Existing Planting Materials

Existing trees and vegetation shall be preserved whenever feasible.

Deciduous trees at least 8” in diameter-at-breast-height (DBH), all

coniferous trees at least 8” DBH and all understory trees greater than 6”

DBH anywhere on the site shall be preserved to the greatest extent

practical and incorporated into the required landscaping. Existing trees

can be used in lieu of required planting materials on a 1-for-1 basis, or

at a 2-for-1 basis when over 8” DBH.

Tree preservation is encouraged on all properties located in business,

office, industrial, multi-family, and non-residential uses in a residential

zoning district, as well as conditional use districts. A tree landscape plan

ARTICLE 6

DESIGN CRITERIA



must be submitted prior to grading. A tree landscape plan must show

that there will be no disturbance in the Critical Root Zone. A disturbance

is considered trenching, placing backfill in the Critical Root Zone, driving

or parking equipment in the Critical Root Zone, and dumping of trash,

oil, paint, or other materials detrimental to plant health in close proximity

of the tree(s).

When selecting which trees to preserve, the following shall be

considered: existing and proposed grading; age, condition, and type of

tree, and location of site improvements and utility connections.

Should any tree designated for preservation in the tree landscape plan

die at any time after approval of the plan or issuance of a Certificate of

Occupancy, the owner shall replace sufficient landscaping equal to the

tree within 180 days. In the event of a restricted site, the owner may

request review by the Zoning Administrator. Replacement trees shall be

a minimum of 2” caliper (measured 6” above ground) for a canopy tree

and have a minimum height of 8’ from the ground surface. Understory

trees shall be a minimum of 1” caliper (measured 6” above ground) and

have a minimum height of 5’ from the ground surface.

Protective Measures During Construction

1. Protective barricades shall be placed around all protected trees

designated to be saved in development areas, prior to the start of

development activities or grading. Protective barricades shall remain

in place until development activities are complete or construction in

accordance with standards set forth in this Section commences. The

area within the protective barricade shall remain free of all building

materials, dirt or other construction debris, construction traffic,

storage of vehicles and materials, and grading shall not take place

within the dripline of the existing trees to be protected. Barricades

shall be erected at a minimum distance from the base of protected

trees according to the following standards:

a. For trees 8” or less DBH: Protective barricades shall be placed a

minimum distance of 8’ from the base of each protected tree, or

outside the dripline, whichever is greater.

b. For trees greater than 12” DBH: Protective barricades shall be

placed at a minimum distance equal to 10’ from the base of a

protected tree plus an additional 1’ for each additional 1” in DBH

greater than 10” DBH, or outside the dripline, whichever is greater.

2. Construction access to a site should occur where an existing or

proposed entrance/exit is located.

ARTICLE 6

DESIGN CRITERIA



3. Except for driveway access points, sidewalks, curb and gutter, no

paving with concrete or other impervious materials within a tree

dripline shall be allowed.

4. Where grading within a tree dripline cannot be avoided:

a. Limit cut and fill to ¼ the area within the dripline.

b. Avoid cut and fill around entire circumference of trunk.

c. Prune tree limbs in an amount which reflects the area of the roots

to be severed, but do not exceed 30% of the tree crown. Fertilize

and water undisturbed root area.

d. Where grading leaves roots exposed, cut roots clean.

e. Avoid filling within the dripline of a tree without some mechanism

to allow air and water to reach the roots.

Maintenance

Tree Topping

Tree Topping shall be prohibited on all public property and designated

rights-of-ways and for all trees falling under the jurisdiction of the

ordinance, including protected/conserved trees and new trees

planted.

Tree Removal

1. The Administrator is authorized to permit the removal and or trimming

of trees and shrubs from public properties, and in the public rights-of-

way.

2. Trees designated for removal must be dead, diseased, irreparably

damaged, hazardous, creating damage to private property, or

potentially creating damage to private property.

3. Trees to be removed from the public rights-of-way by electric utilities

and other utilities must be replaced by such entity in equal quantity

and minimum caliper size with an approved species from the

Approved Species List found in Appendix I.

Inspection of Sites

1. Planning Department staff, agents, and authorized representatives

of the county may periodically inspect sites subject to the provisions

of this Ordinance.

2. If, through inspection, it is determined that a person has failed to

comply or is no longer in compliance with the provisions of this

Ordinance, a notice to comply shall be served upon that person by

registered mail, with return receipt, or other means from the county.

ARTICLE 6

DESIGN CRITERIA



The notice shall set forth that which will be necessary to comply with

the Ordinance.

3. The County shall have the power to conduct such investigations as it

may reasonably deem necessary to carry out its duties as prescribed

in this Ordinance and for this purpose may enter at reasonable times

upon the property, public or private, for the purpose of inspecting

the site(s) subject to the provisions of this Ordinance.

Emergencies

In the case of emergencies such as windstorms, ice storms, fire, or other

disasters, the requirements of this Ordinance may be waived by the

county during the emergency period so that the requirements of this

Ordinance will in no way hamper private or public work to restore order

in the county. This shall not be interpreted to be a general waiver of the

intent of this Ordinance.

SCREENING AND BUFFERING

A buffer is a specified land area, located parallel to and within the outer

perimeter of a lot and extending to the lot line, together with any plantings

or landscaping required on the land. In addition to landscaping a buffer

may also contain, or be required to contain, a barrier such as a berm,

fence, or wall where such additional screening is necessary to achieve the

desired level of buffering between various land use activities. A buffer is not

equivalent with the terms "yard" or "setback”, although there may be some

physical overlap.

Street Yard Buffering

A “street yard” consists of a planting area parallel to, and adjacent to, a

public or private right-of-way designed to provide continuity of vegetation

along the right-of-way and to soften the impact of development by

providing a pleasing view from the road. In addition to the standards for

bringing sites into compliance identified in Article 2, Nonconformities, these

regulations shall apply to all newly developed properties as well as

expansions or changes in use which result in the expansion of gross floor

area or land surface area over 25%.

Street yards and landscaping shall be required along developed

properties in all business, industrial zones, multi-family, and other non-

residential uses in a residential zoning district, as well as all special uses.

Street yard widths shall be the same as the front yard landscaping

requirements of the underlying zoning district. The street yard’s total

length shall be equal to the total length of the property line adjacent to

the public right-of-way, exclusive of access drives.

ARTICLE 6

DESIGN CRITERIA



Trees shall be planted, if not existing, within the street yard according to

one of the following requirements:

1. Canopy trees shall be spaced no greater than forty feet apart with a

minimum of one tree planted on all properties with a frontage

greater than 40’. Each tree shall have a minimum of 2” caliper

(measured 6” above ground) and have a minimum height of 8’ from

the ground surface.

2. Understory trees shall be spaced no greater than 30’ apart. Each tree

shall be a minimum of 1” caliper (measured 6” above ground) and

have a minimum height of 6’ from the ground surface.

3. A combination of both canopy and understory trees spaced no

greater than 40’ apart for canopy trees, and 30’ apart for understory

trees, and 40’ apart between canopy and understory trees.

Parking, merchandise display as a principal use, and off-street parking

and loading are prohibited in the street yard.

Trees shall be planted a minimum of ten feet from edge of right-of-way

of the road to which it abuts. No trees shall be planted in utility

easements.

Trees shall be a species that is locally adapted, native, and drought

tolerant.

Existing trees along the street yard which meet the minimum size

specifications can be substituted towards meeting the planting criteria.

Nothing in this section shall be interpreted to require the removal of

existing trees and vegetation.

ARTICLE 6

DESIGN CRITERIA



Street Yard and Perimeter Buffers

A = Street Tree Area

B = Setback

C = Perimeter Buffer

Perimeter Buffering

Perimeter buffer strips shall be required whenever an industrial,

commercial, or any other nonresidential use is established adjacent to

a different zoning district and/or use. Buffer strips shall be required on

any lot line that is not adjacent to a street right-of-way.

The street yard of a lot, except for ingress and egress, shall have a

minimum 10’-wide area of landscaping, vegetative or natural/existing,

that would not pose a hazard for vehicular traffic, but creates a natural

looking front to the site.

The width of the buffer strip shall be determined by the following chart,

and shall be composed of evergreen bushes, shrubs, and/or trees such

that at least 2 rows of coverage are provided from the ground to a

height of 6’ within 3 years and foliage overlaps. At least 50% of the

required shrubs and 50% of the required trees shall be evergreen. Pine

trees shall not be permitted. An additional canopy tree and two

understory trees are required per 100 linear feet per 20’ of buffer width

greater than the first 20 feet of width.

ARTICLE 6

DESIGN CRITERIA



Table of Perimeter Buffers

Adjacent District

AR R-80 R-30 R-8 NB GB HI

Proposed

Development

District

NB 20 20 20 20 0 0 0

GB 20 20 20 20 0 0 0

HI 100 100 100 100 20 20 0

Nonresidential

Use

AR 20 20 20 20 0 0 0

R-80 20 20 20 20 0 0 0

R-30 20 20 20 20 0 0 0

R-8 20 20 20 20 0 0 0

All buffer strips shall become part of the lot(s) on which they are located,

or in the case of commonly owned land, shall belong to the

homeowners or property owners association.

The buffer strip shall be maintained for the life of the development.

Maintenance shall be the responsibility of the property owner, or, if the

property is rented, the lessee.

A screening of existing, native vegetation maybe substituted for all or

part of this screen for the buffer strip, if there is a maximum of 1-to-1

materials substitution and the same performance standards shall apply.

Any such areas shall be protected with tree protection fencing during

construction.

Where a planting screen cannot be expected to thrive because of

intense shade or soil conditions, or where lot size will not allow a planted

buffer, a well-maintained wood or vinyl privacy fence, a masonry wall,

or a black vinyl-coated chain link fence with slats at least 6 feet in height

maybe used in place of the planted screen.

When such permission is granted in this Section, the buffer strip may be

used for driveway and parking so long as such use does not interfere

with the 6’ wall or fence, and no permanent building or structure shall

encroach on the buffer area.

Subdivision Buffering

In addition to the landscaping and screening requirements for residential

subdivisions or multifamily residential development, a buffer strip at least 50’

in depth in addition to the normal lot size and depth required shall be

provided adjacent to all railroads, limited access highways, and major

ARTICLE 6

DESIGN CRITERIA



thoroughfares. This strip shall be a part of the platted lot or common open

space but shall have the following restrictions lettered on the face of the

plat: "This strip reserved for the planting of trees or shrubs by the owners; the

building of structures hereon is prohibited." This buffer shall not count

towards the minimum lot size.

Transportation Corridor Buffers

The minimum Transportation Corridor buffer strip width is 50’.

Landscaping Materials

Street Trees Specifically Prohibited

Crape Myrtles and Bradford Pear Trees are specifically prohibited from

being utilized to meet street yard, perimeter, or subdivision buffering

landscaping requirements.

Native, drought tolerant tree species are required.

Screening

Drive-thru Facilities

ARTICLE 6

DESIGN CRITERIA



Drive-thru windows and lanes shall be designed to adhere to the

following standards

1. Drive-thru windows and lanes placed between the right-of-way and

the associated building shall require landscape plantings installed

and maintained along the entire length of the drive-thru lane,

located between the drive-thru lane and any adjacent rights-of-way

or streets.

2. Such screening shall be a compact evergreen hedge or other type

of dense, evergreen foliage. At the time of installation, such

screening shall be at least 24” in height and shall be maintained at a

minimum height of 48” within 2 years of planting.

3. Drive-thru windows are not permitted on the side of a building

adjacent to any residential district.

Service Areas

1. Trash collection, trash compaction, recycling collection and other

similar service areas shall be located on the side or rear of the

building and shall be effectively screened from view from adjacent

properties and/or public rights-of-way.

2. Service areas shall be fully enclosed by opaque walls, gates, and/or

fences at least as tall as the dumpster containers inside and shall be

constructed of the same materials as the primary building.

3. All service areas are limited to the area shown on an approved site

plan.

4. All service areas shall be located a minimum of 50’ away from any

residentially zoned property line.

Loading Areas

Loading areas shall be subject to the following screening requirements:

1. A 100% year-round screen of all loading areas visible from residential

properties or public rights-of-way is required.

2. Screening shall consist of berms, walls, fences, evergreen plant

materials or combination thereof totaling a minimum of 8’ in height

within 3 years of planting.

3. Loading docks not in an industrial District shall be located at the side

or rear of buildings a minimum of 50’ away from any residentially

zoned property, unless the loading area is wholly enclosed within a

building.

Mechanical Equipment

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1. All roof, ground and wall mounted mechanical equipment including,

but not limited to air handling equipment, vents, compressors, duct

work, ground-mounted transformers, and elevator equipment shall

provide a year-round, 100% opaque screen from views from the right-

of-way, adjacent residential properties, or (up to) the second story of

nearby residential structures with either evergreen shrubbery,

fencing, walls, or berms. This screening requirement does not apply

to single family or duplex structures.

2. Roof-mounted mechanical equipment shall be shielded from view

on all sides. Screening shall consist of materials consistent with the

primary building materials and may include metal screening or

louvers which are painted to blend with the primary structure.

3. Wall or ground-mounted equipment screening shall be constructed

of:

a. Evergreen planting screens.

b. Brick, stone, reinforced concrete, or other similar masonry

materials.

c. Redwood, cedar, preservative pressure treated wood, or other

similar materials.

d. Where a fence or wall is used for screening, a perennial

foundation planting is required.

Utilities

Above-ground utilities and appurtenances to underground utilities

which require above-ground installation shall be screened by a

continuous planting of shrubs, with a minimum mature height equal to

that of the utility structure. Screening shall not interfere with required

access areas.

Outdoor Storage

1. General outdoor storage is defined as equipment lay down yards,

salvage yards, vehicle junk yards, overnight outdoor storage of

shipping containers, lumber, pipe, steel, junk, vehicle storage (rental,

wholesale, or bulk), and other similar merchandise, material, or

equipment.

2. General outdoor storage is an accessory use and only permitted in

conjunction with a primary use.

3. General outdoor storage areas shall meet the standards below

a. General outdoor storage shall be screened by year-round, 100%

opaque, 8’-high visual barrier or screen. When located abutting

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DESIGN CRITERIA



or across the street from a residential use or residentially zoned

property such screening shall be high enough to completely

conceal all outdoor storage from view.

b. All general outdoor storage shall be located at least 15’ from the

public right-of-way or from parcels zoned AR, R-80, R-30, or R-8

and at least 25’ from any other abutting residential lot or

residential district.

c. General outdoor storage shall be prohibited in a street yard or

otherwise forward of the front building line. Note that this provision

does not apply to outdoor sales.

4. General outdoor storage may be in the side or rear yard, outside of

the setbacks, provided screening requirements are met.

FENCES AND WALLS

Standards

A fence or wall not more than 6’ in height may be installed along any

side and rear lot line. A fence or wall in any required front yard or street

yard shall not exceed 4’ in height, except that industrial districts may be

6’ tall.

Fences and walls shall be constructed of high-quality materials, such as

decorative blocks, brick, stone, treated wood, wrought iron, black vinyl

coated chain link fence, or vinyl or treated wood privacy fence.

Fences and walls shall not be placed within any easements, such as

access, drainage, or utility.

Barbed wire

Barbed wire is prohibited except when used in or for the following:

1. Industrial Districts

2. Agricultural Uses

3. Protection of Public Utilities

4. Security Fencing under Section 5.3.1 (Outdoor Storage for Parking

Recreation Vehicles (RV’s) and Boats)

Where barbed wire is utilized, it shall be fully screened year-round by

vegetation of an appropriate height.

The screening requirement does not apply to Jails or Detention Centers

where security is paramount.

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OUTDOOR SITE LIGHTING

A lighting plan is required for all nonresidential, multi-family, or mixed-use

sites with outdoor area lighting beyond that associated with typical

residential lighting on front and rear doors.

Prohibited

String lighting visible from the right-of-way and used as a method of

attracting attention to a structure or use is prohibited. Use of light in this

method is similar to the use of prohibited signage.

Lighting Plan

Any proposed development requiring a site plan shall include a detailed

exterior lighting plan. This plan shall include:

Specifications for the lighting fixtures such as: type of unit (cutoff, non-

cutoff, glare shields, etc.), lamps (wattage, etc.), electrical load

requirements, utility company involved, method of wiring,

routing/location of lines, location of lights, and mounting heights.

Demonstration that all area lighting shall be directed downward and

shall not spill over onto adjacent properties.

Illumination, Glare, and Spillover

All exterior lighting must be shielded or directed away from any

adjacent use or lot or any adjacent public street. A maximum of 0.2 foot-

candles is permitted at the lot line of any residential zoning district

property or residential use.

Lighting within any lot that unnecessarily illuminates any other lot and

substantially interferes with the use or enjoyment of such other lot is

prohibited. Lighting unnecessarily illuminates another lot if it clearly

exceeds the standards set forth in this Section.

No exterior lighting shall cause illumination in excess of one-foot candle

at the lot line of any nonresidential zoning district property which abuts

and adjacent nonresidential zoned property.

Floodlights may be used in the rear of nonresidential or mixed-use

buildings that are not adjacent to residential uses or residentially zoned

properties and are not visible from public or private roadways if there

are not impacts to neighboring properties. Where floodlights are

necessary, they shall be installed such that the fixture shall be aimed

down at least 45° from vertical. Glare shields must be added to reduce

glare.

Lighting that casts a glare or creates any interference with vehicle

operation is prohibited.

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DESIGN CRITERIA



Lighting Requirements

All private streets serving six or more lots, public streets, sidewalks, cluster

mailbox areas, and other common areas or facilities in subdivisions

created after the effective date of this Ordinance shall be sufficiently

illuminated to ensure the security of property and the safety of persons

using such areas or facilities.

All roads, driveways, sidewalks, parking lots, and other common areas

and facilities in unsubdivided developments shall be sufficiently

illuminated to ensure the security of property and the safety of persons

using such roads, driveways, sidewalks, parking lots, and other common

areas and facilities, in a similar fashion to standards in A. (above).

All entrances and exits in substantial buildings used for nonresidential

purposes and in two-family or multi-family residential developments

containing more than 4 dwelling units shall be adequately lighted to

ensure the safety of persons and the security of the buildings.

BUILDING DESIGN STANDARDS

The following standards apply to development of the specified type within

the jurisdiction of the County.

Multifamily Residential (Apartments and Condominiums) and Townhomes

See below as well as Article 5, Zoning. Nothing in this UDO shall be construed

to be in conflict with the standards of NC G.S. §160D-702(b).

Nonresidential and Mixed-Use Buildings and Multi-family Residential Buildings

Applicability

1. The following standards do not apply to industrial districts.

2. The following regulations apply to all new construction or expansion

of existing nonresidential or mixed-use buildings and multi-family

residential buildings, to the extent that it does not conflict with NC

G.S. §160D-702(b). These requirements shall be in effect for both the

development of individual buildings and parcels with two or more

buildings on a single parcel. In any three-year period, any overall or

combined renovation of more than 50% of the outside of a building

shall adhere to the standards herein.

External materials standards

1. There are no standards for roofing materials, pitch, or shape.

2. The exclusive use of metal siding is prohibited and no more than 50%

of the structure’s exterior materials or accents may be metal, with the

exception of metal fastenings and trim.

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3. The external facades shall be consistent around the entirety of the

structure which are visible from the public right of way.

4. Self-storage facilities may qualify for a waiver from these standards at

the discretion of the Administrator.

Other Design Requirements

1. Points of access and egress shall consist of driveways or roadways at

least twenty feet in width and shall be set back a sufficient distance

from highway intersections to minimize traffic hazards,

inconvenience, and congestion.

2. Parking areas shall have a stabilized surface with parking spaces and

traffic lanes clearly marked.

3. Appropriate site distance triangles shall be maintained at driveways.

4. Any courtyard created by the placement of the buildings shall

provide adequate access for emergency vehicles.

Documents

DESIGN CRITERIA ARTICLE 6: DESIGN CRITERIA...2021/07/06 · ARTICLE 6 DESIGN CRITERIA FRANKLIN COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE 6-2 When seating consists of benches,