Allowed and Prohibited Uses in the Bentonville R-2 Medium Density Residential District

In the R-2 Medium Density Two Family and Townhome Residential district in Bentonville, developers may construct single-family, two-family, and townhouse dwellings by right, provided they meet a minimum lot size of 5,000 square feet for single-family homes. While residential uses predominate, certain community-oriented facilities like religious institutions and museums are permitted only via conditional use permits, and almost all commercial or industrial activities are strictly prohibited. Structures in the Bentonville R-2 district are limited to a maximum height of 36 feet and must maintain a 20-foot front yard setback.

Purpose of the R-2 Residential District

The Bentonville R-2 district is established to encourage residential developments that maintain the basic land use restrictions of low-density areas while permitting slightly higher density through two-family structures, townhomes, and patio homes. The municipality intends for these areas to be compatible with moderate-density residential environments, often serving as a transition between lower-density single-family neighborhoods and higher-density or commercial zones [Section 401.07(a)(4)].

Allowed Land Uses

Uses in the Bentonville R-2 district are categorized by whether they are allowed by right (permitted), allowed as an accessory use, or require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP).

Uses Allowed by Right

The following uses are permitted as primary and secondary uses in the R-2 district:

• Residential: Single-family dwellings, two-family dwellings, townhomes (including end-block developments), cottage courts, condominiums, and modular homes [Section 401.05].
• Recreation/Public: Mini-parks, neighborhood parks, and community parks [Section 401.05].
• Animals: Domestic or household animals (such as dogs, cats, birds, and rabbits) [Section 401.05].
• Infrastructure: Community gardens and solar energy systems [Section 401.05].

Accessory Uses

These uses are allowed only in support of a primary permitted use:

• Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): One ADU is allowed per lot, provided it is owner-occupied and matches the architectural style of the main building [Section 601.02].
• Home Occupations (Type A): These are low-impact businesses operated solely by residents that do not occupy more than 25% of the floor area [Section 601.12].
• Energy/Donation: Small wind energy systems and unattended donation boxes (max two per parcel) [Section 401.05].

Conditional Uses

The following require approval from the Bentonville Planning Commission:

• Civic/Religious: Religious facilities, community centers, educational facilities, museums, and botanical gardens [Section 401.05].
• Special Residential: Group homes and Urban Farms [Section 401.05].
• Private Clubs: Country clubs and associated facilities like golf courses or swimming pools [Section 401.05].
• Business: Home Occupations (Type B), which have slightly higher impacts than Type A [Section 601.12].
• Miscellaneous: Aquariums, public safety services, utility facilities, and wireless communication facilities (cell towers) [Section 401.05].

Prohibited Land Uses

Under the Bentonville Zoning Code, any use not explicitly listed as permitted, accessory, or conditional is prohibited. Major prohibited uses in the R-2 district include:

• Commercial: Retail stores, restaurants, bars, auto repair, and professional offices [Section 401.05].
• Industrial: Manufacturing, warehousing, salvage yards, and intensive industrial operations [Section 401.05].
• High-Density/Mixed: Multi-family apartments (three or more families), except for specific townhouse or cottage court configurations [Section 401.07(b)(1)].
• Agricultural: Commercial farming, livestock markets, slaughterhouses, and commercial stables [Section 401.05].
• Vending: Mobile food vendors and outdoor vending parks [Section 401.05].

Technical Standards for R-2 Development

Bentonville mandates specific dimensions and parking requirements for all developments within the R-2 residential designation.

Lot and Area Standards

Requirement	Standard for Single-Family	Standard for Townhome Structure
Minimum Lot Area	5,000 sq. ft.	6,000 sq. ft.
Minimum Lot Width	50 ft.	60 ft.
Max Lot Coverage (Interior)	40%	65%
Max Lot Coverage (Corner)	45%	70%
Maximum Building Height	36 ft.	36 ft.

[Section 401.07(b)(1)]

Minimum Setback Standards

Setback Location	Minimum Distance
Front Yard	20 ft.
Side Yard (Interior)	7 ft.
Side Yard (Exterior/Corner)	20 ft.
Rear Yard	25 ft.

[Section 401.07(c)(1)]

Off-Street Parking Requirements

Land Use Type	Required Parking Spaces
Single-Family/Two-Family	2 spaces per dwelling unit
Townhome/Patio Home	2 spaces per dwelling unit
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)	1 optional additional paved space

[Section 501.06(f)]

Sections Cited

• Sec 401.02 Classification Of Districts
• Sec 401.05 Table Of Uses For Zoning Districts
• Sec 401.07 Residential (R) Districts Regulations
• Sec 501.06 Number Of Off-Street Parking Spaces Required
• Sec 601.02 Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
• Sec 601.12 Home Occupations