Off-Street Parking Standards for the R-6: Residential-6 District
In the R-6: Residential-6 district of the City of Raleigh, residential parking for single-unit and two-unit living generally has no maximum vehicle limit, while multi-unit developments are subject to caps ranging from 1.5 to 5 spaces per unit based on the number of bedrooms. Most allowed civic and institutional uses in the City of Raleigh R-6 district do not have a maximum vehicle parking requirement but must provide minimum short-term and long-term bicycle parking. Additionally, for residential properties in the R-6: Residential-6 district, the combined area of parking and driveways is limited to 40% of the front yard area.
Vehicle Parking Ratios by Use Category
The City of Raleigh establishes maximum vehicle parking limits for certain uses within the R-6: Residential-6 district to manage density and neighborhood character. Where a "No maximum" is listed, the developer may provide parking as needed, subject to other site standards [Sec. 7.1.2.C].
Residential Parking Ratios
| Residential Use Type | Vehicle Parking (Maximum) |
|---|---|
| Single-unit living | No maximum |
| Two-unit living | No maximum |
| Multi-unit living: Townhouse building type | No maximum |
| Multi-unit living: 0 - 1 bedroom | 1.5 spaces per unit |
| Multi-unit living: 2 bedrooms | 2.25 spaces per unit |
| Multi-unit living: 3 bedrooms | 3 spaces per unit |
| Multi-unit living: 4 bedrooms | 4 spaces per unit |
| Multi-unit living: 5+ bedrooms | 5 spaces per unit |
| Accessory dwelling unit | No maximum |
| Cottage court | No maximum |
Public, Institutional, and Commercial Parking Ratios
Commercial uses are heavily restricted in the R-6: Residential-6 district and are typically only permitted as part of a "Residential Accessory Service" or "Live-Work" arrangement. However, the following ratios apply to those and other allowed institutional uses [Sec. 7.1.2.C, Sec. 6.8.I].
| Use Category | Vehicle Parking (Maximum) |
|---|---|
| Civic and Place of Worship | No maximum |
| Day care (Home or Center) | No maximum |
| School, public or private (K-12) | No maximum |
| Residential Accessory Service (e.g., Eating establishment, Beauty shop) | 1 space per 250 SF of gross floor area |
| Live-Work (Office/Service components) | 1 space per 200 SF of gross floor area |
Parking Location and Setbacks
In the R-6: Residential-6 district, the City of Raleigh requires that all on-site surface and structured parking be located behind the applicable parking setback lines. These setbacks vary based on the development option chosen for the project [Sec. 1.5.5.C, Sec. 2.2.3].
R-6 Conventional Development Parking Setbacks
| Setback Type | Detached/Attached House | Townhouse | Apartment |
|---|---|---|---|
| From primary street (min) | 20' | 20' | 10' |
| From side street (min) | 20' | 10' | 10' |
| From side lot line (min) | 10' | 0' | 0' |
| From rear lot line (min) | 30' | 3' | 3' |
| From alley (garage only) | 4' | 4' | 4' |
Note: Parking setbacks for apartments and townhouses may be reduced to 0' from side and rear lot lines in specific configurations [Sec. 2.2.3.D, Sec. 2.2.4.C].
Front Yard Parking Limitations
For any detached, tiny, or attached house used for residential purposes in the R-6: Residential-6 district, the City of Raleigh mandates that the combined parking and driveway area shall not constitute more than 40% of the total area between the front building facade and the front property line. Any parking provided in this front setback must have sufficient depth to ensure parked vehicles do not encroach upon the adjacent sidewalk [Sec. 1.5.5.D.1, Sec. 1.5.12.D.2].
Bicycle Parking Requirements
The City of Raleigh requires minimum bicycle parking for multi-unit and institutional projects in the R-6: Residential-6 district to support multi-modal transportation [Sec. 7.1.2.C].
| Use Category | Short-Term (Min) | Long-Term (Min) |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-unit living (10+ bedrooms) | 1 space per 20 units (min. 4) | 1 space per 7 bedrooms |
| School, public or private (K-8) | 1 space per classroom | 3 spaces per classroom |
| Civic and Institutional uses | 1 space per 5,000 SF | None |
Surface and Maintenance Standards
All off-street parking areas in the R-6: Residential-6 district must be constructed of permanent, non-erodible surface treatments, which may include poured concrete, asphalt, masonry pavers, or a minimum depth of 4 inches of crushed stone. If crushed stone or "crush and run" is utilized, the area must be delineated with anchored landscape edging to contain the material [Sec. 7.1.9].
Sections Cited
- Section 1.5.5. Parking Setbacks
- Section 1.5.12. National Register Historic District Residential Garage Parking Options
- Section 2.1.1. District Intent Statements
- Section 2.2.1. Detached House
- Section 2.2.3. Townhouse
- Section 2.2.4. Apartment
- Section 2.2.7. Residential Infill Compatibility
- Section 6.1.4. Allowed Principal Use Table
- Section 6.8.I. Residential Accessory Service
- Section 7.1.2. Required Parking
- Section 7.1.9. Parking Surface Standards