Off-Street Parking Standards for the R-20 Residential-20 District
In the City of Raleigh R-20 Residential-20 district, off-street vehicle parking requirements are determined by the specific land use of a project rather than a uniform district-wide mandate. While the City of Raleigh Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) identifies the R-20 district as a legacy district, the UDO's use-based parking standards are controlling for all new developments and significant additions [Sec. 1.2.3, Sec. 1.3.4].
Vehicle Parking Requirements by Use
For projects within the City of Raleigh, vehicle parking requirements are primarily expressed as "maximums" to prevent excessive impervious surface coverage. The following table details the requirements for residential and common commercial uses that may be found or permitted via special processes in residential areas.
| Use Category | Specific Use | Vehicle Parking (Maximum) |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | Single-unit living | No maximum |
| Residential | Two-unit living | No maximum |
| Residential | Multi-unit living: 0-1 bedroom | 1.5 spaces per unit |
| Residential | Multi-unit living: 2 bedrooms | 2.25 spaces per unit |
| Residential | Multi-unit living: 3 bedrooms | 3 spaces per unit |
| Residential | Multi-unit living: 4 bedrooms | 4 spaces per unit |
| Residential | Multi-unit living: 5+ bedrooms | 5 spaces per unit |
| Commercial | Day care (Home) | No maximum |
| Commercial | Day care (Center) | No maximum |
| Commercial | Office | 1 space per 200 SF of gross floor area |
| Commercial | Medical, dental office | No maximum |
[Section 7.1.2.C]
Bicycle Parking Requirements
The City of Raleigh requires minimum bicycle parking for most non-single-unit residential and commercial projects to promote multi-modal transportation.
| Use Category | Short-Term Bicycle Parking (Min) | Long-Term Bicycle Parking (Min) |
|---|---|---|
| Single/Two-unit living | None | None |
| Multi-unit living | 1 space per 20 units (min. 4) | 1 space per 7 bedrooms* |
| Day care center | None | 1 space per 10,000 SF (min. 4) |
| Office | 1 space per 10,000 SF (min. 4) | 1 space per 5,000 SF (min. 4) |
*Required for developments with 10 or more bedrooms. [Section 7.1.2.C]
Development and Design Standards
Projects in the R-20 Residential-20 district must adhere to specific configuration and surface standards to mitigate environmental impacts and maintain neighborhood character.
Front Yard Parking Limitations
For any detached, tiny, or attached house used for residential purposes in a Residential District, the combined area of all parking and driveways cannot exceed 40% of the total area between the front building facade and the front property line [Sec. 1.5.5.D.1, Sec. 1.5.12.E.2.b].
Surface and Maintenance
The City of Raleigh requires all off-street parking and driveway areas to be constructed of permanent, non-erodible materials. Permitted surfaces include:
- Poured concrete or asphalt;
- Masonry or concrete pavers;
- Porous or semi-porous monolithic/paver materials;
- Crushed stone or "crush and run," provided it is at least 4 inches deep and delineated with anchored landscape edging [Sec. 7.1.9, Sec. 5.6.1.B].
Setbacks and Location
- Parking Setbacks: Surface parking must be located behind the parking setback line, which is generally measured perpendicular to the edge of the existing or proposed right-of-way [Sec. 1.5.5].
- Driveway Spacing: No residential lot may have more than two driveways on the same street, and these driveways must be spaced at least 40 feet apart [Sec. 8.3.5.C.2.c].
Sections Cited
- Article 1.2. Zoning Map
- Article 1.3. Zoning Districts
- Article 1.5. Measurement, Exceptions & General Rules of Applicability
- Article 5.6. Parking Overlays
- Article 7.1. Parking
- Article 8.3. Blocks, Lots, Access