Off-Street Parking Standards for the IH: Heavy Industrial District
In the City of Raleigh's IH: Heavy Industrial district, standard residential uses such as single-unit and multi-unit living are prohibited, while permitted commercial and social service uses are generally subject to specific maximum parking ratios or carry no maximum limit. All on-site parking in the Raleigh IH district must adhere to a minimum 10-foot setback from all property lines and be constructed of permanent, non-erodible surfaces. Additionally, any IH project abutting a non-industrial district must establish a Type B1 or B2 transitional protective yard to screen the industrial activities and parking.
Allowed Uses and Parking Ratios
The City of Raleigh Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) restricts the types of residential and commercial activities allowed in the IH: Heavy Industrial district. Standard "Household Living" uses are not permitted; however, certain "Social Service" uses that provide residential components are allowed as limited uses. Commercial uses in the IH district are generally those compatible with industrial environments, such as vehicle sales, animal care, and passenger terminals [Sec. 6.1.4].
| Use Category | Specific Use | Vehicle Parking (Maximum) |
|---|---|---|
| Social Service | Emergency Shelter (Type A or B) | No maximum |
| Social Service | Special Care Facility | No maximum |
| Commercial | Adult Establishment | 1 space per 200 SF of gross floor area |
| Commercial | Animal Care (Indoor) | 1 space per 250 SF of gross floor area |
| Commercial | Day Care Center | No maximum |
| Commercial | Passenger Terminal | No maximum |
| Commercial | Vehicle Sales/Rental | No maximum |
| Commercial | Outdoor Sports/Entertainment | No maximum |
Dimensional Standards for Parking
In the City of Raleigh IH: Heavy Industrial district, the placement of vehicle parking is regulated by specific setbacks to ensure adequate separation from the public right-of-way and adjacent properties [Sec. 4.4.1].
| Parking Setback Type | Minimum Required Distance |
|---|---|
| From Primary Street | 10 feet |
| From Side Street | 10 feet |
| From Side Lot Line | 10 feet |
| From Rear Lot Line | 10 feet |
Location and Layout Requirements
The Raleigh Unified Development Ordinance mandates that all on-site parking must be arranged so that no vehicle is forced to back onto a public street (excluding alleys) to maneuver between parking aisles [Sec. 7.1.6.A].
Parking Surface Standards
All off-street parking and driveway areas in the IH: Heavy Industrial district must be constructed of permanent, non-erodible surface treatments. Approved materials include:
- Porous or semi-porous monolithic or paver materials;
- Masonry or concrete pavers;
- Poured concrete or asphalt;
- Crushed stone or "crush and run" installed with a minimum depth of 4 inches, provided it is delineated with anchored landscape edging [Sec. 7.1.9].
Landscaping and Screening Requirements
The City of Raleigh requires specific screening for parking areas in industrial zones to mitigate their visual impact on the public realm and adjacent neighborhoods.
Street Screening
All surface parking areas in the IH: Heavy Industrial district with frontage on a street right-of-way (excepting alleys) must be screened along the street edge by a Type C3 street protective yard [Sec. 7.1.7.B.4].
Transitional Buffers
Where an IH: Heavy Industrial district property abuts any district other than another industrial (IH or IX) district, the property owner must install a Type B1 or B2 transitional protective yard [Sec. 7.2.4.A.1.b]. If the project involves a "Parking Use Category" specifically, a Type A1 or A2 transitional protective yard must be established along any side of the property abutting a residential use [Sec. 7.2.4.E.4].
Tractor-Trailer Exceptions
In the IH: Heavy Industrial district, the standard parking lot landscaping requirements (such as interior islands and tree coverage) do not apply to areas specifically designated for tractor-trailer staging, loading, and parking. This exception is contingent upon the area being screened from the street edge by a Type C1 or C2 street protective yard [Sec. 7.1.7.H].
Sections Cited
- Sec. 4.4.1. Heavy Industrial (IH)
- Sec. 6.1.4. Allowed Principal Use Table
- Sec. 7.1.2.C. Parking Requirements by Use
- Sec. 7.1.6. Vehicle Parking Location and Layout
- Sec. 7.1.7. Vehicle Parking Lot Landscaping
- Sec. 7.1.9. Parking Surface Standards
- Sec. 7.2.4. Protective Yards