Driveway Rules: Apex vs Cary
How do driveway rules rules compare between Apex, NC and Cary, NC?
Apex and Cary have similar restriction levels.
Apex, NC
Wake County
Apex UDO Section 8.3.4.E (Residential Driveway Standards) sets the design baseline: driveways serving single-family residential properties shall have a minimum width of 12 feet, and driveways serving all residential properties shall be at least 20 feet in length as measured from the ultimate right-of-way (or from the back of sidewalk if the sidewalk is located on private property). Single-family residential properties are limited to one driveway access point to the public street system except in three narrow cases. Off-street parking or storage of vehicles, travel trailers, or motor homes shall not be permitted within any front or street side setback area except in the driveway access portion. Required parking and driveways must be at least five feet from any required buffer or Resource Conservation Area.
View full Apex rules →Cary, NC
Wake County
Cary requires driveways to meet town engineering standards. Vehicles must not block sidewalks when parked in driveways. Driveway construction or modifications require permits.
View full Cary rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Apex | Cary |
|---|---|---|
| Min Driveway Width | 12 ft single-family (Sec. 8.3.4.E) | - |
| Min Driveway Length | 20 ft from ROW (Sec. 8.3.4.E) | - |
| Access Points | 1 per single-family lot (3 exceptions) | - |
| Setback Storage | No vehicles outside driveway access | - |
| Buffer Setback | 5 ft from buffer/RCA | - |
| Permit Required | - | Yes — for new or modified driveways |
| Sidewalk Blocking | - | Prohibited |
| Front Yard Parking | - | Only on paved driveways |
| Stormwater | - | May apply to expansions |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Apex FAQ
How wide and long does my Apex residential driveway have to be?
Apex UDO Section 8.3.4.E (Residential Driveway Standards) sets the minimums: 'Driveways serving single-family residential properties shall have a minimum width of 12 feet. Ribbon strip driveways within the Small Town Character Overlay District shall be exempt from this standard.' For length: 'Driveways serving all residential properties shall be at least 20 feet in length as measured from the ultimate right-of-way or from the back of sidewalk if the sidewalk is located on private property. Driveways accessed by an alley shall be exempt from this Section.' Single-family lots are limited to one driveway access point unless they qualify for one of three exceptions (circular drive contributing to a Historic Structure, homes without an existing garage/carport where a new garage or carport is served from a different street, or accessory apartment served from a different street). Curb cuts or driveway approaches in the public right-of-way require coordination with the Town. Contact the Apex Planning Department at (919) 249-3426 before starting work.
Can I park on the lawn or in my front yard in Apex?
Only on the driveway portion of the front or street side setback. UDO Section 8.3.4 (Off-Street Parking and Loading - Location - Setbacks) provides: 'Off-street parking or storage of vehicles, travel trailers, or motor homes shall not be permitted within any front or street side setback area, provided that off-street parking may be permitted within that portion of any setback used for driveway access to required off-street parking areas. Storage of mobile homes is not permitted.' That language allows vehicles only on the driveway within the required street-side setback; storing vehicles on the lawn or elsewhere in the front setback is not allowed. UDO Section 8.3.4 (Setbacks) also requires that parking and driveways be at least 5 feet from any required buffer or Resource Conservation Area, except driveways crossing perpendicularly through buffers. On the public street, NCGS 20-162 prohibits parking in front of a private driveway, blocking a sidewalk, or within 15 feet of a fire hydrant.
Cary FAQ
Do I need a permit to widen my driveway in Cary?
Yes. Driveway construction and modifications require a permit from the town. Stormwater management requirements may also apply.
Can I park on my front lawn in Cary?
No. Vehicles must be parked on paved driveways or approved surfaces, not on landscaped front yard areas.
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