51-5. Definitions
The following terms are defined for purposes of this Chapter:
- Buffer - A portion of property generally situated along the property line in which no or limited development may occur, but which shall contain fences, walls, berms or vegetative barriers necessary to insulate adjoining land from activities occurring on the property.
- Existing Motor Sports Facility - Any permanent motor sports facility for which construction or installation was completed prior to the effective date of this Chapter.
- Health Care Facility - Any residential or inpatient medical facility, whether public or private, including but not limited to the following: general hospitals; chronic disease, maternity, mental, tuberculosis and other specialized hospitals; facilities for intensive care and self-care; nursing homes, including skilled nursing facilities and intermediate care facilities; and facilities for continuing care of the elderly and infirm.
- Major Motor Sports Facility - A motor sports facility having a seating or standing capacity of 1,000 or more persons. For purposes of this definition, standing capacity shall be computed based on 3 persons for each 200 square feet of space directed to patron use.
- Minor Motor Sports Facility - A motor sports facility having a seating or standing capacity of less than 1,000 persons. For purposes of this definition, standing capacity shall be computed based on 3 persons for each 200 square feet of space directed to patron use.
- Motor Sports Facility - Any facility, track or course upon which racing events are conducted.
- Motor Vehicle - Any vehicle which is, or is designed to be, self-propelled or is designed or used for transporting persons or property. This definition includes watercraft, but excludes airplanes or aircraft.
- New Motor Sports Facility - Any permanent motor sports facility for which construction or installation was commenced after the effective date of this Chapter. In addition, any recreational park or similar facility which initiates racing events after the effective date of this Chapter shall be considered a new motor sports facility.
- Person - Any individual, corporation, partnership, firm, association, trust, estate, public or private institution, group, agency, political subdivision of this state, any other state or political subdivision or agency thereof or any legal successor, representative, agent or agency of the foregoing.
- Public Library - Any library established by the state; a county, city, township, village, school district or other local unit of government or authority or combination of local units of governments and authorities; community college or university; or any private library open to the public.
- Racing Event - Any time, speed or distance competition using motor vehicles, whether or not conducted under the auspices of a recognized sanctioning body, including but not limited to events on the surface of land and water. Racing events shall be deemed to include any practice sessions, time trials, qualification rounds or any other similar activity.
- Religious Institution - Any church, ecclesiastical or denominational organization or any established physical place for worship at which nonprofit religious services and activities are regularly conducted.
- Residential Density - The number of residential dwelling units located within 1 mile of any portion of the property on which a new motor sports facility is to be located.
- Residential Dwelling Unit - Any separately owned residence, including mobile homes or mobile home spaces, for use of 1 or more persons as a housekeeping unit with space for eating, living and permanent provisions for cooking and sanitation, whether or not attached to other such residences, and the structure and facilities and appurtenances therein and grounds, areas and facilities normally held out for the use of residents who are using the dwelling unit as their primary residence.
- School - Any elementary or secondary school, whether public or private, established under N.C.G.S. Chapter 115C and any community college established under the provisions of N.C.G.S. Chapter 115D
