GENERAL INFORMATION
Residential developments include single-family dwellings, duplexes, triplexes, townhome & condominium projects, and apartments. Residential developments and subdivisions often go hand-in-hand in the development process. It is required to schedule a pre-application meeting prior to preparing plans for any subdivision of land requiring the regular procedure. In 2006, the Town of Wake Forest recognized the need to prioritize all new residential requests for water allocation. Residential development proposals that will require a take-down rate of more than 40 units per year will have low priority and must demonstrate a real public benefit. All residential projects are reviewed by the Comprehensive Planning Committee who meet on a monthly basis.
A subdivision is defined as the division of a tract of land into two or more lots, building sites, or other divisions for the purpose of sale, or building development and includes all divisions of land involving the dedication of a new street or change to an existing street. Exemptions include the following:
- The combination or recombination of portions of previously platted lots where the total number of lots is not increased and the resultant lots are equal to or exceed the standards of the municipality as shown in its subdivision regulations.
- The division of land into parcels greater than ten (10) acres where no street right-of-way dedication is involved.
- The public acquisition by purchase of strips of land for the widening or opening of streets.
- The division of a tract in single ownership whose entire area is no greater than two (2) acres into not more than three (3) lots, where no street right-of-way dedication is involved and where the resultant lots are equal to or exceed the standards of the municipality, as shown in this ordinance and the Zoning Ordinance of Wake Forest and the standards of the Wake County Health Department.
PLAN REVIEW PROCEDURES
There are two (2) basic types of subdivision review, the administrative procedure and the regular procedure. The administrative procedure is used only if the subdivision does not involve a street dedication, and only dedication of right-of-way to widen an existing street and no utility extension and consisting of no more than three (3) lots. Submit the final plat with the Review Application and Final Plat Checklist for staff review only to the Planning Department. Upon approval see the recording process as listed below.
The Regular Procedure has several stages. For all residential projects, water allocation review is required by the Comprehensive Planning Committee to begin the review process. Copies of the Master Plan, Review Application, Master Plan Checklist, (and Rezoning/Special Use Permit application if applicable) is then submitted to the Planning Department for review. The master plan then requires Planning Board review and Board of Commissioner approval. If the master plan is approved by the Board of Commissioners, the construction plan review process can begin. Construction plans provide greater engineering details in comparison to the master plan. Copies of the construction plans, Review Application, and Construction Plan Checklist should be submitted for review by the applicable staff. Upon construction plan approval, securing federal, state, & local permits, a preconstruction meeting should be scheduled to allow for site development to begin. Upon the completion of improvements or the guarantee of completion of such improvements to the site and lots are ready to be recorded, go to Recording Process.
Recording Process
Once the subdivision administrator has approved the final plat in either the Administrative or Regular Procedure, three (3) mylar copies are required for Town staff’s signatures, and recorded at the Wake County Register of Deeds, located in downtown Raleigh. Once the final plat has been recorded, one (1) mylar copy is returned to the Planning Department.
REQUIRED MASTER PLAN SUBMITTAL REQUIREMENTS
The Department of Planning & Inspections recommends that all master plan submissions be in the following format:
- Cover - This sheet should contain information about the developer / engineer, a vicinity map and approval details.
- Existing Conditions – This sheet is intended to show the existing site conditions on and surrounding the proposed property (i.e. topography, vegetation cover/specimen trees, soils, hydrological and riparian areas, environmental conditions, etc.) Every effort should be made to preserve and protect environmentally sensitive areas on a proposed site.
- Site Plan – The site plan sheets should include items such as the boundaries of the site, proposed lot and street layout, open space, zoning lines, and all site data.
- Utility Plan – This sheet should show the proposed utility layout including water and sewer lines, both on-site and off-site, and storm drainage facilities. See the City of Raleigh Public Utility Handbook for design elements and standards for water and sewer lines.
- Grading & Storm Water Plan – It is that preliminary grading plan be provided to show areas to be disturbed, protection of sensitive areas, tree save areas, etc. The stormwater plan should follow the guidelines of the Town of Wake Forest Sedimentation and Erosion Control Ordinance.
MULTI-FAMILY DEVELOPMENTS
Multi-family developments classify as three (3) or more dwelling units on a single lot of land. Common multi-family projects include townhomes, condominiums, and apartments. In most cases, multi-family developments require a Special Use Permit and should follow the review criteria as illustrated in the Wake Forest Zoning Ordinance.
CURRENT PROJECTS & PLAN REVIEW ACTIVITIES
The following links are updated regularly and have been designed to provide current information concerning new residential & subdivision developments coming to Wake Forest.
Links
RESIDENTIAL BUILDING PERMITS
Construction of a residential building requires both a building and zoning/development permit. These permits are reviewed by building inspectors and planners.
Link
Forms, Checklists, & Applications
Staff Contacts
Chad Sary, Assistant Planning Director
(919) 435-9514
csary@wakeforestnc.gov
Charlie Yokley, Senior Planner
(919) 435-9517
cyokley@wakeforestnc.gov
Links of Interest