Fayetteville Accessory Structure and Shed Permit Guide
In the City of Fayetteville, a building permit is not required for small, one-story portable buildings, such as storage sheds, provided the total area of the structure is 80 square feet or less. While these small structures are exempt from the formal permit process, they must still comply with all other Fayetteville Unified Development Code (UDC) requirements, including specific property line setbacks and height limitations.
Building Permit Exemptions for Portable Buildings
According to the Fayetteville Building Code, specific types of construction are exempt from the requirement to obtain a permit before work begins. This exemption applies specifically to residential accessory structures that meet the following criteria:
Fayetteville Permit Exemption Standards
| Structure Type | Maximum Size | Operational Limits |
|---|---|---|
| Portable Building (Shed) | 80 Square Feet or Less | Must be one (1) story and portable. |
| Residential Reroofing | N/A | Exists for residential dwelling units and detached garages. |
Even if a shed or portable building in Fayetteville is exempt from a building permit, the project is not exempt from meeting all other applicable UDC and safety codes [Section 173.02(B)(6) and (7)].
General Accessory Structure Standards
The City of Fayetteville maintains supplemental regulations for all accessory structures, regardless of whether a building permit is required. These standards ensure that secondary buildings do not overwhelm the primary use of the property.
- Establishment of Principal Use: In the City of Fayetteville, no accessory structure may be erected on a property until the construction of the principal structure (such as the main house) has commenced, unless a conditional use permit is granted [Section 164.02(A)(1)].
- Size Limitation: Typically, any accessory structure in Fayetteville must be 50% or less of the size of the principal structure. If a property owner desires a larger structure, they must apply for a conditional use permit [Section 164.02(A)(5)].
- Integral Structures: If an accessory structure is attached to the main building, it is considered an integral part of that structure. It must share a common wall and comply with all building code requirements applicable to the principal structure [Section 164.02(A)(2)].
Setback and Placement Requirements
To preserve the character of neighborhoods and ensure safety, the City of Fayetteville mandates minimum distances between accessory structures and property lines.
Fayetteville Accessory Structure Setbacks
| Structure Height | Minimum Side Setback | Minimum Rear Setback |
|---|---|---|
| 10 Feet or Less | 3 Feet | 5 Feet |
| Greater than 10 Feet | Must meet the setbacks of the specific zoning district | Must meet the setbacks of the specific zoning district |
Additionally, accessory structures in Fayetteville are generally exempt from the "build-to zone" requirements found in various urban zoning districts [Section 164.02(A)(3) and (4)].
Floodplain and Grading Considerations
If a structure is located within a Special Flood Hazard Area in Fayetteville, specific technical exemptions may apply. For example, a single accessory structure placed on existing grade without a foundation that is 150 square feet or smaller may be exempt from certain hydrologic and hydraulic study requirements, provided it is not located within a regulatory floodway [Section 168.10(U)(4)].
Furthermore, grading permits in Fayetteville are generally not required for minor landscaping or fill activities that do not involve heavy construction equipment or result in more than 10,000 square feet of new impervious area [Section 169.03(C)].
Sections Cited
- Section 164.02 - Accessory Structures and Uses
- Section 168.10 - Provisions for Flood Hazard Reduction
- Section 169.03 - Review And/Or Permits Required; Exceptions (Physical Alteration of Land)
- Section 173.02 - Fire Prevention Code/Building Code