Standards for Private Use of Public Spaces
Downtown Raleigh Urban Design Handbook
Status:
On April 1, 2007, new standards and procedures took effect for private uses of sidewalks, plazas, and other public spaces in downtown Raleigh. The information below outlines the new permits program, as well as related upcoming events and deadlines.
On March 18, City Council referred a series of staff recommendations concerning handbook refinements to its Law and Public Safety Committee. The committee discussed the item at its March 25th meeting, and voted to recommend approval, with a few additional amendments. On April 1st, the City Council approved the final set of amendments to the handbook. The approved amendments would be effective as of June 1, 2008 for all new permits. However, all permits issued in 2007 will be valid until June 30, 2008. The new permits cycle starts July 1, 2008.
A memorandum summarizing the recommended changes is available by clicking here. A page-by-page listing of the recommendations approved by the Law and Public Safety Committee is available by clicking here.
What Activities Are Covered?
-
Newsracks
- Outdoor dining
- Pushcart vending
- Street performances
- Private mail drop off boxes & streetscape accessories
- Minor encroachments (including outdoor merchandise, pots and planters, awnings, lighting, and signage)
What Places?
Generally speaking, the areas from the Pilot Mill area south to Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, taking in most of the downtown blocks between S. Bloodworth Street and St. Mary’s Street.
Also included are three nearby business districts:
- Glenwood South
- North Person Street retail area
- Peace Street retail area
Special design considerations apply to newly-refurbished Fayetteville Street, taking into account new streetscape treatments and sidewalk spaces.
For downloadable maps of the applicable areas, please click on the following links:
What Are the Standards?
The complete Standards for Private Use of Public Spaces handbook is available for viewing or downloading at the links below—as a whole or in part.
The handbook describes in detail the permit application process, applicable fees, permit provisions, and standards for each activity’s location, design, operation, and maintenance. Also included is a checklist of items needed for obtaining permits.
Complete handbook document:
Individual document sections:
(Please review the Overview and Appendices sections along with each private use section.)
One-Stop Permitting
The go-to place for public space permits is the new Downtown Permits Office (DPO), part of the City of Raleigh’s Inspections Department. Located downtown on the 4th Floor of the City’s One Exchange Plaza building, the DPO can provide details regarding rules for locating and operating in public spaces, as well as process individual applications and issue permits.
Step one is to contact the Downtown Permits Office at (919) 516-2550 to make a personal appointment. Staff will advise you as to the exact items you’ll need to make obtaining your permit smooth and easy. These items can vary, but generally include:
- A copy of an active Business License
- The completed permit application and specified submittals
- Proof of insurance
- Indemnity agreement
- Permit fees
You can obtain printed copies of the necessary application forms at the Inspections Department, or download them below:
Application Forms:
Permit Validity
Permits and Business Licenses are valid from July 1 through June 30 of the following year. Renewal applications should be submitted to the Downtown Permits Office by June 30.
Please note: The initial round of permits will be valid the full 15-month period from April 2007 through June 30, 2008, for the same amount as the respective annual fee.
Additional Background Information:
Handbook Q & A
General Information
The Downtown Raleigh Alliance serves as the chief point of contact for enquiries and suggestions regarding the program. The Alliance can be reached at:
Downtown Raleigh Alliance
120 S. Wilmington St., Suite 103
Raleigh, NC 27601
Phone: 919-832-1231
Fax: 919-832-0984
info@downtownraleigh.org
http://www.godowntownraleigh.com
For More Information Contact:
Mac McMillan
Permits
Inspections Department
One Exchange Plaza, Suite 404
Raleigh, NC 27601
919-516-2550
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