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Setback Requirements for the R-O Residential-Office District in Fayetteville

Jurisdiction: FayettevilleCode Version: December 2025

In the City of Fayetteville, the R-O: Residential-Office district typically requires a standard front setback of 15 feet and a rear setback of 25 feet. However, if a developer utilizes the optional "Urban Form" design standards, the Fayetteville Unified Development Code establishes a build-to zone for the front of the property between 0 and 25 feet and removes the rear setback requirement unless the property is contiguous to a single-family residential district.

Standard Setback Requirements

For developments in the R-O: Residential-Office district following standard traditional configurations, Fayetteville mandates specific distances based on the orientation of the structure and the presence of parking or specific overlay districts [Section 161.20(E)].

Yard Type Standard Requirement Conditions/Exceptions
Front 15 feet Base requirement
Front 50 feet If parking is allowed between the right-of-way and the building
Front 15 feet Within the Hillside Overlay District
Side 10 feet Base requirement
Side 15 feet When contiguous to a residential district
Side 8 feet Within the Hillside Overlay District
Rear 25 feet Without an easement or alley
Rear 10 feet Measured from the center line of a public alley
Rear 15 feet Within the Hillside Overlay District

Urban Form Setback Regulations

Fayetteville allows the R-O: Residential-Office district to be developed using an "Urban Form," which emphasizes a build-to zone to create a more pedestrian-oriented environment. When these regulations are applied, the following setbacks govern the site [Section 161.20(E)]:

Yard Type Urban Form Requirement
Front A build-to zone located between the front property line and a line 25 feet from the front property line.
Side 5 feet.
Side (Zero Lot Line) A setback of less than 5 feet (zero lot line) is permitted on one interior side, provided a maintenance agreement is filed. The remaining side setback(s) shall be 10 feet.
Rear None.
Rear (Contiguous) 15 feet when the property is contiguous to a single-family residential district.

Additional Site Limitations

In addition to the specific yard requirements, the R-O: Residential-Office district in Fayetteville is subject to overall site coverage limits. The total area occupied by all buildings on a lot in the R-O: Residential-Office district may not exceed 60% of the total lot area [Section 161.20(G)]. If the developer chooses to utilize the "Urban Form" standards, they are also required to meet a minimum buildable street frontage of 50% of the lot width [Section 161.20(H)].

Sections Cited

  • Section 161.20 - District R-O, Residential Office

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