Unified Development Ordinance - Currituck County Government

Chapter 5: Development StandardsSECTION 5.3: FENCES AND WALLSSubsection 5.3.1: Purpose and Intentdamaged, or removed. This section is not intended to prevent normal, routinemaintenance.(1) Damage Due to Natural OccurrenceIn the event that any vegetation or physical element functioning to meet thestandards of this section is severely damaged due to an unusual weatheroccurrence or natural catastrophe, or other natural occurrence such asdamage by wild or domestic animals, the owner or developer shall be requiredto replant if the landscaping standards are not being met. The owner shallhave one growing season to replace or replant. The Planning Director shallconsider the type and location of the landscape buffer or required vegetationarea as well as the propensity for natural re-vegetation in making adetermination on the extent of replanting requirements.(2) Protection During OperationsThe owner or developer shall take actions to protect trees and landscapingfrom unnecessary damage during all facility and site maintenance operations.Plants shall be maintained in a way that does not obstruct sight distances atroadway and drive intersections, obstruct traffic signs or devices, or interferewith the use of sidewalks or pedestrian trails.(3) Maintain ShapeAll required trees (whether canopy or understory) shall be maintained in theircharacteristic natural shape, and shall not be severely pruned, sheared, topped,or shaped as shrubs. Trees (including, but not limited to Crape Myrtles) thathave been severely pruned, sheared, topped, shaped as shrubs, such that theyno longer serve the intended buffering or screening function, shall beconsidered as damaged vegetation in need of replacement within one growingseason.B. Natural DeathThe natural death of existing vegetation within any required landscape area does notnecessarily constitute a violation and does not require re-vegetation to replace theplant material unless the required landscape area no longer complies with the requiredstandards of this section. In no instance shall this provision be construed to preventre-planting if, in the opinion of the Planning Director, the required performancestandard of the landscaping is not being met.5.3. FENCES AND WALLS5.3.1. Purpose and IntentThe purpose and intent of this section is to regulate the location, height, and appearance offences and walls to maintain visual harmony within neighborhoods and throughout the county,protect adjacent properties from the indiscriminate placement and unsightliness of fences andwalls, and ensure the safety, security, and privacy of properties.5.3.2. ApplicabilityA. The provisions of this section shall apply to all construction, substantial reconstruction,or replacement of fences or walls not required for support of a principal or accessoryCURRITUCK COUNTY, NC UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT ORDINANCE5.35