Off-Street Parking Standards for Fayetteville’s RSF-7 Residential District
In the City of Fayetteville’s RSF-7: Residential Single-family - Seven (7) Units per Acre district, residential developments generally require a minimum of two off-street parking spaces per dwelling unit, while non-residential projects have no mandatory minimum number of spaces. All parking areas must be constructed of hard surfaces like asphalt or concrete and are subject to strict design standards to ensure safe vehicle maneuvering and the protection of public sidewalks [Section 172.02, 172.05].
Required Parking Ratios for RSF-7
The Fayetteville Unified Development Code (UDC) establishes different requirements for the quantity of off-street parking based on the type of land use within the RSF-7 district. For residential uses, both minimum and maximum limits may apply. For non-residential uses allowed conditionally within the district (such as Limited Business Unit 12a), the City does not mandate a minimum number of spaces, but limits the maximum provided [Section 172.05].
Residential Parking Ratios
| Residential Use Type | Minimum Parking Spaces Required | Maximum Parking Spaces Allowed |
|---|---|---|
| Single-family (Unit 8) | 2 per dwelling unit | None |
| Two-family / Duplex (Unit 9) | 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 (e.g., Cluster Housing) | 1 per bedroom | 1 per bedroom |
[Section 172.05, Table 3]
Non-Residential Parking Rules
For non-residential uses in the RSF-7 district, there is no minimum number of spaces required. However, if a developer chooses to provide parking, the maximum number of spaces is limited to the ratios described in the UDC’s Table 3. The applicant must provide a parking analysis to the City of Fayetteville demonstrating that the proposed parking will not negatively impact neighbors or create dangerous traffic conditions [Section 172.05(A)].
Dimensional and Design Standards
All off-street parking facilities in Fayetteville must adhere to specific size and layout requirements to ensure they are accessible and safe.
Standard Stall and Aisle Dimensions
| Parking Angle | Stall Width (feet) | Stall Depth (feet) | Two-Way Aisle Width (feet) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0° (Parallel) | 8.0 | 8.0 | 24.0 |
| 45° | 9.0 | 19.0 | 24.0 |
| 60° | 9.0 | 20.0 | 24.0 |
| 90° (Standard) | 9.0 | 19.0 | 24.0 |
[Section 172.04, Table 1]
Construction and Surface Requirements
Parking lots within the City of Fayetteville containing five or more spaces require building and grading permits before work begins. These lots must be surfaced with asphalt, concrete, or semi-permeable soil pavers. They must also be graded and drained to manage surface water and equipped with wheel guards or curbs to prevent vehicles from overhanging into sidewalks or property lines [Section 172.02].
Regulations for Small Residential Projects (4 Spaces or Less)
Properties in the RSF-7 district that require four or fewer parking spaces, such as typical single-family homes, are subject to specific "driveway and parking" standards:
- Maximum Outdoor Parking: No more than four motor vehicles may be parked outdoors on a property containing a single-family home [Section 172.11(C)].
- Front Yard Coverage: Parking areas and driveways are limited to a maximum of 40% of the total front yard area [Section 172.11(D)].
- Encroachment Prevention: Driveways must extend at least 18 feet into the property from the Master Street Plan right-of-way to ensure parked vehicles do not block public sidewalks [Section 172.11(G)(2)].
- Maneuvering: Vehicles must be able to enter and exit parking lots in a forward motion, except where specifically exempted [Section 172.04(A)].
Bicycle Parking Requirements
New construction or expansions in the RSF-7 district that require five or more off-street automobile spaces must also provide bicycle parking:
- Residential Projects: At least one bicycle rack must be provided for every 30 dwelling units (with a minimum of one rack per development).
- Non-Residential Projects: One bicycle rack must be provided for every 20 automobile parking spaces.
- Design: Each rack must be a standard u-shaped fixture capable of securing two bicycles with a u-shaped lock [Section 172.10].
Sections Cited
- Section 161.08 District RSF-7, Residential Single-family — Seven (7) Units Per Acre
- Section 172.02 Parking Lot Construction Standards
- Section 172.04 Parking Lot Design Standards
- Section 172.05 Standards For The Number Of Spaces By Use
- Section 172.10 Bicycle Parking Rack Requirements
- Section 172.11 Driveway And Parking Standards For Four (4) Or Less Parking Spaces