6.3.1 Development Standards

1. All residential development in the RS Districts shall meet the standards in the table below. For illustrations, lot dimensions, and required yards for each housing type, see Sec. 7.1, Housing Types.

Dimensional Standard	RS-20		RS-10		RS-8		RS-M
Dimensional Standard	Min.	Max.	Min.	Max.	Min.	Max.	Min.	Max. without Development Plan	Max. with Development Plan (see paragraph 3.5.6)
Residential Density (units per acre) Small Lot Option³	— —	2.0 —	— —	4.0 12.0	— —	5.0 12.0	— —	8.0 12.0	18.0 18.0
Open Space (% of gross area)¹ Conventional Subdivision Cluster Subdivision	— —	— —	15 15	— —	15 15	— —	18 18	—	— —
Site Area (acres) Conventional Subdivision Cluster Subdivision Site Width (feet)	— 4 —	— — —	— 4 —	— — —	— 4 —	— — —	— — 200	— — —	— — —
Area and Width Requirements	See Sec. 7.1, Housing Types
Height
Stories (visual articulation)	—	3	—	3	—	3	—	3
Feet²	—	40	—	40	—	40	—	40

1Please see Sec. 12.5, Recreation Land, for additional land dedication requirements that may apply.

2Height is, or may be, further limited when using the small lot option, the reduced pole width flag lot option, infill standards, a neighborhood protection overlay, or by a local historic district.

3Per paragraph 7.1.2C.1, Applicability, the small lot option is not allowed in the RS-20 district. Refer to that paragraph for further limits on the other RS districts.

2. The maximum residential density does not apply to actions listed under paragraph 3.6.2, Actions Exempt from Subdivision Requirements (Exempt Plats). Where this maximum does apply, density can be increased in accordance with paragraph 6.3.3B, RS-M District Major Roadway Density Bonus, or Sec. 6.6, Affordable Housing Bonus. Other than these options, the maximum density shown cannot be exceeded even though the use of an alternative housing type may impose smaller lot size requirements.

3. For cluster subdivisions in the RS-20, RS-10, and RS-8 Districts, the lot size reduction would be added to the minimum open space requirement.

4. For both conventional and cluster subdivisions in the RS-M District open space requirements also apply to the development standards for apartments.

5. Minimum lot area for conventional, single-family detached housing types can be reduced in accordance with paragraph 6.3.3C, Lot Averaging.

6. In the Suburban Tier, additional height in the RS-20, RS-10, and RS-8 Districts is permitted at a rate of one additional story for every 10 feet of additional setback provided. In no event shall the structure be more than 45 feet in height.

7. For projects in the RS-M District, the maximum height can be increased up to five stories through the issuance of a minor special use permit pursuant to Sec. 3.9, Special Use Permit. In no event shall the structure be more than 60 feet in height.

8. Minimum lot area may be higher as required by the County Health Department for individual wastewater treatment systems or “package plant” style wastewater treatment systems.

1. In addition to the accessory structure requirements set forth in Sec. 5.4, Accessory Uses and Structures, the following accessory structures shall maintain a minimum 50-foot setback from all property lines:

a. New farm buildings and equestrian facilities; and

b. Pens, chicken coops, corrals, or similar enclosures where livestock are kept.

2. Livestock shall be kept in pens, chicken coops, corrals, or similar enclosures.

Commentary: The Durham City Code of Ordinances considers the accumulation of refuse and debris a public nuisance pursuant to Sec. 26-179, Accumulation of refuse and debris declared public nuisance; abatement.