General Use Rezoning

Process Description:
Rezoning is the act of requesting City Council to change the official zoning map. A rezoning case may be for either a general use district or a conditional use district. The State Statutes generally describe the rezoning process. The steps for rezoning are listed below. For additional information, see section 10-2165 of the City Code.

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

How to determine if a petition should be submitted:
When considering a zoning change, contact the Planning Department at (919) 516-2646 to schedule a preliminary meeting with staff. Planning staff can help determine a specific use, most appropriate district, uses allowed, and applicable regulations of each zoning category.

City staff will analyze the Comprehensive Plan and other City Council adopted plans to determine if the request is consistent with city adopted plans. They can also explain land use policies, zoning regulations, and the effects of proposed City facilities such as streets on the proposed site. Applicants may request an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan prior to submitting a rezoning. The Comprehensive Plan can be amended twice a year in January and July.

What is the current property zoning?
Use the iMaps application to research the current property zoning or contact the Planning Department at (919) 516-2626 or the Development Services Customer Service Center at (919) 516-2495 for assistance.

What uses are permitted in zoning districts?
The zoning district determines uses permitted on a property. Reference the "List of Permitted Uses by Zoning Districts" for more information. This information is also available in the Planning Department located on the 3rd floor of the One Exchange Plaza. For more details on a specific use, reference the "Schedule of Permitted Uses in Zoning Districts" in the Zoning Code.

Are there any prerequisites to this process?

• If applicant is not the petitioner, they must provide proof of notification to the adjacent property owners per G.S. 160A-384
• The property must be located within the Raleigh City Limits or Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ)

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 Application

What do I need to submit to the City?

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?

Filing Deadlines:
The rezoning process is structured and an application may only be submitted during certain times throughout the year. Generally, these times are the first three weeks of March, June, September and December. See Filing Schedule to find out the upcoming dates for filing the rezoning petition.

Staff Review:
Each completed and accepted application package will receive a case planner who will serve as the main point of contact throughout the process. The case planner will review the request in accordance with the guidance contained with the 2030 Comprehensive Plan and other adopted City plans.

No building permits can be issued for a property after a rezoning application has been submitted unless the project meets both the existing and proposed zoning districts. A submitted rezoning application cannot be withdrawn within five weeks of the joint public hearing.

Joint Public Hearing:
A joint public hearing is conducted with the Planning Commission and the City Council. These joint hearings are held during the months of January, April, July and October. There are no decisions made at the joint public hearings. The intent of the meetings is to present the request to the elected and appointed officials and allow the public to voice opinions regarding the request.

Planning Commission Review:
The request will be referred to the Planning Commission for a recommendation to City Council. The Planning Commission generally has 90 days to make a recommendation to City Council and may refer the request to a sub-committee for further deliberation. The Planning Commission meets twice a month on the second and fourth Tuesday. The Planning Commission generally asks to hear a short presentation from the applicant. These meetings are open to the public.

City Council Decision:
The City Council will render a final decision. The City Council may refer the request to a sub-committee for further deliberation. The City Council meets twice a month on the first and third Tuesday of the month. The applicant generally does not present at the City Council meetings, unless the request is referred to a sub-committee. These meetings are open to the public.

What are the keys to success?

• Pre-application meeting with Department of City Planning, Long Range 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
• Attend the Citizens Advisory Council (CAC) meeting
• Be aware of any Valid Statutory Protest Petition filed against your case

What fees are involved and when do I pay them?

• See Development 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.

Properties that have had a Rezoning Public Hearing within the past two years from the original filing date, must apply to the City Council, for a two year waiver. The property owner must submit the applicable fee and submit a completed petition.