Raleigh BC: Buffer Commercial District Setback Regulations
In the City of Raleigh Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), the BC: Buffer Commercial district is classified as a Legacy District, meaning its specific standards are derived from the former zoning code and are being phased out. While original setbacks for a BC property are established by its founding ordinance or the previous "Part 10 Zoning Code," the current City of Raleigh UDO mandates that its modern setback regulations are controlling whenever they are more stringent than the legacy requirements [Sec. 1.2.3, Sec. 1.3.4].
Legacy Status of the BC District
The BC: Buffer Commercial district exists as a transitional zoning category in the City of Raleigh. Because it is a Legacy District, it is subject to the following administrative restrictions [Sec. 1.3.4]:
- Replacement: The BC district will eventually be replaced by a modern UDO zoning district (such as OX- or NX-).
- Expansion Prohibited: No new BC districts may be added to the Official Zoning Map.
- Static Boundaries: The boundaries of an existing BC district cannot be modified.
Rules of Interpretation for Setbacks
For properties currently zoned BC: Buffer Commercial, the City of Raleigh uses a specific hierarchy to determine which setbacks apply during development or renovation [Sec. 1.2.3]:
- Stringency Rule: If the UDO’s standard setback regulations are more restrictive (stringent) than those in the original BC ordinance, the UDO standards must be followed.
- Calculation Methods: All calculations for setbacks must be performed according to the rules established in the current UDO (e.g., measuring perpendicular from the edge of the right-of-way).
- UDO Control: All approval processes and general development standards (parking, landscaping, and screening) must follow the current City of Raleigh UDO [Sec. 1.2.3].
Comparison of UDO Mixed Use Setbacks
Because BC is a commercial legacy district, its properties are often compared against the UDO Mixed Use District standards (specifically for General Buildings or Civic Buildings) to determine if the modern UDO rules are more stringent and therefore controlling [Sec. 3.2.5, Sec. 3.2.7].
UDO Base Dimensional Standards (Mixed Use)
If the UDO standards are more restrictive than the legacy BC conditions, the following minimum setbacks apply to a standard General Building type [Sec. 3.2.5]:
| Setback Type | OP-, OX-, NX-, CX- Districts (Min) | DX- District (Min) | IX- District (Min) |
|---|---|---|---|
| From Primary Street | 5' | 3' | 3' |
| From Side Street | 5' | 3' | 3' |
| From Side Lot Line | 0' or 6' | 0' or 6' | 0' or 6' |
| From Rear Lot Line | 0' or 6' | 0' or 6' | 0' or 6' |
| From Alley | 5' | 5' | 5' |
Neighborhood Transitions
Properties in the BC: Buffer Commercial district may be subject to additional "Zone A" protective yard requirements if they immediately abut a residential district (R-1, R-2, R-4, R-6, or R-10). These transitions require specific buffers and plantings that effectively increase the functional setback from the property line [Sec. 3.5.1, Sec. 3.5.2].
Sections Cited
- Article 1.2. Zoning Map (Sec. 1.2.3. Rules of Interpretation)
- Article 1.3. Zoning Districts (Sec. 1.3.4. Legacy Districts)
- Article 3.2. Base Dimensional Standards (Sec. 3.2.5. General Building)
- Article 3.5. Neighborhood Transitions (Sec. 3.5.1. Applicability; Sec. 3.5.2. Transition Zones)