4 Zoning Districts
A. The following zoning districts are hereby established, and are intended to implement the Comprehensive Plan
.
Symbol | District | Former Districts |
|---|---|---|
RR | Residential Rural | RD |
RS-20 RS-10 RS-8 RS-M | Residential Suburban – 20 Residential Suburban – 10 Residential Suburban – 8 Residential Suburban Multifamily | R-20 R-10, R-15 R-8 RM-8, RM-12, RM-16 |
RU-5 RU-5(2) RU-M | Residential Urban – 5 Residential Urban – 5 (2) (duplexes allowed) Residential Urban Multifamily | R-5 R-3 RM-16, RM-20 |
RC | Residential Compact | ITOD-CN, RM-CN |
Nonresidential Districts | ||
CI | Commercial Infill | – NEW – |
CN | Commercial Neighborhood | NC |
OI | Office | O&I-1, O&I-2 |
CG | Commercial General | GC |
SRP | Science Research Park | RSCH, RAD |
SRP-C | Science Research Park-Center | – NEW – (County Only) |
IL | Industrial Light | I-2, CT |
I | Industrial | I-3 |
Planned Districts | ||
PDR | Planned Development | PDR |
UC | University and College | UC |
UC-2 | University and College-2 | – NEW – |
CC | Commercial Center | SC |
IP | Industrial Park | I-1 |
MU | Mixed Use | MU |
Design Districts | ||
CD-C | Compact Design – Core | – NEW – |
CD-S1 | Compact Design – Support 1 | – NEW – |
CD-S2 | Compact Design – Support 2 | – NEW – |
CD-P(N) | Compact Design – Pedestrian Business Sub-district (Ninth Street) | – NEW – |
CSD-C | Compact Suburban Design – Core | – NEW – |
CSD-S1 | Compact Suburban Design – Support 1 | – NEW – |
CSD-S2 | Compact Suburban Design – Support 2 | – NEW – |
DD-C | Downtown Design – Core | – NEW – |
DD-S1 | Downtown Design – Support 1 | – NEW – |
DD-S2 | Downtown Design – Support 2 | – NEW – |
Overlays | ||
-P | Neighborhood Protection Overlay | P |
-TO | Transitional Office | TO |
-A60 -A65 | Airport | 60 to 65 LDN Above 65 LDN |
-MTC | Major Transportation Corridor Overlay | MTC, I-540 |
-H | Historic Districts & Landmarks Overlay | Historic District Overlay |
M/LR-A, -B F/J-A, -B E-A, -B, E-A(2) | Watershed Lake Michie/Little River District Falls/Jordan District Eno River District | M/LR-A, -B F/J-A, -B E-A, -B |
B. All development
plans approved as part of a rezoning action shall continue in force, except as may be modified in the future under the provisions of paragraph 3.5.12, Deviations from Approved Development Plans.
A. The Development
Tier Map is intended to ensure that development
reflects the character of the area within which it occurs and to minimize the cost of extending infrastructure into areas inappropriately. The tiers shown on the map shall function as overlays, establishing guidelines within which different development
patterns, intensities, and densities
shall be utilized. The development
tiers shall include the following:
1. The Rural Tier – That area of Durham that lies outside the Suburban Tier and largely within watershed
critical areas within which development
should maintain a rural focus to encourage preservation of agriculture and protect important water resources. Development
within this area should feature large lots to minimize demands on infrastructure, with limited commercial areas.
2. The Suburban Tier – That area not included within the Downtown, Compact, Urban, or Rural Tiers in which urban services are expected to be provided with development
at traditional suburban densities
and patterns. This area is anticipated to absorb the majority of Durham’s population growth and its attendant demands for housing, employment, and goods and services, including opportunities for affordable housing and recreation.
3. The Urban Tier – That area surrounding the historic downtown of the City within which development
was concentrated prior to the 1960s. Within this area, development
should maintain an urban form with small lot sizes and differing uses in proximity to one another.
4. The Compact Neighborhood Tier – That area near planned transit stations, within which development
is intended to be transit-, bicycle- and pedestrian-oriented to enhance the street level experience and provide a mixture of goods and services. Auto-oriented and low intensity uses shall be discouraged.
5. The Downtown Tier – That area covered by the Downtown Master Plan within which development
is intended to be transit- and pedestrian-oriented in order to enhance the street level experience and provide a mixture of goods and services near transit. Auto-oriented and low intensity uses are discouraged.
B. The location and boundaries of the development
tiers described throughout this Ordinance shall be as shown on the geographic coverage layer entitled "Tiers" that is maintained as part of the City's and County's geographic information systems (GIS) under the direction of the Planning Director, or designee. This depiction of tier boundaries shall constitute the Development
Tier Map for the City's and County's jurisdiction and is adopted into this Ordinance by reference. The City or County Clerk, as appropriate, may, upon validation by the Planning Director, or designee, certify a paper copy of the Development
Tier Map, or portions of the map, as a true and accurate copy of the Development
Tier Map, or a portion thereof.
C. The Planning Director or designee shall revise the Development
Tier Map when amendments are passed by the governing body in accordance with Sec. 3.4, Comprehensive Plan
Adoption/Amendment. Such revisions shall be made as soon as possible after the effective date of the amendment but in no event later than five days after the effective date.
D. No unauthorized person
may alter or modify the Development
Tier Map. The Planning Director, or designee, shall correct errors in the map as they are discovered.
E. The Planning Director, or designee, shall revise the Development
Tier Map, if necessary, following an interpretation of a Boundary Watershed
Critical Area pursuant to paragraph 4.11.3, Rules for Interpretation of Overlay Boundaries, or an interpretation of zoning district boundaries pursuant to 4.1.4, Rules for Interpretation of District Boundaries.
F. The Planning Director, or designee, may authorize printed copies of the Development
Tier Map to be produced
and shall maintain digital or printed copies of superseded copies of the map for historical reference.
A. The location and boundaries of zoning districts shall be as shown on a geographic coverage layer entitled “Zoning” that is maintained as part of the City's and County's geographic information system (GIS) under the direction of the Planning Director, or designee. This depiction of zoning boundaries as shown on the GIS system shall constitute the Official Zoning Map for the City's and the County's zoning jurisdiction, and is adopted into this Ordinance by reference. The City or County Clerk, as applicable, may upon validation by the Planning Director, or designee, certify a paper copy of the Official Zoning Map, or portions of the map, as a true and accurate copy of the Official Zoning Map, or a portion thereof, under the authority of NCGS §160A-79(b) and NCGS §153A-50.
B. The Planning Director, or designee, shall revise the Official Zoning Map when amendments are passed by the governing body in accordance with Sec. 3.5, Zoning Map Change. The Planning Director, or designee, shall correct errors in the map as they are discovered.
C. No unauthorized person
may alter or modify the Official Zoning Map. Errors in the Official Zoning Map shall be corrected as they are discovered, and the corrected information shown on the GIS system.
D. The Planning Director, or designee, may authorize printed copies of the Official Zoning Map to be produced
, and shall maintain digital or printed copies of superseded versions of the Official Zoning Map for historical reference.
A. The Planning Director, or designee, may authorize periodic changes to the boundaries of the Official Zoning Map in conformance with this section.
1. Interpretations of zone boundaries, except for watershed
overlay boundaries, may be appealed
to the Board of Adjustment.
2. Interpretations regarding watershed
overlay boundaries shall be performed pursuant to paragraph 4.11.3, Rules for Interpretation of Overlay Boundaries.
1. A boundary shown on the Official Zoning Map as following a lot line or parcel
boundary shall be construed as following the lot line or parcel
boundary as it actually existed at the time the zoning boundary was established, as shown on maps submitted or used when the boundary was established.
2. If, subsequent to the establishment of the zoning boundary, a property line adjustment is made based upon a court ruling, the zoning boundary shall be construed to move with the lot line or parcel
boundary if the adjustment is less than 10 feet.
1. Where the ordinance establishing a zoning boundary identifies the boundary as following a particular natural feature such as a ridgeline, contour line, a river, stream
, lake or other water course, or reflects a clear intent that the boundary follow the feature, the boundary shall be construed as following that feature as it actually exists. If, subsequent to the establishment of the boundary, such natural feature should move as a result of natural processes (slippage, subsidence, erosion
, flooding, sedimentation
, etc.), the boundary shall be construed as moving with the natural feature.
2. A boundary shown on the Official Zoning Map as approximately following a street or railroad line shall be construed as following the centerline of the street or railroad right-of-way
. If, subsequent to the establishment of the boundary, the centerline of the street or railroad right-of-way
should be moved as a result of its widening or a minor realignment (such as at an intersection), the boundary shall be construed with moving with the centerline only if the centerline is moved no more than 25 feet.
3. A boundary shown on the Official Zoning Map as approximately parallel to, or as an apparent extension of, a feature described above shall be construed as being actually parallel to, or an extension of, the feature.
4. If a zoning boundary splits an existing lot or parcel
, the metes and bounds description, if one was submitted at the time the zoning boundary was established, shall be used to establish the boundary.
5. If the specific location of the boundary cannot be determined from application of the above rules to the Official Zoning Map, it shall be determined by scaling the mapped boundary's distance from other features shown on the map.
The RR District is established to provide for agricultural activities and residential development
on lots of one acre or greater and in conservation subdivisions
. Commercial and industrial development
is generally prohibited.
The RS Districts are established to provide for orderly suburban residential development
and redevelopment. A limited number of nonresidential uses are allowed, subject to the restrictions necessary to preserve the character of the suburban neighborhood. Multifamily
development
is permitted in areas designated RS-M, which should have convenient access to arterial streets and nearby civic, commercial or employment uses.
The RU Districts are established to provide for orderly urban residential development
and redevelopment. A limited number of nonresidential uses are allowed, subject to the restrictions necessary to preserve the character of the urban neighborhood. Such uses should have convenient access to arterial streets and nearby civic, commercial or employment uses.
The RC District is established to promote well-integrated new residential and civic development
close to designated and future regional transit stations. The district is intended to ensure that new development
takes advantage of compatible, higher density
, transit-friendly design opportunities in close proximity to transit systems. New development
in this district requires both pedestrian orientation
and human scale in architecture at the street level.
The Commercial Infill (CI) District is established to provide for small commercial and mixed use
nodes within the Compact Neighborhood and Urban Tiers. These nodes are intended to provide for pedestrian-oriented development
that supports the surrounding residential neighborhoods, and have limited vehicular accommodation. The CI District is only appropriate in locations that have direct access to residential neighborhoods. Businesses within the District should be sited to maximize visibility, convenience, and accessibility for pedestrians.
The CN District is established to provide for modest-scale commercial centers (as defined in Article 6) in close proximity to residential areas that offer limited commercial uses to satisfy the needs of the surrounding neighborhood. Compatibility is facilitated through design standards and buffering that provide for walkable, pedestrian-oriented development
that complements nearby residential neighborhoods. The district is not intended for use by major or large-scale commercial sales, service or automotive-oriented activities. The CN District is only appropriate in locations that have direct access to residential neighborhoods.
The OI District is established for employment and community service activities. Some support facilities and residential uses are also allowed when compatible with surrounding uses. The OI district is designed for use on sites that have convenient access to arterials, since development
of moderate to high intensity is allowed.
The CG District is established to provide for a wide variety of commercial activities of varying scales that are designed to be served by major thoroughfares, and other similar high-volume rights-of-way. It is the intent of this district to provide sufficient size and depth of property to meet business needs, yet maintain safe traffic flows. Businesses in this district should be sited convenient to automotive traffic. Development
in the CG District should provide safe pedestrian access to adjacent
residential areas.
The SRP District is established to provide an area for business and scientific research and development
, for training, and for production of prototype products, plans or designs in a low-density, open, campus-like setting. The purpose of such production is limited to research, development
or evaluation of the merits of those products, plans or designs. The district is intended to accommodate research facilities, pilot plants
, prototype production facilities and other manufacturing operations that require the continual or recurrent application of research knowledge and activity as an integral part of the manufacturing process. Offices
and support services are allowed.
(County Only) The SRP-C District is established to allow for the continued growth and development
of science research parks which serve as economic drivers for Durham County and the larger region. Development
in the SRP-C District shall be designed for a mix of integrated, compatible uses built at moderate-to-high intensities. The concentration of activities in the district shall be supported by access to open space
and amenities that encourage biking, transit use, and pedestrian activity. To create architectural variety and visual interest, the intent of the district regulations is to allow for design flexibility.
The SRP-C District is designed for use on sites within science research parks that have access to major thoroughfares, and other similar high-volume rights-of-way, and are shown as commercial nodes in the Comprehensive Plan
.
The IL District is established to provide for a wide range of light manufacturing, warehousing, and wholesaling activities as well as offices
and some support services, all subject to minimum design standards intended to ensure such development
is compatible with high visibility areas. Standards of this district are designed to minimize impacts on the environment and to assure compatibility with the surrounding area. It is the intent of this district to offer sites for those industries whose operations, exposure, location or traffic have minimal impact on adjacent
properties.
The I District is established in order to provide sites for activities which involve major transportation terminals, and manufacturing facilities that have a greater impact on the surrounding area than industries found in the IL District. It is the intent of this district to provide an environment for industries that is unencumbered by nearby residential development
.
The PDR District is established to allow for design flexibility in residential development
. The district is intended to encourage efficient use of the land and public services and to promote high quality design that will provide a variety of dwelling types as well as adequate support services and open space
for the residents of the development
. The district regulations are intended to allow innovative development
that is integrated with proposed adjacent
uses and compatible with existing patterns of development
.
The UC Districts are established to allow for growth and development
of colleges and universities, while protecting the larger community, nearby neighborhoods, and the environment from impacts accompanying major new development
.
Development
in the UC Districts shall be designed for a mix of integrated university-related, uses, linked by pedestrian ways, bikeways, and other transportation systems. Development
in these districts shall also encourage reduced auto use, mitigate environmental impacts, conserve energy resources and achieve visual continuity in the siting and scale of buildings.
The CC District is established to provide for orderly development
of commercial services in a unified setting on large parcels
of land (generally over ten acres in size to serve residential neighborhoods within a three to five-mile radius of the site). It is the intent of this district to encourage a concentration of commercial activities surrounding a node such as the intersection of two arterials with an overall design scheme, rather than strip commercial
areas. The district is intended to provide a wide range of retail and service activities that serve many neighborhoods. Residential uses generally are not appropriate in the CC District. Development
in the CC district should provide safe pedestrian access to adjacent
residential areas.
The CC District is designed for use on sites at major intersections that are capable of handling the proposed traffic. The CC District should not be located where primary access is from any connector-level street.
The IP District is established to provide for orderly development
of manufacturing, research and support activities in a unified campus-style setting. The district is intended to ensure development
that is compatible with adjacent
uses. The district provides for a range of uses to be developed
with an overall design.
The MU District is established to provide innovative opportunities for an integration of diverse but compatible uses into a single development
that is unified by distinguishable design features. In addition to a mixture of compatible uses, development
in this district shall provide amenities, walkways and open space
to increase pedestrian activity, decrease reliance on individual vehicles
, foster transit usage, enhance the attractiveness of Durham City and County, improve the overall quality of life, and provide for the welfare of the citizens.
The Downtown Design (DD) District is established to encourage bicycling, pedestrian, and transit-oriented development
through regulations appropriate to the downtown area. It focuses on the form of the private and public realm instead of on use and intensity. Regulated through sub-districts, the standards encourage a vital downtown economy that enhances Durham’s position as a commercial, cultural and entertainment hub of the region while increasing livability. The DD District is intended to work in tandem with the Downtown Tier of the Durham Comprehensive Plan
, Downtown Durham Master Plan and updates. Therefore, the Downtown Tier boundary and the Downtown District boundary are the same.
The Compact Design (CD) District is intended to encourage development
of appropriate urban streetscape
and form through bicycling, pedestrian, and transit-oriented development
through various sub-districts similar to the Downtown Design District.
The Compact Suburban Design (CSD) District is intended to encourage development
of appropriate urban streetscape
and form through bicycling, pedestrian, and transit-oriented development
through various sub-districts similar to the Downtown Design District.
Sub-districts of Design Districts are individual zoning districts that reflect and promote different levels of development
intensity reflective of the policies established within the Comprehensive Plan
. Primary sub-districts are Core, Support-1, and Support-2. Additional special sub-districts are established to reflect unique development
requirements for areas designated for Design District regulations.
Most Intense |
| Core (C) Sub-districts: The portion of a Design District where the highest, densest urban development |
| Support-1 (S1) Sub-districts: The portion of a Design District where moderate development | |
Least Intense | Support-2 (S2) Sub-districts: The portion of a Design District intended to provide a sensitive transition from more intense development |
The Pedestrian Business sub-district (Ninth Street) (CD-P(N)), which is located in the Compact Design District that incorporates a portion of Ninth Street, is created to protect the character existing along the east side of Ninth Street within the district and to ensure that any new development
on the west side of Ninth Street within the district is in keeping with that character.
The purpose of the Neighborhood Protection Overlay is to protect the established character of existing neighborhoods by modifying the standards of underlying base districts in order to more effectively match the density
, intensity, or established character of an existing area.
A. A petition to establish a Neighborhood Protection Overlay shall not be construed as a complete and accepted zoning map change application. The governing body, as applicable based upon jurisdiction, shall be the approving authority to initiate a Neighborhood Protection Overlay application, and would therefore be the official applicant.
B. A Neighborhood Protection Overlay shall be established as both a zoning map change in accordance with the requirements of Sec. 3.5, Zoning Map Change, to reflect the boundaries of the designated overlay, and a text amendment in accordance with the requirements of Sec. 3.19, Text Amendment, to codify the standards established within the overlay.
C. Multiple Neighborhood Protection Overlays shall not be designated over any individual property. A property may only be located within one Neighborhood Protection Overlay.
D. The overlay standards shall reflect the prevalent intensity and consistent building
design in the neighborhood, to ensure that new development
reflects the identifiable physical character of the area.
Prior to submittal of a petition and the required pre-submittal neighborhood meeting, a pre-petition conference with the Planning Director or designee shall be required. The Planning Director or designee may establish deadlines for such conferences.
After the pre-petition conference and prior to submittal of a petition, a neighborhood meeting shall be held pursuant to paragraph 3.2.3, Neighborhood Meeting. In lieu of those requiring notification pursuant to paragraph 3.2.3C, the following shall be notified:
a. All officers
and/or representatives of any neighborhood association or other neighborhood group established within the proposed boundaries of the Neighborhood Protection Overlay and that is registered with the Planning Department to receive notice.
b. Each owner
of record of property within the proposed boundaries of the Neighborhood Protection Overlay.
a. Petitions to initiate the establishment of a Neighborhood Protection Overlay shall be submitted to the Planning Department pursuant to the established submittal schedule for such petitions, and shall utilize the official forms maintained by the Planning Department pursuant to paragraph 3.2.4, Application Requirementss, and any other requirements of this section.
b. In order to be accepted for review, a petition shall provide documentation that demonstrates compliance with the following requirements:
(1) The proposed overlay area totals at least 15 acres, excluding right-of-way
;
(2) The average age of structures within the proposed area is at least 25 years old;
(3) At least 75% of parcels
within the proposed area are developed
;
(4) The required pre-petition meeting was held;
(5) The required pre-submittal neighborhood meeting was held and performed as required per this section and paragraph 3.2.3, Neighborhood Meeting; and
(6) The additional documents listed in paragraph c, below, were provided.
(1) A proposed map of the overlay area. The proposed overlay area shall not include properties for which the owners
were not notified for the neighborhood meeting.
(2) A petition of support signed
by property owners
and residents within the proposed area.
(3) Documentation of a consistent, identifiable physical character.
(4) Documentation of historical, social, or other significance applicable to the neighborhood.
(5) A discussion of specific physical elements or development
patterns that are not adequately addressed by the base zoning regulations.
(6) A plan for neighborhood outreach and overlay development
.
(7) Any other materials the petitioner(s) believe are pertinent to the request.
If required through the adopted fee schedule, mailed notification fees for the governing body meeting shall be required at the time of submittal.
The Planning Director or designee shall review the submittal for completeness and conformance with the requirements of this section, and forward the request to the applicable governing body for its review and determination to initiate the petition. Prior to forwarding to the governing body, the following shall be performed:
a. Signs
shall be placed throughout the proposed NPO area to inform residents of the request; and
b. The applicant(s) shall be offered an opportunity to present the request to the JCCPC.
a. The Planning Department shall perform a mailed notice
in accordance with a zoning map change pursuant to paragraph 3.2.5, Notice and Public Hearings, indicating a petition to initiate an NPO has been filed and shall be considered for initiation by the governing body at a specified date and time.
b. Upon review of provided information, the governing body shall determine whether and when to initiate the designation process for the Neighborhood Protection Overlay. At a minimum, the governing body shall consider the following:
(1) That the documents submitted as part of the petition submittal are correct and sufficient.
(2) Support by residents and property owners
. An indicator shall be the petition of support submitted as part of the request, but other indicators may be considered.
(3) That there is a historical, social, or other type of significance that the overlay request would aid in preserving.
(4) That there are consistent and identified physical characteristics and other elements that the base zoning cannot sufficiently address.
(5) That the parameters of the proposed overlay would be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan
and other applicable policies.
(6) That there are sufficient staffing resources that would not negatively impact approved work program priorities.
c. If the governing body initiates the overlay request, it shall refer the item back to the JCCPC for consideration within the Planning Department’s work program.
F. If an overlay designation is initiated and overlay development
has begun, the Planning Director or designee:
1. Shall review any proposed overlay area and associated standards to determine their conformity with the requirements of this section. As part of this review, the Planning Department shall hold at least one neighborhood meeting prior to initiating the public hearing process; and
2. May review progress with the governing body prior to the required public hearings to verify continued support for the overlay or to discuss new issues pertinent to the establishment of the overlay.
A. A Neighborhood Protection Overlay may allow for the modification of any of the following standards within this Ordinance:
1. Use
regulations in Article 5, Use
Regulations;
2. District intensity standards in Article 6, District Intensity Standards;
3. Site design standards in Article 7, Design Standards;
4. Tree protection and tree coverage standards in Article 8, Environmental Protection;
5. Landscaping and buffering standards in Article 9, Landscaping and Buffering; or
6. Parking standards in Article 10, Parking and Loading.
B. Any modified standards applicable within a Neighborhood Protection Overlay shall be expressly set forth in the overlay district at the time of adoption.
The purpose of this section is to establish additional standards to ensure that new development
protects and preserves the established character of the neighborhood as defined on the official zoning map.
This section shall apply to the boundaries of the Tuscaloosa-Lakewood Neighborhood Protection Overlay as shown on the official Zoning Map.
This section shall apply to construction of any primary structure
, and shall apply on individual lots.
a. Trees, other than Pinus genus, located within required yards
shall be retained unless removal is required to accommodate vehicular and pedestrian access or utilities, or the following is demonstrated by a certified arborist:
(1) The tree is determined to be unhealthy; or
(2) The tree would not survive construction activity.
b. A minimum of seven percent tree coverage, met through preservation, replacement, or a combination thereof, per Sec. 8.3, Tree Protection and Tree Coverage, is required regardless of the underlying zoning district.
c. For single-family
and two-family
development
, the requirements in paragraph a above are applicable until a certificate of compliance
has been issued for the residence on an individual single-family
or two-family
lot.
The maximum height of a new building
shall be 35 feet unless a lower height is required by another ordinance requirement.
Commentary: North Carolina Session Law 2023-108 limits the ability to place design or aesthetic regulations buildings constructed under the North Carolina Residential Building
Code.
a. New primary structures shall maintain a single-family
detached residential appearance and scale. Residential appearance and scale shall expressly include details from residential uses within the context area as defined in paragraph 6.8.2A.1, Context Area. Review and approval of elevations and other design details through site plan
review pursuant to Sec. 3.7, Site Plan Review, or architectural review pursuant to Sec. 3.22, Architectural Review, as applicable, shall be required prior to the issuance of a building permit
or site plan
approval as applicable. Such details shall include the following features:
(1) Roof type, including extent of eaves and eave ornamentation, if any;
(2) Porches or other similar articulation
of the front façade, including typical porch details associated with specific architectural styles found in the context area;
(3) Façade materials; and
(4) Size, pattern, style, and location of windows and doors.
b. If no more than two primary structures exist within the context area, then the context area for determining the above criteria shall be extended to include the nearest block
faces within the Neighborhood Protection Overlay, in all directions, with at least two structures.
Multifamily
housing types shall be limited to multiplexes, townhouses
, and detached row houses, as allowed by the base zoning.
For single-family
and two-family
lots, driveways
shall have a maximum width of 12 feet within the required street yard
and at all points in front of the rear building line
of the primary structure
.
No buffer
reductions permitted per paragraph 9.4.5C, Urban, and Compact Neighborhood Tier Constructed Buffer
, shall be permitted.
a. Any reconstruction, additions and/or renovations to structures originally designed for residential use but converted to nonresidential use shall maintain a single-family
detached residential appearance. Residential appearance shall expressly include details from residential structures, or former residential structures, within the context area as defined in paragraph 6.8.2A.1, Context Area. Review and approval of elevations and other design details through site plan
review pursuant to Sec. 3.7, Site Plan Review, or architectural review per Sec. 3.22, Architectural Review, as applicable, shall be required prior to the issuance of a building permit
or site plan
approval as applicable. Such details shall include the following features:
(1) Roof type, including extent of eaves and eave ornamentation, if any;
(2) Porches or other similar articulation
of the front façade including typical porch details associated with specific architectural styles found in the context area;
(3) Façade materials; and
(4) Size, pattern, style, and location of windows and doors.
b. If no more than two primary structures exist within the context area, then the context area for determining the above criteria shall be extended to include the nearest block
faces within the neighborhood protection overlay, in all directions, with at least two structures.
This overlay establishes standards for the Old West Durham neighborhood to ensure that new residential development
is compatible with the established urban form, modest scale, and mill village character of the neighborhood. Preservation of green space and tree canopy
are primary motivations for the formulation of a number of these standards. This section is not intended to reduce density
within the neighborhood.
This section shall only apply to the following types of single and two family
residential development
within the boundaries of the Old West Durham Neighborhood Protection Overlay, as shown on the official Zoning Map:
1. Construction of, or addition to, any primary structure
;
2. Construction of, or addition to, any garage, accessory dwelling unit
, and/or other accessory structure
that requires a building permit
and is enclosed on more than two sides;
3. Enclosure by more than two walls of formerly unenclosed spaces;
4. Construction of, or addition to, any vehicular use area; and/or
5. Subdivision
or consolidation of parcels
.
a. The maximum floor area ratio (FAR)
shall be 0.325 (32.5%). For purposes of this NPO only, floor area
is defined as the heated square footage of the primary structure
plus the total square footage (heated or unheated) of any garage, accessory dwelling unit
, or any accessory structure
that requires a building permit
and is enclosed on more than two sides.
b. To calculate the FAR, the floor area
is divided by the lot size.
| Example |
|---|
A 7,500 SF lot contains a single family The FAR of this lot is (1,450 + 400) SF / 7,500 SF = 24.7% In this scenario, 7.8% of the camp (588 SF) remains available for future qualifying development |
c. Regardless of the calculated FAR, each parcel
shall be allowed a minimum of 2,200 square feet of floor area
and no parcel
shall exceed 3,600 square feet of floor area
.
d. Provided that the structural footprint and height remain unchanged from May 7, 2018, a FAR may be exceeded by converting unheated fully enclosed square footage to heated square footage.
e. Heated square footage from a floor built below grade
shall be exempt from the FAR calculation provided the exposed foundation wall is not more than three feet above grade
at any point along any street facing facade.
f. The total square footage of an accessory structure
shall not exceed 50% of the heated floor area
of the primary structure
and shall not exceed 800 square feet.
g. For accessory structures with sloped ceilings, only floor area
with a ceiling height of five feet or more shall be included within the FAR.
h. A building permit
application or plot/site plan
, as applicable, shall detail the existing and proposed FAR.
a. The height of the primary structure
, as calculated in paragraph 6.12.1, Height, shall not exceed 31 feet.
b. The height of an accessory structure
, as calculated in paragraph 6.12.1, Height, shall not exceed 24 feet.
c. If the height of an accessory structure
exceeds 16 feet, then the structure
must be set back at minimum of 10 feet from any property line, except where that property line abuts a dedicated
right-of-way
, undeveloped land, or a nonresidential land use.
The maximum lot area
shall be 12,000 square feet.
a. The area between the rear wall of the primary structure
and the rear property line shall contain, at minimum, one canopy
tree of at least two inches in caliper
, in accordance with the Landscape Manual for Durham, North Carolina.
b. All trees required by the Unified Development
Ordinance must be depicted on building permit
applications or plot/site plans
, as applicable, including the location, caliper
, and species.
a. For purposes of this NPO only, a vehicular use area includes all surface area designated or utilized for vehicle
parking or vehicle
access.
b. The minimum off-street parking requirement is one space per dwelling unit
. Accessory dwelling units
are not required to provide off-street parking.
c. The maximum width of the vehicular use area shall be 12 feet; however, the vehicular use area may expand up to 24 feet in width to accommodate garage access and parking. The total additional vehicular use area beyond 12 feet in width shall:
(1) Be behind the front building line
;
(2) Be not less than 20 feet from the front property line; and
(3) Not exceed 400 square feet.

A. A Transitional Office
Overlay may only be established as a zoning map change in accordance with the requirements of Sec. 3.5, Zoning Map Change.
B. A Transitional Office
Overlay may be established in any residential base district, and may be established over more than one residential base district.
A. Any use permitted by right, subject to limitations, or through special use permit in the underlying base districts shall be permitted in the overlay.
B. The following uses or use categories shall be permitted in addition to the uses permitted in the underlying zoning district. No retail sales shall be permitted as a primary use in the overlay.
1. Upper-story residential;
2. Medical facilities (other than hospitals
);
3. Offices
;
4. Animal hospitals
, veterinary clinics
, animal boarding places (all without outdoor pens or runs);
5. Artist galleries;
6. Artist studios; and
7. Diet houses.
A. New buildings in the Transitional Office
Overlay shall maintain a single-family
detached residential appearance and scale. Residential appearance and scale shall expressly include details from residential uses within 150 feet of the overlay area. Such details may include the following features:
1. Roof type, including extent of eaves, if any;
2. Porches or other similar articulation
of the front façade;
3. Size, pattern and location of windows and doors; and
4. Garage or parking location.
B. The underlying district dimensional standards shall be met, except where expressly modified in this paragraph.
1. The maximum height of a new building
shall be 35 feet.
2. The maximum length of a new building
shall not exceed 80 feet.
3. The maximum floor area
of any nonresidential use in the overlay or aggregation of multiple nonresidential uses in a single building
shall be 5,000 square feet.
C. All nonresidential activity (except that allowed within a residential district
) shall occur within a completely enclosed building
.
D. The residential appearance of buildings shall be furthered by the retention of street lawns free of vehicle
parking. All off-street parking spaces
shall be located no closer to the principal street than the front building line
, regardless of any required yard
or building
setback
.
The Airport
Overlay is established to contribute to the safe operation of airports, to facilitate orderly development
around airports, and to control and minimize impacts on surrounding activities. It is also the intent of this overlay to encourage land use patterns which are appropriate for the airport
vicinity and public safety by avoiding concentrations of population. Standards are provided to ensure an attractive entrance to the area in order to encourage trade and commerce and thereby maintain economic vitality.
The Airport
Overlay applies to properties in the vicinity of Raleigh-Durham Airport
. The specific boundaries are defined on the Official Zoning Map and are imposed on property as an addition to the underlying zoning district. The boundaries generally follow physical boundaries which are identifiable on the landscape and are related to the airport
noise contours as determined by the Raleigh-Durham Airport
Authority. The Airport
Overlay is divided into two suboverlays which are further described below:
Shall be that area found within the 65 Ldn of the Raleigh-Durham Airport
and shown on the Official Zoning Map.
Shall be that area located outside the 65 Ldn but within the 60 Ldn of the Raleigh-Durham Airport
and shown on the Official Zoning Map.
Only the following uses shall be allowed, pursuant to the permissibility of the underlying zoning district in Sec. 5.1, Use Table: Agricultural, Residential, and Utilities (per Public and Civic Uses).
All uses in the underlying zoning district shall be permissible pursuant to Sec. 5.1, Use Table, with the exception of outdoor firing ranges
.
The lighting types below shall not be permitted:
1. Any moving, pulsating, flashing, rotating, or oscillating light, which may interfere with air traffic other than navigational markings or lights marking potential obstructions
in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration requirements.
2. Flood lights, spot lights, or other lighting devices which are not shielded so as to prevent illumination in an upward direction.
3. Any light which constitutes a “misleading light” within the meaning of Federal Aviation Administration regulations.
Any electronic impulse or signal which interferes with communications between aircraft and the airport
, or which interferes with established navigation aids shall be prohibited.
Structures and signs
of a height which obstruct
the takeoff and landing of aircraft, as determined by the Federal Aviation Administration, shall be prohibited.
A. The Raleigh-Durham Airport
Authority shall have the opportunity to review applications for a special use permit, variance
, zoning map change, subdivision
, or site plan
approval within the airport
overlay prior to a decision by the approving authority. All development
shall also comply with the airspace regulations adopted by the Raleigh-Durham Airport
Authority. Whenever said airspace regulations impose more stringent requirements or limitations than are required by this Ordinance, the provisions of the airspace regulations shall prevail.
B. Residential development
within the Airport
Overlay shall demonstrate that aircraft noise exposure within the dwellings shall not exceed decibel levels of 45 Ldn and be certified by an acoustical engineer or a board certified member of the Institute of Noise Control Engineering. Measures for reducing noise exposure may include: orientation
of structures, design standards, landscaping, or construction materials used in walls, windows, doors, roofs, floors, or ceilings. Design guidelines for noise reduction are available from publications of the Raleigh-Durham Airport
Authority.
C. Residential development
within the Airport
Overlay shall ensure that purchasers of the dwellings will be notified that the property may be subject to noise exposure from aircraft using Raleigh-Durham Airport
. Measures used to notify purchasers may include notices on plats
or deeds.
D. Nonconforming uses may be continued subject to the regulations found elsewhere in this Ordinance. However, no building permit
shall be issued which would allow a greater hazard (for example: more units, or brighter lighting) to public safety than existed at the time of adoption of this Ordinance.
The developer
of new development
in the Airport
Overlay-A60 or –A65 shall grant an avigation easement
to the Raleigh-Durham Airport
Authority for the subject property. A copy of the recorded avigation easement
shall be provided to the Planning Director prior to approval of a site plan
or preliminary/minor plat
for the subject property. The easement
must, at a minimum, convey a perpetual right and easement
for the free and unobstructed overflight of aircraft over and in the vicinity of the property. The easement
must be appurtenant to the property, and must not be subordinated
to any other interest such as mortgage or lien.
The MTC Overlay is established to enhance the economic and aesthetic appeal
and orderly development
of properties adjacent
to major transportation corridors. Certain arterial streets, parkways and expressways
are of critical importance to Durham City and County. Rights-of-way carrying high volumes of traffic are image makers for Durham City and County. They act as entryways for visitors and residents and also serve as an indicator of the quality of life found in the area. Standards are provided to ensure that highways, freeways
, and other similar high-volume rights-of-way in this overlay develop
with improved traffic efficiency and safety by reducing visual clutter and avoiding inappropriate site design.
Except in design districts, the MTC Overlay shall apply to all property within 1,250 feet of a designated right-of-way
, and may extend up to 2,500 feet at intersections. The actual boundaries shall be determined at the time of adoption of the MTC Overlay and shall be shown on the Official Zoning Map. The MTC Overlay shall be measured perpendicular to the edge of:
A. The right-of-way
of the limited access highway; or
B. The right-of-way
for a frontage road
, if present.
A buffer
shall be provided along the perimeter of the property line adjacent
to the designated right-of-way
.
1. The buffer
width shall be no less than 30 feet and no more than 100 feet. The actual buffer
width shall be determined at time of adoption of the overlay. In determining the width of the buffer
, the governing body shall consider the following factors:
a. The topography of the area;
b. The existing and proposed land uses;
c. The size of the adjacent
parcels
;
d. The traffic volumes of the corridor; and
e. Any additional factors the governing body deems reasonable in carrying out the purpose of the Ordinance.
2. The following buffer
widths shall be provided for the following designated rights-of-way:
MTC Overlay | Buffer | Segment |
|---|---|---|
I-40 | 100 | Orange County line to Research Triangle Park |
I-40 | 100 | Research Triangle Park to Wake County line |
I-85 | 50 | Avondale Ave. to US Highway 70 |
I-85 | 100 | US Highway 70 to Granville County line |
I-540 | 50 | Wake County line to Wake County line |
1. Within the buffer
area, existing vegetation shall be maintained in a natural, undisturbed state. In areas where the existing vegetation provides inadequate screening
, the property owner
or applicant shall install vegetation that meets the opacity
standards of paragraph 9.4.4.A, Natural Buffers Required.
2. When necessary, transportation corridors and utility easements
may cross the required buffer
area. Such crossings shall be designed to minimize clear views through the required buffer
. The nature and limits of such intrusions shall be shown in detail on all site plans
or subdivision
plats
associated with the crossing.
3. Trails may not intrude laterally into the buffer
for distances greater than 50 feet. Trails shall meander to avoid natural features and to prevent clear views through the buffer
. Selective thinning may be allowed; however, no tree over 12 inches in caliper
shall be removed for the trail. The maximum trail width shall be ten feet. Trails shall be shown on all site plans
and subdivision
plats
associated with the trail.
Except as provided in paragraph 4.9.3D, Adjustments to the Required Buffer
, walls or fences shall not be constructed within the buffer
area.
1. Within areas of I-85 MTC Overlay where the required buffer
width is identified as 100 feet in paragraph 4.9.3B, Buffer
Width, the buffer
width can be reduced to 50 feet without a major special use permit if the following conditions are met:
a. On properties proposed for residential purposes, with at least 900 feet of uninterrupted frontage along the limited access highway or frontage road
, if present, a noise barrier is built to the NCDOT noise policy and to match existing NCDOT noise barriers; and,
b. On properties proposed for nonresidential purposes that provide a buffer
with 80% opacity
as defined in paragraph 9.4.5, Constructed Buffer
.
2. The buffer
width and amount of landscape materials may be reduced through the issuance of a Major Special Permit pursuant to 3.9, Special Use
Permit, considering the following issues in addition to the findings set forth in paragraph 3.9.8, Criteria for Approval of Major and Minor Special Use
Permits.
a. The topography of the area; and
b. The size of the parcel
of record.
Freestanding signs
within the MTC Overlay shall not exceed 12 feet in height.
Historic District Overlays may be established to protect and preserve areas and landmarks with special significance in terms of prehistorical, historical, architectural or cultural importance, and possesses integrity of design, setting, materials, feeling and association.
Historic Districts Overlays may be designated by the governing body after the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) deems and finds that the area is of special significance in terms of its prehistorical, historical, architectural, or cultural importance, and possesses integrity of design, setting, materials, feeling, and association.
Procedures for designation of Historic District Overlays shall be found in Sec. 3.16, Historic or Landmark Designation.
All development
within a locally designated historic district shall comply with the requirements contained in this section. In addition, all development
within a locally designated historic district shall comply with the requirements of any underlying zoning district, except as otherwise required by this ordinance.
General standards that apply to all Historic District Overlays may be developed
; however, each individual overlay may have additional specific standards that apply specifically to one overlay.
A. Development
in the Downtown Historic District Overlay shall comply with the standards of this subsection, in addition to the standards of the adopted Downtown Durham Historic Preservation Plan and the general standards of the Downtown Design District.
B. In the event of a conflict between applicable standards, the following standards shall take precedence in the order listed below:
1. The Downtown Durham Historic Preservation Plan, through approval of an applicable certificate of appropriateness.
2. The standards of this subsection.
3. The standards of the Downtown Design District.
4. All other applicable standards of this Ordinance.
Development
in the Historic District Overlay shall conform to established build-to lines. The build-to line
requirement shall be:
1. If buildings exist adjacent
to the property on either side, the build-to line
shall be at or between the two established street façade locations;
2. If an adjacent
building
exists on only one side of the property, the build-to line
shall be within two feet of the existing street façade location; or
3. If no adjacent
buildings exist, the corresponding DD sub-district build-to zone
shall apply.
4. On corner lots, the standards of this section shall apply for each street façade.
Building
step-backs shall meet the preservation plan requirements through the issuance of a COA and shall be exempt from the height articulation
requirements of paragraph 16.3.3C.1, DD District.
1. Maximum height shall be determined by the underlying DD sub-district.
2. The HPC may allow height greater than that of the highest ‘pivotal’ or ‘contributing’ structure
(as assigned in the Downtown Durham Historic District Preservation Plan) only by making the following additional findings:
a. The proposed development
allows for adequate light, air and open space
access to adjacent
properties; and
b. Given consideration of the height of structures in the immediate vicinity, the proposed development
does not adversely affect the character of the historic district.
3. The HPC may limit height below the maximum allowed in order to find that the proposal is consistent with the adopted Historic Properties Local Review Criteria, as amended.
A. The purpose of the Watershed
Protection Overlay is to preserve the quality of the region's drinking water supplies through application of the development
standards in Article 8, Environmental Protection. In general, water supply protection will be accomplished by establishing and maintaining low intensity land use and development
on land near the region's water supply rivers and reservoirs. Where high density
development
is desired, water supply protection will be accomplished through the use of engineered stormwater
controls. The overall objective is to:
1. Reduce the risk of pollution from stormwater
running off of paved and other impervious surfaces
; and
2. Reduce the risk of discharges of hazardous and toxic materials into the natural drainage system tributary to drinking water supplies.
B. Watershed
protection regulations shall be adopted by the City of Durham and Durham County in accordance with the requirements of the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission, Title 15A NCAC 2B .0100, .0200 and .0300, (adopted pursuant to NCGS §143-214.5) and in accordance with NCGS Chapter 160D.
A. The following six Watershed
Overlays shall be established for lands within the watersheds
of public drinking water rivers and reservoirs. Each Watershed
Overlay is divided into two areas, a Critical Area (A) and a Protected Area (B), based on their distance from the protected water supply and ridge lines that define the drainage basin.
Overlay | Designation | General Location |
|---|---|---|
M/LR-A | Lake Michie/Little River District A | One mile from the 341 foot MSL normal pool of Lake Michie and from the 355 foot MSL normal pool of the Little River Reservoir, or to the ridge lines defining their drainage basins, whichever is less. |
M/LR-B | Lake Michie/Little River District B | The portion of the drainage basins of Lake Michie and the Little River Reservoir not covered by M/LR-A. |
F/J-A | Falls/Jordan District A | One mile from the 251.5 foot MSL normal pool of Falls Reservoir and from the 216 foot MSL normal pool of the Jordan Reservoir, or to the ridge lines defining their drainage basins, whichever is less. |
F/J-B | Falls/Jordan District B | From the edge of F/J-A Overlay to five miles from the normal pool of the Falls Reservoir and the Jordan Reservoir, or to the ridge lines that define their drainage basins, whichever is less. |
E-A | Eno River District A | One mile from and draining to the Eno River water intake. |
| E-A(2) | Eno River District A2 | One half mile from and draining to the Teer Quarry Eno River water intake. |
E-B | Eno River District B | From the edge of E-A to 10 miles from the Eno River water intake, or to the ridge lines that define the drainage area of the intake, whichever is less. |
B. The general boundaries of the Watershed
Overlays are defined by the distance from the normal pool and ridge line criteria described above, with rights-of-way and property lines used to determine inclusion or exclusion in the Watershed
Overlay.
C. The general boundaries and the parcels
included within these boundaries are shown on the map entitled "Watershed
Overlays Parcels
Map", which is included by reference and adopted as part of this Ordinance.
D. Where a general boundary crosses a parcel
, parcels
one-half acre or less shall be excluded from the Overlay, and parcels
greater than one-half acre shall be included. Upon adoption of this Ordinance, the parcels
included in each Overlay and their Watershed
Overlay designation shall be shown on the Official Zoning Map.
A. When a property is divided by one or more of the arcs representing the one half-mile, the one-mile, or the five-mile distance from the reservoir, or by the ridgeline that defines the water supply reservoir, a request can be submitted for an interpretation of the Watershed
Overlay boundary through the City-County Planning Department. The request can be submitted by any individual and shall include sufficient information to enable the Planning Director to make a recommendation to the governing body and NC Environmental Management Commission (EMC), as appropriate.
B. For all requests, the Planning Director will evaluate the request and will seek approval from the appropriate governing body for submission to the NC Environmental Management Commission (EMC). Upon such approval, the Planning Director will submit the proposed Watershed
Overlay boundary change to the EMC, in accordance with 15A NCAC 02B .0104(o). Upon approval by the EMC, the Planning Director will complete the interpretation and modify the Watershed
Overlay boundary in accordance with the interpretation. All such changes shall be shown on the Official Zoning Map and the Watershed
Overlays Parcels
Map, which shall be maintained by the Planning Department.
Commentary: The NC Administrative Code, in Rule 15A NCAC 02B .0104(o), states that all revisions (expansions and deletions) to the Environmental Management Commission (EMC) adopted critical and protected area boundaries or to the local government’s interpreted critical and protected area boundaries must be approved by the EMC prior to adoption by the local government.
C. The Planning Director, or designee, shall interpolate the general boundary as shown on the Watershed
Overlays Parcels
Map, but may vary it to exclude lots of one-half acre or less in a proposed subdivision
. In addition, the Planning Director, or designee, may use identifiable physical features, such as roads
, streams
or easements
, as boundaries if they approximately coincide with the interpolated general Overlay boundary. All such changes shall be shown on the Development
Tier Map, the Official Zoning Map, and the Watershed
Overlays Parcels
Map, which shall be maintained by the Planning Department.
Nonresidential land uses shall be restricted in accordance with the following table and Sec. 8.7, Watershed Protection Overlay Standards.
Overlay | Development |
|---|---|
M/LR-A | All industrial uses listed in paragraph 5.2.6, Industrial Use |
M/LR-B | All Industrial uses listed in paragraph 5.2.6, Industrial Use |
F/J-A | Except in the Rural Tier, nonresidential uses shall be prohibited, except that public and civic uses listed in paragraph 5.2.4, Public and Civic Use Land already zoned for one of the above uses may be rezoned to permit one of the above nonresidential uses, except for commercial uses, in accordance with the procedures of Sec. 3.5, Zoning Map Change.
Within the Rural Tier, nonresidential uses shall be prohibited except those uses allowed in residential districts |
F/J-B | Municipal solid waste |
E-A; E-A(2) | Industrial uses listed in paragraph 5.2.6, Industrial Use |
E-B | Within the Rural Tier, commercial uses listed in paragraph 5.2.5, Commercial Use |
4 Zoning Districts
A. The following zoning districts are hereby established, and are intended to implement the Comprehensive Plan
.
Symbol | District | Former Districts |
|---|---|---|
RR | Residential Rural | RD |
RS-20 RS-10 RS-8 RS-M | Residential Suburban – 20 Residential Suburban – 10 Residential Suburban – 8 Residential Suburban Multifamily | R-20 R-10, R-15 R-8 RM-8, RM-12, RM-16 |
RU-5 RU-5(2) RU-M | Residential Urban – 5 Residential Urban – 5 (2) (duplexes allowed) Residential Urban Multifamily | R-5 R-3 RM-16, RM-20 |
RC | Residential Compact | ITOD-CN, RM-CN |
Nonresidential Districts | ||
CI | Commercial Infill | – NEW – |
CN | Commercial Neighborhood | NC |
OI | Office | O&I-1, O&I-2 |
CG | Commercial General | GC |
SRP | Science Research Park | RSCH, RAD |
SRP-C | Science Research Park-Center | – NEW – (County Only) |
IL | Industrial Light | I-2, CT |
I | Industrial | I-3 |
Planned Districts | ||
PDR | Planned Development | PDR |
UC | University and College | UC |
UC-2 | University and College-2 | – NEW – |
CC | Commercial Center | SC |
IP | Industrial Park | I-1 |
MU | Mixed Use | MU |
Design Districts | ||
CD-C | Compact Design – Core | – NEW – |
CD-S1 | Compact Design – Support 1 | – NEW – |
CD-S2 | Compact Design – Support 2 | – NEW – |
CD-P(N) | Compact Design – Pedestrian Business Sub-district (Ninth Street) | – NEW – |
CSD-C | Compact Suburban Design – Core | – NEW – |
CSD-S1 | Compact Suburban Design – Support 1 | – NEW – |
CSD-S2 | Compact Suburban Design – Support 2 | – NEW – |
DD-C | Downtown Design – Core | – NEW – |
DD-S1 | Downtown Design – Support 1 | – NEW – |
DD-S2 | Downtown Design – Support 2 | – NEW – |
Overlays | ||
-P | Neighborhood Protection Overlay | P |
-TO | Transitional Office | TO |
-A60 -A65 | Airport | 60 to 65 LDN Above 65 LDN |
-MTC | Major Transportation Corridor Overlay | MTC, I-540 |
-H | Historic Districts & Landmarks Overlay | Historic District Overlay |
M/LR-A, -B F/J-A, -B E-A, -B, E-A(2) | Watershed Lake Michie/Little River District Falls/Jordan District Eno River District | M/LR-A, -B F/J-A, -B E-A, -B |
B. All development
plans approved as part of a rezoning action shall continue in force, except as may be modified in the future under the provisions of paragraph 3.5.12, Deviations from Approved Development Plans.
A. The Development
Tier Map is intended to ensure that development
reflects the character of the area within which it occurs and to minimize the cost of extending infrastructure into areas inappropriately. The tiers shown on the map shall function as overlays, establishing guidelines within which different development
patterns, intensities, and densities
shall be utilized. The development
tiers shall include the following:
1. The Rural Tier – That area of Durham that lies outside the Suburban Tier and largely within watershed
critical areas within which development
should maintain a rural focus to encourage preservation of agriculture and protect important water resources. Development
within this area should feature large lots to minimize demands on infrastructure, with limited commercial areas.
2. The Suburban Tier – That area not included within the Downtown, Compact, Urban, or Rural Tiers in which urban services are expected to be provided with development
at traditional suburban densities
and patterns. This area is anticipated to absorb the majority of Durham’s population growth and its attendant demands for housing, employment, and goods and services, including opportunities for affordable housing and recreation.
3. The Urban Tier – That area surrounding the historic downtown of the City within which development
was concentrated prior to the 1960s. Within this area, development
should maintain an urban form with small lot sizes and differing uses in proximity to one another.
4. The Compact Neighborhood Tier – That area near planned transit stations, within which development
is intended to be transit-, bicycle- and pedestrian-oriented to enhance the street level experience and provide a mixture of goods and services. Auto-oriented and low intensity uses shall be discouraged.
5. The Downtown Tier – That area covered by the Downtown Master Plan within which development
is intended to be transit- and pedestrian-oriented in order to enhance the street level experience and provide a mixture of goods and services near transit. Auto-oriented and low intensity uses are discouraged.
B. The location and boundaries of the development
tiers described throughout this Ordinance shall be as shown on the geographic coverage layer entitled "Tiers" that is maintained as part of the City's and County's geographic information systems (GIS) under the direction of the Planning Director, or designee. This depiction of tier boundaries shall constitute the Development
Tier Map for the City's and County's jurisdiction and is adopted into this Ordinance by reference. The City or County Clerk, as appropriate, may, upon validation by the Planning Director, or designee, certify a paper copy of the Development
Tier Map, or portions of the map, as a true and accurate copy of the Development
Tier Map, or a portion thereof.
C. The Planning Director or designee shall revise the Development
Tier Map when amendments are passed by the governing body in accordance with Sec. 3.4, Comprehensive Plan
Adoption/Amendment. Such revisions shall be made as soon as possible after the effective date of the amendment but in no event later than five days after the effective date.
D. No unauthorized person
may alter or modify the Development
Tier Map. The Planning Director, or designee, shall correct errors in the map as they are discovered.
E. The Planning Director, or designee, shall revise the Development
Tier Map, if necessary, following an interpretation of a Boundary Watershed
Critical Area pursuant to paragraph 4.11.3, Rules for Interpretation of Overlay Boundaries, or an interpretation of zoning district boundaries pursuant to 4.1.4, Rules for Interpretation of District Boundaries.
F. The Planning Director, or designee, may authorize printed copies of the Development
Tier Map to be produced
and shall maintain digital or printed copies of superseded copies of the map for historical reference.
A. The location and boundaries of zoning districts shall be as shown on a geographic coverage layer entitled “Zoning” that is maintained as part of the City's and County's geographic information system (GIS) under the direction of the Planning Director, or designee. This depiction of zoning boundaries as shown on the GIS system shall constitute the Official Zoning Map for the City's and the County's zoning jurisdiction, and is adopted into this Ordinance by reference. The City or County Clerk, as applicable, may upon validation by the Planning Director, or designee, certify a paper copy of the Official Zoning Map, or portions of the map, as a true and accurate copy of the Official Zoning Map, or a portion thereof, under the authority of NCGS §160A-79(b) and NCGS §153A-50.
B. The Planning Director, or designee, shall revise the Official Zoning Map when amendments are passed by the governing body in accordance with Sec. 3.5, Zoning Map Change. The Planning Director, or designee, shall correct errors in the map as they are discovered.
C. No unauthorized person
may alter or modify the Official Zoning Map. Errors in the Official Zoning Map shall be corrected as they are discovered, and the corrected information shown on the GIS system.
D. The Planning Director, or designee, may authorize printed copies of the Official Zoning Map to be produced
, and shall maintain digital or printed copies of superseded versions of the Official Zoning Map for historical reference.
A. The Planning Director, or designee, may authorize periodic changes to the boundaries of the Official Zoning Map in conformance with this section.
1. Interpretations of zone boundaries, except for watershed
overlay boundaries, may be appealed
to the Board of Adjustment.
2. Interpretations regarding watershed
overlay boundaries shall be performed pursuant to paragraph 4.11.3, Rules for Interpretation of Overlay Boundaries.
1. A boundary shown on the Official Zoning Map as following a lot line or parcel
boundary shall be construed as following the lot line or parcel
boundary as it actually existed at the time the zoning boundary was established, as shown on maps submitted or used when the boundary was established.
2. If, subsequent to the establishment of the zoning boundary, a property line adjustment is made based upon a court ruling, the zoning boundary shall be construed to move with the lot line or parcel
boundary if the adjustment is less than 10 feet.
1. Where the ordinance establishing a zoning boundary identifies the boundary as following a particular natural feature such as a ridgeline, contour line, a river, stream
, lake or other water course, or reflects a clear intent that the boundary follow the feature, the boundary shall be construed as following that feature as it actually exists. If, subsequent to the establishment of the boundary, such natural feature should move as a result of natural processes (slippage, subsidence, erosion
, flooding, sedimentation
, etc.), the boundary shall be construed as moving with the natural feature.
2. A boundary shown on the Official Zoning Map as approximately following a street or railroad line shall be construed as following the centerline of the street or railroad right-of-way
. If, subsequent to the establishment of the boundary, the centerline of the street or railroad right-of-way
should be moved as a result of its widening or a minor realignment (such as at an intersection), the boundary shall be construed with moving with the centerline only if the centerline is moved no more than 25 feet.
3. A boundary shown on the Official Zoning Map as approximately parallel to, or as an apparent extension of, a feature described above shall be construed as being actually parallel to, or an extension of, the feature.
4. If a zoning boundary splits an existing lot or parcel
, the metes and bounds description, if one was submitted at the time the zoning boundary was established, shall be used to establish the boundary.
5. If the specific location of the boundary cannot be determined from application of the above rules to the Official Zoning Map, it shall be determined by scaling the mapped boundary's distance from other features shown on the map.
The RR District is established to provide for agricultural activities and residential development
on lots of one acre or greater and in conservation subdivisions
. Commercial and industrial development
is generally prohibited.
The RS Districts are established to provide for orderly suburban residential development
and redevelopment. A limited number of nonresidential uses are allowed, subject to the restrictions necessary to preserve the character of the suburban neighborhood. Multifamily
development
is permitted in areas designated RS-M, which should have convenient access to arterial streets and nearby civic, commercial or employment uses.
The RU Districts are established to provide for orderly urban residential development
and redevelopment. A limited number of nonresidential uses are allowed, subject to the restrictions necessary to preserve the character of the urban neighborhood. Such uses should have convenient access to arterial streets and nearby civic, commercial or employment uses.
The RC District is established to promote well-integrated new residential and civic development
close to designated and future regional transit stations. The district is intended to ensure that new development
takes advantage of compatible, higher density
, transit-friendly design opportunities in close proximity to transit systems. New development
in this district requires both pedestrian orientation
and human scale in architecture at the street level.
The Commercial Infill (CI) District is established to provide for small commercial and mixed use
nodes within the Compact Neighborhood and Urban Tiers. These nodes are intended to provide for pedestrian-oriented development
that supports the surrounding residential neighborhoods, and have limited vehicular accommodation. The CI District is only appropriate in locations that have direct access to residential neighborhoods. Businesses within the District should be sited to maximize visibility, convenience, and accessibility for pedestrians.
The CN District is established to provide for modest-scale commercial centers (as defined in Article 6) in close proximity to residential areas that offer limited commercial uses to satisfy the needs of the surrounding neighborhood. Compatibility is facilitated through design standards and buffering that provide for walkable, pedestrian-oriented development
that complements nearby residential neighborhoods. The district is not intended for use by major or large-scale commercial sales, service or automotive-oriented activities. The CN District is only appropriate in locations that have direct access to residential neighborhoods.
The OI District is established for employment and community service activities. Some support facilities and residential uses are also allowed when compatible with surrounding uses. The OI district is designed for use on sites that have convenient access to arterials, since development
of moderate to high intensity is allowed.
The CG District is established to provide for a wide variety of commercial activities of varying scales that are designed to be served by major thoroughfares, and other similar high-volume rights-of-way. It is the intent of this district to provide sufficient size and depth of property to meet business needs, yet maintain safe traffic flows. Businesses in this district should be sited convenient to automotive traffic. Development
in the CG District should provide safe pedestrian access to adjacent
residential areas.
The SRP District is established to provide an area for business and scientific research and development
, for training, and for production of prototype products, plans or designs in a low-density, open, campus-like setting. The purpose of such production is limited to research, development
or evaluation of the merits of those products, plans or designs. The district is intended to accommodate research facilities, pilot plants
, prototype production facilities and other manufacturing operations that require the continual or recurrent application of research knowledge and activity as an integral part of the manufacturing process. Offices
and support services are allowed.
(County Only) The SRP-C District is established to allow for the continued growth and development
of science research parks which serve as economic drivers for Durham County and the larger region. Development
in the SRP-C District shall be designed for a mix of integrated, compatible uses built at moderate-to-high intensities. The concentration of activities in the district shall be supported by access to open space
and amenities that encourage biking, transit use, and pedestrian activity. To create architectural variety and visual interest, the intent of the district regulations is to allow for design flexibility.
The SRP-C District is designed for use on sites within science research parks that have access to major thoroughfares, and other similar high-volume rights-of-way, and are shown as commercial nodes in the Comprehensive Plan
.
The IL District is established to provide for a wide range of light manufacturing, warehousing, and wholesaling activities as well as offices
and some support services, all subject to minimum design standards intended to ensure such development
is compatible with high visibility areas. Standards of this district are designed to minimize impacts on the environment and to assure compatibility with the surrounding area. It is the intent of this district to offer sites for those industries whose operations, exposure, location or traffic have minimal impact on adjacent
properties.
The I District is established in order to provide sites for activities which involve major transportation terminals, and manufacturing facilities that have a greater impact on the surrounding area than industries found in the IL District. It is the intent of this district to provide an environment for industries that is unencumbered by nearby residential development
.
The PDR District is established to allow for design flexibility in residential development
. The district is intended to encourage efficient use of the land and public services and to promote high quality design that will provide a variety of dwelling types as well as adequate support services and open space
for the residents of the development
. The district regulations are intended to allow innovative development
that is integrated with proposed adjacent
uses and compatible with existing patterns of development
.
The UC Districts are established to allow for growth and development
of colleges and universities, while protecting the larger community, nearby neighborhoods, and the environment from impacts accompanying major new development
.
Development
in the UC Districts shall be designed for a mix of integrated university-related, uses, linked by pedestrian ways, bikeways, and other transportation systems. Development
in these districts shall also encourage reduced auto use, mitigate environmental impacts, conserve energy resources and achieve visual continuity in the siting and scale of buildings.
The CC District is established to provide for orderly development
of commercial services in a unified setting on large parcels
of land (generally over ten acres in size to serve residential neighborhoods within a three to five-mile radius of the site). It is the intent of this district to encourage a concentration of commercial activities surrounding a node such as the intersection of two arterials with an overall design scheme, rather than strip commercial
areas. The district is intended to provide a wide range of retail and service activities that serve many neighborhoods. Residential uses generally are not appropriate in the CC District. Development
in the CC district should provide safe pedestrian access to adjacent
residential areas.
The CC District is designed for use on sites at major intersections that are capable of handling the proposed traffic. The CC District should not be located where primary access is from any connector-level street.
The IP District is established to provide for orderly development
of manufacturing, research and support activities in a unified campus-style setting. The district is intended to ensure development
that is compatible with adjacent
uses. The district provides for a range of uses to be developed
with an overall design.
The MU District is established to provide innovative opportunities for an integration of diverse but compatible uses into a single development
that is unified by distinguishable design features. In addition to a mixture of compatible uses, development
in this district shall provide amenities, walkways and open space
to increase pedestrian activity, decrease reliance on individual vehicles
, foster transit usage, enhance the attractiveness of Durham City and County, improve the overall quality of life, and provide for the welfare of the citizens.
The Downtown Design (DD) District is established to encourage bicycling, pedestrian, and transit-oriented development
through regulations appropriate to the downtown area. It focuses on the form of the private and public realm instead of on use and intensity. Regulated through sub-districts, the standards encourage a vital downtown economy that enhances Durham’s position as a commercial, cultural and entertainment hub of the region while increasing livability. The DD District is intended to work in tandem with the Downtown Tier of the Durham Comprehensive Plan
, Downtown Durham Master Plan and updates. Therefore, the Downtown Tier boundary and the Downtown District boundary are the same.
The Compact Design (CD) District is intended to encourage development
of appropriate urban streetscape
and form through bicycling, pedestrian, and transit-oriented development
through various sub-districts similar to the Downtown Design District.
The Compact Suburban Design (CSD) District is intended to encourage development
of appropriate urban streetscape
and form through bicycling, pedestrian, and transit-oriented development
through various sub-districts similar to the Downtown Design District.
Sub-districts of Design Districts are individual zoning districts that reflect and promote different levels of development
intensity reflective of the policies established within the Comprehensive Plan
. Primary sub-districts are Core, Support-1, and Support-2. Additional special sub-districts are established to reflect unique development
requirements for areas designated for Design District regulations.
Most Intense |
| Core (C) Sub-districts: The portion of a Design District where the highest, densest urban development |
| Support-1 (S1) Sub-districts: The portion of a Design District where moderate development | |
Least Intense | Support-2 (S2) Sub-districts: The portion of a Design District intended to provide a sensitive transition from more intense development |
The Pedestrian Business sub-district (Ninth Street) (CD-P(N)), which is located in the Compact Design District that incorporates a portion of Ninth Street, is created to protect the character existing along the east side of Ninth Street within the district and to ensure that any new development
on the west side of Ninth Street within the district is in keeping with that character.
The purpose of the Neighborhood Protection Overlay is to protect the established character of existing neighborhoods by modifying the standards of underlying base districts in order to more effectively match the density
, intensity, or established character of an existing area.
A. A petition to establish a Neighborhood Protection Overlay shall not be construed as a complete and accepted zoning map change application. The governing body, as applicable based upon jurisdiction, shall be the approving authority to initiate a Neighborhood Protection Overlay application, and would therefore be the official applicant.
B. A Neighborhood Protection Overlay shall be established as both a zoning map change in accordance with the requirements of Sec. 3.5, Zoning Map Change, to reflect the boundaries of the designated overlay, and a text amendment in accordance with the requirements of Sec. 3.19, Text Amendment, to codify the standards established within the overlay.
C. Multiple Neighborhood Protection Overlays shall not be designated over any individual property. A property may only be located within one Neighborhood Protection Overlay.
D. The overlay standards shall reflect the prevalent intensity and consistent building
design in the neighborhood, to ensure that new development
reflects the identifiable physical character of the area.
Prior to submittal of a petition and the required pre-submittal neighborhood meeting, a pre-petition conference with the Planning Director or designee shall be required. The Planning Director or designee may establish deadlines for such conferences.
After the pre-petition conference and prior to submittal of a petition, a neighborhood meeting shall be held pursuant to paragraph 3.2.3, Neighborhood Meeting. In lieu of those requiring notification pursuant to paragraph 3.2.3C, the following shall be notified:
a. All officers
and/or representatives of any neighborhood association or other neighborhood group established within the proposed boundaries of the Neighborhood Protection Overlay and that is registered with the Planning Department to receive notice.
b. Each owner
of record of property within the proposed boundaries of the Neighborhood Protection Overlay.
a. Petitions to initiate the establishment of a Neighborhood Protection Overlay shall be submitted to the Planning Department pursuant to the established submittal schedule for such petitions, and shall utilize the official forms maintained by the Planning Department pursuant to paragraph 3.2.4, Application Requirementss, and any other requirements of this section.
b. In order to be accepted for review, a petition shall provide documentation that demonstrates compliance with the following requirements:
(1) The proposed overlay area totals at least 15 acres, excluding right-of-way
;
(2) The average age of structures within the proposed area is at least 25 years old;
(3) At least 75% of parcels
within the proposed area are developed
;
(4) The required pre-petition meeting was held;
(5) The required pre-submittal neighborhood meeting was held and performed as required per this section and paragraph 3.2.3, Neighborhood Meeting; and
(6) The additional documents listed in paragraph c, below, were provided.
(1) A proposed map of the overlay area. The proposed overlay area shall not include properties for which the owners
were not notified for the neighborhood meeting.
(2) A petition of support signed
by property owners
and residents within the proposed area.
(3) Documentation of a consistent, identifiable physical character.
(4) Documentation of historical, social, or other significance applicable to the neighborhood.
(5) A discussion of specific physical elements or development
patterns that are not adequately addressed by the base zoning regulations.
(6) A plan for neighborhood outreach and overlay development
.
(7) Any other materials the petitioner(s) believe are pertinent to the request.
If required through the adopted fee schedule, mailed notification fees for the governing body meeting shall be required at the time of submittal.
The Planning Director or designee shall review the submittal for completeness and conformance with the requirements of this section, and forward the request to the applicable governing body for its review and determination to initiate the petition. Prior to forwarding to the governing body, the following shall be performed:
a. Signs
shall be placed throughout the proposed NPO area to inform residents of the request; and
b. The applicant(s) shall be offered an opportunity to present the request to the JCCPC.
a. The Planning Department shall perform a mailed notice
in accordance with a zoning map change pursuant to paragraph 3.2.5, Notice and Public Hearings, indicating a petition to initiate an NPO has been filed and shall be considered for initiation by the governing body at a specified date and time.
b. Upon review of provided information, the governing body shall determine whether and when to initiate the designation process for the Neighborhood Protection Overlay. At a minimum, the governing body shall consider the following:
(1) That the documents submitted as part of the petition submittal are correct and sufficient.
(2) Support by residents and property owners
. An indicator shall be the petition of support submitted as part of the request, but other indicators may be considered.
(3) That there is a historical, social, or other type of significance that the overlay request would aid in preserving.
(4) That there are consistent and identified physical characteristics and other elements that the base zoning cannot sufficiently address.
(5) That the parameters of the proposed overlay would be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan
and other applicable policies.
(6) That there are sufficient staffing resources that would not negatively impact approved work program priorities.
c. If the governing body initiates the overlay request, it shall refer the item back to the JCCPC for consideration within the Planning Department’s work program.
F. If an overlay designation is initiated and overlay development
has begun, the Planning Director or designee:
1. Shall review any proposed overlay area and associated standards to determine their conformity with the requirements of this section. As part of this review, the Planning Department shall hold at least one neighborhood meeting prior to initiating the public hearing process; and
2. May review progress with the governing body prior to the required public hearings to verify continued support for the overlay or to discuss new issues pertinent to the establishment of the overlay.
A. A Neighborhood Protection Overlay may allow for the modification of any of the following standards within this Ordinance:
1. Use
regulations in Article 5, Use
Regulations;
2. District intensity standards in Article 6, District Intensity Standards;
3. Site design standards in Article 7, Design Standards;
4. Tree protection and tree coverage standards in Article 8, Environmental Protection;
5. Landscaping and buffering standards in Article 9, Landscaping and Buffering; or
6. Parking standards in Article 10, Parking and Loading.
B. Any modified standards applicable within a Neighborhood Protection Overlay shall be expressly set forth in the overlay district at the time of adoption.
The purpose of this section is to establish additional standards to ensure that new development
protects and preserves the established character of the neighborhood as defined on the official zoning map.
This section shall apply to the boundaries of the Tuscaloosa-Lakewood Neighborhood Protection Overlay as shown on the official Zoning Map.
This section shall apply to construction of any primary structure
, and shall apply on individual lots.
a. Trees, other than Pinus genus, located within required yards
shall be retained unless removal is required to accommodate vehicular and pedestrian access or utilities, or the following is demonstrated by a certified arborist:
(1) The tree is determined to be unhealthy; or
(2) The tree would not survive construction activity.
b. A minimum of seven percent tree coverage, met through preservation, replacement, or a combination thereof, per Sec. 8.3, Tree Protection and Tree Coverage, is required regardless of the underlying zoning district.
c. For single-family
and two-family
development
, the requirements in paragraph a above are applicable until a certificate of compliance
has been issued for the residence on an individual single-family
or two-family
lot.
The maximum height of a new building
shall be 35 feet unless a lower height is required by another ordinance requirement.
Commentary: North Carolina Session Law 2023-108 limits the ability to place design or aesthetic regulations buildings constructed under the North Carolina Residential Building
Code.
a. New primary structures shall maintain a single-family
detached residential appearance and scale. Residential appearance and scale shall expressly include details from residential uses within the context area as defined in paragraph 6.8.2A.1, Context Area. Review and approval of elevations and other design details through site plan
review pursuant to Sec. 3.7, Site Plan Review, or architectural review pursuant to Sec. 3.22, Architectural Review, as applicable, shall be required prior to the issuance of a building permit
or site plan
approval as applicable. Such details shall include the following features:
(1) Roof type, including extent of eaves and eave ornamentation, if any;
(2) Porches or other similar articulation
of the front façade, including typical porch details associated with specific architectural styles found in the context area;
(3) Façade materials; and
(4) Size, pattern, style, and location of windows and doors.
b. If no more than two primary structures exist within the context area, then the context area for determining the above criteria shall be extended to include the nearest block
faces within the Neighborhood Protection Overlay, in all directions, with at least two structures.
Multifamily
housing types shall be limited to multiplexes, townhouses
, and detached row houses, as allowed by the base zoning.
For single-family
and two-family
lots, driveways
shall have a maximum width of 12 feet within the required street yard
and at all points in front of the rear building line
of the primary structure
.
No buffer
reductions permitted per paragraph 9.4.5C, Urban, and Compact Neighborhood Tier Constructed Buffer
, shall be permitted.
a. Any reconstruction, additions and/or renovations to structures originally designed for residential use but converted to nonresidential use shall maintain a single-family
detached residential appearance. Residential appearance shall expressly include details from residential structures, or former residential structures, within the context area as defined in paragraph 6.8.2A.1, Context Area. Review and approval of elevations and other design details through site plan
review pursuant to Sec. 3.7, Site Plan Review, or architectural review per Sec. 3.22, Architectural Review, as applicable, shall be required prior to the issuance of a building permit
or site plan
approval as applicable. Such details shall include the following features:
(1) Roof type, including extent of eaves and eave ornamentation, if any;
(2) Porches or other similar articulation
of the front façade including typical porch details associated with specific architectural styles found in the context area;
(3) Façade materials; and
(4) Size, pattern, style, and location of windows and doors.
b. If no more than two primary structures exist within the context area, then the context area for determining the above criteria shall be extended to include the nearest block
faces within the neighborhood protection overlay, in all directions, with at least two structures.
This overlay establishes standards for the Old West Durham neighborhood to ensure that new residential development
is compatible with the established urban form, modest scale, and mill village character of the neighborhood. Preservation of green space and tree canopy
are primary motivations for the formulation of a number of these standards. This section is not intended to reduce density
within the neighborhood.
This section shall only apply to the following types of single and two family
residential development
within the boundaries of the Old West Durham Neighborhood Protection Overlay, as shown on the official Zoning Map:
1. Construction of, or addition to, any primary structure
;
2. Construction of, or addition to, any garage, accessory dwelling unit
, and/or other accessory structure
that requires a building permit
and is enclosed on more than two sides;
3. Enclosure by more than two walls of formerly unenclosed spaces;
4. Construction of, or addition to, any vehicular use area; and/or
5. Subdivision
or consolidation of parcels
.
a. The maximum floor area ratio (FAR)
shall be 0.325 (32.5%). For purposes of this NPO only, floor area
is defined as the heated square footage of the primary structure
plus the total square footage (heated or unheated) of any garage, accessory dwelling unit
, or any accessory structure
that requires a building permit
and is enclosed on more than two sides.
b. To calculate the FAR, the floor area
is divided by the lot size.
| Example |
|---|
A 7,500 SF lot contains a single family The FAR of this lot is (1,450 + 400) SF / 7,500 SF = 24.7% In this scenario, 7.8% of the camp (588 SF) remains available for future qualifying development |
c. Regardless of the calculated FAR, each parcel
shall be allowed a minimum of 2,200 square feet of floor area
and no parcel
shall exceed 3,600 square feet of floor area
.
d. Provided that the structural footprint and height remain unchanged from May 7, 2018, a FAR may be exceeded by converting unheated fully enclosed square footage to heated square footage.
e. Heated square footage from a floor built below grade
shall be exempt from the FAR calculation provided the exposed foundation wall is not more than three feet above grade
at any point along any street facing facade.
f. The total square footage of an accessory structure
shall not exceed 50% of the heated floor area
of the primary structure
and shall not exceed 800 square feet.
g. For accessory structures with sloped ceilings, only floor area
with a ceiling height of five feet or more shall be included within the FAR.
h. A building permit
application or plot/site plan
, as applicable, shall detail the existing and proposed FAR.
a. The height of the primary structure
, as calculated in paragraph 6.12.1, Height, shall not exceed 31 feet.
b. The height of an accessory structure
, as calculated in paragraph 6.12.1, Height, shall not exceed 24 feet.
c. If the height of an accessory structure
exceeds 16 feet, then the structure
must be set back at minimum of 10 feet from any property line, except where that property line abuts a dedicated
right-of-way
, undeveloped land, or a nonresidential land use.
The maximum lot area
shall be 12,000 square feet.
a. The area between the rear wall of the primary structure
and the rear property line shall contain, at minimum, one canopy
tree of at least two inches in caliper
, in accordance with the Landscape Manual for Durham, North Carolina.
b. All trees required by the Unified Development
Ordinance must be depicted on building permit
applications or plot/site plans
, as applicable, including the location, caliper
, and species.
a. For purposes of this NPO only, a vehicular use area includes all surface area designated or utilized for vehicle
parking or vehicle
access.
b. The minimum off-street parking requirement is one space per dwelling unit
. Accessory dwelling units
are not required to provide off-street parking.
c. The maximum width of the vehicular use area shall be 12 feet; however, the vehicular use area may expand up to 24 feet in width to accommodate garage access and parking. The total additional vehicular use area beyond 12 feet in width shall:
(1) Be behind the front building line
;
(2) Be not less than 20 feet from the front property line; and
(3) Not exceed 400 square feet.

A. A Transitional Office
Overlay may only be established as a zoning map change in accordance with the requirements of Sec. 3.5, Zoning Map Change.
B. A Transitional Office
Overlay may be established in any residential base district, and may be established over more than one residential base district.
A. Any use permitted by right, subject to limitations, or through special use permit in the underlying base districts shall be permitted in the overlay.
B. The following uses or use categories shall be permitted in addition to the uses permitted in the underlying zoning district. No retail sales shall be permitted as a primary use in the overlay.
1. Upper-story residential;
2. Medical facilities (other than hospitals
);
3. Offices
;
4. Animal hospitals
, veterinary clinics
, animal boarding places (all without outdoor pens or runs);
5. Artist galleries;
6. Artist studios; and
7. Diet houses.
A. New buildings in the Transitional Office
Overlay shall maintain a single-family
detached residential appearance and scale. Residential appearance and scale shall expressly include details from residential uses within 150 feet of the overlay area. Such details may include the following features:
1. Roof type, including extent of eaves, if any;
2. Porches or other similar articulation
of the front façade;
3. Size, pattern and location of windows and doors; and
4. Garage or parking location.
B. The underlying district dimensional standards shall be met, except where expressly modified in this paragraph.
1. The maximum height of a new building
shall be 35 feet.
2. The maximum length of a new building
shall not exceed 80 feet.
3. The maximum floor area
of any nonresidential use in the overlay or aggregation of multiple nonresidential uses in a single building
shall be 5,000 square feet.
C. All nonresidential activity (except that allowed within a residential district
) shall occur within a completely enclosed building
.
D. The residential appearance of buildings shall be furthered by the retention of street lawns free of vehicle
parking. All off-street parking spaces
shall be located no closer to the principal street than the front building line
, regardless of any required yard
or building
setback
.
The Airport
Overlay is established to contribute to the safe operation of airports, to facilitate orderly development
around airports, and to control and minimize impacts on surrounding activities. It is also the intent of this overlay to encourage land use patterns which are appropriate for the airport
vicinity and public safety by avoiding concentrations of population. Standards are provided to ensure an attractive entrance to the area in order to encourage trade and commerce and thereby maintain economic vitality.
The Airport
Overlay applies to properties in the vicinity of Raleigh-Durham Airport
. The specific boundaries are defined on the Official Zoning Map and are imposed on property as an addition to the underlying zoning district. The boundaries generally follow physical boundaries which are identifiable on the landscape and are related to the airport
noise contours as determined by the Raleigh-Durham Airport
Authority. The Airport
Overlay is divided into two suboverlays which are further described below:
Shall be that area found within the 65 Ldn of the Raleigh-Durham Airport
and shown on the Official Zoning Map.
Shall be that area located outside the 65 Ldn but within the 60 Ldn of the Raleigh-Durham Airport
and shown on the Official Zoning Map.
Only the following uses shall be allowed, pursuant to the permissibility of the underlying zoning district in Sec. 5.1, Use Table: Agricultural, Residential, and Utilities (per Public and Civic Uses).
All uses in the underlying zoning district shall be permissible pursuant to Sec. 5.1, Use Table, with the exception of outdoor firing ranges
.
The lighting types below shall not be permitted:
1. Any moving, pulsating, flashing, rotating, or oscillating light, which may interfere with air traffic other than navigational markings or lights marking potential obstructions
in accordance with Federal Aviation Administration requirements.
2. Flood lights, spot lights, or other lighting devices which are not shielded so as to prevent illumination in an upward direction.
3. Any light which constitutes a “misleading light” within the meaning of Federal Aviation Administration regulations.
Any electronic impulse or signal which interferes with communications between aircraft and the airport
, or which interferes with established navigation aids shall be prohibited.
Structures and signs
of a height which obstruct
the takeoff and landing of aircraft, as determined by the Federal Aviation Administration, shall be prohibited.
A. The Raleigh-Durham Airport
Authority shall have the opportunity to review applications for a special use permit, variance
, zoning map change, subdivision
, or site plan
approval within the airport
overlay prior to a decision by the approving authority. All development
shall also comply with the airspace regulations adopted by the Raleigh-Durham Airport
Authority. Whenever said airspace regulations impose more stringent requirements or limitations than are required by this Ordinance, the provisions of the airspace regulations shall prevail.
B. Residential development
within the Airport
Overlay shall demonstrate that aircraft noise exposure within the dwellings shall not exceed decibel levels of 45 Ldn and be certified by an acoustical engineer or a board certified member of the Institute of Noise Control Engineering. Measures for reducing noise exposure may include: orientation
of structures, design standards, landscaping, or construction materials used in walls, windows, doors, roofs, floors, or ceilings. Design guidelines for noise reduction are available from publications of the Raleigh-Durham Airport
Authority.
C. Residential development
within the Airport
Overlay shall ensure that purchasers of the dwellings will be notified that the property may be subject to noise exposure from aircraft using Raleigh-Durham Airport
. Measures used to notify purchasers may include notices on plats
or deeds.
D. Nonconforming uses may be continued subject to the regulations found elsewhere in this Ordinance. However, no building permit
shall be issued which would allow a greater hazard (for example: more units, or brighter lighting) to public safety than existed at the time of adoption of this Ordinance.
The developer
of new development
in the Airport
Overlay-A60 or –A65 shall grant an avigation easement
to the Raleigh-Durham Airport
Authority for the subject property. A copy of the recorded avigation easement
shall be provided to the Planning Director prior to approval of a site plan
or preliminary/minor plat
for the subject property. The easement
must, at a minimum, convey a perpetual right and easement
for the free and unobstructed overflight of aircraft over and in the vicinity of the property. The easement
must be appurtenant to the property, and must not be subordinated
to any other interest such as mortgage or lien.
The MTC Overlay is established to enhance the economic and aesthetic appeal
and orderly development
of properties adjacent
to major transportation corridors. Certain arterial streets, parkways and expressways
are of critical importance to Durham City and County. Rights-of-way carrying high volumes of traffic are image makers for Durham City and County. They act as entryways for visitors and residents and also serve as an indicator of the quality of life found in the area. Standards are provided to ensure that highways, freeways
, and other similar high-volume rights-of-way in this overlay develop
with improved traffic efficiency and safety by reducing visual clutter and avoiding inappropriate site design.
Except in design districts, the MTC Overlay shall apply to all property within 1,250 feet of a designated right-of-way
, and may extend up to 2,500 feet at intersections. The actual boundaries shall be determined at the time of adoption of the MTC Overlay and shall be shown on the Official Zoning Map. The MTC Overlay shall be measured perpendicular to the edge of:
A. The right-of-way
of the limited access highway; or
B. The right-of-way
for a frontage road
, if present.
A buffer
shall be provided along the perimeter of the property line adjacent
to the designated right-of-way
.
1. The buffer
width shall be no less than 30 feet and no more than 100 feet. The actual buffer
width shall be determined at time of adoption of the overlay. In determining the width of the buffer
, the governing body shall consider the following factors:
a. The topography of the area;
b. The existing and proposed land uses;
c. The size of the adjacent
parcels
;
d. The traffic volumes of the corridor; and
e. Any additional factors the governing body deems reasonable in carrying out the purpose of the Ordinance.
2. The following buffer
widths shall be provided for the following designated rights-of-way:
MTC Overlay | Buffer | Segment |
|---|---|---|
I-40 | 100 | Orange County line to Research Triangle Park |
I-40 | 100 | Research Triangle Park to Wake County line |
I-85 | 50 | Avondale Ave. to US Highway 70 |
I-85 | 100 | US Highway 70 to Granville County line |
I-540 | 50 | Wake County line to Wake County line |
1. Within the buffer
area, existing vegetation shall be maintained in a natural, undisturbed state. In areas where the existing vegetation provides inadequate screening
, the property owner
or applicant shall install vegetation that meets the opacity
standards of paragraph 9.4.4.A, Natural Buffers Required.
2. When necessary, transportation corridors and utility easements
may cross the required buffer
area. Such crossings shall be designed to minimize clear views through the required buffer
. The nature and limits of such intrusions shall be shown in detail on all site plans
or subdivision
plats
associated with the crossing.
3. Trails may not intrude laterally into the buffer
for distances greater than 50 feet. Trails shall meander to avoid natural features and to prevent clear views through the buffer
. Selective thinning may be allowed; however, no tree over 12 inches in caliper
shall be removed for the trail. The maximum trail width shall be ten feet. Trails shall be shown on all site plans
and subdivision
plats
associated with the trail.
Except as provided in paragraph 4.9.3D, Adjustments to the Required Buffer
, walls or fences shall not be constructed within the buffer
area.
1. Within areas of I-85 MTC Overlay where the required buffer
width is identified as 100 feet in paragraph 4.9.3B, Buffer
Width, the buffer
width can be reduced to 50 feet without a major special use permit if the following conditions are met:
a. On properties proposed for residential purposes, with at least 900 feet of uninterrupted frontage along the limited access highway or frontage road
, if present, a noise barrier is built to the NCDOT noise policy and to match existing NCDOT noise barriers; and,
b. On properties proposed for nonresidential purposes that provide a buffer
with 80% opacity
as defined in paragraph 9.4.5, Constructed Buffer
.
2. The buffer
width and amount of landscape materials may be reduced through the issuance of a Major Special Permit pursuant to 3.9, Special Use
Permit, considering the following issues in addition to the findings set forth in paragraph 3.9.8, Criteria for Approval of Major and Minor Special Use
Permits.
a. The topography of the area; and
b. The size of the parcel
of record.
Freestanding signs
within the MTC Overlay shall not exceed 12 feet in height.
Historic District Overlays may be established to protect and preserve areas and landmarks with special significance in terms of prehistorical, historical, architectural or cultural importance, and possesses integrity of design, setting, materials, feeling and association.
Historic Districts Overlays may be designated by the governing body after the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) deems and finds that the area is of special significance in terms of its prehistorical, historical, architectural, or cultural importance, and possesses integrity of design, setting, materials, feeling, and association.
Procedures for designation of Historic District Overlays shall be found in Sec. 3.16, Historic or Landmark Designation.
All development
within a locally designated historic district shall comply with the requirements contained in this section. In addition, all development
within a locally designated historic district shall comply with the requirements of any underlying zoning district, except as otherwise required by this ordinance.
General standards that apply to all Historic District Overlays may be developed
; however, each individual overlay may have additional specific standards that apply specifically to one overlay.
A. Development
in the Downtown Historic District Overlay shall comply with the standards of this subsection, in addition to the standards of the adopted Downtown Durham Historic Preservation Plan and the general standards of the Downtown Design District.
B. In the event of a conflict between applicable standards, the following standards shall take precedence in the order listed below:
1. The Downtown Durham Historic Preservation Plan, through approval of an applicable certificate of appropriateness.
2. The standards of this subsection.
3. The standards of the Downtown Design District.
4. All other applicable standards of this Ordinance.
Development
in the Historic District Overlay shall conform to established build-to lines. The build-to line
requirement shall be:
1. If buildings exist adjacent
to the property on either side, the build-to line
shall be at or between the two established street façade locations;
2. If an adjacent
building
exists on only one side of the property, the build-to line
shall be within two feet of the existing street façade location; or
3. If no adjacent
buildings exist, the corresponding DD sub-district build-to zone
shall apply.
4. On corner lots, the standards of this section shall apply for each street façade.
Building
step-backs shall meet the preservation plan requirements through the issuance of a COA and shall be exempt from the height articulation
requirements of paragraph 16.3.3C.1, DD District.
1. Maximum height shall be determined by the underlying DD sub-district.
2. The HPC may allow height greater than that of the highest ‘pivotal’ or ‘contributing’ structure
(as assigned in the Downtown Durham Historic District Preservation Plan) only by making the following additional findings:
a. The proposed development
allows for adequate light, air and open space
access to adjacent
properties; and
b. Given consideration of the height of structures in the immediate vicinity, the proposed development
does not adversely affect the character of the historic district.
3. The HPC may limit height below the maximum allowed in order to find that the proposal is consistent with the adopted Historic Properties Local Review Criteria, as amended.
A. The purpose of the Watershed
Protection Overlay is to preserve the quality of the region's drinking water supplies through application of the development
standards in Article 8, Environmental Protection. In general, water supply protection will be accomplished by establishing and maintaining low intensity land use and development
on land near the region's water supply rivers and reservoirs. Where high density
development
is desired, water supply protection will be accomplished through the use of engineered stormwater
controls. The overall objective is to:
1. Reduce the risk of pollution from stormwater
running off of paved and other impervious surfaces
; and
2. Reduce the risk of discharges of hazardous and toxic materials into the natural drainage system tributary to drinking water supplies.
B. Watershed
protection regulations shall be adopted by the City of Durham and Durham County in accordance with the requirements of the North Carolina Environmental Management Commission, Title 15A NCAC 2B .0100, .0200 and .0300, (adopted pursuant to NCGS §143-214.5) and in accordance with NCGS Chapter 160D.
A. The following six Watershed
Overlays shall be established for lands within the watersheds
of public drinking water rivers and reservoirs. Each Watershed
Overlay is divided into two areas, a Critical Area (A) and a Protected Area (B), based on their distance from the protected water supply and ridge lines that define the drainage basin.
Overlay | Designation | General Location |
|---|---|---|
M/LR-A | Lake Michie/Little River District A | One mile from the 341 foot MSL normal pool of Lake Michie and from the 355 foot MSL normal pool of the Little River Reservoir, or to the ridge lines defining their drainage basins, whichever is less. |
M/LR-B | Lake Michie/Little River District B | The portion of the drainage basins of Lake Michie and the Little River Reservoir not covered by M/LR-A. |
F/J-A | Falls/Jordan District A | One mile from the 251.5 foot MSL normal pool of Falls Reservoir and from the 216 foot MSL normal pool of the Jordan Reservoir, or to the ridge lines defining their drainage basins, whichever is less. |
F/J-B | Falls/Jordan District B | From the edge of F/J-A Overlay to five miles from the normal pool of the Falls Reservoir and the Jordan Reservoir, or to the ridge lines that define their drainage basins, whichever is less. |
E-A | Eno River District A | One mile from and draining to the Eno River water intake. |
| E-A(2) | Eno River District A2 | One half mile from and draining to the Teer Quarry Eno River water intake. |
E-B | Eno River District B | From the edge of E-A to 10 miles from the Eno River water intake, or to the ridge lines that define the drainage area of the intake, whichever is less. |
B. The general boundaries of the Watershed
Overlays are defined by the distance from the normal pool and ridge line criteria described above, with rights-of-way and property lines used to determine inclusion or exclusion in the Watershed
Overlay.
C. The general boundaries and the parcels
included within these boundaries are shown on the map entitled "Watershed
Overlays Parcels
Map", which is included by reference and adopted as part of this Ordinance.
D. Where a general boundary crosses a parcel
, parcels
one-half acre or less shall be excluded from the Overlay, and parcels
greater than one-half acre shall be included. Upon adoption of this Ordinance, the parcels
included in each Overlay and their Watershed
Overlay designation shall be shown on the Official Zoning Map.
A. When a property is divided by one or more of the arcs representing the one half-mile, the one-mile, or the five-mile distance from the reservoir, or by the ridgeline that defines the water supply reservoir, a request can be submitted for an interpretation of the Watershed
Overlay boundary through the City-County Planning Department. The request can be submitted by any individual and shall include sufficient information to enable the Planning Director to make a recommendation to the governing body and NC Environmental Management Commission (EMC), as appropriate.
B. For all requests, the Planning Director will evaluate the request and will seek approval from the appropriate governing body for submission to the NC Environmental Management Commission (EMC). Upon such approval, the Planning Director will submit the proposed Watershed
Overlay boundary change to the EMC, in accordance with 15A NCAC 02B .0104(o). Upon approval by the EMC, the Planning Director will complete the interpretation and modify the Watershed
Overlay boundary in accordance with the interpretation. All such changes shall be shown on the Official Zoning Map and the Watershed
Overlays Parcels
Map, which shall be maintained by the Planning Department.
Commentary: The NC Administrative Code, in Rule 15A NCAC 02B .0104(o), states that all revisions (expansions and deletions) to the Environmental Management Commission (EMC) adopted critical and protected area boundaries or to the local government’s interpreted critical and protected area boundaries must be approved by the EMC prior to adoption by the local government.
C. The Planning Director, or designee, shall interpolate the general boundary as shown on the Watershed
Overlays Parcels
Map, but may vary it to exclude lots of one-half acre or less in a proposed subdivision
. In addition, the Planning Director, or designee, may use identifiable physical features, such as roads
, streams
or easements
, as boundaries if they approximately coincide with the interpolated general Overlay boundary. All such changes shall be shown on the Development
Tier Map, the Official Zoning Map, and the Watershed
Overlays Parcels
Map, which shall be maintained by the Planning Department.
Nonresidential land uses shall be restricted in accordance with the following table and Sec. 8.7, Watershed Protection Overlay Standards.
Overlay | Development |
|---|---|
M/LR-A | All industrial uses listed in paragraph 5.2.6, Industrial Use |
M/LR-B | All Industrial uses listed in paragraph 5.2.6, Industrial Use |
F/J-A | Except in the Rural Tier, nonresidential uses shall be prohibited, except that public and civic uses listed in paragraph 5.2.4, Public and Civic Use Land already zoned for one of the above uses may be rezoned to permit one of the above nonresidential uses, except for commercial uses, in accordance with the procedures of Sec. 3.5, Zoning Map Change.
Within the Rural Tier, nonresidential uses shall be prohibited except those uses allowed in residential districts |
F/J-B | Municipal solid waste |
E-A; E-A(2) | Industrial uses listed in paragraph 5.2.6, Industrial Use |
E-B | Within the Rural Tier, commercial uses listed in paragraph 5.2.5, Commercial Use |