Charlotte’s RC: Research Campus Zoning District Guide
The RC: Research Campus Zoning District in the City of Charlotte is a specialized classification designed for large-scale research campuses that integrate light industrial, commercial, and high-density residential uses. This district requires a minimum development site of five acres and allows for building heights up to 120 feet, which can be increased to 250 feet through specific development bonuses [Table 7-1, Table 7-3].
Purpose and General Character of the RC District
The primary intent of the RC: Research Campus Zoning District is to accommodate large-scale research environments within a vibrant, mixed-use setting. The City of Charlotte uses this district to create urban spaces that serve the needs of employees, residents, and visitors by allowing supportive uses such as retail, personal services, and eating and drinking establishments [Section 7.1.E].
The general character of the RC: Research Campus Zoning District is defined by a compact, pedestrian-oriented urban form. Developments typically consist of taller, high-density structures that foster an active, walkable environment [Section 7.1.E].
Permitted Land Uses
The RC: Research Campus Zoning District permits a broad spectrum of land uses categorized as follows:
Residential Uses
The City of Charlotte allows various residential forms within the RC: Research Campus Zoning District to facilitate a true mixed-use campus environment [Table 15-1]:
- Permitted by Right: Dormitory, Multi-family Stacked Unit, and Quadraplex.
- Permitted with Prescribed Conditions (PC): Multi-family Attached Unit, Multi-dwelling Development, Duplex, Triplex, and Group Home.
Commercial and Office Uses
Supportive commercial uses are integral to the RC: Research Campus Zoning District [Table 15-1]:
- Permitted by Right: Office, Medical/Dental Office, Industrial Design, Hotel/Motel, Art Gallery, Arts or Fitness Studio, Financial Institution, and Retail Goods Establishments.
- Permitted with Prescribed Conditions (PC): Restaurant/Bar, Specialty Food Service, Micro-Production of Alcohol, and Live Performance Venue – Indoor.
Industrial and Institutional Uses
Consistent with its research focus, the City of Charlotte allows specific technical and civic uses [Table 15-1]:
- Permitted by Right: Research and Development (R&D), Community Center, Cultural Facility, Educational Facility (University/College/Vocational), and Place of Worship.
- Permitted with Prescribed Conditions (PC): Industrial (Craft and Light), Light Assembly, and Movie Studio.
Dimensional and Development Standards
The City of Charlotte applies specific lot and siting standards to the RC: Research Campus Zoning District to maintain its urban campus character.
Lot and Intensity Standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum District Size | 5 acres |
| Minimum Lot Width | 25 feet |
| Maximum Building Coverage | 60% |
| Maximum Building Height (Residential) | 120 feet |
| Maximum Building Height (Nonresidential/Mixed-Use) | 120 feet |
| Maximum Height with Bonus (per Section 16.3) | 250 feet |
[Table 7-1, Table 7-3]
Siting and Setbacks
Setbacks in the RC: Research Campus Zoning District are measured from the future back of curb as defined by the Charlotte Streets Map [Table 7-2].
| Frontage Type | Setback Line (feet) | Build-To Zone (BTZ) (feet) |
|---|---|---|
| Uptown Signature | 24 | 0-20 |
| Main Street | 24 | 0-20 |
| Linear Park | 36 | 0-20 |
| 4-5 Lane Avenue/Boulevard | 20 | 0-20 |
| 6 or More Lane Avenue/Boulevard | 24 | 0-20 |
| 2-3 Lane Avenue | 20 | 0-20 |
| Transit Station/Public Park | 5 | 0-20 |
| Other – Primary | 20 | 0-20 |
| Secondary | 16 | 0-20 |
[Table 7-2]
Off-Street Parking Requirements
The RC: Research Campus Zoning District is classified under the "Tier 2" parking system in the City of Charlotte. This tier establishes both minimum and maximum parking requirements to balance vehicle access with the district’s pedestrian-oriented goals [Section 19.2.A.1].
| Use Category | Minimum Requirement | Maximum Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Residential (General) | 1 per dwelling unit | 2 per dwelling unit |
| Office | 1 per 1,000 square feet | 1 per 250 square feet |
| Restaurant/Bar | 1 per 1,000 square feet | 1 per 250 square feet |
| Retail Goods Establishment | 1 per 1,000 square feet | 1 per 250 square feet |
[Table 19-1]
Sections Cited
- Article 7: Campus Zoning Districts
- Section 7.1: Purpose
- Section 7.3: Dimensional and Design Standards (Tables 7-1, 7-2, 7-3)
- Article 15: Use Regulations
- Section 15.2: Global Use Matrix (Table 15-1)
- Article 16: General Development Regulations
- Section 16.3: Development Bonus
- Article 19: Off-Street Vehicle & Bicycle Parking
- Section 19.2: Vehicle Parking Space Requirements (Table 19-1)