Where Can I Build a Duplex?
Exploring a decade of progress toward housing choice in Raleigh
Recent changes in Raleigh’s zoning laws have dramatically expanded the types of development allowed throughout the city. Duplexes, once limited to specific areas, are now permitted in all but one zone. At CITYBUILDER, we believe expanding housing types like duplexes is key to a city that works for everyone—one where teachers, delivery drivers, and young families can live near where they work and thrive. This piece breaks down one of the most common questions we hear: where can you actually build a duplex in Raleigh? Let’s take a look at the historical restrictions, the new allowances, and what these changes mean for the future of housing in Raleigh.
Raleigh Zoning Reform Refresher: Finding the Missing Middle
For decades, Raleigh followed zoning policies that restricted the construction of duplexes and other multi-family homes to specific residential zones. Duplexes were largely confined to older neighborhoods, and a few designated areas, as zoning policies prioritized single-family housing. By 2015, these restrictions remained largely in place, with duplexes clustered in select neighborhoods such as Mordecai, Five Points, and South Park.
In 2019, zoning reform became a central issue in city politics, with many City Council candidates running on a platform of increasing housing choice. The first major step was legalizing Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), followed by the passage of the Missing Middle Housing reforms in 2021. These reforms allowed townhomes, duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes to be built by right in many residential zones. By the end of 2023, further adjustments removed unit-per-acre restrictions and enabled a more flexible approach to density. Planning for gentle density throughout the city, new reforms in Raleigh now allows 2-5 times as many houses as were once allowed.
Where Can You Build a Duplex?
At CITYBUILDER, we don’t just talk policy—we focus on practical, tactical advice too. One of the most common questions we hear is: where can you actually build a duplex in Raleigh? So we’ve mapped it out and broken it down.
Under these current zoning rules, duplexes can now be built in nearly all residential zones except for R-1, which remains designated for single-family homes. This change is pretty comprehensive in effect, because R-1 is not widely found within the city limits.
These maps illustrate how many of Raleigh’s neighborhoods allow duplexes. In 2008, duplexes were confined to specific medium-density residential areas, making them relatively rare. In 2016, when the UDO was re-written they became allowed with some conditions in some more neighborhoods. And finally today after the missing middle reforms, as long as a property meets minimum site criteria, duplex construction is permitted in most neighborhoods.
You can see for yourself: Visit the interactive Raleigh zoning map to see current zoning districts. All residential zones start with the letter R, followed by a number representing its density. As stated previously, in all zones (except R-1) you are able to build a duplex there!
(If you have difficulties navigating the IMAP website, the city of Raleigh has provided a helpful text tutorial.)
Why Do Duplexes Matter?
Expanding duplex zoning isn’t just about increasing housing stock; it’s about fostering a more affordable city. This isn’t just about adding units. Housing choice is about opening doors for more people to live, work, and belong in Raleigh. A city where teachers, delivery drivers, and young families can live near where they work and thrive.
Housing Affordability – Raleigh, like much of the U.S., faces a growing housing affordability crisis. By allowing more duplexes, the city increases its overall housing supply, helping to stabilize prices and provide more options for residents at various income levels.
Reduced Car Dependency & Stronger Communities – Mixed housing options, including duplexes, contribute to walkable neighborhoods with better access to local businesses. As former Raleigh City Councilman Jonathan Melton and former Raleigh Mayor Mary-Ann Baldwin noted in the Spring/Summer 2023 Issue of Southern Urbanism, “...by providing retail options, you reduce car dependency and cultivate a tight-knit community.”
Local Economic Growth – The expansion of duplex construction benefits small construction businesses, giving them opportunities to scale up their work. Jenn Truman, author of Restoring Raleigh’s Missing Middle, points out that these changes “can also create a workforce pipeline allowing small construction businesses to scale up,” reducing the reliance on “institutional and out-of-town financing.”
What’s Next?
With duplexes now widely permitted, the conversation is shifting toward additional forms of housing, including three and fourplexes, where the zoning reforms and building code reforms will need to work together. Raleigh’s zoning reforms mark a significant step toward a more diverse and accessible housing market. While challenges remain, the expansion of more-than-one-family zoning is already reshaping the city’s neighborhoods — one duplex at a time.
Kyaira Boughton is a visiting student from Duke Kunshan University, pursuing a dual degree in Computation and Design with a focus on Social Policy. With expertise in GIS, 3D modeling, and urban policy, Ky combines technical and social insights to effectively analyze and communicate complex urban design concepts.
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Very cool map!