Morrisville UDO - June 2017 version

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Article 11: Interpretation and Definitions
Section 11.2. Interpretation of Zoning Map Boundaries
11.1.8. Public Officials and Agencies
June 23, 2017 Morrisville, NC
Page 11-2 Unified Development Ordinance
11.1.8. Public Officials and Agencies
All public officials, bodies, and agencies to which references are made are those of the Town of Morrisville,
unless otherwise indicated.
11.1.9. Mandatory and Discretionary Terms
The words “shall,” “must,” and “will” are mandatory in nature, establishing an obligation or duty to comply
with the particular provision. The words “may” and “should” are permissive in nature.
11.1.10. Conjunctions
Unless the context clearly suggests the contrary, conjunctions shall be interpreted as follows:
A. “And” indicates that all connected items, conditions, provisions or events apply or are required;
B. “Or” indicates that only one of the connected items, conditions, provisions, or events applies or is
required; and
C. “And/or” indicates that one or more of the connected items, conditions, provisions, or events apply or
are required.
11.1.11. Tenses and Plurals
Words used in the present tense include the future tense. Words used in the singular number include the
plural number and the plural number includes the singular number, unless the context of the particular usage
clearly indicates otherwise. Words used in the masculine gender include the feminine gender, and vice versa.
11.1.12. Term Not Defined
If a term used in this Ordinance is not defined in this article, the Planning Director or Town Engineer, as
appropriate, shall have the authority to provide a definition based on the definitions used in accepted
sources—including, but not limited to, A Planners Dictionary, A Glossary of Zoning, Development, and Planning
Terms, and A Survey of Zoning Definitions, published by the American Planning Association.
SECTION 11.2. INTERPRETATION OF ZONING MAP BOUNDARIES
The Planning Director shall be responsible for interpretations of the Zoning Map in accordance with the
standards in and the following rules and standards.
11.2.1. Map Interpretation Rules
A. Boundaries shown as approximately following a utility line or a street, road, alley, railroad, or other
public access way shall be interpreted as following the centerline of the right-of-way or easement for
the utility line or access way.
B. Boundaries shown as approximately following a property line shall be interpreted as following the
property line as it existed when the boundary was established. If a subsequent minor adjustment (such
as from settlement of a boundary dispute or overlap) results in the property line moving 10 feet or less,
the zoning boundary shall be interpreted as moving with the property line.
C. Boundaries shown as approximately following a watercourse shall be interpreted as following the
centerline of the watercourse as it actually exists, and as moving with that centerline to the extent the
watercourse moves as a result of natural processes (flooding, erosion, sedimentation, etc.).