RI-U: Residential Intermediate - Urban Zoning in Fayetteville
The RI-U: Residential Intermediate - Urban district in the City of Fayetteville permits a diverse range of residential types, including single-family, two-family, and three- to four-family dwellings, with no specific density limit but a minimum lot width of 18 feet. This Fayetteville zoning designation emphasizes a walkable urban form, requiring buildings to be placed within a specific "build-to zone" between 10 and 25 feet from the front property line and limiting heights to a maximum of three stories depending on the building's placement.
Purpose and Applicability
The RI-U: Residential Intermediate - Urban district is designed to accommodate the development of both detached and attached dwellings in suitable urban environments. The primary intent for this district within Fayetteville is to provide housing types that are compatible in scale with single-family homes while encouraging a variety of housing options that meet the demand for walkable urban living [Section 161.12(A)].
Permitted Uses by Right
The following uses are allowed by right within the RI-U: Residential Intermediate - Urban district in Fayetteville [Section 161.12(B)(1)]:
- City-wide uses by right (Unit 1): Includes agricultural uses like field crop farms, fisheries, and forests, as well as essential services like fire hydrants and sidewalks [Section 162.01].
- Single-family dwellings (Unit 8): Traditional detached residences.
- Two-family dwellings (Unit 9): Duplexes and townhouses limited to no more than two attached units.
- Three- and four-family dwellings (Unit 10): Smaller multi-family structures.
- Accessory dwellings (Unit 41): Supplemental housing units on the same lot.
- Cluster housing development (Unit 44): Innovative arrangements of smaller dwellings.
- Short-term rentals (Unit 46): Dwelling units leased for periods of less than 30 consecutive days.
Conditional Uses
The following uses may be permitted in the RI-U: Residential Intermediate - Urban district, provided they are approved by the Planning Commission through the conditional use process [Section 161.12(B)(2)]:
- City-wide uses by conditional use permit (Unit 2): Includes facilities like airports, bed and breakfasts, campgrounds, and plant nurseries.
- Public protection and utility facilities (Unit 3): Includes electric regulating stations and transmission towers.
- Cultural and recreational facilities (Unit 4): Includes museums, cemeteries, churches, and schools.
- Government facilities (Unit 5): Main facilities for government agencies.
- Limited business (Unit 12a): Small-scale commercial establishments such as daycares, salons, and specialty retail under 3,000 square feet [Section 162.01].
- Home occupations (Unit 24): Businesses conducted within a dwelling by the residents.
- Multi-family dwellings (Unit 26): Residential structures containing more than four attached units.
- Wireless communications facilities (Unit 36): Towers and antennas for telecommunications.
- Private dormitories (Unit 48): Facilities constructed to house students.
Development Standards
Development within the RI-U: Residential Intermediate - Urban district must adhere to specific spatial and density requirements to maintain its urban character.
Bulk, Area, and Density
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Density (Units per acre) | None |
| Lot Width Minimum | 18 feet |
| Lot Area Minimum | None |
Setback Requirements
Buildings in the RI-U: Residential Intermediate - Urban district are governed by a "build-to zone" rather than standard setbacks for the front of the property to ensure an urban form [Section 161.12(E)].
| Yard Type | Standard |
|---|---|
| Front (Build-to Zone) | 10 to 25 feet from the front property line |
| Side (Single & Two-Family) | 5 feet |
| Side (Other Uses) | None |
| Rear (Other Uses) | 5 feet |
| Rear (from centerline of alley) | 12 feet |
Building Height Regulations
The City of Fayetteville regulates height in the RI-U: Residential Intermediate - Urban district based on the structure's distance from the front property line [Section 161.12(F)].
| Placement | Maximum Height |
|---|---|
| 0 to 10 feet from front property line | 2 stories |
| Greater than 10 feet from front property line | 3 stories |
Prohibited Uses
While not explicitly listed in a single "prohibited" table, any use not specifically identified as permitted by right or by conditional use in Section 161.12 is generally prohibited in the RI-U: Residential Intermediate - Urban district. Specific prohibitions mentioned elsewhere in the Fayetteville code that apply here include:
- Roosters: The City of Fayetteville prohibits roosters in all zoning districts [Section 164.04(B)(1)].
- Outside Slaughtering: There shall be no outside slaughtering of fowl or goats within the city limits [Section 164.04(B)(4), Section 164.04(D)(5)].
- Gated Streets: Fayetteville does not allow the construction of gated streets in most residential subdivisions, including those in RI-U [Section 171.02(D)].
- Specific Signs: Pole signs are prohibited in the RI-U: Residential Intermediate - Urban district [Section 174.10(A)(2)].
Sections Cited
- Section 161.12 - District RI-U, Residential Intermediate — Urban
- Section 162.01 - Use Units (Establishment/Listing)
- Section 164.04 - Urban Agriculture (Fowl, Bees & Goats)
- Section 171.02 - General Provisions (Streets and Sidewalks)
- Section 174.10 - On-Site Freestanding Signs