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Fayetteville RSF-18: Residential Single-family Zoning Guide

Jurisdiction: FayettevilleCode Version: December 2025

The Residential Single-family - Eighteen (18) Units per Acre (RSF-18) district in Fayetteville permits a high residential density of up to 18 units per acre to promote efficient land use. This Fayetteville district is characterized by an urban form that utilizes a "build-to zone" for front setbacks, a maximum building height of three stories, and a generous lot coverage allowance of 60%.

Purpose and General Character

The primary purpose of the RSF-18 district in Fayetteville is to promote and encourage the efficient development of single-family detached residences in a variety of densities [Section 161.10(A)]. Unlike lower-density districts, Fayetteville RSF-18 is designed with an urban orientation, placing buildings closer to the street to create a more defined and walkable streetscape. The district maintains a high degree of land utilization, allowing for very small lot sizes and minimal setbacks to accommodate compact residential environments.

Permitted Land Uses

In the Fayetteville RSF-18 district, land uses are categorized into those permitted by right and those requiring a conditional use permit.

Uses Permitted by Right

  • Unit 1: City-wide uses by right [Section 161.10(B)(1)].
  • Unit 8: Single-family dwellings [Section 161.10(B)(1)].
  • Unit 41: Accessory dwellings [Section 161.10(B)(1)].
  • Unit 46: Short-term rentals [Section 161.10(B)(1)].

Conditional Uses

Certain uses may be permitted in the Fayetteville RSF-18 district subject to Planning Commission approval:

  • Unit 2: City-wide uses by conditional use permit [Section 161.10(B)(2)].
  • Unit 3: Public protection and utility facilities [Section 161.10(B)(2)].
  • Unit 4: Cultural and recreational facilities [Section 161.10(B)(2)].
  • Unit 5: Government facilities [Section 161.10(B)(2)].
  • Unit 9: Two-family dwellings [Section 161.10(B)(2)].
  • Unit 12a: Limited business [Section 161.10(B)(2)].
  • Unit 24: Home occupations [Section 161.10(B)(2)].
  • Unit 36: Wireless communications facilities [Section 161.10(B)(2)].
  • Unit 44: Cluster Housing Development [Section 161.10(B)(2)].

Technical Development Standards

The Fayetteville RSF-18 district enforces specific standards regarding lot size, density, and building placement to maintain its compact character.

Density and Lot Dimensions

Standard Requirement
Max Density 18 units per acre or less
Min Lot Width (Single-family) 30 feet
Min Lot Width (Two-family) 30 feet
Min Lot Area (Single-family) 2,500 square feet
Min Lot Area (Two-family) 2,000 square feet
Min Lot Area (Townhouses) 1,250 square feet

[Section 161.10(C) and (D)]

Setbacks and Building Area

Feature Requirement
Front Setback (Build-to Zone) 0 to 25 feet from front property line
Side Setback 5 feet (both sides)
Side Setback (Zero Lot Line Option) < 5 feet permitted on one side with agreement
Rear Setback 5 feet
Max Building Area (Lot Coverage) 60% of total lot area

[Section 161.10(E) and (G)]

Building Height and Frontage

The maximum building height in the Fayetteville RSF-18 district is 3 stories [Section 161.10(F)]. Additionally, for two-family dwellings, the minimum buildable street frontage is 50% of the lot width [Section 161.10(H)].

Parking Requirements

Fayetteville requires off-street parking for residential uses based on the unit type.

Use Type Minimum Parking Required Maximum Parking Allowed
Single-family 2 per dwelling unit None
Duplex / Triplex 2 per dwelling unit 4 per dwelling unit
Townhouse 2 per unit (or 1 per bedroom, if greater) 1 per bedroom

[Section 172.05, Table 3]

Sections Cited

  • Section 160.01 Establishment of Districts
  • Section 161.10 District RSF-18, Residential Single-Family — Eighteen (18) Units Per Acre
  • Section 172.05 Standards For The Number Of Spaces By Use

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