RC: Research Campus Zoning District Regulations in Charlotte
The RC Research Campus Zoning District in the City of Charlotte is primarily intended to accommodate large-scale research campuses within mixed-use environments, emphasizing a development form of taller structures and high walkability [Section 7.1.E]. Key standards for this district include a minimum district size of five acres and a base maximum building height of 120 feet, which can be increased to 250 feet through the use of voluntary development bonuses [Table 7-1, Table 7-3]. Residential developments in the City of Charlotte RC Research Campus Zoning District focus on high-density options like multi-family stacked dwellings and dormitories, while lower-density single-family, duplex, and triplex homes are prohibited [Table 15-1].
Purpose and Intent of the Research Campus District
The City of Charlotte established the RC Research Campus Zoning District to support research-intensive uses that require a dense, pedestrian-oriented urban setting. These campuses are designed to house a mix of supportive uses to serve employees, residents, and visitors, including retail, personal services, and eating and drinking establishments [Section 7.1.E].
Allowed Uses
Uses in the RC Research Campus Zoning District are categorized as Permitted by-right (X), Permitted with Prescribed Conditions (PC), or requiring Conditional Zoning (C or C/PC).
Residential and Mixed-Use
The RC Research Campus Zoning District prioritizes high-intensity residential living.
- Permitted by-right (X): Dormitories, Live/Work Dwellings, Multi-Family Stacked Units, Quadraplexes (singular buildings), and Residential Care Facilities.
- Permitted with Prescribed Conditions (PC): Continuum Care Retirement Communities (CCRC), Multi-Family Attached Units, Group Homes, Multi-Dwelling Developments, and Single Room Occupancy (SRO) [Table 15-1].
Commercial and Office
The City of Charlotte allows a broad range of office and supporting commercial uses within the RC Research Campus Zoning District.
- Permitted by-right (X): Art Galleries, Arts or Fitness Studios, Broadcasting Facilities (no antennae), Commercial Fitness Centers, Convention Centers, Financial Institutions, Hotels/Motels, Industrial Design firms, Medical/Dental Offices, General Offices, Outdoor Markets, Personal Service Establishments, Research and Development (R&D) facilities, Retail Goods Establishments, Retail Goods Showrooms, and Specialty Food Service.
- Permitted with Prescribed Conditions (PC): Amusement Facilities (Indoor), Broadcasting Facilities (with antennae), Commercial Kitchens, Micro-Production of Alcohol, Reception Facilities, Research and Development with a light industrial component, and Restaurants/Bars [Table 15-1].
Institutional and Industrial
- Permitted by-right (X): Community Centers, Cultural Facilities, Educational Facilities (all levels), Government Office/Facilities, Healthcare Institutions, Places of Worship, Public Safety Facilities, and Social Service Facilities.
- Permitted with Prescribed Conditions (PC): Adult Care Centers, Childcare Centers (Standard and Large), Public Works Facilities, Beneficial Fill Sites, Industrial Craft, Industrial Light, and Light Assembly.
- Conditional Zoning Required (C/PC): Movie Studios [Table 15-1].
Transportation and Infrastructure
- Permitted by-right (X): Parking Structures (as a principal use) and Public Transit Facilities.
- Permitted with Prescribed Conditions (PC): Utility Transmission/Distribution, Wireless Telecommunications, and various Temporary Uses (e.g., Mobile Food Vendors) [Table 15-1].
Prohibited Uses
The City of Charlotte prohibits several use types within the RC Research Campus Zoning District to maintain its character as a dense, high-activity campus.
- Residential: Single-family detached dwellings, duplexes, triplexes, and manufactured homes.
- Commercial: Adult uses, outdoor amusement facilities, animal shelters, car washes, heavy retail, greenhouses/nurseries, nightclubs, raceways, and vehicle dealerships.
- Industrial: Agriculture-industrial processes, airports, crematoriums, general industry, LCID landfills (principal use), outdoor storage yards, and quarries.
- Transportation: Standalone surface parking lots, truck stops, and vehicle operations facilities [Table 15-1].
Technical Development Standards
The following tables outline the specific dimensional, siting, and parking requirements for the RC Research Campus Zoning District in the municipality of Charlotte.
Lot and Building Standards
| Category | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum District Size | 5 acres [Table 7-1] |
| Minimum Lot Width | 25 feet [Table 7-1] |
| Maximum Building Coverage | 60% [Table 7-1] |
| Maximum Building Height (Base) | 120 feet [Table 7-3] |
| Maximum Building Height (with Bonus) | 250 feet [Table 7-3] |
Siting and Setbacks
| Frontage Type | Setback Line (from future back of curb) |
|---|---|
| Main Street | 24 feet [Table 7-2] |
| 4-5 Lane Avenue/Boulevard | 20 feet [Table 7-2] |
| 6 or More Lane Avenue/Boulevard | 24 feet [Table 7-2] |
| Secondary | 16 feet [Table 7-2] |
| Side Setback (not abutting Neighborhood 1) | 0 feet [Table 7-2] |
| Rear Setback (not abutting Neighborhood 1) | 0 feet [Table 7-2] |
Vehicle Parking Requirements
The RC Research Campus Zoning District follows Tier 2 parking standards, which mandate both minimums and maximums [Section 19.2.A].
| Use Category | Minimum Parking | Maximum Parking |
|---|---|---|
| Residential (General) | 1 per dwelling unit | 2 per dwelling unit |
| Dormitory | 1 per 4 dorm rooms | 1 per dorm room |
| Nonresidential (unless listed below) | 1 per 1,000 sq. ft. GFA | 1 per 250 sq. ft. GFA |
| Hotel/Motel | 0.5 per guest room | 1.5 per guest room |
| Medical/Dental Office | 1 per 1,000 sq. ft. GFA | 1 per 250 sq. ft. GFA |
Sections Cited
- Section 7.1.E
- Section 7.2
- Table 7-1
- Table 7-2
- Table 7-3
- Section 15.1
- Section 15.2
- Table 15-1
- Section 19.2
- Table 19-1