Fayetteville Zoning for Self-Storage and Warehousing Facilities
In the City of Fayetteville, warehousing is permitted by right in industrial districts (I-1 and I-2), whereas mini-storage (self-storage) is primarily a conditional use. While warehousing is allowed by right in industrial zones, both warehousing and mini-storage require a Conditional Use Permit in specific commercial and urban thoroughfare districts. All mini-storage facilities must adhere to strict screening requirements, including view-obscuring vegetation, when adjacent to residential zones or public streets.
Permitted Zoning Districts
The City of Fayetteville classifies these activities under two distinct "Use Units" within the Unified Development Code (UDC). Use Unit 21 covers "Warehousing and Wholesale," and Use Unit 38 covers "Mini-storage units."
The following table outlines the districts where these uses are either permitted by right (P) or require a Conditional Use Permit (C).
| District Name | Warehousing (Unit 21) | Mini-Storage (Unit 38) |
|---|---|---|
| I-1 Heavy Commercial and Light Industrial | P | C |
| I-2 General Industrial | P | C |
| C-2 Thoroughfare Commercial | C | C |
| UT Urban Thoroughfare | C | C |
| UC Urban Corridor | C | C |
Industrial Districts (I-1 and I-2)
In the City of Fayetteville, the industrial districts are the primary zones for storage activities. Warehousing (Unit 21) is permitted by right in both the I-1 Heavy Commercial and Light Industrial District and the I-2 General Industrial District [Section 161.30, 161.31]. However, mini-storage (Unit 38) is classified as a conditional use in both districts, requiring Planning Commission approval [Section 161.30, 161.31].
Commercial and Urban Districts
The C-2 Thoroughfare Commercial District, UT Urban Thoroughfare District, and UC Urban Corridor District allow both warehousing and mini-storage only as conditional uses [Section 161.23, 161.24, 161.36]. These districts emphasize urban form, and any such development must be compatible with the surrounding neighborhood character.
Development and Screening Standards
Fayetteville imposes specific design and screening standards to mitigate the visual impact of storage facilities, particularly mini-storage units.
Mini-Storage Screening Requirements
Pursuant to Fayetteville Unified Development Code Section 166.25, mini-storage facilities are subject to the following:
- View-Obscuring Vegetation: All storage units and storage yards created under Use Unit 38 must be screened by "view-obscuring vegetation" at the owner's expense [Section 166.25].
- Applicability: This screening is mandatory whenever the storage units or yards have common property lines with any residential use or zone, or when they have frontage on any public street [Section 166.25].
- Definition: "View obscuring vegetation" must consist of live plant material that is opaque from the ground to a height of at least 6 feet [Section 151.01].
General Design Standards
Non-residential developments, including those in industrial zones within the I-540 Overlay District, must follow the Commercial, Office and Mixed-use Design and Development Standards. These standards prohibit certain materials such as untreated concrete precision block walls and metal siding that dominates the principal facade [Section 166.25].
Definitions
- Ministorage Units: A structure or structures containing separate, individual, and private storage spaces of varying sizes leased or rented on individual leases for varying periods of time [Section 151.01].
- Warehousing and Wholesale (Unit 21): This unit includes warehousing, wholesaling, and trucking typically located to serve central business districts with easy access to rail or highways [Section 162.01].
Sections Cited
- Section 151.01 - Definitions
- Section 161.23 - District C-2, Thoroughfare Commercial
- Section 161.24 - Urban Thoroughfare
- Section 161.30 - District I-1, Heavy Commercial and Light Industrial
- Section 161.31 - District I-2, General Industrial
- Section 161.36 - Urban Corridor
- Section 162.01 - Establishment/Listing (Use Units)
- Section 166.25 - Commercial, Office and Mixed-use Design and Development Standards