Morrisville UDO - June 2017 version

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Article 2: Administration
Section 2.5. Application-Specific Review Procedures
2.5.15. Interpretation
June 23, 2017 Morrisville, NC
Page 2-56 Unified Development Ordinance
Staff Review and Decision
The Planning Director shall review the application and render a decision in accordance with Section
except that the decision shall be in the form of a written interpretation and the Planning
Director shall consult with the Town Attorney and affected Town officials before rendering the
interpretation.
Post-Decision Actions
The post-decision actions and limitations in Section shall apply to the application except as
follows:
a. Effect of Approval
A written interpretation shall be binding on subsequent decisions by the Planning Director or
other Town administrative official in applying the same provision of this Ordinance or the
Zoning Map in the same circumstance, unless the interpretation is reversed or modified on
appeal to the Board of Adjustment or a court of law.
b. Official Record of Interpretations
The Planning Director shall maintain a record of written interpretations that shall be available
for public inspection, on reasonable request, during normal business hours.
D. Interpretation Standards
Zoning Map Boundaries
Interpretation of zoning district boundaries on the Official Zoning Map shall be in accordance with
the standards in and consistent with the
Comprehensive Plan.
Unspecified Uses
Interpretation of whether an unspecified use falls within a use classification, use category, or use
type allowed in a zoning district shall be based the standards in
and the Comprehensive Plan.
Text Provisions
Interpretation of text provisions and their application shall be based on the standards in
and the following considerations:
a. The clear and plain meaning of the provision’s wording, as defined by the meaning and
significance given specific terms used in the provision—as established in
and by the common and accepted usage of the term;
b. The intended purpose of the provision, as indicated by purpose statements, its context and
consistency with surrounding and related provisions, and any legislative history to its adoption;
c. The general purposes served by this Ordinance, as set forth in Section 1.1.3, Purpose and
Intent; and
d. Consistency with the Comprehensive Plan.
(Ord. No. 2014-22, 06/24/2014)