ML-2: Manufacturing and Logistics District Setback Requirements in Charlotte
In the City of Charlotte’s ML-2 Zoning District, building setbacks are determined primarily by the type of street frontage, with requirements ranging from 10 to 40 feet. While the ML-2 Zoning District allows for a 0-foot minimum side setback, it requires a 10-foot minimum rear setback, which is waived if the property is adjacent to a freight rail right-of-way.
ML-2 Frontage Setback Requirements
The City of Charlotte establishes frontage setbacks for the ML-2 Zoning District based on the classification of the street or public space the lot faces. These distances are generally measured from the future back of curb, except for Parkways and Limited Access roads, which are measured from the right-of-way (ROW) [Table 8-2].
| Frontage Type | ML-2 Frontage Setback Line (feet) |
|---|---|
| 6 or More Lane Avenue/Boulevard | 40' |
| 4-5 Lane Avenue/Boulevard | 36' |
| 2-3 Lane Avenue | 36' |
| Primary – Other | 36' |
| Secondary | 36' |
| Transit Station, Off-Street Public Path, Public Park | 20' |
| Uptown Primary | 20' |
| Parkway (Measured from ROW) | 20' |
| Limited Access (Measured from ROW) | 20' |
| Uptown Secondary | 16' |
ML-2 Side and Rear Setbacks
The City of Charlotte provides flexibility for industrial development within the ML-2 Zoning District by allowing buildings to be placed directly on the side property lines under specific conditions.
| Setback Type | ML-2 Minimum Requirement (feet) |
|---|---|
| Side Setback | 0' |
| Rear Setback | 10' |
Exceptions and Modifications
- Freight Rail Adjacency: In the City of Charlotte, rear setbacks are not required for industrial uses in the ML-2 Zoning District when the rear lot line is adjacent to a railroad right-of-way for freight rail [Table 8-2, Footnote 4].
- Building Entry Placement: No building entry in the ML-2 Zoning District may be located closer than six feet to an existing or proposed off-street public path or shared-use path [Table 8-2, Footnote 2].
- Measurement Standard: On local and collector streets within the City of Charlotte, the frontage setback is measured from the curb location for the Industrial Local Street Cross Section in the Charlotte Land Development Standards Manual (CLDSM) or the existing back of curb, whichever is farther from the centerline [Table 8-2, Footnote 1].
Accessory Structure Setbacks in ML-2
Accessory structures in the City of Charlotte ML-2 Zoning District are subject to the general standards of Article 17.
- Side and Rear Setbacks: Permanent accessory structures must be located a minimum of three feet from any side or rear lot line [Section 17.1.E.2].
- Height-Based Adjustments: If an accessory structure reaches a height of 24 feet or more, it must be set back at least 15 feet from the rear lot line [Section 17.1.E.2.a].
- Frontage Prohibitions: Generally, no accessory structures are permitted within the established front or corner side setback along a street or frontage in the City of Charlotte [Section 17.1.E.1].
Sections Cited
- Article 8, Manufacturing & Logistics Zoning Districts: ML-1, ML-2
- Section 8.3, Dimensional and Design Standards
- Table 8-2, Manufacturing and Logistics Zoning Districts Building Siting Standards
- Article 17, Accessory Structures
- Section 17.1, General Standards for Accessory Structures