Setback Requirements for the CM: Conservation Management District in Raleigh
In the City of Raleigh, the CM: Conservation Management district requires a uniform minimum setback of 50 feet from all property boundaries, including primary streets, side streets, side lot lines, and rear lot lines. This district is established to preserve permanent open space for passive and recreational needs, and as such, all development within the City of Raleigh CM district must remain predominantly unoccupied by buildings or impervious surfaces [Sec. 4.1.1.A, Sec. 4.2.2].
CM District Setback Standards
The City of Raleigh Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) classifies the CM district as a "Special District" [Sec. 1.3.1]. Within this district, the only allowed building type is the "Open Lot," which is subject to specific dimensional standards to ensure the preservation of natural space [Sec. 1.4.2].
The following table outlines the minimum building and protective yard setbacks for the CM: Conservation Management district:
| Setback Category | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| B1: From primary street (min) | 50 feet |
| B2: From side street (min) | 50 feet |
| B3: From side lot line (min) | 50 feet |
| B4: From rear lot line (min) | 50 feet |
Note: Any primary street, side street, or rear lot line that adjoins any street in the CM district must also comply with the specific planting requirements for a Special Highway Overlay District (SHOD-1) [Sec. 4.2.2].
General Provisions and Intent
The City of Raleigh established the CM: Conservation Management district to maintain land for the citizens' healthy enjoyment while protecting environmental features. Because of this intent, the City of Raleigh UDO mandates that a minimum of 30% of CM-zoned land on sites 2 acres or larger be delineated as a primary tree conservation area [Sec. 4.2.1.A].
Utility and Infrastructure Constraints within CM Setbacks
The City of Raleigh UDO imposes additional restrictions on infrastructure that traverses these setback or protective yard areas:
- Visual Buffering: Water lines that traverse a CM district or its protective yards for a distance of 50 feet or more must be constructed with a bend to prevent a direct sight view through the district, provided the bend does not exceed a 90-degree angle [Sec. 8.7.1.D].
- Stormwater Management: Storm drainage pipes traversing the CM district or its protective yards for 50 feet or more must also include a bend to prevent direct sight lines unless a natural vegetative screen is already present [Sec. 8.8.2.B.6].
Allowed Building Elements
While the 50-foot setbacks are strict, certain building elements are permitted within the City of Raleigh CM district for the "Open Lot" building type. These elements must still adhere to the general rules of applicability for setbacks and include:
- Porches and stoops
- Balconies
- Galleries and awnings [Sec. 4.2.2.D]
Sections Cited
- Section 1.3.1. General Use Zoning Districts
- Section 1.4.2. Building Types Allowed by District
- Section 4.1.1. District Intent Statements
- Section 4.2.1. General Provisions
- Section 4.2.2. Open Lot
- Section 8.7.1. Water Supply
- Section 8.8.2. Piping of Watercourses