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Setback Requirements for the DC: Downtown Core District in Fayetteville

Jurisdiction: FayettevilleCode Version: December 2025

In the City of Fayetteville, the DC: Downtown Core district requires a specific "build-to zone" for the front of the property, meaning the principal façade of a building must be located between the front property line and a line 25 feet from that property line. While the City of Fayetteville does not require side setbacks for this district, a minimum rear setback of 5 feet is mandatory, which increases to 12 feet when measured from the center line of an adjacent alley. Additionally, developers must ensure that at least 80% of the lot width is occupied by the building at the street level to satisfy the minimum buildable street frontage requirement.

Standard Setback Requirements

The placement of structures in the DC: Downtown Core district is governed by "Urban Form" standards, which prioritize a consistent street wall and pedestrian-friendly environment. These standards replace conventional setbacks with a build-to zone on the front and specific minimums for the rear.

Setback Type Requirement in the DC District
Front (Build-to Zone) 0 to 25 feet from the front property line
Side None
Rear 5 feet
Rear (from centerline of alley) 12 feet
Minimum Buildable Street Frontage 80% of the lot width

[Section 161.26]

Building Placement and Frontage

In the City of Fayetteville, the front setback for the DC: Downtown Core district is defined as a "build-to zone." This regulation requires that the front of the building be placed within the specified 0 to 25-foot range to maintain the urban character of the downtown area. Furthermore, the DC: Downtown Core district requires a high degree of "Minimum Buildable Street Frontage." Specifically, 80% of the lot's width must be occupied by the vertical side of a building or structure within the build-to zone [Section 161.26(F)].

Additional Placement Regulations

The DC: Downtown Core district also contains specific regulations concerning building height in relation to its distance from the street:

  • Near-Street Height Limit: Any building or portion of a building located between 0 and 15 feet from the front property line (or a Master Street Plan right-of-way) is limited to a maximum height of five (5) stories.
  • Interior-Lot Height Limit: Portions of the building set back more than 15 feet from the Master Street Plan right-of-way may reach a maximum height of fourteen (14) stories.

[Section 161.26(G)]

Sections Cited

  • Section 161.26 - Downtown Core (Zoning Regulations)

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Setback Requirements for the DC: Downtown Core District in Fayetteville | Fayetteville Zoning Guide