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R-O: Residential-Office District in Fayetteville

Jurisdiction: FayettevilleCode Version: December 2025

The R-O: Residential-Office district in Fayetteville provides for a mix of professional offices and compatible residential uses with a maximum density of 24 units per acre. This district features flexible building height limits ranging from 3 to 5 stories and permits administrative approval for developments utilizing urban form and build-to zones [Section 161.20].

Purpose and General Character

The primary intent of the R-O: Residential-Office district is to designate areas for professional offices without imposing strict limitations on the size or nature of the office. The district simultaneously encourages the inclusion of restaurants and compatible residential uses to create a balanced, mixed-use environment. A key characteristic of the R-O: Residential-Office district in Fayetteville is its support for "urban form" development; if a developer chooses to utilize a build-to zone and specific street frontage standards, the project can be approved administratively [Section 161.20].

Permitted and Conditional Land Uses

The R-O: Residential-Office district allows a broad range of residential and light commercial uses. Use units are categorized as either permitted by right or requiring a Conditional Use Permit (CUP).

Permitted Uses (By Right)

  • City-wide uses by right (Unit 1)
  • Government facilities (Unit 5)
  • Single-family dwellings (Unit 8)
  • Two-family dwellings (Unit 9)
  • Limited business (Unit 12a)
  • Offices, studios, and related services (Unit 25)
  • Accessory dwellings (Unit 41)
  • Cluster Housing Development (Unit 44)
  • Short-term rentals (Unit 46)

Conditional Uses (Require Planning Commission Approval)

  • City-wide uses by conditional use permit (Unit 2)
  • Public protection and utility facilities (Unit 3)
  • Cultural and recreational facilities (Unit 4)
  • Manufactured home park (Unit 11)
  • Eating places (Unit 13)
  • Neighborhood shopping goods (Unit 15)
  • Home occupations (Unit 24)
  • Multi-family dwellings (Unit 26)
  • Wireless communications facilities (Unit 36)
  • Clean technologies (Unit 42)
  • Small scale production (Unit 45)
  • Private dormitories (Unit 48)

[Section 161.20]

Technical Development Standards

Development in the R-O: Residential-Office district must adhere to specific density, bulk, and area requirements.

Density and Lot Requirements

Standard Requirement
Maximum Density 24 units per acre
Lot Width Minimum (Single-family) 100 feet
Lot Width Minimum (Two-family) 60 feet
Lot Width Minimum (Three-family or more) 90 feet
Lot Area Minimum (Single-family) 6,000 square feet
Lot Area Minimum (Two-family) 6,500 square feet
Lot Area Minimum (Three-family or more) 8,000 square feet

[Section 161.20]

Setbacks and Building Height

The R-O: Residential-Office district offers two sets of setback standards depending on whether the project follows a conventional or "Urban Form" layout.

Standard Conventional Requirement Urban Form Requirement
Front Setback 15 feet Build-to zone (10 to 25 feet)
Side Setback 10 feet 5 feet
Rear Setback 25 feet None (15 feet if contiguous to residential)
Building Height Max 3 stories 5 stories

Note: The side setback is reduced to 8 feet when the property is located within the Hillside Overlay District [Section 161.20].

Parking Ratios

Fayetteville mandates minimum and maximum parking requirements for residential types within the R-O: Residential-Office district.

Residential Use Type Minimum Spaces Required Maximum 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* 1 per bedroom
Multi-family 1 per bedroom 1 per bedroom

*Whichever is greater. [Section 172.05]

Sections Cited

  • Section 161.20 - District R-O, Residential Office
  • Section 162.01 - Establishment/Listing (Use Units)
  • Section 172.05 - Standards For The Number Of Spaces By Use (Parking)

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