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Setback Requirements for the C-2: Thoroughfare Commercial District in Fayetteville

Jurisdiction: FayettevilleCode Version: December 2025

In the Fayetteville C-2: Thoroughfare Commercial district, the standard front setback is 15 feet, which increases to 50 feet if parking is permitted between the building and the right-of-way. While no side setbacks are typically required, a 15-foot setback must be maintained if the property is contiguous to a residential district, and the standard rear setback is 20 feet. Additionally, developers in the C-2: Thoroughfare Commercial district may opt for urban form setback regulations, which utilize a build-to zone between 10 and 25 feet from the front property line [Section 161.23].

Standard Setback Requirements for C-2: Thoroughfare Commercial

Fayetteville’s regulations for the C-2: Thoroughfare Commercial district provide specific separation distances to ensure adequate space for highway-oriented commercial activity and to protect neighboring residential areas.

Location or Condition Minimum Setback Requirement
Front 15 feet
Front (If parking is allowed between the building and right-of-way) 50 feet
Side None
Side (When contiguous to a residential district) 15 feet
Rear 20 feet

Urban Form Setback Regulations

Fayetteville allows for an alternative "Urban Form" design in the C-2: Thoroughfare Commercial district. This approach prioritizes a walkable environment by bringing buildings closer to the street and moving parking to the side or rear [Section 161.23]. When this design is selected, the following setbacks apply:

Location or Condition Requirement
Front (Build-to Zone) Between 10 feet and 25 feet from the front property line
Side and Rear None
Side or Rear (When contiguous to a single-family residential district) 15 feet

Supplementary Use Setbacks

Certain specific uses within Fayetteville's C-2: Thoroughfare Commercial district are subject to supplementary regulations that may override the general district setbacks. A prominent example is the placement of equipment for gasoline service stations [Section 164.18].

Equipment Type Minimum Setback from All Right-of-Way Lines
Pump Islands and Compressed Air Connections 25 feet
Canopies (Covering pump islands) 20 feet

Note: Canopies are not considered part of the building for the purpose of determining standard building setbacks, even if they are attached to the principal structure [Section 164.18].

General Visibility Requirements

Regardless of the setbacks listed above, Fayetteville requires that all corner lots in the C-2: Thoroughfare Commercial district maintain clear visibility at intersections. No motor vehicle or mobile home may be parked in a manner that obstructs the centerline grades of intersecting streets within 10 feet of the intersection, except in specific core districts like the DC, MSC, or DG districts [Section 164.17].

Sections Cited

  • Section 161.23: District C-2, Thoroughfare Commercial
  • Section 164.17: Visibility At Intersections In Residential/Nonresidential Districts
  • Section 164.18: Supplementary Use Regulations

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Setback Requirements for the C-2: Thoroughfare Commercial District in Fayetteville | Fayetteville Zoning Guide