Fayetteville R-A: Residential-Agricultural Zoning District Guide
District R-A in Fayetteville requires a minimum lot area of 2 acres and a minimum width of 200 feet, supporting a maximum density of one-half unit per acre. The district allows a diverse range of agricultural and low-density residential uses, including animal husbandry, single-family dwellings, and manufactured homes. Development in Fayetteville’s District R-A must maintain a minimum 25% tree canopy, which increases to 30% when located within the Hillside/Hilltop Overlay District.
Purpose of the R-A District
The regulations for the Residential-Agricultural district are specifically designed to protect agricultural land in Fayetteville until an orderly transition to urban development is appropriate. The district aims to:
- Prevent the wasteful scattering of development in rural areas.
- Obtain economy in the provision of public improvements and services through orderly growth.
- Conserve the Fayetteville tax base.
- Provide opportunities for affordable housing and increase scenic attractiveness.
- Conserve open space within the Fayetteville planning jurisdiction [Section 161.03(A)].
General Character
District R-A is characterized by large lots and a blend of agricultural activity and very low-density housing. It is the designated zone for all territory newly annexed into Fayetteville until such time as the property is rezoned [Section 161.01(E)].
Land Use Permissions
Permitted Uses (By Right)
Fayetteville allows several uses by right in District R-A, emphasizing the rural and residential nature of the zone:
- Residential: Single-family dwellings, two-family dwellings, manufactured homes, and accessory dwellings [Section 161.03(B)].
- Agricultural: General agriculture, animal husbandry, and animal boarding/training [Section 161.03(B)].
- Public/Utility: City-wide uses by right, public protection and utility facilities [Section 161.03(B)].
- Lodging: Short-term rentals [Section 161.03(B)].
Conditional Uses
The following uses may be permitted in District R-A only after review and approval of a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) by the Planning Commission:
- City-wide uses by conditional use permit (e.g., airports, campgrounds, nurseries).
- Cultural and recreational facilities.
- Government facilities.
- Large-site commercial recreation.
- Home occupations.
- Outdoor music establishments.
- Wireless communications facilities.
- Clean technologies [Section 161.03(B)(2)].
Development Standards
Bulk and Area Requirements
Fayetteville maintains strict size requirements for District R-A to preserve its low-density agricultural character.
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Maximum Density | One-half (1/2) unit per acre |
| Minimum Lot Width | 200 feet |
| Minimum Lot Area | 2 acres |
| Minimum Lot Area per Dwelling Unit | 2 acres |
[Section 161.03(C)-(D)]
Setback Requirements
Buildings in District R-A must be positioned with significant distance from property lines to maintain open space.
| Setback Type | Minimum Distance |
|---|---|
| Front Setback | 35 feet |
| Side Setback | 20 feet |
| Rear Setback | 35 feet |
[Section 161.03(E)]
Building Height and Area
- Height Limits: There are no maximum height limits in Fayetteville's District R-A. However, if a building exceeds one story, it must have an additional setback from any boundary line of an adjacent residential district equal to the difference between the total height of that portion of the building and one story [Section 161.03(F)].
- Building Area: There are no specific building area limits for this district [Section 161.03(G)].
Tree Canopy Requirements
Fayetteville mandates the preservation of existing tree canopy or the planting of new trees during development.
| Context | Minimum Canopy Requirement |
|---|---|
| Standard District R-A | 25% |
| District R-A in Hillside/Hilltop Overlay | 30% |
[Section 167.04(C)]
Parking and Signage
Parking Ratios
Off-street parking in District R-A is calculated based on the specific residential use type.
| Residential Use Type | Minimum Parking Required | Maximum Parking Allowed |
|---|---|---|
| Single-family | 2 per dwelling unit | None |
| Duplex | 2 per dwelling unit | 4 per dwelling unit |
[Section 172.05, Table 3]
Signage Standards
District R-A allows for limited signage, primarily for agricultural or permitted business uses.
| Sign Type | Max Display Area | Setback / Height |
|---|---|---|
| Pole Sign | 16 square feet | 35 ft from ROW / 17.5 ft height |
| Monument Sign | 32 square feet | 10 ft from ROW / 6 ft height |
[Section 174.10(A)-(B)]
Sections Cited
- Section 160.01 - Establishment Of Districts
- Section 161.01 - Application Of District Regulations
- Section 161.03 - District R-A, Residential-Agricultural
- Section 167.04 - Tree Preservation And Protection During Development
- Section 172.05 - Standards For The Number Of Spaces By Use
- Section 174.10 - On-Site Freestanding Signs