R-6 Residential District: Allowed and Prohibited Uses in Raleigh, North Carolina
The R-6: Residential-6 district in the City of Raleigh is intended to provide for residential development at a density of six dwelling units per acre, accommodating a variety of housing types including detached houses, townhouses, and cottage courts [Section 2.1.1.E]. Development in this district is limited to a maximum height of 40 feet or 3 stories, and standard lot dimensions for detached houses require a minimum of 6,000 square feet [Section 2.2.1].
General Intent of the R-6 District
The R-6 Residential District is designed to protect established neighborhoods while promoting planned, efficient future residential growth in the City of Raleigh. It specifically allows for single-unit living in detached or tiny houses and two-unit living in attached houses, townhouses, or tiny houses. Multi-unit living is also permitted within townhouses or as part of specific development options like the Frequent Transit Development Option [Section 2.1.1.E].
R-6 Development Standards
Development in the Raleigh R-6 district must adhere to specific lot size, setback, and height standards. The following table outlines these requirements for the conventional development of a detached house:
| Standard Type | R-6 Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | 6,000 square feet |
| Minimum Lot Width | 50 feet |
| Minimum Lot Depth | 80 feet |
| Primary Street Setback (min) | 10 feet |
| Side Street Setback (min) | 10 feet |
| Side Lot Line Setback (min) | 5 feet |
| Rear Lot Line Setback (min) | 20 feet |
| Maximum Building Height | 40 feet / 3 stories |
(Reference: [Section 2.2.1])
Allowed Principal Uses
The City of Raleigh classifies principal uses into three categories: Permitted (P), Limited (L), and Special (S). Limited uses must meet additional specific criteria, and Special uses require approval by the Board of Adjustment [Section 6.1.3].
Residential Uses
- Permitted by Right (P): Single-unit living, Two-unit living, Multi-unit living (in townhouse types), Cottage courts, Conservation development, and Compact development.
- Limited Use (L): Frequent Transit Development Option, Multi-unit supportive housing residence, and Supportive housing residence.
- Special Use (S): Group living (general) and Congregate care.
Public and Institutional Uses
- Permitted by Right (P): Parks, Open Space and Greenways, Minor utilities, and Outdoor sports or entertainment facilities with 250 seats or fewer.
- Limited Use (L): Cemetery, Schools (K-12), and Telecommunication towers under 250 feet.
- Special Use (S): Telecommunication towers 250 feet or taller and Outdoor sports or entertainment facilities with more than 250 seats.
Commercial Uses
- Limited Use (L): Day care (home), Golf courses, and Short-term rentals.
- Special Use (S): Day care centers and Parking facilities.
Open Uses
- Limited Use (L): Community gardens and Produce stands.
- Special Use (S): Community gardens with on-site sales and Urban farms.
(Reference: [Section 6.1.4])
Prohibited Uses
In the City of Raleigh, any use not explicitly listed as Permitted, Limited, or Special in the R-6 district column of the Allowed Principal Use Table is prohibited [Section 6.1.5]. Prohibited uses in the R-6 district include:
- Commercial/Industrial Character: Any "prima fascia" business, commercial, or industrial uses not explicitly allowed, such as retail stores (except as produce stands or home occupations), manufacturing, or wholesale trade [Section 6.1.5.A].
- Adult Establishments: These are restricted to specific non-residential zones and are prohibited in R-6 [Section 6.4.2.B].
- Vehicle Related: Vehicle fuel sales, major/minor vehicle repair, and car washes [Section 6.1.4].
- Specific Structures: Manufactured homes or travel trailers (except when constructed as an ADU or Tiny House meeting specific criteria) [Section 6.1.5.D].
- Waste Services: Landfills and open dumps [Section 6.1.5.E].
- Administrative: School administrative personnel offices located outside of a school campus [Section 6.1.5.F].
Parking Standards for R-6 Residential Uses
The City of Raleigh mandates maximum vehicle parking limits and minimum bicycle parking requirements for residential developments in the R-6 district.
| Use Type | Vehicle Parking (max) | Short-Term Bicycle (min) | Long-Term Bicycle (min) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-unit living | No maximum | None | None |
| Two-unit living | No maximum | None | None |
| Multi-unit: Townhouse | No maximum | None | None |
| Multi-unit: Apartment | 1.5 to 5 spaces/unit* | 1 space per 20 units | 1 space per 7 bedrooms |
*Varies by bedroom count: 1.5 for 1-BR, 2.25 for 2-BR, 3 for 3-BR, 4 for 4-BR, and 5 for 5+BR.
(Reference: [Section 7.1.2.C])
Sections Cited
- Section 2.1.1.E - Residential-6 (R-6) Intent Statements
- Section 2.2.1 - Detached House Development Standards
- Section 6.1.3 - Key to Use Table
- Section 6.1.4 - Allowed Principal Use Table
- Section 6.1.5 - Prohibited Uses
- Section 6.4.2.B - Adult Establishment Regulations
- Section 6.4.6.E - Short-Term Rental Standards
- Section 7.1.2.C - Parking Requirements by Use