Holly Springs, North Carolina zoning

A plain-language summary of the Holly Springs zoning ordinance, organized by district and topic. Source: the official ordinance on Town-hosted PDF chapters (Development Services); the Code of Ordinances on Municode (library.municode.com/nc/holly_springs) does not print the UDO and instead states it is on file with the town clerk, last reviewed July 3, 2026.

Zoning districts

• RRResidential

  Rural Residential

  Very low density district for agricultural uses, rural residential uses, and conservation subdivisions, mainly expected in the Town's ETJ (Sec. 2.1.1). Maximum gross density 0.5 units/acre (1 unit/acre with a Conditional Zoning District). Confirm the current zoning map and any Conditional Zoning District (CD) conditions before acting.

• SRResidential

  Suburban Residential

  Low-to-medium density detached-dwelling district with varied lot sizes (Sec. 2.1.1). Maximum gross density 3 units/acre (4 with a Conditional Zoning District). Confirm the current zoning map and any Conditional Zoning District (CD) conditions before acting.

• NRResidential

  Neighborhood Residential

  Medium density district for detached and attached dwellings on varied lot sizes within a connected street and open space network (Sec. 2.1.1). Maximum gross density 5 units/acre (8 with a Conditional Zoning District). Confirm the current zoning map and any Conditional Zoning District (CD) conditions before acting.

• NCRResidential

  Neighborhood Center Residential

  Walkable district near Commercial & Mixed-Use districts, supporting detached and attached dwellings plus small-scale apartments and limited institutional uses (Sec. 2.1.1). Maximum gross density 8 units/acre (12 with a Conditional Zoning District). Confirm the current zoning map and any Conditional Zoning District (CD) conditions before acting.

• MXRResidential

  Mixed-Use Residential

  Walkable district similar to NCR but allowing larger-scale apartments and limited commercial uses (Sec. 2.1.1). Maximum gross density 15 units/acre (may exceed 15 with a Conditional Zoning District meeting Note N3 conditions). Confirm the current zoning map and any Conditional Zoning District (CD) conditions before acting.

• NMXMixed use

  Neighborhood Mixed-Use

  Pedestrian-friendly district for convenience goods and services serving nearby neighborhoods, with housing encouraged in mixed-use buildings (Sec. 2.1.2). Confirm the current zoning map and any Conditional Zoning District (CD) conditions before acting.

• DMXMixed use

  Downtown Mixed-Use

  Central core of Holly Springs along Main Street; compact, pedestrian-friendly mixed horizontal and vertical uses (Sec. 2.1.2). Confirm the current zoning map and any Conditional Zoning District (CD) conditions before acting.

• RMXMixed use

  Regional Mixed-Use

  District serving broader economic, entertainment, and housing needs near Regional Center areas of the Future Land Use Map; supports transit-oriented, walkable development (Sec. 2.1.2). Confirm the current zoning map and any Conditional Zoning District (CD) conditions before acting.

• CBCommercial

  Community Business

  Moderate-to-high intensity commercial corridor district, including large format retail and centers with limited outdoor sales; also supports redevelopment of existing suburban centers into mixed-use (Sec. 2.1.2). Confirm the current zoning map and any Conditional Zoning District (CD) conditions before acting.

• SPSpecial purpose

  Special District

  Conditional Zoning District (CD) only; not available as a straight rezoning. Major employment centers, medical facilities, office campuses, schools, and research/testing facilities with high visibility from primary transportation routes (Sec. 2.1.3).

• IVMXMixed use

  Innovation Village Mixed-Use

  Next-generation business park district combining light manufacturing and creative offices with housing and a walkable mixed-use core (Sec. 2.1.3). Maximum gross density 15 units/acre. Confirm the current zoning map and any Conditional Zoning District (CD) conditions before acting.

• BRTIndustrial

  Business and Research Technology

  Employment cluster district supporting large single-tenant and smaller multi-tenant office/industrial buildings, warehousing, distribution, and some outdoor operations, buffered from adjacent uses (Sec. 2.1.3). Confirm the current zoning map and any Conditional Zoning District (CD) conditions before acting.

• HIIndustrial

  Heavy Industrial

  Conditional Zoning District (CD) only; not available as a straight rezoning. Manufacturing and processing facilities that may need substantial outdoor storage or operations, heavily buffered from adjacent uses (Sec. 2.1.3).

Rules by topic

• Permitted usesWhat you can do by right in each zoning district.
• Special land usesUses that need special approval before they are allowed.
• SetbacksHow far buildings must sit from property lines.
• Building heightHeight limits by district, and the exceptions.
• Lot coverageHow much of a lot buildings may cover.
• Lot size and widthMinimum lot area and width requirements.
• ParkingRequired spaces, driveway rules, and surfaces.
• Accessory dwelling unitsWhether a second dwelling unit is allowed.
• Garages, sheds, and accessory structuresSize caps, setbacks, and height limits for detached structures.
• FencesHeight limits, placement, and prohibited materials.
• SignsWhat signs are allowed and where.
• Home occupationsRunning a business from a residence.
• Variances and appealsWho decides, what standard applies, and the sequence.

Common questions

• Can I add an accessory dwelling unit?
• Can I build a fence?
• Can I run a home business here?
• Can I use this property for retail?
• Do I need special approval for my use?
• Does Holly Springs zone land outside town limits?
• How do I request a variance?
• How much parking is required?
• How tall can I build?
• What setbacks apply to this property?