Regulations and Permits
Zoning, Building, and Land Use
The Town of Clayton enforces Zoning, Building Inspections, and similar land use regulations as a means to protect property values, provide a safe physical environment for the public, and promote quality of life. Prior to initiation of any building project, redevelopment or renovation project, change of use, establishment of use, or demolition you must contact the Community Development Service (CDS) Office at 919-553-1545 to determine what reviews, permits, fees, and licenses will be applicable. Failure to contact the office and acquire necessary permits prior to initiation of work may result in a penalty equal to two times the normal cost of the permits.
Most any work involving non-residential property will require submittal of plans drawn and sealed by a design professional such as an architect or engineer. Any new construction, be it residential or commercial, must receive a Zoning Compliance Permit. Other permits, including building permits, sign permits, and the like can be acquired through the CDS office following applicable reviews.
If you need to know the zoning of your property you can connect with Johnston County GIS by clicking here
You can view a reduced scale version of the Official Town Zoning Map here.
The Zoning Code as well as all other Town Codes are viewable here.
The Community Development Services Office is located in The Clayton Center, 111 E. Second Street in Room GS 202.
Business Licenses
Before initiating business activities and each year thereafter many classes of business must acquire an annual “Privilege License” license from the Town. The initial license may be acquired from the Customer Service Office at the Clayton Center (111 E. Second Street.) The Town will send a renewal notice to all licensees in May of each year for the subsequent fiscal year (July thru June.) The license schedule can be accessed at the following link:
Temporary Use Permit
Temporary Uses, different from permanent outdoor activities such as car lots or outdoor displays, are uses on property outside the public right-of-way, including those operating for less than 30 days within a one-year time period must obtain a permit from the Planning Department. Section 155.712 of the Code of Ordinances regulates such uses.
Driveway Connections
You will need to acquire a driveway permit and inspection prior to installing a new or replacement driveway on any Town street. The driveway must be designed and constructed consistent with Town Standards & Specifications. Contact the Operations Center at 919-553-1530 for more information or to schedule an inspection.
Intergovernmental Regulations
Some regulations exist on the State or Federal level but have relevance to our local citizens.
Clayton is located within the Neuse River Basin and as such the State adopted Neuse Riparian Buffer Rules apply. These rules, developed to protect water quality, apply to the protection of vegetation around water bodies, principally streams and rivers. Under the Neuse Riparian Buffer Rules vegetation must be preserved in a fifty foot area measured from the stream bank. The first thirty feet must be kept in a natural state. These rules apply to all classes of property, both commercial and residential. Additional information on this topic can be found at: