Durham County, NC Parking Rules: Driveway Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Yard/grass parking
- Prohibited
- Surface required
- All-weather, usually paved
- Max front driveway width
- 30 feet
- Code
- UDO 10.2.3A, 10.4.2D
- Applies to
- City and county (shared UDO)
Summary
In Durham, driveways and parking areas in front and side yards must have a defined all-weather surface, grass, landscaping and bare earth are prohibited, and a front driveway cannot exceed 30 feet wide.
Grass, landscaped areas, and bare earth areas are prohibited for any driveway or parking.
Full Breakdown
UDO 10.2.3A requires front- and side-yard parking spaces and driveways to be clearly defined, constructed and maintained with a surface per the design standards, and states 'Grass, landscaped areas, and bare earth areas are prohibited for any driveway or parking.' Between the home and the street the driveway 'shall not exceed 30 feet in width' (10.2.3A.2). In most tiers driveways must be paved (10.4.2D). Residents may park on their own surfaced driveway but not on unimproved yard.
Violations & Fines
Enforced by Durham Planning as a UDO zoning violation; the owner is notified to surface or narrow the driveway, with civil penalties for noncompliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I park on the grass at my Durham home?
How wide can my driveway be?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Durham County
Compare Durham County to another location·View the North Carolina parking rules overview
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