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Setback Requirements for the RB: Residential Business District

Jurisdiction: RaleighCode Version: May 2024

In the City of Raleigh, the RB: Residential Business district is classified as a Legacy District, meaning its specific dimensional standards are not contained within the current Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) [Sec. 1.3.4]. Instead, these requirements are maintained in the separate Part 10 Zoning Code, and the City of Raleigh prohibits the creation of new RB district boundaries or the modification of existing ones [Sec. 1.3.4].

Legacy Status of the RB District

The City of Raleigh Unified Development Ordinance identifies the RB: Residential Business district as an older zoning classification that existed prior to the adoption of the UDO. According to the code, legacy districts like RB will eventually be replaced with modern UDO zoning districts [Sec. 1.3.4].

Because the RB District is not a native UDO classification, its specific setbacks (front, side, and rear) are not found in the standard UDO dimensional tables. Users must consult the previous Part 10 Zoning Code for the base standards applicable to this district.

Comparison with Modern UDO Mixed-Use Districts

For context or for properties undergoing a rezoning from RB to a current UDO classification, the following table illustrates the setback requirements for the most similar active districts: Residential Mixed Use (RX-), Office Mixed Use (OX-), and Neighborhood Mixed Use (NX-).

UDO Base Dimensional Standards (Detached House Building Type)

Setback Type RX- (Residential Mixed Use) NX- (Neighborhood Mixed Use) OX- (Office Mixed Use)
Primary Street Setback (min) 10' 10' 10'
Side Street Setback (min) 10' 10' 10'
Side Lot Line Setback (min) 5' 5' 5'
Rear Lot Line Setback (min) 20' 20' 20'

(Reference: [Sec. 3.2.1])

Conditional Zoning Interpretation

If an RB: Residential Business property in the City of Raleigh is subject to an approved Conditional Zoning ordinance, the UDO provides specific rules of interpretation. In the event of a conflict between an approved zoning condition and a standard of the corresponding general use district, the following rules apply:

  • The UDO setback, height, and parking regulations are controlling if they are more stringent than those in the legacy conditional zoning district ordinance [Sec. 1.2.3].
  • The calculation of setbacks and other dimensions must be performed in accordance with the rules established in the UDO [Sec. 1.2.3].

Sections Cited

  • Sec. 1.2.3 Rules of Interpretation
  • Sec. 1.3.4 Legacy Districts
  • Sec. 3.2.1 Detached House (Base Dimensional Standards)

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