Main Street Center (MSC) Setback Requirements in Fayetteville
In the City of Fayetteville Main Street Center (MSC) district, the front setback is defined as a "build-to zone" that requires the building's principal façade to be located between 0 and 25 feet from the front property line. While the Fayetteville Main Street Center (MSC) district generally requires no side setbacks, it mandates a rear setback of 5 feet, which increases to 12 feet when measured from the centerline of a public alley [Section 161.27].
Standard Setback Requirements for Main Street Center (MSC)
The City of Fayetteville utilizes urban form regulations for the Main Street Center (MSC) district to encourage a walkable environment. The following table outlines the standard dimensional requirements for setbacks within the Fayetteville Main Street Center (MSC) district:
| Location | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front (Build-to Zone) | A zone between the front property line and a line 25 feet from the front property line |
| Side | None |
| Rear | 5 feet |
| Rear (from centerline of alley) | 12 feet |
[Section 161.27]
Specialized Setback and Protection Requirements
Beyond standard dimensional limits, the Fayetteville Unified Development Code applies specific rules to the Main Street Center (MSC) district to protect existing residential neighborhoods and ensure safety.
Home Protection Requirements
Regardless of the standard setbacks listed above, Fayetteville enforces "Home Protection Requirements" for new construction in the Main Street Center (MSC) district that exceeds 24 feet in height. If a new building in the Main Street Center (MSC) district adjoins or abuts a property used primarily as a single-family residence, the following setbacks apply:
- Adjoining Property Line Setback: A minimum setback of 15 feet is required from the side or rear adjoining property line.
- Stepback Requirement: For the portion of the building exceeding 36 feet in height, an additional 15-foot stepback from the residence’s property line is required [Section 164.11].
Building Height and Adjacent District Setbacks
If a building in the Fayetteville Main Street Center (MSC) district exceeds two stories in height, the portion of the structure above the second story must have an additional setback from any side boundary line of an adjacent single-family district. This additional setback must be equal to the difference between the total height of that portion of the building and the height of one story [Section 161.27].
Accessory Structure Setbacks
Accessory structures in the Fayetteville Main Street Center (MSC) district are subject to specific placement rules:
- Small Structures (10 feet or less): Must maintain a minimum side setback of 3 feet and a minimum rear setback of 5 feet.
- Large Structures (greater than 10 feet): Must meet the standard setback requirements of the Main Street Center (MSC) district.
- Build-to-Zone Exemption: Accessory structures are exempt from the build-to zone requirements of the Main Street Center (MSC) district [Section 164.02].
Intersection Visibility
In the Fayetteville Main Street Center (MSC) district, corner lots must maintain clear visibility for safety. On corner lots in any residential district, nothing permanent over 30 inches (2.5 feet) high may be installed in a manner that materially impedes vision between vehicular or pedestrian traffic [Section 164.17].
Sections Cited
- Section 161.27 - Main Street Center
- Section 164.02 - Accessory Structures and Uses
- Section 164.11 - Height or Setback Regulations; Exceptions and Home Protection Requirements
- Section 164.17 - Visibility at Intersections in Residential/Nonresidential Districts