Guide to CX-: Commercial Mixed Use District Uses in Raleigh, North Carolina
The CX-: Commercial Mixed Use district in the City of Raleigh is a versatile zoning designation intended for a broad range of residential, retail, service, and commercial activities. Most standard commercial developments like offices, medical facilities, and retail stores are permitted by right, while certain high-impact uses like adult establishments or detention centers require a special use permit from the Board of Adjustment [Section 3.1.1.E].
Intent of the CX-: Commercial Mixed Use District
In the City of Raleigh, the CX-: Commercial Mixed Use district is specifically designed to accommodate a wide variety of commercial and service-related businesses. While the primary focus of the district is commercial in nature, the City of Raleigh strongly encourages the inclusion of residential and employment uses to promote a live-work environment and balanced mixed-use development [Section 3.1.1.E].
Allowed Principal Uses
The City of Raleigh classifies allowed uses into three categories: Permitted (P), which are allowed by right; Limited (L), which are allowed provided they meet specific use standards; and Special (S), which require a quasi-judicial hearing and approval from the Board of Adjustment [Section 6.1.3].
Residential and Group Living Uses
The CX-: Commercial Mixed Use district allows for a significant variety of residential living patterns, supporting the City of Raleigh's goal of integrated mixed-use environments.
| Use Category | Permission Level |
|---|---|
| Single-unit living | Permitted (P) |
| Two-unit living | Permitted (P) |
| Multi-unit living | Permitted (P) |
| Cottage court | Permitted (P) |
| Frequent Transit Development Option | Limited (L) |
| Multi-unit supportive housing residence | Limited (L) |
| Supportive housing residence | Limited (L) |
| Group Living (General) | Permitted (P) |
| Boardinghouse | Limited (L) |
| Congregate care | Limited (L) |
| Dormitory, fraternity, sorority | Permitted (P) |
| Continuing care retirement community | Limited (L) |
| Rest home | Permitted (P) |
Commercial and Service Uses
Most commercial activities are permitted by right within the CX-: Commercial Mixed Use district to foster economic growth within the City of Raleigh.
| Use Category | Permission Level |
|---|---|
| Day Care Center | Limited (L) |
| Indoor Recreation (General) | Permitted (P) |
| Adult Establishment | Special (S) |
| Medical Facility | Permitted (P) |
| Office | Permitted (P) |
| Overnight Lodging (General) | Permitted (P) |
| Short-Term Rental | Limited (L) |
| Parking Facility | Permitted (P) |
| Personal Service (General) | Permitted (P) |
| Restaurant/Bar/Eating Establishment | Permitted (P) |
| Retail Sales (General) | Permitted (P) |
| Shopping Center | Permitted (P) |
| Vehicle Fuel Sales | Limited (L) |
| Vehicle Sales/Rental | Limited (L) |
Public, Institutional, and Industrial Uses
While primarily commercial, the CX-: Commercial Mixed Use district allows for various public services and specific low-impact industrial activities.
| Use Category | Permission Level |
|---|---|
| Civic Uses (General) | Permitted (P) |
| School, public or private (K-12) | Limited (L) |
| College or University | Permitted (P) |
| Minor/Major Utilities | Permitted (P) |
| Telecommunication Tower (<250 ft) | Limited (L) |
| Telecommunication Tower (>=250 ft) | Special (S) |
| Brewery, winery, distillery, cidery | Limited (L) |
| Light Manufacturing | Permitted (P) |
| Research & Development | Permitted (P) |
| Self-Service Storage | Limited (L) |
| Community Garden | Limited (L) |
| Urban Farm | Permitted (P) |
Prohibited Uses in the CX- District
In the City of Raleigh, any use not explicitly listed as Permitted, Limited, or Special in the Allowed Principal Use Table is prohibited within the CX-: Commercial Mixed Use district [Section 6.1.5]. Specific prohibited uses include, but are not limited to:
- Residential: Manufactured home development [Section 6.1.4].
- Commercial: Riding stables, animal care (outdoor), and pawnshops [Section 6.1.4].
- Industrial: Heavy industrial uses, towing yards for vehicles, general light industrial (except as specifically allowed for breweries or light manufacturing), major vehicle repair, warehouse and distribution facilities, waste-related services, and wholesale trade [Section 6.1.4].
- Open/Ag: Restricted agriculture and resource extraction [Section 6.1.4].
Technical Development Standards
Development within the CX-: Commercial Mixed Use district must adhere to specific intensity and parking standards to ensure compatibility with the surrounding City of Raleigh infrastructure.
Height Designations
The maximum height allowed is determined by the specific number appended to the CX- designation on the Official Zoning Map [Section 3.3.2].
| Height Suffix | Max Stories | Max Feet |
|---|---|---|
| -3 | 3 stories | 50 feet |
| -4 | 4 stories | 68 feet |
| -5 | 5 stories | 80 feet |
| -7 | 7 stories | No max feet listed |
| -12 | 12 stories | No max feet listed |
Vehicle Parking Maximums
The City of Raleigh imposes maximum parking limits in mixed-use districts to encourage pedestrian-oriented environments [Section 7.1.2.C].
| Use Type | Vehicle Parking Maximum |
|---|---|
| Office | 1 space per 200 SF of gross floor area |
| Retail Sales | 1 space per 200 SF of gross floor area |
| Restaurant/Bar | 1 space per 100 SF of gross floor area |
| Indoor Recreation | 1 space per 200 SF of gross floor area |
Sections Cited
- Sec. 3.1.1. District Intent Statements
- Sec. 3.3.2. Building Height Standards
- Sec. 6.1.3. Key to Use Table
- Sec. 6.1.4. Allowed Principal Use Table
- Sec. 6.1.5. Prohibited Uses
- Sec. 7.1.2. Required Parking