Zoning Overlays & Bonuses in Cary, NC (2026)
2 verified zoning overlays & bonuses rules for Cary, North Carolina, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Density Bonus Law
The Town of Cary's Conservation Residential Overlay lets developments exceed the lot count allowed by underlying zoning in exchange for preserving open space, on sites of at least ten acres.
Cary Conservation Overlay Density Bonus
Some RestrictionsCary Land Development Ordinance § 4.4.3(D), current through local ordinance 2025-CODE-02 (eff. 5-22-25)
An increase in the number of lots (density bonus) above the number of lots that could be achieved utilizing the underlying zoning (base number of lots) is allowed, provided the development plan meets open space requirements and other design requirements set forth within this Section... To be eligible to gain additional units above the base number of lots, the minimum size of the site shall be t...
Downtown Design Guide
New development in the Town of Cary's Town Center district must meet design standards in the Community Appearance Manual, Downtown Streetscape Master Plan, and Site Design Standards before development plan approval.
Cary Town Center Design Standards
Some RestrictionsCary Land Development Ordinance § 4.2(N)(10)(d), current through local ordinance 2025-CODE-02 (eff. 5-22-25)
All new development requiring development plan approval within the Town Center district shall be consistent with the applicable design standards in the Community Appearance Manual, Downtown Streetscape Master Plan, and the Site Design Standards.
Looking for Wake County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Cary city rules.
Zoning Overlays & Bonuses in Wake County →