N2-C: Neighborhood 2 Zoning District in the City of Charlotte
The N2-C Neighborhood 2 Zoning District is a high-intensity residential district in the City of Charlotte designed for multi-family development in urban environments using smaller setbacks and mandatory build-to zones. In the City of Charlotte, the N2-C district permits residential building heights up to 65 feet by right, with the potential to reach 100 feet through the use of development bonuses [Section 5.3.D]. As a Tier 2 parking district, most residential uses in N2-C are required to provide a minimum of one parking space per dwelling unit and are capped at a maximum of two spaces [Table 19-1].
Purpose and General Character
The City of Charlotte established the N2-C Neighborhood 2 Zoning District to accommodate moderate to high-intensity residential uses. These may be constructed as standalone buildings or as components of a larger multi-dwelling development [Section 5.1]. The district often serves as a transition between lower-intensity residential areas and high-intensity mixed-use centers.
The general character of the N2-C district is defined by its "urban environment" [Section 5.1.C]. Unlike the N2-A or N2-B districts, the City of Charlotte requires N2-C developments to adhere to build-to zones (BTZ), ensuring that building facades are placed close to the street to support a walkable, pedestrian-oriented atmosphere [Section 5.3.A].
Permitted Land Uses
The City of Charlotte's N2-C district primarily focuses on multi-family dwellings, including:
- Multi-Family Attached: Side-by-side units with individual entries [Section 15.3].
- Multi-Family Stacked: Multiple units accessed by common entryways [Section 15.3].
- Multi-Dwelling Developments: Complexes with two or more principal buildings on a single lot [Section 15.3].
- Other Residential: Dormitories, Group Homes, and Single Room Occupancy (SRO) units [Table 15-1].
While primarily residential, the City of Charlotte allows select nonresidential uses in the N2-C district to support the neighborhood, such as:
- Religious institutions (Places of Worship).
- Educational facilities.
- Neighborhood commercial establishments (under prescribed conditions).
- Limited mixed-use development [Section 5.1].
Dimensional and Design Standards
Lot and Building Siting Standards
In the City of Charlotte, the N2-C district requires strict adherence to building placement via frontage types.
| Standard | N2-C Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Side Setback | 5 feet [Table 5-2] |
| Minimum Rear Setback (Not abutting N1) | 10 feet [Table 5-2] |
| Minimum Rear Setback (Abutting N1) | 20 feet [Table 5-2] |
| Maximum Building Coverage | (Not specified in Table 5-1 for N2-C) |
| Minimum BTZ Build-To Percentage | 80% for all frontage types [Table 5-2] |
Frontage Setbacks and Build-To Zones
Setbacks in the City of Charlotte's N2-C district are measured from the future back of curb.
| Frontage Type | Setback Line | Build-To Zone (BTZ) |
|---|---|---|
| Uptown Signature | 24 feet | 0 - 20 feet |
| Main Street | 24 feet | 0 - 20 feet |
| 4-5 Lane Avenue/Boulevard | 20 feet | 0 - 20 feet |
| 2-3 Lane Avenue | 20 feet | 0 - 20 feet |
| Transit Station/Public Park | 5 feet | 0 - 20 feet |
| Secondary Frontage | 16 feet | 0 - 20 feet |
Note: All N2-C frontages require an 80% minimum build-to percentage, meaning 80% of the building facade must be located within the 20-foot BTZ [Table 5-2].
Building Height Standards
The City of Charlotte provides flexibility for height in the N2-C district to support increased density.
| Height Category | N2-C Standard |
|---|---|
| Maximum Building Height (Residential) | 65 feet [Table 5-3] |
| Maximum Building Height (Nonresidential/Mixed-Use) | 65 feet [Table 5-3] |
| Maximum Building Height with Bonus | 100 feet [Table 5-3] |
Vehicle and Bicycle Parking
The City of Charlotte classifies the N2-C district as a Tier 2 parking area. This tier balances the need for on-site parking with the City's goals for transit-oriented growth [Section 19.2.A].
| Use Category | Minimum Requirement | Maximum Cap |
|---|---|---|
| Residential (General) | 1 space / dwelling unit | 2 spaces / dwelling unit |
| Dormitory | 1/4 space / dorm room | 1 space / dorm room |
| Duplex | 1 space / dwelling unit | 2 unenclosed spaces / unit |
| Live/Work | 1/unit + 1/1,000sf GFA | 2/unit + 1/250sf GFA |
Source: [Table 19-1]
Bicycle parking is also required for N2-C developments in the City of Charlotte. For multi-family stacked dwellings, the developer must provide one bicycle space for every five dwelling units, with 80% of those spaces designated as long-term (secured) parking [Table 19-3].
Sections Cited
- Article 5. Neighborhood 2 Zoning Districts
- Section 5.1 Purpose
- Section 5.2 Uses
- Section 5.3 Dimensional and Design Standards
- Table 5-1: Neighborhood 2 Zoning Districts Lot Standards
- Table 5-2: Neighborhood 2 Zoning Districts Building Siting Standards
- Table 5-3: Neighborhood 2 Zoning Districts Building Height Standards
- Section 15.3 Use Definitions
- Table 15-1: Use Matrix
- Section 19.2 Vehicle Parking Space Requirements
- Table 19-1: Vehicle Parking Requirements
- Table 19-3: Bicycle Parking Requirements