{ "id": 8567049, "name": "COUNTY OF DURHAM v. ELMORE L. ADDISON", "name_abbreviation": "County of Durham v. Addison", "decision_date": "1964-06-12", "docket_number": "", "first_page": "280", "last_page": "284", "citations": [ { "type": "official", "cite": "262 N.C. 280" } ], "court": { "name_abbreviation": "N.C.", "id": 9292, "name": "Supreme Court of North Carolina" }, "jurisdiction": { "id": 5, "name_long": "North Carolina", "name": "N.C." }, "cites_to": [ { "cite": "128 S.E. 2d 879", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "258 N.C. 476", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8561226 ], "pin_cites": [ { "page": "479" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/258/0476-01" ] }, { "cite": "113 S.E. 2d 433", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "252 N.C. 327", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8621525 ], "pin_cites": [ { "page": "329" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/252/0327-01" ] }, { "cite": "108 S.E. 2d 211", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "250 N.C. 194", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8621288 ], "pin_cites": [ { "page": "199" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/250/0194-01" ] }, { "cite": "15 S.E. 2d 1", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "219 N.C. 735", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8626225 ], "pin_cites": [ { "page": "738" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/219/0735-01" ] }, { "cite": "150 S.E. 674", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "198 N.C. 70", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8597197 ], "pin_cites": [ { "page": "72" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/198/0070-01" ] }, { "cite": "197 S.E. 706", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "214 N.C. 51", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8628580, 8633574 ], "pin_cites": [ { "page": "55" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/214/0051-01", "/nc/214/0850-02" ] }, { "cite": "122 S.E. 2d 817", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "255 N.C. 647", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8572064 ], "pin_cites": [ { "page": "651" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/255/0647-01" ] }, { "cite": "100 S.E. 2d 870", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "247 N.C. 363", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8627048 ], "pin_cites": [ { "page": "368" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/247/0363-01" ] }, { "cite": "53 S.E. 2d 306", "category": "reporters:state_regional", "reporter": "S.E.2d", "opinion_index": 0 }, { "cite": "230 N.C. 404", "category": "reporters:state", "reporter": "N.C.", "case_ids": [ 8630265 ], "pin_cites": [ { "page": "411" } ], "opinion_index": 0, "case_paths": [ "/nc/230/0404-01" ] } ], "analysis": { "cardinality": 599, "char_count": 10517, "ocr_confidence": 0.603, "pagerank": { "raw": 5.83332244453622e-07, "percentile": 0.9517670721343213 }, "sha256": "c49a04b64ae2c4c273a74fb9f84b09edc1278703620034e7c4e3f4f3de3ec5be", "simhash": "1:a666f41905184831", "word_count": 1698 }, "last_updated": "2023-07-14T22:57:24.361559+00:00", "provenance": { "date_added": "2019-08-29", "source": "Harvard", "batch": "2018" }, "casebody": { "judges": [], "parties": [ "COUNTY OF DURHAM v. ELMORE L. ADDISON." ], "opinions": [ { "text": "Bobbitt, J.\nUnder Durham County\u2019s zoning ordinance, effective January 16, 1956, the county is divided into \u201ceighteen (18) classes of districts,\u201d one being \u201cVillage Residence District.\u201d Defendant\u2019s property, described below, is in a \u201cVillage Residence District.\u201d\nIn 1954, defendant purchased \u201cone big lot,\u201d \u201ca narrow strip of land,\u201d fronting 409 feet on the northwest (referred to for convenience as north) side of East Geer Street (Old Oxford Highway) and extending north between approximately parallel lines to the right of way of a railroad. The depth on the west side was approximately 75 feet and on the east side approximately 30 feet. Defendant\u2019s said property is in Oak Grove Township, Durham County.\nIn 1955, defendant constructed on said property a'combination filling station, store and dwelling. It was defendant\u2019s declared intention, \u201cwhen he could build it,\u201d to construct a dwelling on the portion of his property described below.\nThe lot directly involved, referred to as the subject lot, fronts 60 feet on the north side of East Geer Street. It is the west portion of defendant\u2019s property. According to the map designated defendant\u2019s Exhibit 1, the subject lot extends north between approximately parallel lines 75.25 feet on the west side and 61.12 feet on the east side to the railroad right of way. It contains approximately 4,000 square feet. The west portion of defendant\u2019s store building is 15 feet east of what would be the east wall of the proposed dwelling.\nIn 1960, defendant applied to the Zoning Administrator for a permit to construct a brick-veneer dwelling on the subject lot. According to defendant\u2019s Exhibit 8, the dimensions of the proposed dwelling would be 38 feet (approximately parallel with East Geer Street) by 28 feet. Plaintiff\u2019s application was denied. The record indicates the Board of Adjustment (in June or July, 1960) upheld the Administrator\u2019s decision. Later, plaintiff renewed his application. Upon denial thereof, defendant appealed to the Board of Adjustment. The Board of Adjustment, at a meeting on March 26, 1962, considered defendant\u2019s appeal and his application for a variance permit. It upheld the Administrator\u2019s decision and denied defendant\u2019s application for a variance permit. Defendant did not apply for certiorari to review said decision of the Board of Adjustment.\nOn July 24, 1962, defendant notified the Administrator that he \u201cwas going to build the house on the said lot despite the ruling\u201d of the Board of Adjustment. On or about July 25, 1962, plaintiff commenced construction thereof. Upon defendant\u2019s refusal to desist, plaintiff, on July 30, 1962, instituted this action.\nThere was evidence tending to show that defendant, in connection with said 1955 improvements, dug a well and installed a septic tank; that the water and sewerage systems then installed (if and when connected) were sufficient to take care of another house; and that in the years 1958-1961 defendant was 'permitted, to have a trailer on a part of what is now the subject lot and to connect utilities thereto. However, defendant testified: \u201cThe actual starting of the foundation to the present house was in July 1962.\u201d\nDurham County\u2019s comprehensive zoning ordinance was adopted pursuant to statutory authority. Session Laws of 1949, Chapter 1043; Session Laws of 1959, Chapter 1006, now codified (1963 Cumulative Supplement) as G.S. Chapter 153, Article 20B, Section 153-266.10 et seq.\n\u201cThe presumption is that the zoning ordinance as a whole is a proper exercise of the police power, . . .\u201d Kinney v. Sutton, 230 N.C. 404, 411, 53 S.E. 2d 306, and cases cited. The burden to show otherwise rests upon a property owner who asserts its invalidity. Raleigh v. Morand, 247 N.C. 363, 368, 100 S.E. 2d 870.\n\u201cThe mere fact that a zoning ordinance seriously depreciates the value of complainant\u2019s property is not enough, standing alone, to establish its invalidity.\u201d Helms v. Charlotte, 255 N.C. 647, 651, 122 S.E. 2d 817; Kinney v. Sutton, supra. Here, the subject lot is only a portion of defendant\u2019s property; and it does not appear that defendant\u2019s property, considered as a whole, has been adversely affected by the zoning ordinance.\nThe zoning ordinance, in respect of \u201cREQUIRED LOT AREA\u201d in a \u201cVillage Residence District,\u201d provides: \u201cEach dwelling together with its accessory buildings, hereafter erected shall be located on a lot having an area of not less than 15,000 square feet and an average width of not less-than 75 feet, except that a dwelling may be erected on a lot or plot having less than the for\u00e9going minimum area and width, provided the same existed under one ownership by virtue of a recorded plat or deed at the time of the passage of this ordinance.\u201d The area of the subject lot is less than 15,000 square feet and its average width is less than 75 feet. When 'the ordinance was adopted, the subj ect lot was not owned (and is not owned) as an individual lot but as the, western portion of the property on which defendant constructed his filling station, store and dwelling.\nThe zoning ordinance, in respect of \u201cCOMPLETIONS AND RESTORATIONS OF EXISTING BUILDINGS,\u201d provides: \u201cNothing herein contained shall require any change in the plans, construction or designated use of a building under construction at the time of the passage of this ordinance and the construction of which shall have been diligently prosecuted within a year of the said effective date and the ground story framework of which, including the second tier of beams shall be completed within such year, and which entire building shall have been completed within two years from the date of the passage of this ordinance.\u201d Defendant started the foundation for the proposed dwelling on the subject lot some six and a half years after passage of the ordinance.\nIt is- unnecessary to consider ordinance requirements in respect of front, side and rear yards.\nThe zoning ordinance, in respect of \u201cPERMITS,\u201d in pertinent part, provides: \u201cNo . . . building or part thereof shall be built, . . . until application has been made and the proper permit has been obtained from the Zoning Administrator, in accordance with the provisions of this Ordinance, and upon plans approved by him.\u201d\nThe legislative authority having determined the ordinance provisions are \u201cin the interest of the public health, safety, morals, or general welfare,\u201d In re Appeal of Parker, 214 N.C. 51, 55, 197 S.E. 706, the defenses available to defendant are that enforcement as to him would be confiscatory or that the ordinance arbitrarily discriminates against him. As to these matters, there is no evidence upon which to base a finding in defendant\u2019s favor.\nMoreover, with reference to the adverse decision by the Board of Adjustment, the applicable statutes provide: \u201cEvery decision of such board shall be subj ect to review by the superior court by proceedings in the nature of certiorari.\u201d G.S. 153-266.17; Session Laws of 1949, Chapter 1043, Section 8. The decision of the Board of Adjustment is not subject to collateral attack. As stated by Adams, J., in S. v. Roberson, 198 N.C. 70, 72, 150 S.E. 674: \u201cWhen . . . the building inspector\u2019^ decision was affirmed by the board of adjustment the defendant should have sought a remedy by proceedings in the nature of certiorari for the purpose of having the validity of the ordinances finally determined in the Superior Court, and if necessary by appeal to the Supreme Court. This he failed to do and left effective the adjudication of the board of adjustment.\u201d The decisions of the Board of Adjustment are final, subject to the right of courts on certiorari \u201cto review errors in law and to give relief against its orders which are arbitrary, oppressive or attended with manifest abuse of authority.\u201d In re Pine Hill Cemeteries, Inc., 219 N.C. 735, 738, 15 S.E. 2d 1; Chambers v. Board of Adjustment, 250 N.C. 194, 199, 108 S.E. 2d 211; In re Appeal of Hasting, 252 N.C. 327, 329, 113 S.E. 2d 433; Jarrell v. Board of Adjustment, 258 N.C. 476, 479, 128 S.E. 2d 879. The cited cases refer to an identical provision (G.S. 160-178) in the enabling act applicable to \u201ccities and incorporated towns.\u201d\nThe relevant enabling acts provide for enforcement of the provisions of a zoning ordinance by injunction. Session Laws of 1949, Chapter 1043, Section 9; G.S. 153-266.18.\nSince all the evidence tends to show the construction by defendant of the proposed dwelling on the subject lot would constitute a violation of Durham County\u2019s zoning ordinance, plaintiff was entitled to a peremptory instruction. McIntosh, North Carolina Practice and Procedure, \u00a7 574.\nDefendant\u2019s assignments of error have been considered and are overruled.\nNo error.", "type": "majority", "author": "Bobbitt, J." } ], "attorneys": [ "Robert D. Holleman for plaintiff appellee.", "H. F. Seawell, Jr., for defendant appellant." ], "corrections": "", "head_matter": "COUNTY OF DURHAM v. ELMORE L. ADDISON.\n(Filed 12 June 1964.)\n1. Counties \u00a7 3.1; Municipal Corporations \u00a7 34\u2014\nA zoning ordinance passed pursuant to an enabling statute is presumed valid, with the burden upon the property owner who asserts its invalidity to prove it.\na. Same\u2014\nThe mere fact that a zoning ordinance adversely affects the value of particular property is insufficient to establish the invalidity of the ordinance.\n3. Same\u2014\nWhere a property owner begins construction of a dwelling in violation of a county zoning ordinance, notwithstanding the denial of a building permit by the zoning administrator, upheld by the Board of Adjustment, the county is entitled as a matter of law to enjoin further construction, the property owner having failed to pursue his remedy by certiorari to present the defenses of discrimination and confiscation. G.S. 153-266.17.\nAppeal by defendant from Hall, J., September 1963 Civil Session of Durham.\nThis action was instituted July 30, 1962, to enjoin defendant from ' constructing a house in violation of provisions of Durham County\u2019s comprehensive zoning ordinance.\nAn order signed August 6, 1962, restrained defendant until the final hearing. Defendant answered. An order, allowing in part plaintiff\u2019s motion to strike portions of the answer, was entered. Plaintiff\u2019s motion for judgment on the pleadings was denied. At trial, evidence was offered by plaintiff and by defendant.\nOne issue was submitted, viz.: \u201cHas the defendant violated the zoning ordinances of Durham County as alleged in the complaint?\u201d The jury, under peremptory instruction, answered, \u201cYes.\u201d Thereupon, judgment was entered enjoining defendant permanently in accordance with the prayer of the complaint. Defendant excepted and appealed.\nRobert D. Holleman for plaintiff appellee.\nH. F. Seawell, Jr., for defendant appellant." }, "file_name": "0280-01", "first_page_order": 324, "last_page_order": 328 }