Guide to the ML-2 Manufacturing and Logistics Zoning District in Charlotte
The ML-2 Manufacturing and Logistics Zoning District in the City of Charlotte is intended for heavy industrial operations, including activities that may be hazardous or noxious and require significant mitigation of external impacts. The district allows for a maximum building height of 80 feet and extensive outdoor storage while necessitating robust screening when adjacent to less intensive areas [Section 8.1.B]. Located primarily near interstates, arterials, and freight rail, the City of Charlotte utilizes this district to support large-scale production and logistics [Section 8.1.B].
Purpose and General Character
The ML-2 Manufacturing and Logistics Zoning District is specifically designed by the City of Charlotte to accommodate industrial uses with the highest potential for external impacts. These impacts may include significant noise, vibrations, or particulate matter [Section 23.10]. Because these operations often involve large areas of outdoor storage or hazardous processes, the City of Charlotte mandates strict screening and buffering requirements to protect surrounding areas from these activities [Section 8.1.B].
Geographically, the ML-2 Manufacturing and Logistics Zoning District is situated in areas with high accessibility to major transportation networks, including the interstate system and freight rail corridors, facilitating the movement of goods and raw materials [Section 8.1.B].
Permitted Land Uses
In the City of Charlotte, the ML-2 Manufacturing and Logistics Zoning District is highly restrictive regarding residential development but allows for a wide range of industrial and supporting commercial activities. According to the Use Matrix, most residential uses are prohibited within the ML-2 District [Table 15-1].
Industrial and Infrastructure Uses
- Industrial, General: Permitted with prescribed conditions [Table 15-1].
- Industrial, Craft: Permitted by-right [Table 15-1].
- Airstrip: Permitted with prescribed conditions [Table 15-1].
- Quarry: Requires conditional zoning and must meet prescribed conditions [Table 15-1].
- Solar Farm: Permitted by-right [Table 15-1].
- Warehouse and Distribution Center: Permitted by-right [Table 15-1].
Commercial and Service Uses
- Financial Institution: Permitted by-right [Table 15-1].
- Hotel/Motel: Permitted by-right [Table 15-1].
- Office: Permitted with prescribed conditions [Table 15-1].
- Restaurant/Bar: Permitted with prescribed conditions [Table 15-1].
- Vehicle Repair (Major or Minor): Permitted with prescribed conditions [Table 15-1].
Dimensional and Design Standards
The City of Charlotte establishes specific lot and building standards for the ML-2 Manufacturing and Logistics Zoning District to ensure functional industrial sites.
Lot and Building Standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Width | 50 feet [Table 8-1] |
| Minimum Side Setback | 0 feet [Table 8-2] |
| Minimum Rear Setback | 10 feet [Table 8-2] |
| Maximum Building Height | 80 feet [Table 8-3] |
Frontage Setbacks
The City of Charlotte requires building placement relative to the future back of curb based on the street classification [Table 8-2].
| Frontage Type | Setback Line (from future back of curb) |
|---|---|
| 4-5 Lane Avenue/Boulevard | 36 feet |
| 6 or more Lane Avenue/Boulevard | 40 feet |
| 2-3 Lane Avenue | 36 feet |
| Transit Station, Off-Street Public Path, Public Park | 20 feet |
| Uptown Primary | 20 feet |
| Primary – Other | 36 feet |
| Secondary | 36 feet |
| Parkway (Measured from ROW) | 20 feet |
| Limited Access (Measured from ROW) | 20 feet |
Building Design and Materials
The City of Charlotte applies specific design requirements even for industrial zones. On the ground floor, at least one entrance along each frontage facing facade must include a pedestrian connection to adjacent facilities, except along Limited Access frontages or transit/park spaces [Table 8-4].
In the ML-2 Manufacturing and Logistics Zoning District, the following building materials are limited to 50% of each façade along a frontage:
- Corrugated metal siding (unless deemed decorative by the Zoning Administrator).
- Plain concrete masonry units (CMU) without integral color pigment or improved finish.
- Plastic, vinyl, or T-111 composite plywood siding [Section 8.6].
Off-Street Parking Requirements
The City of Charlotte categorizes the ML-2 Manufacturing and Logistics Zoning District under "Tier 1" for parking requirements. This tier mandates minimum parking spaces but does not impose a maximum limit on the number of spaces provided [Section 19.2.A.1].
| Use Category (ML-2) | Minimum Parking Requirement |
|---|---|
| Industrial Use (unless listed otherwise) | 1 space per 1,000sf GFA up to 40,000sf; then 1 per 2,500sf for additional GFA |
| Office | 1 space per 750sf GFA |
| Warehouse and Distribution Center | 1 space per 750sf office area + 1 per 15,000sf GFA of warehouse |
| Medical/Dental Office | 1 space per 750sf GFA |
[Table 19-1]
Sections Cited
- Article 8: Manufacturing & Logistics Zoning Districts: ML-1, ML-2
- Section 8.1: Purpose
- Section 8.2: Uses
- Section 8.3: Dimensional and Design Standards
- Table 8-1: Manufacturing and Logistics Zoning Districts Lot Standards
- Table 8-2: Manufacturing and Logistics Zoning Districts Building Siting Standards
- Table 8-3: Manufacturing and Logistics Zoning Districts Building Height Standards
- Table 8-4: Manufacturing and Logistics Zoning Districts Building Design Standards
- Section 8.6: Building Materials
- Article 15: Use Regulations
- Table 15-1: Use Matrix
- Article 19: Off-Street Vehicle & Bicycle Parking
- Section 19.2: Vehicle Parking Space Requirements
- Table 19-1: Vehicle Parking Requirements
- Section 23.10: Definitions