RMF-18: Residential Multi-family - Eighteen (18) Units per Acre Zoning in Fayetteville
The RMF-18: Residential Multi-family - Eighteen (18) Units per Acre zoning district in Fayetteville allows for a maximum residential density of 18 dwelling units per acre. This district supports a diverse array of housing, including single-family detached homes, townhouses, and multi-family apartments, with building heights generally permitted up to three stories depending on the setback from the street.
Purpose and General Character
The RMF-18 district is established by the City of Fayetteville to promote and encourage the efficient development of residential structures in a variety of densities [Section 161.15(A)]. While the district's name specifies "Multi-family," the Fayetteville Unified Development Code (UDC) describes its purpose as encouraging efficient development of single-family detached residences alongside higher-density options. The general character of RMF-18 in Fayetteville is one of transition, allowing for a mix of traditional homes and larger multi-family complexes within a cohesive neighborhood framework.
Permitted and Conditional Land Uses
Fayetteville's RMF-18 district utilizes "Use Units" to categorize what activities are allowed by right or by special permission.
Permitted Uses (By Right)
- Unit 1: City-wide uses by right
- Unit 8: Single-family dwellings
- Unit 9: Two (2)-family dwellings
- Unit 10: Three (3)- and four (4)-family dwellings
- Unit 26: Multi-family dwellings
- Unit 41: Accessory dwellings
- Unit 44: Cluster Housing Development
- Unit 46: Short-term rentals [Section 161.15(B)(1)]
Conditional Uses
Uses that require specific approval from the Fayetteville Planning Commission include:
- Unit 2: City-wide uses by conditional use permit
- Unit 3: Public protection and utility facilities
- Unit 4: Cultural and recreational facilities
- Unit 5: Government facilities
- Unit 11: Manufactured home park
- Unit 12a: Limited business
- Unit 24: Home occupations
- Unit 25: Professional offices
- Unit 36: Wireless communications facilities
- Unit 48: Private dormitories [Section 161.15(B)(2)]
Dimensional and Development Standards
The following tables outline the specific physical requirements for development within the Fayetteville RMF-18 district.
Bulk and Area Regulations
| Regulation | Standard |
|---|---|
| Maximum Density | 18 units per acre or less |
| Lot Width Minimum (Single-family) | 40 feet |
| Lot Width Minimum (Two-family) | 40 feet |
| Lot Width Minimum (Three-family or more) | 75 feet |
| Lot Area Minimum (Single-family) | 4,000 square feet |
| Lot Area Minimum (Two-family) | 5,000 square feet |
| Lot Area Minimum (Three-family or more) | 7,500 square feet |
| Minimum Buildable Street Frontage | 50% of the lot width |
| [Sections 161.15(C), (D), (H)] |
Setback and Height Requirements
| Setback/Height Component | Standard |
|---|---|
| Front Setback | 15 feet (Building within 8 feet of front line is prohibited) |
| Side Setback | 5 feet |
| Rear Setback | 5 feet |
| Side/Rear (Hillside Overlay District) | 8 feet (Side) / 15 feet (Rear) |
| Building Height Maximum | 2 stories (if within 10ft of street) / 3 stories* |
| Maximum Lot Coverage | 50% of total lot area |
| [Sections 161.15(E), (F), (G)] |
*Building Height Note: In Fayetteville RMF-18, a building or portion thereof located between 0 and 10 feet from the front property line (or any master street plan right-of-way line) is limited to two stories. Buildings or portions set back greater than 10 feet from said line may reach three stories [Section 161.15(F)].
Parking Requirements
Parking in the RMF-18 district is determined by the specific type of residential use established on the property.
| Residential Use Type | Minimum Parking Spaces Required | Maximum Parking Spaces Allowed |
|---|---|---|
| Single-family | 2 per dwelling unit | None |
| Duplex/Triplex/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 |
| [Section 172.05, Table 3] |
Sections Cited
- Section 161.15: District RMF-18, Residential Multi-Family — Eighteen (18) Units Per Acre
- Section 172.05: Standards For The Number Of Spaces By Use