cupolas, spires, and steeples a maximum of 90 feet. All height standards for
residential development are the same for commercial development, except
for accessory buildings which are permitted to a maximum height of 16 feet,
or 24 feet by a special permit for a single family home.
The following is a review of the existing planning tools utilized by Washington
County along with a brief analysis identifying their ability to address land use
and military compatibility, and where potential improvements can be made.
The following planning tools are evaluated:
Washington County Comprehensive Plan
Washington County CAMA Land Use Plan
Washington County Zoning Ordinance
Washington County Subdivision Ordinance
Washington County Building Code
Washington County Easements
Wind energy facilities (small, medium, large) are permitted within the
agricultural, residential, commercial, and industrial manufacturing zoning
districts with either a building or special use permit.
Dark Sky
Washington County does not employ a dark sky ordinance to control light
pollution and prevent glare, light trespass, and skyglow. However, due to the
rural nature of the county, light pollution is not a significant issue that needs
to be currently addressed.
Comprehensive Plan
Information on Washington County’s Comprehensive Plan was unavailable.
CAMA Land Use Plan
Information on Washington County’s CAMA Land Use Plan Update was
unavailable.
Noise Ordinance
The county’s noise ordinance describes various prohibited noises, none of
which relate to military operations. However the ordinance states the
following, which could cause incompatibility with Seymour Johnson AFB and
the Dare county Range.
Zoning Ordinance
The Washington County zoning ordinance was last amended in 2004. The
Washington County Planning and Safety Office is charged with overseeing the
enforcement of these regulations. Additionally, the county maintains a six‐
member Planning Board charged with serving as an advisory board to the
County Board of Commissioners.
(18) the firing or discharging of a gun, squibs, fire crackers,
gunpowder, or other explosive or combustible substance in
the streets or elsewhere for the purpose of making a noise or
causing a disturbance.
The zoning ordinance divides the land within the county into eight districts
within four general zoning categories, Residential, and Commercial and
Industrial. The ordinance provides development regulations for these
districts.
A review of the zoning regulations has identified the following concerns
related to military compatibility:
Height Restrictions
Heights standards for rural area development permit residential buildings a
maximum of 45 feet, public buildings 55 feet, accessory buildings 34 feet, and
Background Report
Seymour Johnson AFB is not recognized in the county’s zoning
regulations.
The zoning ordinance does not provide sound attenuation standards to
further protect the community from military operations.
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