RSF-8: Residential Single-family - Eight (8) Units Per Acre Zoning in Fayetteville
The RSF-8 district in Fayetteville is designed to accommodate single-family residential development at a density of up to eight units per acre, mirroring the scale and character of historical downtown neighborhoods. Development within the Fayetteville RSF-8 district requires a minimum lot size of 5,000 square feet and limits building height to three stories, with specific provisions for accessory dwellings and short-term rentals by right.
Purpose of the RSF-8 District
The Fayetteville Unified Development Code (UDC) establishes the RSF-8 district to bring historic platted developments into conformity with current standards. It also serves to allow for the creation of new single-family residential areas that maintain a similar lot size, density, and land use as the traditional historical neighborhoods found in the downtown area [Section 161.09(A)].
Allowed Uses in RSF-8
Uses in the Fayetteville RSF-8 district are divided into those permitted by right and those that require a conditional use permit.
Permitted Uses by Right
The following uses are allowed without requiring a special hearing, provided they meet standard Fayetteville building and development requirements [Section 161.09(B)(1)]:
- Unit 1 (City-wide uses by right): Includes agricultural uses (field crop farms, fisheries, forests), essential services in public rights-of-way (fire hydrants, sidewalks), and recreation/open space (parks, parkways, wildlife preserves) [Section 162.01(A)].
- Unit 8 (Single-family dwellings): Standard detached residential homes.
- Unit 41 (Accessory dwellings): Secondary small housing units on the same lot as a primary residence.
- Unit 46 (Short-term rentals): Leasing of a dwelling unit or bedroom for a period of less than 30 consecutive days.
Conditional Uses
The following uses may be permitted within the RSF-8 district only after review and approval by the Fayetteville Planning Commission [Section 161.09(B)(2)]:
- Unit 2 (City-wide uses by conditional use permit): Includes larger facilities like campgrounds, community recycling drop-off centers, and bed and breakfast facilities.
- Unit 3 (Public protection and utility facilities): Includes electric regulating stations and transmission towers.
- Unit 4 (Cultural and recreational facilities): Includes churches, schools, libraries, and community centers.
- Unit 5 (Government facilities): Main facilities for government agencies.
- Unit 9 (Two-family dwellings): Duplexes or townhouses (no more than two attached units).
- Unit 12a (Limited business): Small-scale establishments like daycares, salons, or small retail (subject to specific square footage limits).
- Unit 24 (Home occupations): Businesses conducted within a residence by the occupant.
- Unit 36 (Wireless communications facilities): Cellular towers and related equipment.
- Unit 44 (Cluster Housing Development):* Groupings of residential units.
Prohibited Uses
Under the Fayetteville UDC, any use not explicitly listed as permitted or conditional is generally prohibited in the RSF-8 district [Section 161.01(A)]. Furthermore, the Fayetteville RSF-8 district has specific prohibitions regarding signage and structures:
- Pole Signs: Except for certain exemptions, pole signs are prohibited in the RSF-8 district [Section 174.10(A)(2)].
- Monument Signs: These are prohibited on individual residential lots in the RSF-8 district [Section 174.10(B)(2)(a)].
- Incompatible Businesses: Businesses operating in the RSF-8 district that cannot provide proof of establishment according to UDC criteria are declared incompatible and cannot obtain a business license [Section 161.02(C)(3)].
Technical Development Standards
The Fayetteville RSF-8 district is governed by specific bulk, area, and setback requirements to ensure consistency with the neighborhood's historical form.
Lot and Density Requirements
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Maximum Density | 8 units per acre |
| Minimum Lot Width | 50 feet |
| Minimum Lot Area (Single-family) | 5,000 square feet |
| Minimum Lot Area (Two-family) | 5,000 square feet |
| Land Area Per Unit (Townhouse/Two attached) | 2,500 square feet |
Setbacks and Building Height
| Type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback | 15 feet |
| Side Setback | 5 feet |
| Rear Setback | 5 feet |
| Maximum Building Height | 3 stories |
| Maximum Building Area (Coverage) | 50% of total lot area* |
*Note: Coverage may be increased to 60% if a detached garage exists or is proposed [Section 161.09(G)].
Parking Requirements
| Residential Use Type | Minimum Parking Required |
|---|---|
| Single-family | 2 spaces per dwelling unit |
| Duplex / Triplex / Quadplex | 2 spaces per dwelling unit |
| Townhouse | 2 spaces per unit OR 1 per bedroom (whichever is greater) |
Sections Cited
- Section 161.01 - Application Of District Regulations
- Section 161.02 - Zoning Compliance And Business License
- Section 161.09 - District RSF-8, Residential Single-Family — Eight (8) Units Per Acre
- Section 162.01 - Use Units: Establishment/Listing
- Section 172.05 - Standards For The Number Of Spaces By Use (Table 3)
- Section 174.10 - On-Site Freestanding Signs