Unified Development Ordinance (Repealed August 09, 2021)

The Unified Development Ordinance is a single ordinance encompassing Town development regulations for new subdivisions and provides zoning regulations that specify permitted uses, building setbacks, architectural/aesthetic requirements, landscaping, signage and other development requirements for all property within the Town’s planning jurisdiction. Printed copies are available from the Department of Planning and Zoning for a fee to cover printing costs.

Harrisburg Unified Development Ordinance Table of Contents

Article 1 - General Provisions (PDF)

Article 1 provides an introduction to the structure and the legal framework of the Unified Development Ordinance (the “UDO”). The UDO combines the zoning and subdivision authority of the Town into one document. This Section recites applicable statutory authority, the applicability of the UDO to various uses and geographic areas of the Town and its incorporated areas, consistency with the Area Plans (the Comprehensive Plan), coordination with other regulations, the effective date, violations, and related matters.

Article 2 - Administrative Agencies (PDF)

Article 2 describes the various agencies involved in administration of the UDO. The jurisdiction, powers, and duties of each agency are described. These agencies include: the Planning Department, the Board of Adjustment, the Town Council, the Planning and Zoning Board, and the Historic Preservation Commission.

Article 3 - Zoning and Permitting Procedures (PDF)

Article 3 describes how to obtain a permit under the Unified Development Ordinance. Typically, the permit approval process involves four steps: First, an application is submitted to the Administrator. Appendix B lists the submittal requirements for different types of applications. Second, the Administrator determines whether the application is complete. Third, the application is forwarded to the appropriate board, commission and/or staff member to approve, approve with conditions, or deny the plans. Fourth, a permit is issued to the applicant once plans are approved.

Article 4 - Zoning Districts and Dimensional Regulations (PDF)

Table 4.6-1 - Principal Uses Permitted in Zoning Districts (PDF)

Table 4.7-1 - Dimensional and Density Standards (PDF)

Click here for Official Zoning Map

Article 4 divides the Town into districts for the purpose of regulating the use of lands within the districts, as well as dimensional requirements and other standards applicable to construction, reconstruction and alterations of such uses. This Article establishes a series of basic zoning districts, overlay districts (Floodplain Overlay, Corridor Overlays, Historic Overlays, and River/Stream Overlays) within which additional standards may apply, and “floating zones” (PUD, TND, and TOD districts) which may be designated by request. Refer to Article 5 for additional regulations applicable to particular uses.

Article 5 - Supplemental Use Regulations (PDF)

Article 5 establishes uniform criteria for particular uses which are permitted within one or more of the zoning districts established in Article 4. If the use is listed as a permitted use in Article 4, Table 4.6-1 or 4.6-2, the additional criteria set forth in this Article must be satisfied before an application for development approval will be approved or issued. If the use is listed as a conditional use in Article 4, Table 4.6-1 or 4.6-2, the additional criteria set forth in this Article must be satisfied before an application for Conditional Use Permit will be approved. These criteria are designed to ensure that the listed uses are compatible with the other permitted uses in the zoning district and to implement the policies of the Comprehensive Plan.

Article 6 - Subdivision Regulations (PDF)

Article 6 establishes procedures for the subdivision of land. Included are requirements for the division of land into a subdivision, as defined in Appendix A of this Ordinance, as authorized by NCGS § 160A-371 to 160A-376.

Article 7 - Landscaping, Buffering, and Lighting Standards (PDF)

Article 7 establishes standards for the planting of landscaping, the width and requirements of buffer areas between uses, and site lighting standards for nonresidential uses.

Article 8 - Off-Street Parking and Private Driveway Standards (PDF)

Table 8.1-6 - Parking Requirements (PDF)

Article 8 outlines standards for the design of off-street parking, private driveway standards, as well as the number of allowed parking spaces for proposed developments.

Article 9 - Environmental Control Regulations (PDF)

Article 9 establishes standards for sedimentation and erosion control, as well as stormwater runoff requirements. Additional stormwater requirements can be found in the Phase II Stormwater Ordinance.

Article 10 - Street Improvement Standards (PDF)

Article 10 addresses development standards for public and private streets, lays out a comprehensive classification system for the different types of streets, and establishes standards for street connectivity.

Article 11 - Site Design Standards (PDF)

Article 11 outlines supplemental design standards for certain uses that are allowed under Article 4, particularly outdoor storage, multi-family developments, retail uses in the I-1 district, and supplemental standards for the CC and CD zoning districts.

Article 12 - Sign Standards (PDF)

All regulations involving signs, including size, height, placement, and the types of signs allowed, can be found in Article 12.

Article 13 - Nonconforming Uses and Structures and Vested Rights (PDF)

Article 13 establishes standards for nonconforming uses and structures (often referred to as "grandfathered" uses and structures), as well as detailing the establishment of vested rights for development plans.

Article 14 - Adequate Public Facilities (APF) Standards (PDF)

The Town of Harrisburg has determined that adequate public facilities are necessary for the orderly and responsible growth of the Town; specifically, water, sewer, roads, and schools. Article 14 establishes the criteria that prospective developments must meet in order to ensure that the public facilities are adequate for the type of development being proposed.

Article 15 - Corridor Overlay Districts (PDF)

Article 15 deals with the established overlay districts in the Town of Harrisburg. Currently, the only applicable overlay district is the Thoroughfare Overlay District.

Appendix A - Definitions (PDF)

Definitions for all terms found in the Unified Development Ordinance can be found in Appendix A.

Appendix B - Application Requirements (PDF)

Appendix B details the requirements for submitting applications including Preliminary Subdivision plats, Final plats, Conditional Rezoning plans, and landscaping plans.

Appendix C - Design Standards for Streets and Utilities (PDF)

Appendix C contains street cross-section details and standards for the construction of streets in Harrisburg.

Appendix D - Rights-of-Way Regulations and Design Standards for Driveways, Drainage, and Utility Construction (PDF)

Appendix D establishes minimum design criteria for driveways connecting to public streets, including right-of-way improvements, drainage, and utility construction inside of the right-of-way.

Appendix E - Commercial Design Standards (PDF)

Appendix E covers the design criteria for all commercial construction in the Town of Harrisburg.

Appendix F - Transportation Impact Analysis Procedures Manual (PDF)

Appendix F outlines the requirements related to when a traffic impact analysis is required, the methodology used to conduct the traffic impact analysis, and the procedures and policies relating to reviewing and approving the analysis.