Raleigh’s Missing Middle Reforms Built More Housing
Raleigh’s reforms are working, leading to the construction of new homes that wouldn’t have been possible under previous zoning laws.
Raleigh is growing, and with that growth comes a need for more housing options that suit different lifestyles, budgets, and family sizes. After passing the Missing Middle Housing text changes, Raleigh is beginning to see a pipeline of new missing middle housing units—new homes that may not have existed without these changes. The adoption of text changes TC-5-20 in 2021 and TC-20-21 in 2022 laid the groundwork for these changes by permitting missing middle housing in more residential districts and increasing density near high-frequency transit corridors.
What is Missing Middle Housing?
Missing middle housing refers to housing types that bridge the gap between single-family homes and large apartment buildings. These include duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhouses, and small-scale apartment buildings. For decades, zoning laws in Raleigh (and many cities across the U.S.) made it difficult or even illegal to build these kinds of homes in many residential areas. Instead, the dominant housing type remained the detached single-family home, which isn't always the most accessible or affordable option for everyone.
The Impact on Raleigh
Raleigh has long aspired to be an inclusive city, offering housing for people at all stages of life and income levels. The changes to zoning rules are starting to show results. Here’s why missing middle housing is making an impact:
More Housing Supply – With Raleigh’s population growing, the demand for housing is increasing. Allowing more housing types can help meet that demand and reduce upward pressure on home prices and rents.
Affordability and Accessibility – Duplexes, triplexes, and townhomes are often more affordable than detached single-family homes, making them less out-of-reach for homebuyers.
Transit-Oriented Development – By increasing housing near planned Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) routes and other high-frequency transit corridors, more residents can live car-free or car-light lifestyles.
Diverse Neighborhoods – A mix of housing types fosters a more dynamic and inclusive community, allowing people of different income levels to live in the same neighborhoods.
A Look at the Pipeline
Recent data from the City of Raleigh provides a clearer picture of the potential impact of missing middle reforms. From July 2021 to February 2024, the city has seen:
768 missing middle units currently under review
2,523 units approved
275 units constructed
While the number of constructed units remains relatively low, the approvals indicate a strong pipeline of housing that could add thousands of new homes in the coming years. As these projects move from approval to construction, Raleigh stands to gain a significant number of new missing middle housing options.
Addressing Concerns
As with any change, there have been concerns from some residents about how missing middle housing will impact neighborhoods. Some worry about increased traffic, stormwater runoff, and changes to neighborhood character. However, existing regulations ensure that stormwater control measures remain in place, tree conservation efforts continue, and infrastructure improvements align with growth.
A common fear is that increased density might reduce property values, but historical data suggests otherwise. Some of Raleigh’s most desirable neighborhoods—like Oakwood, Boylan Heights, and Mordecai—already have a mix of missing middle housing, and their property values remain strong.
Looking Ahead
The process of realizing the benefits of missing middle housing takes time. While Raleigh is still in the early stages, the pipeline of approved units suggests that more missing middle housing is on the way. As construction picks up, these policies could lead to a broader range of housing choices and a more diverse, accessible city.
This is only the beginning, and the long-term impact of these zoning reforms will become clearer in the years to come. For now, the early signs indicate that missing middle housing has the potential to reshape Raleigh’s housing landscape for the better.
Leo Suarez is a Raleigh-based housing and transit advocate who writes about urban planning, downtown development, and local policy. He curates The DTRaleigh Community, an online forum dedicated to discussions about the city's growth and future, and has been blogging for over 18 years. For more, visit DTRaleigh.com.
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