Setback Requirements for the R-10: Residential-10 District in Raleigh
In the City of Raleigh R-10: Residential-10 district, the standard primary street and side street setbacks are generally 10 feet for most building types under the conventional development option. Side lot line setbacks are typically 5 feet for residential structures and 10 feet for civic buildings, while rear lot line setbacks are generally 20 feet, with specific reductions allowed for Tiny Houses and conservation developments. [Sec. 2.2.1, Sec. 2.2.8, Sec. 2.4.2].
Development Options and Building Types
The City of Raleigh R-10: Residential-10 district allows for various building types including detached houses, attached houses, townhouses, apartments, tiny houses, and civic buildings. Setback requirements are determined by the specific development option chosen: Conventional, Compact, Conservation, or Frequent Transit. [Sec. 2.1.1.F, Sec. 1.4.2].
Conventional Development Option Setbacks
The following table outlines the minimum principal building setbacks for the R-10: Residential-10 district when utilizing the Conventional Development Option. [Sec. 2.2.1 – 2.2.9].
| Building Type | Primary Street (Min) | Side Street (Min) | Side Lot Line (Min) | Rear Lot Line (Min) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Detached House | 10' | 10' | 5' | 20' |
| Attached House | 10' | 10' | 5' | 20' |
| Townhouse | 10' | 10' | 6' (Site Boundary) | 20' (Site Boundary) |
| Apartment | 10' | 10' | 5' | 20' |
| Tiny House | 10' | 10' | 5' | 10' |
| Civic Building | 10' | 10' | 10' | 20' |
| Open Lot | 10' | 10' | 10' | 20' |
Compact and Conservation Development Option Setbacks
These options allow for modified lot dimensions and setbacks in exchange for the preservation of common open space within the City of Raleigh. [Sec. 2.3.1, Sec. 2.4.1].
| Development Option | Building Type | Primary Street | Side Street | Side Lot | Rear Lot |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compact | Detached House | 10' | 10' | 5' | 20' |
| Compact | Townhouse | 10' | 10' | 10' | 20' |
| Conservation | Detached House | 10' | 10' | 5' | 15' |
| Conservation | Townhouse | 10' | 10' | 6' | 20' |
| Conservation | Apartment | 10' | 10' | 5' | 20' |
Frequent Transit Development Option Setbacks
For properties in the City of Raleigh R-10: Residential-10 district located near planned frequent transit service, the Frequent Transit Development Option provides the following setbacks to encourage higher-density, transit-oriented growth. [Sec. 2.7.1].
| Building Type (Frequent Transit) | Primary Street | Side Street | Side Lot Line | Rear Lot Line |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Applicable Types | 10' | 10' | 5' | 15' |
Special Setback Provisions in the R-10 District
Residential Infill Compatibility
In the City of Raleigh R-10: Residential-10 district, residential infill rules may apply to sites of 5 acres or less if the street section has been platted for at least 20 years. In these cases, the primary street setback is determined by a "comparative sample" of the four closest principal buildings on the same block face. The proposed building must be no closer than the smallest primary street setback and no further than the largest in that sample. [Sec. 2.2.7].
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Setbacks
Accessory Dwelling Units in the City of Raleigh must adhere to specific setbacks to ensure they remain incidental to the principal structure. [Sec. 2.6.3].
- Primary Street: Must be located at or behind the front wall of the principal house.
- Side Street: 10 feet.
- Side Lot Line: 5 feet.
- Rear Lot Line: 5 feet.
- Alley: 4 feet (without parking) or 20 feet (with parking).
Flag Lot Setbacks
Flag lots, which are permitted in the R-10: Residential-10 district for Tiny Houses only, have the following requirements: [Sec. 2.6.4].
- Primary Street: 10 feet.
- Side Street: 10 feet.
- Side Lot Line: 5 feet.
- Rear Lot Line: 10 feet.
Measurement and Encroachments
Setbacks in the City of Raleigh are measured perpendicular from the edge of the existing or proposed right-of-way (whichever is greater) for streets, or from the property line for side and rear boundaries. [Sec. 1.5.4].
Certain architectural features are permitted to encroach into the required R-10 setbacks: [Sec. 1.5.4.D].
- Porches and Decks: May extend up to 9 feet into a primary or side street setback and up to 12 feet into a side or rear setback, provided they remain at least 3 feet from any property line.
- Cornices and Sills: May project up to 1.5 feet into any setback.
- Building Eaves and Awnings: May extend up to 5 feet into any setback, provided they are at least 3 feet from the property line.
Sections Cited
- Article 1.3. Zoning Districts
- Article 1.4. Building Types
- Article 1.5. Measurement, Exceptions & General Rules of Applicability
- Article 2.1. General Provisions
- Article 2.2. Conventional Development Option
- Article 2.3. Compact Development
- Article 2.4. Conservation Development Option
- Article 2.6. Additional Housing Patterns
- Article 2.7. Frequent Transit Development Option