Off-Street Parking Standards for the SC: Shopping Center Legacy District
In the City of Raleigh, the SC: Shopping Center district is classified as a legacy zoning district that remains active but cannot be expanded or newly applied to properties. Off-street vehicle parking for commercial developments within this district is capped at a maximum of one space per 200 square feet of gross floor area, while residential components are subject to specific maximums based on unit size or the "Shopping Center" cap for mixed-use sites [Sec. 1.3.4, Sec. 7.1.2.C].
Overview of SC: Shopping Center District Status
The SC: Shopping Center district is one of several "Legacy Districts" identified in the City of Raleigh Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). These districts exist within the previous zoning code and are scheduled to be phased out and replaced by modern UDO designations. While no new SC districts may be added to the Official Zoning Map, any development, construction, or change of use within an existing SC: Shopping Center district must comply with the parking standards established in the current City of Raleigh UDO [Sec. 1.3.4, Sec. 7.1.1.A].
Commercial Parking Requirements
For projects classified under the "Shopping Center" use category in the City of Raleigh, the UDO mandates specific maximum vehicle limits and minimum bicycle parking requirements. The City of Raleigh uses a "maximum" rather than a "minimum" for vehicle parking in many commercial categories to manage urban density.
Commercial Parking Ratios (Shopping Center Use)
| Use Category | Vehicle Parking (Maximum) | Short-Term Bicycle Parking (Minimum) | Long-Term Bicycle Parking (Minimum) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shopping Center | 1 space per 200 SF of gross floor area | 1 space per 5,000 SF of gross floor area (Minimum 4) | None |
Source: [Sec. 7.1.2.C]
Residential Parking Requirements
Residential projects within the City of Raleigh SC: Shopping Center district are governed by the "Household Living" standards. The UDO provides different ratios depending on the specific building type and the number of bedrooms per unit.
Residential Parking Ratios (Household Living)
| Use Category | Vehicle Parking (Maximum) | Short-Term Bicycle Parking (Minimum) | Long-Term Bicycle Parking (Minimum) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Unit Living | No maximum | None | None |
| Two-Unit Living | No maximum | None | None |
| Multi-Unit: Townhouse | No maximum | None | None |
| Multi-Unit: 0 - 1 Bedroom | 1.5 spaces per unit | 1 space per 20 units (Min. 4) | 1 space per 7 bedrooms* |
| Multi-Unit: 2 Bedrooms | 2.25 spaces per unit | 1 space per 20 units (Min. 4) | 1 space per 7 bedrooms* |
| Multi-Unit: 3 Bedrooms | 3 spaces per unit | 1 space per 20 units (Min. 4) | 1 space per 7 bedrooms* |
| Multi-Unit: 4 Bedrooms | 4 spaces per unit | 1 space per 20 units (Min. 4) | 1 space per 7 bedrooms* |
| Multi-Unit: 5+ Bedrooms | 5 spaces per unit | 1 space per 20 units (Min. 4) | 1 space per 7 bedrooms* |
*Long-term bicycle parking requirements apply only to developments with 10 or more bedrooms. Source: [Sec. 7.1.2.C]
Special Rules for Combined and Mixed Uses
The City of Raleigh applies specific logic when a project in the SC: Shopping Center district combines multiple uses:
- Sum of Requirements: When a lot contains a combination of different uses, the total parking requirement is generally the sum of the requirements for each individual use [Sec. 7.1.2.A.2].
- The "Shopping Center" Cap: If a site contains multiple uses and at least one of those uses (such as Single-Unit Living or Townhouses) has "No maximum" listed in the parking table, the Shopping Center category (1 space per 200 SF) serves as the maximum limit for that specific use or uses [Sec. 7.1.2.A.2].
- Additions and Expansions: If an existing building or site in the SC: Shopping Center district is increased in gross floor area by more than 25% cumulatively, both the existing portion and the new addition must conform to the UDO bicycle and vehicle parking standards [Sec. 7.1.1.C.4].
Sections Cited
- Sec. 1.3.4. Legacy Districts
- Sec. 7.1.1. Applicability (Parking)
- Sec. 7.1.2. Required Parking
- Sec. 7.1.2.A. Calculation of Parking Requirements
- Sec. 7.1.2.C. Parking Requirements by Use (Table)