1. How do I find out what my property is zoned?
Contact the Planning Office at 919-496-2909. Please have an address, record number, or pin number available to help planning staff identify the parcel.
2. What days and hours is the Planning and Inspections office open?
The Planning and Inspections office is open Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m to 5 p.m
3. Am I required to obtain a zoning permit for a fence?
No, the County does not regulate fences, however the fence should be inside the property lines.
4. Am I required to obtain a zoning permit for a pool?
Yes, below ground and above ground pools require zoning permits.
5. Does the County enforce Homeowners Covenants?
No, the County does not enforce Homeowners Covenants. The County only enforces UDO. For more information contact your Homeowner's Association.
6. Am I required to obtain a zoning permit for a storage building?
Yes, the county does require you to obtain a zoning permit for a storage building. In order to apply for the zoning permit, the applicant needs to bring in a site plan showing the location of the proposed building, two copies of building plans, and a check for $27.50.
7. What are the setbacks for an Accessory building?
There must be a minimum of 10 feet between all buildings and 10 feet from the side and rear property lines. The Accessory Building is not to protrude past the front line of the house.
8. How long is a zoning permit valid?
A zoning permit is valid for 6 months from the date it was issued.
9. How long is a septic permit valid?
A septic permit is valid for 5 years from the date it was issued.
10. How do I locate the well and septic tank on my property?
Contact the Franklin County Environmental Health Department. (919-496-8100)
11. Am I required to obtain a permit if my property is located within a flood zone?
You will need a height elevation certificate with the foundation plan prepared by are registered surveyor.
12. What is the oldest model mobile home that can be set up in Franklin County?
The oldest model mobile home that can be setup in Franklin County is 1976.
Purpose:
This permit, issued by the Franklin County Planning Staff, allows the applicant to use or occupy a tract of land or a building; or to erect, install or alter a structure, building or sign situated in the jurisdiction of the County that fully meets the requirements of the Franklin County Unified Development Ordinance (UDO).
Example Site Plan included in Permit Instructions.
Purpose:
A Variance is a permit that enables the property owner to make use of their property in a way that conflicts with the literal interpretation of the ordinance. More specifically, a Variance grants relief from the Unified Development Ordinance. A typical Variance request involves setback requirements. Use Variances are not permitted pursuant to state law.
The following outline is the procedure for applying for a Variance. The Applicant is advised to discuss the Variance Request with Planning Staff before applying.
Recombination/Minor Subdivision Process:
- Contact a Surveyor of your choice.
- Surveyor is to bring in one paper copy for staff to review.
- Allow Planning Staff a minimum of three days to review plat and return comments to surveyor.
- After Planning Staff review, surveyor should submit Mylar copy for Planning Staff endorsement.
- Review fee for a Recombination is $75.00
Review fee for a Minor Subdivision is $95.00
- After Review fee has been paid, take mylar copy to the Register of Deeds office located in the Hobgood Annex for recordation. The Address is:
P.O. Box 545
113 S. Main St.
Louisburg, NC 27549.
Minor Sub with New Roads
- Must be a minimum of 45' in width
- 3 lots or more must list name of new private road
- 4-5 lots: roads must meet DOT standards, 4" compacted stone, and plat must include engineer's certificate
Key Information:
- Sketch vicinity map showing relationship between subdivision and surrounding area.
- Graphic Scale (Scale: 1"=200' or larger)
- Magnetic North Arrow
- Legend (Accurate location and description of all monuments and stakes)
Required Certificate:
- (Owner, Subdivision Administrator, Review Officer, Surveyor, Notary, Watershed.)
Size of Survey:
- The survey is to be 18" X 24"
Plat Requirements:
- Title, date, name, and location of Subdivision
- Name of owner and registered surveyor
- Name of the Subdivision
- Township, County, and State
- Current Zoning and Setbacks
- Line and names of all streets and roads
- Names and locations of adjoining subdivisions, streets, and location, ownership, and deed information of adjoining property
- Dimensions shown to the nearest one-hundredth (1/100) of a foot and angles to nearest minute
- Tie to NC Grid System or other pertinent monument
(If applicable: Watershed, Floodplain, 50 Foot Buffer on Perennial Stream.)
Major Subdivision Procedure
Purpose:
The purpose of the following document is to provide guidance to individuals or companies submitting plans that require detailed staff review and/or Planning Board approval involving major subdivision residential developments.
Major subdivisions are required to go before the Franklin County Planning Board. (The Franklin County Planning Board meets on the second Tuesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. The meeting is held in the Commissioner's Meeting Room on the second floor of 113 Market Street in Louisburg.)
Technical Review Committee (TRC)
Purpose:
The Franklin County Unified Development Ordinance creates a Technical Review Committee (TRC) to assist and advise the Franklin County Planning Board in all matters relating to the development of subdivisions. The Technical Review Committee consists of one member from the following groups:
- Soil and Water
- Tax Office/GIS
- Forestry Service
- One Planning Staff member
- Emergency Management Services
- DOT District Engineer or designee
- Director of Economic Development
- One Member of the Planning Board
- Franklin County Recreation Director
- Public Utilities/Water and Sewer Authority
- County School Superintendent or designee
- Environmental Health Supervisor or Designee
Subdivision Review Timeline
Purpose:
(TBA)
A Rezoning Application is required when the applicant can not utilize the property for a proposed use. The property owner must sign all rezoning applications. Rezoning processes are governed by North Carolina General Statute; therefore, we are required by law to follow specific procedures.
