Allowed and Prohibited Uses in the Raleigh CMP: Campus District
The CMP: Campus District in the City of Raleigh is designed to accommodate the growth and development of major institutional entities, specifically hospitals, colleges, and universities. This district allows for a mix of core institutional uses along with supporting commercial activities, such as retail and restaurants, primarily for the convenience of the campus employees and users [Section 4.1.1.E, Section 4.6.1.A].
Overview of Use Permissions
In the City of Raleigh, land uses in the CMP: Campus District are classified into four categories:
- Permitted (P): Allowed by right.
- Limited (L): Allowed by right provided they meet specific supplemental standards.
- Special (S): Requires a Special Use Permit approved by the Board of Adjustment.
- Prohibited (--): Not allowed within the district.
The City of Raleigh allows for significant flexibility within this district; a CMP Master Plan approved by the Raleigh City Council may modify the standard Allowed Principal Use Table and other development regulations [Section 4.6.2.A, Section 4.6.2.C].
Technical Standards for the CMP District
While the CMP Master Plan can modify these figures, the base technical standards for the CMP: Campus District in the City of Raleigh are as follows:
| Standard | Base Requirement |
|---|---|
| Maximum Building Height | 50 feet or 3 stories |
| Minimum Primary Street Setback | 5 feet |
| Minimum Side Street Setback | 5 feet |
| Minimum Interior Side or Rear Setback | 10 feet |
| Minimum Site Area | 5 acres (or one or more contiguous blocks) |
Source: [Section 4.6.1.A, Section 4.6.1.B]
Detailed List of Allowed Uses
Residential Uses
Residential activities in the City of Raleigh's CMP District are generally restricted to specialized housing or supportive facilities.
- Limited (L): Multi-unit supportive housing residence, Supportive housing residence.
- Prohibited (--): Single-unit living, Two-unit living, Multi-unit living (unless provided for as student housing/dormitories), and Cottage courts.
Public and Institutional Uses
These form the core of the CMP: Campus District identity in the City of Raleigh.
- Permitted (P): Civic uses (except as listed), College/University, Minor Utilities, Parks/Open Space/Greenways.
- Limited (L): Cemetery, School (public or private K-12), Telecommunication towers (less than 250 ft).
- Special (S): Telecommunication towers (250 ft and more).
- Prohibited (--): Major utilities.
Commercial Uses
The City of Raleigh allows supporting commercial uses that complement the institutional environment.
- Permitted (P): Medical facilities, Offices, Outdoor sports/entertainment (≤250 seats), Hospitality house, Parking facility, Beauty/Hair salon, Copy center, Optometrist, Personal service (general), Eating establishments, Retail sales (general), Shopping center.
- Limited (L): Day care home, Animal care (indoor), Short-term rentals.
- Special (S): Day care center, Outdoor sports/entertainment (>250 seats), Heliports (all others).
- Prohibited (--): Adult establishments, Bar/Nightclub/Lounge, Pawnshops, Vehicle sales/rental, Mobile retail (long-term), Passenger terminals.
Industrial and Open Uses
Industrial activity is strictly limited in the CMP: Campus District to maintain compatibility with surrounding neighborhoods.
- Permitted (P): Research and Development, Plant nursery.
- Limited (L): Community garden.
- Special (S): Detention center/jail/prison, Urban farm.
- Prohibited (--): Heavy industrial, Light manufacturing, Self-service storage, Vehicle service/repair, Warehouse/Distribution, Waste-related service, Wholesale trade, Resource extraction.
Prohibited Activities
Any use not explicitly listed as Permitted, Limited, or Special in the City of Raleigh Allowed Principal Use Table is prohibited within the CMP: Campus District [Section 6.1.5]. Specific notable prohibitions include:
- Outdoor Advertising: Off-premise signs and billboards are not permitted [Section 7.3.2].
- Drive-Thrus: Generally discouraged; if the Frequent Transit Development Option height bonus is used, drive-thrus are explicitly prohibited [Section 3.7.1.3].
- Industrial Character: Any use of a primary "business, commercial, or industrial character" not specifically permitted in the ordinance is prohibited [Section 6.1.5.A].
Sections Cited
- Section 3.7.1 Frequent Transit Development Option
- Section 4.1.1 District Intent Statements
- Section 4.6.1 Campus Areas
- Section 4.6.2 Modification of District Standards
- Section 6.1.3 Key to Use Table
- Section 6.1.4 Allowed Principal Use Table
- Section 6.1.5 Prohibited Uses
- Section 7.3.2 Signs Allowed by District