What are the front, side, and rear setback requirements for the R-20: Residential-20 district in Raleigh?
In the City of Raleigh, the R-20: Residential-20 district is classified as a Legacy District. According to the City's Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), the specific dimensional standards and setback requirements for R-20 are maintained in the older Part 10 Zoning Code and are not listed in the current UDO's residential tables [Section 1.3.4].
Legacy District Status
The Raleigh Unified Development Ordinance designates several districts, including R-20 Residential-20, as legacy districts. These districts exist for properties that were zoned under the previous code and will eventually be replaced with modern UDO zoning districts. The following restrictions apply to R-20 and other legacy districts in the City of Raleigh:
- Regulations: The specific requirements for R-20 exist in the Part 10 Zoning Code.
- Expansion: No new legacy districts may be added to the Official Zoning Map.
- Boundaries: The boundaries of any existing legacy district cannot be modified [Section 1.3.4].
General Setback Measurement Standards
While the specific numeric setbacks for R-20 are found in the legacy code, the City of Raleigh UDO provides the mandatory rules for how all setbacks are measured. These rules apply to any structure within the corporate limits and extraterritorial jurisdiction [Section 1.1.2].
| Setback Type | Measurement Method |
|---|---|
| Primary Street Setback | Measured perpendicular from the edge of the existing or proposed right-of-way, whichever is greater [Section 1.5.4.B.1]. |
| Side Street Setback | Measured perpendicular from the edge of the existing or proposed right-of-way, whichever is greater [Section 1.5.4.B.1]. |
| Side Setback | Measured perpendicular from the side property line [Section 1.5.4.B.2]. |
| Rear Setback | Measured perpendicular from the rear property line or the edge of the existing/proposed right-of-way, whichever is greater, where there is an alley [Section 1.5.4.B.3]. |
Permitted Setback Encroachments
In all Residential Districts in the City of Raleigh, certain building features are permitted to encroach into the required setbacks. Common permitted encroachments include:
- Building Features: Porches, decks, patios, and stoops greater than 1 foot in height may extend 12 feet into a required side or rear setback, provided they remain at least 3 feet from the property line. They may extend 9 feet into a primary or side street setback, provided they remain 3 feet from the property line [Section 1.5.4.D.1.a].
- Balconies: May extend up to 6 feet into a required setback, provided the landing is at least 3 feet from any lot line [Section 1.5.4.D.1.b].
- Minor Features: Chimneys, flues, bay windows, oriels, and vestibules may extend up to 4 feet into a required setback [Section 1.5.4.D.1.d-f].
- Eaves: Roof overhangs and awnings may extend up to 5 feet into a required setback [Section 1.5.4.D.1.e].
Sections Cited
- Sec. 1.1.2. Applicability
- Sec. 1.3.4. Legacy Districts
- Sec. 1.5.4. Building Setbacks