The R-15 Residential-15 Legacy District in the City of Raleigh
The R-15 Residential-15 district is a legacy zoning classification in the City of Raleigh that remains from the previous Part 10 Zoning Code. Under the current Unified Development Ordinance, the City of Raleigh prohibits the creation of any new R-15 districts or the modification of existing R-15 boundaries as these areas are slated for eventual transition into modern UDO zoning districts [Sec. 1.3.4].
Purpose and Status in Raleigh
The primary purpose of the R-15 Residential-15 designation in the City of Raleigh is to recognize existing zoning entitlements from the city's previous regulatory framework while the municipality transitions to the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). The City of Raleigh identifies R-15 as a "Legacy District," meaning it is a placeholder for properties that have not yet been rezoned to a UDO-compliant district [Sec. 1.3.4].
Because the R-15 district belongs to the older "Part 10 Zoning Code," the City of Raleigh does not allow for any expansion of its footprint. No new R-15 districts may be added to the Official Zoning Map, and the boundaries of any existing R-15 Residential-15 district cannot be modified [Sec. 1.3.4].
Permitted Land Uses and Character
While the specific use standards for the R-15 Residential-15 district are contained within the older Part 10 Zoning Code rather than the current UDO, the City of Raleigh recognizes these districts as valid general use or conditional districts until they are officially replaced [Sec. 1.3.4].
The Residential-15 name traditionally characterizes a residential density of 15 units per acre; however, the provided City of Raleigh UDO documentation focuses its active residential regulations on the R-1, R-2, R-4, R-6, and R-10 districts [Sec. 2.1.1]. Consequently, properties currently zoned R-15 Residential-15 in the City of Raleigh are subject to the following administrative regulations:
Raleigh Legacy District Regulations
| Regulation Type | Standard for R-15 Residential-15 District |
|---|---|
| Creation of New Districts | Prohibited [Sec. 1.3.4] |
| Boundary Modifications | Prohibited [Sec. 1.3.4] |
| District Origin | Part 10 Zoning Code [Sec. 1.3.4] |
| Ultimate Disposition | To be replaced with a UDO zoning district [Sec. 1.3.4] |
| Allowed Variations | May exist as a general use or conditional district [Sec. 1.3.4] |
Neighborhood and Site Standards
For properties in the City of Raleigh that transition from a legacy district like R-15 Residential-15 to a UDO district, the UDO provides clear intent statements for its active residential classifications. For example, the R-10 district (the highest density standard UDO residential district mentioned) allows for single-unit, two-unit, and multi-unit living in various building types [Sec. 2.1.1.F].
In the event of a conflict between an approved zoning condition in a legacy-derived conditional district and a UDO standard, the City of Raleigh dictates that the new UDO general use district standards or the more stringent height, setback, and parking regulations shall control [Sec. 1.2.3].
Sections Cited
- Section 1.2.3 Rules of Interpretation
- Section 1.3.4 Legacy Districts
- Section 2.1.1 District Intent Statements