Allowed and Prohibited Uses in the Raleigh MH: Manufactured Housing District
The MH: Manufactured Housing District in the City of Raleigh is a specialized residential designation that requires a minimum development site of 10 acres and is intended primarily for manufactured home parks and subdivisions. While the district permits single-unit living and specialized manufactured housing developments, it strictly prohibits the vast majority of commercial and industrial activities to preserve the residential environment of these City of Raleigh neighborhoods [Sec. 4.5.1.A].
Allowed Principal Uses in the MH District
The City of Raleigh classifies allowed uses into three categories: Permitted (allowed by right), Limited (allowed if specific standards are met), and Special (requires Board of Adjustment approval).
Residential and Open Uses
The primary focus of the City of Raleigh MH District is residential occupancy, specifically catering to manufactured home settings.
| Use Category | Specific Use | Permission Level |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | Single-unit living | Permitted (P) |
| Residential | Manufactured home development | Limited (L) |
| Open | Produce stand | Limited (L) |
| Open | Community garden | Special (S) |
Public, Institutional, and Civic Uses
The City of Raleigh allows various community-supportive uses within the MH: Manufactured Housing District to serve the needs of residents.
| Use Category | Specific Use | Permission Level |
|---|---|---|
| Public & Institutional | Civic (General) | Permitted (P) |
| Public & Institutional | Parks, Open Space, and Greenways | Permitted (P) |
| Public & Institutional | Minor Utilities | Permitted (P) |
| Public & Institutional | Cemetery | Limited (L) |
| Public & Institutional | School, public or private (K-12) | Limited (L) |
| Public & Institutional | Telecommunication tower (<250 ft) | Limited (L) |
| Public & Institutional | Telecommunication tower (≥250 ft) | Special (S) |
Commercial Uses
Commercial activity is highly restricted in the City of Raleigh MH District, limited only to home-based services or small-scale recreation and childcare.
| Use Category | Specific Use | Permission Level |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial | Day care, home | Limited (L) |
| Commercial | Day care center | Special (S) |
| Commercial | Outdoor sports or entertainment (≤250 seats) | Permitted (P) |
| Commercial | Outdoor sports or entertainment (>250 seats) | Special (S) |
[Sec. 6.1.4]
Prohibited Uses in the MH District
Any use not explicitly listed in the Allowed Principal Use Table is prohibited within the City of Raleigh MH District [Sec. 6.1.5]. Major categories of prohibited uses include:
- Higher-Density Residential: Two-unit living, multi-unit living, cottage courts, and multi-unit supportive housing residences are not permitted [Sec. 6.1.4].
- Most Commercial Activities: This includes adult establishments, health clubs, medical facilities, offices, overnight lodging (hotels/motels), restaurants, bars, and general retail sales [Sec. 6.1.4].
- Industrial Uses: All heavy and light industrial uses, including research and development, self-service storage, and vehicle repair or service, are strictly prohibited [Sec. 6.1.4].
- Miscellaneous: Outdoor mobile vending carts and school administrative offices located outside of a school are not allowed [Sec. 6.1.5, Sec. 6.8.2.C].
MH District Development Standards
In addition to use restrictions, the City of Raleigh mandates specific dimensional and site standards for any MH: Manufactured Housing District.
| Standard Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Site Size | 10 acres [Sec. 4.5.1.A] |
| Maximum Building Height | 40 feet [Sec. 4.5.3.B] |
| Minimum Lot Area (Unit > 600 sf) | 6,000 square feet [Sec. 4.5.3.A] |
| Minimum Lot Area (Unit ≤ 600 sf) | 4,500 square feet [Sec. 4.5.3.A] |
| Primary/Side Street Setback | 20 feet minimum [Sec. 4.5.3.C] |
| Interior Side Setback | 5 feet minimum [Sec. 4.5.3.C] |
| Rear Setback | 10 feet minimum [Sec. 4.5.3.C] |
| Building to Building Separation | 20 feet minimum [Sec. 4.5.3.C] |
Sections Cited
- Sec. 4.5.1. Site Size, Residential Density and Land Use
- Sec. 4.5.3. Manufactured Home Space Standards
- Sec. 6.1.4. Allowed Principal Use Table
- Sec. 6.1.5. Prohibited Uses
- Sec. 6.8.2. Temporary Use Permit Required