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Written by Katie Dombrowski

Category: Planning

Created: 31 March 2020

Planning and Development is working to implement a temporary process for rezoning petitions in response to COVID-19, as the usual process requires many face-to-face touch points. We are working to find virtual solutions; however, some steps in the process have not yet been resolved.

For now, we encourage applicants to schedule a Pre-Application Conference. These meetings are held online with all parties participating virtually. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to schedule a meeting. 

We will provide updates as other steps in the process are resolved.

Please note that all boards and commissions meetings are cancelled through April 30, 2020. The City Council is meeting virtually on April 7, 2020. Following an evaluation of this meeting, similar technology may be deployed for future Planning Commission meetings, allowing deliberation on rezoning petitions to resume.

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Written by Katie Dombrowski

Category: Planning

Created: 15 August 2019

The City of Raleigh is undertaking a study to gather information and make recommendations on construction of new residential houses within existing neighborhoods. The study will result in the development of policies and guidelines for infill development. The initial step in this process is to conduct a community survey to identify existing issues and opportunities around infill development. In September we will host a public meeting followed by a council presentation in October. The recommendations will be posted to the web for public comment period with the final recommendation going to council early 2020.

Please take a few minutes to complete our survey between now and Sept. 30. For additional information and to sign up for any updates on the Infill Development Study please visit our webpage.

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Written by Katie Dombrowski

Category: Planning

Created: 08 July 2019

Ken Bowers, the Director of Raleigh's City Planning Department, will be taking medical leave starting July 15 for a significant heart operation. The scope of the surgery is such that an extended period of rest and rehabilitation is required.

The City has secured the services of Roger Waldon, FAICP, to serve as Interim Planning Director until Ken is able to return. Mr. Waldon’s has served as Planning Director for the Town of Chapel Hill for 21 years. He currently works for Clarion Associates and has assisted 24 cities and counties to date with planning-related services. Prior his time with Chapel Hill, Mr. Waldron served as the Director of Planning for TJCOG and has a good understanding of regional issues.

Please keep Ken in your thoughts as he recovers.

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Written by Katie Dombrowski

Category: Planning

Created: 20 June 2019

City Planning Services will be available through the Permit and Development Portal beginning July 8. Applicants can use the centralized dashboard to monitor development project, reviews, and permits. All applications will be initiated through the portal, including:

• Certificate of Appropriateness (Major and Minor Works)
• Facade Grants
• Rezoning
• Variances and Special Use Permits
  • The first online submittal will be July 12-August 15 for the October 14 Board of Adjustment meeting. All submittals after July 12 will be electronic. 

If you have any questions regarding a submittal, City Planning staff are available at One Exchange Plaza to assist applicants during regular business hours (9:00 am – 4:30 pm) and by phone, 919-996-2682.

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Written by Sharon Felton

Category: Planning

Created: 07 November 2017

The department is embarking on a nationwide search for a new Zoning Administrator to oversee the UDO with consistency and fairness. Until the position is filled, Assistant Planning Director Travis Crane will serve as Zoning Administrator. To maintain capacity during this transitional period, the Department has hired a temporary employee that may be familiar to some: Christine Darges. Ms. Darges was previously employed as an Assistant Director in the Development Services department, where she managed the development review process. During her time with the city, she served as the project manager for the development of the UDO. Her primary focus will be text change development and assistance with zoning code interpretations. Her office is located on the third floor of One Exchange Plaza.  Ms. Darges can be reached by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or by phone at 919-996-2625, Tuesday – Thursday.

Stay tuned for more as the position becomes available on https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/raleighnc.

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Written by Sharon Felton

Category: Planning

Created: 02 November 2017

The City of Raleigh is currently updating the 2030 Comprehensive Plan. Once complete, it will serve as the key policy document intended to make Raleigh more workable, livable, and prosperous. The plan provides an integrated approach to Raleigh’s physical development and related economic and social issues, with an emphasis on environmental, economic, and social sustainability and enhancing land use and transportation coordination. The plan integrates and coordinates the plans of many City departments.

The draft update to the 2030 Comprehensive Plan is now available online. In order to make reviewing this document easier, City Planning has provided updated chapters formatted with the new design and a “Blackline” version with marked-up text highlighting specific changes.

A survey has also been developed to capture comments on four focus areas: Sustainability, Development Transitions, Housing, and Transportation. Thank you for your interest in the 2030 Comprehensive Plan Update.