Cary, NC Zoning Overlays & Bonuses: Density Bonus Law (2026)
Key Facts
- Minimum site size
- 10 acres
- Applies to
- Conservation Residential Overlay (LCR/VLCR)
- Bonus condition
- Preserve non-regulatory open space
- Requires
- Development plan under LDO § 3.9
Summary
The Town of Cary's Conservation Residential Overlay lets developments exceed the lot count allowed by underlying zoning in exchange for preserving open space, on sites of at least ten acres.
An increase in the number of lots (density bonus) above the number of lots that could be achieved utilizing the underlying zoning (base number of lots) is allowed, provided the development plan meets open space requirements and other design requirements set forth within this Section... To be eligible to gain additional units above the base number of lots, the minimum size of the site shall be ten (10) acres.
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 § 4.4.3, properties zoned Conservation Residential (the LCR or VLCR subdistricts) in the Town of Cary's Conservation Residential Overlay District can obtain a density bonus, more lots than the base zoning allows, if the development plan preserves non-regulatory 'bonus' open space and meets the section's other design requirements. The site must be at least ten acres, and the applicant must file a development plan under LDO § 3.9. Parcels in Wake County outside Town limits or the ETJ must first annex and rezone before using the bonus.
Violations & Fines
A project that doesn't provide the required bonus open space or meet the design conditions in this section loses eligibility for the extra lots and is capped at the base density under the underlying zoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a site need to qualify for Cary's density bonus?
Does the density bonus apply anywhere in Cary?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Cary
Compare Cary to another location·View the North Carolina zoning overlays & bonuses overview
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Density Bonus Law in Nearby Cities
How other cities in Wake County handle density bonus law.