AP District Guide: Agricultural Productive Zoning in Raleigh
The Agricultural Productive (AP) district in the City of Raleigh is primarily designed to protect farmland and undeveloped natural areas from urban encroachment. Development within the Raleigh Agricultural Productive district is strictly regulated, requiring massive minimum lot sizes of 125,000 square feet for detached houses and maintaining 150-foot setbacks from all property lines for principal structures [Section 4.1.1.B, Section 4.3.1].
District Intent and Purpose
The Agricultural Productive (AP) district is established by the City of Raleigh to conserve agricultural land and undeveloped natural amenities. Its primary objective is to prevent the encroachment of incompatible land uses on areas currently used for farming or areas that remain undeveloped. The City of Raleigh uses this designation to encourage the continuation of agricultural activities and the preservation of the region's natural character [Section 4.1.1.B].
Dimensional Standards
The City of Raleigh imposes significant spatial requirements in the Agricultural Productive district to maintain its rural and open-space character.
Detached House Standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | 125,000 square feet [Section 4.3.1] |
| Minimum Lot Width | 350 feet [Section 4.3.1] |
| Maximum Density | 1 unit per agriculture tract [Section 4.3.1] |
| Front Setback (Primary/Side Street) | 150 feet [Section 4.3.1] |
| Side Setback (Interior) | 150 feet [Section 4.3.1] |
| Rear Setback | 150 feet [Section 4.3.1] |
| Maximum Height | 40 feet / 3 stories [Section 4.3.1] |
General Building Standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | 100,000 square feet [Section 4.3.2] |
| Minimum Lot Width | 350 feet [Section 4.3.2] |
| Building Setbacks (All Sides) | 150 feet [Section 4.3.2] |
| Parking Setbacks (All Sides) | 100 feet [Section 4.3.2] |
| Maximum Height | 40 feet / 3 stories [Section 4.3.2] |
Allowed Principal Uses
Uses in the City of Raleigh Agricultural Productive district are categorized as Permitted (P), Limited (L), or Special (S).
Agricultural and Open Uses
- Agriculture (General): Permitted. Includes raising and harvesting crops, seeds, and plants [Section 6.1.4, Section 6.6.1.A].
- Restricted Agriculture: Permitted. Defined as harvesting tree/vine crops and specialties not requiring intense cultivation [Section 6.6.1.D].
- Animal Raising: Permitted as part of general agriculture. Includes horses, poultry, and livestock [Section 6.6.1.A].
- Community Garden: Limited. Must be used primarily for growing/harvesting food or ornamental crops [Section 6.6.1.B].
- Plant Nursery: Limited. Sales are restricted to products grown on-premises and associated hand tools [Section 6.6.1.C].
- Produce Stand: Limited. Allows itinerant sale of agricultural produce; stands in Residential Districts must be on civic or high-density residential properties [Section 6.8.2.D].
Residential Uses
- Single-Unit Living: Permitted. Restricted to one dwelling unit in a single principal structure [Section 6.2.1.B].
Public and Institutional Uses
- Civic Uses: Permitted. Includes places of assembly for governmental or cultural services [Section 6.3.1.A].
- Cemetery: Limited. Sites exceeding 2 acres must comply with City of Raleigh public facility dedication requirements [Section 6.3.1.B].
- Minor and Major Utilities: Permitted [Section 6.1.4].
- Telecommunication Tower (<250 ft): Limited. Must meet specific height and setback criteria to protect residential character [Section 6.3.3.C].
- Telecommunication Tower (≥250 ft): Special. Requires individual review by the Board of Adjustment [Section 6.3.3.D].
Commercial and Industrial Uses
- Riding Stables: Limited. Structures housing animals must be 200 feet from existing residential uses; manure storage must be 150 feet from property lines [Section 6.4.5.D].
- Day Care, Home: Limited. Permits a maximum of 8 persons in a provider's residence [Section 6.4.1.B].
- Animal Care (Indoor): Limited. No overnight outdoor activity allowed [Section 6.4.9.B].
- Animal Care (Outdoor): Special. Requires 150-foot setbacks for structures/runs and secure fencing [Section 6.4.9.C].
- Outdoor Sports/Entertainment Facility (>250 seats): Special [Section 6.4.5.C].
- Heliport (All others): Special. Must not be detrimental to adjoining properties [Section 6.4.8.D].
- Resource Extraction: Limited. Includes dredging, mining, and stockpiling [Section 6.6.2].
Prohibited Uses
The City of Raleigh prohibits any use not explicitly listed as permitted, limited, or special in the AP district. Specifically prohibited activities include:
- Open Dumps: Strictly prohibited within all City of Raleigh districts [Section 6.1.5.E].
- Manufactured Homes: Generally prohibited unless constructed as a "Tiny House" or Accessory Dwelling Unit meeting specific UDO criteria [Section 6.1.5.D].
- Adult Establishments: Not permitted in the Agricultural Productive district [Section 6.1.4].
- Retail Sales and Service: Generally prohibited, except for very specific limited uses like produce stands or plant nurseries [Section 6.1.4].
- Heavy Industrial Activities: Most industrial uses are prohibited, with the exception of resource extraction [Section 6.1.4].
Specific Site Standards
Setback Encroachments
In the Agricultural Productive district, standalone structures or improvements 4 feet in height or less may be a minimum of 3 feet from any property line. Patios and decks 1 foot in height or less may be 0 feet from side/rear lines and 3 feet from street property lines [Section 1.5.4.D.3].
Environmental Regulations
New development or expansions in the City of Raleigh Agricultural Productive district must not contribute a nitrogen export load exceeding 3.6 pounds per acre per year [Section 9.2.2.B.1.a].
Sections Cited
- Section 1.4.2. Building Types Allowed by District
- Section 1.5.4. Building Setbacks
- Section 4.1.1. District Intent Statements
- Section 4.3.1. Detached House
- Section 4.3.2. General Building
- Section 6.1.4. Allowed Principal Use Table
- Section 6.1.5. Prohibited Uses
- Section 6.2.1. Household Living
- Section 6.3.1. Civic
- Section 6.3.3. Utilities
- Section 6.4.1. Day Care
- Section 6.4.5. Outdoor Recreation
- Section 6.4.8. Passenger Terminal
- Section 6.4.9. Personal Service
- Section 6.6.1. Agriculture
- Section 6.6.2. Resource Extraction
- Section 6.8.2. Temporary Use Permit Required
- Section 9.2.2. Active Stormwater Control Measures