Cary, NC Parking Rules: Driveway Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing law
- Cary LDO § 5.3.4(K)
- Max streetyard coverage
- 40% of streetyard
- Base area allowance
- 330 square feet plus formula
- Surface requirement
- Improved, non-eroding surface required
- Unpaved exception
- 2 vehicles, pre-2010 lots only
Summary
Cary's LDO caps vehicle parking area on single-unit and duplex lots at 40% of the streetyard, requires an improved surface like concrete or asphalt, and limits unpaved parking to older, pre-2010 driveways.
(1) Vehicular parking area shall not exceed either of the following: (a) Forty (40) percent of any streetyard; or (b) Three hundred and thirty (330) square feet plus: i) an area equal to the linear depth of the front yard multiplied by fifteen (15) feet; or ii) a circular or semi-circular driveway, not to exceed a width of fifteen (15) feet, with no more than two (2) access points on the street... (2) Vehicular parking area shall be located in clearly delineated space(s) on an improved surface such as concrete, asphalt, gravel or other non-eroding material.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2023 S-87_S-57: Current through local ordinance 2022-Code-05, passed 11-17-2022 and effective 11-17-2022 | LDO: Current through local ordinance 2022-LDO-04, passed 11-17-22 and effective 11-17-22).
Full Breakdown
Under LDO § 5.3.4(K), vehicular parking area on single-unit and duplex residential lots may not exceed 40% of the streetyard, or 330 sq ft plus additional area tied to the depth of the front yard or a circular/semi-circular driveway up to 15 feet wide with no more than two street access points. Parking must sit on an improved surface, concrete, asphalt, gravel, or similar non-eroding material, in clearly delineated spaces. The only exception lets up to two vehicles park on an unimproved surface, parallel to the driveway, on lots recorded and developed before January 14, 2010. The rule does not apply to short-duration parking for deliveries, visitors, or infrequent social events.
Violations & Fines
Parking on unimproved surfaces beyond the pre-2010 exception, or exceeding the streetyard coverage limits, is a Land Development Ordinance violation Cary's Planning Department can enforce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I park on gravel or dirt in my Cary front yard?
How much of my front yard can I pave for parking in Cary?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cary
Compare Cary to another location·View the North Carolina parking rules overview
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