Raleigh R-2: Residential-2 District Regulations
The R-2: Residential-2 district in the City of Raleigh is a low-density residential zone primarily intended for single-unit and two-unit living with a standard minimum lot size of 20,000 square feet [Section 2.1.1.C]. The district character is defined by conventional development patterns that provide property owners with substantial private yards and limited building heights of 40 feet or 3 stories [Section 2.1.2.A, Section 2.2.1]. While the R-2: Residential-2 district focuses on detached housing, it also permits cottage courts and limited townhouse developments of no more than two units per building [Section 1.4.2, Section 2.2.3.ii].
Purpose and Intent
The primary intent of the R-2: Residential-2 district is to protect established residential neighborhoods while promoting planned, efficient future development [Section 2.1.1.A]. Specifically, the R-2: Residential-2 district in the City of Raleigh allows:
- Single-unit living in a detached house or tiny house [Section 2.1.1.C.1].
- Two-unit living in an attached house or tiny house [Section 2.1.1.C.1].
- Smaller lot sizes and additional building types through the "Compact" or "Conservation" development options, which require the preservation of common open space [Section 2.1.1.C.2-3].
Permitted Building Types
The City of Raleigh specifies which building forms are compatible with the R-2: Residential-2 district. In the case of townhouses, the district carries a specific restriction limiting such developments to a maximum of two dwelling units unless located within a Transit Overlay District [Section 1.4.2, Section 2.2.3].
| Building Type | Conventional Option | Compact Option | Conservation Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Detached House | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed |
| Attached House | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed |
| Townhouse | Allowed (Max 2 units) | Allowed (Max 2 units) | Allowed (Max 2 units) |
| Apartment | Not Allowed | Not Allowed | Not Allowed |
| Civic Building | Allowed | Not Allowed | Not Allowed |
| Open Lot | Allowed | Not Allowed | Not Allowed |
| Tiny House | Allowed | Not Allowed | Not Allowed |
[Section 1.4.2, Section 2.2.3.ii]
Permitted Land Uses
Land uses in the R-2: Residential-2 district are categorized as Permitted (P), Limited (L), or Special (S). Limited uses must meet specific UDO standards, while Special uses require Board of Adjustment approval [Section 6.1.3].
Residential and Public Uses
- Single-unit living: Permitted [Section 6.1.4].
- Two-unit living: Permitted [Section 6.1.4].
- Multi-unit living: Limited (only allowed in compact/conservation developments) [Section 6.2.1.D.2].
- Cottage Court: Permitted [Section 6.1.4].
- Cemetery: Limited [Section 6.3.1.B].
- School (K-12): Limited [Section 6.3.1.D].
- Day Care (Home): Limited (max 8 persons in a residence) [Section 6.4.1.B].
- Parks and Open Space: Permitted [Section 6.3.2.A].
Commercial and Open Uses
- Golf Course: Limited [Section 6.4.5.B].
- Community Garden: Limited [Section 6.6.1.B].
- Urban Farm: Permitted [Section 6.6.1.E].
- Produce Stand: Limited [Section 6.8.2.D].
Base Dimensional Standards
Under the Conventional Development Option, the R-2: Residential-2 district enforces the following minimum standards for detached and attached houses.
| Standard | Detached House | Attached House |
|---|---|---|
| Min. Lot Area | 20,000 sf | 20,000 sf |
| Min. Lot Width | 80' | 80' |
| Min. 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]
Vehicle and Bicycle Parking
The City of Raleigh requires R-2: Residential-2 district developments to provide parking based on the specific residential use.
| Use Category | Vehicle Parking (Max) | Short-Term Bicycle (Min) | Long-Term Bicycle (Min) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-unit living | No Maximum | None | None |
| Two-unit living | No Maximum | None | None |
| Cottage Court | No Maximum | None | None |
| Accessory Dwelling | No Maximum | None | None |
| Group Living | 1 space per bed | None | None |
[Section 7.1.2.C]
Sections Cited
- Article 1.3. Zoning Districts
- Article 1.4. Building Types
- Article 2.1. General Provisions (Residential)
- Article 2.2. Conventional Development Option
- Article 6.1. Allowed Uses
- Article 6.2. Residential Uses
- Article 6.3. Public & Institutional Uses
- Article 6.6. Open Uses
- Article 7.1. Parking