Raleigh, North Carolina: Allowed and Prohibited Uses in the R-2 District
In the City of Raleigh, the R-2: Residential-2 district is intended to protect established neighborhoods while allowing for low-density residential development. The district primarily permits single-unit and two-unit living in detached and attached houses with a minimum lot size of 20,000 square feet [Section 2.1.1.C, Section 2.2.1]. While most commercial and industrial activities are strictly prohibited, the City of Raleigh allows limited civic and agricultural uses subject to specific standards [Section 6.1.4].
Allowed Principal Uses in the R-2 District
The Raleigh Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) categorizes allowed uses as Permitted (P), Limited (L), or Special (S). Uses marked as "Limited" must meet specific use standards found in Chapter 6, while "Special" uses require approval by the Board of Adjustment [Section 6.1.3, Section 10.2.9].
| Use Category | Specific Use | Permission Level |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | Single-unit living | Permitted (P) |
| Two-unit living | Permitted (P) | |
| Multi-unit living | Limited (L) | |
| Cottage court | Permitted (P) | |
| Conservation development | Permitted (P) | |
| Compact development | Permitted (P) | |
| Multi-unit supportive housing residence | Limited (L) | |
| Supportive housing residence | Limited (L) | |
| Group Living (not otherwise listed) | Special (S) | |
| Congregate care | Special (S) | |
| Continuing care retirement community | Special (S) | |
| Rest home | Special (S) | |
| Public & Institutional | Civic (not otherwise listed) | Permitted (P) |
| Cemetery | Limited (L) | |
| Parks, Open Space, and Greenways | Permitted (P) | |
| Minor utilities | Permitted (P) | |
| Telecommunication tower (< 250 ft) | Limited (L) | |
| Telecommunication tower (≥ 250 ft) | Special (S) | |
| Outdoor sports/entertainment (≤ 250 seats) | Permitted (P) | |
| Outdoor sports/entertainment (> 250 seats) | Special (S) | |
| Commercial | Day care, home | Limited (L) |
| Day care center | Special (S) | |
| Golf course | Limited (L) | |
| Short-term rental | Limited (L) | |
| Open Uses | Community garden | Limited (L) |
| Community garden (on-site sales) | Special (S) | |
| Urban farm | Special (S) |
[Section 6.1.4]
Use Standards and Building Type Restrictions
While the use table may list a use as allowed, the City of Raleigh applies additional restrictions based on building types allowed in the R-2 district. For example, multi-unit living is a limited use, but standard apartments are only permitted in the R-2 district if it is part of a Transit Overlay District (-TOD) [Section 1.4.2].
R-2 District Dimensional Standards (Conventional Development)
| Standard | Detached House | Attached House |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | 20,000 sf | 20,000 sf |
| Minimum Lot Width | 80' | 80' |
| Minimum Lot Depth | 100' | 100' |
| Primary Street Setback | 20' | 20' |
| Side Street Setback | 20' | 20' |
| Side Lot Line Setback | 10' | 10' |
| Rear Lot Line Setback | 30' | 30' |
| Max Height | 40' / 3 stories | 40' / 3 stories |
[Section 2.2.1, Section 2.2.2]
Specific Use Limitations
- Multi-unit Living: In the City of Raleigh Residential Districts, this use is only allowed as a limited use in compact, conservation, or frequent transit developments [Section 6.2.1.D].
- Townhouses in R-2: These developments are restricted to a maximum of two dwelling units per building [Section 1.4.2, Footnote 1].
- Day Care, Home: This is limited to a maximum of 8 persons in the residence of the provider [Section 6.4.1.B].
Prohibited Uses in the R-2 District
The City of Raleigh prohibits any use in the R-2 district that is not explicitly listed in the Allowed Principal Use Table. Additionally, several categories are specifically excluded to preserve the residential nature of the district.
Prohibited Residential and Civic Uses
- Boardinghouses [Section 6.1.4].
- Dormitories, fraternities, and sororities [Section 6.1.4].
- Manufactured home developments [Section 6.1.4].
- Frequent Transit Area Development Option (unless within a designated area) [Section 6.1.4].
- Colleges, community colleges, and universities [Section 6.1.4].
- Major utilities and Water/Wastewater treatment plants [Section 6.1.4].
Prohibited Commercial and Industrial Uses
The R-2 district prohibits almost all commercial and industrial activity, including but not limited to:
- Retail and Service: Adult establishments, health clubs, sports academies, medical facilities, offices, personal service businesses, and shopping centers [Section 6.1.4].
- Hospitality: Hospitality houses and Bed and Breakfasts (except those in specific historic districts or landmarks) [Section 6.1.4, Section 6.4.6.B].
- Vehicle Related: Vehicle sales, rental, and service, including car washes and fuel sales [Section 6.1.4].
- Industrial: All heavy and light industrial uses, research and development facilities, self-service storage, and warehouse/distribution centers [Section 6.1.4].
- Open Uses: General agriculture, plant nurseries, and resource extraction [Section 6.1.4].
General Prohibitions
- Open Dumps: Strictly prohibited in all districts [Section 6.1.5].
- Administrative Offices: School administrative personnel offices are prohibited if located outside of a school building in a Residential District [Section 6.1.5].
- Junked Vehicles: The storage of two or more unlicensed, uninspected, or wrecked vehicles is prohibited [Section 6.1.5].
Sections Cited
- Article 1.4. Building Types
- Article 2.1. General Provisions
- Article 2.2. Conventional Development Option
- Article 6.1. Allowed Uses
- Article 6.2. Residential Uses
- Article 6.3. Public & Institutional Uses
- Article 6.4. Commercial Uses
- Article 10.2. Review Procedures