New Procedural Changes to the Design Adjustment Process

The City of a Raleigh is currently reviewing the process of granting design adjustments to the following sections of the Unified Development Ordinance:

UDO Article 8.3. Blocks, Lots and Access;
UDO Article 8.4. New Streets;
UDO Article 8.5. Existing Streets; and/or
Raleigh Street Design Manual Article 5.1

As a result of this review, as of March 27, 2019 the Development Services Department will be temporarily suspending applications for design adjustments for the regulations listed above. This suspension applies only to new and incomplete applications. Development Services will continue to process and will issue decisions on complete applications which are currently pending. However, please note that any additional or requested information that an applicant wishes the City to consider in making a decision on these pending applications, must be received by the City on or before May 31, 2019.

During this suspension, applicants experiencing a hardship may be able to obtain a variance from the Board of Adjustment (the “BOA”) in appropriate cases. The steps and submittal requirements are listed on the Variance Application. The BOA requires a filing deadline at least 60 days prior to the meeting—a full schedule of application deadlines can be found here.

For questions regarding the BOA and variance application process, please contact:

Eric Hodge, Senior Planner | 919-996-2639 | eric.hodge@raleighnc.gov 

Keegan McDonald, Senior Planner | 919-996-4630 | keegan.mcdonald@raleighnc.gov 

The City anticipates reopening applications for design adjustments in the near future. However, these requests will not be granted by staff. Design adjustments will be heard by the Board of Adjustment in an evidentiary hearing. Applicants for design adjustments will need to be prepared to present competent and material testimony and evidence in support of the showings set forth for each design adjustment in the UDO.

Following a more comprehensive review and amendment to the UDO, enhanced standards and process for the granting of design adjustments will be implemented. The timeline for this change is uncertain but is likely to take several months.

Development questions or concerns? Please contact:

Alysia Bailey-Taylor, Land Development Division Manager

919-996-2631 | alysia.bailey-taylor@raleighnc.gov

Hamid Dolikhani, Assistant Director (Development Services)

919-996-2232 | hamid.dolikhani@raleighnc.gov