Raleigh’s Planning and Development Department coordinates building permits, inspections, zoning, and land-development review. The City’s Permit and Development Portal serves as the main online workspace for many permit and development applications, allowing applicants to monitor projects, pay fees, and schedule inspections. For larger development, Raleigh also uses Site Permit Review to coordinate disciplines such as planning, zoning, transportation, public utilities, stormwater, fire, and urban forestry.
Land use is governed by Raleigh’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), which covers zoning, subdivision, stormwater, and natural-resource protection. Every parcel has a base zoning district, and overlay districts can add location-specific requirements. Tier Two and Tier Three site plans require Administrative Site Review before applicants can proceed to applicable site and building permits.
Locally designated historic properties have a separate approval path. Exterior changes within a General Historic Overlay District, regulated portions of a Streetside Historic Overlay District, or to a Raleigh Historic Landmark require a Certificate of Appropriateness before work begins, regardless of other City permits. Minor work can often be approved administratively, while major work goes before the Raleigh Historic Development Commission’s COA Committee.
Floodplain and public-space conditions can trigger additional permits. Raleigh requires a flood permit for work in or near designated flood-hazard areas, while installation or occupation within streets, sidewalks, and other public right-of-way requires separate authorization. Applicants can start with the City’s Permit and Development Portal resources and then confirm zoning, historic, stormwater, floodplain, and right-of-way requirements for the site.