← Back to Fayetteville AssistantFayetteville

RSF-7: Residential Single-family - Seven (7) Units Per Acre in Fayetteville

Jurisdiction: FayettevilleCode Version: December 2025

The RSF-7 district in Fayetteville is a residential classification that permits single-family detached dwellings with a maximum density of seven units per acre. Development within Fayetteville's RSF-7 zone requires a minimum lot size of 6,000 square feet for single-family homes and establishes a maximum building height of three stories.

Purpose and District Character

The RSF-7 Residential District is specifically designed to permit and encourage the development of detached dwellings within suitable environments in Fayetteville [Section 161.08(A)]. The character of the district is defined by a moderately dense residential fabric that supports single-family detached homes while allowing for limited higher-density configurations, such as two-family dwellings or townhouses, primarily through the conditional use process.

Permitted Land Uses

Land uses in the RSF-7 district are categorized into those allowed by right and those requiring a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) from the Fayetteville Planning Commission.

Permitted Uses (By Right)

The following uses are allowed without a conditional use permit in the RSF-7 district:

  • Unit 1: City-wide uses by right (e.g., parks, public schools, agriculture) [Section 161.08(B)(1)].
  • Unit 8: Single-family dwellings.
  • Unit 41: Accessory dwellings.
  • Unit 46: Short-term rentals.

Conditional Uses

The following uses may be permitted in the Fayetteville RSF-7 district subject to Planning Commission approval:

  • Unit 2: City-wide uses by conditional use permit (e.g., bed and breakfasts, campgrounds, solid waste facilities).
  • Unit 3: Public protection and utility facilities.
  • Unit 4: Cultural and recreational facilities.
  • Unit 5: Government facilities.
  • Unit 9: Two-family dwellings.
  • Unit 12a: Limited business.
  • Unit 24: Home occupations.
  • Unit 36: Wireless communications facilities.
  • Unit 44: Cluster Housing Development [Section 161.08(B)(2)].

Development and Technical Standards

Fayetteville's RSF-7 district enforces specific regulations regarding the size of lots, the placement of buildings, and the total area of a lot that may be covered by structures.

Bulk and Area Regulations

Regulation Single-family Two-family Townhouse (Max 2 Attached)
Minimum Lot Width 60 feet 60 feet 30 feet
Minimum Lot Area 6,000 square feet 6,000 square feet 3,000 square feet
Land Area Per Unit 6,000 square feet 3,000 square feet 3,000 square feet

Setback and Height Requirements

Standard Requirement
Front Setback 15 feet
Side Setback 5 feet
Rear Setback 15 feet
Max Building Height 3 stories
Max Building Area 50% of total lot area

[Sections 161.08(E) through 161.08(J)].

Parking and Tree Canopy Requirements

Off-Street Parking

Off-street parking in the Fayetteville RSF-7 district is determined by the residential use type:

Residential Use Type Minimum Required Spaces Maximum Allowed Spaces
Single-family 2 per dwelling unit None
Two-family (Duplex) 2 per dwelling unit 4 per dwelling unit

[Section 172.05, Table 3].

Tree Canopy Preservation

In Fayetteville, the RSF-7 district is subject to a 20% minimum tree canopy requirement. Applicants must preserve or provide tree canopy covering at least 20% of the total area of the property, excluding land dedicated for public rights-of-way or parkland [Section 167.04, Table 1].

Sections Cited

  • Section 161.08: District RSF-7, Residential Single-Family — Seven (7) Units Per Acre.
  • Section 167.04: Tree Preservation And Protection During Development.
  • Section 172.05: Standards For The Number Of Spaces By Use.

Have a specific zoning question?

Ask our AI assistant for instant, cited answers from the Fayetteville code.

Open Chat Assistant