Wake County adopts zoning amendment to permit mixed‑use, residential options in Research Triangle Park

The Wake County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously June 16 to adopt ordinance amendment OA‑03‑25, revising the county Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to expand permitted uses, building standards and signage rules within the Research Applications (RA) district that covers Research Triangle Park (RTP) land in Wake County.

Tim Maloney, director of Wake County Planning, Development and Inspections, presented the amendment, saying it introduces three new development options to supplement the traditional corporate campus model: a mixed‑use node, a residential neighborhood option and an enhanced corporate campus. Maloney said the changes add residential uses (including apartments and condominiums), expanded commercial and entertainment uses, updated lot and building standards (heights, lot width and coverage) and a prohibition on electronic changeable message signs within the district.

Maloney said RTP planners and the Research Triangle Foundation held extensive outreach — more than 120 meetings with property owners and tenants — and that in January owners and tenants approved revised land covenants with roughly 96% in favor. He told the board that Durham County was pursuing similar amendments and that the effective date in the Wake County resolution was tied to Durham adopting comparable language or no later than May 1, 2026.

During the meeting, Planning Board Chair Brenna Booker Williams spoke in support; commissioners asked about permitted uses, affordability and a proposed sustainability scorecard. Travis Creighton of the Research Triangle Foundation said the foundation is studying tax and subsidy opportunities for affordable housing and expects landowners redeveloping property to contribute to a fund for park amenities; he said owners could receive credit against that fund if they provide affordable units on‑site.

Commissioner Adamson moved two actions required by the ordinance process: first, to find the amendment consistent with the Wake County Comprehensive Plan and the UDO and in the public interest; second, to adopt the ordinance OA‑03‑25 amending the UDO. Both motions passed unanimously.

If adopted, the RA district in Wake County will allow a broader set of uses and alternate development forms intended to implement RTP’s RTP 3 vision, giving the Research Triangle Foundation and landowners additional options to encourage walkable, mixed‑use development in a major employment center.