Zoning Report
Raleigh, NC Zoning
Raleigh regulates land use primarily through its Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), which covers zoning, subdivision, stormwater, and natural resource conservation. The city uses base zoning districts in three broad groups—residential, mixed-use, and special districts—with overlay districts layered on top where added preservation, environmental, or design controls apply. The framework is relatively structured and process-driven, with multiple review paths including administrative staff review, site permit review, Planning Commission review for policy cases, and quasi-judicial Board of Adjustment review for variances and special use permits.
Last researched May 2026
Zoning Districts in Raleigh, NC
Residential Districts
Neighborhood-oriented districts intended for lower-intensity residential development.
Allowed uses: Residential uses, Civic uses such as schools, Churches
Residential Mixed Use (RX)
A lower-intensity mixed-use district intended to provide a buffer between residential areas and more intensive activity.
Allowed uses: Mixed-use development, Limited retail use
Office Mixed Use (OX)
A lower-intensity mixed-use district focused on office and compatible supporting activity.
Allowed uses: Office-oriented mixed use, Limited retail use
Office Park (OP)
A mixed-use district intended for office park-style development with limited retail intensity.
Allowed uses: Office park and related uses, Limited retail use
Neighborhood Mixed Use (NX)
A more flexible mixed-use district suited to neighborhood commercial centers and corridors.
Allowed uses: A greater range of residential and commercial uses
Commercial Mixed Use (CX)
A higher-intensity mixed-use district suited to commercial centers and corridors.
Allowed uses: Commercial uses, Mixed-use development, Broader range of uses than lower-intensity mixed-use districts
Industrial Mixed Use (IX)
A district allowing a broader mix of industrial and other compatible activity.
Allowed uses: Industrial and mixed-use activity
Special Districts
Customized districts for sensitive environmental areas, agricultural uses, or heavy industry.
Allowed uses: Uses requiring tailored regulation
Recent Zoning Changes
The source material confirms that Raleigh launched a new web format for its UDO and notes that state legislation adopted on Dec. 11, 2024 affected Raleigh UDO amendments relating to nonconformities and downzoning going back to June 14, 2024. The municipal code source also shows city ordinances adopted in early 2026, but the provided excerpts do not show zoning-specific ordinance amendments beyond the state-law-related note.
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