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Fayetteville, NC Building Setbacks & Zoning: Setback Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified July 2026

Key Facts

SF-10 front setback
30 feet
SF-10 side setback
10 feet
SF-10 rear setback
35 feet
SF-6 front setback
25 feet
Accessory rear setback
5 feet

Summary

Fayetteville sets minimum setbacks by zoning district in UDO Article 30-3. SF-10 requires 30 feet front and corner side, 10 feet side, and 35 feet rear. SF-6 and MR-5 drop the front to 25 feet.

Setbacks refer to the unobstructed, unoccupied open area between the furthermost projection of a structure and the property line of the lot on which the structure is located. Setbacks shall be unobstructed from the ground to the sky except as otherwise expressly allowed in Subsection 30-9.B.1.f.2, Allowable Encroachments into Required Setbacks.

Source: Fayetteville Code of Ordinances & Unified Development OrdinanceView official code

Full Breakdown

SF-15 requires a 30-foot front and corner side setback, 15-foot side, and 35-foot rear. SF-10 uses 30 feet front and corner side, 10 feet side, and 35 feet rear. SF-6 and MR-5 both use 25 feet front and corner side, 10 feet side, and 30 feet rear. Where the corner side setback equals or exceeds the front minimum, the rear drops to 20 feet in SF-15 and SF-10 and to 15 feet in SF-6 and MR-5. Front setbacks alternatively measure 55 feet from the centerline of a private street, or 50 feet in MR-5. Accessory structures are barred from front, side, and corner side setbacks and keep a 5-foot rear setback.

Violations & Fines

Stop work order, permit revocation or withholding, injunction, court-ordered abatement with a lien for city costs, plus civil penalties recoverable as debt.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can eaves or steps extend into my setback?
Yes. Appurtenances such as eaves, gutters, porch stoops, steps, and cornices encroach up to 6 feet into front or rear setbacks and to within 5 feet of a side property line.
Where can I put a shed?
Accessory structures are not allowed in front, side, or corner side setbacks. In residential districts they keep a minimum 5-foot rear setback.
How is the front setback measured?
From the street right-of-way line, extending the full width of the lot. On private streets, the alternative is 55 feet from the street centerline.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Fayetteville

All Fayetteville rules

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