Frequently
Requested Information
New development, as well as changes to existing built sites, typically requires approval of a development plan prior to construction. Development plans are reviewed by representatives from various Town departments for compliance with the Town's Land Development Ordinance and other development-related regulations and guidelines. These development plans may be either a site plan or subdivision plan and depending upon the type of proposed development and/or its location, may be approved by Council or staff.
The approved development plans are for information only and should not be relied upon completely since changes are sometimes made before final construction is completed. Please call the Planning Department at (919) 469-4082 if you have any questions regarding development plans.
Easements and Right-of-Way
The Town of Cary requires setbacks for uses and structures that are proposed to be located within right-of-ways or easements. Typically, no encroachments (including landscaping) are allowed within an easement unless unique circumstances exist and approval is secured from the easement holder. If you have any questions about an easement or road right–of-way, please contact the Town of Cary Engineering Department at (919) 469-4030.
Flooding Concerns
If you are experiencing flooding on your property due to new construction, contact storm water services at (919) 462-3932 for assistance.
Junked/Aesthetic Nuisance Vehicles
It is unlawful to
store a junked/aesthetic nuisance motor vehicle on public or private
property within the Town’s municipal boundaries.
A vehicle is classified as junked if it does not have a current license
plate and at least one of the following is true:
> It is partially dismantled or wrecked
> It cannot propel itself or move in the manner in which it was originally
intended
> It is more than 5 years old and apparently is worth less than $100
Owners of these vehicles may contact the Planning Department for details
on
how to get rid of them at no cost. To arrange for removal of your junked
vehicle or to report one, contact the zoning compliance supervisor at
(919)
462-3885 or call (919) 469-4082.
Landscape/Perimeter Buffers
These buffers are primarily located on the outer edge of developed properties. The purpose of the buffer is to aesthetically preserve the character and quality of life in the community and functions as a boundary between property uses. All buffers, no matter what type, are protected in the corporate limits and extra territorial jurisdiction and enforceable according to the Land Development Ordinance. For more information, contact the Planning Department at (919) 469-4082.
Limits of Persons Occupying a Single Family Home
When determining how many people are allowed to reside in a single family dwelling, several considerations apply. Minimum housing representatives and zoning compliance officers determine the exact number of persons allowed to live in a single family home according to the International Building Code and the Land Development Ordinance.
One person or a group of persons related by blood or marriage, plus up to three additional unrelated persons are allowed in one dwelling. Beyond this requirement, there are square footage requirements for each individual living in the house. This is to be determined by minimum housing inspectors. Please contact the Inspections and Permits office at (919) 469-4340 and the Planning Department at (919) 469-4082 with any questions.
Noise Regulations
Call the Police Department non-emergency number - (919) 469-4012.
Special Events/Temporary Uses
Non-residential special events such as a circus, carnival, religious service, musical, grand opening, sale of agricultural products, ground breaking ceremonies, athletic events, or similar type events require temporary use permit application approval. Due to multi-departmental review of the application, a temporary use permit application needs to be submitted at least 2 weeks prior to the event. Social events within shopping centers require a temporary use permit, but a total of 3 such events are allowed per year and shall not exceed a combined 7 days.
Stream Buffers
Streams in Cary are protected by 50-foot and 100-foot buffer widths depending on their classification. To learn more about how Stream Buffers may affect your property or to determine buffer width, contact storm water services at (919) 462-3932.
Tall Grass/Weeds
Grass, weeds and undergrowth on any property in the Town should not exceed a height of 8 inches. If a property owner, lessee or occupant with control of a property fails, refuses or neglects to cut, destroy, or remove such weeds within two (2) days after receipt of notice to do so given by the Public Works and Utilities Department, then the Town through its agents and employees, may enter upon such lot or premises for a depth of fifty (50) feet from each abutting property line and cut and destroy such weeds and undergrowth for a depth of fifty (50) feet from each abutting property line, and the cost and expense thereof shall be paid by the owner, lessee, occupant or agent, or it shall become a lien against such property in the same manner as for taxes. For more information on Tall Grass Regulations, please contact the Public Works and Utilities Department.
Tree Trimming and Pruning
No more than 25
percent of the canopy is to be pruned from shrubs and small trees, i.e.
crape myrtles. If you have any question about tree pruning please contact
the Planning Department at (919) 469-4082. A complete copy of the Town’s
guideline can be found in the Community
Appearance Manual and the Environmental Protection Standards Manual.