Guide to the I-1 Industrial-1 Legacy District in the City of Raleigh
The I-1 Industrial-1 district is classified as a Legacy District that exists within the older Raleigh Part 10 Zoning Code and is slated for eventual replacement by modern Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) districts. Under current City of Raleigh regulations, no new I-1 districts may be added to the Official Zoning Map, and the boundaries of any existing I-1 districts cannot be altered or modified [Section 1.3.4].
Understanding the Legacy Status of the I-1 District
In the City of Raleigh, a Legacy District is a zoning category that was established under previous iterations of the city's zoning code. While these districts still exist on the Official Zoning Map, the City of Raleigh Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) restricts their growth and transition:
- Fixed Boundaries: No new land can be rezoned to the I-1 Industrial-1 classification. Furthermore, the existing geographic boundaries of any I-1 district cannot be extended [Section 1.3.4].
- Eventual Replacement: The City of Raleigh intended for I-1 and other legacy districts to be eventually replaced by modern UDO districts, such as the IX: Industrial Mixed Use or IH: Heavy Industrial districts [Section 1.3.4].
- District Type: The I-1 Industrial-1 district may exist as either a general use district or a conditional district [Section 1.3.4].
Transition to Modern Industrial Standards
Because the I-1 district is a legacy category, its specific permitted uses and dimensional standards are governed by the historical "Part 10 Zoning Code." However, the City of Raleigh UDO provides a framework for the general character of industrial land use through its modern successors.
For properties transitioning out of I-1 or seeking to understand the current "Industrial" character in the City of Raleigh, the UDO identifies the following two primary districts:
1. IX: Industrial Mixed Use
The IX district is intended for a variety of light industrial and manufacturing uses while also allowing for retail, service, and commercial activities. A key characteristic of the City of Raleigh IX district is the restriction on residential uses, which are permitted only on the upper stories of mixed-use buildings to ensure land remains available for employment [Section 3.1.1.G].
2. IH: Heavy Industrial
The IH district is intended for high-impact manufacturing, industrial, and waste-related uses. These activities are generally considered incompatible with Residential, Mixed Use, or Special Districts [Section 4.1.1.C].
Current Industrial Standards in the City of Raleigh
The general character of industrial development in the City of Raleigh is defined by the following dimensional and parking standards established in the UDO for the current industrial districts (IX and IH):
Industrial Base Dimensional Standards
| Standard | IX- (Industrial Mixed Use) | IH (Heavy Industrial) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Street Setback | 3 feet (min) | 50 feet (min) |
| Side Street Setback | 3 feet (min) | 50 feet (min) |
| Side Interior Setback | 0 or 6 feet (min) | 0 feet (min) |
| Rear Setback | 0 or 6 feet (min) | 0 feet (min) |
| Max Height (Stories) | Set by district (-3, -4, -5, etc.) | 3 stories (max) |
| Max Height (Feet) | Set by district | 50 feet (max) |
[Section 3.2.5, Section 4.4.1]
Industrial Parking Requirements
The City of Raleigh defines the maximum vehicle parking allowed for industrial uses to prevent over-paving and promote efficient land use:
| Use Category | Vehicle Parking (Maximum) | Short-Term Bicycle Parking (Minimum) |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy Industrial | No maximum | None |
| Light Industrial | No maximum | None |
| Light Manufacturing | No maximum | None |
| Warehouse & Distribution | No maximum | None |
| Wholesale Trade | No maximum | None |
[Section 7.1.2.C]
Sections Cited
- Section 1.3.4: Legacy Districts
- Section 3.1.1.G: Industrial Mixed Use (IX-) Intent
- Section 3.2.5: General Building (Mixed Use Districts)
- Section 4.1.1.C: Heavy Industrial (IH) Intent
- Section 4.4.1: General Building (Special Districts)
- Section 7.1.2.C: Parking Requirements by Use