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NC: Neighborhood Conservation District in Fayetteville

Jurisdiction: FayettevilleCode Version: December 2025

The Neighborhood Conservation (NC) district in Fayetteville is a primarily residential zone designed for low-activity environments with a maximum density of ten (10) units per acre. Dwellings in the Fayetteville Neighborhood Conservation district are limited to a maximum height of three stories, and most new developments must adhere to a specific "build-to zone" for front setbacks ranging between 10 and 25 feet. While single-family homes and accessory dwellings are permitted by right, more intensive uses such as multi-family housing and small-scale businesses require a conditional use permit [Section 161.29].

Allowed Uses in the Fayetteville NC District

Uses in the Fayetteville Neighborhood Conservation district are categorized into those permitted by right and those that require a conditional use permit.

Uses Permitted by Right

The following uses are allowed without special discretionary approval, provided they meet all other Fayetteville Unified Development Code requirements:

  • City-wide uses by right (Unit 1): Includes public infrastructure like fire hydrants, sidewalks, and street signs, as well as agricultural uses like field crop farms and forests, and recreational areas like parks and parkways [Section 162.01].
  • Single-family dwellings (Unit 8): Standard detached residential homes [Section 162.01].
  • Accessory dwelling units (Unit 41): Secondary small residential units on the same lot as a primary home [Section 162.01].
  • Short-term rentals (Unit 46): Residential units leased for periods of less than 30 consecutive days [Section 162.01].

Conditional Uses

The following uses may be permitted in the Fayetteville Neighborhood Conservation district only after review and approval by the Planning Commission:

  • City-wide uses by conditional use permit (Unit 2): Includes facilities like bed and breakfasts, campgrounds, and community recycling drop-off points [Section 162.01].
  • Public protection and utility facilities (Unit 3): Includes electric regulating stations and transmission towers [Section 162.01].
  • Cultural and recreational facilities (Unit 4): Includes libraries, museums, cemeteries, churches, and schools [Section 162.01].
  • Government facilities (Unit 5): Main facilities for government agencies [Section 162.01].
  • Two-family dwellings (Unit 9): Duplexes and two-unit townhouses [Section 162.01].
  • Three- and four-family dwellings (Unit 10): Small-scale multi-family structures [Section 162.01].
  • Manufactured home park (Unit 11): Specifically designated areas for manufactured housing [Section 162.01].
  • Limited business (Unit 12a): Small-scale retail or service establishments like day cares, bakeries, or coffee shops, provided the building is 3,000 square feet or less [Section 162.01].
  • Home occupations (Unit 24): Businesses conducted within a residence by the occupants [Section 162.01].
  • Offices, studios, and related services (Unit 25): Includes professional offices (architects, lawyers) and artistic studios [Section 162.01].
  • Center for collecting recyclable materials (Unit 28): Facilities for processing recoverable resources [Section 162.01].
  • Wireless communication facilities (Unit 36): Towers and antennas for telecommunications [Section 162.01].
  • Cluster Housing Development (Unit 44): Innovative housing patterns allowing for preserved open space [Section 162.01].

Prohibited Uses in the Fayetteville NC District

Any use not explicitly listed as "Permitted" or "Conditional" is prohibited in the Fayetteville Neighborhood Conservation district [Section 161.01]. Prohibited activities include, but are not limited to:

  • Heavy Industrial (Unit 23): Manufacturing processes that cause significant environmental impacts.
  • Auto Salvage and Junk Yards (Unit 39): Storage or dismantling of wrecked vehicles.
  • Large-Scale Commercial: Retail or shopping centers exceeding the "Limited Business" size thresholds.
  • Sexually Oriented Businesses (Unit 32): Adult theaters or bookstores.
  • General Industrial (Unit 22): Standard manufacturing and warehousing.

Technical Development Standards

The Fayetteville Neighborhood Conservation district enforces specific spatial and density requirements to maintain the residential character of the neighborhood.

Standard Requirement
Density Max 10 units per acre
Lot Width Minimum 40 feet
Lot Area Minimum 4,000 square feet
Building Height Maximum 3 stories

Setback Requirements

Setbacks in the Fayetteville Neighborhood Conservation district are strictly regulated to ensure a consistent streetscape and adequate separation between properties.

Setback Type Distance
Front (Build-to Zone) 10 to 25 feet from front property line
Side 5 feet
Rear 5 feet
Rear (from center line of alley) 12 feet

Parking Requirements for NC District

Fayetteville mandates minimum off-street parking based on the type of residential use within the Neighborhood Conservation zone.

Residential Use Type Minimum Parking Spaces Required
Single-family 2 per dwelling unit
Duplex, triplex, or quadplex 2 per dwelling unit
Townhouse 2 per dwelling unit or 1 per bedroom (whichever is greater)
Multi-family 1 per bedroom

[Section 172.05]

Sections Cited

  • 160.01 Establishment Of Districts
  • 161.01 Application Of District Regulations
  • 161.29 Neighborhood Conservation
  • 162.01 Establishment/Listing
  • 163.18 Type 2 Short-Term Rentals In Residential Zoning Districts
  • 172.05 Standards For The Number Of Spaces By Use

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