Fayetteville Zoning Guide: RSF-4 Residential Single-family District
The RSF-4 district in Fayetteville, Arkansas, is designed for low-density residential development, allowing a maximum of four units per acre for single-family detached homes. Key development standards for this district include a minimum lot area of 8,000 square feet for single-family residences, a 15-foot front and rear setback requirement, and a maximum building height of three stories [Section 161.07].
Purpose and Character
The Fayetteville Unified Development Code (UDC) establishes the RSF-4 district to permit and encourage the development of low-density detached dwellings in suitable environments. A primary objective of the RSF-4 district is to protect existing residential developments of this type while allowing for new construction that maintains a similar density and character [Section 161.07(A)].
The character of the RSF-4 district is predominantly suburban and residential, characterized by standalone homes on moderately sized lots. While the district is primarily focused on single-family living, it provides flexibility through the inclusion of accessory dwellings and short-term rentals as permitted uses, and allows for more varied residential forms, such as two-family dwellings or cluster housing, through a conditional use process [Section 161.07(B)].
Permitted Land Uses
Land uses in the RSF-4 district are categorized as either "Uses by Right," which are permitted automatically, or "Conditional Uses," which require specific approval from the Fayetteville Planning Commission.
Uses by Right
The following uses are permitted by right in the RSF-4 district:
| Use Unit | Description |
|---|---|
| Unit 1 | City-wide uses by right |
| Unit 8 | Single-family dwellings |
| Unit 41 | Accessory dwellings |
| Unit 46 | Short-term rentals |
Conditional Uses
The following uses may be permitted in the RSF-4 district subject to the conditional use permit process:
| Use Unit | Description |
|---|---|
| Unit 2 | City-wide uses by conditional use permit |
| Unit 3 | Public protection and utility facilities |
| Unit 4 | Cultural and recreational facilities |
| Unit 5 | Government facilities |
| Unit 9 | Two-family dwellings |
| Unit 12a | Limited business |
| Unit 24 | Home occupations |
| Unit 36 | Wireless communications facilities |
| Unit 44 | Cluster Housing Development |
[Section 161.07(B)]
Development Standards
Fayetteville has established specific bulk and area requirements to maintain the low-density nature of the RSF-4 district. These standards vary slightly depending on whether a property is located within a standard area or the Hillside/Hilltop Overlay District.
Bulk and Area Regulations
| Standard | Single-family Dwellings | Two-family Dwellings |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Density | 4 units per acre | 7 units per acre |
| Minimum Lot Width | 70 feet | 80 feet |
| Minimum Lot Area | 8,000 square feet | 12,000 square feet |
| Land Area per Dwelling Unit | 8,000 square feet | 6,000 square feet |
| Hillside Overlay Min. Width | 60 feet | 70 feet |
| Hillside Overlay Min. Area | 8,000 square feet | 12,000 square feet |
[Section 161.07(C)-(D)]
Setback and Height Requirements
| Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback | 15 feet |
| Side Setback | 5 feet |
| Rear Setback | 15 feet |
| Maximum Building Height | 3 stories |
| Maximum Building Area | 40% of total lot area |
[Section 161.07(E)-(G)]
Building area calculations include the total area of the lot occupied by all buildings, though accessory ground-mounted solar energy systems are specifically excluded from this calculation [Section 161.07(G)].
Sections Cited
- Section 160.01 - Establishment of Districts
- Section 161.07 - District RSF-4, Residential Single-Family — Four (4) Units Per Acre
- Section 161.07(A) - Purpose
- Section 161.07(B) - Uses
- Section 161.07(C) - Density
- Section 161.07(D) - Bulk and Area Regulations
- Section 161.07(E) - Setback Requirements
- Section 161.07(F) - Building Height Regulations
- Section 161.07(G) - Building Area