Raleigh, North Carolina IX-: Industrial Mixed Use District Guide
The IX-: Industrial Mixed Use district in the City of Raleigh is intended to support a combination of light industrial, manufacturing, and commercial activities while allowing for limited residential opportunities. A defining characteristic of the IX-: Industrial Mixed Use district is that residential uses are strictly limited to the upper stories of mixed-use buildings to ensure that ground-level space remains reserved for employment and industrial production.
Purpose and Intent
The primary objective of the IX-: Industrial Mixed Use district is to provide a dedicated environment for a variety of light industrial and manufacturing operations while permitting integrated retail, service, and commercial activities [Section 3.1.1.G.1].
Key intent statements for the IX-: Industrial Mixed Use district include:
- Economic Base Protection: By limiting residential uses to upper floors, the City of Raleigh preserves land for manufacturing and employment-generating activities [Section 3.1.1.G.1].
- Transition Management: The IX-: Industrial Mixed Use district serves as a functional land-use transition between heavy industrial zones and other mixed-use or residential areas [Section 3.1.1.G.3].
- Integrated Development: The City of Raleigh encourages developments in this district that incorporate commercial uses alongside housing and service-related activities [Section 3.1.1.G.2].
Permitted Building Types
In the IX-: Industrial Mixed Use district, only specific building types are authorized to ensure the district maintains its intended industrial and commercial character.
| Building Type | Status in IX-: Industrial Mixed Use District |
|---|---|
| Detached House | Not Allowed |
| Attached House | Not Allowed |
| Townhouse | Not Allowed |
| Apartment | Not Allowed |
| General Building | Allowed |
| Mixed Use Building | Allowed |
| Civic Building | Allowed |
| Open Lot | Allowed |
| Tiny House | Not Allowed |
Note: While stand-alone residential building types are prohibited, residential uses are allowed within the "Mixed Use Building" type on upper floors [Section 1.4.2, Section 3.1.1.G.1].
Base Dimensional Standards
The City of Raleigh applies specific setbacks and design requirements for the IX-: Industrial Mixed Use district to maintain consistency along streetscapes and property boundaries.
| Standard | General Building | Mixed Use Building | Civic Building |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Street Setback (min) | 3' | 3' | 5' |
| Side Street Setback (min) | 3' | 3' | 5' |
| Side Lot Line Setback (min) | 0' or 6' | 0' or 6' | 0' or 6' |
| Rear Lot Line Setback (min) | 0' or 6' | 0' or 6' | 0' or 6' |
| Alley Setback (min) | 5' | 5' | 5' |
| Parking Setback (Primary/Side Street) | 10' | 10' | 10' |
| Ground Story Height (min) | 11' | 13' | N/A |
| Upper Story Height (min) | 9' | 9' | N/A |
[Section 3.2.5, Section 3.2.6, Section 3.2.7]
Permitted Land Uses
Land uses in the IX-: Industrial Mixed Use district range from industrial production to retail and restricted residential living.
Industrial and Open Uses
Most industrial uses are permitted by right in the IX-: Industrial Mixed Use district, including:
- Light Manufacturing: Clothing, electronics, or movie production [Section 6.5.3.A].
- Research & Development: Laboratories and pilot plants [Section 6.5.4.A].
- Warehouse & Distribution: Bulk storage, parcel services, and warehouses [Section 6.5.7.A].
- Wholesale Trade: Sale of machinery and building hardware [Section 6.5.9.A].
- Self-Service Storage: Permitted as a limited use [Section 6.5.5.B].
Commercial Uses
The IX-: Industrial Mixed Use district supports a robust commercial presence:
- Office: All professional and business services [Section 6.4.4.A].
- Retail Sales: Sale of consumer goods, though vehicle fuel sales are limited [Section 6.4.11.A].
- Restaurant/Bar: Eating establishments and lounges are permitted [Section 6.4.10.A].
Residential Uses
Residential uses are highly restricted in the IX-: Industrial Mixed Use district:
- Multi-unit Living: Allowed only as a Limited Use. It is strictly prohibited on the ground floor and must be located on the upper stories of a building [Section 6.2.1.D.2.b].
Parking Requirements
The City of Raleigh regulates the maximum number of vehicle parking spaces allowed for specific uses in the IX-: Industrial Mixed Use district to prevent over-paving.
| Use Category | Vehicle Parking (max) |
|---|---|
| Multi-unit Living (1 Bedroom) | 1.5 spaces per unit |
| Multi-unit Living (2+ Bedrooms) | 2.25 to 5 spaces per unit |
| Office | 1 space per 200 SF of gross floor area |
| Retail Sales | 1 space per 200 SF of gross floor area |
| Industrial Uses | No maximum specified |
[Section 7.1.2.C]
Sections Cited
- Article 1.3. Zoning Districts
- Article 1.4. Building Types
- Article 3.1. General Provisions
- Article 3.2. Base Dimensional Standards
- Article 6.1. Allowed Uses
- Article 6.2. Residential Uses
- Article 6.4. Commercial Uses
- Article 6.5. Industrial Uses
- Article 7.1. Parking