North Carolina limits county zoning of bona fide farms under NCGS 160D-903, exempting most agricultural activities on qualifying farms from county zoning regulation.
NCGS 160D-903 (formerly 153A-340) exempts bona fide farm purposes from county zoning regulations on properties used for activities such as crop production, livestock, horticulture, aquaculture, and farm-related sales of products produced on the farm. A property qualifies as a bona fide farm if it has a farm sales tax exemption, present-use value classification, farmer identification number, agricultural assessment, or similar evidence. Cities retain authority to zone within municipal limits, but county zoning generally cannot prohibit qualifying farm activities. Voluntary Agricultural Districts under NCGS 106-735 add further notice and protection.
County zoning enforcement against bona fide farm activities is unauthorized; affected farmers may seek injunctive relief and challenge enforcement actions.
Greensboro, NC
Greensboro has no city ordinance regulating year-round lawn ornaments, statuary, or religious displays at single-family properties. The LDO sign standards ex...
Greensboro, NC
Greensboro has no zoning, building, or sign-code rule specifically targeting residential inflatable holiday displays. The LDO sign standards exempt seasonal ...
Greensboro, NC
Greensboro has no city ordinance restricting when residents may install or must remove holiday lights at single-family homes. The Greensboro LDO sign standar...
Greensboro, NC
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Greensboro require permits for gas lines, electrical, plumbing, and any roofed structure under NC General Statute 160D-1110. Bui...
Greensboro, NC
Greensboro has no ordinance specifically targeting backyard smokers, pellet grills, or wood-fired ovens at single- or two-family homes. General nuisance auth...
Greensboro, NC
Greensboro enforces the 2018 North Carolina Fire Prevention Code, which adopts IFC Section 308. NCFC 308.1.4 prohibits charcoal burners and open-flame cookin...
See how Greensboro's agricultural zoning protection rules stack up against other locations.
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