3 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Wake County, North Carolina.
Verified from official government sources
Wake County UDO Article 5 sets minimum setbacks by zoning district. R-30 (1-acre residential) requires 50 ft front, 20 ft side, 30 ft rear. R-40 (½-acre residential): 40/15/25. R-80: 60/30/40. Cluster subdivisions may reduce setbacks via cluster development standards.
Wake County UDO §5-21 caps principal residential building heights at 35 ft (R-30, R-40, R-80) or 45 ft for some specific districts. Accessory structures are typically capped at 25 ft or the height of the principal structure, whichever is less. Steeples, antennas, and chimneys are exempt.
Wake County UDO §5-21 caps impervious surface coverage in residential districts: R-30 (¾-acre) typically 30% max, R-40 (1-acre) 25% max, R-80 (2-acre) 15% max. Falls Lake and Neuse buffers further restrict. Driveways, patios, and roofs all count.
2 cities in Wake County have their own building setbacks & zoning rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
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Wake County Ordinance Hub →