Fayetteville Parking Standards for the RI-U: Residential Intermediate - Urban District
Residential developments in the RI-U: Residential Intermediate - Urban district of Fayetteville typically require between one and two off-street parking spaces per unit or bedroom, depending on the dwelling type. While the Fayetteville Unified Development Code (UDC) does not mandate a minimum number of off-street parking spaces for non-residential (commercial) projects in this district, it does impose maximum limits to prevent over-supply. Crucially, for both residential and non-residential projects in the RI-U district, parking areas must be located to the side or rear of buildings, as parking is strictly prohibited in the front yard between the structure and the street [Section 172.04(C)(4)].
Residential Off-Street Parking Requirements
The City of Fayetteville establishes both minimum and maximum parking ratios for residential uses within the RI-U: Residential Intermediate - Urban district. The specific requirements are determined by the type of residential dwelling unit proposed [Section 172.05(B)].
Residential Parking Ratios
| Residential Use Type | Minimum Parking Spaces Required | Maximum Parking Spaces Allowed |
|---|---|---|
| Single-family | 2 per dwelling unit | None |
| Duplex, triplex, or quadplex | 2 per dwelling unit | 4 per dwelling unit |
| Townhouse | 2 per dwelling unit or 1 per bedroom (whichever is greater) | 1 per bedroom |
| Multi-family | 1 per bedroom | 1 per bedroom |
Source: [Section 172.05, Table 3]
Potential Reductions for Residential Use
Fayetteville allows for the reduction of these minimum requirements under certain circumstances. Small developments with 1–50 bedrooms may be allowed a maximum reduction of 35% of the total required spaces, subject to Planning Commission approval [Section 172.05(B)(1)(a)]. Larger developments may also seek reductions ranging from 10% to 20% depending on the bedroom count [Section 172.05(B)(1)].
Non-Residential (Commercial) Parking Requirements
In the RI-U: Residential Intermediate - Urban district, there is no minimum number of spaces required for non-residential uses [Section 172.05(A)]. However, Fayetteville regulates the maximum number of spaces to manage urban density. If a non-residential use is not specifically listed in the code, the maximum allowed is determined by the Planning Division based on the most similar listed use [Section 172.05(A)].
Parking Lot Location and Design Standards
Because the RI-U: Residential Intermediate - Urban district utilizes "Urban Form" regulations, specific design standards apply to how and where parking is situated on a lot.
Front Yard Prohibitions
In the RI-U district, Fayetteville requires buildings to be located within a "build-to zone" (between 10 and 25 feet from the front property line). Consequently, parking lot drive aisles and parking spaces are not permitted to be located in the front yard directly between a building and the Master Street Plan right-of-way [Section 172.04(C)(4); Section 161.12(E)].
Screening and Surfacing
- Build-to Zone Screening: Any portion of a parking lot located within the build-to zone must be screened with a masonry wall between 32 and 42 inches in height that is at least 50% opaque [Section 172.04(C)(1)].
- Surfacing: All parking lots must be surfaced with asphalt, concrete, or semi-permeable soil pavers and must be graded to properly manage surface water [Section 172.02(B)].
- Compact Spaces: In the RI-U district, a maximum of 20% of residential spaces and 35% of non-residential spaces may be designated as compact spaces [Section 172.04(D)].
Bicycle Parking Requirements
All new construction or expansions in Fayetteville that require five or more off-street automobile spaces must also provide bicycle parking [Section 172.10(A)].
- Residential: The City requires one bicycle rack per 30 dwelling units (minimum of one rack) [Section 172.10(C)(2)].
- Non-Residential: The City requires one bicycle rack per 20 automobile parking spaces (minimum of one rack) [Section 172.10(C)(1)].
Sections Cited
- Section 161.12 - District RI-U, Residential Intermediate — Urban
- Section 172.02 - Parking Lot Construction Standards
- Section 172.04 - Parking Lot Design Standards
- Section 172.05 - Standards For The Number Of Spaces By Use
- Section 172.10 - Bicycle Parking Rack Requirements