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RSF-8 Residential Single-family Zoning District in Fayetteville

Jurisdiction: FayettevilleCode Version: December 2025

The RSF-8: Residential Single-family district in the City of Fayetteville permits a maximum density of eight units per acre with a minimum lot area of 5,000 square feet. It is designed to mirror the character of historical downtown neighborhoods, allowing for single-family homes and accessory dwellings by right while limiting building height to three stories [Section 161.09].

Purpose and General Character

The RSF-8: Residential Single-family district is established by the City of Fayetteville to bring historic platted developments into conformity with current regulations. Furthermore, the district aims to allow for the creation of new single-family residential areas that maintain a similar lot size, density, and general land use as the historical neighborhoods found in the Fayetteville downtown area [Section 161.09(A)].

Permitted and Conditional Land Uses

The City of Fayetteville categorizes land uses in the RSF-8 district into those permitted by right and those requiring a conditional use permit.

Uses Permitted by Right

The following uses are allowed without special discretionary approval in the RSF-8 district:

  • City-wide uses by right: (Unit 1)
  • Single-family dwellings: (Unit 8)
  • Accessory dwellings: (Unit 41)
  • Short-term rentals: (Unit 46) [Section 161.09(B)(1)].

Conditional Uses

The following uses may be permitted in the RSF-8 district subject to Planning Commission approval of a conditional use permit:

  • City-wide uses by conditional use permit: (Unit 2)
  • Public protection and utility facilities: (Unit 3)
  • Cultural and recreational facilities: (Unit 4)
  • Government facilities: (Unit 5)
  • Two-family dwellings: (Unit 9)
  • Limited business: (Unit 12a)
  • Home occupations: (Unit 24)
  • Wireless communications facilities: (Unit 36)
  • Cluster Housing Development: (Unit 44) [Section 161.09(B)(2)].

Development Standards

Development within the Fayetteville RSF-8 district must adhere to specific density, area, and setback requirements to maintain the intended urban form.

Bulk and Area Regulations

Category Requirement
Density (Maximum) 8 units per acre
Lot Width Minimum 50 feet
Lot Area Minimum (Single-family) 5,000 square feet
Lot Area Minimum (Two-family) 5,000 square feet
Land Area Per Dwelling Unit (Single-family) 5,000 square feet
Land Area Per Dwelling Unit (Two-family) 5,000 square feet
Land Area Per Dwelling Unit (Townhouse, max 2 attached) 2,500 square feet
[Section 161.09(C)-(D)].

Setback and Height Requirements

Type Standard
Front Setback 15 feet
Side Setback 5 feet
Rear Setback 5 feet
Maximum Building Height 3 stories
[Section 161.09(E)-(F)].

Building Area and Tree Canopy

In the RSF-8 district, the total area occupied by all buildings generally shall not exceed 50% of the total lot area. However, if a detached garage exists or is proposed, the total building area may be increased to a maximum of 60% of the total lot area [Section 161.09(G)]. Additionally, new developments in the City of Fayetteville zoned RSF-8 must maintain a minimum tree canopy of 20% [Section 167.04, Table 1].

Parking Requirements

Parking standards in the City of Fayetteville for the RSF-8 district vary based on the specific residential use type.

Residential Use Type Minimum Parking Spaces Required Maximum Parking Spaces Allowed
Single-family 2 per dwelling unit None
Duplex, triplex, or quadplex 2 per dwelling unit 4 per dwelling unit
Townhouse 2 per unit or 1 per bedroom (whichever is greater) 1 per bedroom
Multi-family 1 per bedroom 1 per bedroom
[Section 172.05, Table 3].

Sections Cited

  • Section 161.09: District RSF-8, Residential Single-family — Eight (8) Units Per Acre
  • Section 163.18: Type 2 Short-Term Rentals In Residential Zoning Districts
  • Section 167.04: Tree Preservation And Protection During Development
  • Section 172.05: Standards For The Number Of Spaces By Use

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