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RSF-8 Residential Single-Family Setback Standards in Fayetteville

Jurisdiction: FayettevilleCode Version: December 2025

In the City of Fayetteville, the RSF-8: Residential Single-family - Eight (8) Units per Acre district requires a minimum front setback of 15 feet from the property line. Both the side and rear setbacks for primary structures within the RSF-8 district are established at a minimum of 5 feet. These standards are designed to support historic platted development patterns and allow for residential density similar to the City of Fayetteville's traditional downtown neighborhoods.

RSF-8 Setback Requirements Table

The following table outlines the minimum building setbacks for properties zoned RSF-8: Residential Single-family - Eight (8) Units per Acre in Fayetteville.

Setback Direction Minimum Requirement
Front 15 feet
Side 5 feet
Rear 5 feet

[Section 161.09(E)]

District Purpose and Context

The RSF-8 district is specifically intended to bring historic platted developments into conformity with modern Fayetteville regulations. It allows for the creation of new single-family residential areas that mirror the lot size, density, and land use characteristics of historical neighborhoods located in the Fayetteville downtown area [Section 161.09(A)].

Supplemental Setback Regulations

While the standard setbacks are 15 feet for the front and 5 feet for the sides and rear, certain specific development types or features within Fayetteville may alter these requirements:

Tandem Lot Development

For tandem lots (lots located behind a conforming lot) within the RSF-8 district, Fayetteville requires a minimum building setback of 5 feet from all property lines [Section 164.25(5)(e)].

Accessory Structures

In Fayetteville, accessory structures that are 10 feet or less in height must maintain a minimum side setback of 3 feet and a minimum rear setback of 5 feet. If an accessory structure in the RSF-8 district exceeds 10 feet in height, it must meet the standard setback requirements of the underlying district [Section 164.02(A)(3)].

Vision and Safety

Fayetteville regulations prohibit any permanent installation over 30 inches high within a required setback if it materially impedes the vision between vehicular or pedestrian traffic [Section 164.09(A)]. On corner lots, specific "Safety Zone" or visibility requirements may apply to ensure unobstructed views at intersections [Section 164.17].

Building Area Limits

In addition to setback distances, the RSF-8 district limits the total area occupied by all buildings. Total building coverage shall not exceed 50% of the total lot area. However, if a detached garage exists or is proposed for the property, the total building area may increase to a maximum of 60% of the total lot area [Section 161.09(G)].

Sections Cited

  • Section 151.01 - Definitions
  • Section 161.09 - District RSF-8, Residential Single-Family — Eight (8) Units Per Acre
  • Section 164.02 - Accessory Structures and Uses
  • Section 164.09 - Fences, Walls, and Vegetation
  • Section 164.17 - Visibility At Intersections In Residential/Nonresidential Districts
  • Section 164.25 - Tandem Lot Development

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