Rocky Mount staff seek land‑use rule to allow ‘pocket neighborhoods’ of small clustered homes

City staff presented a Land Development Code (LDC) text amendment July 14 to permit “pocket neighborhoods,” a clustered type of residential development around a common open space, in selected zoning districts in Rocky Mount.

The presentation came from Joseph, director of development services, who told the Committee of the Whole the amendment would “add pocket neighborhoods as a land use within certain residential zoning districts” and define the new housing type for inclusion in the LDC. The planning board has reviewed the proposal and recommended approval, and staff said the item will be scheduled for a forthcoming City Council meeting.

Why it matters: staff and council framed the amendment as a tool to increase housing variety and support infill development near downtown. Joseph said the form is intended to “establish a sense of community” and to provide flexible ownership models — either a single owner leasing units or individual lots sold to homeowners.

Key details from staff presentation: - Proposed minimum site (pocket neighborhood) area: 15,000 square feet. Individual clusters would be allowed on sites that meet that minimum; a larger parcel could contain multiple clusters. - Unit counts: minimum 4 dwellings per cluster, maximum 12. - Maximum dwelling gross floor area proposed: 1,800 square feet. - Proposed permitted locations: denser residential districts named in the presentation (R‑8 and R‑6, the R‑6 MFA multifamily residential district), planned residential districts, and office/institutional districts. - Required materials: site plan and subdivision plat for the entire pocket neighborhood at the time of approval; individual buildings would be permitted later through standard building permits. - Standards proposed for parking, fences, storage and requirement to establish a homeowners association if units are sold individually.

Council members asked how the new type differs from prior land‑trust and multifamily options and whether community groups could be involved. Joseph said the pocket‑neighborhood use could be part of a land trust but does not require it, and staff “would welcome [community organizations] to the table.” Councilman Kaston Blackman pushed on design control; Joseph said the ordinance requires a comprehensive site plan so neighbors and staff would see the overall layout before construction begins.

Next steps: staff will place the text amendment on an upcoming council agenda for formal consideration, after the Committee of the Whole review. The planning board’s recommendation and the staff packet will accompany the item when it reaches council.

Ending: If adopted by council, the amendment would add a defined, small‑scale clustered housing type intended to expand infill and affordable housing options in specified Rocky Mount residential districts.