Bentonville A-1 Agricultural District Guide
The Bentonville A-1 Agricultural District requires a minimum lot size of 217,800 square feet (5 acres) and maintains a 30-foot setback for all front, side, and rear yards. While primarily designed to preserve prime agricultural land and support animal husbandry, the A-1 Agricultural District also permits single-family and two-family dwellings by right, provided they meet the low-density development standards of the City of Bentonville.
Purpose and Character
The Bentonville A-1 Agricultural District is specifically designed to preserve and protect prime agricultural lands within the municipality. It functions as a protective zone for undeveloped areas, shielding them from intensive urban uses until a formal use pattern is approved [Section 401.06(a)]. The district is characterized by large open spaces, farming operations, and very low-density residential development. In the City of Bentonville, the A-1 Agricultural District acts as the default classification for all territories hereafter annexed into the city limits unless otherwise provided for in the annexing ordinance [Section 401.04(e)].
Permitted Land Uses
The City of Bentonville allows a variety of rural and low-intensity uses within the A-1 Agricultural District. These are categorized as being allowed by right, as an accessory use, or via a conditional use permit.
Agricultural and Animal Uses
- Permitted by Right: General agriculture, agricultural product processing, agriculture-related businesses, animal clinics, animal kennels or shelters, farm animal raising, apiculture, botanical gardens, community gardens, greenhouses, livestock markets, and commercial stables [Section 401.05].
- Conditional Use: Raising of exotic animals and slaughterhouses [Section 401.05].
- Hobby Chickens: No more than four (4) hens are allowed for each single-family dwelling. Roosters and outside slaughtering are prohibited [Section 601.11].
Residential and Home-Based Uses
- Permitted by Right: Single-family dwellings and two-family dwellings [Section 401.05].
- Accessory Uses: Accessory dwelling units (ADUs), Type A home occupations, and general accessory structures [Section 401.05].
- Conditional Use: Group homes and Type B home occupations [Section 401.05].
Civic and Recreational Uses
- Permitted by Right: Golf courses, mini-parks, neighborhood parks, and recreational vehicle (RV) parks [Section 401.05].
- Conditional Use: Arenas/auditoriums, community centers, museums, outdoor music venues, and religious facilities [Section 401.05].
Development Standards
The A-1 Agricultural District has the most restrictive lot area requirements in Bentonville to ensure the preservation of open space.
Lot and Area Requirements
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | 217,800 sq. ft. (5 acres) |
| Minimum Lot Width | 100 feet |
| Minimum Lot Depth | 100 feet |
| Maximum Lot Coverage (Interior Lot) | 30% |
| Maximum Lot Coverage (Corner Lot) | 30% |
[Section 401.06(b)(1)]
Minimum Setback Standards
| Setback Location | Minimum Distance |
|---|---|
| Front Yard | 30 feet |
| Side Yard (Interior) | 30 feet |
| Side Yard (Exterior) | 30 feet |
| Rear Yard | 30 feet |
[Section 401.06(b)(2)]
Height and Accessory Structure Standards
- Maximum Building Height: 40 feet. However, a building may exceed this height if every front, side, and rear setback is increased by one additional foot for each foot the building exceeds the 40-foot limit [Section 401.06(b)(3)].
- Accessory Structures: Generally, accessory structures in Bentonville cannot exceed 50% of the square footage of the primary structure. However, the A-1 Agricultural District is exempt from this size limitation because its minimum lot size exceeds two acres [Section 601.01(b)].
Off-Street Parking Requirements
The City of Bentonville requires the following minimum parking ratios for primary uses in the A-1 Agricultural District:
| Use Type | Minimum Parking Ratio |
|---|---|
| Single-Family Dwelling | 2 spaces per dwelling unit |
| Two-Family Dwelling | 2 spaces per dwelling unit |
| Bed and Breakfast | 1 space per rental unit + 1 space for owner |
| Religious Facilities | 1 space per 4 seats in the principal assembly room |
[Section 501.06(f)]
Sections Cited
- Section 401.02 Classification Of Districts
- Section 401.04 Application Of Zoning District Regulations
- Section 401.05 Table Of Uses For Zoning Districts
- Section 401.06 A-1, Agricultural District Regulations
- Section 501.06 Number Of Off-Street Parking Spaces Required
- Section 601.01 Accessory Structures
- Section 601.11 Hobby Chickens