This is one of the 5 in 5 strategic goals for downtown Raleigh

Learn more about efforts to change the regulatory environment around the downtown Triangle Transit Authority regional rail stations

Read the initial report from the first public forum

View the First Phase Action Items identified by the downtown action group

Identified as one of the Livable Streets 5 in 5 actions - Regulatory Reform is being undertaken with the GOAL: "Improve business environment by removing regulatory impediments; make it at least as easy to do business Downtown as any place else in the region; include incentives in regulations."

On June 3, 2003 , the Raleigh City Council approved a Five in 5 work program which identified two steps toward Regulatory Reform: "Establish Downtown Development Team" and "Explore and Establish Development Incentives." These are detailed in attachment 3 at the end of the initial report.

This work program item is being implemented with the City Manager's establishment of two City of Raleigh staff teams. The Downtown Action Group - consists of the Raleigh City Manager and a number of City Department Heads, each having downtown program responsibilities within their departments. The City Staff Downtown Team - consists of 25 city staff members who are the …"Go To"… persons designated by each department within the City to be sure that downtown issues are being appropriately addressed within that department.

On September 25, 2003 a Public Forum was held at the Raleigh Urban Design Center attended by approximately 60 persons. The attendees were asked to identify downtown Strengths, Weaknesses and Opportunities. The participants gathered at a number of discussion tables and their comments have been documented and are summarized in an initial report. A more detailed listing of their comments is attached to this report:

Downtown Overlay District approved November 2005

A key component of this change is to simplify the existing layers of regulation by combining under one section of the Code the current overlay districts within the downtown area, with the exception of the Historic Overlay Districts. This new overlay district allows for the continuity of urban design through the use of exceptions to the minimum setback standards, maximum height standards, parking requirements, floor area ratio requirements and other regulations which vary between the numerous underlying zoning districts within the downtown area. See the map of the Downtown Overlay District.  This overlay district also reorganizes the approval process for downtown developments.  Whereas all new development, expansions and conversions of buildings within the downtown area currently require approval by the City Council, the new regulations delegate administration or the Planning Commission as the approving authority for smaller projects and the conversion of buildings from one use to another.

DOD amended to allow retail within office zoning districts in downtown - December 2006

This change allows the City Council to approve retail land uses within high density, mixed-use developments on properties currently zoned Office & Institution-1 and Office & Institution-2 that currently do not allow retail use.  Originally, one of the goals of the Downtown Urban Design Guidelines was to promote ground-level retail uses throughout the downtown area. However, many of the properties in the Downtown Overlay District are currently zoned Office & Institution. The text change protects existing residential neighborhoods located next to the Downtown Overlay District from inappropriate retail infringing on their neighborhood by prohibiting this retail option for properties located in the perimeter 100 feet of the Downtown Overlay District.

Reforms Pending - 2006

Standards for Private Use of Public Spaces - Scattered rules and regulations for the private use of public spaces and encroachments throughout the City have been administered by many departments over the years, causing confusion and multiple stops for permits in different offices.  This reform will consolidate all the rules in one illustrated document for downtown, and turn over the administration of all permitting to the Urban Design Center on Fayetteville Street.  See more here.

Exemptions for Parking, Stormwater, Open Space in Downtown Overlay District - A recommendation has been made to completely exempt projects within the Downtown Overlay District from these regulations.  Hearings are scheduled in January, 2007  See more here.

Development Services Division - a new cross-departmental division of the City Manager's office has been created to streamline approval processes and resolve problems as they arise.  A new Development Services Manager has been hired to lead this group who will be starting work in January 2007.  For more information contact Sharon Felton, Development Services Public Information Officer. 

Strengths to Build Upon 

• Downtown Development Mix - The rich mixture of land uses and particularly the strong market supporting housing was seen as a major strength for the future of downtown. Development regulations must be simplified and administered so as to encourage these mixed use projects. 
• Downtown Character and Design - The historic design and unique character of downtown provides a setting of comfort for pedestrians. The applications of the Historic District regulations in the future must support and not frustrate further investment decisions.
• Downtown Management & Support -The willingness to undertake change and the enthusiastic support that downtown is receiving from public and private sector is a major strength to build upon. Enhanced communication efforts regarding regulatory practices and procedures will be a key to continued success

Perceived Weaknesses / Opportunities for Action 

• Housing  Provision of more affordable housing in greater variety was seen as a major need downtown as is the need to target specific sites, types and policies promoting residential development. - 
• Parking - Observations included the need for increased attention to management of on and off street parking resources, better signage identifying these resources, and increased attention to a variety of enforcement issues. 
• Transit / Regional Rail - A number of attendees recommended improving links between downtown resources and targeting specific uses in the vicinity of these resources, including easing the development review process to encourage high intensity, mixed use developments in these locations. 
• Pedestrian Environment / Streetscape - There is a need for increased attention to strengthen and improve downtown pedestrian links and pathways and develop a supportive regulatory environment for pedestrian enhancements.  
• Encroachments / Sidewalk & Street Events and Activities -Specific reform should be applied to simplifying and making the encroachment process and processes for approval of on-street activities more predictable and less time consuming.  
• Development / Regulations & Process Issues - Numerous recommendations and observations were made to address alternatives to streamline, clarify, simplify and communicate a variety of development regulatory processes. 
• Downtown Marketing / Management & Support - A number of recommendations were made to coordinate a variety of downtown advertising and marketing programs including specifically targeted service and retail tenants which would build upon the current interest in and success of downtown.