Council approves TCZ1325 to amend Pool Road zoning conditions, raises permitted units to 32

The Raleigh City Council on Nov. 4 voted to approve TCZ1325, a text change to zoning conditions for Parcel 3219 Pool Road (approximately 1.6 acres at Pool Road and Sunnybrook Road). Hannah Rekow of the city—s Planning and Development staff summarized the proposed amendments: the request retains the NX-3 zoning district but adjusts multiple conditions, including prohibiting several uses normally allowed in NX districts, disallowing detached dwelling units, reducing the maximum building height from the typical 50 feet for a three-story district to 45 feet, and requiring urban frontage for apartment or mixed-use building types.

The revised conditions would also add dimensional and planting requirements for protective yards, require screening for pole-mounted lights and unenclosed loading and refuse areas, and address unscreened blank walls. The proposal increases the maximum permitted residential units from 22 to up to 32. Staff said the change is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan overall and with the future land use map designation of neighborhood mixed use, while noting a single inconsistency with response-time standards; the Planning Commission recommended approval unanimously.

Toby Coleman of Smith Anderson spoke for the property owner (Southern Purchasing), confirming the goal of increasing permitted density and clarifying condition language. After public comment and brief council discussion about grading and how primary street frontage will be determined at site plan, a council member moved to adopt the proposed consistency statement dated Nov. 4, 2025 and approve the zoning amendment as recommended. The motion was seconded and carried unanimously.