Raleigh Passes Landmark 'Missing Middle' Text Change

Last week, Raleigh became the latest in a growing trend of cities moving to end exclusionary zoning practices when they passed TC-5-20. The text change, also known as the Missing Middle Reforms, passed by a 6-1 vote. 

Text changes (TC) are proposed amendments to Raleigh’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). The UDO contains all the development and zoning rules for the city. This change means that the UDO will be modified to allow duplexes and townhomes to be developed in residential zones where they were previously prohibited. Duplexes and townhomes are currently only allowed in some of the highest-density residential areas and would need a rezoning in other residential areas. The change will now allow duplexes and townhomes to be constructed by-right. The change also means apartments can be developed on smaller lots and with as few as three units.

Raleigh has struggled to produce enough housing to keep up with its explosive growth over the last decade and as a result, housing prices have skyrocketted both in terms of home sale value and the average cost to rent. The current City Council ran on a promise of addressing housing affordability and the Missing Middle Reforms are a key component in their plan to encourage the production of new and more diverse types of housing to fight runaway housing costs.

TAA was proud to support these efforts by submitting a letter of support for the change and we look forward to continuing to work with the Council to address this critical issue.