Navigating the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO)

In order to regulate use, the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) establishes categories of uses. These use categories classify land uses and activities based on common functional, product or physical characteristics. Use categories provide a systematic basis for assigning land uses to appropriate categories with other similar uses.

The Zoning Administrator is responsible for categorizing all uses. If a proposed use is not listed in a use category, but is similar to a listed use, the Zoning Administrator may consider the proposed use part of that use category.

Allowed Uses

The allowed use table in UDO Sec. 6.1.4. identifies uses permitted in each zoning district. The use table key is set forth below.

A. Permitted Use (P)

Indicates that the use is permitted by right in the district, meaning without any special restrictions or requirements. 

B. Limited Use (L)

Indicates that the use, while allowed by right in the district, must meet standards associated with the specific use (see right-hand column for definitions/use standards).

C. Special Use (S)

Indicates that the use requires approval by the Board of Adjustment as a special use (see UDO Sec. 10.2.9.) before it is allowed in the district. Use standards associated with the specific use may also apply.

D. Use Not Permitted (--)

Indicates that a use is not permitted

Before moving on, be sure to check the allowed principal use table located in UDO Sec. 6.1.4 to determine whether your proposed use is allowed per the subject property’s zoning designation.

Building Types

Now that you know the zoning of your property and have confirmed that the proposed use is allowed in the subject zoning district(s), the next step is to know what type of building you wish to construct. The City of Raleigh’s UDO establishes ‘Building Types’ to allow for detailed regulation of the form within each zoning district. The UDO regulates building types by district. See UDO Sec. 1.4.2  to view a table of building types allowable by zoning district. See below for a description of each building type:

• Detached House - A building constructed to accommodate 1 dwelling unit on a single lot, also commonly known as a ‘single-family’ house. A series of detached houses as part of a cottage court, which is a special grouping of houses, may be located on a single lot. In a Mixed-Use District, a detached house may be used for non-residential purposes.
• Attached House - A building constructed to accommodate 2 principal dwelling units on a single lot, also commonly known as a ‘duplex.’ A series of attached houses as part of a cottage court, which is a special grouping of houses, may be located on a single lot. In a Mixed-Use District, an attached house may be used for non-residential purposes.
• Townhouse - A building constructed to accommodate 2 or more dwelling units that are arranged side-by-side. Units may be placed on individual lots, or the entire building may be placed on a single lot. In a Mixed-Use District, a townhouse may be used for non-residential purposes.
• Apartment - A building constructed to accommodate 3 or more dwelling units that are horizontally (next to each other) or vertically (on top of each other) integrated. A common kitchen is allowed. A limited set of non-residential uses may be allowed in ground floor corner units in a Mixed-Use District. 
• General Building - A building constructed to accommodate nonresidential uses on all floors.
• Mixed-Use Building - A multi-story building constructed to accommodate retail on the ground floor and uses beyond retail on the upper floors. 
• Civic Building - A building that in residential zoning districts exclusively accommodates civic uses (schools, parks, etc.), as well as rest homes, day care centers, life care, congregate care, special care facilities, and accessory uses. Land uses otherwise allowed in the applicable zoning district are allowed in civic buildings in a Mixed-Use District.
• Open Lot - Open lots are used to accommodate uses with large outdoor or open areas. An open lot can also accommodate open space, parks, or natural areas.
• Tiny House - A building with a building footprint no greater than 800 square feet and no greater than 1,200 square feet gross floor area constructed to accommodate 1 or 2 principal dwelling units on a single lot. A series of tiny homes as part of a cottage court, which is a special grouping of houses, may be located on a single lot.
• ADUs/Accessory Structures - An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a self-contained dwelling unit that is located on the same lot as a principal dwelling and that meets the regulations identified in Section 2.6.3.D. An Accessory Dwelling Unit may be located above a garage. Accessory Dwelling Units may be detached, attached, or internal to the principal dwelling. Only residential uses are permitted in Accessory Dwelling Units.
  • An Accessory Structure is a structure with height greater than 4 feet that is subordinate in both purpose and size that is incidental to and customarily associated with any principal structure and that is located on the same lot and detached from the principal structure. See UDO Sec. 6.7 for more information.

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