Bars, Taverns, and Nightclubs in the City of Raleigh Zoning Districts
In the City of Raleigh, bars, nightclubs, taverns, and lounges are permitted by right in the Commercial Mixed Use (CX-), Downtown Mixed Use (DX-), and Industrial Mixed Use (IX-) districts. These establishments are classified as a Limited Use in the Neighborhood Mixed Use (NX-) district, where they are subject to strict operational prohibitions against live performances and dance floors. Regardless of the district, any City of Raleigh facility meeting this classification must adhere to a maximum parking limit of one vehicle space per 100 square feet of gross floor area [Sec. 6.1.4, Sec. 7.1.2.C].
Allowed Zoning Districts
The City of Raleigh Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) regulates the placement of bars, nightclubs, taverns, and lounges through the Allowed Principal Use Table. These uses are categorized under "Commercial" uses and are strictly prohibited in all Residential, Office Park, and Special Districts (such as Agricultural Productive or Conservation Management) [Sec. 6.1.4].
| District Type | District Name | Use Permission |
|---|---|---|
| Mixed Use | Neighborhood Mixed Use (NX-) | L (Limited Use) |
| Mixed Use | Commercial Mixed Use (CX-) | P (Permitted Use) |
| Mixed Use | Downtown Mixed Use (DX-) | P (Permitted Use) |
| Mixed Use | Industrial Mixed Use (IX-) | P (Permitted Use) |
| Mixed Use | Residential Mixed Use (RX-) | Not Permitted |
| Mixed Use | Office Park (OP-) | Not Permitted |
| Mixed Use | Office Mixed Use (OX-) | Not Permitted |
| Special | All Special Districts (CM, AP, IH, MH) | Not Permitted |
Use Definition and General Standards
In the City of Raleigh, a bar, nightclub, tavern, or lounge is defined as a facility that prepares and sells food and drink where alcoholic beverage sales exceed 70% of the business's total annual sales [Sec. 6.4.10.B.1].
Establishments permitted to operate these uses must meet specific development standards regarding parking and site planning:
| Requirement Category | Standard for Restaurant/Bar Uses |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Parking (Max) | 1 space per 100 SF of gross floor area |
| Short-Term Bicycle Parking (Min) | 1 space per 50,000 SF of gross floor area (Min. 4) |
| Long-Term Bicycle Parking (Min) | 1 space per 25,000 SF of gross floor area (Min. 4) |
| Site Plan Group | Group C |
Specific Standards for Neighborhood Mixed Use (NX-)
When located within the Neighborhood Mixed Use (NX-) district, the City of Raleigh imposes additional limitations to ensure compatibility with nearby residential areas [Sec. 6.4.10.B.2]:
- Prohibited Activities: No live performances and no dance floors are allowed within the NX- District.
- Outdoor Seating Capacity: Any outdoor seating in excess of 20 seats requires the issuance of a Special Use Permit.
- Approval for Seating: No outdoor seating area may be established without prior approval of the conversion to seating by the City of Raleigh.
Buffer and Separation Requirements (NX- District)
The City of Raleigh requires specific separation distances between outdoor seating areas in the NX- District and residential properties.
| Separation Type | Minimum Required Distance |
|---|---|
| Standard Separation from residential units | 100 feet |
| Reduced Separation (with Type B1 Transitional Yard) | 40 feet |
| Reduced Separation (with Type C1 or C2 Street Yard) | 40 feet |
Note: Screening and landscaping requirements are waived if the outdoor seating area is already wholly screened by a non-residential principal structure [Sec. 6.4.10.B.2.a].
Sections Cited
- Sec. 6.1.4. Allowed Principal Use Table
- Sec. 6.4.10. Restaurant/Bar
- Sec. 7.1.2.C. Parking Requirements by Use
- Sec. 10.2.9. Special Use Permit