Building Setbacks & Zoning in Cary, NC (2026)
3 verified building setbacks & zoning rules for Cary, North Carolina, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Setback Rules
Cary's Land Development Ordinance sets minimum front, side, and rear building setbacks by zoning district in Table 6.1-1; a structure cannot be built, used, or occupied unless it meets its own district's setback minimums.
Cary NC Yard Setback Rules by Zoning District
Some RestrictionsCary Land Development Ordinance §§ 6.3.2(A)(1), 6.1.1(A) (Table 6.1-1) (current through Ord. No. 2025-CODE-02, eff. 5-22-2025)
A building, structure, or lot shall not be developed, used, or occupied unless it meets the minimum setback requirements set forth in Section 6.1 for the zoning district in which it is located... TABLE 6.1-1: R-20 Residential District — Roadway: From thoroughfare 50, From collector avenue 30, From other streets 20; Side 10; Rear 25; Height (Ft) 35.
Structure Height Limits
Cary's Land Development Ordinance caps residential building height at 35 feet across the R-80 through R-8 and TR districts under Table 6.1-1, with a one-foot bonus for each extra foot of setback beyond the minimum.
Cary NC Residential Building Height Limit
Some RestrictionsCary Land Development Ordinance §§ 6.4.2(A)(1), 6.1.1(A) (Table 6.1-1) (current through Ord. No. 2025-CODE-02, eff. 5-22-2025)
The maximum height limits set forth in Section 6.1 may be increased by one (1) foot for every additional foot provided between the building footprint and the minimum required setbacks determined in accordance with this Ordinance... TABLE 6.1-1: R-20 Residential District — Height (Ft) 35.
Lot Coverage Limits
In the Town of Cary's Jordan Lake Watershed overlay, low-density projects cap impervious surface at 24% of project area, rising to 36% for projects with streets built without curbs and gutters.
Cary Watershed Impervious Surface Cap
Some RestrictionsCary Land Development Ordinance § 4.4.6(F)(1), Table 4.4-4 (Jordan Lake Watershed), current through local ordinance 2025-CODE-02 (eff. 5-22-25)
Impervious surfaces shall not exceed twenty-four (24) percent of the project area, or two (2) dwelling units per acre; or three (3) dwelling units per acre and thirty-six (36) percent impervious surface area for projects containing streets built without curbs and gutters. Jordan Lake Watershed Critical Area Non-residential and multi-family residential development's impervious surface rati...
Looking for Wake County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Cary city rules.
Building Setbacks & Zoning in Wake County →