Bentonville Corner Lot Fence and Sight Distance Regulations
In the City of Bentonville, fences and walls are permitted to be constructed up to the property line, provided they comply with the specific height and material standards established in the Land Development Code. The Bentonville Zoning Code strictly prohibits any building, structure, or sign from encroaching into designated sight distance areas or "sight triangles" at intersections to ensure unobstructed visibility for motorists and pedestrians. For certain specialized developments like Cottage Courts, interior fences are limited to a maximum height of six feet, which is further reduced to four feet when positioned between a dwelling and a public street or trail.
Fence and Wall Regulations in Bentonville
The City of Bentonville defines a fence as an artificially constructed barrier made of wood, masonry, stone, wire, metal, or other manufactured materials used for boundaries, privacy screening, or confinement [Sec 201.02]. While fences are generally permitted, their placement and height are subject to both the Zoning Code and the Bentonville Land Development Code.
Placement and Encroachments
According to the Bentonville Zoning Code, fences and walls are among the few features allowed to occupy required setback areas.
| Feature | Encroachment Standard in Bentonville |
|---|---|
| Fences and Walls | May be constructed up to the property line [Sec 401.04(h)]. |
| Cottage Court Fences (Private) | Maximum height of 6 feet [Sec 601.35(e)(2)(b)]. |
| Cottage Court Fences (Public-facing) | Maximum height of 4 feet if located between the unit and public streets, trails, or common open space [Sec 601.35(e)(2)(b)]. |
Specific District Requirements
- Accessory Structures on Corner Lots: In the City of Bentonville, accessory structures on corner lots are prohibited from projecting beyond the building line of the primary structure or the existing primary structure on an adjacent lot [Sec 601.01(d)(2)].
- Residential Districts (R-C2 and R-C3): In these districts, if a rear alley or private drive exists, garages must be rear-loading. If a front-loading garage is permitted, it must be recessed at least six feet from the front façade of the building [Sec 401.07(d)(3)(c)].
Sight Distance and Visibility Requirements
To maintain public safety, the City of Bentonville enforces strict visibility standards at intersections and driveways. These are often referred to as sight triangles or sight distance requirements.
General Obstruction Prohibitions
The City of Bentonville Zoning Code mandates that no building, structure, sign, or any part thereof shall be located in a manner that creates an obstruction in areas designated to be kept clear of sight obstructions [Sec 401.04(g)]. These specific areas are defined by the City of Bentonville Subdivision Code (Article 1100.01) and must be approved by the City Engineer.
Signage and Vending Visibility
Specific regulations apply to temporary and portable objects to prevent them from becoming safety hazards:
- Signs: No sign in the City of Bentonville may be located so as to create an obstruction in the area kept clear for sight distance [Sec 801.12(c)].
- Vending Stands and Donation Boxes: Unattended donation boxes must be located so they do not interfere with any sight triangles [Sec 601.34(d)(6)]. Outdoor vendors are prohibited from operating within 10 feet of any street intersection or pedestrian crosswalk [Sec 601.16(d)(3)(a)].
- Sidewalk Signs: In pedestrian-oriented commercial areas (such as the DC, DE, C-1, C-3, and R-O districts), moveable sidewalk signs must not be placed in a way that narrows the effective width of the sidewalk to less than six feet for pedestrian movement [Sec 802.08(f)(5)].
Corner Lot Dimensions
Because corner lots require greater visibility and have two frontages, the City of Bentonville requires that the minimum width for corner lots be 20% larger than interior lots in the R-1, R-2, R-C2, and R-C3 residential districts [Sec 401.07(b)(3)].
Sections Cited
- Sec 201.02 - Definitions Of Terms And Uses
- Sec 401.04 - Application Of Zoning District Regulations
- Sec 401.07 - Residential (R) Districts Regulations
- Sec 601.01 - Accessory Structures
- Sec 601.16 - Outdoor And Mobile Food Vendors
- Sec 601.34 - Unattended Donation Boxes
- Sec 601.35 - Cottage Courts
- Sec 801.12 - General Regulations (Sign Ordinance)
- Sec 802.08 - Signs Allowed Without A Sign Permit (City Property)