Southeast Special Area Study

Read the Final Report and Comprehensive Plan Amendment. The City Council will consider the recommendations of the study at the April 4 meeting. View more information about City Council Public Hearings.

The City of Raleigh is considering an extension of its extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) into the Southeast Special Study Area (SESSA). This study examined strategies for future land planning that will conform to the City’s long-range vision and policies for sustainable growth. It also looked at existing and planned infrastructure networks (utilities, roads, and greenways) and the fiscal impact on City revenues, service expenditures, and capital planning. View a brief video below about EJT Expansion in the Southeast Special Study Area.

The Southeast Special Area Study is a planning project focused on the future land use, conservation and natural resources, transportation, and public utility infrastructure of approximately 18 square miles in southeast Wake County. The study area is roughly bounded by southeast Raleigh, Wake County’s boundary with Johnston County, Poole Road, Smithfield Road, and Old Baucom Road. One of the largest area studies ever undertaken by the City of Raleigh, the Study Area encompasses an area roughly the size of the Town of Chapel Hill, NC (see Growth and Extent Comparison).

The 'cover' image on this page is a photograph of the Oaky Grove Methodist Church, ca. 1910. This church is now part of the Sarah and Bailey Williamson Preserve, owned by the Triangle Land Conservancy, who provided the photo.

Project Details

Type:: Area Plans
Project Lead:: Hannah Reckhow, Senior Planner

Why do a Southeast Study?

The Southeast Special Area Study is a response to guidance from the 2030 Comprehensive Plan. The Plan influences development and conservation decisions through policies such as the Future Land Use Map, which describes the desired future land use. In this map, several Special Study Areas are identified as areas that will require more focused community outreach to determine the preferred land use pattern. The Southeast Study is focused on one of the Special Study Areas.

In addition, the study area is experiencing changing conditions that make the time ripe for thoughtful planning. Located at the periphery of several cities and towns – including Raleigh, Garner, Knightdale, Wendell, and Clayton – what is now rural in nature will be affected by the nearby growth and development. This includes growing infrastructure, such as public and private utilities and transportation projects like the I-540 connection. Major questions arise as to how this growth will affect natural resources inside the study area, including the Neuse River, N.C. Mountains-to-Sea Trail, State-recognized natural and cultural heritage sites, and remaining active agricultural land. The goal of this planning process is to involve the community in shaping a response to these changing conditions.

Understanding the Study Area – Community Engagement Phase One

The first phase of the project involved research and discussion of the study area to establish a common understanding of the issues and challenges faced. Discussions among city departments, nearby municipalities, the county, and stakeholder organizations helped establish a foundation of information on existing conditions and known projects and opportunities on the horizon. This phase was concluded in September 2019 and included community listening sessions and an online survey.

Read the Briefing Book. View the Community Meeting Presentation. See the results of the Summer 2019 survey.

Community Ideas and Options – Engagement Phase Two

This phase built on a shared understanding of the study area and considered ideas for land use, natural resources, transportation, and other issues. The input of residents and stakeholder groups was integrated through public meetings and an online survey conducted during Winter 2020. This brief video details the questions asked in the survey.

Final Recommendations

View a draft of the Executive Summary and the Final Report. Following the community’s input during Phase Three engagement, the staff is finalizing the Southeast Area Study report. The draft report is expected to undergo a final Planning Commission and City Council review in the fall of 2022 and winter of 2023.

Where are we in this process?

Phase 3 (Final Recommendations) of the project is complete. Recommendations have been refined and prioritized. A draft Final Report will be presented at several public meetings, beginning with a report to the City Council scheduled for Oct. 4. The recommendations of the Southeast Special Area Study will be presented to the Planning Commission Committee of the Whole on Nov. 17.

Community Engagement

Engagement with the community of landowners and residents of the SESSA is the cornerstone of this study. The three previous phases of community engagement are available in the past engagement box at the bottom of the page.

The final report will be reviewed at future public meetings that will include opportunities for the public to provide comments and feedback. Additional engagement will happen after the study is adopted by City Council and implementation of the study’s recommendations begins.

Get updates on future engagement opportunities by subscribing to Southeast Study (see sign-up box) or contact Don Belk, project manager for more information on the study. Check this page or follow us on social media (Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram) to receive notifications once dates are set.

Why do a Southeast Study?

The Southeast Special Area Study is a response to guidance from the 2030 Comprehensive Plan. The Plan influences development and conservation decisions through policies such as the Future Land Use Map, which describes the desired future use of a property. In this map, several Special Study Areas are identified as areas that will require more focused community outreach to determine the preferred land use pattern. The Southeast Study is focused on one of the Special Study Areas.

Why should I get involved?

Plans such as the Southeast Special Area Study are a way to shape the future of an area. Planning affects many aspects of everyday life – what kind of housing is available, how we get around, the preservation of natural areas, and much more. Your involvement in the process helps build effective recommendations for the study area.

Next Steps

The SESSA Project Team will present the final Southeast Area Study Report to City Council on Oct. 4. The City Council will then have the opportunity to refer the study recommendations to the Planning Commission for further review.