Permitted Zoning Districts for Microbreweries and Microdistilleries in Fayetteville
In Fayetteville, microbreweries and micro-distilleries are governed under Use Unit 45 (Small Scale Production) and are permitted by right in most commercial and industrial districts, including CS, C-2, UC, UT, UN, DC, MSC, DG, I-1, and I-2. These establishments are restricted to a maximum of 10,000 square feet for the manufacturing portion of the facility and a total production limit of 15,000 barrels of alcoholic beverages per year. In the NS-L, NS-G, and C-1 districts, a microbrewery or micro-distillery is only allowed if granted a conditional use permit by the Planning Commission.
Definitions and Production Limits
Fayetteville defines a Microbrewery/microdistillery/microwinery as an establishment used for the manufacture, blending, fermentation, processing, and packaging of alcoholic beverages. The Fayetteville Unified Development Code (UDC) places specific production and size constraints on these entities when classified under Use Unit 45 (Small Scale Production) [Section 151.01, Section 162.01].
| Category | Requirement/Limit |
|---|---|
| Annual Production Limit | Less than 15,000 barrels per year |
| Manufacturing Floor Area | Maximum 10,000 square feet |
| On-Site Consumption | May serve beverages for sampling on the premises |
| Sales Rights | Permitted for wholesale and resale of products produced on-site |
Districts Allowing Use by Right
The City of Fayetteville permits microbreweries and micro-distilleries (Use Unit 45) by right in the following zoning districts. This means no special discretionary approval is required for the use itself, provided the development meets standard site requirements [Chapter 161].
- CS (Community Services): Designed for adaptable mixed-use centers [Section 161.22].
- C-2 (Thoroughfare Commercial): Focused on commercial enterprises catering to travelers [Section 161.23].
- UC (Urban Corridor): Encourages walkable, mixed-use development along major corridors [Section 161.36].
- UT (Urban Thoroughfare): Encourages concentration of commercial and mixed-use development [Section 161.24].
- UN (Urban Neighborhood): A mixed-use area of medium intensity [Section 161.37].
- DC (Downtown Core): The most intense development zone in Fayetteville [Section 161.26].
- MSC (Main Street Center): Encourages a wide range of pedestrian-oriented uses [Section 161.27].
- DG (Downtown General): A flexible zone allowing a mix of residential and intense commercial uses [Section 161.28].
- I-1 (Heavy Commercial and Light Industrial): Designed for industrial uses compatible with nearby residential areas [Section 161.30].
- I-2 (General Industrial): Intended for manufacturing and industrial activities [Section 161.31].
Districts Requiring Conditional Use Permits
In several districts, a microbrewery or micro-distillery is considered a conditional use. Applicants in these districts must submit a request for a conditional use permit, which requires a public hearing and specific findings by the Planning Commission to ensure the use will not adversely affect the public interest [Section 163.02].
- NS-L (Neighborhood Services - Limited): Low-intensity mixed-use district [Section 161.18].
- NS-G (Neighborhood Services - General): Medium-intensity mixed-use district [Section 161.19].
- C-1 (Neighborhood Commercial): Designed for convenience goods and services for surrounding residential areas [Section 161.21].
General Site and Development Standards
Microbreweries and micro-distilleries must adhere to the physical development standards of their specific district. For many urban districts (like DC, MSC, DG, and UC), "Urban Form" regulations apply, requiring buildings to be located within a specific "build-to zone" near the street [Section 164.06].
Summary of Dimensional Standards for Key Districts
| District | Max Height | Front Setback / Build-to Zone | Side Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| C-2 | 6 Stories | 10–25 ft (Build-to) | None |
| CS | 5 Stories | 10–25 ft (Build-to) | None |
| UT | 5-7 Stories | 10–25 ft (Build-to) | None |
| DC | 5-14 Stories | 0–15 ft (Build-to) | None |
| I-1 | No Max | 25 ft (adjoining commercial/industrial) | 10 ft |
| I-2 | No Max | 50 ft (adjoining commercial/industrial) | 25 ft |
Parking Requirements
Fayetteville does not mandate a minimum number of off-street parking spaces for non-residential uses, such as microbreweries. However, the City of Fayetteville limits the maximum number of spaces provided based on ratios intended to prevent over-supply [Section 172.05].
Sections Cited
- Section 151.01 - Definitions
- Section 161.18 - District NS-L, Neighborhood Services — Limited
- Section 161.19 - District NS-G, Neighborhood Services — General
- Section 161.21 - District C-1, Neighborhood Commercial
- Section 161.22 - District CS, Community Services
- Section 161.23 - District C-2, Thoroughfare Commercial
- Section 161.24 - District UT, Urban Thoroughfare
- Section 161.26 - District DC, Downtown Core
- Section 161.27 - District MSC, Main Street Center
- Section 161.28 - District DG, Downtown General
- Section 161.30 - District I-1, Heavy Commercial and Light Industrial
- Section 161.31 - District I-2, General Industrial
- Section 161.36 - District UC, Urban Corridor
- Section 161.37 - District UN, Urban Neighborhood
- Section 162.01 - Use Unit Establishment/Listing
- Section 163.02 - Authority; Conditions, Procedures (Conditional Uses)
- Section 164.06 - Minimum Buildable Street Frontage
- Section 172.05 - Standards For The Number Of Spaces By Use