Bentonville DC: Downtown Core District Setback Standards
In the Bentonville DC: Downtown Core district, nonresidential structures are required to have a 0-foot front yard setback, effectively placing the building face on the property line. Residential structures within the DC: Downtown Core district are permitted a more flexible front yard setback ranging from 0 feet up to a maximum of 20 feet. Side and rear setbacks for all building types in this district are generally 0 feet, supporting the municipality's goal of maintaining a dense, pedestrian-oriented urban environment.
Overview of the DC: Downtown Core District
The DC: Downtown Core district is centered around the Bentonville Square and extends urban characteristics along the primary downtown street of SW A Street to Highway 102/14th Street [Section 401.8-B(a)(1)]. The district is designed to promote a pedestrian-oriented character with buildings that are spaced closely or attached, facilitating vertical mixed-use development with commercial or retail on the ground floor and residential or office space on upper floors [Section 401.8-B(a)(1)].
Required Setbacks for the DC: Downtown Core District
Setbacks in Bentonville are measured as the horizontal distance between the property line or right-of-way line and the foundation of the structure [Section 401.03(d)]. The following table outlines the specific requirements for the DC: Downtown Core district:
| Building Type | Front Yard (Min) | Front Yard (Max) | Side Yard (Min) | Rear Yard (Min) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential | 0' | 20' | 0' | 0' |
| Nonresidential | 0' | 0' | 0' | 0' |
Note: The 0-foot rear yard minimum applies regardless of whether the property is adjacent to residential or nonresidential districts [Section 401.8-B(d)].
Specific Conditions and Exceptions
The application of setbacks within the DC: Downtown Core district is subject to several specific urban design rules intended to ensure architectural continuity and safety.
Common Wall Exception
In the DC: Downtown Core district, side setbacks are not required when a common wall is proposed or already exists between two structures [Section 401.8-B(d)]. This allow for the continuous building streetscape typical of the Bentonville Square area.
Encroachment Standards
Bentonville allows certain architectural features to encroach into the public right-of-way or setback areas in the DC: Downtown Core district, provided they meet specific height and clearance standards [Section 401.8-B(f)].
| Feature | Minimum Height Clearance | Min. Setback from Arterial/Collector | Min. Setback from Local Street |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canopies, Awnings, Balconies | 8' | 2' | 2' |
Parking Restrictions
For properties in the DC: Downtown Core district, any provided surface parking must be located at the side or the rear of the building [Section 501.06(e)(1)(c)]. This ensures that vehicles do not interrupt the pedestrian movement or the visual continuity of the front facade along the street [Section 501.06(e)(1)(c)].
Sections Cited
- Section 401.03: Calculations And Measurements
- Section 401.8-B: Downtown (D) Districts Regulations
- Section 501.06: Number Of Off-Street Parking Spaces Required