Setback Requirements for the City of Charlotte N1-B Neighborhood 1 Zoning District
The City of Charlotte N1-B: Neighborhood 1 Zoning District requires a standard front setback of 27 feet and a rear setback of 35 feet. Side setbacks must be a minimum of 5 feet, while corner side setbacks are established at 13.5 feet, though these distances may be reduced significantly if the property is developed as a Compact or Conservation Residential project.
Standard Siting Requirements for N1-B
The primary building siting standards for the N1-B Neighborhood 1 Zoning District ensure that new developments maintain compatibility with the established character of the City of Charlotte. These standards vary based on whether the lot is an interior lot or a corner lot.
N1-B Minimum Setback Standards
| Setback Type | Requirement (Feet) |
|---|---|
| Minimum Front Setback (from Right-of-Way) | 27 feet |
| Minimum Corner Side Setback (from Right-of-Way) | 13.5 feet |
| Minimum Side Setback | 5 feet |
| Minimum Rear Setback | 35 feet |
[Table 4-2]
Measurement and Orientation Rules
In the City of Charlotte, setbacks for the N1-B Neighborhood 1 Zoning District are measured according to the following specific rules:
- Measurement Points: Setbacks on existing local and collector streets are measured from the existing right-of-way. For arterial and limited access streets, setbacks are measured from two feet behind the future sidewalk as defined by the City of Charlotte Streets Map [Section 4.3.C, Footnote 7].
- Established Blockfaces: If an N1-B Neighborhood 1 Zoning District blockface is at least 25% developed or has at least four existing dwellings, a new dwelling may be located at or behind the average front setback of the two closest residential buildings on that same blockface, provided it is at least 10 feet from the right-of-way [Section 4.3.C, Footnote 2].
- Through Lots: If an N1-B Neighborhood 1 Zoning District lot abuts both a local/collector street and a parallel arterial street, the building must orient toward the local or collector street [Section 4.3.C, Footnote 3].
- Arterial Corner Sides: When a corner side setback is located along an arterial street in the N1-B Neighborhood 1 Zoning District, it is subject to the minimum front setback dimension (27 feet) rather than the standard corner side dimension [Section 4.3.C, Footnote 5].
Alternative Residential Development Setbacks
The City of Charlotte provides alternative development options within the N1-B Neighborhood 1 Zoning District that allow for modified setbacks to encourage conservation or increased housing access.
Compact Residential Development
When a project qualifies as a Compact Residential Development within the N1-B Neighborhood 1 Zoning District, the following reduced setbacks apply:
| Setback Type | Compact Requirement (Feet) |
|---|---|
| Minimum Front Setback | 10 feet |
| Minimum Corner Side Setback | 10 feet |
| Minimum Side Setback | 5 feet |
| Minimum Rear Setback | 10 feet |
Note: The rear setback may be further reduced to 5 feet if parking and garages are accessed from an alley at the rear of the building, provided the front setback is increased by five feet [Table 4-8].
Conservation Residential Development
For Conservation Residential Developments in the N1-B Neighborhood 1 Zoning District, standard setbacks may be adjusted as follows:
- Front and Rear Setbacks: May be reduced by 50% for all lots within the development [Section 4.5.A.2.a.v.(C)].
- Side Setback: A minimum of 5 feet [Section 4.5.A.2.a.v.(A)].
- Corner Side Setback: A minimum of 10 feet [Section 4.5.A.2.a.v.(B)].
- Open Space Frontage: If a lot within this development type fronts on common open space or a green area, the front setback is 5 feet from the property line abutting that space [Section 4.5.A.2.a.v.(D)].
Permitted Encroachments into Setbacks
The City of Charlotte Unified Development Ordinance allows certain architectural features to extend into the required setbacks of the N1-B Neighborhood 1 Zoning District.
Permitted Architectural Extensions
| Feature | Front Setback Extension | Side Setback Extension | Rear Setback Extension |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accessibility Ramp | No limit (must not obstruct paths) | No limit | No limit |
| Awning or Sunshade | 3 feet | 3 feet | 3 feet |
| Bay Window | 2 feet | Not permitted | 2 feet |
| Chimney | 2 feet | 2 feet | 2 feet |
| Deck | 8 feet | Not permitted | See Section 18.2.B.3 |
| Unenclosed Porch | 4 feet | Not permitted | See Section 18.2.B.3 |
| Steps and Stoops | 4 feet | 2 feet | 4 feet |
[Table 18-1]
Accessory Structure Setbacks
In the N1-B Neighborhood 1 Zoning District, accessory structures (such as detached garages or sheds) must generally be located at least 3 feet from any side or rear lot line [Section 17.1.E.2]. However, if the accessory structure is 24 feet in height or taller, it must be set back at least 15 feet from the rear lot line and meet the standard 5-foot side setback of the N1-B Neighborhood 1 Zoning District [Section 17.1.E.2.a].
Sections Cited
- Section 2.3, General Definitions
- Section 4.3, Dimensional and Design Standards
- Section 4.5, Alternative Residential Development Options
- Section 17.1, General Standards for Accessory Structures
- Section 18.2, Architectural Features: Single-Family, Duplex, Triplex, Quadraplex, and Multi-Family Attached
- Table 4-2, Neighborhood 1 Zoning Districts Building Siting Standards
- Table 4-8, Compact Residential Development Standards
- Table 18-1, Permitted Architectural Features and Extensions for Single-Family, Duplex, Triplex, Quadraplex, and Multi-Family Attached Development