Sampson County, NC Parking Rules: Loading Zones (2026)

Sampson County Code §§ 2-32-09 through 2-32-11 govern off-street loading in unincorporated Sampson County. Every application for a Zoning Permit or Certificate of Occupancy where loading space is required must show the location and dimensions of driveway entrances, access aisles and loading spaces, plus vehicular and pedestrian circulation and the location of sidewalks and curbs; the Zoning Officer withholds the permit or certificate until those plans meet § 2-32-09, and any certificate already issued becomes void if compliance later lapses. Under § 2-32-10, a loading space serving a building under 20,000 square feet of gross floor area must measure at least 15 feet wide by 30 feet long, and a building of 20,000 square feet or more needs spaces at least 15 feet wide by 45 feet long, each with 15 feet of vertical clearance.

Access aisles must be paved with an all-weather hard surface, loading maneuvers must stay entirely within the property lines, and loading areas next to residentially zoned or used property must be buffered, with lighting shielded so it casts no light on adjacent properties or streets. Section 2-32-11 sets minimum space counts by floor area: large-volume uses such as industrial plants, wholesale establishments and freight terminals need one space at 5,000 to 20,000 square feet, rising to seven spaces at 215,001 to 260,000 square feet and one more for each additional 45,000 square feet, while lower-volume uses like offices, restaurants and hotels need only one space up to 80,000 square feet, scaling to four spaces at up to 500,000 square feet.