Neighborhood Services - Limited (NS-L) Use and Development in Fayetteville
The Neighborhood Services - Limited (NS-L) district in Fayetteville is a mixed-use zone designed for low-intensity residential and complementary neighborhood businesses with a maximum density of 10 units per acre. Permitted by-right uses in the Fayetteville NS-L district range from single-family to four-family dwellings and limited professional services, while more intensive uses such as multi-family apartments, small-scale production, and private dormitories require conditional use approval [Section 161.18].
Purpose and Character of the NS-L District
The Fayetteville NS-L district is intended to create walkable, pedestrian-oriented neighborhoods where small businesses are compatible with the aesthetics and character of the surrounding residential landscape. For the purposes of noise control regulations within the Municipality of Fayetteville, the NS-L district is legally classified as a residential zone [Section 161.18 (A)].
Development Standards for the NS-L District
All development within the Fayetteville NS-L district must adhere to specific density, height, and setback requirements to ensure compatibility with the neighborhood.
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Maximum Density | 10 units or less per acre |
| Maximum Building Height | 3 stories |
| Front Setback (Build-to Zone) | 10 to 25 feet from the front property line |
| Side Setback | 5 feet |
| Rear Setback | 15 feet |
| Minimum Buildable Street Frontage | 50% of the lot width |
| Maximum Building Area (Lot Coverage) | 60% of the total lot area |
[Sections 161.18 (C)-(H)]
Allowed Uses in the Fayetteville NS-L District
Uses in this district are categorized into those allowed "by right" (permitted) and those requiring a "Conditional Use Permit" (CUP) approved by the Fayetteville Planning Commission.
Permitted Uses (By Right)
The following use units are permitted in the Fayetteville NS-L district without a conditional use hearing, provided they meet all applicable supplemental regulations:
- Residential Dwellings: Single-family, two-family, three-family, and four-family dwellings [Use Units 8, 9, and 10].
- Limited Business (Unit 12a): Low-impact retail and services such as daycares, salons, bakeries, small groceries, and professional offices (accountants, architects, etc.) [Section 162.01].
- Home Occupations: Business activities conducted within a residential dwelling by the residents [Use Unit 24].
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU): Secondary housing units on the same lot as a primary residence [Use Unit 41].
- Short-Term Rentals: Residential units leased for periods of less than 30 consecutive days [Use Unit 46].
- Other: City-wide uses by right, sidewalk cafes, and cluster housing developments [Use Units 1, 40, and 44].
Conditional Uses
The following uses may be permitted in the Fayetteville NS-L district only after receiving a Conditional Use Permit from the Planning Commission:
- Commercial and Recreation: Small-site commercial recreation, cultural and recreational facilities, and small-site eating places [Use Units 19, 4, and 13].
- Institutional: Government facilities and public protection/utility facilities [Use Units 5 and 3].
- Neighborhood Shopping Goods (Unit 15): Includes a variety of frequently purchased goods like clothing, electronics, and hardware in buildings up to 25,000 square feet [Section 162.01].
- Higher Density Residential: Multi-family dwellings (more than four attached units) and private dormitories [Use Units 26 and 48].
- Professional Services and Production: General offices and studios, and small-scale production facilities [Use Units 25 and 45].
- Communication: Wireless communication facilities [Use Unit 36].
[Section 161.18 (B)]
Prohibited Uses in the Fayetteville NS-L District
The Fayetteville Unified Development Code explicitly prohibits any use in the NS-L district that is not specifically listed as permitted by right or as a conditional use [Section 161.18 (E)(1)].
Notable examples of uses that do not appear on the allowed lists for the Fayetteville NS-L district include:
- Industrial: Heavy industrial, manufacturing, and general industrial [Use Units 23, 22, and I-2].
- High-Impact Commercial: Auto salvage and junk yards, wholesale bulk petroleum storage, and liquor stores [Use Units 39, 27, and 34].
- Transportation: Transportation trades and services, including car lots and truck terminals [Use Unit 17].
- Extraction: Commercial removal of sand, clay, or minerals [Use Unit 30].
Sections Cited
- Section 151.01 Definitions
- Section 161.18 District NS-L, Neighborhood Services — Limited
- Section 162.01 Establishment/Listing (Use Units)
- Section 166.24 (E) Pedestrian Oriented Elements