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HomeMy WebLinkAboutOrdinance 6869113 West Mountain Street
Fayetteville, AR 72701
(479) 575-8323
Ordinance: 6869
File Number: 2025-540
REVISE LOT FRONTAGE REQUIREMENTS TO PROMOTE HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES (AMEND CH.
151):
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND SECTION 151.01 DEFINITIONS THE UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE TO
REVISE LOT FRONTAGE REQUIREMENTS, AND TO REPEAL SECTION 164.16 STRUCTURES TO HAVE
ACCESS
WHEREAS, in conjunction with members of Fayetteville's Planning Commission, the Housing Crisis Task Force, and
the development community, an interdivisional group of staff identified three sections of the UDC where amendments
may improve the availability and diversity of housing in Fayetteville including lot frontage requirements; and
WHEREAS, addressing a recommendation from both the Housing Crisis Task Force and staff, this proposed
amendment is intended to expand what can qualify as required lot frontage from only public streets to public streets in
addition to alleys, multi -use trails, and public parks.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE,
ARKANSAS:
Section 1: That the City Council of the City of Fayetteville, Arkansas hereby repeals the definition of frontage line in §
151.01 and enacts a replacement definition as follows:
"Frontage line. The property line or lines of a lot which coincide with a right-of-way or other public open space,
including alleys, multi -use trails, and public parks."
Section 2: That the City Council of the City of Fayetteville, Arkansas hereby repeals the definition of lot frontage in §
151.01 and enacts a replacement definition as follows:
"Lot frontage (zoning). The front of a lot shall be construed to be the portion nearest the street, alley, multi -use trail, or
public park. Where lots utilize only a public alley, multi -use trail or park to meet lot frontage requirements,
development, landscaping, and other standards shall be required as if said alley, multi -use trail, or park were a public
street."
Section 3: That the City Council of the City of Fayetteville, Arkansas hereby repeals the definition of lot interior in §
151.01 and enacts a replacement definition as follows:
"Lot, interior (zoning). A lot other than a corner lot with only one frontage on a street, alley, multi -use trail, or public
or private park."
Page 1
Ordinance: 6869
File Number: 2025-540
Section 4: That the City Council of the City of Fayetteville, Arkansas hereby repeals the definition of lot width in §
151.01 and enacts a replacement definition as follows:
"Lot, width of (zoning). The distance between straight lines connecting front and rear lot lines at each side of the lot,
measured across the rear of the required front yard, provided, however, that width between side lot lines at their
foremost points (where they intersect with the street line, alley, multi -use trail, or public park) shall not be less than
80% of the required lot width except in the case of lots on the turning circle of a cul-de-sac, where the 80% requirement
shall not apply.
Section 5: That the City Council of the City of Fayetteville, Arkansas hereby repeals § 164.16 Structures to Have
Access because this requirement is adequately addressed in other sections of the Unified Development Code.
PASSED and APPROVED on May 6, 2025
Approved:
Molly Rawn, Mayor
Attest:
�fAYETfEV!LLEry_
Kara Paxton, City Clerk Treasurer
This publication was paid for by the City Clerk -Treasurer of the City of Fayetteville,
Arkansas. Amount Paid: $240.16
Page 2
CITY OF
FAYETTEVILLE
ARKANSAS
MEETING OF MAY 6, 2025
CITY COUNCIL MEMO
2025-540
TO: Mayor Rawn and City Council
THRU: Keith Macedo, Interim Chief of Staff
FROM: Jonathan Curth, Development Services Director
SUBJECT: REVISE LOT FRONTAGE REQUIREMENTS (AMEND CHAPTER 151 - UNIFIED
DEVELOPMENT CODE):
RECOMMENDATION:
City staff recommend approval of a amendment to Chapter 151 of the Unified Development Code (UDC) as
described in Exhibit `A'.
BACKGROUND:
In ongoing efforts to address housing needs in Fayetteville, it is increasingly apparent that the obstacles to
affordability are expansive. These range widely, including national financing structures and international supply
lines down to the availability of local labor and various layers of regulation. While the City of Fayetteville's
ability to impact larger market forces is limited, the potential to effect change by amending local development
standards is as broad as the number of ordinances impacting residential construction. Accordingly, it is
necessary to continually evaluate and reevaluate the development code for changing market conditions,
shifting community needs, and even changes in technology.
DISCUSSION:
In conjunction with members of Fayetteville's Planning Commission, the Housing Crisis Task Force, and the
development community, an interdivisional group of staff identified three sections of the UDC where
amendments may improve the availability and diversity of housing in Fayetteville. These include modular
construction, accessory dwelling units, and lot frontage, with this ordinance focusing on lot frontage:
• Lot Frontage: Addressing a recommendation from both the Housing Crisis Task Force and staff, this
amendment relates to lot frontage requirements for development. Specifically, this proposal is intended
to expand what can qualify as required lot frontage from only public streets to public streets in addition
to alleys, multi -use trails, and public parks.
Additional initiatives that do not require an ordinance are underway to address Fayetteville's housing needs,
with two of the most prominent having the potential to reduce permitting and construction times:
• Same -Day Inspections: Currently, when an inspection is requested of the Building Safety Department,
Mailing address:
113 W. Mountain Street www.fayetteville-ar.gov
Fayetteville, AR 72701
they are scheduled for the following day with the exception of emergencies or other urgent cases. While
this appears to meet the needs of many customers, requests for same -day inspections are common
enough to merit formalizing the service. As a pilot, Building Safety will offer limited numbers of same
day inspections on a first-come/first -served basis. If this offering does not compromise inspection
responsiveness, the pilot will be reevaluated for possible expansion and afford permit -holders the
opportunity to advance construction more rapidly.
Over -the -Counter Permitting/Same-Day Permitting: While gains have been made in improving
review times for certain classes of building permit, additional opportunities exist. Most prominent of
these is the potential to offer "over-the-counter" or "same day" permits, meaning applications may be
submitted and approved within the same day or possibly hour. At least initially, this will come with some
limitations, including that the permit does not require review from other departments or divisions, that
the assigned reviewer is qualified to complete the review independently, and that the application is
complete. Initially this offering is likely limited to building permits under the residential building code,
such as single-family dwellings and accessory structures. Despite this apparent limitation, with 559
single-family building permits issued in 2024, the potential time savings for even a portion of these is
significant.
BUDGET/STAFF IMPACT:
N/A
ATTACHMENTS: SRF (#3) , Exhibit A - Lot Frontage (#4), Strikethrough-Redlines - Lot Frontage (#5)
Mailing address:
113 W. Mountain Street www.fayetteville-ar.gov
Fayetteville, AR 72701
City Of Fayetteville, Arkansas 113 West Mountain Street
Fayetteville, AR 72701
(479) 575-8323
Legislation Text
File #: 2025-540
REVISE LOT FRONTAGE REQUIREMENTS TO PROMOTE HOUSING
OPPORTUNITIES (AMEND CH. 151):
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND SECTION 151.01 DEFINITIONS THE UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT
CODE TO REVISE LOT FRONTAGE REQUIREMENTS, AND TO REPEAL SECTION 164.16
STRUCTURES TO HAVE ACCESS
WHEREAS, in conjunction with members of Fayetteville's Planning Commission, the Housing Crisis
Task Force, and the development community, an interdivisional group of staff identified three sections
of the UDC where amendments may improve the availability and diversity of housing in Fayetteville
including lot frontage requirements; and
WHEREAS, addressing a recommendation from both the Housing Crisis Task Force and staff, this
proposed amendment is intended to expand what can qualify as required lot frontage from only public
streets to public streets in addition to alleys, multi -use trails, and public parks.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS:
Section 1: That the City Council of the City of Fayetteville, Arkansas hereby repeals the definition of
frontage line in § 15 1. 01 and enacts a replacement definition as follows:
"Frontage line. The property line or lines of a lot which coincide with a right-of-way or other public
open space, including alleys, multi -use trails, and public parks."
Section 2: That the City Council of the City of Fayetteville, Arkansas hereby repeals the definition of
lot frontage in § 151.01 and enacts a replacement definition as follows:
"Lot frontage (zoning). The front of a lot shall be construed to be the portion nearest the street, alley,
multi -use trail, or public park. Where lots utilize only a public alley, multi -use trail or park to meet lot
frontage requirements, development, landscaping, and other standards shall be required as if said alley,
multi -use trail, or park were a public street."
Section 3: That the City Council of the City of Fayetteville, Arkansas hereby repeals the definition of
lot interior in § 151.01 and enacts a replacement definition as follows:
"Lot, interior (zoning). A lot other than a corner lot with only one frontage on a street, alley, multi -use
trail, or public or private park."
Page 1
Ordinance: 6869
File Number: 2025-540
Section 4: That the City Council of the City of Fayetteville, Arkansas hereby repeals the definition of
lot width in § 151.01 and enacts a replacement definition as follows:
"Lot, width of (zoning). The distance between straight lines connecting front and rear lot lines at each
side of the lot, measured across the rear of the required front yard, provided, however, that width
between side lot lines at their foremost points (where they intersect with the street line, alley, multi -use
trail, or public park) shall not be less than 80% of the required lot width except in the case of lots on the
turning circle of a cul-de-sac, where the 80% requirement shall not apply.
Section 5: That the City Council of the City of Fayetteville, Arkansas hereby repeals § 164.16
Structures to Have Access because this requirement is adequately addressed in other sections of the
Unified Development Code.
Page 2
Willa Thomason
Submitted By
City of Fayetteville Staff Review Form
2025-540
Item ID
5/6/2025
City Council Meeting Date - Agenda Item Only
N/A for Non -Agenda Item
4/18/2025 DEVELOPMENT REVIEW (630)
Submitted Date Division / Department
Action Recommendation:
Administrative Item (Amend Chapter 151 of the Unified Development Code): Submitted by CITY STAFF. The
proposed code change modifies lot frontage standards to promote housing opportunities.
Account Number
Project Number
Budgeted Item? No
Does item have a direct cost? No
Is a Budget Adjustment attached? No
Budget Impact:
Fund
Project Title
Total Amended Budget $ -
Expenses (Actual+Encum) $ -
Available Budget
Item Cost
Budget Adjustment $ -
Remaining Budget
V20221130
Purchase Order Number: Previous Ordinance or Resolution #
Change Order Number: Approval Date:
Original Contract Number:
Comments:
151.01 Definitions
F
Frontage line. The property line or lines of a lot which coincide with a right-of-way or other public open space,
including alleys, multi -use trails, and public parks.
Lot frontage (zoning). The front of a lot shall be construed to be the portion nearest the street, alley, multi -use
trail, or public park. Where lots utilize only a public alley, multi -use trail or park to meet lot frontage requirements,
development, landscaping, and other standards shall be required as if said alley, multi -use trail, or park were a
public street.
Lot interior (zoning). A lot other than a corner lot with only one frontage on a street, alley, multi -use trail, or public
or private park.
Lot width of (zoning). The distance between straight lines connecting front and rear lot lines at each side of the
lot, measured across the rear of the required front yard, provided, however, that width between side lot lines at
their foremost points (where they intersect with the street line, alley, multi -use trail, or public park) shall not be
less than 80% of the required lot width except in the case of lots on the turning circle of a cul-de-sac, where the
80% requirement shall not apply.
Page 1 of 1
151.01 Definitions
F
Frontage line. The property line or lines of a lot which coincide with a right-of-way or other public open space,
includine allevs. multi -use trails. and aublic narks.
Lot frontage (zoning). The front of a lot shall be construed to be the portion nearest the street, alley, multi -use
trail, or public park. Where lots utilize only a public alley, multi -use trail or park to meet lot frontage requirements,
development, landscaping, and other standards shall be required as if said alley, multi -use trail, or park were a
public street.
Lot interior (zoning). A lot other than a corner lot with only one frontage on a street, alley, multi -use trail, or public
or private park.
Lot width of (zoning). The distance between straight lines connecting front and rear lot lines at each side of the
lot, measured across the rear of the required front yard, provided, however, that width between side lot lines at
their foremost points (where they intersect with the street line, alley, multi -use trail, or public park) shall not be
less than 80% of the required lot width except in the case of lots on the turning circle of a cul-de-sac, where the
80% requirement shall not apply.
Page 1 of 1
Form vt.55
N\A
ECEIVE 44X R05/12/2025
media C TY OF FAYETTEVILLE
CITY CLERK'S OFFICE
Account#: NWCL5004205
Company: CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE-CLERKS OFFI
113 W MOUNTAIN
FAYETTEVILLE,AR 72701
Ad number#: 506851
PO #:
Matter of: ORD 6869
AFFIDAVIT•STATE OF ARKANSAS
1. Maria Hernandez-Lopez do solemnly swear that 1 am the Legal Clerk of the NWA Democrat Gazette,a daily
newspaper printed and published in WASHINGTON/BENTON county,State of ARKANSAS;that I was so related to
this publication at and during the publication of the annexed legal advertisement in the matter of:
ORD 6869
Pending in the court,in said County,and at the dates of the several publications of said advertisement stated below,and
that during said periods and at said dates,said newspaper was printed and had a bona fide circulation in said County,
that said newspaper had been regularly printed and published in said county,and had a bona fide circulation therein for
the period of one month before the date of the first publication of said advertisement;and that said advertisement was
published in the regular daily issues of said newspaper as stated below.
And that there is due or has been paid the NWA Democrat Gazette for publication the sum of$240.16.
(Includes$0.00 Affidavit Charge).
NWA Democrat Gazette 05/11/25;NWA nwaonline.com 05/11/25
t7M4e114-ee4wif%
Leal Clerk S�
g �'o.
State ofARKANSAS,County of Sebastian
_ :2 Gam• -
Subscribed and sworn to before me on this 12th day of May, 2025 _ p,
v3_
N ARY PUBLIC
Ordinance:6869 other sections of the Unified De-
File Number: 2025-540 velopment Code.
REVISE LOT FRONTAGE RE- PASSED and APPROVED on
OUIREMENTS TO PROMOTE May 6,2025
HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES Approved:
(AMEND CH.151): Molly Rawn,Mayor
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND Attest:
SECTION 151.01 DEFINITIONS Kara Paxton,
THE UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT City Clerk Treasurer
CODE TO REVISE LOT This publication was paid for
FRONTAGE REQUIREMENTS, by the City Clerk-Treasurer of
AND TO REPEAL SECTION the City of Fayetteville,
164.16 STRUCTURES TO HAVE Arkansas.
ACCESS Amount Paid:S240.16
WHEREAS, in conjunction May 11,2025 506851
with members of Fayetteville's
Planning Commission, the
Housing Crisis Task Force,and
the development community,an
interdivisional group of staff
identified three sections of the
UDC where amendments may
improve the availability and di-
versity of housing in Fayetteville
including lot frontage require-
ments;and
WHEREAS,addressing a rec-
ommendation from both the
Housing Crisis Task Force and
staff,this proposed amendment
is intended to expand what can
qualify as required lot frontage
from only public streets to pub-
lic streets in addition to alleys,
multi-use trails, and public
perks.
NOW,THEREFORE,BE IT OR-
DAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE,
ARKANSAS:
Section 1: That the City
Council of the City of Fayet-
teville,Arkansas hereby repeals
the definition of frontage line in
§151.01 and enacts a replace-
ment definition as follows:
"Frontage line. The property
line or lines of a lot which coin-
cide with a right-of-way or other
public open space,including al-
leys,multi-use trails,and public
parks."
Section 2: That the City
Council of the City of Fayet-
teville,Arkansas hereby repeals
the definition of lot frontage in§
151.01 and enacts a replace-
ment definition as follows:
"Lot frontage(zoning). The
front of a lot shell be construed
to be the portion nearest the
street,alley,multi-use trail,or
public park. Where lots utilize
only a public alley,multi-use
trail or park to meet lot frontage
requirements, development,
landscaping, and other stan-
dards shall be required as if
said alley, multi-use trail, or
park were a public street."
Section 3: That the City
Council of the City of Fayet-
teville.Arkansas hereby repeals
the definition of lot interior in§
151.01 and enacts a replace-
ment definition as follows:
"Lot,interior(zoning). A lot
other than a corner lot with only
one frontage on a street,alley,
multi-use trail,or public or pri-
vate park."
Section 4: That the City
Council of the City of Fayet-
teville,Arkansas hereby repeals
the definition of lot width in§
151.01 and enacts a replace-
ment definition as follows:
°Lot,width of(zoning). The
distance between straight lines
connecting front and rear lot
lines at each side of the lot,
measured across the rear of the
required front yard, provided.
however, that width between
side lot lines at their foremost
points (where they intersect
with the street line,alley,multi-
use trail,or public park)shall
not be less than 80%of the re-
quired lot width except in the
case of lots on the turning circle
of a cul-de-sac,where the 80%
requirement shall not apply.
Section 5: That the City
Council of the City of Fayet-
teville,Arkansas hereby repeals
§164.16 Structures to Have Ac-
cess because this requirement
is adequately addressed in