Bentonville C-1: Neighborhood Commercial Zoning Guide
The C-1 Neighborhood Commercial district in Bentonville is established to provide convenience goods and personal services to residents in surrounding neighborhoods while maintaining a physical character that harmonizes with residential development. Development in this district requires a minimum lot size of 7,000 square feet and limits building height to 40 feet, with a maximum lot coverage of 50% [Section 401.08].
Purpose and General Character
The primary purpose of the C-1 Neighborhood Commercial district is to offer essential services and retail within close proximity to residential areas without disrupting the neighborhood's integrity. Bentonville requires that any development within the C-1 Neighborhood Commercial district harmonize with the surrounding area in terms of form, bulk, height, and overall architectural design [Section 401.08(a)(2)].
Key character requirements for the C-1 Neighborhood Commercial district include:
- Aesthetics: Architecture and materials should be compatible with adjacent residential zones.
- Lighting and Signage: Lighting and signs must be subdued to minimize impact on neighbors.
- Site Layout: Landscaping and open space should be maximized, while parking, loading, and trash collection areas must be positioned as inconspicuously as possible [Section 401.08(a)(2)].
Permitted Land Uses
The C-1 Neighborhood Commercial district allows for a variety of small-scale commercial, institutional, and limited residential uses. Uses are classified as permitted by right (=), conditional (C), or accessory (A).
Commercial and Retail
- Artisan Shop and Bakery: Permitted by right.
- General Retail and Pharmacy: Permitted by right.
- Restaurant: Permitted by right (excluding drive-in or drive-through).
- Financial Institution and ATM: Permitted by right.
- Personal Services: Permitted by right (e.g., barber shops, tailors, day spas).
- Packaged Sale of Beer/Light Wine: Permitted by right [Section 401.05].
Institutional and Public
- Religious Facilities and Community Centers: Permitted by right.
- Educational Facilities: Permitted by right (e.g., schools, specialized training).
- Museums and Libraries: Permitted by right.
- Adult Day Care and Child Care Centers: Permitted by right.
- Public Safety Services: Permitted by right (e.g., police and fire stations) [Section 401.05].
Residential and Professional
- Medical Services (Doctor's Office): Permitted by right.
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): Allowed as an accessory use.
- Home Occupations: Type A is accessory; Type B requires a conditional use permit.
- Group Homes: Allowed with a conditional use permit [Section 401.05].
Development Standards
Bentonville imposes specific bulk and area requirements to ensure that C-1 Neighborhood Commercial developments do not overwhelm adjacent residential properties.
Lot and Area Requirements
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | 7,000 square feet |
| Minimum Lot Width | 70 feet |
| Maximum Lot Coverage (Interior/Corner) | 50% |
| Maximum Building Height | 40 feet |
Setback Requirements
| Yard Location | Standard |
|---|---|
| Front (With parking in front) | 50 feet |
| Front (No parking in front) | 20 feet |
| Side (Adjacent to non-residential) | 7 feet |
| Side (Adjacent to residential) | 15 feet |
| Rear (Adjacent to non-residential) | 20 feet |
| Rear (Adjacent to residential) | 25 feet |
[Source: Section 401.08(b) and 401.08(c)]
Height Exceptions
Any structure in the C-1 Neighborhood Commercial district that exceeds the 40-foot height limit must be set back an additional one foot for each foot of height in excess of the limit [Section 401.08(d)(2)].
Parking and Loading
Off-street parking in the C-1 Neighborhood Commercial district must be provided according to the specific use.
| Use Type | Parking Ratio |
|---|---|
| General Business/Retail | 1 space per 250 sq. ft. of net floor area (up to 10,000 sq. ft.) |
| Professional Office | 1 space per 300 sq. ft. of net floor area |
| Restaurant | 1 space per 4 occupants (max permitted) + 1 space per employee |
| Medical Clinic | 1 space per 300 sq. ft. of net floor area |
[Source: Section 501.06]
Sections Cited
- Section 401.05 Table of Uses for Zoning Districts
- Section 401.08 Commercial (C) Districts Regulations
- Section 501.06 Number of Off-Street Parking Spaces Required