Eastern Wake Area Plan

"Eastern Wake Area Plan" with people riding horses on a wooded path

Where is the Eastern Wake Area Plan? 

The Eastern Wake Area Plan is located in the northeastern portion of the County bordered by Johnston, Nash and Franklin Counties. The study area is just over 46,000 acres or 72 square miles with an approximate population of 16,800.  Click below to see this area on a map.

View the Eastern Wake Area Plan Map

Eastern Wake Area Plan Boundary Map
The area included in the Eastern Wake Area Plan.

What is the Eastern Wake Area Plan? 

The Eastern Wake Area Plan is a component of Wake County’s comprehensive plan, PLANWake, adopted in April 2021. The area plans separate the county into seven distinct areas for more localized planning with community input. Eastern Wake will be the fifth area to undergo the process of determining what type of built environment – the homes, buildings, streets, open spaces, farms, and infrastructure – is envisioned for the future at the local level.

Get Involved

A member of the public speaks at the Planning Board meeting
A member of the public speaks to the Planning Board about an Area Plan

If you live in this community (or even if you don't!) and want to help shape it for the future, you're invited to participate. Wake County staff needs to hear from you as the Eastern Wake Area Plan is drafted over the next several months.

Input and participation from our diverse population are vital for any planning process to be considered successful. Insight from those who live, work, and play in this area will drive planning projects that are developed with the specific community’s needs and desires, as well as their vision for the future, in mind. Share experiences, preferences, and other feedback to help us understand why you love where you live and what you’d like to see more of.

Check out the engagement opportunities below.

We recommend you progress through the cards below in order.

Please let us know if you need assistance in another language. Contact: areaplan@wake.gov
Avísenos si necesita asistencia en otro idioma. Contacto: areaplan@wake.gov

Eastern Wake Background Information

Below is a story map with information and context about the Eastern Wake area. Click on the link to open the story map and scroll down to see all six maps. Each map is expandable by clicking on the double arrows in the upper right-hand corner, and users can explore the maps in greater detail by using the "+" and "-" symbols to zoom in and out. As you zoom in, more information becomes available. Users can also find their location on the map by clicking on the arrow.

View the Story Map

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the status of the Little River Reservoir?

The City of Raleigh continues to identify the Little River Reservoir as one of several future drinking water supplies for Raleigh and eastern Wake County.  No determination has been made as to when the reservoir will be built and operational.  In the meantime, land use and development regulations are in place to help protect the water quality within the water supply watershed.

What types of land uses are allowed in the area designated as the Little River Water Supply Watershed?

In 2008, Wake County, Raleigh, and other eastern Wake towns agreed to protect the water quality within the future water supply watershed by limiting development to large-lot, low-density residential.  Neighborhood commercial development is only allowed in designated areas at certain crossroads. 

Where can I read the Little River Interlocal Agreement and the associated policy information?

It can be found here under the Wake County Watersheds and Watershed Policy page.

Project Timeline

Updates with specific dates and times will be posted on this page. You can also sign-up below to receive emails with more detailed project updates.

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Plan Kickoff
February 2025

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Public Engagement:
Ongoing

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Draft Plan
Late summer 2025

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Plan Proposal
Late fall 2025
 

Community Resources

The following resources are available in your community.

1. Well Water Testing

2. GoWake SmartRide NE

Contact Us With Questions

areaplan@wake.gov
919-856-6310, press 8