R-1: Residential-1 District Use and Development Guide for Raleigh
The R-1: Residential-1 district in the City of Raleigh is a low-density residential designation restricted to a maximum density of one unit per acre. It primarily permits single-unit living in detached or tiny houses, with a minimum lot size of 40,000 square feet. While the R-1 district focuses on maintaining the character of established neighborhoods, it also allows for essential civic, utility, and limited agricultural uses that are compatible with a residential environment [Section 2.1.1.B].
Allowed Building Types
In the R-1: Residential-1 district, the City of Raleigh regulates the physical form of development by restricting the allowed building types. Only those types that support low-density or infrastructure needs are permitted.
| Building Type | Status in R-1 |
|---|---|
| Detached House | Allowed [Section 1.4.2] |
| Attached House | Not Allowed [Section 1.4.2] |
| Townhouse | Not Allowed [Section 1.4.2] |
| Apartment | Not Allowed [Section 1.4.2] |
| General Building | Allowed only for Water/Wastewater Treatment Plants [Section 1.4.2] |
| Mixed Use Building | Not Allowed [Section 1.4.2] |
| Civic Building | Allowed [Section 1.4.2] |
| Open Lot | Allowed [Section 1.4.2] |
| Tiny House | Allowed [Section 1.4.2] |
Allowed Principal Uses
The City of Raleigh classifies uses in the R-1: Residential-1 district as Permitted (P), Limited (L), or Special (S). Uses marked as Limited must meet specific additional standards, while Special uses require approval from the Board of Adjustment.
Residential Uses
- Permitted (P): Single-unit living, Conservation development, Compact development [Section 6.1.4].
- Limited (L): Two-unit living (only permitted in association with the Tiny House building type), Multi-unit supportive housing residence, Supportive housing residence [Section 6.1.4, Section 6.2.1.C.2].
- Special (S): Group Living (general), Continuing care retirement community, Rest home [Section 6.1.4].
Public and Institutional Uses
- Permitted (P): Civic (general), Parks, Open Space and Greenways, Minor utilities [Section 6.1.4].
- Limited (L): Cemetery, School (public or private K-12), Telecommunication tower (<250 ft), Water/Wastewater treatment plant [Section 6.1.4].
- Special (S): Telecommunication tower (≥250 ft) [Section 6.1.4].
Commercial and Industrial Uses
The R-1: Residential-1 district strictly limits commercial activity to preserve neighborhood character.
- Permitted (P): Outdoor sports or entertainment facility (≤250 seats) [Section 6.1.4].
- Limited (L): Golf course [Section 6.1.4].
- Special (S): Outdoor sports or entertainment facility (>250 seats) [Section 6.1.4].
- Prohibited (--): Most commercial uses including medical, office, retail sales, and restaurant/bars are entirely prohibited in the R-1 district [Section 6.1.4].
Open and Agricultural Uses
- Permitted (P): Restricted agriculture [Section 6.1.4].
- Limited (L): Community garden (including on-site sales), Produce stand [Section 6.1.4].
- Special (S): Plant nursery, Urban farm [Section 6.1.4].
Prohibited Uses
In the City of Raleigh, any use not explicitly listed as Permitted, Limited, or Special in the R-1: Residential-1 district is prohibited. Specifically, the Raleigh UDO prohibits:
- Any use of a "prima fascia" business, commercial, or industrial character not otherwise allowed in the district [Section 6.1.5].
- Attached houses, townhouses, and apartments (except as specifically provided under different development options like compact or conservation development in other districts) [Section 1.4.2].
- Commercial parking lots as a principal use [Section 6.1.4].
- Heavy and light industrial uses [Section 6.1.4].
Technical Development Standards
Development in the R-1: Residential-1 district must adhere to specific dimensional requirements to maintain the intended low-density character.
Lot and Setback Standards (Conventional Detached House)
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | 40,000 sf [Section 2.2.1] |
| Minimum Lot Width | 100' [Section 2.2.1] |
| Minimum Lot Depth | 100' [Section 2.2.1] |
| Maximum Density | 1 unit per acre [Section 2.2.1] |
| Min. Primary Street Setback | 20' [Section 2.2.1] |
| Min. Side Street Setback | 20' [Section 2.2.1] |
| Min. Side Lot Line Setback | 10' [Section 2.2.1] |
| Min. Rear Lot Line Setback | 30' [Section 2.2.1] |
| Maximum Height | 40' or 3 stories [Section 2.2.1] |
Vehicle and Bicycle Parking
The R-1: Residential-1 district generally does not impose maximum vehicle parking limits on residential uses but does restrict short and long-term bicycle parking requirements.
| Use Category | Vehicle Parking (Max) | Short-Term Bicycle (Min) | Long-Term Bicycle (Min) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-unit living | No maximum | None | None [Section 7.1.2.C] |
| Two-unit living | No maximum | None | None [Section 7.1.2.C] |
| Civic uses | No maximum | 1 per 5,000 sf | None [Section 7.1.2.C] |
Sections Cited
- Article 1.4. Building Types
- Article 2.1. General Provisions
- Article 2.2. Conventional Development Option
- Article 6.1. Allowed Uses
- Article 6.2. Residential Uses
- Article 6.3. Public & Institutional Uses
- Article 7.1. Parking