Planning Department News

Code Enforcement Quick Facts

 

The Town of Wendell does routine code enforcement each week. Being familiar with just a few regulations will make Wendell a more attractive place to live, play and work.

 

The Town has a policy on tall grass. Developed lots (those with houses, businesses, or other structures) must not let their grass grow taller than 8 inches. Undeveloped, or vacant lots, must not let grass grow taller than 24 inches. Each week the Town performs routine code enforcement and sends reminder letters to property owners whose grass needs attention. The property owner has a week to bring the property into compliance. If the yard is not mowed after one week the Town mows the yard and bills the property owner for the work.

 

Yard sale signs are permitted, without a permit, from Friday afternoon at 4 p.m. until Sunday evening. Signs should be behind the sidewalk or ditch line where one exists. If neither exists, signs must be at least 5 feet from the curb or edge of pavement. Signs cannot be attached to phone poles, street signs, stop signs or put on anyone else’s property without their permission.

 

Other temporary signs may require a sign permit. Please contact the Planning Department at 365-4448 before putting out signs.

 

The Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) contains a provision pertaining to parking in the yard in residential districts. Under this regulation, residents will no longer be able to park in their yards unless a surface is prepared for parking. There are size and material limitations but the Planning Department will be glad to assist residents with these regulations. Before preparing a parking area, please call or come by the Planning Department for more information.

 

Trash and recycling containers need to be placed in the required location for collection no earlier than 7 p.m. the night before trash is scheduled to be picked up. Containers need to be removed from the curbside location no later than 7 p.m. on the designated collection day. Except during these hours, containers must be kept in a location no closer to the street than the front line of the residence.

 

Accessory buildings, including storage buildings, can only be located in side or rear yards and must be set back from the property line. The distance from the property line varies by size of the structure. All accessory buildings having a wall greater than 12 feet in length or more than 144 square feet of space require a building permit. The Town encourages residents to contact the Planning Department prior to purchasing an accessory building for limitations on number, size, and setback restrictions for the particular building.

 

The UDO proposes new fencing regulations including the allowance of fencing, no taller than 3 feet, for front yards and eliminating the use of silver chain link fencing.

 

Currently (until the UDO is enacted) fences are only allowed in the side and rear yards at a height of no more than 6 feet.

 

Under the UDO, front yard fences of wood picket, wrought iron, or materials similar in appearance and not over 3 feet would be allowed. Side and rear yard fences would be allowed to a height of 6 feet and could be green or black chain link, wood, wrought iron, or similar material.

 

Setbacks from property lines have not been established for fencing; however, the Town suggests that at a minimum the fence be installed so the resident can easily maintain the area outside of the fence adjoining neighboring properties. Fences cannot be installed along or over easements or right-of-way.

 

Before installing a fence, visit the Planning Department for help with regulations as well as questions about right-of-way or easements. Bringing your plot plan for your house with you will ensure staff can easily identify permissible areas for fencing.

 

All pools with a pump, whether in-ground or above-ground, must be enclosed by a fence and require a building permit. Under UDO regulations, fences around above-ground pools must be a minimum of 4 feet in height and in-ground pools must be enclosed by a privacy fence. All fences surrounding pools must be equipped with a self-latching gate with openings between slats no wider than 4”.  Pools are only allowed in the side and rear yards and must be set back from the property line at least 5 feet, including all surrounding decks, patios, pump houses.

 

 

The Zebulon/Wendell-Raleigh Express (ZWX) bus route is a limited-stop route, with stops at Park-and-Ride lots in Zebulon and Wendell, WakeMed (Main Campus) and Wake County Human Services off New Bern Ave, four stops at the state government complex, and the Moore Square Transit Station in downtown Raleigh. The service is a partnership of Triangle Transit, the towns of Wendell and Zebulon, and the City of Raleigh. The Zebulon/Wendell-Raleigh Express runs at peak commute times: Monday-Friday 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and Monday-Friday 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. The fare for the route is $2.50 per one-way trip or $5.00 per round-trip.

 

The Park-and-Ride lot for our town is located at the intersection of Fourth Street and Oakwood Avenue. If you need a transportation alternative or are just tired of the hassle and expense of driving, come check out this new service the town has to offer!

 

  

Come See Us First

 

Town staff is here to assist you in establishing your business in Wendell. Come see us before leasing or purchasing a building to check allowable uses and obtain necessary permits.

 

Once the Town has determined the business can be opened in a particular location and you make the decision to start a business, call the Planning Department at 365-4448. Staff will meet with you and help guide you through the process of such things as obtaining a business license, determining what building permits may be needed, detailing what other improvements may be needed, and providing you with information on allowable signage and location.