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Rocky Mount council adopts land‑development amendment to allow ‘pocket neighborhoods’ in denser residential districts
Summary
The Rocky Mount City Council voted to add "pocket neighborhoods" as a permitted land use in several residential and institutional districts, adopting development standards that set minimum and maximum unit counts, require homeowners associations and establish a minimum parking requirement of one space per dwelling.
The Rocky Mount City Council on a unanimous voice vote adopted an amendment to the city’s land development code to allow pocket neighborhoods — clusters of single‑family homes or duplexes arranged around a shared courtyard — in selected denser residential and some office and institutional zoning districts.
Joseph Bocoup, director of development services, told the council the amendment defines pocket neighborhoods, sets development standards and requires a homeowners association to maintain the shared open space. Bocoup said the change aligns with the city’s adopted comprehensive plan, supports a wider range of housing types and could encourage redevelopment of underused lots.
Council members asked technical questions before the vote. Councilman Jabaris Walker asked about vertical or height limits; Bocoup said height limits would be addressed within the proposed regulations. Councilman Tom Harris asked about parking; Bocoup said the amendment establishes a minimum of one parking space per dwelling and that developers could provide more spaces if needed. Councilman Knight asked whether other municipalities had experienced opposition to this type of development; Bocoup said he was not aware of local opposition and cited other larger municipalities that permit similar forms.
Councilman Ruben Blackwell moved adoption of the ordinance; Councilman Richard Joyner seconded. The motion carried on a voice vote with all present voting aye.
The ordinance sets a minimum of four dwelling units and a maximum of 12 units per pocket neighborhood, and staff said they can provide a deeper review of the proposed regulations on request. The council did not direct immediate additional changes during the meeting.
