Raleigh Conservation Management (CM) District Guide
The Raleigh Conservation Management (CM) district is established to preserve and enhance land as permanent open space, primarily restricting development to a maximum building coverage of 5%. For sites of two acres or more, the City of Raleigh requires a minimum of 30% of the land to be designated as a primary tree conservation area. Permitted structures are limited to a maximum height of 40 feet or three stories and must be set back at least 50 feet from all property lines.
Purpose of the Conservation Management (CM) District
The primary intent of the City of Raleigh in establishing the Conservation Management (CM) district is to preserve land for permanent open space to meet the passive and recreational needs of the community [Section 4.1.1.A]. Under this designation, all property must remain predominantly unoccupied by buildings or other impervious surfaces to protect natural resources and environmental quality [Section 4.1.1.A].
General Character and Development Standards
The general character of the Conservation Management (CM) district is defined by its natural state and minimal structural footprint. In Raleigh, any development within this district must adhere to strict dimensional limits to ensure the protection of the open space. The City of Raleigh specifically regulates the "Open Lot" building type within this district [Section 4.2.2].
Technical Dimensional Standards
The following table outlines the base dimensional requirements for the City of Raleigh’s Conservation Management (CM) district:
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Lot Dimensions | |
| Maximum Building Coverage | 5% [Section 4.2.2.A3] |
| Protective Yards (Minimum Setbacks) | |
| From Primary Street | 50' [Section 4.2.2.B1] |
| From Side Street | 50' [Section 4.2.2.B2] |
| From Side Lot Line | 50' [Section 4.2.2.B3] |
| From Rear Lot Line | 50' [Section 4.2.2.B4] |
| Height | |
| Maximum Height | 40' / 3 stories [Section 4.2.2.C1] |
Building elements such as porches, stoops, balconies, galleries, and awnings are permitted within the district, provided they comply with general building element requirements [Section 4.2.2.D].
Natural Resource and Tree Conservation
The City of Raleigh mandates specific environmental protections within the Conservation Management (CM) district:
- Tree Conservation: Prior to approving a subdivision or major site plan for a tract of two acres or larger, the owner must delineate at least 30% of the land as a primary tree conservation area [Section 4.2.1.A].
- Basal Area Requirements: These conservation areas must maintain a basal area of at least 30 square feet per acre or be replanted with shade trees [Section 4.2.1.C].
- Watercourse Buffers: Buffers must be established along all primary and secondary watercourses in accordance with Raleigh’s environmental standards [Section 4.2.1.D].
Permitted and Prohibited Land Uses
The land uses allowed in the Conservation Management (CM) district are generally restricted to those that support the district’s open space and public service goals. Residential uses are not permitted [Section 6.1.4].
Allowed Principal Use Summary
The following uses are designated as Permitted (P), Limited (L), or Special (S) within the Raleigh Conservation Management (CM) district:
| Use Category | Specific Use | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Public & Institutional | Parks, Open Space and Greenways | P |
| Minor Utilities | P | |
| Major Utilities | S | |
| Cemetery | L | |
| Commercial | Golf Course | L |
| Outdoor sports/entertainment (>250 seats) | S | |
| Industrial | Detention center, jail, prison | P |
| Open | Restricted Agriculture | P |
| Community Garden | L | |
| Produce Stand | L |
Source: [Section 6.1.4]
Use Standards Highlights
- Cemeteries: Must comply with City public facility dedication and improvement requirements if the site exceeds two acres [Section 6.3.1.B].
- Community Gardens: Primarily for growing and harvesting crops; on-site sales are permitted as a limited use [Section 6.6.1.B].
- Restricted Agriculture: Permits the harvesting of tree and vine crops but prohibits the keeping or grazing of animals for products [Section 6.6.1.D].
Sections Cited
- Section 4.1.1. District Intent Statements
- Section 4.2.1. General Provisions (Conservation Management)
- Section 4.2.2. Open Lot (Conservation Management)
- Section 6.1.4. Allowed Principal Use Table
- Section 6.3.1. Civic (Cemetery)
- Section 6.6.1. Agriculture (Community Garden, Restricted Agriculture)