Requirements for the -SHOD-2: Special Highway Overlay District -2
The -SHOD-2: Special Highway Overlay District -2 is established by the City of Raleigh to protect the natural scenic beauty and environmental quality of the municipality's major access corridors. This overlay district primarily regulates development through a mandatory 25-foot protective yard and the prohibition of off-premise advertising, though it does not impose additional height or lot size restrictions beyond those of the underlying base zoning district [Sec. 5.1.1.C.1, Sec. 5.3.1.E.2].
Intent and Scope of -SHOD-2
The City of Raleigh utilizes the -SHOD-2 overlay to preserve the attractiveness of significant gateways and corridors. By requiring setbacks and landscaping, the -SHOD-2 aims to reduce hazards from cluttered roadside development and protect public investment in principal arterials [Sec. 5.3.1.A].
The -SHOD-2 generally extends 1,000 to 1,500 feet deep from the edge of the designated highway right-of-way, following identifiable boundaries whenever possible [Sec. 5.3.1.A.2].
Technical Development Standards
Unlike the -SHOD-1, the -SHOD-2 does not require a minimum gross site size of 2 acres. All dimensional and height standards are governed by the property's underlying base district [Sec. 5.3.1.C, Sec. 5.3.1.E.2].
Prohibited Uses and Activities
The City of Raleigh prohibits specific activities within the -SHOD-2 to maintain the visual integrity of the corridor:
- Off-premise signs: All off-premise advertising signs are strictly prohibited [Sec. 5.3.1.B].
- Encroachments: Parking areas and the placement of buildings or structures are prohibited within the required protective yard [Sec. 5.3.1.D.1.c].
- Land-Disturbing Activity: No tree or land-disturbing activity, septic systems, or stormwater facilities may be located within 32 feet of a Metro-Park boundary if the property is also within an -MPOD [Sec. 5.2.2.D.1.b].
Protective Yard and Planting Requirements
Properties within the -SHOD-2 must establish a 25-foot protective yard along any portion of a lot abutting a Major Access Corridor [Sec. 5.3.1.D.3.a]. On parcels 2 acres or larger, this yard must be established as a tree conservation area [Sec. 5.3.1.D.3].
| Requirement Category | Standard for -SHOD-2 (per 100 Lineal Feet) |
|---|---|
| Protective Yard Width | 25 feet [Sec. 5.3.1.D.3] |
| Deciduous Shade Trees | 3 [Sec. 5.3.1.F] |
| Evergreen Shade Trees | 2 [Sec. 5.3.1.F] |
| Understory Trees | 3 [Sec. 5.3.1.F] |
| Shrubs | 16 [Sec. 5.3.1.F] |
| Maximum % Deciduous Shrubs | 40% [Sec. 5.3.1.F] |
| Minimum Shrub Height | 24 inches at planting; 5 feet within 3 years [Sec. 5.3.1.F.4] |
Supplemental Planting and Vegetation Rules
- Tree Quality: Shade trees must have a minimum caliper of 3.5 inches for deciduous and 2 inches for evergreen at the time of planting [Sec. 5.3.1.F.2].
- Fences/Walls: A wall or solid fence at least 5 feet in height may be used in lieu of required shrubs in protective yards that are not designated as tree conservation areas [Sec. 5.3.1.F.5.c].
- Berms: A 3-foot tall berm may be substituted for a portion of the required shrubs, provided it is planted with at least 75% of the required number of shrubs [Sec. 5.3.1.F.5.d].
Expansions and Additions in -SHOD-2
The City of Raleigh requires the installation of the -SHOD-2 protective yard when existing developments undergo significant expansion [Sec. 5.3.1.H].
| Expansion Level | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 25% Increase | A 10-foot wide yard containing 40% of the standard -SHOD-2 plantings must be provided if the gross floor area or vehicular surface area increases by 25% [Sec. 5.3.1.H.3.a]. |
| Greater than 25% | For every 1% of expansion above 25%, the yard width must increase by 0.6 feet and the planting material must increase by 2.4% until 100% of the standard requirement is met [Sec. 5.3.1.H.3.b]. |
Lighting and Service Facilities
- Lighting: All outdoor lighting within the -SHOD-2 must be "full cutoff" fixtures. If the lot abuts a Residential District, illumination must not exceed 0.4 maintained footcandles at the property line [Sec. 5.3.1.I].
- Outdoor Service Facilities: Drive-thru windows, ATMs, or other outdoor service facilities must be located at least 100 feet away from any property line abutting a Residential District [Sec. 5.3.1.J].
Sections Cited
- Sec. 5.1.1. District Intent Statements
- Sec. 5.2.2. Metro-Park Overlay District (-MPOD)
- Sec. 5.3.1. Special Highway Overlay Districts (-SHOD-)