Zoning Services

One of the core functions of the Cleveland County Planning Department is maintenance of the County’s zoning ordinance and ensuring property is being developed for uses allowed within a given zoning district and complies with the appropriate standards. This office administers zoning functions for all of the unincorporated parts of the County as well as the towns of Belwood, Earl, Grover, Lawndale and Mooresboro.

Zoning and development

Cleveland County Planning Office maintains the County’s development ordinance and ensures development is in accordance with it. Cleveland County has nine (9) zoning districts, ranging from Restricted Residential to Heavy Industrial. For a complete description of the County’s zoning districts and to see what is allowed in each one please see the links below:

Zoning Districts Explained 
Table of Uses 

Permits

Cleveland County issues zoning permits and special use permits to ensure that development is following the Cleveland County Unified Development Ordinance.  If you are interested in pursuing a use on your property please contact our office at 980.484.4975 and talk with one of our Planners about your desired use. 

SPECIAL USE PERMITS

Some uses are only allowed in certain zoning districts with the issuance of a Special Use Permit. This application goes before the Board of Adjustment, who decides if the use, as presented through the application and site plan, will be compliant with the development ordinance and in harmony with the surrounding area. If you have questions or would like to inquire about a special use permit please call the planning office at 980.484.4975.

Rezoning

You can apply to have your property rezoned if you wish to develop or utilize it for something that is not allowable under its current zoning district. Rezoning applications are heard by the Planning Board, and this board makes a recommendation to the Board of Commissioners, who ultimately make the decision whether or not to grant the rezoning. Rezoning can be either general rezoning or conditional. If you have questions or would like to inquire about a rezoning application please call the planning office at 980.484.4975.

 CODE Violations

If you suspect a code violation please fill out the form below:


  Once we receive your code violation request we will determine whether or not it is a violation.  Once we have made our determination you will be contacted.