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Zoning Overlays & Bonuses in Raleigh, NC (2026)

3 verified zoning overlays & bonuses rules for Raleigh, North Carolina, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Specific Plans Overview

Raleigh's Unified Development Ordinance, adopted in 2013, replaced the legacy zoning code with form-based districts, frontage standards, and design guidance shaped by the 2030 Comprehensive Plan to manage rapid growth.

Unified Development Ordinance Overview

Some Restrictions

Density Bonus Law

Raleigh's UDO offers density and height bonuses to projects that include income-restricted affordable units, helping the city expand workforce housing despite NC preemption of inclusionary zoning under state statute.

Affordable Housing Density Bonus

Some Restrictions

Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC)

Raleigh's Bus Rapid Transit corridors trigger transit overlay zoning along New Bern, Western, Southern, and Wilmington avenues, encouraging mixed-use density, reduced parking, and pedestrian-scaled frontages near future BRT stations.

Transit Overlay Districts

Some Restrictions

Looking for Wake County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Raleigh city rules.

Zoning Overlays & Bonuses in Wake County