Neighborhood Mixed Use (NX-) Zoning District Guide for Raleigh
The NX- Neighborhood Mixed Use zoning district in the City of Raleigh is designed to provide a mix of residential, retail, service, and commercial activities within walking distance of existing neighborhoods. To maintain a scale appropriate for its surroundings, the Raleigh Unified Development Ordinance limits the NX- district to a maximum site area of 10 acres and requires building heights to be compatible with adjacent residential development [Section 3.1.1.D].
Purpose and Intent of the NX- District
The primary intent of the NX- Neighborhood Mixed Use district is to create vibrant, walkable areas that serve the immediate needs of nearby residents. By allowing a variety of residential and commercial uses to coexist, the City of Raleigh aims to reduce vehicle dependency and foster neighborhood-centric hubs of activity [Section 3.1.1.D]. The district is flexible in its vertical scale, utilizing specific height suffixes (e.g., NX-3, NX-12) to define the maximum allowable stories and feet for a given area [Section 3.1.2].
General Character and District Components
The character of the NX- Neighborhood Mixed Use district is defined by its small-scale, mixed-use nature. While it allows for intense development, the 10-acre cap ensures that these zones do not expand into massive regional commercial centers. The City of Raleigh further refines the character of the NX- district by applying optional "frontages," which mandate specific building forms and street-level interactions, such as the Shopfront (-SH) or Urban Limited (-UL) frontages [Section 3.1.2, Section 3.4.1].
Building Height Suffixes
The maximum height for any building in the NX- Neighborhood Mixed Use district is determined by the height designation number following the district prefix:
| Height Suffix | Maximum Stories | Maximum Feet |
|---|---|---|
| -3 | 3 stories | 50' |
| -4 | 4 stories | 68' |
| -5 | 5 stories | 80' |
| -7 | 7 stories | Set by district |
| -12 | 12 stories | Set by district |
| -20 | 20 stories | Set by district |
| -30 | 30 stories | Set by district |
| -40 | 40 stories | Set by district |
Source: [Section 3.3.1, Section 3.3.2]
Base Dimensional Standards
The Raleigh Unified Development Ordinance provides specific dimensional requirements for different building types within the NX- Neighborhood Mixed Use district. These standards ensure that even as the district provides commercial services, the physical form remains governed by predictable setbacks and lot sizes.
| Building Type | Min. Lot Area | Min. Lot Width | Primary Street Setback | Side Street Setback | Side Setback (Interior) | Rear Setback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detached House | 4,000 sf | 45' | 10' | 10' | 5' | 20' |
| Attached House | 4,000 sf | 45' | 10' | 10' | 5' | 20' |
| Townhouse | 3,300 sf (site) | 45' (site) | 10' | 10' | 10' (site) | 20' (site) |
| Apartment | 7,500 sf | N/A | 5' | 5' | 0' or 6' | 0' or 6' |
| General Building | N/A | N/A | 5' | 5' | 0' or 6' | 0' or 6' |
| Mixed Use Building | N/A | N/A | 5' | 5' | 0' or 6' | 0' or 6' |
| Tiny House | 2,000 sf | 25' | 10' | 10' | 5' | 10' |
Note: Apartment, General, Mixed Use, and Civic Buildings in the NX- district are limited to a maximum total site area of 10 acres [Section 3.2.4 through Section 3.2.7].
Permitted Land Uses
The City of Raleigh allows a broad spectrum of uses in the NX- Neighborhood Mixed Use district, ranging from traditional residential living to diverse commercial enterprises.
Residential Uses
- Single-unit, two-unit, and multi-unit living.
- Cottage courts and tiny houses.
- Group living and congregate care [Section 6.1.4].
Commercial and Public Uses
- Office and Medical: Permitted as a primary use [Section 6.4.3, Section 6.4.4].
- Retail and Shopping: Retail sales, art galleries, and shopping centers are allowed [Section 6.4.11, Section 6.4.12].
- Eating and Drinking: Eating establishments are permitted. However, bars, nightclubs, taverns, and lounges in the NX- district are subject to specific "Limited" standards: they are prohibited from having live performances or dance floors [Section 6.4.10.B.2.a].
- Services: Personal services, beauty salons, and day care centers (subject to standards) are permitted [Section 6.4.1, Section 6.4.9].
- Civic and Institutional: Schools (K-12), places of worship, libraries, and museums [Section 6.3.1].
Prohibited Industrial Uses
The NX- Neighborhood Mixed Use district generally prohibits heavy industrial activities, wholesale trade, and large-scale warehouse or distribution facilities, as these are incompatible with the intended neighborhood character [Section 6.1.4].
Sections Cited
- Section 3.1.1.D: Neighborhood Mixed Use (NX-) Intent Statement
- Section 3.1.2: District Components
- Section 3.2.1 through 3.2.9: Base Dimensional Standards for Mixed Use Building Types
- Section 3.3.1: Height Applicability
- Section 3.3.2: Building Height Standards
- Section 3.4.1: Frontage Purpose and Intent
- Section 6.1.4: Allowed Principal Use Table
- Section 6.4.10.B.2.a: Use Standards for Bar, Nightclub, Tavern, Lounge in NX-