RMF-6 Residential Multi-Family Zoning Regulations in Fayetteville
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