Off-Street Parking Standards for the RMF-24 District in Fayetteville
In the City of Fayetteville RMF-24: Residential Multi-family district, residential parking requirements vary by housing type, ranging from two spaces per unit for single-family homes to one space per bedroom for multi-family complexes. Non-residential developments within the RMF-24 district have no mandatory minimum number of off-street parking spaces, though the maximum number of spaces is regulated and projects must provide a parking analysis to ensure adequacy. Critically, the Fayetteville Unified Development Code prohibits any parking spaces, drive aisles, or drive-thru lanes from being located in the front yard between the building and the street in this district [Section 172.04].
Residential Parking Ratios
The City of Fayetteville establishes both minimum and maximum off-street parking requirements for residential uses in the RMF-24 district. For townhouse and multi-family developments, the requirements are calculated based on the number of bedrooms provided.
Table 1: RMF-24 Residential Parking Ratios
| 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
Fayetteville allows for significant reductions in the required number of off-street parking spaces for residential projects in the RMF-24 district based on the scale of the development.
Table 2: Allowable Residential Parking Reductions
| Number of Bedrooms in Development | Maximum Allowable Reduction |
|---|---|
| 1—50 bedrooms | 35% of total required spaces |
| 51—100 bedrooms | 20% of total required spaces |
| 101—250 bedrooms | 15% of total required spaces |
| 251 or more bedrooms | 10% of total required spaces |
[Section 172.05(B)(1)]
Non-Residential and Commercial Parking
For commercial or other non-residential projects permitted in the RMF-24 district (such as those under Use Unit 12a: Limited Business or Use Unit 25: Offices and Studios), Fayetteville does not mandate a minimum number of parking spaces. Instead, the developer is responsible for conducting a parking analysis to demonstrate that the proposed parking will succeed without negatively impacting the surrounding neighborhood or creating dangerous traffic conditions [Section 172.05(A)].
If a project includes a mix of residential and non-residential uses, the total requirement is determined by adding the applicable residential spaces to the spaces identified in the non-residential parking analysis [Section 172.05(D)].
Design and Location Requirements in RMF-24
Because RMF-24 is an urban zoning district that utilizes a "build-to zone," specific design standards apply to the placement of off-street parking:
- Front Yard Prohibition: Parking spaces, drive aisles, and drive-thru lanes are strictly prohibited in the front yard directly between a building and the Master Street Plan right-of-way. All parking must be located to the side or rear of the structure [Section 172.04(C)(4)].
- Maneuvering: All parking lots must be designed so that vehicles enter and exit the lot in a forward motion. Backing into the public street is prohibited [Section 172.04(A)].
- Surfacing: Parking areas must be surfaced with asphalt, concrete, or semi-permeable soil pavers and must be graded to drain surface water appropriately [Section 172.02(B)].
- Compact Spaces: A maximum of 20% of residential parking spaces and 35% of non-residential spaces may be designated as compact spaces [Section 172.04(D)].
Bicycle Parking Requirements
In addition to automobile parking, developments in the RMF-24 district must provide secure bicycle parking.
Table 3: RMF-24 Bicycle Parking Requirements
| Development Type | Required Number of Bicycle Racks |
|---|---|
| Residential | 1 rack per 30 dwelling units (Minimum 1) |
| Non-Residential | 1 rack per 20 automobile parking spaces (Minimum 1) |
[Section 172.10(C)]
Sections Cited
- Section 161.16: District RMF-24, Residential Multi-Family — Twenty-Four (24) 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