Frequently Asked Questions

Zoning is a mechanism for local governments to foster growth and development to cultivate an ever-improving community. The Town of Clayton has designated 17 conventional zoning districts, each of which has a unique set of allowed land uses, lot size requirements, and building standards. 

Zoning is a powerful tool to serve our community and facilitate the Town's vision for future growth. To learn more about this, visit our Strategic and Master Plans page.

The Planning Department maintains the Town's Official Zoning Map and can help you determine your zoning district. To view the map, visit the Maps and GIS page.

The uses permitted in each district are outlined in the "Listing of Common Principal Uses" and the "Listings of Common Secondary Uses" tables in Chapter 4 of the Unified Development Ordinance. The Town of Clayton lists over 150 different use types, so please check the definitions for each use type in Chapter 8 to ensure you are looking at the most accurate use type for your activity. 

Remember that before building or placing a new use on the property, you must receive the appropriate permits and approvals. If you have any questions about land use policies, contact the Planning Department.

Building setbacks are based on your Zoning District and, sometimes, on what subdivision you are located in. To look up your zoning district, visit our Maps and GIS page. The setback information for each zoning district can be found in Chapter 3 of the Unified Development Ordinance. 

If your property is in a subdivision or is in a conditional or planned district, you may be able to find the setback information on the recorded plat. You can find the plat for your neighborhood on Johnston County's online mapping portal MapClick. Use the "Locate" tab to find the property. You should see a blue triangle on the map somewhere near the property with the name of your subdivision (you may need to zoom out). On the "Query" tab, select "Plat Book Image" from the dropdown. Click on the blue triangle, which should open a page from the Johnston County Register of Deeds with the plat on it. This may have setback information on it. 

For confirmation, it is recommended that you contact the Planning Department to determine your setback requirements.