Apex, NC Parking Rules: Driveway Rules (2026)

Apex's driveway and front-yard parking framework is layered in the Unified Development Ordinance and Chapter 20 of the Code of Ordinances. UDO Section 8.3.4.E (Residential Driveway Standards) provides: '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.' For access count: 'Single-family residential properties are limited to one (1) driveway access point to the public street system, except in the following cases: a) A circular drive that is contributing to the historic nature of a Historic Structure as defined in Sec. 12.2 Terms Defined; b) Homes without an existing garage or carport, where a proposed garage or carport would be served from a different street than the existing driveway; or c) Construction of an accessory apartment, where the accessory apartment would be served from a different street than the primary driveway.' UDO Section 8.3.4 (Setbacks) provides: 'Required off-street parking spaces and driveways must be located at least five (5) feet from any required buffer or Resource Conservation Area, except driveways crossing perpendicularly through buffers. 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.' For guest parking, UDO Section 8.3.4 requires: 'Guest parking shall be designated within common areas and be distributed throughout residential projects. Striped on-street parking may be counted toward guest parking requirements. For Townhouse, detached and Townhouse, guest parking shall be distributed so that there is at least one parking space within 200 feet of each townhouse lot.' Apex single-family dwellings must provide 2 motor vehicle spaces per dwelling unit under Table 8.3-1; townhouses must provide 2 per unit plus 0.25 per unit for guest parking. On the public street, NCGS 20-162(a) prohibits parking in front of a private driveway, within 15 feet of a fire hydrant or fire station entrance, or within 25 feet of a curb-line intersection. Driveway approaches and curb cuts in the public right-of-way require coordination with the Town's Engineering and Planning departments.