Setback Requirements for RI-U: Residential Intermediate - Urban in Fayetteville

In the RI-U: Residential Intermediate - Urban district in Fayetteville, front setbacks are managed through a build-to zone located between the front property line and a line 25 feet into the lot. Side setbacks for single and two-family dwellings are established at 5 feet, while rear setbacks are required to be 5 feet, or 12 feet when measured from the centerline of an alley.

RI-U District Purpose and Intent

The RI-U: Residential Intermediate - Urban district is specifically designed by the City of Fayetteville to encourage a diverse range of housing types and support the demand for walkable urban living. The regulations for the RI-U district permit both detached and attached dwellings in environments that provide a transition between low-density and medium-density residential areas [Section 161.12(A)].

Standard Setback Requirements

The City of Fayetteville Unified Development Code (UDC) establishes the following dimensional standards for structures within the RI-U district:

Setback Location	Requirement
Front	Build-to zone between 0 and 25 feet from the front property line
Side (Single & Two-Family)	5 feet
Side (Other Uses)	None
Rear (Other Uses)	5 feet
Rear (from centerline of alley)	12 feet

[Section 161.12(E)]

Front Setbacks and Build-to Zones

Unlike conventional districts that only specify a minimum distance, the RI-U district in Fayetteville utilizes a "build-to zone." This requires the vertical side of a building that faces the primary space or street to be constructed within the designated range (0 to 25 feet) to maintain a consistent urban form and streetscape [Section 151.01, Section 161.12(E)].

Rear Setbacks and Alleys

For properties in the RI-U district that utilize an alley for vehicle access or utility easements, Fayetteville requires a specialized rear setback. Structures must be located at least 12 feet from the centerline of the adjacent alley [Section 161.12(E)].

Supplemental Design and Height Standards

While setbacks define the "footprint" area, the Fayetteville UDC also regulates the height and massing of buildings in the RI-U district to ensure compatibility with the urban environment:

Building Height: The maximum building height in the RI-U district is 2 stories, though it may increase to 3 stories if the building is set back greater than 10 feet from the front property line or any Master Street Plan right-of-way line [Section 161.12(F)].
Building Area: Total building coverage on any lot in the RI-U district shall not exceed 60% of the total lot area [Section 161.12(G)].

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