RMF-12 Residential Multi-family District Guide for Fayetteville
The RMF-12: Residential Multi-family — Twelve (12) Units Per Acre district in Fayetteville is designed to facilitate moderate-density residential developments, including single-family, two-family, and multi-family structures. This zoning designation allows a maximum density of 12 units per acre and is intended to serve as a transitional zone between low-density residential areas and higher-density urban nodes [Section 161.14(A)].
Permitted Uses by Right in the RMF-12 District
In the RMF-12 district of Fayetteville, several uses are allowed "by right," meaning they do not require special conditional approval provided they meet the standard requirements of the Fayetteville Unified Development Code [Section 161.14(B)(1)].
- City-wide uses by right: General public and agricultural uses as defined in Use Unit 1.
- Single-family dwellings: Traditional detached homes (Use Unit 8).
- Two-family dwellings: Duplexes and two-unit attached structures (Use Unit 9).
- Three- and Four-family dwellings: Small multi-unit buildings (Use Unit 10).
- Multi-family dwellings: Apartment complexes and higher-density residential structures (Use Unit 26).
- Accessory dwellings: Secondary units on a single lot (Use Unit 41).
- Cluster Housing Development: Innovative groupings of residential units (Use Unit 44).
- Short-term rentals: Residential units leased for periods of less than 30 consecutive days (Use Unit 46).
Conditional Uses in the RMF-12 District
Certain uses may be permitted within the Fayetteville RMF-12 district only after receiving a conditional use permit from the Planning Commission. These uses are evaluated for their impact on the surrounding neighborhood [Section 161.14(B)(2)].
- City-wide uses by conditional use permit: Specific public or private facilities listed in Use Unit 2.
- Public protection and utility facilities: Essential infrastructure like substations or water towers (Use Unit 3).
- Cultural and recreational facilities: Museums, cemeteries, or community centers (Use Unit 4).
- Government facilities: Main facilities for government agencies (Use Unit 5).
- Manufactured home park: Dedicated areas for manufactured housing (Use Unit 11).
- Limited business: Small-scale commercial establishments compatible with residential areas (Use Unit 12a).
- Home occupations: Businesses conducted within a primary residence (Use Unit 24).
- Professional offices: Accountant, architect, or legal offices (Use Unit 25).
- Wireless communications facilities: Towers and related equipment (Use Unit 36).
- Private dormitories: Housing constructed specifically for students (Use Unit 48).
Prohibited Uses in the RMF-12 District
Within the Fayetteville RMF-12 district, any use not explicitly listed as permitted by right or as a conditional use is generally prohibited. Specifically, the Fayetteville Unified Development Code restricts or prohibits the following activities:
- Enclosure Requirements: All residential and commercial activities must be conducted within a fully enclosed structure unless otherwise specified. Accessory off-street parking is an exception to this rule [Section 162.04].
- Traditional Industrial Uses: Heavy industrial, manufacturing, and warehousing activities are not permitted in RMF-12.
- Commercial Auto Repair: Major mechanical repair, body work, and the storage of inoperable vehicles are prohibited [Section 164.05].
- Large Scale Agriculture: Livestock assembly, shipment, and large-scale farming (such as hog or poultry farms) are not allowed within this district [Section 164.04].
Development Standards for RMF-12
The City of Fayetteville mandates specific spatial requirements for all developments within the RMF-12 district to ensure adequate light, air, and safety.
Bulk and Area Regulations
| Category | Minimum Lot Width | Minimum Lot Area |
|---|---|---|
| Single-family | 45 feet | 4,500 square feet |
| Two-family | 45 feet | 6,000 square feet |
| Three-family or more | 80 feet | 9,000 square feet |
| Townhouse (Individual Lot) | N/A | 2,500 square feet |
| Professional Offices | 100 feet | 1 acre |
| Manufactured Home Park | 100 feet | 3 acres |
| Fraternity or Sorority | N/A | 2 acres |
Setback and Height Requirements
| Setback Location | Single & Two-family | Other Uses (including Multi-family) |
|---|---|---|
| Front | 10–25 feet (Build-to zone) | 10–25 feet (Build-to zone) |
| Side | 5 feet | 8 feet |
| Rear | 5 feet | 20 feet |
| Max Height | 3 stories | 2 stories / 3 stories* |
*Buildings in RMF-12 located between 0 and 10 feet from the front property line have a maximum height of two (2) stories. If the building is set back more than 10 feet from the master street plan right-of-way, it may reach three (3) stories [Section 161.14(F)].
Parking and Density Standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Density (Max) | 12 Units Per Acre |
| Building Area (Max) | 60% of total lot area |
| Single-family Parking | 2 spaces per dwelling unit |
| Multi-family Parking | 1 space per bedroom |
| Townhouse Parking | 2 per unit or 1 per bedroom (whichever is greater) |
Sections Cited
- Section 151.01 - Definitions
- Section 161.14 - District RMF-12, Residential Multi-Family — Twelve (12) Units Per Acre
- Section 162.01 - Establishment/Listing
- Section 162.04 - Enclosure Of Uses
- Section 164.04 - Urban Agriculture
- Section 164.05 - Motor Vehicle Repair
- Section 172.05 - Standards For The Number Of Spaces By Use