Guide to the R-6: Residential-6 Zoning District in Raleigh, North Carolina
The R-6: Residential-6 district in the City of Raleigh is a zoning designation intended to support residential neighborhoods with a density of 6 units per acre and a minimum lot size of 6,000 square feet for conventional developments. This district allows a variety of building patterns including detached houses, attached houses, and townhouses, while facilitating transitions between lower and higher density areas [Section 2.1.1.E].
Purpose and Intent
The primary intent of the City of Raleigh R-6 District is to protect established residential neighborhoods while promoting planned and efficient future residential growth. The district specifically discourages any land uses that would substantially interfere with the residential nature of the area, though compatible park, open space, utility, and civic uses are permitted [Section 2.1.1.A].
In the City of Raleigh, the R-6 District functions as a versatile residential zone that can accommodate single-unit living, two-unit living (in attached houses, townhouses, or tiny houses), and multi-unit living specifically within townhouse structures [Section 2.1.1.E].
Permitted Building Types
The City of Raleigh Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) restricts development in the R-6 District to specific building types depending on the development option chosen (Conventional, Compact, or Conservation).
| Building Type | Allowed in R-6 |
|---|---|
| Detached House | Yes |
| Attached House | Yes |
| Townhouse | Yes |
| Apartment | Only in -TOD Overlay |
| General Building | No |
| Mixed Use Building | No |
| Civic Building | Yes |
| Open Lot | Yes |
| Tiny House | Yes |
Source: [Section 1.4.2]
Conventional Development Standards
Under the Conventional Development Option, the R-6 District provides a residential pattern where property owners have substantial yards on their own property, and no preserved common open space is required [Section 2.1.2.A].
Lot and Placement Requirements
The following technical standards apply to the most common building types in the City of Raleigh R-6 District under conventional development:
| Standard | Detached House | Attached House | Townhouse | Tiny House |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Min. Lot Area | 6,000 sf | 6,000 sf | 4,500 sf (site area/unit) | 3,000 sf |
| Min. Lot Width | 50' | 50' | 50' (site width) | 35' |
| Min. Lot Depth | 80' | 80' | n/a | 50' |
| Primary Street Setback | 10' | 10' | 10' | 10' |
| Side Street Setback | 10' | 10' | 10' | 10' |
| Side Setback | 5' | 5' | 10' (site boundary) | 5' |
| Rear Setback | 20' | 20' | 20' (site boundary) | 10' |
| Max. Height | 40' / 3 stories | 40' / 3 stories | 45' / 3 stories | 26' / 2 stories |
Source: [Section 2.2.1, 2.2.2, 2.2.3, 2.2.8]
Permitted Land Uses
The R-6 District in the City of Raleigh primarily allows residential uses, with a limited selection of public and institutional uses permitted by right or with specific limitations [Section 6.1.4].
Residential Uses
- Single-unit, Two-unit, and Multi-unit living: Permitted by right [Section 6.1.4].
- Cottage Courts: Permitted by right [Section 6.1.4].
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): Permitted as an accessory use to single-unit or two-unit living [Section 2.1.3.C].
Public and Institutional Uses
- Civic Uses: Most civic uses are permitted by right [Section 6.1.4].
- Parks and Greenways: Permitted by right [Section 6.1.4].
- Schools (K-12): Allowed as a limited use, subject to specific standards [Section 6.3.1.D].
- Cemeteries: Allowed as a limited use [Section 6.3.1.B].
Commercial and Industrial Uses
The R-6 District strictly limits commercial activity to maintain its residential character:
- Day Care (Home): Allowed as a limited use [Section 6.4.1.B].
- Day Care Center: Allowed as a special use requiring Board of Adjustment approval [Section 6.4.1.C].
- Golf Courses: Allowed as a limited use [Section 6.4.5.B].
- Agricultural Uses: Community gardens and urban farms are permitted with specific limitations [Section 6.6.1].
Parking Requirements
The City of Raleigh requires vehicle and bicycle parking for developments within the R-6 District based on the specific use of the property [Section 7.1.2.C].
| Use Category | Vehicle Parking (Maximum) | Short-Term Bicycle Parking (Min) |
|---|---|---|
| Single-unit living | No maximum | None |
| Two-unit living | No maximum | None |
| Multi-unit (Townhouse) | No maximum | None |
| Schools (K-12) | No maximum | 1 space per classroom |
| Parks/Open Space | No maximum | 0.2 spaces per acre |
Source: [Section 7.1.2.C]
Sections Cited
- Section 1.3.1. General Use Zoning Districts
- Section 1.4.2. Building Types Allowed by District
- Section 2.1.1. District Intent Statements
- Section 2.1.2. Housing Options
- Section 2.1.3. Additional Housing Patterns
- Section 2.2.1. Detached House
- Section 2.2.2. Attached House
- Section 2.2.3. Townhouse
- Section 2.2.8. Tiny Houses
- Section 6.1.4. Allowed Principal Use Table
- Section 6.3.1. Civic
- Section 6.4.1. Day Care
- Section 6.4.5. Outdoor Recreation
- Section 6.6.1. Agriculture
- Section 7.1.2.C. Parking Requirements by Use