Off-Street Parking Standards for Fayetteville RMF-18 District
In the City of Fayetteville RMF-18 (Residential Multi-family - Eighteen Units per Acre) district, residential developments must generally provide 1 to 2 spaces per unit or bedroom depending on the specific housing type, while non-residential developments have no minimum off-street parking requirement. For all urban residential projects in this district, parking spaces and drive aisles must be situated to the side or rear of the primary structure and are strictly prohibited in the front yard between the building and the street.
Residential Parking Ratios
The City of Fayetteville requires that residential projects within the RMF-18 district provide parking based on the type of dwelling and the number of bedrooms. These ratios act as both the minimum required and the maximum allowed, unless specific reductions or increases are granted.
| Residential Use Type | Minimum Parking Spaces Required | Maximum Parking Spaces Allowed |
|---|---|---|
| Single-family | 2 per dwelling unit | None |
| Duplex, triplex, or quadplex | 2 per dwelling unit | 4 per dwelling unit |
| Townhouse | 2 per dwelling unit or 1 per bedroom (whichever is greater) | 1 per bedroom |
| Multi-family | 1 per bedroom | 1 per bedroom |
[Section 172.05; Table 3]
Residential Parking Reductions
For larger residential developments in the RMF-18 district, the City of Fayetteville allows for a reduction in the total number of required spaces based on the scale of the project [Section 172.05(B)(1)]:
- 1—50 bedrooms: Maximum reduction of 35% of total required spaces.
- 51—100 bedrooms: Maximum reduction of 20% of total required spaces.
- 101—250 bedrooms: Maximum reduction of 15% of total required spaces.
- 251 or more bedrooms: Maximum reduction of 10% of total required spaces.
Non-Residential Parking Requirements
For commercial or other non-residential uses allowed within the RMF-18 district (typically via Conditional Use Permit), such as professional offices or limited business, there is no minimum number of spaces required [Section 172.05(A)]. However, if an applicant chooses to provide parking, the maximum number of spaces is limited by the ratios established in the City of Fayetteville's parking standards.
Design and Location Standards
The RMF-18 district is designed with an "urban form," which carries specific mandates for where parking can be placed on a lot.
Location of Parking
In the RMF-18 district, the City of Fayetteville requires the building's principal façade to be located within a "build-to zone" (between the front property line and a line 25 feet back) [Section 161.15(E)]. Consequently:
- Rear/Side Placement: Parking lot drive aisles and parking spaces must be located to the side or rear of the buildings [Section 172.04(C)(4)].
- Front Yard Prohibition: Parking spaces and drive-thru lanes are not permitted in the front yard directly between a building and the Master Street Plan right-of-way [Section 172.04(C)(4)].
- Setback from Property Lines: Parking lots must maintain 5 feet of landscaped area between the property line and the parking lot [Section 177.04(D)(1)].
Construction and Surface
- Surfacing: All parking lots in the City of Fayetteville must be surfaced with asphalt, concrete, or semi-permeable soil pavers and must be properly graded and drained [Section 172.02(B)].
- Maneuvering: Parking lots must be designed so that all vehicles can enter and exit the lot in a forward motion; backing into a public street is prohibited [Section 172.04(A)].
- Striping: Spaces must be clearly striped, and directional arrows must be provided at the entrance of aisles [Section 172.02(D)].
Accessibility Standards
The City of Fayetteville requires all parking lots and garages to provide accessible parking spaces for persons with disabilities in accordance with the following table:
| Total Parking Spaces | Minimum Number of Accessible Spaces |
|---|---|
| 1—25 | 1 |
| 26—50 | 2 |
| 51—75 | 3 |
| 76—100 | 4 |
| 101—150 | 5 |
| 151—200 | 6 |
| 201—300 | 7 |
| 301—400 | 8 |
| 401—500 | 9 |
| 501—1000 | 2% of total spaces |
[Section 172.03(E)]
Bicycle Parking Requirements
All new construction or expansions in the RMF-18 district must provide bicycle parking [Section 172.10(A)]:
- Residential: One bicycle rack must be provided per thirty (30) dwelling units, with at least one rack required per development [Section 172.10(C)(2)].
- Non-Residential: One bicycle rack must be provided per twenty (20) automobile parking spaces, with at least one rack required per development [Section 172.10(C)(1)].
- Rack Design: Each rack must hold at least two bicycles and allow them to be secured with a standard u-shaped lock [Section 172.10(B)].
Sections Cited
- 161.15 District RMF-18, Residential Multi-Family — Eighteen (18) Units Per Acre
- 172.02 Parking Lot Construction Standards
- 172.03 Accessibility
- 172.04 Parking Lot Design Standards
- 172.05 Standards For The Number Of Spaces By Use
- 172.10 Bicycle Parking Rack Requirements
- 177.04 Site Development And Parking Lot Landscape Standards