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1. Is my property located within the City of Lincolnton city limits?

To find out if your property is located within the City limits, you may visit the Lincoln County Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping web site. Once you have located your parcel, the property record will appear on the left side of the screen. It will indicate whether the site lies within the city limits. Properties located within the city limits appear in light green on the County map. You can also contact the City of Lincolnton Planning Department at 704-736-8930 or the Lincoln County Planning Department 704-736-8440 to determine if the property is located within the city limits.

Property Search page

2. Is my property located within the City of Lincolnton’s extraterritorial zoning jurisdiction?

To find out if your property is located within the City’s zoning jurisdiction, you may visit the Lincoln County Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping web site. Properties located outside the city limits and within the city’s extraterritorial zoning jurisdiction appear in pink on the County map. You can also contact the City of Lincolnton Planning Department at 704-736-8930 or the Lincoln County Planning Department at 704-736-8440 to determine if the property is located within the city’s extraterritorial zoning jurisdiction.
Property Search page

3. What is my property zoned?

To find out what your property is zoned, you may visit the Lincoln County Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping web site or contact the City of Lincolnton Planning Department at 704-736-8930 for properties located within the city’s jurisdiction or the Lincoln County Planning Department at 704-736-8440 for properties located within Lincoln County and beyond the city’s jurisdiction.
Property Search page

4. What uses are permitted on my property?

You can determine the permitted uses on your property by assessing the Unified Development Ordinance. Sections 153.090 through 153.121 outline permitted uses within each of the zoning districts within the City of Lincolnton. Unified Development Ordinance page

5. How do I get a building permit?

Building permits are issued through Lincoln County. However, for properties located within the City’s zoning jurisdiction, a zoning permit may be needed first to ensure all work meets the City’s ordinances.

6. Do I need to obtain a zoning permit from the City?

A zoning permit from the City of Lincolnton Planning Department is required for new construction, building expansions, and accessory structures measuring over 12-feet-by-12-feet. Also, a zoning permit or other approval from the City is necessary if Lincoln County requires a building permit for the work being done. Before you begin, contact the Lincoln County Building and Inspections Department at 704-736-8440 to find out if a permit will be required for the work being done.

7. Can I place an accessory structure on my lot?

Within residential zoning districts, accessory structures are allowed in any side or rear yard subject to a 10 foot setback from the lot line. Additional regulations for accessory structures are outlined in the Unified Development Ordinance, Section 153.057. Unified Development Ordinance page

8. Do I need a zoning approval for a fence?

Yes, the City does require zoning approval and a zoning permit to install a fence. Prior to installation, you need to ensure that the fence is located entirely on your own property and not on any right-of-way, utility easement, on an adjoining property or inside an intersection site triangle.  There are some restrictions regarding the height of the fence. Fences typically cannot exceed 6 feet in height if located within a required setback area within residential districts. Fences can be placed on the property line. You should check your boundary survey to determine the property line and the location of any utility easements. 

9. Who do I contact with issues about a Code Violation, such as Overgrown Lots, Junk Cars, etc..

You can file any code concerns by filling out the Code Enforcement Complaint Form on our documents page and sending to the Lincolnton Planning Department. You also may contact the Zoning Administrator at 704-736-8930 or by email under the Staff Directory to file a complaint. Code Enforcement Complaint Form (PDF)

10. Do I need a building permit to build/put up an accessory building such as a shed, carport, or garage?

If the dimensions of a shed, carport or garage are 12 feet or greater, then a zoning permit and building permit are required. All setback requirements must still be met regardless of whether a permit is required. Building and Zoning Codes are subject to change so please verify by contacting our office at 704-736-8930.

11. Can I operate a business from my home?

The City of Lincolnton zoning regulations contain a provision allowing residents to operate a business from their home subject to certain standards. For more information on the matter please view the Home Occupation Guide under our documents page. Zoning Permits Information (PDF).

12. Do I need a business license or privilege from the City?

The City of Lincolnton does not require business licenses or privilege licenses.

13. How do I apply for a rezoning of my property or for a conditional use permit?

You can obtain an application for a change in zoning or for a conditional use permit on the City’s web site. However, you should also discuss the application with Planning Staff prior to filing.
Planning Documents page

14. Are Chickens, Horses, Cows, etc.. permitted within the City Limits?

No, Roosters, other fowl, and livestock are not permitted within the City Limits. However City Council has adopted an ordinance allowing Backyard Hens meeting certain requirements. These requirements can be found under the applications tab on this website or by calling the Planning Department Offices.

15. How do I file a complaint or make an inquiry?

Send any complaint or inquiry to the Planning Department at the link below:
Complaint/Inquiry Form