Industrial and Heavy Manufacturing Districts in Fayetteville
Heavy manufacturing and industrial operations in the City of Fayetteville are primarily permitted in the I-1 Heavy Commercial and Light Industrial District and the I-2 General Industrial District. Use Unit 22 (Manufacturing) is allowed by right in both the I-1 and I-2 districts, while Use Unit 23 (Heavy Industrial) is restricted exclusively to the I-2 General Industrial District. These districts enforce significant setbacks, ranging from 25 to 100 feet depending on the adjacent zoning, to mitigate the environmental impacts of industrial activity on the community.
Primary Industrial Zoning Districts
The City of Fayetteville Unified Development Code (UDC) establishes two primary districts specifically designed to accommodate industrial and manufacturing operations.
I-1 Heavy Commercial and Light Industrial
The I-1 Heavy Commercial and Light Industrial District is intended for commercial and light industrial uses that are compatible with one another but may be inappropriate in more restrictive commercial zones. The Fayetteville UDC designs this district to group industrial uses that do not produce "objectionable environmental influences" and to maintain a degree of compatibility with nearby residential areas [Section 161.30].
I-2 General Industrial
The I-2 General Industrial District is designed for manufacturing and industrial activities that may generate "substantial environment nuisances." These uses are considered objectionable to residential and many business uses due to factors like noise, odor, or safety risks [Section 161.31]. Use Unit 23 (Heavy Industrial) is permitted by right only in this district [Section 161.31].
Technical Development Standards
The City of Fayetteville requires industrial developments to adhere to specific bulk and area regulations to ensure proper buffering between industrial sites and more sensitive land uses.
| Standard | I-1 District (Heavy Commercial/Light Industrial) | I-2 District (General Industrial) |
|---|---|---|
| Front Setback (adjoining A or R) | 50 feet | 100 feet |
| Front Setback (adjoining C, I, or P) | 25 feet | 50 feet |
| Side Setback (adjoining A or R) | 50 feet | 50 feet |
| Side Setback (adjoining C, I, or P) | 10 feet | 25 feet |
| Rear Setback | 25 feet | 25 feet |
| Maximum Building Height | No limit* | No limit* |
| Minimum Lot Area | None | None |
*Note: In both the I-1 and I-2 districts, if a building exceeds two (2) stories in height, the City of Fayetteville requires an additional setback from any boundary line of an adjacent residential district. This additional setback must be equal to the difference between the total height of the building and two stories [Section 161.30 and 161.31].
Specific Use Classifications
The Fayetteville UDC categorizes industrial activities into two main "Use Units" which determine where specific types of manufacturing can occur.
Use Unit 22: Manufacturing
Permitted in both I-1 and I-2 districts, this unit includes uses that generate some adverse environmental effects. Included uses are:
- Fabricated Metal Products: Cutlery engraving, fire control equipment, machinery, tanks, and transportation equipment including body shops.
- Fabricated Structural Products: Air conditioning and cooling apparatus, wire products, hardware, and metal cans.
- Miscellaneous Manufacturing: Athletic goods, musical instruments, silver and plated ware, toys, and textiles [Section 162.01].
Use Unit 23: Heavy Industrial
Permitted only in the I-2 district, this unit includes uses that cause the greatest adverse environmental effects due to noise, odor, unsightliness, air pollution, or explosions. Included uses are:
- Primary Metal Industries: Foundries and metal processing.
- Processing and Sales: Scrap metal, refuse, and tirecapping.
- Manufacturing: Chemical and allied products, paper and allied products (including building paper and board), and rubber/plastic products.
- Agricultural Processing: Animal fats and oils rendering, and meat slaughtering and packaging [Section 162.01].
Supplemental Industrial Uses
Facilities Emitting Odors and Handling Explosives
In the I-2 General Industrial District, facilities that emit odors or handle explosives (Use Unit 31) are classified as conditional uses. These require a conditional use permit and are subject to mandatory inspections by the Fire Marshal and Building Inspector to ensure compliance with the Arkansas State Fire Code [Section 163.07].
Extraction
The E-1 Extraction District is provided for the commercial removal of sand, clay, silt, gravel, rock, and minerals. Operations in this district are prohibited within 500 feet of any lot line and must follow strict erosion and sedimentation control measures [Section 164.08].
Sections Cited
- 161.30 - District I-1, Heavy Commercial And Light Industrial
- 161.31 - District I-2, General Industrial
- 162.01 - Establishment/Listing (Use Units)
- 163.07 - Facilities Emitting Odors And Facilities Handling Explosives
- 164.08 - Extraction