Frequently Asked Questions

The first thing you should do is check our online resources for the answer to your question. Our interactive mapping site, the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), and the Code of Ordinances can help answer many questions related to zoning and regulations.

If you cannot find what you are looking for, please contact the Planning Department at 910-692-4003 and speak with our staff before submitting a formal information request.

In addition to the information we provide here on the site, the Town maintains an e-mail list that we call our ‘Sunshine List’. The list receives notifications about upcoming hearings and decisions. If you would like to be added to the Sunshine List, please sign up for the website notification and click the Notification Center checkbox.

Meeting agendas and Minutes of Town Council and volunteer board meetings are posted on the Town website regularly.

The UDO applies not only to the area within the Town limits but also the Town's extra-territorial jurisdiction (ETJ). Other than the UDO section, the Code of Ordinances applies within Town limits only. For a map of Town limits and the ETJ, please view the Town's interactive mapping site. 

You can find a complete zoning map for the new UDO below, while referring to the explanations of zoning codes in this section of the UDO. We also encourage you to use our interactive mapping service to explore zoning in the Town and its Extra-territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ).

View up-to-date signage ordinance.

Please contact the local US Fish & Wildlife Service office regarding development in areas where an endangered red cockaded woodpecker habitat may be located.

The Planning Board is a volunteer board supported by Planning Department staff that advises the Southern Pines Town Council on planning matters. It conducts studies related to the Town's growth, development, and redevelopment, and makes recommendations to the Town Council based on its findings and on the experience of its members. It also interprets the standards of the zoning ordinances and hears individual cases by citizens such as appeals, requests and variance petitions (requests to deviate from typical zoning or regulation standards). The Board is made up of seven members, five of whom are residents of the Town proper and two of whom live in the Extra-territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ). You can get involved by applying to be a member of the Board and/or by attending the monthly Board meeting, where you can find out what's currently happening in the Town's development and have the chance to voice your opinions. The Board meets the second to last Thursday of every month at 6:00 pm at the Douglass Community Center, 1185 W Pennsylvania Avenue. When a seat on the Board becomes vacant, Town Council will consider all applications and notify you if you have been selected to join the Board.

The Technical Review Committee (TRC) consists of staff members from Planning, Public Works, Fire, Inspections and Utilities.  TRC meetings are held weekly at the Community Development Building, 801 SE Service Road, to review site plan submittals and provide consolidated feedback.  Please contact the Planning Department at (910) 692-4003 for more information.

You can print out forms from our website or pick one up at the Public Works office at:
801 SE Service Rd
Southern Pines, NC 28387

Pay Online:
Set up auto payments or make one-time payments as a guest at bit.ly/pay_tosp

Pay by Phone:
Pay by phone at 1-800-272-9829.  Enter jurisdiction code 4395.  ACI charges a nominal fee for this service.

Pay by Bank Draft:
The bank draft application can be downloaded or is available at the Utility Billing Office. Once the form has been completed and a voided check attached, please return the documents to the Utility Billing and Collections Office.

Pay in Person:
Billing and Collections Office:
180 SW Broad St.
Southern Pines, NC 28387

Secure Drop Box:
One box is at our front door.  Or stay in your vehicle and use the box behind our building, on the left before the post office boxes.  Include the bottom portion of the bill along with a check or money order (no cash).

Pay by Mail:
Town of Southern Pines
P.O. Box 600
Southern Pines, NC 28388

Registration:

• Programs and Events Co-Sponsored with Other Organizations  See their individual websites for information and registrations:
  • ACSandhills soccer 
  • Sandhills Optimists baseball and football.  
  • Springfest, Christmas Trees & Parade (SPBA); 
  • Veterans Parades (Sandhills Veterans); 
  • Christmas Carriage Parade (Moore County Driving Club)
• Online or Onsite Registration:
  • Autumnfest 5K (First Weekend in October):  Active.net
• Registration for Southern Pines Recreation Programs and Athletics:  
  • Recreation & Parks page at https://secure.rec1.com/NC/southern-pines-nc/catalog
  • Online ONLY Registration is on a first registration and paid basis when a space is available.
  • Online access via a laptop is available Monday - Friday in both Recreation offices 8:30 am - 4:30 pm.
  • Internet access is also available at the Southern Pines Library.
  • Rates are: Southern Pines Resident or Non-resident membership (R) / Non-Resident (NR)
• Rates: Am I a Resident (r) / Non-Resident (nr) ?  
•  Residency - Non-Resident Membership 

Refunds and Credits

• Registration Fees (if any) are not refundable or transferable.
• Non-Refundable Deposits (if any) are not refundable or transferable.
• Non-Resident Membership fees are not refundable or transferable
• Requests for refund or credit of any refundable portion of fees paid must be received in writing (or email) at least 5 full days before the program begins.
• Refunds Policy for details.

How to Rent / Reserve a Facility

See Recreation & Parks 

Water Sports and Fishing allowed at Reservoir Park Lake

• See Facility pages for more information
• Park is open every day of the year, free to the public.

Boats, kayaks and paddle boards are allowed on this 95 acre lake.  

• No gasoline engines--only paddles and electric motors allowed.
• Boat ramp and kayak dock

Fishing

• A valid fishing state issued fishing license is required as per North Carolina rules.
• Fishing from shore or by boat (see above).

Swimming and wading are not allowed.

Town of Southern Pines, North Carolina Recreation & Parks Rules & Regulations.

• Parks and Greenway Trails are open dawn to dusk
  Exception:  Some lighted tennis, pickle ball and basketball courts are open to 11 pm when available
• Pets must be leashed (except at Martin Park - And Off-Leash Facility)
• Town of Southern Pines is Alcohol & Tobacco Free  Tobacco and Nicotine Vapor ordinance prohibits the use of Tobacco and Nicotine Delivery Products in Town Parks, Greenways, and Outdoor Athletic Facilities. The use of Alcoholic beverages is also prohibited.
• There are specific rules for individual parks and facilities. See individual facility pages for more information

Town of Southern Pines, North Carolina Code of Ordinances

https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/southernpines/latest/spines_nc/0-0-0-1

32.61  Information, Notification as to Park Regulations; Notice of Violations

A.  All recreation ordinances, rules, and regulations pertaining to citizens and participants will be published in the local papers annually.  They shall also be given out to all participants in organized activities or programs sponsored by the town Recreation and Parks Department for one year.  From the date of adoption they will be available at the town administration buildings, police station, and Recreation and Parks Department.  All citizens or participants that are confronted with a recreation and parks ordinance violation charge shall be issued by hand or mailed all ordinance pertaining to the recreation and parks facilities.

B. The Recreation & Parks Department staff, Fire Department and town administrators shall have the authority to aid the Police Department in informing citizens and supervising facilities in accordance with all ordinances pertaining to recreation and parks.

Ordinance 99-12:  Leash and Clean Up After Pets
"It shall be unlawful for any animal’s owner to allow or permit a dog or other animal to run at large in any park or recreation facility except at a designated off-leash facility/dog park."

Pay Online:
Set up auto payments or make one-time payments as a guest at bit.ly/pay_tosp

Pay by Phone:
Pay by phone at 1-800-272-9829.  Enter jurisdiction code 4395.  ACI charges a nominal fee for this service.

Pay by Bank Draft:
The bank draft application can be downloaded or is available at the Utility Billing Office. Once the form has been completed and a voided check attached, please return the documents to the Utility Billing and Collections Office.

Pay in Person:
Billing and Collections Office:
180 SW Broad St.
Southern Pines, NC 28387

Secure Drop Box:
One box is at our front door.  Or stay in your vehicle and use the box behind our building, on the left before the post office boxes.  Include the bottom portion of the bill along with a check or money order (no cash).

Pay by Mail:
Town of Southern Pines
P.O. Box 600
Southern Pines, NC 28388

The town owns and takes care of a cemetery on Morganton Road, near the U.S.-1 interchange. We sell plots to both residents and nonresidents. The current rate for residents is $750 per plot, and $1,500 per plot for nonresidents. Please contact the Utility Billing Office at 910-692-2206 for the appropriate forms to identify and purchase a plot.  Visit the Mt Hope Cemetery Facilities page for more information.

The only Business License required by the Town of Southern Pines is a Beer and Wine Privilege License.

The bank draft application can be downloaded or is available at the Utility Billing Office. Once the form has been completed and a voided check attached, please return the documents to the Utility Billing Office at:
180 SW Broad St.
Southern Pines, NC 28387

A $0.50 monthly credit is given each month your account is on bank draft. Please allow 30 days before your account will be drafted from the date of sign-up.

Please review our Swimming Pool Code Requirements to understand the design and permitting requirements for your project. 

You should also know that when you fill your swimming pool, you can qualify for a waiver on your sewer charge for the amount of water you use for your pool. Please contact the Utility Billing Office at 910-692-2206 to apply for the fee waiver.

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Complete the Beer & Wine License Application with the Town of Southern Pines Utility Billing Department at 180 SW Broad St (910-692-2206) and then take a copy of completed application to the Southern Pines Police Department. 

Complete required inspections with the Planning and Inspections Department ( 910-692-4003) and Local Government Opinion/Packet with the Southern Pines Police Department (910-692-2732).

Submit NC ABC Package to NC ABC Commission in Raleigh. 

When temporary ABC Permit has been issued by the state you must bring it to the Utility Billing Department. Then your local Beer and Wine License can be generated and paid for. 

An eBook is short for "electronic book." It is an electronic version of a traditional print book that can be read using a computer, tablet, or eReader.

You may access the library’s eBooks collections from the library’s public Internet computers or as a remote user from any other location (ex. from home or office). You can also access e-books through the North Carolina Digital Library site. You will need your library card number and your pin number to access these resources.

North Carolina Digital Library (NCDL) uses the OverDrive Media Console software or application to access their e-books. Also, an Adobe Digital Editions account is required before you will be able to download eBooks. If either program is not installed on your computer you will need to install it before using NCDL. You can download the software free of charge from the Adobe Digital Editions and OverDrive websites.

"Authorizing" the OverDrive app allows you to download DRM-protected eBooks. The OverDrive app requires you to sign in when you first open the app, which automatically authorizes it. If you’d like, you can change your authorization (after you sign in) to use an Adobe ID instead. View the Overdrive help article for more details.

If you’ve tried downloading an audiobook to the app Bookshelf, but you get a prompt saying part 1 isn’t downloaded, use the steps in this Help article to manually start downloading its files. View the Overdrive help article.

A photo ID and proof of residency or property ownership within the town limits of Southern Pines are required to obtain a card at no charge. A valid driver’s license, utility bill, or tax notice with your name and current street address are acceptable. After an application form is completed, the card will be issued and may be used immediately.

Southern Pines residents support the library through their taxes. Nonresidents pay a fee for a library card that approximates what residents pay annually per capita through taxes. Four options exist for purchasing a membership (fees adjusted every October):

• Full Access Card - for use of the full collection and services
  • $60 for 12 months
  • $30 dollars for 6 months
• Limited Access Card - for use of the juvenile and young adult collection and services
  • $20 for 12 months
  • $10 for 6 months

There is not a limit as to how many books, audiobooks, or magazines may be checked out to a borrower. Only 2 Book Club Kits and 3 DVDs may be checked out by a patron at one time. 

All materials may be kept for 3 weeks with the exception of Book Club Kits, which may be kept for 6 weeks.

All materials may be renewed 1 time for an additional 3 weeks. Items will automatically renew on their due date, unless another patron has requested the item, you have reached the fine limit, or the item has already been renewed once.

You may also renew materials online using the library catalog, or by telephone when the library is open. Please be prepared to give your library card number and the titles of the books you wish to renew.

The overdue charge is $0.10 per item per day, except for Book Club Kits which are $1 per item per day. 

You may place a hold on items which are unavailable and be notified by email or text. Books may also be requested from other libraries through the Interlibrary Loan system. The charge per item is determined by the return postage cost and the lending library’s fee.

When you register for your card, you will be asked to choose a personal identification number (PIN). Your library card number and PIN may be used to: 

• Sign up for a computer in the library.
• Place monetary funds into an account to use for printing at library computers.
• View your account, place holds on items, and renew materials online using the online catalog.
• Access subscription online resources from the library website.

A hold request may be placed online using your library card number and PIN. To place a hold, search for the title(s) of interest in the library catalog. When the title is displayed, select the “Place Hold” button. The request form will be displayed. After entering your library card number and PIN, select the “Submit Hold” button. To ensure that you get the next available item, make sure to keep the "I want the first available copy" option selected. You will receive a test message or email notification, depending on your notification set-up, once the item(s) arrives. The item(s) availability will also display on your online account as "Arrived" once it is ready to be picked up. Holds will be available for pick up for up to 7 days, and a patron may only place 5 item(s) on hold at a time.  

A personal identification number (PIN) consists of four numbers that have meaning for you and are easy for you to remember. Having a PIN will enable you to access your library account online, renew items, place holds on materials, or access subscription databases from home. If you have never chosen a PIN, library staff must assist you the first time, either in person or over the telephone. Because your account information is confidential, you must provide your card number.

The Southern Pines Public Library (SPPL) has a service that allows you to sign up for notifications for your library account. Cardholders can get these notifications via email or text. This means that cardholders will now have the option of having email or text messages sent to remind them when items are due or overdue, and to notify them when items on hold have arrived or been canceled. Library staff members may help you set up your notification preferences, or you may do it yourself by logging into your online library account.

When emails are returned or bounced, the staff puts a note into the patron’s account. Once staff receive two returned email notices, notices are canceled for this account. If you are no longer receiving email notifications, please see a Library staff member for help.

With our new MobilePrint Service™, you can use your personal computer or mobile device to print to the library’s printers from anywhere. Simply submit documents for printing and come to the library to release and pick up your document using your library card. View Mobile Printing instructions.

The Southern Pines Public Library offers limited, free Notary services by appointment. Notary services are limited to three documents/five signatures per visit. Library notaries are unable to notarize the following:
- DMV forms/vehicle titles
- Real Estate/mortgage documents
- Child Custody documents
- Wills, trusts, deeds
- Birth/Death Certificates or copies

A Notary's duty is to verify the identity of signers of documents, their willingness to sign free of duress or intimidation, and their awareness of the contents of the document or transaction. Please complete the following form and Library Notary Staff will call you to schedule an appointment.

Notary Services Appointment Request

The Southern Pines Public Library Strategic Plan 2020/2025 is a plan outlining methods to improve library services for patrons. The plan was created by library staff members and approved by Town Council in August 2020. It was submitted to the State Library of North Carolina in October 2020.

You can request a public copy of a police incident or accident report by visiting https://www.sosoftcc.com/sppd, or the Southern Pines Police Department located at 450 W. Pennsylvania Avenue, Southern Pines, NC  28387.

The Southern Pines Police Department reports crime statistics monthly to the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. Crime statistics for municipalities state-wide, including Southern Pines, are available from the SBI website.

The Town of Southern Pines Code of Ordinances regulates fire, smoke, burglary and robbery alarm systems. Please review Chapter 102 of the ordinance for information.

The Southern Pines Police Department will assist citizens who need a documented record of their fingerprints for a professional license, foster care/child care application, employment application, rental/lease application or other required purposes. Persons interested in this service should be aware of the following: - Pursuant to the Town of Southern Pines Code of Ordinances, the fee for fingerprinting is $5.00 The fee must be paid IN ADVANCE at the Town of Southern Pines Finance Department, 180 SW Broad Street, Southern Pines You will be issued a receipt to present to the police department - Fingerprints are taken on Wednesdays between the hours of 8:00am and 10:00am (except holidays) at the police department, 450 W. Pennsylvania Avenue, Southern Pines - An appointment is not necessary; You must bring government-issued, photo identification - If you need fingerprints applied to a specific type of card, you must bring the appropriate card(s). If not, the police department will provide generic fingerprint cards You must complete the top part of the fingerprint card prior to your fingerprints being taken DO NOT SIGN THE CARD. It must be signed in the presence of the officer/employee taking the fingerprints Please contact the Southern Pines Police Department Investigation Division at (910) 692-2732 with any questions.

Police officers are available to assist in a number of ways. If your event is on public property or outdoors, contact the Recreation and Parks Department to determine if you need to apply for an Outdoor Special Event Permit. The need for police services will be determined based upon your application. If your event does not fall into this category, contact the Police Department by email or by telephone at (910) 692-2732. On-duty officers may be assigned to events that are of a short term nature. For a longer term event, officers can be made available under certain circumstances. The Extra Duty Employment Application contains information and restrictions on this service. You may complete and mail the form or bring it to the Police Department. Your request will be reviewed and you will be contacted to discuss the event.

The Town of Southern Pines Code of Ordinances regulates activities that relate to charitable and religious solicitations. Complete the Application for Certificate for Charitable and Religious Organizations form, attach all pertinent documents and bring it to the police department. We will process your application and notify you of the outcome. Please review Chapter 114 of the ordinance for more information.

The Southern Pines Police Department must be notified of any application to the North Carolina Alcohol Beverage Control Commission for a business or event that is located or will take place in Southern Pines. Depending on the type of application, we must either sign the form or provide information that will be used by the Commission during their consideration of your application. Complete the ABC Permit Application – Information & Release form , attach all pertinent documents and bring it to the police department. We will complete the law enforcement portion of your application and return it to you and then you may file it with the Commission.

The Town of Southern Pines Code of Ordinances regulates this activity. A Town of Southern Pines Business License  is required. Please review Section 114.01 of the ordinance for more information.

The Town of Southern Pines Code of Ordinances regulates all businesses. Chapter 66 of the North Carolina General Statutes regulates dealers in precious metals. The statutes require dealers and employees in businesses that deal in precious metals to submit the application to the police department. Complete the Application for a License as a Precious Metal Dealer/Certificate of Compliance for Employee Registration form, attach all pertinent documents and bring it to the police department. If you have more than four (4) employees engaged in precious metals processing, please also complete the Precious Metal Dealer/Employee Registration continuation form. Additionally, there are several forms required by the North Carolina Department of Crime Control & Public Safety that must be submitted with your application. You must also submit the State Bureau of Investigation Authority for Release  of Information form. We will process your application and notify you of the outcome. Please refer to Chapter 66 of the North Carolina General Statutes for additional information.

The Moore County Health Department, through Moore County Animal Control, is responsible for animal control in Moore County, including Southern Pines. Moore County Animal Control is primarily responsible for enforcing all laws of the state and all ordinances of the county pertaining to animals and cooperating with local law enforcement in fulfilling this duty; enforcing all laws pertaining to rabies control; investigation of all animal bites and quarantine of any domestic animal suspected of having rabies; canvasses for the propose of ascertaining compliance with rabies statutes; investigation of cruelty cases; investigation of nuisance situations; investigation of vicious or dangerous dogs; impoundment of stray domestic animals. Animal Control is not responsible for, or licensed to deal with any situation concerning wildlife, unless a rabies issue is suspected. Animal Control operates during normal business hours of 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday. An On Call Officer is available for emergency situation thru 911 after hours and on the weekends and holidays. (SOURCE: Moore County Animal Control website). The On Call Policy and more information about Animal Control is listed on their website. If you see a stray dog or cat, contact Moore County Animal Control at (910) 947-2858. Animal Control will place traps to capture stray animals in a humane way but needs the permission of the property owner to place the traps. Remember that Town of Southern Pines Code of Ordinances prohibits allowing an animal to run at large. “Running at Large” means “Off the premises of the owner, and not under the control of the owner or a member of his or her immediate family or other authorized person either by leash, cord, chain, or other tangible device.” (SOURCE: Town of Southern Pines Code of Ordinances Chapter 91).

Reversal of water flow from an unapproved source to the public water supply. Backflow can carry pollutants and contaminants back into the public water system.

Any water source NOT approved by NC Department of Environment, Health, and Natural Resources (NCDENR) for quality and safety. This includes some residential and commercial connections.

In accordance with the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act, North Carolina Administrative Code, NC Plumbing and Building Codes, all water suppliers shall have a program to eliminate potential and actual cross-connections.

A mechanical device that separates approved and unapproved water sources, which prevents contamination in a backsiphon or backpressure situation.  They are the property and responsibility of the lot owner.

Backflow devices are required, but not limited to the following:

• Residential and commercial lawn irrigation systems
• Fire suppression systems
• Chemical plants with industrial manufacturing
• Medical and dental treatment facilities
• Commercial facilities
• Pest control buildings
• Schools
• Swimming pools
• Other establishments that, by building code, use equipment that potentially causes backflow and those listed in the Town backflow ordinance.

Only technicians who have passed a North Carolina approved certification course may install, test, or maintain backflow preventers.

Link to Certified Testers.

All customers connected to the Town of Southern Pines water distribution system.

Yes, all exterior RPZ backflow devices are required to be in a protective, above-ground box.

Upon installation or reinstallation, after any maintenance, and annually thereafter (residential irrigation ONLY are every three years). If you remove your backflow device for the winter, it must be retested after it is reinstalled. 

Residents should keep a copy for themselves, and ensure that the backflow technician contacts BSI Online and have the test data placed in their online system.

PHONE: 1-800-414-4990
FAX: 1-888-414-4990
EMAIL: bsionline@backflow.com

After your information is in this database, residents will be assigned their customer confirmation number (CCN). They can use this number to ensure their device is listed on the BSI website.

Devices must be installed within ten (10) feet of the domestic water meter. If you have a designated yard (irrigation) meter, the BFP must be installed within ten (10) feet of the yard meter. Some exceptions may be allowed for fire suppression systems or where installation is not feasible due to facility design. ALL exceptions will be reviewed by Town officials to make FINAL determination.

Yes, but once the meter is installed, the customer has 90 days to return backflow test data to BSI Online.