The Agricultural Productive (AP) Zoning District in Raleigh
Raleigh’s Agricultural Productive (AP) District is a specialized zone established to conserve agricultural land and natural amenities by requiring a minimum lot area of 125,000 square feet for residential dwellings. The district maintains its low-intensity character through substantial 150-foot building setbacks and by restricting land use primarily to farming, open space, and related low-impact activities.
Purpose and Intent of the AP District
The primary intent of the Agricultural Productive (AP) District in Raleigh is to protect active farmland and undeveloped natural areas from urban encroachment [Section 4.1.1.B]. By regulating the types and intensity of land uses, the City of Raleigh ensures that agricultural operations can continue without the interference of incompatible residential or commercial density. The AP District is designed to encourage both the protection of current agricultural practices and the long-term conservation of Raleigh's undeveloped landscapes [Section 4.1.1.B].
General Character and Building Types
The general character of the Raleigh AP District is rural and open. Development is restricted to a very low density, typically allowing only one principal dwelling unit per agricultural tract [Section 4.3.1].
The Raleigh Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) allows three specific building types within the AP District:
- Detached House: A single dwelling unit on a large lot.
- General Building: A structure intended for nonresidential uses (though limited by the specific use regulations of the district).
- Open Lot: Used for activities that require large outdoor areas, such as parks or natural areas [Section 1.4.2].
Technical Development Standards
The AP District requires significant land area and distance between structures to maintain its rural character. The following tables outline the specific dimensional and setback requirements for the district.
Lot Dimensions
| Standard | Detached House | General Building |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Area | 125,000 square feet | 100,000 square feet |
| Minimum Lot Width | 350 feet | 350 feet |
| Maximum Density | 1 unit per agriculture tract | N/A |
Setbacks and Height Limits
| Standard | Detached House | General Building |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Street Setback (min) | 150 feet | 150 feet |
| Side Street Setback (min) | 150 feet | 150 feet |
| Side Lot Line Setback (min) | 150 feet | 150 feet |
| Rear Lot Line Setback (min) | 150 feet | 150 feet |
| Parking Setback (min) | N/A | 100 feet |
| Maximum Height | 40 feet / 3 stories | 40 feet / 3 stories |
[Sections 4.3.1 & 4.3.2]
Permitted Land Uses
Land uses in the Raleigh AP District are focused on agriculture, low-intensity civic services, and extremely low-density residential living.
Residential and Civic Uses
- Residential: Single-unit living is a permitted use by right [Section 6.1.4].
- Civic: Cemeteries and schools (K-12) are allowed as limited uses, while general civic assembly is permitted by right [Section 6.1.4].
Commercial and Industrial Uses
- Agricultural Commerce: Riding stables are allowed as a limited use. In the AP District, riding stables may have one unlit announcement sign up to 9 square feet and 3.5 feet in height [Section 6.4.5.D].
- Recreation: Outdoor sports or entertainment facilities with more than 250 seats are treated as a special use, requiring Board of Adjustment approval [Section 6.1.4].
- Animal Care: Indoor animal care is a limited use, while outdoor animal care requires a special use permit [Section 6.1.4].
- Retail: Produce stands are allowed as limited temporary uses [Section 6.8.2.D].
Open and Natural Resource Uses
- Agriculture: General agriculture and restricted agriculture (raising tree/vine crops without intense cultivation) are permitted by right [Section 6.6.1].
- Community Gardens: Allowed as a limited use, providing on-site sales are managed appropriately [Section 6.6.1.B].
- Resource Extraction: Allowed as a limited use subject to specific buffering and operational standards [Section 6.6.2].
Signage and Utilities
The AP District has strict limitations on signage to prevent visual clutter in rural areas. Tract identification signs are permitted, but most urban sign types, such as high-profile ground signs or A-frame signs, are prohibited [Section 7.3.2]. Public water mains in the AP District must generally be installed in public road rights-of-way unless severe topographic constraints exist [Section 8.7.1].
Sections Cited
- Section 1.4.2. Building Types Allowed by District
- Section 4.1.1. District Intent Statements
- Section 4.3.1. Detached House (AP Standards)
- Section 4.3.2. General Building (AP Standards)
- Section 6.1.4. Allowed Principal Use Table
- Section 6.4.5. Outdoor Recreation
- Section 6.6.1. Agriculture
- Section 6.6.2. Resource Extraction
- Section 6.8.2. Temporary Use Permit Required
- Section 7.3.2. Signs Allowed by District
- Section 8.7.1. Water Supply