Raleigh -SRPOD: Special Residential Parking Overlay District Standards
The City of Raleigh’s -SRPOD (Special Residential Parking Overlay District) modifies base zoning standards by restricting the area, location, and surface materials allowed for off-street parking associated with single-unit living. Key regulations include limiting front-yard parking coverage to the lesser of 40% of the yard area or a specific depth-based calculation, and requiring permanent, non-erodible surfaces such as concrete, asphalt, or delineated crushed stone.
General Applicability and Intent
Within the City of Raleigh, the -SRPOD is an overlay district designed to prevent soil compaction and erosion by requiring orderly parking on improved surfaces [Sec. 5.1.1.F]. These standards apply specifically to detached structures used for single-unit living or tiny houses within the overlay. Unless a standard is explicitly modified by the -SRPOD, the underlying base zoning district requirements remain in effect [Sec. 5.6.1.A].
Parking Surface Standards
The City of Raleigh requires that all vehicular surface areas in the front yard of a single-unit living residence (built after July 19, 2012) be constructed of permanent, non-erodible materials.
| Permitted Surface Type | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Monolithic/Pavers | Must be porous or semi-porous. |
| Standard Paving | Poured concrete, asphalt, or masonry. |
| Crushed Stone | Minimum depth of 4 inches; must be delineated with anchored edging materials. |
These regulations do not apply to parking areas that serve single and two-unit living when those areas are located outside of the front yard [Sec. 5.6.1.B; Sec. 7.1.9].
Arrangement, Size, and Orientation
The -SRPOD strictly limits the amount of the front yard that can be utilized for parking and driveways to ensure the area does not become dominated by pavement.
Maximum Parking Area Calculations
In the City of Raleigh -SRPOD, the allowable parking area is determined by the following standards [Sec. 5.6.1.C]:
| Parking Configuration | Maximum Allowable Area |
|---|---|
| Standard Driveway | (Linear depth of front yard x 12 feet) + 380 square feet OR 40% of the front yard area (whichever is less). |
| Circular/Semi-Circular | Maximum width of 12 feet; no more than two access points; total area cannot exceed 380 square feet OR 40% of the front yard area (whichever is less). |
Prohibited Locations
Vehicular surface areas (excluding circular drives) shall not be located directly in front of the dwelling’s primary entrance within the -SRPOD [Sec. 5.6.1.B.3]. Furthermore, storing or parking vehicles on any area outside of these permitted surfaces is prohibited, except for active loading or unloading [Sec. 5.6.1.C.5].
Landscaping and Screening Requirements
When a parking space in a City of Raleigh -SRPOD is designed to be oriented within 45 degrees of the public street, it must be screened to hide the "broad side" of the vehicle from public view.
- Screening Method: A continuous berm or row of evergreen shrubs must be provided within 5 feet of the edge of the parking space [Sec. 5.6.1.D.1].
- Berm Standards: Must have a minimum height of 1.5 feet and a minimum crown width of 2 feet with a maximum 2:1 slope [Sec. 5.6.1.D.2].
- Shrub Standards: Must be a locally adapted species reaching at least 36 inches in height and spread within 2 years of planting. Shrubs must be at least 24 inches tall at the time of installation and spaced a maximum of 5 feet on center [Sec. 5.6.1.D.3-4].
Temporary and Non-Erodible Exceptions
The City of Raleigh allows for some flexibility regarding existing conditions and short-term needs:
- Temporary Parking: Property owners may apply for a zoning permit to park on grass or erodible surfaces for up to 90 days. This is permitted only once every three years and may be extended for an additional 30 days by the Development Services Director [Sec. 5.6.1.E].
- Existing Erodible Surfaces: Lawful erodible parking areas existing prior to July 19, 2012, may continue to be used without retrofitting, provided parking is limited to single-file or specifically authorized side-by-side configurations [Sec. 5.6.1.C.4].
Sections Cited
- Sec. 5.1.1. District Intent Statements
- Sec. 5.6.1. Special Residential Parking Overlay District (-SRPOD)
- Sec. 7.1.9. Parking Surface Standards