Residential Infill Survey Results, North Carolina

In August 2019, the City of Raleigh Planning Department initiated a comprehensive study to gather community perspectives on residential infill development through a residential infill survey. Residential infill development refers to constructing new residential houses within existing neighborhoods. This survey aimed to provide insights and recommendations for potential changes to Raleigh’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). The survey was open from August 14 to September 30, 2019, and received a significant number of responses, reflecting the community’s diverse views on infill development.

The residential infill survey was launched on publicinput.com and advertised through various channels, including email blasts, social media, and flyer distribution. It garnered 3,147 participants who answered at least one question, resulting in 62,891 total responses and 10,170 individual comments. The demographic breakdown of respondents revealed that the survey was statistically significant, with a 95% confidence level and a 2% margin of error. The majority of respondents were white, followed by black and Hispanic respondents. The age groups were evenly represented, with a slight skew towards older respondents.

The residential infill survey results indicated that 75% of respondents were concerned about residential infill development. These concerns were categorized into three main themes: the transformative impact of infill on communities, the type of infill development taking place, and the potential for overregulation to hinder infill. Respondents expressed worries about the loss of neighborhood character, affordability, and green spaces. Specific concerns included the demolition of viable homes, stormwater runoff, and the loss of tree canopy.

Concerns about infill development varied across different demographic groups. Black respondents were more likely to express concerns about infill, with 80% indicating some level of concern compared to 76% of white and Hispanic respondents. Concerns were more prevalent among older respondents, with 81% of those aged 45-64 and 82% of those 65 or older expressing concerns. Income also played a role, with nearly 90% of respondents earning less than $31,000 per year expressing concerns, compared to 72% of those earning $118,000 or more.

The highest-ranking concerns among respondents were neighborhoods becoming less affordable, loss of green spaces and tree canopy, demolition of viable homes, and stormwater runoff impacts. Conversely, concerns about construction disruption, personal impacts, house height, and on-street parking were ranked lower. Despite these concerns, 83% of respondents acknowledged potential benefits of infill development, with the minimization of sprawl and the addition of new families and vibrancy to neighborhoods being the most cited benefits.

A majority of respondents (60%) believed that new houses should fit in with the surrounding houses. This belief was more pronounced among older respondents and those with lower incomes. Factors influencing the fit of new housing included building size, distance between houses, and maintaining similar ground elevation. Building size was considered the most important factor across all demographic groups.

Respondents were divided on whether neighborhoods should maintain a consistent look and feel over time, with an average score of 49/100 indicating near neutrality. Opinions varied significantly by race, age, and income. Similarly, there was no consensus on whether new housing should be of any size or height as long as it aligned with current regulations, with an average score of 45/100 indicating general disagreement.

The residential infill survey received over 10,000 unique comments, which were coded based on key themes and sentiments. The most frequently mentioned concepts were trees, density, affordable housing, runoff, and neighborhood character. Sentiments varied widely, with respondents expressing both positive and negative views on infill development. Positive sentiments were associated with affordable housing, mass transit services, and reduced urban sprawl, while negative sentiments were linked to gentrification, increased traffic, and loss of tree canopy.

The residential infill survey highlighted several areas for future exploration, including the state of infill development in Raleigh, tree preservation, and process improvements. Respondents emphasized the need for affordable housing and expressed concerns about displacement due to rising property values. Tree preservation was a significant concern, with respondents suggesting incentives for preserving trees. Additionally, respondents criticized the complexity and costliness of the permitting process, calling for improvements in efficiency and staff training.

The Residential Infill Survey provided valuable insights into the community’s views on infill development in Raleigh. While there was a general concern about the impact of infill on neighborhoods, there was also recognition of its potential benefits. The survey highlighted the need for balanced development that preserves neighborhood character, promotes affordability, and protects the environment. Future efforts should focus on addressing the concerns raised and improving the regulatory processes to support sustainable and inclusive infill development.

For more detailed demographic breakdowns and specific responses, please refer to the following links: