FAQ: Life in Hillsborough

What is an accessory dwelling unit?

Accessory dwelling units are secondary dwellings added to the property of a principal dwelling. A dwelling unit must contain cooking, sleeping and bathing facilities. A kitchen must have cooking equipment and a sink, while a bathroom must have a sink, toilet and shower or bathtub. The two types of accessory units that the town has defined are freestanding units (such as garage apartments or "granny flats") and in-home units (units that are fully attached to the main dwelling, such as an efficiency apartment or basement apartment).

Are accessory units currently allowed in Hillsborough?

Yes. The town amended the Unified Development Ordinance in June 2017 to update rules for accessory units. Accessory units fall into two categories: freestanding units and in-home units. The requirements for the two types of units are similar but not identical.

What standards and requirements apply to all units?

The following additional requirements apply to both freestanding and internal accessory units:

• The accessory unit does not exceed 50 percent of the heated living area of the principal dwelling or 800 square feet, whichever is less.
• Each building lot is limited to one principal and one accessory dwelling. Therefore, a property owner could not take advantage of both provisions to have internal and freestanding units on one lot, and no lot could have two accessory units of the same type.
• Parcels being considered for accessory units must front a public street and must have municipal water and sewer service. A separate utility connection is not required. However, an additional system development fee is required for water and sewer service when adding additional bedrooms to a property.
• The accessory and principal dwellings must comply with relevant setback requirements based on zoning. Therefore, an existing accessory building that was built with a 5-foot setback provision cannot be converted to a dwelling.
• Applicants must provide at least three off-street parking spaces: two for the principal dwelling and one for each bedroom in the accessory unit.
• Applicants must be able to show they can accommodate waste and recycling rollout containers on site in compliance with the town Code of Ordinances. The receptacles cannot be stored at the curb.

Units that existed on Aug. 12, 1996, may continue as legal non-conformities even if they do not meet the current requirements.

What are the standards and requirements unique to freestanding units?

The parcel must be zoned Residential 10, Residential 15 or Residential 20 (R-10, R-15 or R-20). These are the designations common to neighborhoods before the town implemented special use zoning around the year 2000. Some newer neighborhoods (including Waterstone Estates, Forest Ridge, Fiori Hill and Collins Ridge) are in special use zoning districts and would not be able to build freestanding units. These neighborhoods are built to higher densities and often don’t have lots large enough to accommodate a freestanding unit.

What are the standards and requirements unique to internal units?

The accessory unit must have its own exterior access. If interior access to the principal dwelling is provided, it must be lockable from both dwellings.

Are “tiny houses” allowed?

Tiny houses are part of the small house movement, a return to houses of less than 1,000 square feet. Many of the tiny houses seen on television or through social media and print publications are movable homes built on a trailer or chassis. At this time, such structures do not meet the state building code of one- and two-family dwellings and do not meet the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development standards for mobile homes. As such, they cannot be approved as permanent dwellings and are not acceptable accessory dwellings in Hillsborough. If the state code is changed to accommodate this dwelling type, the town will consider including tiny houses as referenced above as acceptable.

Some tiny houses are built to recreational vehicle standards. The town allows recreational vehicles to be parked in residential neighborhoods, and the town also allows them to be occupied on a guest basis for two-week intervals or as temporary dwelling space during construction or renovation of a dwelling on the same parcel. A tiny house built to recreational vehicle standards would be acceptable for these temporary purposes, but not as a permanent dwelling.

A small (or tiny) dwelling built to state building code for one- and two-family dwellings would be acceptable under the accessory dwelling provisions.

Could other factors limit the ability to build an accessory dwelling?

Yes. Some neighborhoods may have covenants that restrict multiple units. These covenants are private restrictions that apply throughout a neighborhood and are enforced by a homeowners association. The town cannot enforce these restrictions, so property owners are responsible for checking with their homeowners associations before applying for permits.

What restaurants are coming to town?

As of early 2023, the town did not have any applications on file for chain restaurants. An interactive map of current development projects can be found on the Development Projects page in the Business menu.

What grocery stores are coming to town?

An Aldi grocery store has begun construction at 2010 N.C. 86 S. The town does not have any additional grocery stores in development review. An interactive map of current development projects can be found on the Development Projects page in the Business menu.

Can I get water and sewer service to a property outside town limits?

The town has a defined service area, with water and sewer service extending beyond town limits. However, the town is not obligated to allow or extend water and sewer service to parcels outside town limits.

To determine whether a particular property falls in the town’s water and sewer service area, check the Jurisdiction and Service Areas page.

If you need additional information on a specific property after checking the map linked from the Jurisdiction and Service Areas page, complete the Water and Sewer Availability Inquiry.

Properties outside the town water and sewer service area are overseen by the Orange County Environmental Health Division, the Orange Water and Sewer Authority or the Orange-Alamance Water System.

If water and sewer service is extended outside town limits, will the property be annexed?

Annexation of developed neighborhoods is rare in Hillsborough. North Carolina law makes involuntary annexation nearly impossible. For voluntary annexation, the owners of all the property to be annexed must agree to the annexation. Most annexed neighborhoods are annexed at the request of the developer prior to the sale of any lots to residents. Selection of a project for non-contiguous (“satellite”) annexation must be a thoughtful and deliberate choice as state law allows only 10% of the territory within a town’s primary corporate limits to be satellite.

Who provides review of developments and provides water and sewer availability?

Projects proposed within the town limits are submitted for review through the Hillsborough Planning and Economic Development Division through its technical review committee process. Multiple Hillsborough and Orange County departments review the proposed projects in accordance with the town’s future growth needs and capacity availability.

If a proposal is outside town limits but within the town’s water and sewer boundary, Orange County leads the review process and provides courtesy review to the town. The county does not provide water or sewer services. The Hillsborough Utilities Department approves all water and sewer connections to its system. Projects located in Orange County are required to be served with wells and/or septic systems.

Developers have no authority to determine where water and sewer service is extended or to make commitments to serve residents on behalf of the town, especially to areas outside their development projects.

What is considered when reviewing a development project?

The following are considered when reviewing proposed development projects: erosion control; water and sewer service availability; stormwater; connectivity, streets and sidewalks; traffic generation; garbage and recycling collection; and land uses.

Technical and operational considerations include available water and sewer capacity, ability to provide fire flow for fire protection purposes, the size, location and type of utility service extension that would be needed, such as gravity sewers or a pumping station.

Planning considerations include annexation, location, type of project, and whether the project aligns with desired smart growth identified in the town’s future land use planning documents.

Additional considerations are the fiscal impact of a project — whether the project would be beneficial to the town, its residents and existing water and sewer customers; whether the project would place a burden on town services compared to the revenues received; and what the stresses would be to existing infrastructure, staff resources, equity, sustainability, smart growth, and more.

What is happening with the Daniel Boone Village site?

The 58 acres extending from Interstate 85 north toward Food Lion — including the skating rink but not Food Lion or the Boone Square shopping center — was acquired by Daniel Boone LandCo in September 2018. The sale did not include the KFC/Taco Bell, Autorific Car Wash, Wendy’s, or Daniel Boone Shell frontage parcels. There is a lease with Waffle House.

In October 2019, the property transferred from Daniel Boone LandCo to DBC54 at the same time that the Collins Ridge development transferred to SFTEN. Both DBC54 and SFTEN are entities formed under the home construction company D.R. Horton. Demolition of the remaining deteriorating structures occurred in early 2022 due to safety and liability concerns.

To date, DBC54 has not submitted any plans to the town for development review.

Are additional routes or lanes planned through or around downtown?

The town has no plans to change street capacity through downtown.

Alternative routes around downtown have been suggested and studied for years, but the community and the N.C. Department of Transportation have not been able to agree on any improvements that involve building additional lanes or new routes. The town remains focused on identifying intersection improvements and smaller projects that can be implemented more quickly or can be reasonably required from development projects. 

The state has funded improvements south of the Eno River to ease congestion through the commercial area south of downtown and toward the interstate highways. The town closely considers traffic impact while reviewing development proposals and generally discourages residential development north of U.S. 70, which would add commuters traveling through downtown.

Those living north of town who do not need to conduct business in town during their commutes are encouraged to use alternate routes.

Does the town coordinate road construction projects with surrounding communities?

The town participates in regional transportation planning committees but does not have authority over the schedule for state and federal road projects. Scheduling of projects is based on a variety of factors, such as availability of contractors, subcontractors and materials. 

What services do I receive as a town resident?

Many people have a Hillsborough mailing address but do not live within town limits. Additionally, the town limits do not match the zoning jurisdiction or the water and sewer service areas.

To help determine the services you receive, see the Jurisdiction and Service Areas page.

Is a Historic District Commission approval required for work that can’t be seen from the road or on a non-contributing house?

Yes. When the Historic District was established, the Board of Commissioners delegated authority to the Historic District Commission and adopted regulation over exterior changes into the Hillsborough Code of Ordinances. It is unlawful to begin construction, moving, demolition, alteration or restoration of any structure or site until a Certificate of Appropriateness has been issued.

For additional information, see the Historic District Commission page.

What is the difference between building and zoning permits?

Building permits deal with compliance with the state building code for structural, electrical, mechanical and plumbing work. Orange County issues these permits and enforces these codes.

For additional information, see the Orange County Planning and Economic Development Division website.

The Town of Hillsborough issues zoning permits to verify that the use of a structure is allowed in a given district and that structures are not too tall or too close to the property line. Any project that changes the footprint of a structure or adds a new structure or fence requires a zoning permit if the lot is within the town’s planning jurisdiction.

For additional information, see the Planning and Economic Development Division and the Jurisdiction and Service Areas pages.

What regulations does the town have regarding trees?

Trees are regulated by the town in three ways:

• Any pruning or removal of trees on town property or in public rights of way must be approved by the Tree Board. Trees on private property outside the Hillsborough Historic District are not regulated by the town. For more information, contact Public Space and Sustainability Manager Stephanie Trueblood by email or by phone at 919-296-9481.
• Routine pruning of trees within the Hillsborough Historic District does not require approval from the Historic District Commission, however, significant pruning or tree removal may. For more information, contact Planner Joseph Hoffheimer by email or by phone at 919-296-9472.
• The town has a tree preservation ordinance that it follows during the approval process for new residential and commercial developments.
• The Public Works Division periodically prunes and removes trees from rights of way. For more information, contact the division by email or by phone at 919-296-9600.

Where is the courthouse?

The Orange County Justice Facility is located at 106 E. Margaret Lane. All court-related inquiries should be directed there. The phone number is 919-644-4500.

For more information, see the North Carolina Court System Orange County — District 15B website.

 Below are answers to some of the common questions that town officials have received regarding public demonstrations.

Has the town publicly condemned racism and white supremacy?

Yes. See the document Hillsborough Condemns Racism and White Supremacy for statements from the mayor and police chief as well as a statement about the town’s values. The town’s strategy map also includes the town’s values, vision, mission and strategic priorities.

What are expectations for the Hillsborough community?

One, we fully support people’s rights to stand up for their beliefs and values. Free speech is protected for everyone under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and is critical to our democracy. We expect people demonstrating their First Amendment rights to conduct themselves in a civil manner and to avoid escalating confrontation by actions such as using profanity, threatening violence, and approaching any opposing groups. We further expect demonstrators to follow the instructions of law enforcement and to keep access open to sidewalks and businesses.

Two, we want the community to continue to enjoy all that Hillsborough has to offer, including our local businesses, our neighborhoods and our amenities, like our parks and the Riverwalk greenway. The ability to enjoy each other’s company and to interact in a safe and welcoming environment are values worth standing up for.

Three, we want to encourage our community members to stay informed about what is occurring in town. The town regularly issues news releases to provide critical and accurate information. These releases are sent by email to subscribers and are posted on the town’s website and social media. You can subscribe to news releases and follow us on social media: @HillsboroughGov on Facebook and Twitter. You also can visit our website, www.hillsboroughnc.gov, to view our news or to contact officials through the Contact Us page. We make every effort to distribute information in a timely manner, and we appreciate your patience as we also want to provide you with correct information.

Is a permit needed to demonstrate?

Technically, a permit is required for all events in which the public is invited. However, this has been loosely enforced to accommodate free speech rights for a wide variety of groups. The intent of the permit is to ensure public safety, since attendance cannot be reasonably anticipated at such events. Town officials are examining permit requirements and procedures as well as the level of enforcement that will be expected going forward. Currently, anyone inviting the public to participate in an event or to gather in public spaces should apply for a special event permit.

Can we just ban hate groups?

No. The right to assemble and to speak freely is important to our democracy and is protected under the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The town firmly upholds the right of free speech, including speech that we find distasteful, hateful and contrary to generally held community values. Upholding people’s right to free speech and ensuring equal protection in the law for groups that espouse hateful views should not be construed as condoning or being complicit in those views. We are obligated to ensure that any restrictions placed on the right of free speech are in the interest of public safety and are applied fairly and equally.

What will be done if the Klan or similar groups demonstrate?

The Hillsborough Police Department and Orange County Sheriff’s Office are partnering with other agencies to prepare for various conditions. Hillsborough police will be strictly enforcing a state law that prohibits weapons at demonstrations. North Carolina General Statute 14-277.2 prohibits weapons at parades, funeral processions, picket lines and demonstrations that take place on public property. Violation of the statute is a Class 1 misdemeanor.

What recreation does Hillsborough offer?

The Hillsborough area offers a number of recreation options. The Town of Hillsborough owns and maintains several community and neighborhood parks and greenways, including Riverwalk. It does not offer recreation programming. For a listing of recreation options around Hillsborough, see the Recreation Facilities page on the town’s website. For recreation programming, see Orange County government’s website, www.orangecountync.gov. For trails and greenways throughout Orange County, see the interactive map on the county’s website.

Is recreation allowed at the town's reservoir?

Recreation ― including boating, hunting and fishing ― is not permitted at the West Fork Eno Reservoir or the surrounding town-owned property. Federal and state permits require a conservation easement for a 100-foot buffer around the reservoir. This requires keeping the land in a natural state with no development, recreation or access other than to maintain the reservoir. The easement is intended to protect the town’s drinking water source and to reduce the effects of the reservoir’s construction and expansion.

Risks associated with recreation at the reservoir include the introduction of invasive animals and plants, including hydrilla, which can cause damage to the environment and utility equipment. The town also does not have the resources to oversee public activities at the reservoir and cannot assume the risk or liability of allowing public access or recreational activities.

Which parks are maintained by the town?

See the Recreation Facilities page on the town’s website for a listing of parks and greenways maintained by the town.

The Town of Hillsborough often receives questions about Exchange Club, Fairview and River parks. Exchange Club Park is owned and maintained by the Exchange Club. Contact the club at 919-732-9283 for more information. Fairview and River parks are owned and maintained by Orange County government. See the county’s website, www.orangecountync.gov, for more information.

Is there a dog park in Hillsborough?

Yes. The town maintains a dog park in Gold Park, 415 Dimmocks Mill Road. See the Recreation Facilities page on the town’s website for more information about Gold Park.

Can I reserve a park facility?

Yes. The multi-use fields at Cates Creek and Gold parks are available for reservation, and the large picnic shelter at Gold Park also can be reserved. See the Recreation Facilities page on the town’s website for information about the amenities at those parks. See the Reservations section of the town’s website to view reservation fees and to make a reservation.

What are operating hours for park facilities?

All town-maintained parks and greenways are open daily from 8 a.m. until a half hour after sunset. See the Recreation Facilities page on the town’s website to access additional information for sites not maintained by the town.

Open hours may change due to inclement weather or maintenance. To stay informed about closures and reopenings of the town’s parks and trails, subscribe to news releases through the Email Subscriptions webpage, view news releases on the town’s website, or follow the town’s @HillsboroughGov social media on Facebook, Nextdoor and Twitter.

Why are the parks and greenways closed during and after severe weather?

Parks and greenways are closed at times for the safety of the community and emergency workers. Hazards can exist even after a storm with high winds or snow has passed or after floodwaters have receded. Parks and greenways will remain closed following severe weather until the town can inspect the areas and remove any hazards. Parks and greenways are not a priority for snow and ice removal. They will be closed in deteriorating wintry conditions until staff determines they are safe.

The community should heed any closure signs or barriers for parks and trails. Those who choose to use the town’s parks and greenways do so at their own risk. By entering closed areas and by moving or removing closure signs and barriers, you also:

• Slow cleanup efforts and delay the reopening of parks and greenways for everyone.
• Force public works and public safety staff away from other duties to reinstall closure signs and barriers.
• Force emergency workers away from other duties for potential rescues.
• Risk the safety of others.

You can stay informed about closures and reopenings of the town parks and trails by using the town’s communication methods. See the Email Subscriptions page to subscribe to news releases. The news releases also can be viewed via the town’s website and its @HillsboroughGov social media on Facebook, Nextdoor and Twitter.

Why were recreation facilities built in flood-prone areas?

Undeveloped floodplains often serve the need for public parks and recreation. The Riverwalk greenway and Gold Park were built in their locations to take advantage of the chance to provide recreation in areas that otherwise would not be developed. Riverwalk, located partially within Gold Park, was built along a sewer easement by the Eno River. Both recreation facilities were designed to withstand flooding. Gold Park’s dog park also was built with a chain-link fence to allow floodwaters through. The fence has been damaged in past floods due to the weight of debris carried by floodwaters. The dog park fencing now is being left open when flooding is expected to allow the unimpeded flow of waters carrying debris.

These recreation facilities require cleanup after a severe weather event to remove hazards. However, the areas are open for use many more days throughout the year than they are closed for weather and maintenance.

Can sunshades be placed over the play area at Gold Park?

Sunshades would be a costly investment with little return in sun protection for the current play equipment at Gold Park. Town staff have met multiple times with sunshade distributors regarding options for screening the park’s play area. Due to spacing regulations and the play equipment’s tall height, sunshades would need to be installed at a height that would provide little sun blockage during the day and that would make the shades a safety risk in high winds. The shades would have to be removed each time high winds are expected. Because the shades are installed with tension, removing and reinstalling them could require the hiring of contractors due to the level of difficulty.

Are there other options for shade at Gold Park?

Shade from trees is an option already started. Fast-growing shade trees have been planted around Gold Park’s perimeter, with trees planted in all the available spaces around the play area but not inside due to spacing regulations for the play equipment. The trees have begun providing some shade to the area. A tree that died following damage from climbing has been removed and likely will be replaced.

The Hillsborough Tree Board ― a volunteer-comprised appointed board of the town ― makes planting decisions for town spaces and will be looking at other opportunities to plant trees throughout the park. Plant additions typically are made between November and March, when plants have a greater chance for survival due to less heat and greater precipitation.

The other option for shade is to remove the current play equipment and to install much shorter equipment, which would lower the height at which sunshades could be installed. However, the equipment is still in good condition and replacing it would be costly.

The Hillsborough Parks and Recreation Board ― another volunteer-comprised appointed board of the town ― advises the town on recreation improvements and implements recommendations in recreation master plans. It will be developing a master plan for improvements to Gold Park, and shade will be considered. The board has limited funding for improvements and a list of priorities.

Why isn’t grass or a different kind of mulch used in the dog park?

The dog park would need to be closed for several seasons to establish grass. Heavy use of the dog park could also make maintaining grass difficult. The mulch used is a shredded hardwood mulch that is safe for use by children and dogs and that helps reduce dust, dirt and the ground cover’s movement.

How do I make a recommendation for a park?

The Hillsborough Parks and Recreation Board advises the town on recreation improvements. To share ideas for park improvements, contact Public Space and Sustainability Manager Stephanie Trueblood by email or by phone at 919-296-9481. Trueblood provides staff support to the advisory board.

The public is also welcome to attend meetings of the Parks and Recreation Board. The board generally meets at 7 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month in the Town Hall Annex, 105 E. Corbin St. See the calendar for updated meeting information.

What is the stormwater management utility and fee?

The Town of Hillsborough created a stormwater management utility and fee — effective July 1, 2016 — to comply with expanding state and federal stormwater regulations to reduce stormwater runoff pollution from reaching the Eno River. The regulations are unfunded mandates, which the town previously paid for through collected property taxes. By charging a fee instead of raising taxes, all properties within the town limits now share in the cost to protect our water bodies, including tax-exempt properties, such as schools, churches and government buildings. Fees collected through the utility must be spent on the town’s stormwater program.

What is the purpose of the Stormwater and Environmental Services Division?

The Hillsborough Stormwater and Environmental Services Division’s primary purpose is to reduce or eliminate stormwater runoff pollution from reaching local waterbodies, including the Eno River. Pollution from stormwater runoff causes adverse impacts to aquatic ecosystems, poses human health risks, and can greatly increase the cost of treating drinking water.

As we add impervious surface — such as parking lots and rooftops that are made of materials water does not penetrate — we decrease the amount of stormwater that enters the ground. This increases the amount and velocity of stormwater runoff, which can cause accelerated erosion and downstream flooding. As stormwater flows across impervious surfaces, it picks up various pollutants, including excess nutrients, oil, grease, bacteria and sediment. Polluted stormwater flows down storm drains and ditches where it is discharged — untreated — into local streams, rivers and lakes.

This site’s stormwater and environmental services section includes information on how you can reduce stormwater runoff pollution.

How much is the fee?

The structure for the annual fee is:

• Residential Properties — $75
• Non-residential Properties —
  • 0 to 10,000 square feet — $150
  • 10,001 to 30,000 square feet — $600
  • 30,001 to 100,000 square feet — $1,800
  • 100,001 to 200,000 square feet — $4,050
  • 200,001 square feet and above — $12,900

Residential properties are charged a flat fee as impervious surface is not significantly different across neighborhoods. Non-residential areas are charged a higher fee because those properties often have higher impervious surface, more traffic, increased activity, bulk storage, and other factors that increase the risk of stormwater pollution. Under the fee structure, apartment complexes are assessed as a commercial or non-residential property. Residential condominiums or townhouses are assessed the residential flat rate as they typically are subdivided into individual parcels. Vacant land is handled on a case-by-case basis. Generally, the town charges no fee for open space; however, undeveloped land could contribute to stormwater runoff through erosion or illegal dumping.

The stormwater management utility fee is assessed on the annual property tax bill that you receive from Orange County in July or August of each year. Orange County is processing fee collection, which is due by Jan. 5 of the following year without added interest.

Are there any discounts available?

Because stormwater runoff is generated from all properties, the fee is assessed to all properties regardless of tax status or profitability.

Town staff are considering a discount for non-residential properties that install engineered stormwater control measures — SCMs — that exceed new development requirements to protect water quality. These control measures are known also as stormwater best management practices or BMPs. In addition, town staff are considering a voluntary assistance program, similar to the program in place for water and sewer bills. See the Water Assistance Program.

Can I appeal or dispute my stormwater management utility fee?

The fee is assessed to all properties regardless of tax status or profitability. However, you may appeal your stormwater management utility fee if you believe one or more of these situations apply to your property:

• Incorrect Ownership — The parcel does not belong to you.
• Incorrect Impervious Surface — There is no impervious surface on the parcel; the impervious surface has been removed; or the impervious surface mapped is located on an adjacent parcel.
• Incorrect Property Designation — The property is designated as non-residential but is actually residential or vice versa.
• Incorrect Tier — A non-residential property is billed at the wrong tier.

An appeal of a disputed bill must be made in writing using the form below.

How can I learn more?

For more information, contact Stormwater and Environmental Services Manager Terry Hackett by email or by phone at 919-296-9621.

Hillsborough's property tax rate is 58.7 cents for every $100 of assessed value. For property owners, each penny means $10 for those with a $100,000 home and $25 for those with a $250,000 home. For additional information, see the Orange County Tax Office website.

The town levies an additional 1% sales tax on prepared foods and beverages, with proceeds funding the Tourism Board. Details about the tax can be found in the Code of Ordinances.

The town levies a 3% hotel and motel room occupancy tax, with proceeds funding the Tourism Development Authority. Details about the tax can be found in the Code of Ordinances.

Following complaints about the display of pride flags in Hillsborough, the town may no longer place single-pole flags on utility poles owned by Duke Energy. Below are answers to some of the common questions that town officials and staff have received.

Why is the town displaying banners with flag depictions instead of actual flags?

Duke Energy no longer permits single-pole flags on its utility poles. The town was notified of the power company’s intention to enforce its policy following complaints the company received about pride flags that the town displayed in June 2021 for Pride Month.

Why are other towns displaying flags on their power poles?

We cannot speak to the decisions of other communities or to Duke Energy’s enforcement of its policies.

For which holidays does the town display flags or flag depictions?

The town installs displays for Pride Month and the following holidays: Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day and Veterans Day. 

Was a local company used for the banners?

A company in the Triangle region was used. The town first sought to work with a Hillsborough company used in the past for the town’s welcome banners; however, that company did not have the type of material needed for use in the town’s historic district.

Are the flags displayed correctly on the banners?

The flag banners were designed to have the American flag’s union always displayed on the observer’s left. This corresponds with a section of the U.S. Flag Code and with a design provided by the local printing company. The final design was reviewed by the U.S. Protocol Office, which saw no issues. Because the banner includes an image of the flag rather than being a flag, much of the guidance in the Flag Code does not apply.

Are there any changes to the display locations?

Fewer locations were approved by Duke Energy for the display of banners. Also, to meet spacing requirements imposed by Duke Energy and the North Carolina Department of Transportation, some banners are being placed on the back side of power poles over sidewalks to provide adequate clearance on the roadway side.

Will additional locations be added for banner display?

Possible locations for banners in commercial areas outside of the downtown will be explored at a later time as power poles in some areas are located farther from the roadway and likely will require larger banners and hardware for an appropriate scale.