Parking Standards for the C-3 Central Commercial District in Fayetteville
In the City of Fayetteville’s C-3 Central Commercial District, there is no minimum off-street parking requirement for non-residential projects, while residential projects must adhere to specific ratios based on unit type and bedroom count. For all developments within this urban form district, parking lots, drive aisles, and drive-thru lanes are strictly prohibited in the front yard and must be located to the side or rear of the principal building [Section 172.05(A) and Section 172.04(C)(4)].
Required Number of Parking Spaces
The Fayetteville Unified Development Code (UDC) differentiates between residential and non-residential requirements for the C-3 district to prevent over-supply and encourage urban density.
Residential Parking Ratios
Residential developments in the C-3 Central Commercial District must provide off-street parking according to the following standards. Note that for certain developments (1–50 bedrooms), a mandatory reduction of 35% of the total required spaces applies [Section 172.05(B)(1)].
| 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 unit OR 1 per bedroom (whichever is greater) | 1 per bedroom |
| Multi-family | 1 per bedroom | 1 per bedroom |
Non-Residential Parking Requirements
For commercial or other non-residential projects in the C-3 district, the Fayetteville UDC establishes that there is no minimum number of spaces required. However, the maximum number of spaces that may be provided is limited by the baseline ratios found in the UDC's parking tables [Section 172.05(A)].
Applicants for non-residential projects must provide a parking analysis to the Fayetteville Planning Division demonstrating that the proposed parking will not negatively impact adjacent properties or create dangerous traffic conditions [Section 172.05(A)].
Location and Design Standards
Because the C-3 Central Commercial District is an urban zoning district intended to support traditional town forms, the placement and design of parking are strictly regulated.
Prohibited Locations
In the C-3 district, no parking spaces, drive-thru lanes, or parking lot drive aisles may be located in the front yard directly between a building and the Master Street Plan right-of-way. All such facilities must be situated at the side or rear of the buildings [Section 172.04(C)(4)].
Maneuvering and Surfacing
- Forward Motion: All parking lots must be designed so that vehicles can enter and exit the lot in a forward motion; backing into a public street is prohibited [Section 172.04(A)].
- Surfacing: Parking lots must be surfaced with asphalt, concrete, or semi-permeable soil pavers [Section 172.02(B)].
- Compact Spaces: In non-residential projects, up to 35% of the total spaces may be "compact" (7.5 to 8 feet wide). In residential projects, the limit for compact spaces is 20% [Section 172.04(D)].
Bicycle Parking Requirements
All new construction or expansions in the C-3 district that require at least five automobile spaces must also provide bicycle parking [Section 172.10(A)].
| Development Type | Minimum Bicycle Parking Requirement |
|---|---|
| Non-Residential | 1 rack space per 20 automobile spaces (Minimum 1 rack) |
| Residential | 1 rack space per 30 dwelling units (Minimum 1 rack) |
Bicycle racks must be the standard inverted "u" shape unless an alternative design is approved by the Planning Division. Racks should be located within 50 feet of a public entry and must not interfere with pedestrian traffic or ADA standards [Section 172.10(D) and (E)].
Sections Cited
- 161.25 District C-3, Central Commercial
- 172.02 Parking Lot Construction Standards
- 172.04 Parking Lot Design Standards
- 172.05 Standards For The Number Of Spaces By Use
- 172.10 Bicycle Parking Rack Requirements