Landscaping Rules in Raleigh, NC (2026)
6 verified landscaping rules for Raleigh, North Carolina, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Tree Removal & Heritage Trees
When Raleigh issues a tree conservation permit under UDO Sec. 9.1.6, the property owner must replace every removed tree: either by preserving an equal-size undisturbed area elsewhere, or by planting a 2-inch caliper shade tree for every 200 square feet disturbed. Unlawful removal instead triggers Sec. 9.1.8 restoration: equal-caliper replanting or a $100-per-caliper-inch fee to the City.
Raleigh Mandates Replacement Trees After Removal
Some RestrictionsRaleigh Unified Development Ordinance §§ 9.1.6.C, 9.1.8
When a tree conservation permit is issued in accordance with Sec. 9.1.6.B.1., the property owner must install replacement trees for any tree situated within the limits of the tree disturbing activities in one of the following ways: One or more undisturbed areas of equal size containing vegetation similar in size and quantity as that which is being removed is preserved in alternate undisturbed a...
Weed Ordinances
Raleigh caps weeds and grass at 8 inches on any lot within 100 feet of a street or a neighboring dwelling/commercial building, or within 50 feet of any dwelling or commercial building outright. The Department of Inspections enforces it with a 10-day notice before abating and billing the owner.
Raleigh Weed and Grass Height Limit: 8 Inches
Some RestrictionsRaleigh City Code § 12-6002(b)
(b)A place of dense growth of weeds or grasses, other than ornamental grasses, over eight (8) inches in height, which:(1)Lies less than one hundred (100) feet from any abutting open street, or(2)Lies less than one hundred (100) feet from any adjoining property which contains a dwelling or commercial building; or(3)Lies within fifty (50) feet of any dwelling or commercial building; or(4)Is a foc...
Water Restrictions
Every new permanent in-ground irrigation system installed in Raleigh since July 1, 2010 must be individually metered and run through a smart controller, a programmable timer plus two weather-based shut-off sensors, installed by a state-licensed irrigation contractor under City Code § 8-2169. A field audit confirming at least 50 percent distribution uniformity is required within one month of installation, and failing systems can have irrigation service cut off.
Raleigh New Irrigation System Requirements
Some RestrictionsRaleigh City Code § 8-2169
Upon application of this Article, all new permanent in-ground irrigation systems shall be individually metered. The irrigation systems shall be installed, maintained and operated according to the following design specifications. These systems must include: (1) A smart controller, which will consist of: (a) an approved programmable timer that must reflect mandatory watering restrictions to inclu...
Rainwater Harvesting
Raleigh's Unified Development Ordinance treats rain barrels, cisterns and other rainwater collection or harvesting systems as an allowed encroachment into a required rear or side yard setback, so long as the unit stays at least 3 feet off the lot line. The same rule covers solar panels and residential mechanical equipment, but it does not reach the front or side-street setback.
Raleigh Rainwater Harvesting Setback Rules
Few RestrictionsRaleigh Unified Development Ordinance § 1.5.4
Solar panels or wind turbines may extend into a required rear or side setback, provided that such extension is at least 3 feet from the vertical plane of any lot line. Rainwater collection or harvesting systems may extend into a required rear or side setback, provided that such extension is at least 3 feet from the vertical plane of any lot line.
Artificial Turf
Raleigh's stormwater rules treat properly installed artificial turf as 0% built-upon area, the same as bare soil, if it's manufactured to drain through its backing, installed per the manufacturer's specifications, and laid over a pervious surface underneath. UDO Sec. 9.2.1 sets the standard, letting homeowners add turf without eating into their zoning district's impervious surface limit.
Raleigh Credits Draining Artificial Turf As Pervious
Light RestrictionsRaleigh Unified Development Ordinance § 9.2.1 (Definitions — 'Built-upon area')
Definitions: 'Built-upon area' means impervious surface and partially impervious surface to the extent that the partially impervious surface does not allow water to infiltrate through the surface and into the subsoil... Asphalt, concrete, crusher-run, masonry, roofing materials, and other impervious surfaces are considered 100% built-upon area unless otherwise specified below... Artificial turf...
Composting
Raleigh's nuisance code treats uncollected garbage and yard waste as a public nuisance, but §12-6002(i) carves out a properly maintained compost pile. Put it in your side or rear yard, use it for lawn or garden fertilizer, and follow Solid Waste Services' yard waste guidelines, and it's exempt, unless it becomes a breeding ground for rodents or another nuisance listed in the same section.
Raleigh Backyard Compost Pile Rule
Light RestrictionsRaleigh City Code § 12-6002(i)
(i)Any concentration of collection of garbage, animal waste, yard waste or any rotten or putrescible matter of any kind which is not maintained for collection in accordance with Solid Waste Collection Code; however, nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prevent the generally accepted use of a properly maintained compost pile sited in the side or rear yard area being used for fertiliz...
Looking for Wake County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Raleigh city rules.
Landscaping Rules in Wake County →