R-15 Residential-15 District Status and Regulations in Raleigh
The R-15: Residential-15 zoning designation is classified as a Legacy District within the City of Raleigh and is not part of the active Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) General Use zoning categories. Under the City of Raleigh UDO, the R-15 district is being phased out; no new R-15 districts may be added to the Official Zoning Map, and the boundaries of any existing R-15 district cannot be modified [Section 1.3.4]. Specific allowed and prohibited uses for R-15 are defined by the previous Part 10 Zoning Code rather than the current UDO use tables, though legacy uses generally continue unless they conflict with new UDO prohibitions [Section 1.2.3, Section 1.3.4].
Legacy District Classification
The City of Raleigh identifies R-15 Residential-15 as a "Legacy District." These districts were established under the prior zoning code and are intended to be eventually replaced by modern UDO zoning districts.
Key restrictions on the R-15 designation in the City of Raleigh include:
- No New Districts: The City of Raleigh cannot add any new R-15 Legacy Districts to the Official Zoning Map [Section 1.3.4].
- No Boundary Modifications: The boundaries of any existing R-15 district in the City of Raleigh may not be modified [Section 1.3.4].
- Part 10 Code Governance: These districts technically exist in the "Part 10 Zoning Code" rather than the UDO's primary residential framework [Section 1.3.4].
Rules of Interpretation for R-15 Uses
When a property in the City of Raleigh is subject to R-15 legacy conditions, the following rules apply regarding allowed uses:
- Continuation of Limitations: If a conditional zoning ordinance limits uses to those of a former legacy district (like R-15), those limitations continue to apply [Section 1.2.3.D].
- UDO Overrides: A former allowed use is no longer permitted if it is explicitly prohibited in the corresponding new UDO general use zoning district [Section 1.2.3.D].
- Determining Use Types: Limited uses and special uses for these properties are determined by the standards of the modern UDO general use district [Section 1.2.3.D].
Standard Residential Districts in the City of Raleigh
For comparison, the City of Raleigh's current UDO utilizes a standard set of Residential Districts (R-1 through R-10). Properties currently zoned R-15 that undergo a rezoning process typically transition to one of these designations.
| District Name | Designation | Intent/Density Basis |
|---|---|---|
| Residential-1 | R-1 | Single-unit living; 1 unit per acre density [Section 2.1.1.B]. |
| Residential-2 | R-2 | Single-unit and two-unit living; 20,000 SF min. lot size [Section 2.1.1.C]. |
| Residential-4 | R-4 | Single-unit and two-unit living; 10,000 SF min. lot size [Section 2.1.1.D]. |
| Residential-6 | R-6 | Single-unit, two-unit, and multi-unit living; 6,000 SF min. lot size [Section 2.1.1.E]. |
| Residential-10 | R-10 | High-density residential; 4,000 SF min. lot size [Section 2.1.1.F]. |
Prohibited Uses and Activities
While the specific legacy list for R-15 is not part of this UDO supplement, the City of Raleigh enforces a general list of prohibited uses that applies to all districts, including Legacy Districts.
According to the City of Raleigh UDO, the following are strictly prohibited:
- Unlisted Uses: Any use not explicitly allowed as a permitted, limited, or special use in the UDO Allowed Principal Use Table is prohibited [Section 6.1.5].
- Commercial/Industrial Intrusion: Any use of a "prima facie" business, commercial, or industrial character is prohibited in residential districts (R-1, R-2, R-4, R-6, R-10) unless specifically allowed by the code [Section 6.1.5.A].
- Open Dumps: The creation or maintenance of open dumps is prohibited City-wide [Section 6.1.5.E].
- Unauthorized Manufactured Homes: Manufactured homes or travel trailers are prohibited except in -MH districts, certain PD districts, or when constructed as a Tiny House or Accessory Dwelling Unit [Section 6.1.5.D].
- Specific Office Locations: School administrative personnel offices are prohibited if located outside of a school within a Residential District [Section 6.1.5.F].
- Vehicle Storage: Storing two or more unlicensed, uninspected, wrecked, or dismantled vehicles is prohibited, except in authorized towing yards [Section 6.1.5.H].
Sections Cited
- Section 1.2.3. Rules of Interpretation
- Section 1.3.1. General Use Zoning Districts
- Section 1.3.4. Legacy Districts
- Section 2.1.1. District Intent Statements
- Section 6.1.4. Allowed Principal Use Table
- Section 6.1.5. Prohibited Uses