Setback Requirements for the RSF-18 District in Fayetteville
In the City of Fayetteville’s RSF-18 (Residential Single-family - Eighteen Units Per Acre) district, the front setback is defined by a build-to zone that extends from the front property line to a depth of 25 feet. Standard side and rear setbacks are required to be 5 feet, although the RSF-18 district allows for an optional zero lot line on one side provided a maintenance agreement is recorded.
RSF-18 Dimensional Setback Standards
The City of Fayetteville Unified Development Code (UDC) establishes specific distance requirements for the placement of structures in the RSF-18 district to ensure efficient development and consistent urban form [Section 161.10].
| Setback Type | RSF-18 District Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front (Build-to Zone) | Located between the front property line and a line 25 feet from the front property line |
| Side | 5 feet on both sides |
| Side (Zero Lot Line Option) | Permitted on one interior side; if utilized, the remaining side setback must be 10 feet |
| Rear | 5 feet |
Front Setback and Build-to Zone
In the RSF-18 district, the traditional front setback is replaced by a "build-to zone." This regulation requires the principal façade of the primary structure to be located within the area between the front property line and a line 25 feet back from that property line [Section 161.10(E)]. This standard is designed to promote an efficient, urban-style development pattern within the City of Fayetteville [Section 161.10(A)].
Side Setback Options
The City of Fayetteville provides two primary options for side setbacks within the RSF-18 district:
Standard Side Setback
The default requirement is a 5-foot setback on both sides of the property [Section 161.10(E)].
Zero Lot Line Alternative
As an alternative to the standard 5-foot building setback, the City of Fayetteville allows for a zero lot line on one interior side. To utilize this option, the property owner must meet the following criteria:
- Maintenance Agreement: A maintenance agreement must be filed for the zero lot line side.
- Maintenance Area: At least 5 feet of maintenance area must be provided along the structure. This may be provided through a perpetual maintenance easement on the adjacent property or a combination of an easement and private property.
- Compensatory Setback: If a zero lot line is used on one side, the remaining side setback for the RSF-18 property must be increased to a minimum of 10 feet [Section 161.10(E)].
Supplemental Building Area and Frontage Requirements
In addition to setbacks, the RSF-18 district in the City of Fayetteville is governed by specific lot coverage and frontage standards:
- Building Area: The area occupied by all buildings on an RSF-18 lot shall not exceed 60% of the total lot area. Accessory ground-mounted solar energy systems are excluded from this calculation [Section 161.10(G)].
- Buildable Street Frontage: For two-family dwellings in the RSF-18 district, there is a minimum buildable street frontage requirement of 50% of the lot width [Section 161.10(H)].
Sections Cited
- Section 161.10 - District RSF-18, Residential Single-Family — Eighteen (18) Units Per Acre
- Section 161.10(E) - Setback Requirements
- Section 161.10(G) - Building Area
- Section 161.10(H) - Minimum Buildable Street Frontage