Raleigh Zoning Regulations for Short-Term Rentals and Bed and Breakfasts
In the City of Raleigh, short-term rentals are permitted as a limited use in nearly all residential and mixed-use districts, including R-1, R-2, R-4, R-6, R-10, RX-, OX-, NX-, CX-, and DX-. Bed and breakfasts are also allowed in several districts but are subject to stricter locational requirements, such as being situated within a historic district or designated landmark, and are limited to a maximum of five guest rooms. Both types of lodging require specific permits and must comply with City of Raleigh standards regarding parking, signage, and occupancy [Sec. 6.1.4, Sec. 6.4.6.B, Sec. 6.4.6.E].
Allowed Zoning Districts
The City of Raleigh Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) specifies which districts allow for different types of "Overnight Lodging." The following table details the permissions for short-term rentals and bed and breakfasts by district.
| District Type | District Name | Short-Term Rental | Bed and Breakfast |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential | R-1, R-2, R-4, R-6 | Limited (L) | Not Permitted (--) |
| Residential | R-10 | Limited (L) | Limited (L) |
| Mixed Use | RX- (Residential Mixed Use) | Limited (L) | Limited (L) |
| Mixed Use | OX- (Office Mixed Use) | Limited (L) | Permitted (P) |
| Mixed Use | NX- (Neighborhood Mixed Use) | Limited (L) | Permitted (P) |
| Mixed Use | CX- (Commercial Mixed Use) | Limited (L) | Permitted (P) |
| Mixed Use | DX- (Downtown Mixed Use) | Limited (L) | Permitted (P) |
| Mixed Use | OP- (Office Park) | Not Permitted (--) | Not Permitted (--) |
| Special | CM, AP, IH, MH | Not Permitted (--) | Not Permitted (--) |
(P = Permitted by right; L = Limited Use subject to specific standards; -- = Use not permitted) [Sec. 6.1.4].
Short-Term Rental Standards
A short-term rental in the City of Raleigh is defined as a dwelling unit used for overnight lodging accommodations provided to renters for no longer than 30 days for compensation [Sec. 6.4.6.E.1].
General Requirements
- Permit Required: Every operator must apply for and procure a miscellaneous zoning permit from the City of Raleigh [Sec. 6.4.6.E.2.a].
- Cooking Facilities: Cooking facilities (such as large refrigerators or stovetop ranges) are strictly prohibited in individual bedrooms. One-room studio rentals may have a consolidated kitchen area [Sec. 6.4.6.E.2.b].
- Advertising: No exterior advertising is allowed on the premises [Sec. 6.4.6.E.2.c].
- Special Events: In residential zoning districts, operators may not use the premises for special events or large gatherings [Sec. 6.4.6.E.2.d].
- Multi-Unit Limits: For any multi-unit living use, no more than 25% of the units, or two dwelling units (whichever is greater), may be used for short-term rentals within a single building [Sec. 6.4.6.E.2.f].
- Record Keeping: Operators must maintain a list of all lodgers for a period of three years [Sec. 6.4.6.E.2.h].
Revocation and Penalties
The City of Raleigh may revoke a short-term rental permit if there are criminal convictions on the premises or two or more "Verified Violations" (such as noise or nuisance complaints) within a 365-day period. Once revoked, a new permit cannot be issued for 365 days [Sec. 6.4.6.E.4].
Bed and Breakfast Standards
A bed and breakfast in the City of Raleigh is a structure originally constructed as a detached house that has no more than five guest rooms and where breakfast is customarily served to guests [Sec. 6.4.6.B.1].
Locational and Operational Criteria
- Historic Status: To operate a bed and breakfast, the facility must generally be located in a General Historic Overlay District (-HOD-G), a Streetside Historic Overlay District (-HOD-S), a property designated as a Historic Landmark, or a property listed on the National Register of Historic Places [Sec. 6.4.6.B.2.a].
- R-10 Restrictions: In the R-10 District, special events like wedding receptions are prohibited, and exterior advertising is limited to one small unlit sign not exceeding 2 square feet [Sec. 6.4.6.B.2.c-d].
Technical Standards: Parking and Signs
Both short-term rentals and bed and breakfasts must adhere to the City of Raleigh's general development standards for parking and signage.
| Category | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Vehicle Parking | 1.5 spaces per room or bedroom [Sec. 7.1.2.C] |
| Permit Requirement | Zoning Permit required for all site plans [Sec. 11.4.1.H] |
| Signage (General) | Not allowed for STRs; limited in R-10 for B&Bs [Sec. 6.4.6.E.2.c, Sec. 6.4.6.B.2.c] |
Sections Cited
- Section 6.1.4. Allowed Principal Use Table
- Section 6.4.6.B. Bed and Breakfast
- Section 6.4.6.E. Short-Term Rental
- Section 7.1.2.C. Parking Requirements by Use
- Section 10.2.7. Miscellaneous Zoning Permits
- Section 10.4.2. Civil Penalty
- Section 11.4.1. Permit Requirements