Fayetteville RMF-12: Residential Multi-family — Twelve Units Per Acre District Guide
In the City of Fayetteville, the RMF-12 district is designed for moderate-density residential development, allowing a maximum of 12 units per acre. The district permits a diverse range of housing types including single-family, duplexes, and multi-family apartments, with building heights generally limited to 3 stories. Development in the RMF-12 district requires a minimum of 20% tree canopy preservation and must adhere to a 60% maximum lot coverage limit [Section 161.14].
Purpose and General Character
The primary purpose of the RMF-12 (Residential Multi-family — Twelve Units Per Acre) district is to permit and encourage the development of multi-family residences at a moderate density that is appropriate to the surrounding area. The district is intended to create a balanced residential environment that provides a variety of housing options for Fayetteville residents [Section 161.14(A)].
Permitted and Conditional Land Uses
The RMF-12 district allows for several housing types by right, while providing for more intensive or non-residential uses through the conditional use permit (CUP) process.
Permitted Uses (By Right)
- Residential: Single-family, two-family, three-family, four-family, and multi-family dwellings [Section 161.14(B)(1)].
- Alternative Housing: Accessory dwellings and Cluster Housing Developments [Section 161.14(B)(1)].
- City-Wide Uses: Standard city-wide uses by right as defined in Use Unit 1 [Section 161.14(B)(1)].
- Lodging: Short-term rentals [Section 161.14(B)(1)].
Conditional Uses (Requires Planning Commission Approval)
- Institutional: Government facilities, public protection and utility facilities, cultural and recreational facilities, and school/church facilities [Section 161.14(B)(2)].
- Commercial: Limited business (Use Unit 12a), Professional offices, and Home occupations [Section 161.14(B)(2)].
- Residential/Other: Manufactured home parks and private dormitories [Section 161.14(B)(2)].
- Infrastructure: Wireless communications facilities [Section 161.14(B)(2)].
Development and Bulk Standards
Development in the Fayetteville RMF-12 district is governed by specific dimensional requirements to maintain its moderate-density character.
Bulk and Area Regulations
| Category | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Maximum Density | 12 units per acre |
| Minimum Lot Width (Manufactured Home Park) | 100 feet |
| Minimum Lot Width (Single/Two-family) | 50 feet |
| Minimum Lot Width (Three-family or more) | 80 feet |
| Minimum Lot Width (Professional Offices) | 100 feet |
| Maximum Lot Coverage | 60% of total lot area |
| Minimum Buildable Street Frontage | 50% of the lot width |
[Section 161.14(C)-(H)]
Setback Requirements
| Setback Location | Minimum Distance Required |
|---|---|
| Front | A build-to zone between the front property line and a line 25 feet from said line |
| Side (Single & Two-Family) | 5 feet |
| Side (Other Uses) | 8 feet |
| Rear | 20 feet |
| Rear (Single-Family) | 5 feet |
[Section 161.14(E)]
Height Regulations
Buildings in the RMF-12 district have a maximum height limit of 3 stories. However, the City of Fayetteville enforces a specific "stepback" rule for taller buildings. If a building exceeds 2 stories, it must provide an additional setback from any side boundary line that is adjacent to a single-family district. This additional setback must be equal to the difference between the total height of the building and the height of one story [Section 161.14(F)].
Parking and Landscaping Standards
All developments within the RMF-12 district must meet the City of Fayetteville's requirements for off-street parking and environmental preservation.
Required Parking Ratios
| Residential Use Type | Minimum Parking Required | Maximum Parking Allowed |
|---|---|---|
| Single-family | 2 spaces per dwelling unit | None |
| Duplex, Triplex, Quadplex | 2 spaces per dwelling unit | 4 spaces per dwelling unit |
| Multi-family | 1 space per bedroom | 1 space per bedroom |
[Section 172.05, Table 3]
Tree Preservation
Fayetteville requires all RMF-12 developments to submit a tree preservation plan. The district must maintain a minimum of 20% tree canopy. If the site is within the Hillside/Hilltop Overlay District, this requirement is increased by 5%, for a total of 25% minimum canopy [Section 167.04(C)].
Sections Cited
- Section 160.01 - Establishment Of Districts
- Section 161.14 - District RMF-12, Residential Multi-family — Twelve (12) Units Per Acre
- Section 167.04 - Tree Preservation And Protection During Development
- Section 172.05 - Standards For The Number Of Spaces By Use