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RMF-6 Residential Multi-Family Zoning Regulations in Fayetteville

Jurisdiction: FayettevilleCode Version: December 2025

The RMF-6: Residential Multi-family - Six (6) Units per Acre district in the City of Fayetteville is designed to encourage low-density multi-family housing that serves as a transition between single-family neighborhoods and higher-density areas. Within the City of Fayetteville, the RMF-6 designation strictly limits density to a maximum of six units per acre while allowing for diverse housing types including single-family, duplex, and multi-family dwellings [Section 161.13].

Allowed Uses in the RMF-6 District

The City of Fayetteville classifies allowed uses into two categories: those permitted by right and those requiring a conditional use permit.

Uses Permitted by Right

These uses are authorized within the RMF-6 district provided they meet all standard City of Fayetteville development requirements [Section 161.13(B)(1)].

Use Unit Description
Unit 1 City-wide uses by right (e.g., parks, public schools, agriculture)
Unit 8 Single-family dwellings
Unit 9 Two-family dwellings
Unit 10 Three- and four-family dwellings
Unit 26 Multi-family dwellings
Unit 41 Accessory dwellings
Unit 44 Cluster Housing Development
Unit 46 Short-term rentals

Conditional Uses

The following uses may be permitted in the RMF-6 district only after a review and approval of a conditional use permit by the City of Fayetteville Planning Commission [Section 161.13(B)(2)].

Use Unit Description
Unit 2 City-wide uses by conditional use permit (e.g., airports, campgrounds)
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

Development Standards for RMF-6

All construction in the RMF-6 district must adhere to the following spatial and density requirements established by the City of Fayetteville [Section 161.13(C)-(E)].

Standard Requirement
Density 6 units per acre or less
Lot Width Minimum (SF/2-Family) 50 feet
Lot Width Minimum (3+ Family) 90 feet
Lot Area Minimum (Single-family) 6,000 square feet
Lot Area Minimum (Two-family) 7,000 square feet
Lot Area Minimum (3+ Family) 9,000 square feet
Setback (Front) 15 feet (or 10-25 feet in Urban Form)
Setback (Side) 5 feet (8 feet for other uses)
Setback (Rear) 25 feet (5 feet if no easement/alley)
Building Height Maximum 2 stories (3 stories if setback > 10ft)

Prohibited Uses and Restrictions

The City of Fayetteville maintains several specific prohibitions and limitations within the RMF-6 district to protect the residential character of the neighborhood:

  • Unlisted Uses: Any use not specifically listed as a permitted use by right or a conditional use is generally prohibited within the district [Section 162.02(B)].
  • Industrial/Heavy Commercial: Uses such as auto salvage, heavy manufacturing, or high-intensity commercial activities are not permitted in RMF-6 [Section 161.13].
  • Basements in Flood Zones: The construction of basement foundations is prohibited in any special flood hazard area within the City of Fayetteville [Section 168.10(N)].
  • Prohibited Fencing: Razor wire and barbed wire fences are prohibited in the City of Fayetteville if they are visible from the street right-of-way or an adjacent residence [Section 164.09(B)].
  • Occupancy Limits: For short-term rentals, occupancy is limited to two people per bedroom plus an additional two people for the entire unit [Section 163.18(B)].
  • Gated Access: The City of Fayetteville generally prohibits gated streets in residential subdivisions unless specific security considerations outweigh the city's policy for connectivity [Section 171.02(D)].
  • Parking in Front Yards: In urban configurations, drive-thru lanes, parking lot drive aisles, and parking spaces are not permitted in the front yard directly between a building and the street [Section 172.04(C)(4)].

Sections Cited

  • Section 150.11 - Compliance
  • Section 156.02 - Zoning Regulations
  • Section 161.13 - District RMF-6, Residential Multi-Family — Six (6) Units Per Acre
  • Section 162.02 - Interpretation
  • Section 163.02 - Authority; Conditions, Procedures
  • Section 163.18 - Type 2 Short-Term Rentals In Residential Zoning Districts
  • Section 164.09 - Fences, Walls, And Vegetation
  • Section 168.10 - Provisions For Flood Hazard Reduction
  • Section 171.02 - General Provisions
  • Section 172.04 - Parking Lot Design Standards

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