Raleigh MH: Manufactured Housing District Regulations
The MH: Manufactured Housing district in the City of Raleigh is a special zoning classification requiring a minimum development site of 10 acres dedicated to manufactured home parks or subdivisions. This district permits residential densities based on specific lot sizes—6,000 square feet for larger units and 4,500 square feet for units under 600 square feet—while mandating a maximum building height of 40 feet and a minimum of 10% open space [Section 4.5.1, Section 4.5.2, and Section 4.5.3].
Purpose of the MH District
The City of Raleigh established the MH: Manufactured Housing district to permit the placement of manufactured homes within structured parks and subdivisions. The primary intent is to provide a suitable, safe living environment for residents while ensuring that such high-density residential developments remain compatible with adjacent properties [Section 4.1.1.D].
Permitted Land Uses and Development Phasing
The City of Raleigh requires that any tract zoned for MH: Manufactured Housing be at least 10 acres in size. The land must be devoted to one or more of the following specific uses:
- Leasing: Providing space for the placement of manufactured homes [Section 4.5.1.A.1].
- Rent or Sale: Providing manufactured homes for rent or sale, provided the unit is connected to on-site utilities and remains on the site for at least one year [Section 4.5.1.A.2].
- Condominium Ownership: Unit ownership pursuant to N.C. Gen. Stat. §47C [Section 4.5.1.A.3].
- Single-Unit Living: Permitted on pre-existing lots within the MH: Manufactured Housing district, provided they meet the design characteristics of the R-6 zoning district [Section 4.5.1.C.1].
Regarding the character of development, the City of Raleigh mandates that every MH: Manufactured Housing development must contain at least 10 manufactured home spaces in each phase of construction [Section 4.5.2.A].
Dimensional and Site Standards
The general character of the MH: Manufactured Housing district is defined by its strict adherence to setbacks, height limits, and lot sizes to maintain a uniform residential appearance.
Lot and Height Requirements
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Site Size | 10 acres [Section 4.5.1.A] |
| Minimum Lot Area (Unit > 600 sf) | 6,000 sf [Section 4.5.3.A] |
| Minimum Lot Area (Unit ≤ 600 sf) | 4,500 sf [Section 4.5.3.A] |
| Maximum Building Height | 40 feet [Section 4.5.3.B] |
Principal Building Setbacks
| Setback Type | Minimum Distance |
|---|---|
| Primary Street Setback | 20 feet [Section 4.5.3.C.1.a] |
| Side Street Setback | 20 feet [Section 4.5.3.C.1.a] |
| Interior Side Setback | 5 feet [Section 4.5.3.C.1.b] |
| Rear Setback | 10 feet [Section 4.5.3.C.1.c] |
| Building-to-Building Separation | 20 feet [Section 4.5.3.C.1.d] |
Infrastructure and Open Space Requirements
Developments in the City of Raleigh MH: Manufactured Housing district must connect to the City water and sewer systems [Section 4.5.2.G]. Furthermore, they must provide significant common areas to support the residential population.
Open Space Standards
The City of Raleigh requires a minimum amount of outdoor open space for these developments, which must be the greater of:
- 10% of the total land area of the development (excluding dedicated rights-of-way) [Section 4.5.2.C.1.a.i].
- A square footage calculation per unit: 435.6 square feet for units larger than 600 square feet, and 326.7 square feet for units 600 square feet or less [Section 4.5.2.C.1.a.ii].
At least one-third (or 2 acres, whichever is less) of this required open space must be contiguous and have a maximum average slope of 8% or less [Section 4.5.2.C.2.b].
Perimeter Landscaping
To ensure compatibility with the surrounding City of Raleigh community, the following protective yards are required:
- Transitional Protective Yard: A Type B1 or B2 yard must be established along all perimeter property lines [Section 4.5.2.B.3].
- Street Protective Yard: A Type C1 or C2 yard must be established along all property lines abutting a public right-of-way [Section 4.5.2.B.4].
Accessory Structures and Features
The City of Raleigh allows for specific accessory structures within the MH: Manufactured Housing district, subject to size and placement limitations:
- Detached Accessory Structures: Storage sheds, gazebos, or greenhouses may not exceed 100 square feet and must be at least 10 feet from any manufactured home [Section 4.5.3.E.1].
- Garages: Private garages are limited to 300 square feet and must be located at least 20 feet from any manufactured home [Section 4.5.3.E.4].
- Skirting: All manufactured homes must have foundation skirting made of brick, stone, or siding material that provides a solid barrier between the ground and the unit [Section 4.5.3.D].
Sections Cited
- Section 4.1.1. District Intent Statements
- Section 4.5.1. Site Size, Residential Density and Land Use
- Section 4.5.2. Site Development Standards
- Section 4.5.3. Manufactured Home Space Standards
- Section 12.2. Defined Terms