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Repealed Eff.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 PROTECTION OF ANIMALS, PLANTS AND OTHER RESOURCES; RESEARCH

(a) The following conduct is prohibited on Zoo property, except by a Zoo employee or agent acting in performance of their duties:

(1) Removing or destroying any plant, fungus, or mineral, living or dead wild animal, or the products thereof, or any archeological or cultural resource or artifact owned or controlled by the Zoo;

(2) Climbing into any animal or plant enclosures, crossing erected barriers, and entering restricted areas, except when entering a restricted area is part of an authorized Zoo program;

(3) Throwing any objects into or tapping on the glass of any animal enclosure;

(4) Feeding or petting any animal owned or controlled by the Zoo, except when feeding or petting an animal is part of an authorized Zoo program;

(5) Feeding, petting, harassing, or harming native wildlife on Zoo property;

(6) Placing or distributing agricultural products, natural or processed foods, or any other item for the purpose of attracting or feeding any wildlife, whether native or owned or controlled by the Zoo;

(7) Hunting, pursuing, trapping, shooting, injuring, harassing, harming, molesting or killing any animal owned or controlled by the Zoo or native wildlife on Zoo property; and

(8) Fishing.

(b) No person shall enter Zoo property that has been designated by the Zoo Director or their designee as closed to public activity, including designated environmentally sensitive areas, construction areas, storm damaged areas, and other similar locations designated closed for natural resource protection and public safety.

(c) Except as authorized in writing by the Zoo's Associate Curator of Research, no person shall collect any natural or cultural resource or artifact from the Zoo or conduct any academic, historic, scientific, or other research, study, or project occurring on or involving Zoo property, including projects that require placing monitoring equipment on any Zoo property and studies which involve the collection, removal, or disturbance of any of the following owned, controlled, or otherwise located on Zoo property:

(1) plant;

(2) fungus;

(3) mineral;

(4) living or dead wild animal, or the products thereof; and

(5) any archeological or cultural resource or artifact.

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;

Amended Eff. September 1, 2026.

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 VEHICLES

(a) A person shall not cause or permit a vehicle to stand anywhere on Zoo grounds outside of designated parking spaces, except for a reasonable time in order to receive or discharge passengers.

(b) A person shall not cause or permit a vehicle to obstruct the flow of traffic.

(c) Operation of utility vehicles, all-terrain vehicles, and unlicensed for highway-use motor vehicles is prohibited on Zoo grounds except where approved in writing by the Zoo Director or their designee.

(d) A person shall not leave a vehicle unattended or abandoned for longer than 12 hours or overnight except where approved in writing by the Zoo Director or their designee.

(e) Any vehicle found to be in violation of this Rule may be removed or towed by the Zoo at the owner's expense.

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;

Amended September 1, 2026.

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 - VISITOR CONDUCT

07 NCAC 14B .0501 VISITOR CONDUCT AND PROHIBITED ITEMS

(a) Persons under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a guest at least 16 years old at all times. The supervising guest shall not permit the minor in their care to do any act prohibited by Zoo regulations.

(b) The playing, production, or emission of music and other audio in such a manner as to disturb other persons or animals is prohibited on Zoo grounds.

(c) A person shall remain on designated pathways in publicly accessible areas at all times. No person shall obstruct designated pathways, sidewalks, entrances, driveways or plazas.

(d) No person shall access or enter any areas designated for Zoo staff only, except where such access is part of an authorized Zoo program.

(e) A person must wear a shirt and shoes at all times while on Zoo grounds.

(f) Public nudity, including public nude bathing, is prohibited while on Zoo grounds. This Rule does not apply to the enclosed portions of public restrooms.

(g) A person shall not bathe, wade, dive, scuba dive or swim in any waters on Zoo grounds.

(h) No one except a Zoo employee or agent acting in performance of their duties shall bathe animals or wash vehicles or clothing on Zoo grounds.

(i) No one shall dispose of household or business refuse on Zoo grounds.

(j) No person shall wear a costume that contains items that resemble or could be used as weapons or firearms or that contains sharp objects. No person over the age of 13 shall wear a mask, face paint, or costume that fully covers their face, except employees, agents, or contractors of the Zoo engaged in authorized Zoo programming. Masks must provide unobstructed peripheral vision at all times with openings that allow the eyes to be fully seen.

(k) The Zoo Director or their designee may limit, restrict, or impose conditions on the use of strollers, wagons, or other similar conveyances or close any Zoo pathway, exhibit, road, trail, or portion thereof to the use the strollers, wagons, or other similar conveyances based on considerations for public health and safety, animal health and safety, natural and cultural resource protection, and event and program management.

(l) Visitors shall not use bags, purses, or any other container to conceal prohibited items. The Zoo Director or their designee may limit, restrict, or impose conditions on the use of bags, purses, or any other container for public health and safety, animal health and safety, natural and cultural resource protection, and event and program management, including searching visitor's bags for prohibited items.

(m) Visitors are not permitted to bring or use the following items on Zoo grounds:

(1) balloons;

(2) athletic equipment;

(3) horns, whistles, radios, speakers, megaphones and other similar noise makers;

(4) paints, aerosols, sprays, and liquid art materials, except where use of art materials is part of an authorized Zoo program;

(5) easels, except where use of an easel is part of an authorized Zoo program;

(6) objects or toys that resemble weapons or firearms;

(7) plastic disposable straws;

(8) lawn chairs or other portable seating devices not required for a disability, except where use of a lawn chair or other portable seating device is part of an authorized Zoo program;

(9) mace, pepper spray, electroshock devices and other similar self-defense devices;

(10) laser pointers, light projectors, strobe lights, spotlights, flashlights, and other similar devices, except where use of such an item is part of an authorized Zoo program;

(11) glass containers;

(12) grills and other cooking or food service equipment;

(13) bulk food containers, including cardboard boxes, beverage cases, multipack retail cartons, party trays, and similar items;

(14) coolers or rolling bags larger than 18 inches long by 14 inches wide by 15 inches high;

(15) skateboard, scooters, hoverboards, rollerblades, skates, bicycles, tricycles, shoes with built-in wheels, and other similar wheeled transportation devices, except those used to assist individuals with disabilities or in accordance with Rule .0609 of this Subchapter;

(16) trailers, towed attachments, add-on cargo carriers, hand trucks, dollies, and other similar commercial or industrial conveyances;

(17) boats, rafts, surf boards, personal watercraft, canoes or any other floating vessel, except where use of such an item is part of an authorized Zoo program;

(18) metal detectors;

(19) drones or any other aviation apparatus, whether manned or unmanned, except where use of such apparatus is approved in writing by the Zoo Director or their designee prior to the use and used for purposes that support the mission of the Zoo;

(20) remote-controlled toys and other similar devices; and

(21) strollers, wagons, and other similar conveyances larger than 31 inches wide by 52 inches long.

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;

Amended Eff. September 1, 2026.

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 ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES

(a) A person shall not possess or consume any alcoholic beverage, as defined in G.S. 18B-101, or controlled substance, as defined by G.S. 90-87(5), on Zoo property except that alcoholic beverages may be possessed or consumed when purchased from a vendor operating under a long-term operating agreement with the Zoo or when served at a special event at the Zoo for which the Director of the Zoo has provided written authorization for the sale of alcoholic beverages. The Director of the Zoo may limit, restrict, or impose conditions on alcohol possession or consumption or close any Zoo pathway, exhibit, road, trail, or portion thereof to alcohol possession or consumption based on considerations for public health and safety, animal health and safety, natural and cultural resource protection, and event and program management.

(b) Requests for alcohol to be served at a special event at the Zoo shall be submitted to the Director of the Zoo at least 14 days prior to the date of the event.

(d) A person shall not sell or attempt to sell any alcoholic beverage, as defined in G.S. 18B-101, or controlled substance, as defined by G.S. 90-87(5), within the Zoo except alcoholic beverages may be sold as permitted under a long-term operating agreement.

History Note: Authority G.S. 143B-135.204(a);

Eff. February 1, 1976;

Transferred w/change from 15 NCAC 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;

Amended Eff. May 1, 2026.

07 NCAC 14B .0504 ANIMALS NOT OWNED OR CONTROLLED BY THE ZOO

(a) A person shall not cause or permit any animal owned by them, in their custody, or under their 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.

(b) 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. Use of electronic leash or collar is not permitted in lieu of physical leash or restraint, except as permitted by applicable federal and state law for service animals assisting individuals with disabilities.

(d) The owner of any animal causing a nuisance on Zoo grounds shall be required to leave Zoo property with the animal, upon the request of an authorized Zoo employee.

(e) 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;

Amended September 1, 2026.

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.

(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:

(1) hunting;

(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 outside of posted hours of operation, except for the following individuals:

(1) on-duty employees, officers, contractors, or agents of the Zoo;

(2) law enforcement officers and firemen;

(3) individuals authorized entry in connection with a Zoo sponsored or approved event; and

(4) individuals accompanied by authorized Zoo officials or with authorization from the Zoo Director or their 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. October 1, 1984;

Transferred from 15A NCAC 22B .0701 Eff. April 1, 2017;

Amended September 1, 2026.

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.