{ "id": 11913460, "name": "L. PENDLETON HAYES and EDWARD WHALEN, Petitioners v. SAM FOWLER, Building Inspector, and VILLAGE OF PINEHURST BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT, Respondents", "name_abbreviation": "Hayes v. Fowler", "decision_date": "1996-08-06", "docket_number": "No. COA94-893", "first_page": "400", "last_page": "409", "citations": [ { "type": "official", "cite": "123 N.C. App. 400" } ], "court": { "name_abbreviation": "N.C. Ct. App.", "id": 14983, "name": "North Carolina Court of Appeals" }, "jurisdiction": { "id": 5, "name_long": "North Carolina", "name": "N.C." }, "cites_to": [ { "cite": "60 ALR4th 902", "category": "reporters:specialty", "reporter": "A.L.R. 4th", "opinion_index": -1 }, { "cite": "61 ALR4th 806", "category": "reporters:specialty", "reporter": "A.L.R. 4th", "opinion_index": -1 }, { "cite": "74 ALR2d 377", "category": "reporters:specialty", "reporter": "A.L.R. 2d", "opinion_index": -1 }, { "cite": "40 ALR3d 372", "category": "reporters:specialty", "reporter": "A.L.R. 3d", "opinion_index": -1 }, { "cite": "27 ALR3d 1304", "category": "reporters:specialty", "reporter": "A.L.R. 3d", "opinion_index": -1 }, { "cite": "64 ALR2d 1167", "category": "reporters:specialty", "reporter": "A.L.R. 2d", "opinion_index": -1 }, { "cite": "198 S.E.2d 465", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "year": 1973, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "466" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "19 N.C. 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App.", "case_ids": [ 8524395 ], "year": 1986, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "549" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc-app/81/0543-01" ] }, { "cite": "225 S.E.2d 323", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "year": 1976, "pin_cites": [ { "parenthetical": "purpose of a zoning law is to limit the use of land in the interest of public welfare" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "290 N.C. 94", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8560288, 8560272, 8560250, 8560313, 8560346 ], "year": 1976, "pin_cites": [ { "parenthetical": "purpose of a zoning law is to limit the use of land in the interest of public welfare" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/290/0094-03", "/nc/290/0094-02", "/nc/290/0094-01", "/nc/290/0094-04", "/nc/290/0094-05" ] }, { "cite": "222 S.E.2d 910", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "year": 1976, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "912", "parenthetical": "purpose of a zoning law is to limit the use of land in the interest of public welfare" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "28 N.C. 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App.", "case_ids": [ 8520953 ], "weight": 2, "year": 1992, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "40" }, { "page": "40" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc-app/105/0032-01" ] }, { "cite": "270 S.E.2d 106", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "weight": 2, "year": 1980, "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "300 N.C. 562", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8563992, 8564011, 8563944, 8563965 ], "year": 1980, "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/300/0562-03", "/nc/300/0562-04", "/nc/300/0562-01", "/nc/300/0562-02" ] }, { "cite": "265 S.E.2d 379", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "weight": 2, "year": 1980, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "385" }, { "page": "385" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "299 N.C. 620", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8575681 ], "weight": 2, "year": 1980, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "629" }, { "page": "629" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/299/0620-01" ] }, { "cite": "431 S.E.2d 183", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "weight": 3, "year": 1993, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "187" }, { "page": "187" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "334 N.C. 132", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 2528575 ], "weight": 2, "year": 1993, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "137" }, { "page": "137" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/334/0132-01" ] }, { "cite": "439 S.E.2d 199", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "weight": 3, "year": 1994, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "201" }, { "page": "201" }, { "page": "201" } ], "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "113 N.C. App. 528", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C. App.", "case_ids": [ 8523385 ], "weight": 3, "year": 1994, "pin_cites": [ { "page": "531" }, { "page": "530" }, { "page": "531" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc-app/113/0528-01" ] } ], "analysis": { "cardinality": 926, "char_count": 20561, "ocr_confidence": 0.757, "pagerank": { "raw": 1.6485118430832394e-07, "percentile": 0.6923181621785671 }, "sha256": "b80d723053d27a3b3df8351b37d84c3776e62283adce6c8d59da2442763a7c66", "simhash": "1:85213638210d65d8", "word_count": 3261 }, "last_updated": "2023-07-14T18:05:31.519627+00:00", "provenance": { "date_added": "2019-08-29", "source": "Harvard", "batch": "2018" }, "casebody": { "judges": [ "Judges COZORT and WALKER concur." ], "parties": [ "L. PENDLETON HAYES and EDWARD WHALEN, Petitioners v. SAM FOWLER, Building Inspector, and VILLAGE OF PINEHURST BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT, Respondents" ], "opinions": [ { "text": "JOHN, Judge.\nPetitioners and respondents each appeal certain aspects of the trial court\u2019s order reviewing a decision of the Pinehurst Board of Adjustment (the Board). For the reasons set out below, we affirm the trial court.\nRelevant procedural and factual information is as follows: On 4 April 1994, L. Pendleton Hayes and husband, Edward Whalen (petitioners), applied to respondent Sam Fowler, Village of Pinehurst building inspector (Fowler), for a permit allowing renovations to a historic home (\u201cMaryhurst\u201d) which they had contracted to purchase. The owner of the property was the Catholic Diocese of Raleigh (the Diocese), and the premises, located approximately one-half block away from Sacred Heart Catholic Church (Sacred Heart), have been used by Sacred Heart since 1987 or 1988 as a meeting place for religious and secular groups and for events such as choir practice, religious instruction classes, meetings of the Knights of Columbus, bridge club meetings, board meetings for Sandhills College and the O\u2019Neal School, social gatherings and other community functions. Petitioners indicated to Fowler that they planned \u201cto live in the house and provide rooms for overnight transient guests, host meetings of private groups and host various classes.\u201d\nFowler ruled that the proposed uses, aside from use as petitioner\u2019s residence, were impermissible under the applicable Village of Pinehurst ordinance (the ordinance). Petitioners appealed to the Pinehurst Board of Adjustment (the Board), which subsequently affirmed Fowler\u2019s decision. Petitioners thereafter filed a petition for Writ of Certiorari in Moore County Superior Court. Petitioners alleged the Board erred by refusing to view use of Maryhurst as a bed and breakfast and as a site for meetings, social gatherings and classes, to be \u201caccessory\u201d to their residential use of the property, and further by declining to allow petitioners to continue usages of the property as operated by the Diocese and Sacred Heart.\nFollowing a hearing, the trial court affirmed in part and reversed in part the Board\u2019s decision in an order dated 1 July 1994. The court set out the following conclusions of law:\n1) Petitioners\u2019 proposed use of their property (\u201cMaryhurst\u201d) as a bed and breakfast, or Guest House (Tourist Home) ... is not permissible [under the ordinance] as an \u201cAccessory Use\u201d [in the R-30 Zoning District];\n2) ... [U]se [of Maryhurst by Sacred Heart] did not constitute use of the property as a \u2018church\u2019 (emphasis in original) within the meaning of Section 5.3.2 of [the ordinance].\nTherefore, use of the property ... [by Sacred Heart] constituted a nonconforming use of the property which use may be continued by petitioners under Section 11 of the ordinance.\n3) The determination by the Board . . . was not arbitrary and capricious.\nOn appeal, respondents assign error to the trial court\u2019s second conclusion of law, while petitioners challenge the first and third.\nThe relevant sections of the ordinance read as follows:\nSECTION 2. DEFINITIONS AND INTERPRETATIONS\nAccessory Building and Construction. A subordinate use building or construction customarily incident to and located upon the same lot occupied by the main use building (guest cottages shall not be permitted).\nAccessory Use. A use customarily incidental and subordinate to the principal use or building and located on the same lot with such principal use of building (guest cottages shall not be permitted).\nGuest House (Tourist Home). Any dwelling occupied by owner or operator in which rooms are rented for guests, for lodging of transients and travelers for compensation, and where food may be served.\nSECTION 5.3.1\n[Applicable, inter alia, to Residential Zone R-30]\nThese districts are established as districts in which the principal use of land is for single family dwellings. In promoting the general proposes of this Ordinance, the specific intent of each district is:\nb. To prohibit commercial and industrial use of the land .... SECTION 5.3.2 Permitted Uses\na. Accessory uses clearly incidental to any permitted use and which will not create a nuisance or hazard (guest cottages shall not be permitted).\nb. Churches\nSection 11. NON-CONFORMING USES\n11.1 In General\nUpon the effective date of this Ordinance and any amendment hereto existing and lawful uses of any building or land which at that time do not meet the minimum requirements of this Ordinance for the District in which the same are located . . . shall be considered as non-conforming. It is the intent of this Ordinance to permit these non-conforming uses to continue until they are removed, discontinued, or destroyed, but not to encourage such continued use, and to prohibit any further non-conformance or expansion thereof.\n11.2 Non-Conforming Uses of Buildings\nIf the non-conforming use of such building is discontinued for a period of one-hundred and twenty (120) days or more, every future use of such premises shall be in conformity with the provisions of this Ordinance ....\nI.\nPetitioners first contend the trial court erred by failing to hold that use of Maryhurst as a bed and breakfast constituted an \u201caccessory use\u201d as permitted by the ordinance. Petitioners maintain their proposed rental of four of the eleven bedrooms at Maryhurst would, under the ordinance definition of \u201caccessory use,\u201d be \u201ccustomarily incidental\u201d to their use of the structure as a private residence. We disagree.\nQuestions involving interpretation of zoning ordinances are questions of law. Ayers v. Bd. of Adjust, for Town of Robersonville, 113 N.C. App. 528, 531, 439 S.E.2d 199, 201 (1994). Accordingly, the superior court is to apply a de novo standard of review to Board decisions involving application and interpretation of zoning ordinances, and the court may freely substitute its judgment for that of the Board. Ayers, 113 N.C. App. at 530, 439 S.E.2d at 201. In like manner, on appeal of the judgment of the superior court, this Court must apply a de novo standard of review in determining whether \u201cthe superior court committed error of law in interpreting and applying the municipal ordinance,\u201d Capricorn Equity Corp. v. Town of Chapel Hill, 334 N.C. 132, 137, 431 S.E.2d 183, 187 (1993), and may also freely substitute its judgment for that of the superior court. Id.\nIn construing municipal ordinances, courts are obligated to adhere to the fundamental principles of statutory construction and interpretation. Concrete Co. v. Board of Commissioners, 299 N.C. 620, 629, 265 S.E.2d 379, 385, reh\u2019g denied, 300 N.C. 562, 270 S.E.2d 106 (1980). The basic requirement is that we \u201cascertain and effectuate the intent of the legislative body\u201d as indicated by \u201cthe language of the statute or ordinance, the spirit of the act and what the act seeks to accomplish.\u201d Id.\nConcerning the issue sub judice, i.e., whether petitioners\u2019 proposed use of Maryhurst as a bed and breakfast may be considered an \u201caccessory use\u201d contemplated by the ordinance, our de novo review reveals the intent of the ordinance to be reflected in Sections 2 and 5.3.2a. In these sections, \u201cguest cottages\u201d are expressly excluded from the definition of \u201caccessory use.\u201d Although petitioners correctly insist that \u201cguest cottage\u201d (emphasis added) is not defined in the ordinance, the term is indistinguishable from the phraseology \u201cguest house (tourist home),\u201d described in Section 2 of the ordinance as\n[a]ny dwelling occupied by owner or operator in which rooms are rented for guests, for lodging of transients and travelers for compensation, and where food may be served.\nThe foregoing comports in all respects with petitioners\u2019 proposed use of the property as a bed and breakfast. The language of the ordinance thus indicates with particularity the intent of the drafters that bed and breakfast establishments be excluded as permitted accessory uses within Zoning District [Zone] R-30, and the trial court did not err in affirming the Board\u2019s ruling to that effect.\nII.\nPetitioners also challenge the trial court\u2019s rejection of their argument that the Board\u2019s decision was arbitrary and capricious. This contention cannot be sustained.\nIn considering whether an administrative decision was indeed arbitrary and capricious, this Court is obligated to apply the \u201cwhole record\u201d test. CG & T Corp. v. Bd. of Adjustment of Wilmington, 105 N.C. App. 32, 40, 411 S.E.2d 655, 660 (1992). This requires an examination of all competent evidence within the entire record to determine whether the agency decision is supported by substantial evidence, i.e., evidence a reasonable mind might accept as adequate to support a conclusion. Id. However, a court engaging in this process may not substitute its judgment for that of the administrative body, however compelling the circumstance, merely because reasonable but conflicting views emerge from the evidence. Id. Restrained by the foregoing standard and based upon a thorough review of the entire record herein, we conclude the Board\u2019s decision cannot be characterized as arbitrary and capricious.\nThe Village of Pinehurst acted within its legislatively endowed prerogative, pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. \u00a7 160A-381, to enact a zoning ordinance prohibiting bed and breakfast establishments within Zone R-30. Even conceding arguendo petitioners\u2019 assertion that Maryhurst may best be utilized as a bed and breakfast, this alone does not suffice to classify the Board\u2019s decision as arbitrary and capricious, particularly in view of the specific prohibition contained within the ordinance.\nFurther, petitioners\u2019 allegation of a resulting substantive due process violation is untenable. Unlike Mays-Ott Co., Inc. v. Town of Nags Head, 751 F. Supp. 82 (E.D.N.C. 1990), upon which petitioners rely, no evidence was presented herein that the Village of Pinehurst approved use of Maryhurst as a bed and breakfast and then later withdrew such approval.\nIII.\nA.\nLastly, we turn to respondents\u2019 contentions concerning the trial court\u2019s second conclusion of law, i.e., that Sacred Heart did not use Maryhurst \u201cas a church\u201d (emphasis in original Order) within the meaning of section 5.3.2 of the ordinance, and that Sacred Heart\u2019s nonconforming use of the property might therefore be continued by petitioners as permitted by section 11 of the ordinance. Respondents\u2019 arguments notwithstanding, we conclude the trial court did not err in its ruling.\nOur de novo review of the superior court\u2019s statutory construction, see Capricorn, 334 N.C. at 137, 431 S.E.2d at 187, is complicated by absence within the ordinance of a definition of \u201cchurch,\u201d and further by the lack of prior interpretation by our courts of the term \u201cchurch\u201d in the context of zoning regulations. Accordingly, we must construe \u201cchurch\u201d as set out in the instant ordinance by giving effect to the intent of the drafters, Concrete Co., 299 N.C. at 629, 265 S.E.2d at 385, and by assigning to the term its plain and ordinary meaning, Ayers, 113 N.C. App. at 531, 439 S.E.2d at 201, but only such meaning that other modifying provisions and the context of the ordinance will permit. See also Woodhouse v. Board of Commissioners, 299 N.C. 211, 224-25, 261 S.E.2d 882, 890-91 (1980) (reliance upon canons of statutory construction proper when ordinance does not define term).\nThe expression \u201cchurch\u201d ordinarily embraces three basic and related definitions: (1) a building set apart for public worship; (2) a place of worship of any religion; and (3) \u201cthe organization of Christianity or of an association of Christians\u201d worshipping together (congregation). Webster\u2019s Third New Int\u2019l Dictionary 404 (1968).\nRespondents promote the third definition and contend \u201ca church is an organization for religious purposes,\u201d citing Williams v. Williams, 215 N.C. 739, 744, 3 S.E.2d 334, 338 (1939), and State v. Lynch, 46 N.C. App. 608, 611, 265 S.E.2d 491, 493, rev\u2019d on other grounds, 301 N.C. 479, 272 S.E.2d 349 (1980). Moreover, respondents continue, the drafters of the ordinance did not intend to limit the definition of \u201cchurch\u201d simply to a building in which religious services are held, but rather intended to encompass use by a church, as in the case sub judice, for its \u201cparish house\u201d or \u201cfellowship hall\u201d and other church-related purposes. Respondents do not claim worship services were held at Maryhurst, but instead contend use of the premises under the general auspices of Sacred Heart as a site for classes, meetings, retreats, and social activities, including special dinners and bridge club meetings, qualify Maryhurst for \u201cchurch\u201d status under the ordinance. Under the facts sub judice, respondents\u2019 argument is unpersuasive.\nFirst, assuming arguendo that Williams, 215 N.C. 739, 3 S.E.2d 334, and Lynch, 46 N.C. App. 608, 265 S.E.2d 491, contain language supportive of respondent\u2019s position, we find these cases, which involved consideration of what composition of persons or organization constituted a \u201cchurch,\u201d to be inapposite. The issue herein is zoning, or what particular use may be made of land and what types of buildings may be placed on particular property. See Freewood Associates v. Board of Adjustment, 28 N.C. App. 717, 720, 222 S.E.2d 910, 912, cert. denied, appeal dismissed, 290 N.C. 94, 225 S.E.2d 323 (1976) (purpose of a zoning law is to limit the use of land in the interest of public welfare).\nNext, Section 5.3.2 of the ordinance permits \u201cchurches\u201d within Zone R-30, as well as accessory uses, single family dwellings, public utility easements and buried distribution lines, and public wells and lift stations. Considered in this context, adoption of \u201can organization for religious purposes\u201d as the ordinance definition of \u201cchurch\u201d would produce the unreasonable result that every building owned by a church or \u201corganization for religious purposes\u201d would qualify as a \u201cchurch\u201d for purposes of the ordinance. We are required to avoid interpretations that produce absurd or illogical results, Pritchard v. Elizabeth City, 81 N.C. App. 543, 549, 344 S.E.2d 821, 824, disc. review denied, 318 N.C. 417, 349 S.E.2d 598 (1986), and therefore reject respondents\u2019 contention that Maryhurst constituted a \u201cchurch\u201d merely because it was owned by the Diocese and used by Sacred Heart. See 62 A.L.R. 3d at 201 (\u201c. . . the proposed use of the land, and not the nature of the using organization . . . controls] zoning cases\u201d). Significant also in this context is the location of Maryhurst as a separate structure approximately one-half block from the property on which the Sacred Heart church building rests.\nIn sum, we believe the plain and ordinary meaning of \u201cchurch,\u201d as used in the context of the Village of Pinehurst Zoning Ordinance Section 5.3.2, to be \u201ca building set apart for public worship.\u201d See Webster\u2019s at 404. See also 62 A.L.R. 3d at 201 (among jurisdictions which have attempted to define \u201cchurch\u201d for zoning purposes, most have adopted definition substantially equivalent to \u201ca building used for public worship\u201d). Synagogue v. Bates, 136 N.E.2d 488 (NY 1956), advanced by respondents, is neither controlling authority in this jurisdiction, see State v. Richards, 294 N.C. 474, 492, 242 S.E.2d 844, 856 (1978), nor persuasive, and further is distinguishable on its facts and the language of the ordinance involved therein. Under the circumstances sub judice, the trial court therefore properly concluded that Maryhurst had not been used as a \u201cchurch\u201d under Section 5.3.2 of the ordinance.\nB.\nRespondents also maintain that Sacred Heart\u2019s right to use the property was protected as part of the guarantees of freedom of religion and assembly within the North Carolina Constitution, art. I, \u00a7\u00a712 and 13, and the United States Constitution, amend. I, and that such protection transformed use of the property by Sacred Heart into a permitted use within the ordinance. This argument cannot be sustained.\nThe only relevant inquiry herein is whether the use of Maryhurst by Sacred Heart was a conforming use under the language of the ordinance, not whether the town could constitutionally have prevented a particular use of the premises by Sacred Heart. We have determined that Maryhurst was not used as a \u201cchurch,\u201d and thus was used in a manner deemed nonconforming under the ordinance. Further, the ordinance expressly provides at Section 11 that\n11.1 [i]t is the intent of this Ordinance to permit these non-conforming uses to continue....\nThe trial court therefore did not err in holding that the \u201cuse may be . continued by petitioners under . . . the ordinance.\u201d\nC.\nFinally, we summarily reject respondents\u2019 argument that the trial court erred by failing to hold petitioners\u2019 proposed use to be different from and an expansion of that by Sacred Heart in contravention of the ordinance provision that \u201cthe non-conforming use of land shall not be enlarged or increased.\u201d To the contrary, the trial court\u2019s determination that Sacred Heart used Maryhurst \u201cas any other community meeting center, i. e., a site for meetings of organizations, committees, groups and for social events\u201d is supported by the record, see GG & T Corp., 105 N.C. App. at 40, 411 S.E.2d at 660, and such finding sustains the court\u2019s conclusion, see Trotter v. Hewitt, 19 N.C. App. 253, 254, 198 S.E.2d 465, 466 (1973), that \u201cuse of the property in this fashion constituted a nonconforming use of the property, which . . . may be continued by petitioners under Section 11 of the ordinance.\u201d Further, the trial court guarded against expansion of the nonconforming use and ensured petitioners\u2019 awareness of the \u201cnature and extent of such nonconforming use\u201d by including attachments to its order listing the specific nonconforming activities and the parking impact of such activities.\nAffirmed.\nJudges COZORT and WALKER concur.", "type": "majority", "author": "JOHN, Judge." } ], "attorneys": [ "Michael B. Brough & Associates, by Michael B. Brough, for Petitioners.", "Poyner & Spruill, by Lacy H. Reaves and Robin T Morris, for Respondents." ], "corrections": "", "head_matter": "L. PENDLETON HAYES and EDWARD WHALEN, Petitioners v. SAM FOWLER, Building Inspector, and VILLAGE OF PINEHURST BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT, Respondents\nNo. COA94-893\n(Filed 6 August 1996)\n1. Zoning \u00a7 50 (NCI4th)\u2014 bed and breakfast \u2014 no accessory use permitted by ordinance\nThe trial court properly held that use of a piece of property as a bed and breakfast did not constitute an \u201caccessory use\u201d as permitted by the zoning ordinance, and there was no merit to petitioners\u2019 contention that their proposed rental of four of the eleven bedrooms of the house would, under the ordinance definition of \u201caccessory use,\u201d be \u201ccustomarily incidental\u201d to their use of the structure as a private residence, since the language of the ordinance indicated with particularity the intent of the drafters that bed and breakfast establishments be excluded as permitted accessory uses within the district.\nAm Jur 2d, Zoning and Planning \u00a7\u00a7 52, 233, 704.\nWhat is lodginghouse or boardinghouse within provisions of zoning ordinance or regulation. 64 ALR2d 1167.\n2. Zoning \u00a7 71 (NCI4th)\u2014 permit to operate bed and breakfast denied \u2014 decision not arbitrary and capricious\nThere was no merit to petitioners\u2019 contention that the decision by respondent board of adjustment to deny them a permit to operate a bed and breakfast was arbitrary and capricious.\nAm Jur 2d, Zoning and Planning \u00a7\u00a7 42, 55, 63, 106, 140, 584, 724, 879.\nRight to cross-examination of witnesses in hearings before administrative zoning authorities. 27 ALR3d 1304.\nRequirement that zoning variances or exceptions be made in accordance with comprehensive plan. 40 ALR3d 372.\n3. Zoning \u00a7 48 (NCI4th)\u2014 church defined \u2014 nonconforming use of property \u2014 continuation of use permitted\nThe plain and ordinary meaning of \u201cchurch,\u201d as used in the context of the Village of Pinehurst Zoning Ordinance \u00a7 5.3.2, is \u201ca building set apart for public worship\u201d; therefore, the trial court properly determined that a building used by a church for meetings, bridge club meetings, classes, retreats, and dinners had not been used as a church, but was used in a manner deemed nonconforming under the ordinance, that petitioners could continue such use, and that such use did not allow for expansion of the nonconforming use.\nAm Jur 2d, Zoning and Planning \u00a7\u00a7 435-447.\nDue process clause as violated by zoning regulations affecting churches. 74 ALR2d 377.\nChange in volume, intensity, or means of performing nonconforming use as violation of ordinance. 61 ALR4th 806.\nChange in type of activity of nonconforming use as violation of ordinance. 60 ALR4th 902.\nAppeal by petitioners and respondents from order entered 1 July 1994 by Judge Ronald W. Burris in Moore County Superior Court. Heard in the Court of Appeals 10 May 1995.\nMichael B. Brough & Associates, by Michael B. Brough, for Petitioners.\nPoyner & Spruill, by Lacy H. Reaves and Robin T Morris, for Respondents." }, "file_name": "0400-01", "first_page_order": 434, "last_page_order": 443 }