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Rezoning


Process Description:
The rezoning process is a petition to amend the Official City Zoning Map by changing the zoning classification of a certain property. The proposal can include a change in the actual classification or modification of zoning conditions.  The process also relies heavily on Comprehensive Plan compliance in analyzing the suitability of the proposed change. The comprehensive plan contains goals, objectives, policies and guidelines for growth and redevelopment for the city. Most zoning cases are reviewed by the client with the local Citizens Advisory Council (CAC). The CAC is made up of community residents who advise the Council on important neighborhood issues. The Planning Commission and City Council may or may not approve the proposed change regardless of compliance, but must state their action in relation to the proposals compliance.

A rezoning case may be for either a general use district or a conditional use district. For a general use rezoning, City Council considers all the potential uses which would be allowed under the proposed rezoning district. City Council is not allowed to consider specific site plans or conditions as a basis for a decision. Anyone can file a request for a general use rezoning.

Only the property owners can request a conditional use case. The owners voluntarily limit development on the site under conditional use zoning, such as the type of use or building sizes permitted. Conditions must be more restrictive than what would normally apply under the corresponding general use zoning district.

The City Council considers each of these conditions in making a decision on the rezoning.  Conditional use rezoning is a more complicated procedure than general use rezoning. A conditional use case should not be filed unless the applicant is prepared to discuss aspects of site development and use limitations on the property.

If a valid statutory protest petition (VSPP) is filed in opposition to a rezoning request, the City Council cannot approve the request unless it does so by a vote of three-fourths of all Council members.  A simple majority can approve all other requests.

See the City of Raleigh Development Services Glossary for any unfamiliar terms.

Are there any prerequisites to this process?


How do I start the process?

  • Reference the Filing Schedule to find out the upcoming dates for filing the rezoning petition
  • Contact the Department of City Planning staff to schedule a pre-application meeting to discuss the proposal
  • Select most applicable zoning district for rezoning proposal
  • Complete a Rezoning Petition (.doc) or (.pdf)


What do I need to submit to the City?

Standard Submittal Package
  • Rezoning Petition (.doc) or (.pdf)
  • Filing Fee payment must be paid at time of submittal
  • One (1) paper color copy of official zoning map outlining property to be rezoned
  • One (1) paper copy of a parcel map showing adjacent property owners

 

What additional documents may be needed?

  • May need a property boundary survey map, to further identify the property for which the zoning is to be applied
  • Illustrative plan graphically depicting zoning conditions


Where do I submit my application?
Office:               City of Raleigh
Department:    City Planning
Location:          Front Desk
Address:          One Exchange Plaza Suite 304, Raleigh, NC 27601
Adjacent to:     219 Fayetteville Street
Phone #:          (919) 516-2626
Hours:              8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Filing Schedule (12:00 noon on application deadline date)

What are the keys to success?

  • Pre-application meeting with Department of City Planning, Current Planning Services
  • Meet with surrounding property owners and fulfilling all neighborhood meeting requirements
  • Compliance with Comprehensive Plan
  • Compatible with surrounding properties
  • Consider benefits to the general public


What fees are involved and when do I pay them?

  • See Fee Schedule for the current fees associated with each rezoning review type (General Use Case, Conditional Use Case, Master Plan)
  • Payment types accepted are cash, MasterCard, Visa or check made payable to: City of Raleigh
  • Fee payments are delivered to the Department of City Planning located at One Exchange Plaza Suite 304, Raleigh NC as part of the Submittal Package (see above) 


How long will this process take?
The rezoning process takes approximately five (5) months from filing deadline to final action. Complex cases may take much longer to resolve, and can include special studies by the Planning Commission or City Council.

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For More Information Contact:
Stan Wingo
Planner I
Planning Department
One Exchange Plaza
Raleigh, NC 27601
919-516-2663