Zoning is a land use tool where properties are assigned a zoning
classification to best suit the character of their neighborhood.
Zoning also includes setback requirements designed to prevent
negative impacts from development on a neighboring property
being too close to the property line. For the average property
owner, zoning provides more protection than restriction. Onslow
County implemented county-wide zoning in phases; this process
was completed in 2005. As a result, all properties in the
County's zoning jurisdiction now lie within a zoning district
boundary. The zoning ordinance includes seven residential
districts, two commercial districts, two industrial districts, a
conservation district, and a rural agricultural district.
Included in the zoning ordinance is a map showing the zoning
district boundaries and text containing regulations that apply
to the various uses of land in the zoning districts. A central
part of the zoning ordinance is the Table of Uses, which shows
what type of development or use