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Durham City Zoning Code

Article

6 District Intensity Standards

6.1.1. Purpose

The district developmentClosed standards of this Ordinance establish lot sizes and certain restrictions for all residential and nonresidential developmentClosed. These standards allow for variety in housing and buildingClosed types while striving to maintain the overall character of neighborhoods and commercial areas of Durham. DevelopmentClosed standards established in this Ordinance are based on Durham’s planning tiers as established in the Comprehensive PlanClosed. Standards in this section are specific to each district and are above and beyond the general standards for all districts enumerated in Article 7, Design Standards, through Article 13, Additional Requirements for Subdivisions. Separate standards are established to regulate residential and nonresidential developmentClosed in each tier and for certain nonresidential districts. This approach to district and tier developmentClosed standards implements the Comprehensive PlanClosed and has several public benefits:

A. It allows for developmentClosed that is more sensitive to the environment and allows for the preservation of open and natural areas.

B. It promotes quality site layout and energy-efficient developmentClosed.

C. It promotes affordable and life-cycle housing.

D. It promotes developmentClosed intensities that match existing and proposed infrastructure investments.

E. It promotes infill developmentClosed that is consistent in character and scale with established neighborhoods.

F. It promotes compact land developmentClosed that supports alternate transportation, such as bicycling, walking, mass transit.

G. It promotes market-based developmentClosed decisions while protecting shared public interests.

6.1.2. Flexible Development Tools by Plan Tier

The district intensity standards set forth in this Article provide for flexible developmentClosed tools in each planning tier, as shown below. For the Downtown Tier and certain Compact Neighborhood Tiers, refer to Article 16, Design Districts.

DevelopmentClosed Tool

Rural

Suburban

Urban

Compact Neighborhood

Conservation SubdivisionClosed

 

 

Variable Housing Types

 

Major Roadway DensityClosed Bonus

 

 

Affordable Housing Bonus

 

Lot Averaging

 

Cluster SubdivisionClosed

 

 

Vertical Integration of Uses

 

6.2.1. Development Standards

A. Dimensional Standards

1. All residential developmentClosed in the RR District shall meet the standards in the table below.

Dimensional Standard

Rural Tier WatershedClosed

Rural Tier
Non-Watershed

All Other Locations

Min.

Max.

Min.

Max.

Min.

Max.

Residential DensityClosed (units per acre)

 

Conventional SubdivisionClosed

0.33

0.5

1.4

Conservation SubdivisionClosed

0.5

0.75

2.0

Open SpaceClosed (% of gross area)1

 

Conventional SubdivisionClosed

Conservation SubdivisionClosed

50

50

50

Lot AreaClosed2

3 ac.

2 ac.

30,000 s.f.

Lot WidthClosed (feet)2

200

150

 

100

Street YardClosed (feet)2

50

50

 

50

Side YardClosed (feet)2

 

Minimum Each Side

25

12

 

12

Minimum Both Sides (total)

50

30

 

30

Rear YardClosed (feet)2

50

25

 

25

Height, conventional and conservation subdivisionClosed

 

StoriesClosed (visual articulationClosed)

 

3

 

3

 

3

Feet

 

40

 

40

 

40

1 Please see Sec. 12.5, Recreation Land, for additional land dedicationClosed requirements that may apply.

2 For conservation subdivisionClosed dimensional requirements, see below.

 

2. Within a conservation subdivisionClosed:

a. The minimum street yardClosed shall be eight feet.

b. No minimum side yardClosed shall apply; however, a minimum building separationClosed of 10 feet shall apply.

c. Rear yardsClosed shall be those indicated for conventional subdivisionsClosed in the table in paragraph 6.2.1A.1 above.

d. Minimum lot areasClosed for conservation subdivisionsClosed shall be approved by the County Health Department for individual wastewater treatment systems. Where public or community wastewater systems are approved to serve the developmentClosed, no minimum lot size or width shall apply.

3. Additional height is permitted for non-farm structures at a rate of one additional storyClosed for every ten feet of additional setbackClosed provided. In no event shall the structureClosed be more than 45 feet in height.

B. DevelopmentClosed in the Rural VillagesClosed of Bahama and Rougemont as designated in the Comprehensive PlanClosed can use the Suburban Tier dimensional standards subject to Sec. 8.4, Floodplain and Flood Damage Protection Standards, and Sec. 8.7, Watershed Protection Overlay Standards, and the availability of water and wastewater treatment systems.

C. Accessory Structure Requirements (Not Applicable to Bona Fide Farms in the County)

1. In addition to the accessory structureClosed requirements set forth in Sec. 5.4, Accessory Uses and Standards, the following accessory structures shall maintain a minimum 50-foot setbackClosed from all property lines:

a. New farmClosed buildings and equestrian facilities; and

b. Pens, chicken coopsClosed, corrals, or similar enclosures where livestockClosed are kept.

2. LivestockClosed shall be kept in pens, chicken coopsClosed, corrals, or similar enclosures.

Commentary:  The Durham City Code of Ordinances considers the accumulation of refuse and debris a public nuisance pursuant to Sec. 26-179, Accumulation of refuse and debris declared public nuisance; abatement.

6.2.4. Conservation Subdivision

A. Purpose

The conservation subdivisionClosed standards are established for the following purposes:

1. To provide flexibility of design in order to promote environmentally sensitive and efficient uses of the land;

2. To preserve in perpetuity unique or sensitive natural resources such as groundwater, floodplains, wetlandsClosed, streamsClosed, steep slopes, woodlands and wildlife habitat;

3. To preserve important historic and archaeological sites;

4. To permit clustering of houses and structures on less environmentally sensitive soils which will reduce the amount of infrastructure, including paved surfaces and utility easementsClosed, necessary for residential developmentClosed;

5. To reduce erosionClosed and sedimentationClosed by minimizing land disturbance and removal of vegetation in residential developmentClosed;

6. To promote interconnected greenways and corridors throughout the community;

7. To promote contiguous green space with adjacentClosed jurisdictions;

8. To encourage interaction in the community by clustering houses and orientingClosed them closer to the street, providing public gathering places and encouraging use of parks and community facilities as focal points in the neighborhood;

9. To promote construction of landscaped walking trails and bike paths conveniently located both within the subdivisionClosed and connected to neighboring communities, businesses and facilities to reduce reliance on automobiles;

10. To conserve scenic views from public roadways and reduce perceived densityClosed; and

11. To protect prime agricultural land and preserve farmingClosed as an economic activity.

B. Applicability of Regulations

1. This conservation subdivisionClosed option is available as a use by right subject to subdivisionClosed approval in accordance with Sec. 3.6, Subdivision Review; and in accordance with the standards set forth in paragraph 6.2.4H, Primary and Secondary Conservation Areas.

2. As required under Sec. 3.6, Subdivision Review, a conservation subdivisionClosed shall conform to the requirements of this Ordinance, including Article 8, Environmental Protection, and other development-related ordinances; except that the requirements of this section shall supersede any conflicting ordinance provisions.

3. In the County jurisdiction, spray irrigation for the treatment of wastewater within a conservation subdivisionClosed shall require a major special use permit under Sec. 3.9, Special Use Permit, unless the area to be irrigated is a primary conservation area that is farmland or agricultural land. This requirement shall also apply within the City jurisdiction unless the system has been approved by the State.

C. Ownership of Development Site

The tractClosed of land to be subdivided may be held in single and separate ownership or in multiple ownership. If held in multiple ownership, however, the site shall be developedClosed according to a single plan with common authority and common responsibility.

D. Density Calculation

Maximum densityClosed in a conservation subdivisionClosed shall be determined by multiplying the gross area of the tractClosed of land, including all areas typically excluded from densityClosed calculations in Article 8, Environmental Protection, by the maximum gross densityClosed for the site as defined in subsection 6.2.1A, Dimensional Standards.

E. Mass Grading

Mass gradingClosed is allowed in conservation subdivisionsClosed that receive public water/sewer service or use community wastewater treatment facilities or package treatment plants. It is prohibited in all other conservation subdivisionsClosed.

F. Open Space Requirements

1. Relationship to other open space requirements

Except for paragraph 7.2.5, Ownership and Management of Open Space, the requirements of Sec. 7.2, Open Space, do not apply to conservation subdivisionsClosed.

2. Amount of open space

The amount of open spaceClosed shall be 50% of total gross area as required under Sec. 6.2, Residential Rural (RR) Development Intensity, and shall be apportioned as set forth below in paragraph G, Primary and Secondary Conservation Areas and Other Open SpaceClosed.

3. Ownership

Open spaceClosed shall be held in common ownership or dedicatedClosed to the public or a land trust or similar conservation-oriented non-profit organization rather than plattedClosed as part of individual private lots, and shall be subject to the requirements of paragraph 7.2.5, Ownership and Management of Open Space.

4. Notwithstanding the above requirements, area within required riparian buffers can be used to satisfy any open spaceClosed requirement.

G. Application Requirements

1. Submittal Requirements

In addition to all subdivisionClosed application materials required in accordance with Sec. 3.6, Subdivision Review, the applicant shall submit a site analysis map. The complete site analysis map shall first be presented for discussion at the pre-application conference required under paragraph 3.2.2, Pre-Application Conference.

2. Site Analysis Map

The purpose of the site analysis map is to ensure that the important site features have been adequately identified prior to the creation of the site design, and that the proposed open spaceClosed will meet the requirements of this section. The site analysis map shall include the following features:

a. Property boundaries;

b. All streamsClosed, rivers, lakes, wetlandsClosed and other hydrologic features;

c. Topographic contours of no less than 10-foot intervals unless a more precise vertical scale is available;

d. All primary and secondary conservation areas labeled by type (see paragraph H. below);

e. General vegetation characteristics;

f. General soil types and areas suitable for installation of on-site wastewater treatment systems;

g. The planned location of protected open spaceClosed;

h. Existing roadsClosed and structures; and

i. Potential connections with existing open spaceClosed and trails.

H. Primary and Secondary Conservation Areas and Other Open Space

1. Primary Conservation Areas

At least 80% of the required open spaceClosed in a conservation subdivisionClosed shall consist of primary conservation areas.

Commentary:  Because 50% of the total gross area in a conservation subdivisionClosed must be open spaceClosed under paragraph 6.2.1, Development Standards, 40% of the total gross area must be primary conservation areas.

The following are considered primary conservation areas and shall be included within the required open spaceClosed in the order of preference listed below. Secondary conservation areas and other open spaceClosed can be included only after primary conservation areas comprise 80% of required open spaceClosed.

a. Special Flood Hazard Areas and Future Conditions FloodClosed Hazard Areas;

b. Riparian buffers along all perennial and intermittent streamsClosed;

c. WetlandsClosed protected by the Army Corps of Engineers or the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality and any provided or required buffers;

d. Lakes, ponds, and other water bodies, excluding created stormwaterClosed management facilities;

e. Areas at least 5,000 contiguous square feet in size with any natural slopes greater than 25%;

f. Existing forests (meeting the standards in paragraph 8.3.1D, Preserved Tree Coverage, except any that conflict with the provisions of this section), at least one contiguous acre in size, in which healthy hardwood trees at least 10 inches in diameter at breast height comprise at least 50% of the area;

g. Wildlife corridors, wildlife habitats, and other sites identified in the Durham County InventoryClosed of Important Natural Areas, Plants and Wildlife (InventoryClosed) or adopted plans;

h. Greenways, rail trails, and other open spaceClosed identified in adopted plans;

i. Historic sites or structures currently designated in, or eligible for, the National Register of Historic Places;

j. Sites identified in the Durham Architectural and Historic InventoryClosed;

k. Sites identified in the Durham County Archaeological InventoryClosed and other identified archeological sites, including cemeteriesClosed and burial grounds;

l. Sites at least five contiguous acres in size identified by the City, County, State, or federal government as farmland or agricultural land that is prime, unique, or of statewide or local importance; and

m. Viewsheds from designated federal and North Carolina Scenic Byways.

2. Secondary Conservation Areas

The following are considered secondary conservation areas and shall be included within the required open spaceClosed in the order of preference listed below if additional space is still required after all primary conservation areas have been included:

a. Existing forests (meeting the standards in paragraph 8.3.1D, Preserved Tree Coverage, except any that conflict with the provisions of this section), at least 12,000 contiguous square feet in size, in which healthy hardwood trees at least 10 inches in diameter at breast height comprise at least 50% of the area;

b. Areas with any natural slope greater than 20%, unless identified as primary conservation areas;

c. Buffers in excess of Ordinance requirements around any primary conservation area;

d. Individual existing healthy trees greater than 18 inches in diameter at breast height; and

e. New or existing improved pedestrian trails that are not identified as primary conservation areas or located in other conservation areas and that do not negatively impact other conservation areas. Such trails can be located in utility easementsClosed only if all utilities in the easementsClosed are buried, and in such cases only the improved trails, and not the easementsClosed, shall be considered secondary conservation areas.

3. Other Open Space

The following areas can be included within the required open spaceClosed if additional space is still required after all primary and secondary conservation areas have been included:

a. Any land used for agricultural purposes that is not a primary conservation area;

b. Naturally vegetated areas, or areas re-vegetated to appear naturally vegetated, that are not primary or secondary conservation areas;

c. Playing fields surfaced with natural turf;

d. Golf coursesClosed identified by the City or County as "green" due to use of best management practices, excluding club houses, parking areas, and other impervious surfacesClosed;

e. StormwaterClosed management facilities engineered as bioretention areas or wetlandsClosed, including easementsClosed for such facilities, can comprise a maximum of 10% of required open spaceClosed.

6.3.1. Development Standards

A. Dimensional Standards

1. All residential developmentClosed in the RS Districts shall meet the standards in the table below. For illustrations, lot dimensions, and required yardsClosed for each housing type, see Sec. 7.1, Housing Types.

 

RS-20

RS-10

RS-8

RS-M

Dimensional Standard

Min.

Max.

Min.

Max.

Min.

Max.

Min.

Max. without Development PlanClosed

Max. with Development PlanClosed (see paragraph 3.5.6)

Residential DensityClosed (units per acre)

Small Lot Option3

2.0

4.0

12.0

5.0

12.0

8.0

12.0

18.0

18.0

Open SpaceClosed (% of gross area)1

Conventional SubdivisionClosed

Cluster SubdivisionClosed

15

15

15

15

18

18

Site AreaClosed (acres)

Conventional SubdivisionClosed

Cluster SubdivisionClosed

Site Width (feet)

 

2

 

 

2

 

 

2

 

 

200

 

 

Area and Width Requirements

See Sec. 7.1, Housing Types

Height

StoriesClosed (visual articulationClosed)

3

3

3

3

Feet2

 

40

 

40

 

40

 

40

1 Please see Sec. 12.5, Recreation Land, for additional land dedicationClosed requirements that may apply.

2 Height is, or may be, further limited when using the small lot option, the reduced pole width flag lot option, infill standards, a neighborhood protection overlay, or by a local historic district.

3 Per paragraph 7.1.2C.1, Applicability, the small lot option is not allowed in the RS-20 district. Refer to that paragraph for further limits on the other RS districts.

 

2. The maximum residential densityClosed does not apply to actions listed under paragraph 3.6.2, Actions Exempt from SubdivisionClosed Requirements (Exempt PlatsClosed). Where this maximum does apply, densityClosed can be increased in accordance with paragraph 6.3.3B, RS-M District Major Roadway DensityClosed Bonus, or Sec. 6.6, Affordable Housing Bonus. Other than these options, the maximum densityClosed shown cannot be exceeded even though the use of an alternative housing type may impose smaller lot size requirements.

3. For cluster subdivisionsClosed in the RS-20, RS-10, and RS-8 Districts, the lot size reduction would be added to the minimum open spaceClosed requirement.

4. For both conventional and cluster subdivisionsClosed in the RS-M District open spaceClosed requirements also apply to the developmentClosed standards for apartments.

5. Minimum lot areaClosed for conventional, single-familyClosed detached housing types can be reduced in accordance with paragraph 6.3.3C, Lot Averaging.

6. In the Suburban Tier, additional height in the RS-20, RS-10, and RS-8 Districts is permitted at a rate of one additional storyClosed for every ten feet of additional setbackClosed provided. In no event shall the structureClosed be more than 45 feet in height.

7. For projects in the RS-M District, the maximum height can be increased up to 5 storiesClosed through the issuance of a minor special use permit pursuant to Sec. 3.9, Special Use Permit. In no event shall the structureClosed be more than 60 feet in height.

8. Minimum lot areaClosed may be higher as required by the County Health Department for individual wastewater treatment systems or “package plant” style wastewater treatment systems.

B. RS-20 District Accessory Structure Requirements (Not Applicable to Bona Fide Farms in the County)

1. In addition to the accessory structureClosed requirements set forth in Sec. 5.4, Accessory Uses and Structures, the following accessory structures shall maintain a minimum 50-foot setbackClosed from all property lines:

a. New farmClosed buildings and equestrian facilities; and

b. Pens, chicken coopsClosed, corrals, or similar enclosures where livestockClosed are kept.

2. LivestockClosed shall be kept in pens, chicken coopsClosed, corrals, or similar enclosures.

Commentary:  The Durham City Code of Ordinances considers the accumulation of refuse and debris a public nuisance pursuant to Sec. 26-179, Accumulation of refuse and debris declared public nuisance; abatement.

6.3.2. Permitted Housing Types

Residential uses allowed pursuant to Sec. 5.1, Use Table, shall be limited to the housing types permitted in accordance with the following table. For illustrations, lot dimensions, and required yardsClosed for each housing type, see Sec. 7.1, Housing Types.

Housing Type

RS-20

RS-10

RS-8

RS-M

Single-FamilyClosed Detached

Zero Lot LineClosed House

 

Traditional House

Attached House

Duplex

TownhouseClosed

1

1

1

Detached Rowhouse

1

1

1

Multiplex

 

 

 

Apartment

 

 

 

1 Cluster subdivisionClosed only; see Sec. 6.7, Cluster SubdivisionClosed.

 

6.3.3. Residential Density

A. Maximum Residential Density

Residential densityClosed shall not exceed the maximum densitiesClosed set forth in paragraph 6.3.1A, Dimensional Standards.

B. RS-M District Major Roadway Density Bonus

An increase in the maximum residential densityClosed of one unit per acre is allowed for all parcelsClosed in the RS-M District, or as authorized elsewhere within the Ordinance, if at least one of the following conditions is met:

1. ParcelsClosed maintain at least 500 feet of frontage on a major thoroughfare or boulevardClosed that is not a full or limited control-of-access facility.

2. ParcelsClosed maintain at least 500 feet of frontage on a service roadClosed for a full or limited control-of-access facility, and the developmentClosed utilizes the service roadClosed for at least one access point pursuant to paragraph 12.2.4, External Access Required.

C. Lot Averaging

Lot areaClosed averaging, as more specifically set forth in Sec. 7.1, Housing Types, is permitted, provided that:

1. The maximum reduction allowed is 15% of the minimum lot areaClosed;

2. The average area of all lots in the subdivisionClosed meets or exceeds the minimum lot areaClosed; and

3. The overall densityClosed of the subdivisionClosed does not exceed the maximum permitted residential densityClosed.

Commentary: Some lots in a proposed conventional subdivisionClosed can be reduced in area by up to 15% (for example, a 10,000 SF lot could be reduced to 8,500 SF), provided that other lots exceed 10,000 SF and the overall average lot areaClosed is 10,000 SF or greater.

D. Application of Density Requirements for Single-Family and Two-Family Development

For single-familyClosed and two-familyClosed developmentsClosed, the densityClosed requirements in paragraph 6.3.1A, Dimensional Standards, do not apply if the project does not require subdivisionClosed or site planClosed approval.

6.4.1. Development Standards

A. Dimensional Standards

1. All residential developmentClosed in the RU Districts shall meet the standards in the table below. For illustrations, lot dimensions, and required yardsClosed for each housing type, see Sec. 7.1, Housing Types.

 

Dimensional Standard

RU-5

RU-5(2)

RU-M

Min.

Max.

Min.

Max.

Min.

Max. without a Development PlanClosed

Max. with a Development PlanClosed (see paragraph 3.5.6)

Residential DensityClosed (units per acre)

 

Project under Four Acres

8.08.012.040.0
 

Project Four Acres or Greater

6.08.06.08.08.012.040.0
 

Small Lot Option

12.0

12.012.040.0
 

Open SpaceClosed (% of gross area)1

5

5

6

 

 

Area and Width Requirements

See Sec. 7.1, Housing Types

Height 2

 

StoriesClosed (visual articulationClosed)

3

3

5

 

Feet

 

40

 

40

 

60

1 Please see Sec. 12.5, Recreation Lands, for additional requirements that may apply.

2 Height is, or may be, further limited when using the small lot option, the reduced pole width flag lot option, infill standards, a neighborhood protection overlay, or by a local historic district.

 

2. Maximum densityClosed can increase in accordance with paragraph 6.4.3, Residential DensityClosed, and/or Sec. 6.6, Affordable Housing Bonus. Other than these options, the maximum densityClosed shall not be exceeded even though the use of an alternative housing type may impose smaller lot size requirements.

3. If the project in the RU-M District is on at least a four-acre lot, the maximum height can be increased up to 7 storiesClosed through the issuance of a minor special use permit. In no event shall the structureClosed be more than 80 feet in height.

6.4.2. Permitted Housing Types

Residential uses allowed pursuant to Sec. 5.1, Use Table, shall be limited to the housing types permitted in accordance with the following table. For illustrations, lot dimensions, and required yardsClosed for each housing type, see Sec. 7.1, Housing Types.

Housing Type

RU-5

RU-5(2)

RU-M

Single-FamilyClosed Detached

Zero Lot LineClosed House

Traditional House

Attached House

Duplex

TownhouseClosed

1,2

Detached Rowhouse

1,2

Multiplex

2

2

Apartment

 

 

1 Cluster subdivisionClosed only, see Sec. 6.7.

2 Only pursuant to paragraph 6.4.3B, Thoroughfare DensityClosed Bonus.

 

6.4.3. Residential Density

A. Major Roadway Density Bonus Area

For projects located adjacentClosed to streets with a right-of-wayClosed over 50 feet in width, the area for the project may be calculated to include that portion of right-of-wayClosed in excess of 50 feet for purposes of determining densityClosed.

Sample Calculation:  A project includes recombination of three lots measuring 75 by 100 feet, and lies adjacentClosed to a right-of-wayClosed measuring 80 feet in width.

75 x 100 = 7,500 SF x 3 existing lots = 17,500 SF (standard calculation)

Frontage of 225 feet x 30 feet (in excess of 50-foot ROW) = 6,750 SF Bonus Area

DensityClosed Allocation = 24,250 SF (.56 ac.) multiplied by 7.4 units per acre = 4.1 units (4 lots)

B. Thoroughfare Density Bonus

1. Projects located along major or minor thoroughfares, or boulevards, with rights-of-way greater than 50 feet in width can developClosed as townhousesClosed or detached rowhouses, using the dimensional provisions of paragraph 7.1.7, Townhouse, or 7.1.8, Detached Rowhouse, as applicable, so long as the average width of the townhouseClosed or detached rowhouse lots is at least 20 feet. Projects developedClosed utilizing this option shall meet all of the requirements of Sec. 6.8, Infill Development in Residential Districts, where applicable;

2. Projects located along major thoroughfares or boulevards, with rights-of-way greater than 50 feet in width can developClosed as multiplexes, using the dimensional provisions of paragraph 7.1.9, Multiplex. Projects developedClosed utilizing this option shall meet all of the requirements of Sec. 6.8, Infill Development in Residential Districts, where applicable.

C. Lot Averaging

Lot areaClosed averaging, as more specifically set forth in Sec. 7.1, Housing Types, is permitted, provided that:

1. The maximum reduction allowed is 15% of the minimum lot areaClosed;

2. The average area of all lots in the subdivisionClosed meets or exceeds the minimum lot areaClosed; and

3. The overall densityClosed of the subdivisionClosed does not exceed the maximum permitted residential densityClosed.

D. Application of Density Requirements for Single-Family and Two-Family Development

For single-familyClosed and two-familyClosed developmentsClosed, the densityClosed requirements in paragraph 6.4.1A, Dimensional Standards, do not apply if the project does not require subdivisionClosed or site planClosed approval.

6.5.1. Development Standards

A. Dimensional Standards

1. All residential developmentClosed in the RC District shall meet the standards in the table below. For illustrations, lot dimensions, and required yardsClosed for each housing type, see Sec. 7.1, Housing Types.

Dimensional Standard

RC

Min.

Max.

Residential DensityClosed (units per acre)

12.0

40.0

Open SpaceClosed (% of gross area)1

5.0

Site AreaClosed

Lot AreaClosed

See Sec. 7.1, Housing Types

Height (feet)

 

StoriesClosed (visual articulationClosed)

 

7

Feet

 

80

1 Please see Sec. 12.5, Recreation Land, for additional land dedicationClosed requirements that may apply.

2. Maximum densityClosed can be increased in accordance with paragraph 6.5.3, Residential Density, and/or Sec. 6.6, Affordable Housing Bonus.

3. Maximum height shall be limited to the lesser of 4 storiesClosed or 50 feet if the buildingClosed is within 150 feet of the perimeter of the Compact Neighborhood Tier where the Tier adjoins any property zoned and used for residential purposes. Additional height up to 7 storiesClosed is allowed through approval of a minor special use permit per Sec. 3.9, Special Use Permit. In no event shall the structureClosed be more than 80 feet in height.

6.5.3. Residential Density

A. Maximum Residential Density

Residential densityClosed shall not exceed the maximum densitiesClosed as set forth in paragraph 6.5.1A, Dimensional Standards, unless a project provides for vertical integration of uses with at least 65% of the total floor areaClosed allocated to residential uses and at least 75% of the ground floorClosed allocated for nonresidential uses. Projects which meet this requirement may increase their residential densityClosed by up to 50%.

B. Lot Averaging

Lot areaClosed averaging, as more specifically set forth in Sec. 7.1, Housing Types, is permitted, provided that:

1. The maximum reduction allowed is 15% of the minimum lot areaClosed;

2. The average area of all lots in the subdivisionClosed meets or exceeds the minimum lot areaClosed; and

3. The overall densityClosed of the subdivisionClosed does not exceed the maximum permitted residential densityClosed.

C. For single-familyClosed and two-familyClosed developmentsClosed, the densityClosed requirements in paragraph 6.5.1A, Dimensional Standards, do not apply if the project does not require subdivisionClosed or site planClosed approval.

6.6.1. General Requirements

A. The bonus can be utilized at the time of site planClosed or subdivisionClosed for new projects subject to the additional regulations of this section.

B. All of the affordable housing dwelling unitsClosed shall be located within the overall project boundary.

C. Affordable units shall be incorporated throughout the project, and shall not be distinguishable from market-rate units through location, grouping, unit size, interior finishes, or exterior design.

D. Dimensional Standards

The following reductions are allowed in order to incorporate the additional dwelling unitsClosed.

1. Lot Dimensions
a. Single-family and Two-family lots in RU-5, RU-5(2), and the Small Lot Option

Minimum lot areaClosed and width requirements can be reduced by a maximum of 20%.

b. All other Residential Development

Minimum lot areaClosed and width requirements can be reduced by a maximum of 35%.

2. Yard Requirements
a. Single-family and Two-family lots in RU-5, RU-5(2), and the Small Lot Option

Minimum yardClosed requirements can be reduced by a maximum of 20%.

b. All other Residential Development

Minimum yardClosed requirements can be reduced by a maximum of 35%.

3. Required Compliance with Infill Standards

Regardless of the lot and yardClosed dimensional allowances above, infill standards per Sec. 6.8, Infill Development in Residential Districts, shall apply to all residential developmentClosed that is applicable under that section.

E. Regardless of the lot and yardClosed dimensional allowances above, infill standards per Sec. 6.8, Infill Development in Residential Districts, shall apply to all residential developmentClosed that is applicable under that section.

F. In single-familyClosed and duplex developmentsClosed, required minimum lot areaClosed, lot widthClosed, and yardClosed requirements can be reduced up to 20% in order to incorporate the additional units.

G. Projects utilizing the affordable housing bonuses shall not be exempt from a traffic impact analysis (TIA) if required pursuant to Sec. 3.3, Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA).

H. Units added through this program shall not increase the amount of open spaceClosed otherwise required for the project.

I. Compliance and reporting shall be pursuant to the City’s adopted Affordable Housing Bonus Polices & Procedures, as amended.

J. Compliance measures can be required at the time of approval, including but not limited to contracts, restrictive covenants, deed restrictions, and stipulated penalties.

K. All affordable dwelling unitsClosed proposed within the project shall be provided prior to, or concurrently with, any bonus units.

6.6.2. Compact Neighborhood Tier

A. Applicable Zoning Districts, Housing Types, and Development Standards

1. CD and CSD Zoning District

Standards for the use of the affordable housing bonus in the CD and CSD districts shall be pursuant to affordable housing densityClosed bonus standards within paragraphs 16.1.3E.2.d and 16.1.3E.3.c, respectively.

2. Other Zoning Districts

a. The bonus, along with the following associated standards, can be utilized in any zoning district that permits multifamilyClosed residential; and

b. Can utilize only the housing types allowed by the zoning district.

3. Applicable Development Standards

a. In the CD and CSD District, Article 16, Design Districts, shall apply.

b. In all other zoning districts, paragraphs B through F, below, shall apply.

B. Minimum Number of Dwelling Units Required

Only projects with a minimum of 15 dwelling unitsClosed, or projects adding at least 15 dwelling unitsClosed to an existing developmentClosed, shall be eligible for the affordable housing densityClosed bonuses.

C. Affordability Requirement

1. At least 15% of the total number of dwelling unitsClosed in the project shall be affordable housing dwelling unitsClosed for households earning 60% of AMI or less.

2. Example #1: If 200 dwelling unitsClosed are proposed, at least 30 of those units shall be affordable to households earning an average of 60% AMI or less.

D. Residential Density

The maximum residential densityClosed shall be the greater of the following:

1. Seventy-five dwelling unitsClosed per acre; or

2. The permitted densityClosed of the zoning district.

E. Height

1. The maximum buildingClosed height shall be as follows:

Maximum Height

Location

5 StoriesClosed and 60 feet

9 StoriesClosed and 100 feet

  • All other locations.

 

2. Base zoning district maximum height can be used if it exceeds the maximum height allowances, above.

F. Design Standards

Projects must be designed to meet the following standards applicable for the CD-S2 zoning district:

1. Paragraph 16.2.1, BuildingClosed Placement Standards;

2. Paragraph 16.3.4, BuildingClosed Access;

3. Paragraph 16.3.6A, Minimum GlazingClosed;

4. Paragraphs 16.4.2A through 16.4.2C, Sidewalk Standards, Sidewalk Clear Zone, Accessibility;

5. Paragraph 16.4.2D, Required StreetscapeClosed Amenities; and

6. Paragraph 16.1.3B Ground FloorClosed Residential Uses and Overnight Accommodations.

6.6.3. Suburban and Urban Tiers

A. Applicable Zoning Districts

1. The bonus program can be utilized in any zoning district where residences are permitted.

2. The program shall not permit housing types not already permitted within the zoning district.

B. Minimum Number of Units Required

Projects must commit to providing affordable housing dwelling unitsClosed in the amount of at least 15% of the maximum number of units permitted with the base densityClosed.

Example #2: If the zoning of a five-acre project allows 60 units/acre, then 300 dwelling unitsClosed are permitted. To qualify for a densityClosed bonus, at least 45 of the 300 dwelling unitsClosed shall qualify as affordable housing dwelling unitsClosed.

C. Residential Density

1. For the purpose of calculating the bonus residential densityClosed within projects utilizing the affordable housing bonus, the “base densityClosed” is the maximum densityClosed allowed in the zoning district prior to applying any potential bonuses, and multiplied by the gross acreage of the tractClosed of land, including all areas typically excluded from densityClosed calculations in Article 8, Environmental Protection. The resulting number shall be rounded down to the nearest whole number.

2. For each affordable housing dwelling unitClosed that is constructed, a bonus of two additional dwelling unitsClosed can be constructed beyond the base densityClosed.

Example #3: The project is in the Urban Tier, and 15% (i.e., 45 units) of the 300 maximum units qualify as affordable housing dwelling unitsClosed affordable. Thus, an additional 90 dwelling unitsClosed are allowed above the maximum 300 units, totaling 390 dwelling unitsClosed.

D. Height

When the affordable housing bonus is utilized, an additional one storyClosed or 15 feet of height, whichever is less, shall be allowed.

6.7.5. Open Space

A. The subdivisionClosed shall include the minimum required common open spaceClosed as referenced below.

District

Open SpaceClosed

RS Districts

See paragraph 6.3.1A

RU Districts

See paragraph 6.4.1

RC Districts

See paragraph 6.5.1A

 

B. Additional Open SpaceClosed

1. Reductions in lot areaClosed in exchange for equal amounts of common open spaceClosed on a one-to-one basis shall be provided in addition to the open spaceClosed requirements referenced in paragraph A above.

2. For duplex lots where the duplex housing type is allowed only in a cluster subdivisionClosed, the lot reduction/additional open spaceClosed calculation referenced in paragraph B.1 above shall be based upon the conventional lot size of a detached single-familyClosed lot for the zoning district.

3. For the townhouseClosed or detached rowhouse housing type, the required open spaceClosed shall be at least 20% of the gross area of the developmentClosed.

C. Open spaceClosed in a clustered subdivisionClosed shall be established in accordance with Sec. 7.2, Open Space.

6.7.6. Perimeter Treatment

Property on the edge of cluster developmentsClosed shall be developedClosed in one or more of the following ways:

A. Set aside as open spaceClosed that includes a bufferClosed with an opacityClosed of 20%, as set forth in Article 9, Landscaping and Buffering. Projects that are exempted from providing a project boundary bufferClosed per paragraph 9.4.1H are exempt from providing the Perimeter Treatment described in paragraph 6.7.6.

B. If an alleyClosed is provided along the perimeter with joint access provided to property not part of the subject subdivisionClosed:

1. Lots adjacentClosed to, and accessing the alleyClosed, can be plattedClosed with cluster subdivisionClosed dimensional requirements. 

2. The required project boundary bufferClosed or a vegetative screeningClosed per paragraph 9.7.2C, Evergreen Hedges, whichever is greater, shall be provided along the side adjacentClosed to properties not part of the subdivisionClosed. Intrusions into the bufferClosed or screeningClosed are allowed to provide access to the alleyClosed.

C. Be plattedClosed as single-familyClosed or two-familyClosed residential lots as follows:

1. When adjacentClosed to, or directly across a public right-of-wayClosed from, property that is not a cluster subdivisionClosed or is a conventional lot within a cluster subdivisionClosed, then the lot shall be plattedClosed with conventional subdivisionClosed dimensional requirements.

2. When adjacentClosed to, or directly across a public right-of-wayClosed from, property that is a cluster subdivisionClosed, and the adjacentClosed property is open spaceClosed or is a lot with reduced dimensional requirements due to clustering provisions of this or previous ordinances, then the lot can be plattedClosed with cluster subdivisionClosed dimensional requirements.

6.8.1. Applicability

A. General

Unless otherwise stated, standard ordinance requirements shall apply unless modified by the standards set forth within this section.

B. Suburban Tier

1. This section shall apply to any multifamilyClosed developmentClosed located on a site of less than four acres that is surrounded on all sides by single-familyClosed residential developmentClosed.

2. This section shall apply to any new project or modification of any existing residential buildingClosed located on a site of less than four acres in a RU District. A residential buildingClosed shall also include a buildingClosed converted to a nonresidential use.

3. Neighborhood-specific modifications to the regulations listed in this section may be developedClosed using the “Neighborhood Protection Overlay (-P)” pursuant to Sec. 4.6, Neighborhood Protection Overlay (-P).

C. Urban Tier

1. This section shall apply to any new project or modification of any existing residential buildingClosed located on a site of less than four acres in a residential districtClosed. A residential buildingClosed shall also include a buildingClosed converted to a nonresidential use.

2. Neighborhood-specific modifications to the regulations listed in this section may be developedClosed using the “Neighborhood Protection Overlay (-P)” pursuant to Sec. 4.6, Neighborhood Protection Overlay (-P).

D. Nonresidential Development in Residential Districts

Infill standards shall not apply to the following uses:

1. Outdoor storage areas;

2. Outdoor sales;

3. Loading bays or loading areasClosed.

6.8.2. Yards

A. Street Yards

1. Context Area

a. The context area for the required street yardClosed of the subject lot shall be the established street yardsClosed (as defined by the distance between the primary structureClosed on each property and the edge of the right-of-wayClosed) on residential lots, including structures converted to nonresidential use, with residential zoning along the same block faceClosed.

For the purposes of this section, all lots on both sides along a cul-de-sacClosed or other similar street section shall be considered a block faceClosed.

b. Vacant lots shall apply if the primary structureClosed was demolished after January 1, 2006. GIS maps, demolition documents, and any available surveys shall be used to determine the street yardClosed of the demolished buildingClosed. If no documentation is available, then the minimum or maximum street yardClosed of the zoning district, as applicable, shall be used.

c. Flag lots shall not be used for considering street yardsClosed. For flag lot yardClosed requirements, see paragraph 6.12.5, Flag Lots.

2. Required Street Yard

a. The required street yardClosed shall be any distance between the smallest and largest street yardsClosed within the context area. However, in no instance shall the smallest street yardClosed be less than five feet.

Example: The subject infill lot (B) and four other lots with residential zoning make up the block faceClosed. One lot is undeveloped prior to January 1, 2006, and thus shall not be considered. The street yardsClosed along the block faceClosed of the three other lots are 10 feet (A), 15 feet (C), and 20 feet (D). Therefore, the required street yardClosed for the subject lot (B) can be anywhere between 10 feet (the smallest) and 20 feet (the largest).

b. If there are fewer than two lots that qualify within the context area, the street yardClosed requirement shall be that of the base zoning district.

c. For corner lots, one of the two street yardsClosed may be developedClosed using side yardClosed standards.

d. For detached duplexes, only one buildingClosed must have a street yardClosed that meets the infill street yardClosed standards of UDO Section 6.8.2A.2. The other unit may use the infill or base zoning district street yardClosed standards at the applicant’s discretion.

3. AlleysClosed shall not be considered to create a new blockClosed. ParcelsClosed on the opposite side of an alleyClosed shall be considered along the same block faceClosed.

B. Side Yards

Porte cocheresClosed can extend into the side yardClosed when incorporated into the design and construction of the primary structureClosed, but in no case shall they be permitted to be closer than three feet from the property line.

C. Landscaping

In addition to required street trees, at least one canopyClosed or understory tree shall be planted or retained on the lot. For planting, the Durham Landscape Manual shall be used for species and planting area.

6.8.3. Buildings

A. Building Width

New constructionClosed shall not exceed the average buildingClosed width for existing residential structures in the context area established in paragraph 6.8.2A.1, Context Area, by more than 25%, unless a building articulationClosed of at least six feet in depth at a point that mimics the average buildingClosed width in the context area is provided.

B. Building Height

The maximum height of a primary structureClosed shall not exceed the height of the lesser of either of the following:

1. The maximum height permitted by the zoning district; or

2. More than 14 feet taller than the shortest height of primary structures on adjacentClosed lots along the block faceClosed.

a. If there is not a primary structureClosed on an adjacentClosed lot, the next lot along the block faceClosed shall be used.

b. If the next lot also lacks a primary structureClosed, then the height of the vacant adjacentClosed lot shall be the maximum allowed by the zoning district.

C. Garages and Access

1. Where a lot abuts a publicly improved and maintained alleyClosed, all vehicular access shall be taken from the alleyClosed.

2. When a garage entrance faces a street other than an alleyClosed, a single garage entrance shall be no more than 22 feet in width.

3. The construction material of the garage shall match that of the primary structureClosed. This shall not apply if the primary structureClosed is constructed in accordance with the North Carolina Residential BuildingClosed Code.

D. Downspouts

For sites in the Urban Tier where no other stormwaterClosed controls are required, downspouts shall direct stormwater runoffClosed over pervious area and not piped to right-of-wayClosed.

6.8.4. Vehicular Use Areas

A. Residential

1. A vehicular use area includes all surface area designated or utilized for vehicleClosed parking or vehicleClosed access.

2. The maximum width of the vehicular use area shall be 12 feet; however, the vehicular use area can expand up to 24 feet in width to accommodate garage access or parking. The total additional vehicular use area beyond 12 feet in width shall:

a. Be behind the front building lineClosed;

b. Be at least 20 feet from the front property line; and

c. Not exceed 400 square feet.

B. Nonresidential

1. On-site parking facilities shall not be located in any required street yardClosed.

2. If parking facilities are located to the rear of the subject structureClosed, a rear entrance to the structureClosed shall be provided.

6.9.1. Dimensional Standards

A. Nonresidential and group living developmentClosed in residential districtsClosed shall comply with the dimensional standards in the following table:

DevelopmentClosed Standard

RURAL

SUBURBAN

URBAN

COMPACT

Min.

Max.

Min.

Max.

Min.

Max.

Min.

Max.

Lot AreaClosed (square feet)

3 ac.

15,000

5,000

5,000

Lot WidthClosed (feet)

100

90

50

50

Open SpaceClosed (% of gross area)1

Core Area

Support Area

10

3

1.0

3.0

Street YardClosed

Feet from ROW

% of Frontage

 

50

 

 

25

 

 

60

 

201

 

80

 

151

Side YardClosed (feet)

Min Each Side

Min Both Sides (total)

 

12

30

 

 

10

24

 

 

6

15

 

 

0

0

 

Rear YardClosed (feet)

25

25

25

25

Building CoverageClosed (%)2

9

60

70

70

Height (feet)

45

45

45

45

1 Street yardClosed may be modified subject to paragraph 6.8.2A, Street Yards.

2 May be further restricted by watershedClosed regulations in accordance with paragraph 8.7.2B, Impervious Surface Limits.

 

B. Open Space Exemptions

1. Principal uses listed in paragraph 5.2.4F, Parks and Open Areas, and paragraph 5.2.4J, Utilities, are exempt from the open spaceClosed requirements in paragraph 6.9.1A above.

2. DevelopmentClosed sites of an acre or less are exempt from the open spaceClosed requirements in the table in paragraph 6.9.1A, above.

3. Recreational open spaceClosed pursuant to paragraph 7.2.3A is not required for nonresidential and group living developmentClosed in residential districtsClosed.

C. DevelopmentClosed in the Rural VillagesClosed of Bahama and Rougemont as designated in the Comprehensive PlanClosed can use the Suburban Tier dimensional standards subject to Sec. 8.4, Floodplain and Flood Damage Protection Standards, Sec. 8.7, Watershed Protection Overlay Standards, and the availability of water and wastewater treatment systems.

6.10.1. Nonresidential and Group Living Development Standards

A. Rural Tier

All nonresidential and group living developmentClosed in the Rural Tier as designated in the Comprehensive PlanClosed shall comply with the standards in the table below.

1. Standards for All Districts

Dimensional Standard

CN

CG

I

Min.

Max.

Min.

Max.

Min.

Max.

Lot AreaClosed (acres)

2

3

10

Project Floor AreaClosed (square feet)

20,000

50,000

Lot WidthClosed (feet)

100

150

250

Street YardClosed (feet)

25

25

40

Side YardClosed (feet)

25

25

50

Rear YardClosed (feet)

25

25

50

Building CoverageClosed (%)1

23

35

30

Height (feet)

25

25

50

1 Building coverageClosed may be further restricted by the impervious surfaceClosed requirements of paragraph 8.7.2B, Impervious Surface Limits.

a. The standards for I zoning shall apply to IL zoning.

b. Minimum side yardsClosed in the CN and CG districts can be reduced to 15 feet if adjacentClosed to a nonresidential district or use.

c. Additional height in the I District, up to 145 feet, is allowed if approved through the issuance of a minor special use permit pursuant to Sec. 3.9, Special Use Permit.

d. A developmentClosed within the CN District, with new project floor areaClosed over 5,000 square feet, no development planClosed, and residential zoning districts adjacentClosed (including directly across a public right-of-wayClosed) to two or more property lines requires a minor special use permit pursuant to Sec. 3.9, Special Use Permit. The applicant shall hold a neighborhood meeting pursuant to paragraph 3.2.3, Neighborhood Meeting, unless it previously held one for the developmentClosed at issue.

B. Suburban Tier

All nonresidential and group living developmentClosed in the Suburban Tier as designated in the Comprehensive PlanClosed shall comply with the standards in the tables below.

1. Standards for the CN, OI, and CG Districts

Dimensional Standard

CN

OI

CG

Min.

Max.

Min.

Max.

Min.

Max.

Lot AreaClosed (square feet)

5,000

20,000

20,000

Project Floor AreaClosed (square feet)

20,000

Lot WidthClosed (feet)

50

60

100

Street YardClosed (feet)

25

25

25

Side YardClosed (feet)

15

20

25

Rear YardClosed (feet)

25

25

25

Building CoverageClosed (%)1

60

60

60

Height (feet)

35

55

55

1 Building coverageClosed may be further restricted by the impervious surfaceClosed requirements of paragraph 8.7.2B, Impervious Surface Limits.

 

a. Side yardsClosed in the OI and CG districts can be reduced by up to 50% if adjacentClosed to a nonresidential district or use, or a railroad right-of-wayClosed.

b. Rear yardsClosed in the table above can be reduced by up to 50% if adjacentClosed to a nonresidential district or use, or a railroad right-of-wayClosed.

c. Additional height in the OI District, up to 145 feet, is allowed if approved through the issuance of a minor special use permit pursuant to Sec. 3.9, Special Use Permit.

d. A developmentClosed within the CN district, with new project floor areaClosed over 5,000 square feet, no development planClosed, and residential zoning districts adjacentClosed (including directly across a public right-of-wayClosed) to two or more property lines requires a Minor Special UseClosed Permit pursuant to Sec. 3.9, Special Use Permit. The applicant shall hold a neighborhood meeting pursuant to paragraph 3.2.3, Neighborhood Meeting, unless it previously held one for the developmentClosed at issue.

2. Standards for the SRP, IL, and I Districts

Dimensional Standard

SRP

IL

I

Min.

Max.

Min.

Max.

Min.

Max.

Lot AreaClosed (square feet)

25,000

30,000

Lot WidthClosed (feet)

300

100

150

Street YardClosed (feet)

100

40

40

Side YardClosed (feet)

100

30

50

Rear YardClosed (feet)

100

25

40

Building CoverageClosed (%)1

15

60

65

Height (feet)

120

50

90

1 Building coverageClosed may be further restricted by the impervious surfaceClosed requirements of paragraph 8.7.2B, Impervious Surface Limits.

 

a. Within the SRP District:

(1) The street yardClosed shall only apply to yardsClosed adjacentClosed to public rights-of-way.

(2) Side and rear yardsClosed can be eliminated if adjacentClosed to a railroad right of way, or can be reduced to 30 feet if adjacentClosed to permanently protected open spaceClosed and the building separationClosed is at least 150 feet.

(3) No parking, loading, or storage shall be permitted within the required yardClosed areas.

(4) The maximum building coverageClosed shall not apply to parking structures.

b. Side yardsClosed in the IL and I districts can be reduced by 10 feet if adjacentClosed to a nonresidential district or use.

c. Rear yardsClosed in the IL and I districts can be reduced by up to 50% if adjacentClosed to a railroad right-of-wayClosed.

d. Additional Height

(1) IL District

On sites with a minimum three-acre lot areaClosed, the maximum height can be increased as follows:

(a) Maximum 90 feet with a 50-foot street yardClosed.

(b) Maximum 120 feet with a 75-foot street yardClosed.

(c) Over 120 feet to a maximum 145 feet with a 75-foot street yardClosed and issuance of a minor special use permit pursuant to Sec. 3.9, Special Use Permit.

(2) In the IL with lot acreage less than three acres, SRP, and I Districts, additional height, up to 145 feet, is allowed if approved through the issuance of a minor special use permit pursuant to Sec. 3.9, Special Use Permit.

(3) DevelopmentClosed in the Rural VillagesClosed of Bahama and Rougemont, as designated in the Comprehensive PlanClosed, can use the Suburban Tier dimensional standards subject to Sec. 8.4, Floodplain and Flood Damage Protection Standards, Sec. 8.7, Watershed Protection Overlay Standards, and the availability of water and wastewater treatment systems.

(4) (County Only) SRP-C District

(a) Establishment of the District

(i) A minimum of 25 contiguous acres shall be required for an initial establishment of the zoning for a SRP-C District;

(ii) At least 75% of the district’s perimeter must be adjacentClosed to property zoned SRP, and such property shall be considered the supporting SRP District;

(iii) No SRP District may support more than one SRP-C district;

(iv) Additions shall be contiguous to the existing SRP-C District and may be made in increments of any size so long as the 75% perimeter minimum for the entire zoning area is maintained; and

(v) The maximum acreage of a SRP-C District shall be no more than one-third the contiguous acreage of the supporting SRP district.

(b) Mix of Uses

The SRP-C District shall consist of a mix of uses from at least three of the following use categories, and pursuant to Sec. 5.1, Use Table: residential, public and civic, commercial, officeClosed, and industrial uses.

(c) Dimensional Standards

The dimensional standards, and supplemental requirements to the dimensional standards, are as follows.

Dimensional Standard

SRP-C

Min.

Max.

Street YardClosed (feet)

20

Side YardClosed (feet)

20

Rear YardClosed (feet)

20

Building CoverageClosed (%)1

60

Height (feet)

300

1 Building coverageClosed may be further restricted by the impervious surfaceClosed requirements of paragraph 8.7.2B, Impervious Surface Limits.

 

(i) Minimum street yardsClosed do not apply to rights-of-way internal to the SRP-C District.

(ii) Minimum side and rear yardsClosed shall only apply when adjacentClosed to property not zoned SRP or SRP-C.

(iii) No parking, loading or storage shall be permitted within the required yardClosed areas.

(iv) Buildings with frontage along a public right-of-wayClosed shall have a maximum podiumClosed height equal to the width of the right-of-wayClosed. Additional height is permitted with upper story step-backsClosed, as measured from the right-of-wayClosed line; where x feet of step-back allows 2x feet of additional height.

(v) Buildings proposed adjacentClosed to property zoned residential shall have a maximum height of 100 feet. Additional height may be approved with approval of a major special use permit pursuant to Sec. 3.9, Special Use Permit.

(vi) The maximum building coverageClosed shall not apply to parking structures.

(vii) The maximum building coverageClosed shall be calculated based upon the gross area of the contiguous SRP-C District.

(d) Additional Standards

(i) Minimum ground floorClosed glazingClosed for buildingClosed façades facing rights-of-way shall be 50% for all nonresidential uses and 30% for residential uses.

(ii) Parking decks shall provide openings for each level of the façade facing a right-of-wayClosed at a minimum rate of 30% of the façade.

(iii) Standards of Sec. 7.4, Outdoor Lighting, shall not apply so long as the maximum illumination at the edge of an SRP-C district does not exceed the limits pursuant to paragraph 7.4.3, Standards.

C. Urban Tier

All nonresidential and group living developmentClosed in the Urban Tier, as designated in the Comprehensive PlanClosed, shall comply with the standards in the tables below.

1. Standards for the CI District

Dimensional Standard

CI

Min.

Max.

Lot AreaClosed

20,000

Street YardClosed from Back of Curb (feet)

5

15

Side YardClosed (feet)

10

Rear YardClosed (feet)

10

Height (feet)

40

 

a. Buildings greater than 20,000 square feet are allowed in the CI District if approved through the issuance of a minor special use permit pursuant to Sec. 3.9, Special Use Permit.

b. Additional height in the CI District, up to 50 feet, is allowed if the buildingClosed uses upper story step-backsClosed at a ratio of one to one.

c. Minimum ground floorClosed glazingClosed for buildingClosed façades facing street frontagesClosed shall be 60% for all nonresidential uses and 50% for residential uses.

d. Where the right-of-wayClosed line is further from the curb than the maximum street yardClosed, the right-of-wayClosed line shall be the required maximum street yardClosed; structures shall not be allowed in the public right-of-wayClosed.

2. Standards for the CN, OI, and CG Districts

Dimensional Standard

CN

OI

CG

Min.

Max.

Min.

Max.

Min.

Max.

Lot AreaClosed (square feet)

5,000

20,000

20,000

 

Project Floor AreaClosed (square feet)

20,000

Lot WidthClosed (feet)

50

50

100

 

Street YardClosed (feet)

15

15

15

Side YardClosed (feet)

10

10

15

Rear YardClosed (feet)

25

25

25

Building CoverageClosed (%)1

60

60

60

Height (feet)

35

90

55

Building coverageClosed may be further restricted by the impervious surfaceClosed requirements of paragraph 8.7.2B, Impervious Surface Limits.

 

a. A primary structureClosed shall be orientedClosed such that at least one of the following standards is met:

(1) The longest buildingClosed façade is parallel to and within the maximum street yardClosed; or

(2) The street-facing buildingClosed façade occupies at least 60% of the total street frontageClosed for the developmentClosed.

b. Additional height in the OI District, up to 145 feet, is allowed if approved through the issuance of a minor special use permit pursuant to Sec. 3.9, Special Use Permit.

c. Height in the OI District shall be capped at 45 feet for any structures located within 150 feet of the perimeter of the Compact Neighborhood Tier where the Tier adjoins residentially used and designated property.

d. A developmentClosed within the CN District with new project floor areaClosed over 5,000 square feet, no development planClosed, and residential zoning districts adjacentClosed (including directly across a public right-of-wayClosed) to two or more property lines requires a minor special use permit pursuant to Sec. 3.9, Special Use Permit. The applicant shall hold a neighborhood meeting pursuant to paragraph 3.2.3, Neighborhood Meeting, unless it previously held one for the developmentClosed at issue.

e. Lots 20,000 square feet or smaller in the CN, OI, and CG Districts may use the dimensional standards for the CI District as outlined in paragraph 6.10.1C.1 and may be exempt from site planClosed review if requirements in paragraph 3.7.2 are met. In cases where CI dimensional standards are used, the provisions in paragraph 6.3.3D do not apply.

3. Standards for the IL and I Districts

Dimensional Standard

IL

I

Min.

Max.

Min.

Max.

Lot AreaClosed (square feet)

5,000

25,000

Lot WidthClosed (feet)

50

100 —

Street YardClosed (feet)

20

40

Side YardClosed (feet)

15

40

Rear YardClosed (feet)

25

40

Building CoverageClosed (%)1

60

65

Height (feet)

50

90

Building coverageClosed may be further restricted by the impervious surfaceClosed requirements of paragraph 8.7.2B, Impervious Surface Limits.

 

a. In the IL District, a primary structureClosed shall be orientedClosed such that at least one of the following standards is met:

(1) The longest buildingClosed façade is parallel to and within the maximum street yardClosed; or

(2) The street-facing buildingClosed façade occupies at least 60% of the total street frontageClosed for the developmentClosed.

b. Rear yardsClosed can be reduced by up to 50% if adjacentClosed to a railroad right-of-wayClosed.

c. Additional height, up to 145 feet, is allowed if approved through the issuance of a minor special use permit pursuant to Sec. 3.9, Special Use Permit.

d. Lots 20,000 square feet or smaller in the IL District may use the dimensional standards for the CI District as outlined in paragraph 6.10.1C.1 and may be exempt from site planClosed review if requirements in paragraph 3.7.2 are met. In cases where CI dimensional standards are used, the provisions in paragraph 6.3.3D do not apply.

D. Compact Neighborhood Tier

All nonresidential and group living developmentClosed in the Compact Neighborhood Tier, as designated in the Comprehensive PlanClosed, except developmentClosed within CD districts, shall comply with the standards in the tables below.

1. Standards for the CI District

Dimensional Standard

CI

Min.

Max.

Lot AreaClosed

20,000

Street YardClosed from Back of Curb (feet)

5

15

Side YardClosed (feet)

10

Rear YardClosed (feet)

10

Height (feet)

40

a. Buildings greater than 20,000 square feet are allowed in the CI District if approved through a minor special use permit pursuant to Sec. 3.9, Special Use Permit.

b. Additional height in the CI District, up to 50 feet, is allowed if the buildingClosed uses upper story step-backsClosed at a ratio of one-to-one.

c. Minimum ground floorClosed glazingClosed for buildingClosed façades facing street frontagesClosed shall be 60% for all nonresidential uses and 50% for residential uses.

d. Where the right-of-wayClosed line is further from the curb than the maximum street yardClosed, the right-of-wayClosed line shall be the required maximum street yardClosed; structures shall not be allowed in the public right-of-wayClosed.

2. Standards for the CN and OI Districts

Dimensional Standard

CN

OI

Min.

Max.

Min.

Max.

Project Floor AreaClosed (square feet)

20,000

Lot WidthClosed (feet)

50

50

Street YardClosed (feet)

15

15

Side YardClosed (feet)

10

10

Rear YardClosed (feet)

15

15

Height (feet)

35

120

 

a. A primary structureClosed shall be orientedClosed such that at least one of the following standards is met:

(1) The longest buildingClosed façade is parallel to and within the maximum street yardClosed; or

(2) The street-facing buildingClosed façade occupies at least 60% of the total street frontageClosed for the developmentClosed.

b. Additional height in the OI District, up to 145 feet, is allowed if approved through the issuance of a minor special use permit pursuant to Sec. 3.9, Special Use Permit.

c. Height in the OI District shall be capped at 45 feet for any structures located within 150 feet of the perimeter of the Compact Neighborhood Tier where the Tier adjoins residentially used and designated property.

d. A developmentClosed within the CN District with new project floor areaClosed over 5,000 square feet, no development planClosed, and residential zoning districts adjacentClosed (including directly across a public right-of-wayClosed) to two or more property lines requires a minor special use permit pursuant to Sec. 3.9, Special Use Permit. The applicant shall hold a neighborhood meeting pursuant to paragraph 3.2.3, Neighborhood Meeting, unless it previously held one for the developmentClosed at issue.

e. Lots 20,000 square feet or smaller in the CN and OI Districts may use the dimensional standards for the CI District as outlined in paragraph 6.10.1C.1 and may be exempt from site planClosed review if requirements in paragraph 3.7.2 are met. In cases where CI dimensional standards are used, the provisions in paragraph 6.3.3D do not apply.

3. Standards for the CG and IL Districts

Dimensional Standard

CG

IL

Min.

Max.

Min.

Max.

Lot WidthClosed (feet)

50

50

 

Street YardClosed (feet)

15

15

Side YardClosed (feet)

10

15

Rear YardClosed (feet)

15

15

Height (feet)

90

50

a. A primary structureClosed shall be orientedClosed such that at least one of the following standards is met:

(1) The longest buildingClosed façade is parallel to and within the maximum street yardClosed; or

(2) The street-facing buildingClosed façade occupies at least 60% of the total street frontageClosed for the developmentClosed.

b. Additional height in the CG District, up to 145 feet, is allowed if approved through the issuance of a minor special use permit pursuant to Sec. 3.9, Special Use Permit.

c. Height shall be capped at 45 feet for any structures located within 150 feet of the perimeter of the Compact Neighborhood Tier where the Tier adjoins residentially used and designated property.

d. Subject to the restriction in paragraph 6.10.1D.3.c above, OI uses allowed in IL districts located in the Compact Neighborhood Tier shall have a maximum height limit of 60 feet permitted by right. Additional height up to 75 feet is allowed if approved through the issuance of a minor special use permit pursuant to Sec. 3.9, Special Use Permit.

e. Subject to the restriction in paragraph 6.10.1D.3.c above, and not withstanding paragraph 6.10.1D.3.d above, hotel, motel, and extended stay uses; places of worshipClosed; government facilities (excluding correctional facilitiesClosed) and lodges and clubs allowed in IL districts located in the Compact Neighborhood Tier shall have a maximum height limit of 80 feet permitted by right. Additional height up to 95 feet is allowed if approved through the issuance of a minor special use permit pursuant to Sec. 3.9, Special Use Permit.

f. Lots 20,000 square feet or smaller in the CG and IL Districts may use the dimensional standards for the CI District as outlined in paragraph 6.10.1C.1 and may be exempt from site planClosed review if requirements in paragraph 3.7.2 are met. In cases where CI dimensional standards are used, the provisions in paragraph 6.3.3D do not apply.

E. Street Yard Alternatives

A new structureClosed or modifications to an existing structureClosed shall not be required to conform to the street yardClosed requirements of the district in the following circumstances:

1. For districts with minimum street yardClosed requirements (excluding Design Districts):

a. Where 50% or more of the lots on the same block faceClosed as the lot in question are developedClosed with less than the required street yardClosed, the average setbackClosed of the buildings on the developedClosed lots on the blockClosed with less than the required street yardClosed shall be observed as the minimum setbackClosed for a new structureClosed;

b. Where the lot on which the new structureClosed is proposed is between two adjacentClosed existing developedClosed lots with less than the required street yardClosed, the average setbackClosed of the buildings of both adjacentClosed lots shall be observed as the minimum street yardClosed;

c. Where a block faceClosed of less than 500 feet is split into more than one zoning district, the zoning district with the most frontage shall determine the minimum street yardClosed setbackClosed. However, this provision shall not apply if the street right-of-wayClosed is less than 50 feet wide and property on the opposite side of the street is residentially used or zoned, in which case the provisions of paragraph 6.8.2A, Street Yards, shall be applied.

2. In the Urban and Compact Neighborhood Tiers, excluding Design Districts, the applicable street yardClosed of a multiple-frontage lot shall be applied to the frontage with the predominant orientationClosed of existing structures along the blockface. The other frontage shall be considered a side or rear as applicable; or

3. In the Urban and Compact Neighborhood Tiers, excluding Design Districts, the maximum street yardClosed shall be considered a minimum street yardClosed for the following primary uses:

a. Fuel sales.

b. VehicleClosed sales.

6.10.2. Residential Development in Nonresidential Districts

A. Permitted Housing Types and Other Residential Development

1. The following residential developmentClosed shall be allowed as indicated with a “”.

 

Zoning District

Residential DevelopmentClosed Allowed

Single-FamilyClosed
Detached House/Duplex
(paragraphs 7.1.2 and 7.1.6)

TownhouseClosed
(paragraph 7.1.7)

Detached Rowhouse (paragraph 7.1.8)

Multiplex
(paragraph 7.1.9)

Apartment
(paragraph 7.1.10)

Upper StoryClosed Residential

CI, CG, OI

CN

 

(County Only)

SRP-C

 

2. For a single-familyClosed detached house and duplex, the following zoning district developmentClosed standards pursuant to paragraph 6.2.1, Development Standards, or paragraphs 7.1.2B and 7.1.6B, DevelopmentClosed Standards, as applicable, shall apply:

Tier of the DevelopmentClosed Site

Applicable Zoning District DevelopmentClosed Standard

Rural

RR (watershedClosed and non-watershed, as applicable)

Suburban

RS-M

Urban

RU-M

Compact Neighborhood

RC

 

3. For all other residential developmentClosed, the developmentClosed standards applicable to the base zoning district, or the CI District under the provisions in paragraph 6.10.1. shall apply.

4. Height for Housing Types

a. The maximum height for the housing type shall be as follows:

Tier of the DevelopmentClosed Site

Maximum Height

Single-FamilyClosed
Detached House/Duplex

All other Allowed
Housing Types

Rural and Suburban

3 storiesClosed and 40 feet

Height as allowed for the RS-M District per paragraph 6.3.1A, Dimensional Standards

Urban

3 storiesClosed and 40 feet

Height as allowed for the RU-M District per paragraph 6.4.1A, Dimensional Standards

Compact Neighborhood

3 storiesClosed and 40 feet

Height as allowed for the RC District per paragraph 6.5.1A, Dimensional Standards

 

b. For Single-familyClosed detached house, additional height is allowed at a rate of one storyClosed per ten feet of additional setbackClosed provided, with a maximum height of 50 feet.

5. Street level residential developmentClosed shall not be allowed in the CI District, except for townhomesClosed.

6. (County Only) The developmentClosed standards for the SRP-C District shall apply to all residential developmentClosed.

B. Residential Density

1. The residential densityClosed shall be based only on that portion of the tractClosed dedicatedClosed to the residential use and the minimum and maximum residential densitiesClosed (shown as units per acre) allowed shall be as shown in the table below:

District

Rural

Suburban

Urban

Compact

Min

Max

Min

Max

Min

Max

Min

Max

CI

5

8

8

8

CN

0.2

81,2

8

8

OI

8

111,2

8

8

CG

0.2

8

111,2

8

8

(County Only)

SRP-C

203

1 DensityClosed can be increased through use of the Sec. 6.6, Affordable Housing Bonus.

2 For multifamilyClosed developmentClosed, densityClosed can be increased through use of paragraph 6.3.3B, RS-M District Major Roadway DensityClosed Bonus.

3 DensityClosed in the SRP-C District can be calculated based upon the gross area of the contiguous district, including areas typically precluded from consideration for densityClosed in Article 8, Environmental Protection.

2. DensityClosed limits shall not apply to upper storyClosed residential units in the CI District.

3. For residential developmentClosed in nonresidential districts, the provisions in paragraph 6.3.3D do not apply.

C. Open Space

Open spaceClosed shall be provided in all residential developmentsClosed within nonresidential districts pursuant to the table below. (County Only) Required open spaceClosed within the SRP-C District can be provided anywhere within the contiguous district area.

Tier

Open SpaceClosed

Rural and Suburban

18% of gross area

Urban

6% of gross area

Compact Neighborhood

5% of gross area

 

6.11.2. General Requirements

A. A development planClosed meeting the requirements of paragraph 3.5.6, Development PlanClosed, shall be required as part of the zoning map change application to any planned district, except in the UC and UC-2 districts as indicated below.

B. The initial zonings to establish the UC and UC-2 districts on each campus, which shall be initiated by the appropriate governing body for each university/college campus, shall not require a development planClosed, though the university or collegeClosed can submit a development planClosed providing additional details and restrictions beyond minimum Ordinance requirements, for all or parts of the area associated with the initial zoning map changeClosed. A basic zoning map change application shall be required for the initial zoning map changeClosed, along with documentation on the availability of adequate parking and a limited surcharge fee to cover public notification requirements.

C. Except in the MU District, uses shall be permitted only in the location shown on the approved development planClosed. DevelopmentClosed of the property shall not begin until a site planClosed has been approved for that portion of the property. Site plansClosed shall be reviewed for conformance with an approved development planClosed A type of plan that becomes part of the zoning of a property that establishes the level of development allowed absent further zoning action except as otherwise allowed or required under this Ordinance.. Should alterations or changes represent a substantial departure from the approved plan, an amendment is required. The same procedures as required for the original approval shall be required for development planClosed amendments.

D. Unless alternative standards are explicitly established in the provisions below, all relevant standards and provisions of this Ordinance shall apply to developmentClosed within any planned district.

6.11.3. Planned Development Residential (PDR)

A. Uses

1. The primary use allowed within the PDR District shall be residences, including manufactured homes.

2. Manufactured homes shall be permitted only where they have been expressly indicated on the approved development planClosed. Manufactured house subdivisionsClosed and parks shall be designated as such on the development planClosed and show lot layouts and the orientationClosed of the house to the street in the developmentClosed plans.

3. Nonresidential uses allowed in the PDR District shall be limited to those uses listed in the Sec. 5.1, Use Table. Nonresidential uses can be approved subject to the use limitations established in Sec. 5.3, Limited UseClosed Standards, and the following conditions.

a. When both nonresidential and residential uses are proposed, the dwelling unitsClosed can be separate structures from the nonresidential uses or located in the same structureClosed as the nonresidential uses.

b. Nonresidential acreage shall be included in any calculations of residential densityClosed.

c. The buildingClosed location(s) shall be specified in the development planClosed.

d. Nonresidential uses shall be located with street access deemed adequate by the City Transportation Department.

e. Nonresidential square footage shall promote a range of services for residents. For projects with at least 100 dwelling unitsClosed, one lot, minimum 5,000 square feet, shall be reservedClosed for civic or commercial uses. For projects with at least 300 dwelling unitsClosed, one lot, minimum 10,000 square feet, or two lots, minimum of 5,000 square feet each, shall be reservedClosed for civic or commercial uses. Such uses shall be in addition to open spaceClosed requirements and residential amenities.

B. Dimensional Requirements

1. Site Area

No minimum site areaClosed for the initial approval of the zoning district is required.

2. Minimum Lot Area

a. No minimum lot areaClosed shall be required to be specified.

b. Lot areasClosed described on a development planClosed may be increased by the appropriate State agencyClosed or County Health Department in order to ensure adequate wasteClosed treatment.

C. Intensity

1. Residential Density

The specific maximum densityClosed in units per acre, other than the areas proposed for nonresidential developmentClosed and areas precluded from consideration for densityClosed in paragraphs 8.4.4, DevelopmentClosed in Special Flood Hazard Areas and Future Conditions FloodClosed Hazard Areas; and 8.8.5, DensityClosed Credits, shall be included in the application. The allowable densityClosed shall be consistent with the land use designation shown in the Comprehensive PlanClosed.

2. Nonresidential Intensity

The maximum nonresidential intensity shall reflect the CI intensity, consistent with Sec. 6.10, Nonresidential District Development Intensity, for the tier in which the project is located.

3. Height

Maximum buildingClosed height shall be the lesser of 9 storiesClosed or 100 feet. Any buildingClosed over 40 feet shall be identified on the development planClosed submitted for approval.

D. Building Orientation

1. Building Separation

a. Manufactured homes in parks shall maintain a distance of at least 16 feet between other manufactured homes. Added on rooms, porches, and other structures attached to the manufactured home shall be considered part of the manufactured home.

b. The governing body can reduce or increase separations after consideration of the general bulk and scale in comparison with nearby developmentClosed. Such modification shall only occur in conjunction with the approval of the development planClosed.

E. Yards

Front, side, and rear yardsClosed must be defined by the Development PlanClosed. No minimum yardsClosed shall be required for primary or accessory buildings, except as defined by the Development PlanClosed. Previously approved DevelopmentClosed Plans without defined yardsClosed shall have the following minimum street yardClosed requirements:

Residential DensityClosed

Minimum Street YardClosed

1.0 to 8.0 units per acre

8 feet

More than 8.0 units per acre

15 feet

 

F. Open Space

1. Required open spaceClosed shall be provided based upon the densityClosed of the project as follows:

Residential DensityClosed

Percent of Gross Area

0 to 3.00 units per acre

15

3.01 to 6.00 units per acre

16

6.01 to 10.00 units per acre

17

10.01 to 16.00 units per acre

18

16.01 units per acre or greater

20

 

2. Uses of open spaceClosed shall be as defined in Sec. 7.2, Open SpaceClosed.

G. Landscaping

Blank walls visible from the street shall be buffered with plantings. Landscaping improvements meeting the same requirements as the landscaping required for vehicleClosed use areas with exposure to the street established in Sec. 9.8, Vehicular UseClosed Area Landscaping, shall be provided for all blank walls exceeding 50 feet in length.

H. Parking

At least 30% of the parking spacesClosed for nonresidential uses shall be located to the side or rear of nonresidential structures within any PDR.

I. Sidewalks

In addition to meeting all of the requirements of Sec. 12.4, Pedestrian and Bicycle Mobility, sidewalks shall be provided between the retail and officeClosed uses and the dwelling unitsClosed within any PDR.

6.11.4. University and College Districts (UC and UC-2)

Unless specifically differentiated, all requirements that refer to the UC District apply to both the UC and UC-2 districts.

A. Uses

1. The primary use allowed in a UC district shall be colleges and universities and such ancillary uses as are typically associated with a university or collegeClosed that are customary and subordinateClosed to the primary educational function of the university or collegeClosed use, including dormitories, stadia, enclosed arenas, auditoriums, and museumsClosed.

2. Other uses shall be limited to those uses listed in paragraph 5.1.2, UseClosed Table, that can demonstrate a direct relationship to an academic use, such as university medical center uses, including teaching hospitalsClosed, medical schools, nursing schools, biomedical research facilities, and support space.

B. Zoning Map Change

1. Initial Establishment of the Zoning District

A university or collegeClosed may elect to have all or parts of its campus covered in the initial establishment of the zoning district, so long as those areas are covered by the appropriate campus master plan. For the UC District, no areas of the campus that were not under the direct control of the university prior to January 1, 2002, shall be included in the initial establishment of the zoning district. For the UC-2 District, no areas of the campus that were not under the direct control of the university or collegeClosed prior to January 1, 2010, shall be included in the initial establishment of the zoning district.

2. Subsequent Zoning Map Change

Any property included as part of a university or collegeClosed campus in a campus master plan can be included in a UC district. A campus master plan shall be submitted to the Planning Department prior to any zoning map change submittal. Such campus master plans shall be viewed as illustrative in nature and can be updated, in whole or in part, at any time.

C. Campus Areas

1. Transitional Use Area

A Transitional UseClosed Area shall be designed to establish standards at the edges of the campus that minimize any adverse impacts of proposed developmentClosed on adjacentClosed properties.

a. For the UC District, standards shall be applicable to a 150-foot wide area at the boundaries of the UC District. Where applicable, the Transitional UseClosed Area shall be measured from the midpoint of public right-of-wayClosed adjacentClosed to the edge of the district. If a public right-of-wayClosed is wider than 200 feet, and contains no existing or planned structures, then a Transitional UseClosed Area shall not be required.

b. For the UC-2 District, standards shall be applicable to a 75-foot-wide area at the boundaries of the UC-2 District. Where the edge of the zoning district is within or adjacentClosed to a public right-of-wayClosed, the Transitional UseClosed Area shall be measured from the midpoint of the right-of-wayClosed. Where the edge of the zoning district is not within or adjacentClosed to a right-of-wayClosed, the Transitional UseClosed Area shall be measured from the property line or exact location of the edge of the district.

2. Internal Campus

a. All areas of each university or collegeClosed within a UC district that are not included within a Transitional UseClosed Area shall be considered to be within the Internal CampusClosed.

b. Within the Internal CampusClosed, only limited regulations shall apply, as indicated below.

D. Height

1. Transitional Use Area

The maximum height of a structureClosed within the Transitional UseClosed Area shall be regulated as follows:

a. Within the UC District, buildingClosed height shall not exceed 150% of the average height of buildings on adjacentClosed properties (including those directly across a public right-of-wayClosed), to a maximum of 100 feet. In calculating the average height for the adjacentClosed buildings, the following considerations shall be included: maximum permitted heights for developableClosed vacant lots; the taller of buildings in front or behind each other; and included within 150 feet of the perimeter transition area. Heights shall not be increased beyond 150% of average surrounding heights unless a major special use permit is approved in accordance with Sec. 3.9, Special Use Permit, in which case the height may be increased up to a maximum of 145 feet.

b. Within the UC-2 District, buildingClosed height shall not exceed the distance to the edge of the district (which is the mid-point of the right-of-wayClosed if the edge of the district is a public street), to a maximum of 75 feet. The ratio of buildingClosed height to distance from the edge of the district shall be no more than 1:1 (see diagram below). Heights shall not be increased beyond this limit unless a major special use permit is approved in accordance with Sec. 3.9, Special Use Permit, in which case the height may be increased up to a maximum of 120 feet.

2. Internal Campus

The maximum height of a structureClosed shall be 120 feet, unless a major special use permit is approved in accordance with Sec. 3.9, Special Use Permit, in which case the height may be increased up to a maximum of 145 feet.

E. Architectural Standards

1. Transitional Use Area

a. For new developmentClosed, documentation shall be required that demonstrates architectural and site design compatibility with adjacentClosed buildings and sites, considering the following criteria:

(1) Roof type, including extent of eaves and eave ornamentation, if any;

(2) ArticulationClosed of the façades, including details, massing, and rhythm, associated with the architectural styles adjacentClosed to the district;

(3) Facade materials; and

(4) Size, pattern, style, and location of windows and doors.

This documentation shall be submitted with the site planClosed for each proposed developmentClosed within the Transitional UseClosed Area.

b. Each buildingClosed shall have a direct orientationClosed and entryway facing a street. ArticulationClosed of any side of a buildingClosed facing a street at the perimeter of a UC district shall be similar in expression and articulationClosed to the primary façade.

2. Internal Campus

Specific architectural standards shall not apply, unless shown as committed elementsClosed on a development planClosed.

F. Outdoor Lighting

1. Transitional Use Area

Within a Transitional UseClosed Area, all standards of Sec. 7.4, Outdoor Lighting, shall apply except that new athletic fields shall not be illuminated after 11:00 p.m.

2. Internal Campus

Within the Internal CampusClosed, the standards of Sec. 7.4, Outdoor Lighting, shall not apply so long as the maximum illumination at the edge of a UC district does not exceed the limits imposed by paragraph 7.4.3, Standards.

G. Environmental Standards

All applicable environmental standards of Article 8, Environmental Protection, shall apply within the UC or UC-2 districts.

H. Landscaping

1. General
a. Transitional Use Area

Within a Transitional UseClosed Area, landscaping shall be provided in accordance with Article 9, Landscaping and Buffering, so as to ensure compatibility with adjacentClosed properties.

b. Internal Campus

Other than street trees pursuant to Sec. 9.6. Street Trees, no specific landscaping requirements shall apply.

2. Vehicular Use Areas

In the Transitional UseClosed Area, surface parking lotsClosed shall not be located immediately adjacentClosed to or across from properties zoned residential unless separated from the street by a landscaped area equivalent to the average street yardClosed of existing buildings or parking lotsClosed on adjacentClosed properties.

I. I.  Parking

1. The required number and location of motorized and bicycle parking spacesClosed shall be tied to the university or collegeClosed’s documentation of adequate parking availability during peak periods of typical academic days. In order to document that there are adequate parking facilities, a plan from each university or collegeClosed covered by a UC district shall be filed with the City-County Planning Department and reviewed and approved by the Planning Director or designee.

The following information shall be provided in the plan:

a. A map depicting the location of parking lotsClosed within the UC District and those outside the UC District which are utilized to satisfy parking requirements.

b. An inventory of the number of parking spacesClosed, per parking lotClosed or structureClosed, including the type of parking spacesClosed (compact, handicap accessible, reservedClosed, visitor, etc.). Totals shall be provided for sub-areas as well as district-wide. Parking can include spaces located outside the UC District that are controlled by the university or collegeClosed, as long as that parking serves the UC District.

c. A report indicating the typical maximum occupancy of each parking lotClosed or structureClosed at typical peak-period. Data shall distinguish between permit-parking and visitor parking. The occupancy data shall be collected within six months of the date of plan submittal and shall include the date(s) and time(s) of the data collection.

d. The inventory of bicycle parking spacesClosed within the UC District, indicating the total number of spaces within each section or sub-area within the campus, as well as district-wide. General locations of bicycle parking spacesClosed shall be identified on a map.

e. A summary report describing any Traffic Demand Management (TDM) programs operated by the university or collegeClosed within a UC District.

f. A report indicating any changes in enrollment and employment by the University or collegeClosed within a UC District since the last plan update and any projected changes within the next four years.

g. A summary report indicating the availability of the following within a UC District:

(1) Sidewalk connectivity;

(2) Transit and remote parking services; and

(3) Bicycling amenities.

2. The documentation shall demonstrate that the following minimum standards are met:

a. The vacancy rate for total, district-wide motorized parking shall be at least 10%.

b. The individual vacancy rates for total parking and visitor parking within each sub-area shall be at least five percent.

c. The total number of bicycle parking spacesClosed shall be at least 10% of total motorized parking district-wide; and at least five percent or two parking spacesClosed, whichever is greater, within each sub-area.

3. If a sub-area does not meet the minimum parking standards, any proposed developmentClosed in that sub-area that requires a site planClosed, except for the following exemptions, shall include motor vehicleClosed and/or bicycle parking, as applicable, to lessen the deficiency.

a. In lieu of providing additional motor vehicleClosed parking, documentation of new or revised remote parking facilities that remove or lessen the deficiency, but do not create new deficiencies elsewhere, can be provided.

b. Exemptions from providing any additional parking consist of the following improvements:

(1) Unmanned facilities of less than 1,000 square feet, such as storage rooms, mechanical equipment, coolers, or stand-alone ice kiosks;

(2) Buildings or additions of less than 1,000 square feet of buildingClosed area;

(3) Improvements that are documented to solely bring existing facilities up to current health, safety, or buildingClosed code requirements;

(4) GradingClosed and/or utility improvements for sewer or water service; or

(5) Any site planClosed submittal that only requires review by the Planning Department.

4. If a college or university has provided documentation of TDM programs, then the minimum motor vehicleClosed vacancy rates shall be reduced by one percent.

5. Sub-areas shall be geographically and functionally cohesive. Remote parking can be identified as serving a sub-area.

6. Approved parking plans shall be valid for a four-year period.

7. Parking requirements pursuant to paragraph 10.3.1, Required Motorized VehicleClosed and Bicycle Parking, are not required for site plansClosed in a UC district if an approved, valid parking plan is in place. If there is not an approved, valid parking plan in effect at the time a developmentClosed approval is requested by an institution, the parking requirements of Sec. 10.3, Required Parking, shall be applied. Alternatively, processing of the requested developmentClosed approval may be delayed until a new parking plan is approved.

J. Signage

1. Transitional Use Area

All applicable standards of Article 11, Sign Standards, shall apply.

2. Internal Campus

The standards of Sec. 11.8, Elements of Common and Way-Finding Signage PlansClosed, shall not apply.

K. Solid Waste

The requirements of Chapter 58 of the City Code, Solid WasteClosed Collection and DisposalClosed, may be modified on projects within a UC district if the college or university has filed a solid wasteClosed master plan with the City and that plan has been approved by the Solid WasteClosed Director or designee.

L. Infrastructure

1. Road Improvements
a. Traffic Impact Analysis

(1) A traffic impact analysis consistent with the requirements of Sec. 3.3, Traffic Impact Analysis, shall be required with or in advance of site planClosed approval of projects utilizing a UC district when appropriate thresholds are reached.

(2) Within the City, this analysis may be included at the time of zoning map changes to a UC district initiated by the university or collegeClosed or in advance of site planClosed submittals. If provided after the zoning map change, a single TIA, at the applicant’s discretion, may reflect developmentClosed throughout a UC district, for identified areas within a UC district, or be provided on a site planClosed specific basis.

b. Road Improvements (City only)

If the applicant performs the TIA utilizing any option other than the site planClosed specific basis, the university or collegeClosed may submit a proposed implementation schedule for the provision of required roadClosed improvements, with the improvements tied to specific dates rather than specific projects. Such an implementation schedule shall be reviewed and, if approved by the City, shall be used to govern the timing of all required roadClosed improvements.

2. Sidewalks

The college or university shall provide public sidewalk with each site planClosed application in the following manner:

a. The length of sidewalk required per site planClosed shall be equal to the total of the widest dimension of the project area(s).

b. Sidewalk can be placed as permitted in paragraph 12.4.2C.1; however, locations shall be prioritized as follows:

(1) Locations within the campus specified within the Durham Walks! Plan or subsequently adopted pedestrian plan(s);

(2) Within the TUA located within one mile of the project site;

(3) Along public right-of way internal to the district.

c. No sidewalk shall be required pursuant to paragraph 12.4.2D, Exemptions.

d. Payment-in-lieu is available pursuant to paragraph 12.4.2C.2, Payment-in-lieu (City only).

3. Stormwater

A stormwaterClosed impact analysis shall be required to be approved in advance of site planClosed approval when appropriate thresholds on campus developmentClosed are reached. Such an analysis may reflect developmentClosed throughout a UC district, for identified areas within a UC district, or be provided on a site planClosed specific basis. If provided utilizing any option other than the site planClosed specific basis, the university or collegeClosed may submit a proposed implementation schedule for the provision of required stormwaterClosed improvements, with the improvements tied to specific dates rather than specific projects. Such an implementation schedule shall be reviewed and approved by the City or County, as appropriate and, if approved, shall be used to govern the timing of all required improvements.

6.11.5. Commercial Center (CC)

A. Uses

1. The primary use allowed within the CC District shall be commercial. UseClosed of this District shall require multiple buildings and tenants.

2. Uses allowed in the CC District shall be limited to those uses listed in Sec. 5.1, Use Table. Proposed residential uses in a CC District shall be noted on the Development PlanClosed.

3. Commercial outparcelsClosed shall not comprise more than 50% of the acreage or floor areaClosed of the developmentClosed.

B. Dimensional Requirements

1. Site Area

a. A minimum of four contiguous acres shall be required for initial approval.

b. Additions to an approved CC District may be made in increments of any size.

2. Lot Area

No minimum lot areaClosed shall be required.

C. Development Standards

1. Within the Suburban Tier, residential developmentClosed shall conform to the standards of the RS-M District.

2. Within the Urban and Compact Neighborhood tiers, residential developmentClosed shall conform to the standards of the RU-M District.

3. When a conflict occurs between this section and the RS-M or RU-M standards for open spaceClosed, site areaClosed, or lot areaClosed, the stricter rules shall apply.

D. Density

1. Within the Suburban Tier, the maximum densityClosed shall be 11 units per acre.

2. Within the Urban Tier, the maximum densityClosed shall be 14 units per acre.

3. Within a Compact Neighborhood Tier, the maximum densityClosed shall be 18 units per acre.

E. Height

1. The maximum height shall be determined by the square footage of the buildings in the developmentClosed, as indicated below:

Square Footage

Maximum Height

Less than 150,000

50 feet

150,000 to less than 250,000

90 feet

More than 250,000

145 feet

 

2. Any buildingClosed over 50 feet shall have its proposed location and height shown on the development planClosed.

F. Access

Access to all outparcelsClosed shall be from the project area. No outparcelClosed shall have direct access onto a public roadClosed.

G. Yards

1. All nonresidential and upper-story residential structures shall maintain yardsClosed per the CG District within the applicable Tier.

2. Apartment and multiplex structures shall maintain yardsClosed per the applicable housing type in Sec. 7.1, Housing Types.

3. YardClosed requirements shall not apply to internal property lines of the overall developmentClosed site.

H. Sidewalks

DevelopmentClosed plans shall indicate a continuous internal pedestrian system designed to permit ready access between all elements of the developmentClosed, including outparcelsClosed.

6.11.6. Industrial Park (IP)

A. Uses

UseClosed of this District shall require multiple buildings. Uses allowed in the IP District shall be limited to those uses listed in Sec. 5.1, Use Table.

B. Dimensional Requirements

1. Site Area

a. A minimum of ten contiguous acres shall be required for initial approval.

b. Additions to an approved IP District may be made in increments of any size.

2. Lot Area

No minimum lot areaClosed shall be required.

C. Transitional Use Area

A landscaped Transitional UseClosed Area of at least 30 feet shall be established around the perimeter of the District and shall be shown on the development planClosed. If a bufferClosed required pursuant to Sec. 9.4, Project Boundary Buffers, imposes a greater width requirement than the Transitional UseClosed Area, the bufferClosed requirement shall apply.

D. Height

The maximum height of any buildingClosed shall be 90 feet, unless a taller buildingClosed is identified on the development planClosed, in which case the maximum buildingClosed height shall be 145 feet.

E. Yards

Other than the Transitional UseClosed Area requirements, no yardClosed requirements shall be established.

F. Sidewalks

DevelopmentClosed plans shall indicate a continuous internal pedestrian system designed to permit ready access between all elements of the developmentClosed.

6.11.7. Mixed Use (MU)

A. Uses

1. A mixed-use developmentClosed shall require residential uses as listed in Sec. 5.1, Use Table, and uses from at least one of the following use categories, with the actual uses limited to those identified in the use table:

a. Public and civic;

b. Commercial; or

c. OfficeClosed

The location of the uses shall be shown on the development planClosed.

2. Additions to MU developmentsClosed shall not be required to include multiple use types provided the use types are present on the overall site and the required ratios of use established in paragraph B.2 below are maintained.

B. Dimensional Requirements

1. Site Area

a. A minimum of four contiguous acres shall be required for initial approval. A smaller initial site may be allowed, if the applicant can demonstrate to the governing body that certain circumstances exist that make an area of less than four acres suitable due to factors including but not limited to, location, topography, or compatibility with adjacentClosed uses. Sites smaller than four acres shall comply with the other requirements of the district, including the requirement to provide at least two use types on the overall site.

b. Additions to an approved MU district may be made in increments of any size.

2. Use Area

a. For mixed useClosed developmentsClosed containing two uses, no use shall occupy less than 30% of the floor areaClosed or gross acreage of the project.

b. For projects with three or more uses, the 30% minimum for a single use shall be waived; however, no single use shall occupy more than 60% of the floor areaClosed or gross acreage of the project.

c. Changes in the location of use areas within a project shall be approved through the site planClosed process; provided that all other requirements of the district, including the required mix of uses, are met.

d. For projects utilizing Sec. 6.6, Affordable Housing Bonus, the affordable housing dwelling unitsClosed:

(1) Shall not be included in the percent calculations for paragraphs 6.11.7B.2.a and 6.11.7B.2.b, above; and

(2) At least 10% of the affordable housing dwelling unitsClosed shall be in each phase of the project.

3. Lot Area

Any dimensional requirements for individual lots shall be specified in the development planClosed.

C. Transitional Use Area

A 50-foot wide Transitional UseClosed Area shall be established around the perimeter of each MU district. Within these areas, use and buildingClosed scale (massing and height) shall reflect the uses permitted within the adjacentClosed property; except that a single-story (or 15-foot) differential in buildingClosed height between the proposed and adjacentClosed uses shall be allowed. If, as a result of the location of uses within an MU district, a use is proposed that would typically require a bufferClosed from the use on an adjacentClosed property not in the district, then the bufferClosed requirements of the typical district shall apply, even if they require a greater bufferClosed than the required Transitional UseClosed Areas.

D. Residential Density

1. Minimum

The minimum gross residential densityClosed shall be four units per acre for any portions of a project that are developedClosed solely as residential.

2. Maximum

Tier

Maximum DensityClosed:
Horizontal Integration of Uses
(dwelling unitsClosed/acre)

Maximum DensityClosed:
Vertical Integration of Uses
(dwelling unitsClosed/acre)

Suburban

14

18

Urban

16

20

Compact Neighborhood

16

53

 

a. Vertical Integration of Uses

For projects in which residential and nonresidential uses are integrated vertically, densityClosed shall be calculated based upon the entire site acreage, including areas typically precluded from consideration for densityClosed in Article 8, Environmental Protection.

b. Horizontal Integration of Uses

For all other projects, residential densityClosed shall only be calculated based upon that portion of the site allocated for residential uses, excluding the areas precluded for consideration for densityClosed in Article 8, Environmental Protection.

E. Nonresidential Intensity

1. Minimum

The minimum floor areaClosed shall be 30% of the square footage of the particular parcelClosed to be developedClosed.

2. Maximum

No maximum floor areaClosed shall be established. The maximum building coverageClosed shall be 70%.

F. Height

The maximum height of a structureClosed shall be 50 feet, unless a greater height (up to 145 feet) is shown on the development planClosed.

G. Street Yards

1. Suburban Tier

A 25-foot street yardClosed shall be maintained, unless the project is in a Suburban Transit Area as designated in the Comprehensive PlanClosed. Projects in these areas shall maintain a minimum street yardClosed of eight feet.

2. Urban Tier

A 15-foot street yardClosed shall be maintained.

3. Compact Neighborhood Tiers

Projects shall respect a maximum street yardClosed such that at least 60% of the width of the street-facing façade is no more than 15 feet from the edge of right-of-wayClosed.

H. Open Space

1. Suburban Tier

At least 10% of the gross acreage of the entire site shall be devoted to open spaceClosed.

2. Urban Tier

At least five percent of the gross acreage of the site shall be devoted to open spaceClosed.

3. Compact Neighborhood Tier [See G.3, above]

At least two percent of the gross acreage shall be devoted to open spaceClosed.

I. Landscaping

The applicant shall establish a set of design guidelines that provide provisions for landscaping throughout the entire developmentClosed, ensuring that a common theme with consistent plant materials are utilized throughout the project.

J. Parking

1. Residential
a. Single-Family Detached, Zero Lot Line, Townhouse

Parking shall be provided at a maximum rate of 2.1 spaces per dwelling unitClosed.

b. Multifamily

MultifamilyClosed parking shall not exceed an amount equivalent to 2.1 spaces per dwelling unitClosed.

2. Nonresidential

a. Based upon the parking rates in paragraph 10.3.1A.4, Parking Rate Table, the amount of motor vehicleClosed parking shall be required as follow:

Maximum

100% of the parking rate. An additional 25% is allowed as long as the additional parking spacesClosed are located within structured parking (above ground or underground)

 

K. Sidewalks

DevelopmentClosed plans shall indicate a continuous internal pedestrian system designed to permit ready access between all elements of the developmentClosed.

L. Phasing

1. A phasing plan that identifies the stages of developmentClosed shall be required as part of the zoning map change application proposing to use the MU District.

2. Some components of both residential and nonresidential uses shall be included in the first phase of any project in the MU District.

M. Traffic Impact Analysis

1. A traffic impact study shall be required as a part of the development planClosed when portions of the developmentClosed or the entire developmentClosed will generate vehicleClosed trip levels in excess of those identified in Sec. 3.3, Traffic Impact Analysis; however, the TSUP that may be required pursuant to paragraph 3.3.8, Transportation Special UseClosed Permit, shall not be required within the MU District.

2. The City Transportation Department or NCDOT, as appropriate, shall review the development planClosed as well as the projected on-site and off-site traffic impacts, and determine that the mixed useClosed project is designed to adequately provide for transportation needs.

3. The City Transportation Department or NCDOT, as appropriate, may recommend that the governing body require the developerClosed to limit access points, provide additional lanes, install traffic islands, provide transit facilities, install traffic signals, or make other improvements to assure traffic safety.

N. Additional Requirements

1. Unless the public transit provider indicates in writing to the Planning Director that a shelterClosed is not required, construction of bus sheltersClosed shall be mandatory wherever the project includes or is adjacentClosed to an existing or previously identified transit line extension proposed in adopted documents by the public transit provider.

2. Lots may front on public or private streets. A plan for the future maintenance of project amenities and any private streets shall be submitted with the Site PlanClosed.

6.12.1. Height

A. Height maximums for residential uses shall be calculated by the vertical distance from finished ground level of one corner of the structureClosed, at the applicant’s discretion, to the highest finished surface. Height for nonresidential uses shall be calculated by the vertical distance from the average of the finished ground level to the finished roof surface of a flat roof or the point at the average height of a roof having a pitch; except for mansard roofs, which shall be measured to the highest finished surface. For buildings with more than one façade along the street, each buildingClosed façade shall be measured independently. Height for any buildingClosed with multiple roof levels shall be determined by the highest roof level.

1. The average finished ground level shall be calculated by averaging the spot elevations for all buildingClosed corners on a single structureClosed. Multiple, unattached structures on the same site shall have independently calculated average gradeClosed for the purposes of measuring the height of each individual structureClosed.

           

2. Except in Design Districts, height for any buildingClosed with multiple roof levels shall be determined by the highest roof level.

3. In Design Districts for buildings where multiple height standards apply, see Sec. 16.3, BuildingClosed Design.

B. The height limitations shall not apply to steeples, decorative features including parapet walls less than four feet tall, roof access structures, towers less than 250 square feet, air conditioning units, utility poles, mechanical features (including those for solar energy systemsClosed), roof access structures for mechanical equipment or stairways, belfries, lightning rods, antennasClosed other than those regulated in Article 5, UseClosed Regulations, water towers, clock towers, or any other tower up to 100 square feet in area which is not used for transmitting and receiving electronic signals or is not a corner tower elementClosed regulated within Sec. 16.3, BuildingClosed Design.

6.12.3. Required Yards

A. General Standards for Required Yards

1. Required yardsClosed shall be unobstructed by structures, or objects constructed or erected in a fixed location on the ground, unless allowed by standards found elsewhere in this Ordinance.

2. Required yardsClosed and other open areas provided for one lot or structureClosed shall not be considered as providing yardClosed space for another structureClosed or lot.

3. Required yardsClosed shall be calculated from the adjacentClosed property line or street right-of-wayClosed. If a new right-of-wayClosed width has been established by the adoption of an official transportation planning document, then the yardClosed requirement shall be measured from the proposed right-of-wayClosed line.

4. For lots that have multiple property lines that are to the side and rear of a lot, only one lot line, determined by the applicant, shall be considered a rear property line for determining the rear yardClosed, and all others shall be considered side lot lines.

5. For corner lots, there shall be only one rear yardClosed, determined by the applicant, and the other yardsClosed shall be side or street yardsClosed as applicable.

B. Encroachments into Required Yards

Unless otherwise regulated within this Ordinance, the following encroachmentClosed standards shall apply:

Commentary: EasementsClosed, other ordinances, or other legally established restrictions may limit encroachmentsClosed otherwise allowed by this Ordinance.

1. Chimneys, pre-fabricated chimneys, flues, or smokestacks can extend into yardClosed spaces but shall not occupy more than 30 square feet of the required yardClosed space.

2. Fire escapes can project up to eight feet into any required yardClosed. Fire escapes in the DD District are permitted to extend beyond the property line.

3. Cornices, eaves, ornamental features, and awnings can extend up to five feet into any required yardClosed, but shall remain at least two feet from the property line in side and rear yardsClosed, except on zero lot lineClosed homes.

4. MarqueeClosed signsClosed can extend into yardClosed spaces in conformance with standards found in the Sec. 11.6, Signs Requiring Permits.

5. Pedestrian bridges, breezeways, and supports of these structures can extend into required yardsClosed for transit access.

6. Security gates and guard stations can be located within any required yardClosed.

7. Decks, uncoveredClosed terraces, and at-grade patios can extend up to four feet into any required side yardClosed, or up to eight feet into any required street yardClosed, or within four feet of a rear property line. Nonenclosed covered decks, porches, and stoops (of up to 50 square feet) can extend eight feet into required street and rear yardsClosed; however, a minimum setbackClosed of five feet from the property line shall be maintained. Non-enclosed covered stoops can also encroachClosed up to five feet in side yardsClosed, but shall remain at least two feet from the property line in side and rear yardsClosed.

8. Surface parking and associated lighting, uncoveredClosed steps, and handicapped access ramps can be located within any yardClosed.

9. Except in Design Districts, bay windows, entrances, balconies, and similar features can extend up three feet into any required yardClosed, but shall remain at least three feet from the property line when encroachingClosed into the required yardClosed.

10. In Design Districts, refer to Sec.16.2 and Sec. 16.3 for balconies and bay windows.

11. Mechanical equipment for residential uses, such as HVAC units and equipment for a solar energy systemClosed, can extend into any required side and rear yardClosed but shall remain at least three feet from the property line.

12. Trellises and pergolas can be located within any required yardClosed.

13. Fences and walls pursuant to Sec. 9.9, Fences and Walls, can be located within any required yardClosed.

14. Cabinets, such as “little libraries” or “blessing boxes,” can be located within any required yardClosed.

a. A maximum of one is allowed in any street yardClosed.

b. The maximum size of the cabinet shall be 21 cubic feet.

6.12.4. Density

A. Number of Units Allowed

The calculation of the number of units allowed per minimum or maximum densityClosed requirements can result in a fraction of a unit. If the fraction is less than one-half, the fraction shall be deleted. If the fraction is one-half or greater, the number shall be rounded up to the next whole number.

B. Existing Right-of-Way

Other than calculating the densityClosed bonus area pursuant to paragraph 6.4.3A, Major Roadway Density Bonus Area, all existing right-of-wayClosed shall be excluded from the calculation of the area of a project for densityClosed purposes. Right-of-wayClosed shall mean the ultimate right-of-wayClosed of a roadway as established by NCDOT or the City of Durham, as appropriate.

C. Improvements

Area dedicatedClosed as public right-of-wayClosed, or other public facilityClosed sites reservedClosed or dedicatedClosed, pursuant to an adopted plan shall be credited towards the densityClosed calculation.

6.12.5. Flag Lots

A. Dimensions

1. Standard Flag Lot

The extension, or “pole,” for flag lots shall be a minimum of 20 feet in width.

2. Reduced Pole Width Option

In the Urban Tier and lots with RU zoning or RS-M zoning in the Suburban Tier, the extension, or “pole,” for flag lots can be a minimum of 12 feet in width. The following shall also apply:

a. Structure Size and Height Limit

The primary structureClosed on a flag lot with a pole less than 20 feet shall have a maximum height of the lesser of 2 storiesClosed or 32 feet and maximum size of 1,200 heated square feet.

(1) A platClosed shall be recorded to specify the house size limitations.

(2) Primary structures existing prior to February 25, 2019, shall not be limited to these standards and may be improved in accordance to the applicable single-familyClosed detached housing type standards and other applicable standards.

(3) A vacant flag lot with a pole of less than 20 feet recorded prior to the effective date of these standards may be developedClosed as a standard flag lot.

b. Remaining Standard Lot

The minimum lot widthClosed of the remaining standard lot created from the parentClosed parcelClosed shall be 35 feet.

c. Sustainable Requirement

Small Lots and Reduced Pole Flag Lots must include one approved sustainable feature including ribbon drivewayClosed, grid‐connected solar photovoltaic array1, solar hot water heating for domestic hot water2, spray foam insulation, Green Building CertificationClosed, use of WaterSense products3, no on‐site parking, downspouts not piped to the right‐of‐way, or projects utilizing any part of the Affordable Housing Bonus as outlined in Section 6.6.

(1) An on‐site system that is estimated by the installer to produceClosed at least 25% of the home’s energy needs.

(2) Energy Star certified water heating system designated as Solar with Electric Backup or Solar with Gas Backup.

(3) To satisfy this requirement all toilets, bathroom faucets, and showerheads must meet EPA criteria for WaterSense.

B. Setbacks

All perimeter lot lines shall be side yardsClosed for setbackClosed purposes.

C. Access

Where a flag lot abuts an improved and maintained alleyClosed, motor vehicleClosed access shall only be taken from the alleyClosed.

D. Driveways

DrivewaysClosed may be shared for multiple flag lots, and for the new flag lot and remaining standard lot if the drivewayClosed for the standard lot is new or to be relocated. Recorded shared access agreements are required for shared drivewaysClosed.

6.12.6. Multiple Flags

A maximum of five single familyClosed or duplex lots are permitted to subdivide off of an existing lot of recordClosed. In no case shall each subdivided lot have less than 5 feet of street frontageClosed. If all flag lots utilize the Reduced Pole Width Option in 6.12.5A.2, the combined width of all poles must be at least 12 feet in width. If any flag lot is a Standard Flag Lot as outlined in 6.12.5A.1, the combined width of all poles must be at least 20 feet in width. A shared drivewayClosed may be used as the sole access to all such lots.