Frequently Asked Questions

1. A permit is needed any time you are proposing a new use and/or a new structure on your property. Also, some structural work like plumbing or wiring can result in a need for a permit. For more information on that please contact the Planning Office. 

1. To know what you can build on your property you must first know the zoning district. Please look on our GIS map here to find your parcel and the zoning district applied to it. Section 156.30.02 of the UDO, the Land Use Matrix, states what uses are allowed in each zoning district. On the table if you see a P next to the use you want in your particular zoning district, that means it is permitted. If you see an L that means it is a Use with Limitations (standards) and if you see an S that means it is permitted with a Special Use Permit issued by the Board of Adjustment. If it is blank, then that use is not permitted.

The zoning map can be found on the city’s GIS map. 

1. Your property may be located within city limits, the ETJ, or in the County’s jurisdiction. You can find information about that on either the city’s GIS map, Cleveland County’s GIS map, or Gaston County’s GIS map.

1. Once you’ve applied for a permit you can request an inspection through OpenGov. Log in, find your permit, and follow the prompts to request an inspection.

1. City water and sewer maps are not publicly available. Please contact either the Planning Office or the public utilities office for more details.

1. Only one single family dwelling can be placed per parcel within the planning jurisdiction. However, you may also place an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) along with the primary home. Section 156.30.06, Accessory Use and Structure Standards, has standards for ADU’s.

1. As a general rule, no, however there are some exceptions. Section 156.30.04, Limited Use Standards, gives details on keeping livestock, chickens, and bees.

1. Setbacks are a required distance from property lines for placing structures. This required distance keeps your structures from imposing on your neighbor’s property. Each zoning district has different setbacks for the front line, sides, and rear property line, which can be found in Section 156.10.03, Lot and Building Standards.

1. A traffic impact analysis is a device used to measure the impact of a larger development and the new car traffic it will bring to an area.  These are typically only needed in larger developments or high traffic businesses. Please contact the planning office if you have questions about whether or not your development will need a traffic impact analysis.

1. No, it is illegal for local governments to enforce rules above what is written in their ordinance. HOA rules and deed restrictions must be enforced by the neighborhood where the rules apply.

Sign standards are unique to business type and zoning district. There are specific rules for a sign on your building and freestanding signs. Section 156.60.03, Signs, has all the details on what size and type of sign can be used for your business. 

1. Most government records are subject to North Carolina public record requests, with limited exceptions. In the City of Kings Mountain, public record requests are handled by the City Clerk. Please go here to submit a public record request.

1. If you have a zoning complaint you can file a request on our OpenGov permitting platform. Please click here to submit your complaint, and a member of the Planning staff will call you if more information is needed. 

1. Residential fences can be up to seven (7) feet behind the home (up to five (5) feet in front of the home), can be placed up to the property line, and do not require permits. Commercial and industrial fences can be up to eight (8) feet and do require permits if over six (6) feet. See UDO section 156.60.05 for more details.

1. Requesting to change the zoning district of your property is a right that citizens have. North Carolina General Statute guides local governments on how this is done. In the City of Kings Mountain, you make a request through our OpenGov portal here. Once you’ve submitted your request, your case will be heard by both the City’s Planning Board and then by City Council at a public hearing. The Planning Board will make a recommendation to City Council but Council has final authority on that decision.  

1. The city addresses structures, not properties. Addresses are created when a building permit is requested for a new structure. Addresses are based on the location of the driveway. To request an address please use the OpenGov portal here.

1. TRC stands for Technical Review Committee.   This committee meets weekly and brings together city staff over planning, engineering, utilities, and public safety to discuss large projects coming to the city. If you have a large project under review, then TRC will be evaluating the project and may ask a representative of the project to come to the meeting for a discussion. For more information on TRC please contact the Planning Office.

1. Yes, the City of Kings Mountain has rules about campaign signs. To see the rules for campaign signs and to get an application please click here. 

1. The Planning Office is working on a permit for short term rentals and it will work like other Temporary Permits. To apply for a temporary permit please click here.

1. Yes, food trucks require temporary permits. To apply for a permit for your food truck click here.