R-1: Residential-1 Zoning District Guide for Raleigh, North Carolina
The R-1: Residential-1 zoning district in the City of Raleigh is a low-density residential classification restricted to a maximum density of one unit per acre. This district primarily supports single-unit living in detached houses or tiny houses, with a standard minimum lot size of 40,000 square feet under conventional development [Section 2.1.1.B]. While two-unit living is permitted in the R-1 district, it is strictly limited to the tiny house building type [Section 6.2.1.C.2].
Purpose and Intent of the R-1 District
The City of Raleigh establishes Residential Districts, including the R-1 district, to protect established neighborhoods and promote efficient future residential development [Section 2.1.1.A.1]. The R-1 district specifically aims to maintain a low-density character while allowing for specific development options. These options, such as compact or conservation developments, allow for smaller lot sizes in exchange for the preservation of common open space [Section 2.1.1.B.2].
Permitted Building Types
The R-1 district allows a limited selection of building types to ensure compatibility with its low-density residential nature. According to the City of Raleigh building type regulations, the following are permitted:
- Detached House: A building accommodating one dwelling unit on a single lot [Section 1.4.1.A].
- Tiny House: A building with a footprint no larger than 800 square feet and a gross floor area not exceeding 1,200 square feet [Section 1.4.1.I].
- Civic Building: Buildings such as places of worship, schools, or community centers [Section 1.4.1.G].
- Open Lot: Used for large outdoor areas, parks, or natural areas [Section 1.4.1.H].
- General Building: This building type is only permitted in the R-1 district when used as part of a governmental water or wastewater treatment plant [Section 1.4.2].
R-1 Dimensional Standards
The City of Raleigh mandates specific dimensions for the R-1 district to maintain its spacious, low-density character. The following standards apply to Detached Houses under the "Conventional Development" option:
Conventional Development Standards (Detached House)
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | 40,000 square feet |
| Minimum Lot Width | 100 feet |
| Minimum Lot Depth | 100 feet |
| Maximum Density | 1 unit per acre |
| Primary Street Setback (min) | 20 feet |
| Side Street Setback (min) | 20 feet |
| Side Lot Line Setback (min) | 10 feet |
| Rear Lot Line Setback (min) | 30 feet |
| Maximum Height | 40 feet / 3 stories |
[Section 2.2.1]
Tiny House Standards
When a Tiny House is constructed in the R-1 district, different standards apply:
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | 40,000 square feet |
| Minimum Lot Width | 100 feet |
| Minimum Lot Depth | 100 feet |
| Maximum Height | 26 feet / 2 stories |
[Section 2.2.8]
Permitted Land Uses
In the City of Raleigh R-1 district, land use is primarily restricted to residential and compatible public or institutional activities.
Residential Uses
- Single-unit living: Permitted by right [Section 6.1.4].
- Two-unit living: Allowed as a limited use, provided it is associated with a tiny house building type [Section 6.2.1.C.2].
- Short-Term Rental: Allowed as a limited use [Section 6.1.4].
- Supportive Housing: Multi-unit supportive housing and supportive housing residences are allowed as limited uses [Section 6.1.4].
Public and Institutional Uses
- Civic Uses: Generally permitted, including places of worship and police/fire stations [Section 6.1.4].
- Parks and Open Space: Permitted by right [Section 6.1.4].
- Schools (K-12): Allowed as a limited use [Section 6.1.4].
- Cemeteries: Allowed as a limited use [Section 6.1.4].
Open and Agricultural Uses
- Restricted Agriculture: Permitted by right [Section 6.1.4].
- Community Garden: Allowed as a limited use, with on-site sales permitted subject to specific conditions [Section 6.6.1.B].
Development Options
The R-1 district offers three distinct development patterns:
- Conventional Development: Provides property owners with substantial individual yards; no common open space is required [Section 2.1.2.A].
- Compact Development: Permits a reduction in the minimum lot size (to 30,000 square feet for detached houses) in exchange for setting aside at least 20% of the project area as common open space [Section 2.3.1].
- Conservation Development: Allows for even smaller lots (down to 20,000 square feet) to protect natural features and environmental areas, provided that at least 40% of the project area is set aside as common open space [Section 2.4.1].
Sections Cited
- Article 1.3. Zoning Districts
- Article 1.4. Building Types
- Sec. 1.4.1. Building Type Descriptions
- Sec. 1.4.2. Building Types Allowed by District
- Article 2.1. General Provisions
- Sec. 2.1.1. District Intent Statements
- Sec. 2.1.2. Housing Options
- Article 2.2. Conventional Development Option
- Sec. 2.2.1. Detached House
- Sec. 2.2.8. Tiny Houses
- Article 2.3. Compact Development
- Sec. 2.3.1. General Requirements
- Sec. 2.3.2. Detached House
- Article 2.4. Conservation Development Option
- Sec. 2.4.1. General Requirements
- Sec. 2.4.2. Detached House
- Article 6.1. Allowed Uses
- Sec. 6.1.4. Allowed Principal Use Table
- Sec. 6.2.1. Household Living