§ 4.7. SPECIAL PURPOSE BASE DISTRICTS

4.7.1. CP - Conservation and Protection

A.

Intent

The Conservation and Protection District (CP) is intended to be used for the permanent protection and preservation of environmentally sensitive lands, and historical, cultural, and archeological areas of Brunswick County. Generally, activities within a CP district are limited to very low intensity uses, agricultural and silvicultural activities, parks, open space and natural habitat preservation, and very limited residential uses. Construction and land disturbing activities should be limited in nature and scope and should have a very low impact on the environment and the surrounding setting. Public or community water or wastewater facilities are generally discouraged in order to deter development pressure.

B.

Permitted Uses

Only uses specifically listed in the use table in Section 5.2 as a permitted use ("P"), permitted subject to limited use standards ("L"), or permitted subject to special use permit ("SUP") shall be allowed in a CP District.

C.

Standards

1.

Applicability

i.

The following standards shall apply to all development within a CP district with the exception of bona fide farms. However, bona fide farms are encouraged to comply with these requirements to the extent possible to ensure that impacts on the land and the surrounding environment are minimal.

ii.

In addition to the standards contained in this Section. All other provisions in this Ordinance and all other applicable laws shall apply, except those that are incompatible with the provisions contained herein.

2.

Dimensional Standards

Projects shall meet the following standards.

Minimum Lot Area	Minimum Lot Width	Minimum Front Yard	Minimum Side Yard	Minimum Rear Yard	Maximum Height
5 Acres	300 feet	50 feet	100 feet	50 feet	40
Notes:
Additional Building Height above 40 feet up to a maximum height of 75 feet is allowed at the following rates:
Non-Viewshed Protection Overlay areas at a rate of one additional foot of height for every one foot of additional yard depth (front, rear, and sides);
Viewshed Protection Overlay (see Section 4.12.6.) areas at a rate of one additional foot of height for every two feet of additional yard depth (front, rear, and sides).
International Fire Code with appendices and International Building Code with North Carolina Amendments apply.

 

3.

Development Standards

In order to reduce the impact of development on the existing natural environment, the following standards apply to all land disturbing activities within a CP district:

i.

With the exception of a pedestrian trail or a fence, no land disturbing activities may occur within a required yard or within 100 feet of:

(a)

All lands located within a 100-year floodway;

(b)

All site area under the jurisdiction of the Army Corps of Engineers (the Corps) or the North Carolina Department of Natural Resources, Division of Water Quality (DWQ);

(c)

All lands located within a CAMA shoreline buffer;

(d)

All lands located below the high water line of an existing pond, lake, or stream; and

(e)

All lands with slopes steeper than 25%.

ii.

The requirement for mandatory connection to public water and sewer facilities (see Brunswick County Water and Sewer Use Policy) shall be waived.

4.

Development Guidelines

In order to reduce the impact of development on the existing natural environment, the following guidelines apply to all activities within a CP district. As guidelines, they provide an increased degree of flexibility.

i.

If development is anticipated to occur, the plan for such development should prioritize the preservation of natural habitat and sensitive environmental features such as large stands of trees, wetlands, Carolina Bays, pocosins, watercourses, marshes, and tidal areas.

ii.

The use of Low Impact Design, stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) and other alternative construction principles is strongly encouraged.

iii.

All site clearing and preparation, and construction activities should avoid removing existing trees and disturbing existing vegetation to the extent possible.

iv.

Although fencing is allowed, such fencing should be designed to allow for easy movement of wildlife. If more impervious fencing is desired, it is recommended that such fencing be limited to the areas around inhabited or occupied structures so that remaining portions of the property allow easy movement of wildlife.

4.7.2. MI - Military Installation

A.

Intent

1.

The purpose of the Military Installation District (MI) is to recognize the location of major single use and multiple use military facilities in Brunswick County.

2.

While federal government areas are not subject to local zoning and other codes, they occupy large land areas in the County. These areas therefore are identified on the zoning map as a Special Purpose District to differentiate them from other areas that are covered by the regulations in this Ordinance.

3.

The main objective of this District is to identify specific resources not otherwise identified where protection can be considered in the public's interest; identify interests relating to land use planning that impact County policy on industry, the environment and residential land uses in general; minimize substantial development impacts of these facilities; and develop a coordinated, planning/zoning process to include all federal entities.

B.

Permitted Principal Uses and Structures

The uses specified as permitted uses include any uses authorized by, and located in, official Military Installations of the U.S. Government.

C.

Development Coordination Required/Encouraged

1.

Notification Required

When an ordinance amendment or modification would result in a rezoning or change or affect the list of permitted uses within five miles of a military base, comments and analysis of the base commander shall be included in the consideration before making a final determination (G.S. § 160A-323). Mailed notification shall be provided prior to any such action as specified in Section 9.1.B.3.iv.

2.

Coordination Encouraged

In areas of MI Districts not affected by military security in areas where commercial, residential, or mixed use developments are proposed, and in areas where joint public/private development may be explored, the federal government and Brunswick County is encouraged to establish a coordinated planning process to achieve both federal and local benefits, to minimize development impacts, and to help meet the objectives and policies of the Land Use Plan of Brunswick County.