CITYBUILDER Brief: Raleigh's Exempt Plat Ordinance
Comment on Raleigh's exempt plat ordinance draft by Aug 19! Read what ROAD to Housing means for state and local governments.
On the National Radar:
Read How States & Localities Can Begin Implementing the ROAD to Housing Act
The ROAD ahead: The ROAD to Housing Act contains dozens of sections, most of which have implications for state and local governments. Researchers from Institute for Progress and Pew Research have created a broad set of recommendations for states and municipalities that want to take full advantage of these new federal policies.
Manufactured parity: One of the first steps that IFP & Pew list is certifying to HUD that state policies treat all manufactured homes the same as site-built homes. They write “This certification allows changes to the federal manufactured housing code to take effect in that state, lowering the cost per home by thousands of dollars.”
This is an important step for North Carolina. Currently, 10% of NC’s housing is manufactured/mobile homes (that’s twice the US average). Policymakers, planners, and government staff should think about how to fast-track these changes to allow more, better manufactured housing.
Closer to Home:
Raleigh is Considering Exempt Plats
What happened: Last month, Raleigh City staff prepared a draft ordinance (TC-4-26) to update the City’s subdivision regulations and legalize exempt plats. Read that draft ordinance here! This text change is scheduled for a public Planning Commission Text Change Committee meeting on August 19, 2026.
Why it matters: Modernizing Raleigh’s minor subdivision review process would bring the capital in line with most other NC municipalities, and reduce barriers to building small and starter homes. Currently, it takes 1-2 months to create a small lot subdivision in Durham, while it takes 1-2 years to create the same subdivision in Raleigh.
What to Do Next:
Write Into Engagement Portal to Support Exempt Plats
Comment before Aug 19: This is exactly the moment when Council and Planning need to hear your voice. Whether you personally would benefit from this ordinance passing, or you know a project that would. Even if you just want more mid-sized housing and recognize that this ordinance would enable that… let Council know!
See You Next Week!
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