Chapter 14 - North Carolina Zoological Park Regulations
SUBCHAPTER 14A ‑ INTRODUCTION
07 NCAC 14A .0101 DEFINITIONS
As used in this Chapter:
(1) "Council" means the North Carolina Zoological Park Council;
(2) "Department" means the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources;
(3) "Foot Path or Trail" means any path or trail maintained for pedestrians;
(4) "Owner" means any person owning, leasing or having the exclusive use of property;
(5) "Zoo", "Park", and "Zoological Parks" mean those lands, facilities, programs, and other assets (including animals and plants) owned, controlled, or operated by the Department for the use of the North Carolina Zoological Park;
(6) "Permits" means any written license issued by or under authority of the Department permitting the performance of a specified act or acts;
(7) "Person" means any natural person, corporation, partnership, association, or governmental unit; and
(8) "Secretary" means the Secretary of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
History Note: Authority G.S. 143B-135.204(a);
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Amended Eff. July 1, 1979;
Transferred w/change from T15.12E Eff. August 1, 1982;
Amended Eff. August 2, 1993; September 1, 1988; November 1, 1984; October 1, 1984;
Transferred from 15A NCAC 22A .0101 Eff. April 1, 2017;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. May 1, 2018;
Amended Eff. September 1, 2021.
07 NCAC 14A .0102 CONSTRUCTION
History Note: Authority G.S. 113‑264(a);
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Transferred w/change from T15.12E Eff. August 1, 1982;
Repealed Eff. October 1, 1984;
Transferred from 15A NCAC 22A .0102 Eff. April 1, 2017.
07 NCAC 14A .0103 TERRITORIAL SCOPE
07 NCAC 14A .0104 PERMITS
History Note: Authority G.S. 113‑264(a);
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Transferred w/change from T15.12E Eff. August 1, 1982;
Amended Eff. October 1, 1984;
Transferred from 15A NCAC 22A .0103, .0104 Eff. April 1, 2017;
Expired Eff. June 1, 2018 pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A.
07 NCAC 14A .0105 ENFORCEMENT
History Note: Authority G.S. 113‑264(a);
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Legislative Objection Lodged Eff. July 20, 1982;
Transferred w/change from T15.12E Eff. August 1, 1982;
Curative Repeal Eff. August 23, 1982;
Transferred from 15A NCAC 22A .0105 Eff. April 1, 2017.
SUBCHAPTER 14B ‑ GENERAL PROVISIONS
SECTION .0100 ‑ PRESERVATION OF THE ZOO
07 NCAC 14B .0101 ANIMALS: FLOWERS: PLANTS: MINERALS
No one except a Zoo employee or agent acting in performance of his duties may remove, destroy or injure any animal or plant owned or controlled by the Zoo.
History Note: Authority G.S. 143B-135.204(a);
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Transferred w/change from T15.12E Eff. August 1, 1982;
Amended Eff. October 1, 1984;
Transferred from 15A NCAC 22B .0101 Eff. April 1, 2017;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. May 1, 2018.
07 NCAC 14B .0102 BUILDINGS: SIGNS: AND STRUCTURES
No one except a Zoo employee or agent acting in performance of his duties shall injure, disturb or destroy any part of any Zoo area, including any building, sign, equipment, or other property.
History Note: Authority G.S. 143B-135.204(a);
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Transferred w/change from T15.12E Eff. August 1, 1982;
Amended Eff. October 1, 1984;
Transferred from 15A NCAC 22B .0102 Eff. April 1, 2017;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. May 1, 2018.
SECTION .0200 ‑ REFUSE AND RUBBISH
07 NCAC 14B .0201 DISPOSAL OF REFUSE: GARBAGE: ETC.
History Note: Authority G.S. 113‑264(a);
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Transferred w/change from T15.12E Eff. August 1, 1982;
Repealed Eff. October 1, 1984;
Transferred from 15A NCAC 22B .0201 Eff. April 1, 2017.
07 NCAC 14B .0202 POLLUTION OF WATERS
Bathing or washing is prohibited except in lavatory facilities and for their designed uses, and except by Zoo employees or agents in the performance of their duties.
History Note: Authority G.S. 143B-135.204(a);
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Transferred w/change from T15.12E Eff. August 1, 1982;
Amended Eff. October 1, 1984;
Transferred from 15A NCAC 22B .0202 Eff. April 1, 2017;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. May 1, 2018.
SECTION .0300 ‑ TRAFFIC AND PARKING
07 NCAC 14B .0301 VEHICLES WHERE PROHIBITED
History Note: Authority G.S. 113‑264(a);
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Transferred w/change from T15.12E Eff. August 1, 1982;
Repealed Eff. October 1, 1984;
Transferred from 15A NCAC 22B .0301 Eff. April 1, 2017.
07 NCAC 14B .0302 PARKING
An owner or driver shall not cause or permit a vehicle to stand anywhere in any park outside of designated parking spaces, except for a reasonable time in order to receive or discharge passengers.
History Note: Authority G.S. 143B-135.204(a);
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Transferred w/change from T15.12E Eff. August 1, 1982;
Transferred from 15A NCAC 22B .0302 Eff. April 1, 2017;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. May 1, 2018.
07 NCAC 14B .0303 OBSTRUCTING TRAFFIC
History Note: Authority G.S. 113‑264(a);
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Transferred w/change from T15.12E Eff. August 1, 1982;
Repealed Eff. October 1, 1984;
Transferred from 15A NCAC 22B .0303 Eff. April 1, 2017.
07 NCAC 14B .0304 SPEED LIMIT
A rate of speed in excess of 25 miles per hour, or in excess of the posted speed is prohibited.
History Note: Authority G.S. 143B-135.204(a);
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Transferred w/change from T15.12E Eff. August 1, 1982;
Transferred from 15A NCAC 22B .0304 Eff. April 1, 2017;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. May 1, 2018.
07 NCAC 14B .0305 VIEW INTO VEHICLES
07 NCAC 14B .0306 EXCESSIVE LOADS
History Note: Authority G.S. 113‑264(a);
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Transferred w/change from T15.12E Eff. August 1, 1982;
Repealed Eff. October 1, 1984;
Transferred from 15A NCAC 22B .0305, .0306 Eff. April 1, 2017.
SECTION .0400 ‑ FIREARMS: FIRES: ETC.
07 NCAC 14B .0401 FIREARMS
No one, except Zoo employees designated by the Director or his or her designated representative, law enforcement officials with jurisdictional authority, or other persons as defined in G.S. 14-269(b) and G.S. 14-415.27, may carry or possess firearms, airguns, bows and arrows, slingshots, or deadly weapons of any kind as defined in G.S. 14-269 within the Zoo.
History Note: Authority G.S. 143B-135.204(a);
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Transferred w/change from T15.12E Eff. August 1, 1982;
Amended Eff. October 1, 1984;
Transferred from 15A NCAC 22B .0401 Eff. April 1, 2017;
Readopted Eff. September 1, 2021.
07 NCAC 14B .0402 EXPLOSIVES
A person shall not have in the Zoo any pyrotechnics or cap pistols.
History Note: Authority G.S. 143B-135.204(a);
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Transferred w/change from T15.12E Eff. August 1, 1982;
Amended Eff. October 1, 1984;
Transferred from 15A NCAC 22B .0402 Eff. April 1, 2017;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. May 1, 2018.
07 NCAC 14B .0403 Smoking and fires
(a) Smoking, vaping, or the use of similar devices or materials is prohibited on Zoo property except where designated through posted signage.
(b) Starting or maintaining a fire on Zoo property is prohibited except as part of an organized Zoo program.
History Note: Authority G.S. 143B-135.204(a);
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Transferred w/change from T15.12E Eff. August 1, 1982;
Amended Eff. October 1, 1984;
Transferred from 15A NCAC 22B .0403 Eff. April 1, 2017;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. May 1, 2018;
Amended Eff. August 1, 2023.
07 NCAC 14B .0404 Smoking
History Note: Authority G.S. 143B-135.204(a);
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Transferred w/change from T15.12E Eff. August 1, 1982;
Transferred from 15A NCAC 22B .0404 Eff. April 1, 2017;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. May 1, 2018;
Repealed Eff. August 1, 2023.
SECTION .0500 ‑ DISORDERLY CONDUCT: PUBLIC NUISANCE: ETC.
07 NCAC 14B .0501 DISORDERLY CONDUCT PROHIBITED
A person shall obey a lawful order of a Zoo employee and shall not throw away any objects into any animal enclosure to annoy, distract or feed any animal. The playing of radios in such a manner as to disturb other persons or animals is forbidden.
History Note: Authority G.S. 143B-135.204(a);
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Transferred w/change from T15.12E Eff. August 1, 1982;
Amended Eff. October 1, 1984;
Transferred from 15A NCAC 22B .0501 Eff. April 1, 2017;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. May 1, 2018.
07 NCAC 14B .0502 GAMBLING
History Note: Authority G.S. 113‑264(a);
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Transferred w/change from T15.12E Eff. August 1, 1982;
Repealed Eff. October 1, 1984;
Transferred from 15A NCAC 22B .0502 Eff. April 1, 2017.
07 NCAC 14B .0503 INTOXICATING LIQUORS: CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE OR BEVERAGES
(a) A person shall not possess or consume any beer, wine, whiskey, controlled substance, or any other intoxicating substance within the Zoo except that alcoholic beverages may be served at a specific event at the Zoo authorized in writing by the Director of the Zoo. The Director shall authorize serving of alcohol only at such specific events that are sponsored by the Zoo Society, Zoo Council or the Zoo itself.
(b) A person shall not be or become intoxicated while within the Zoo.
(c) A person shall not sell or attempt to sell any beer, wine, whiskey, controlled substance, or any other intoxicating substance within the Zoo.
History Note: Authority G.S. 143B-135.204(a);
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Transferred w/change from T15.12E Eff. August 1, 1982;
Amended Eff. August 2, 1993;
Transferred from 15A NCAC 22B .0503 Eff. April 1, 2017;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. May 1, 2018.
07 NCAC 14B .0504 ANIMALS AT LARGE
A person shall not cause or permit any animal owned by him or her, in his or her custody, or under his or her control to enter the perimeter fence of the Zoo, except as permitted by applicable federal and state law for service animals assisting individuals with disabilities. All animals on Zoo property outside of the perimeter fence must be leashed, harnessed, or otherwise controlled by the person in custody of the animal. Animals found at large may be seized and disposed of as provided by law covering disposal of stray animals on public property.
History Note: Authority G.S. 143B-135.204(a);
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Transferred w/change from T15.12E Eff. August 1, 1982;
Transferred from 15A NCAC 22B .0504 Eff. April 1, 2017;
Readopted Eff. September 1, 2021.
07 NCAC 14B .0505 SPORTS AND GAMES
Games or athletic contests shall not be allowed except in such places as may be designated.
History Note: Authority G.S. 143B-135.204(a);
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Transferred w/change from T15.12E Eff. August 1, 1982;
Transferred from 15A NCAC 22B .0505 Eff. April 1, 2017;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. May 1, 2018.
SECTION .0600 ‑ COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISES: ADVERTISING: MEETINGS: EXHIBITIONS: ETC.
07 NCAC 14B .0601 COMMERCIAL ENTERPRISES
Only authorized employees, contractors, or agents of the Zoo may engage in business or conduct commercial activity at the Zoo.
History Note: Authority G.S. 143B-135.204(a);
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Transferred w/change from 15A NCAC 12E Eff. August 1, 1982;
Amended Eff. October 1, 1984;
Transferred from 15A NCAC 22B .0601 Eff. April 1, 2017;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. May 1, 2018.
07 NCAC 14B .0602 PHOTOGRAPHS
History Note: Authority G.S. 143B-10(j); 143B-135.204(a);
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Transferred w/change from T15.12E Eff. August 1, 1982;
Amended Eff. October 1, 1984;
Transferred from 15A NCAC 22B .0602 Eff. April 1, 2017;
Repealed Eff. September 1, 2021.
07 NCAC 14B .0603 COMMERCIAL VEHICLES
History Note: Authority G.S. 113‑264(a);
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Transferred w/change from T15.12E Eff. August 1, 1982;
Repealed Eff. October 1, 1984;
Transferred from 15A NCAC 22B .0603 Eff. April 1, 2017.
07 NCAC 14B .0604 ADVERTISING
A person shall not erect or post within the Zoo a notice or advertisement nor play any musical instrument, radio, or talking machine, or make any loud and obtrusive noise for the purpose of attracting attention to any exhibition or any activity of any kind without first obtaining authorization from the director.
History Note: Authority G.S. 131F; 143B‑10(j);
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Transferred w/change from T15.12E Eff. August 1, 1982;
Amended Eff. November 1, 1984; October 1, 1984;
Transferred from 15A NCAC 22B .0604 Eff. April 1, 2017;
Pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A, rule is necessary without substantive public interest Eff. May 1, 2018.
07 NCAC 14B .0605 Use of facilities and grounds
(a) Any person or group requesting to rent; commercially photograph, film or make other recordings; or otherwise use any of the Zoo's buildings or grounds for a private purpose shall obtain prior written permission from the Zoo Director, or his or her designee, for use of the building or grounds. For the purposes of this Rule, "a private purpose" includes activities which are outside of the daily operations of the Zoo. Prior to the approved use, the user shall enter into a written agreement setting forth the terms of the use of the requested facility or grounds.
(b) In determining whether to approve the use, the Zoo Director, or his or her designee, shall consider the following factors:
(1) the reason for the use;
(2) the availability of the requested facilities or grounds, or portion thereof;
(3) the impact of the use on the operations of the Zoo, including the impact to public access and animal safety and health;
(4) the impact of the use on the Zoo's resources, facilities and grounds; and
(5) whether the use would be detrimental to the purposes or mission of the Zoo.
(c) No person or group shall violate the terms and conditions of the written agreement. Violations of the terms or conditions shall result in revocation by the Director or his or her designee.
History Note: Authority G.S. 143B-135.204(a);
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Transferred w/change from T15.12E Eff. August 1, 1982;
Amended Eff. November 1, 1984;
Transferred from 15A NCAC 22B .0605 Eff. April 1, 2017;
Readopted Eff. September 1, 2021.
07 NCAC 14B .0606 ALMS AND CONTRIBUTIONS
(a) No person or organization shall solicit alms, donations, or contributions; distribute literature or other objects; or proselytize within the Park, except in accordance with a signed agreement issued pursuant to Rule .0605 of this Section.
(b) This Rule shall not apply to any persons engaged in fundraising activities sponsored by the North Carolina Zoological Society for the purpose of supporting the Zoo in accordance with any agreements mutually approved by the Zoo and the North Carolina Zoological Society.
History Note: Authority G.S. 143B-135.204(a);
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Transferred w/change from T15.12E Eff. August 1, 1982;
Amended Eff. November 1, 1984; October 1, 1984;
Transferred from 15A NCAC 22B .0606 Eff. April 1, 2017;
Readopted Eff. September 1, 2021.
07 NCAC 14B .0607 SOLICITING DONATIONS: DISTRIBUTING LITERATURE: GIFTS
History Note: Authority G.S. 143B-10(j); 143B-135.204(a);
Eff. November 1, 1984;
Transferred from 15A NCAC 22B .0607 Eff. April 1, 2017;
Repealed Eff. September 1, 2021.
07 NCAC 14B .0608 ROCK CLIMBING
(a) Rock climbing, bouldering, or rappelling is prohibited except in areas designated by the Zoo Director or their designee. The Zoo Director or their designee may designate a daily capacity limit for specific climbing routes and bouldering areas based on public safety and the protection and use of state property.
(b) A Day-Use Climbing Permit is required for each individual participating in climbing, bouldering, and rappelling on Zoo property. Applications for permits may be made at www.nczoo.org. A completed Day-Use Climbing Permit application shall include the following information:
(1) the permittee's name, address, and contact information;
(3) the permittee's expected time to return to their vehicle;
(4) the permittee's vehicle registration number and state of vehicle registration;
(5) name and contact information of an emergency contact; and
(6) signature indicating agreement to abide by the terms and conditions of the permit.
(c) Day-Use Climbing Permits shall be issued upon receipt of a completed application unless:
(1) the daily capacity limit for a specific climbing route or area has been reached prior to receipt of the completed application;
(2) the activity would be detrimental to the protection and use of state property or threaten the health or safety of the public; or
(3) The activity or use would constitute a violation of applicable law or the rules of this Subchapter.
(d) If a permit application is denied, the applicant shall be informed in writing of the reason(s) for the denial.
(e) Permittees shall maintain a copy of their signed Day-Use Climbing Permit with them at all times while on Zoo property.
(f) While rock climbing on Zoo property, permittees shall not:
(1) install permanent or fixed rock climbing anchors, such as pitons and expansion bolts;
(2) chip or glue holds onto the rock face;
(3) remove rock from its natural position except where failure to remove the rock poses a risk to public safety and such removal has been approved by the Zoo Director or their designee; and
(4) intentionally remove vegetation to clean a climbing route.
(g) Violation of the terms and conditions of a Day-Use Climbing permit issued in accordance with this Section is prohibited and shall result in the revocation of the permit and removal of the violator from Zoo property.
History Note: Authority G.S. 143B-135.204(a);
Eff. August 1, 2023.
07 NCAC 14B .0609 trail Access and Activities
(a) Public access to Zoo property, including all hiking trails, is available only between opening and closing hours as posted at www.nczoo.org.
(b) Public use of hiking trails on Zoo property shall be limited to each trail's designated uses as posted. The Division may prohibit or restrict public activity occurring on Zoo property if such activity would be detrimental to the protection and use of state property or threaten the health or safety of the public.
(c) A person using Zoo property located outside of the perimeter fence must remain on the marked trails or in a designated climbing area at all times.
(d) Use of bicycles, all-terrain vehicles, dirt bikes, golf carts, go-karts, scooters, skateboards, and other similar conveyances is prohibited on Zoo property outside of a trail designated for such use. Public use of motorized vehicles is prohibited on Zoo property except on designated roads and parking areas.
(e) Horseback riding is prohibited on Zoo property outside of a trail designated for such use.
(f) The following activities are prohibited on Zoo property:
(2) littering; and
(3) camping, except through a Zoo organized camping program.
(g) Public use of Ridges Mountain trails is available only by a reservation approved by the Zoo Director or their designee. Reservations shall be approved unless such use would be detrimental to the protection and use of state property or threaten the health or safety of the public. A completed reservation request shall include the following:
(1) requestor's name and contact information;
(2) the name of an organization or group coordinating the use;
(3) the number of users;
(4) the date of the requested use; and
(5) the intended use.
(h) Pets are not permitted on the Ridges Mountain property except as required by federal and state law for service animals assisting individuals with disabilities.
History Note: Authority G.S. 143B-135.204(a);
Eff. August 1, 2023.
SECTION .0700 ‑ MISCELLANEOUS
07 NCAC 14B .0701 CLOSING AND OPENING HOURS
A person shall not enter or remain in the Zoo between the hours of 7:30 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. except for on‑duty employees, officers, contractors, or agents of the Zoo, law enforcement officers and firemen, and others authorized entry in connection with a Zoo or Zoological Society sponsored event, or unless accompanied by authorized officials of the Zoo, or authorization from the director.
History Note: Authority G.S. 143B-135.204(a);
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Transferred w/change from T15.12E Eff. August 1, 1982;
Amended Eff. October 1, 1984;
Transferred from 15A NCAC 22B .0701 Eff. April 1, 2017.
07 NCAC 14B .0702 MINORS
History Note: Authority G.S. 113‑264(a);
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Transferred w/change from T15.12E Eff. August 1, 1982;
Repealed Eff. October 1, 1984;
Transferred from 15A NCAC 22B .0702 Eff. April 1, 2017.
07 NCAC 14B .0703 FEES
History Note: Authority G.S. 113-264(a); 143-177 .3(b); 143B-335;
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Transferred w/change from T15.12E Eff. August 1, 1982;
Amended Eff. October 1, 1984;
Repealed Eff. April 1, 2016 pursuant to S.L. 2015-241, s. 14.11.(b);
Transferred from 15A NCAC 22B .0703 Eff. April 1, 2017.
07 NCAC 14B .0704 AVIATION
History Note: Authority G.S. 113‑264(a);
Eff. February 1, 1976;
Transferred w/change from T15.12E Eff. August 1, 1982;
Repealed Eff. October 1, 1984;
Transferred from 15A NCAC 22B .0704 Eff. April 1, 2017.
07 NCAC 14B .0705 reserved for future codification
07 NCAC 14B .0706 NORTH CAROLINA ZOOLOGICAL PARK: ADMISSION FEES
(a) Information concerning admission fees for the North Carolina Zoological Park may be found at https://www.nczoo.org/.
(b) Admission fees are subject to dynamic pricing and may change from time to time.
History Note: Authority G.S. 143B-135.204(a); 143B-135.205; 143B-135.213;
Eff. April 14, 2017;
Amended Eff. September 01, 2021.
SUBCHAPTER 14C ‑ ACQUISITION AND DISPOSITION OF ANIMALS
07 NCAC 14C .0101 PURPOSE
07 NCAC 14C .0102 CRITERIA
07 NCAC 14C .0103 DELEGATION
07 NCAC 14C .0104 POLICY
History Note: Authority G.S. 113‑264(a); 143‑60; 143B‑10(j); 143B‑368;
Eff. July 15, 1978;
Transferred w/change from T15.12E Eff. August 1, 1982;
Transferred from 15A NCAC 22C .0101-.0104 Eff. April 1, 2017;
Expired Eff. June 1, 2018 pursuant to G.S. 150B-21.3A.