Allowed and Prohibited Uses in the NX-: Neighborhood Mixed Use District of Raleigh
The NX-: Neighborhood Mixed Use district in the City of Raleigh is intended to provide for a variety of residential, retail, service, and commercial uses all within walking distance of residential neighborhoods, limited to a maximum lot size of 10 acres [Sec. 3.1.1.D]. Within this district, uses are categorized as permitted by right, subject to limited standards, or requiring a special use permit, while high-impact industrial and large-scale distribution activities are prohibited [Sec. 6.1.4]. To maintain compatibility with surrounding residents, the City of Raleigh restricts the intensity and scale of commercial operations through building type regulations and specific use standards [Sec. 3.1.2].
Overview of the NX-: Neighborhood Mixed Use District
The NX-: Neighborhood Mixed Use district serves as a transition between more intensive commercial areas and residential neighborhoods in the City of Raleigh. It requires a height designation suffix (e.g., NX-3 for three stories) and may optionally include a frontage designation to regulate the relationship between the building and the street [Sec. 3.1.2.A-C].
Base Dimensional Standards
The following base dimensional standards apply to buildings within the NX-: Neighborhood Mixed Use district in the City of Raleigh [Sec. 3.2.1 - 3.2.9]:
| Standard | Detached/Attached | Townhouse | Apartment | General/Mixed Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Min. Lot Area | 4,000 sf | 3,300 sf | 7,500 sf | N/A |
| Min. Lot Width | 45' | 45' | N/A | N/A |
| Primary Street Setback (min) | 10' | 10' | 5' | 5' |
| Side Street Setback (min) | 10' | 10' | 5' | 5' |
| Side Setback (min) | 5' | 10' (site) | 0' or 6' | 0' or 6' |
| Rear Setback (min) | 20' | 20' (site) | 0' or 6' | 0' or 6' |
Allowed Principal Uses
The City of Raleigh categorizes uses in the NX-: Neighborhood Mixed Use district into four types: Permitted (P), Limited (L), Special (S), and Prohibited (--) [Sec. 6.1.3].
Residential and Group Living Uses
The NX-: Neighborhood Mixed Use district allows for high-density residential options to support a walkable environment [Sec. 6.1.4]:
- Permitted (P): Single-unit living, Two-unit living, Multi-unit living, Cottage court, Dormitory, fraternity, sorority, and Rest home.
- Limited (L): Frequent Transit Development Option, Multi-unit supportive housing residence, Supportive housing residence, Boardinghouse (limited to R-10, RX, and NX), Congregate care, and Continuing care retirement community.
Public and Institutional Uses
- Permitted (P): Civic uses (except as listed specifically), Parks, open space, greenways, and Minor utilities.
- Limited (L): Cemetery, School (public or private K-12), and Telecommunication towers less than 250 feet in height.
- Special (S): Telecommunication towers 250 feet and taller.
Commercial Uses
The NX-: Neighborhood Mixed Use district allows a wide array of commercial activities, provided they meet neighborhood-scale requirements [Sec. 6.1.4]:
- Permitted (P): Indoor recreation (most types), Dance/martial arts/music studio, Health club, Sports academy, Medical facilities, Offices, Outdoor recreation, Golf courses, Outdoor sports/entertainment facilities (≤250 seats), Bed and breakfast, Hospitality house, Parking facilities, Passenger terminals, Personal services (beauty salon, copy center, optometrist), Eating establishments, Pawnshops, and Shopping centers.
- Limited (L): Riding stables, Animal care (indoor), Veterinary clinic/hospital, Bar/nightclub/tavern/lounge (subject to NX- specific standards), Mobile retail (long-term), Vehicle fuel sales (subject to 200-foot residential buffer rules), and Vehicle sales/rental.
- Special (S): Outdoor sports or entertainment facilities (>250 seats).
Industrial and Open Uses
While primarily a mixed-use and residential district, the City of Raleigh allows a small selection of light industrial and open-space uses [Sec. 6.1.4]:
- Permitted (P): Plant nursery.
- Limited (L): Self-service storage, Vehicle repair (minor), Community garden (including on-site sales), and Produce stands.
- Special (S): Urban farm.
Prohibited Uses
The following uses are explicitly prohibited within the NX-: Neighborhood Mixed Use zoning designation in the City of Raleigh [Sec. 6.1.4]:
- Residential: Manufactured home development and Conservation/Compact development options (these are for Residential districts).
- Commercial: Adult establishments (allowed only via Special Use Permit in certain frontages) and large-scale outdoor animal care.
- Industrial: Heavy industrial uses, Towing yards for vehicles, Brewery/winery/distillery (unless specifically permitted in other mixed-use districts), Light manufacturing, Research & Development (permitted in OP, OX, CX, DX, IX but not NX), Warehouse & Distribution, Waste-related services, and Wholesale trade.
- Open: Restricted agriculture and Resource extraction.
Specific Use Standards for NX-
Several uses permitted as "Limited" in the NX-: Neighborhood Mixed Use district must adhere to strict operational standards:
- Bar, Nightclub, Tavern, or Lounge: Within the NX- district, these facilities are prohibited from having live performances or dance floors [Sec. 6.4.10.B.2.a].
- Vehicle Fuel Sales: If located within 200 feet of a Residential District, the lot must be 100 feet wide, located within 300 feet of a Major or Mixed Use street intersection, and restrict hours of operation to between 6:00 AM and 11:00 PM [Sec. 6.4.11.D.3].
- Vehicle Sales/Rental: In the NX- district, all sales and leasing of motor vehicles for display must be conducted within a fully enclosed building. Outdoor display and storage of vehicles for sale or rental is prohibited [Sec. 6.4.13.B.3].
Sections Cited
- Section 3.1.1. District Intent Statements
- Section 3.1.2. District Components
- Section 3.2. Base Dimensional Standards
- Section 3.3.1. Applicability (Height)
- Section 6.1.3. Key to Use Table
- Section 6.1.4. Allowed Principal Use Table
- Section 6.4.10. Restaurant/Bar
- Section 6.4.11. Retail Sales
- Section 6.4.13. Vehicle Sales/Rental
- Section 6.5.1. Heavy Industrial