Fayetteville Corner Lot Fence and Sight Triangle Regulations
In the City of Fayetteville, fences located in the front yard of a property are limited to a maximum height of 42 inches and cannot be 100% opaque. To ensure traffic safety, Fayetteville Unified Development Code requires a visibility sight triangle at all intersections where no obstruction, including fences or vegetation, may exceed 30 inches in height. This triangle extends 25 feet from the point of intersection in residential districts and 10 feet in most nonresidential districts.
Visibility and Sight Triangle Requirements
The City of Fayetteville maintains strict visibility standards for corner lots to prevent obstructions that could lead to traffic hazards. These "sight triangles" are measured from the point where the street lines (rights-of-way) intersect.
Within these triangular areas, the Fayetteville Unified Development Code prohibits the erection, placement, or planting of any item that exceeds a height of 2.5 feet (30 inches) above the centerline grades of the intersecting streets [Section 164.17].
Intersection Visibility Standards
| District Type | Distance from Intersection Point | Maximum Height of Obstructions |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Districts | 25 feet | 30 inches |
| Nonresidential Districts | 10 feet | 30 inches |
| DC, MSC, and DG Districts | Exempt | N/A |
Note: The visibility restrictions for nonresidential districts do not apply to the Downtown Core (DC), Main Street Center (MSC), or Downtown General (DG) zoning districts [Section 164.17(B)].
General Fence Height and Opacity Standards
Fences and walls in the City of Fayetteville are regulated based on their location on the lot relative to the principal structure. Different standards apply to the front yard (the area between the street and the front plane of the building) versus the side and rear yards.
Fayetteville Fence Standards
| Fence Location | Maximum Height | Opacity Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Front Yard (In front of primary structure) | 42 inches | Cannot be 100% opaque; must provide visible separation |
| Side and Rear Yards (General) | 8 feet | 100% opacity permitted if 10+ feet behind front façade |
| Side and Rear Yards (Minimum) | 36 inches | N/A |
Location and Placement
- Front Yards: Fences located in front of the principal façade of a building may be solid (opaque) only up to 30 inches in height. Any portion of the fence exceeding 30 inches (up to the 42-inch limit) must not obstruct the view of the principal façade from the right-of-way [Section 164.09(B)(c)].
- Rear and Side Yards: Opaque fences (100% opacity) are only permitted in rear or side yards if they are located at least 10 feet behind the principal façade of the primary structure [Section 177.04(D)(6)(a)(ii)].
- Setbacks: Fences and walls are generally permitted within required building setbacks provided they do not materially impede vision for vehicular or pedestrian traffic [Section 164.09(A)].
Prohibited Materials and Design Restrictions
The City of Fayetteville prohibits certain types of fencing to maintain safety and community aesthetics:
- Razor and Barbed Wire: These materials are prohibited if they are visible from the street right-of-way or from a residence. An exception is made for fences used strictly for agricultural purposes [Section 164.09(B)(a)].
- Chain Link: Chain link fencing is prohibited in front of a building. This restriction applies to all districts except for single-family residential uses located outside of the Downtown Design Overlay District [Section 164.09(B)(b)].
- Traffic Hazards: No fence or advertising structure may be erected at an intersection in a manner that obstructs free and clear vision or interferes with authorized traffic signs or signals [Section 174.08(F)].
Sections Cited
- 164.09 - Fences, Walls, And Vegetation
- 164.17 - Visibility At Intersections In Residential/Nonresidential Districts
- 174.08 - Prohibited Signs
- 177.04 - Site Development And Parking Lot Landscape Standards