Bentonville DN-1 Downtown Low-Density Residential District Guide
The DN-1 Downtown Low-Density Residential District in Bentonville is designed to preserve established development patterns in downtown neighborhoods, primarily characterized by single-family homes on lots generally wider than 60 feet. Building heights in the DN-1 District are strictly capped at 36 feet, and the district only permits two primary building types: Single-Family Dwellings and Cottage Courts.
General Character and Purpose
The primary intent of the DN-1 District is to protect the existing aesthetic and structural scale of Bentonville’s traditional downtown residential areas. Unlike higher-density downtown zones, the DN-1 District focuses on maintaining a predominantly single-family environment while allowing for specific, low-impact residential variations like cottage courts and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) [Section 401.07-B(a)(1)].
Permitted Building Types
In the DN-1 District, all structures must be classified into one of the following two categories:
- Single-Family: A detached dwelling designed for or occupied by one family only [Section 201.02].
- Cottage Court: A group of between four and 12 detached structures arranged around a shared courtyard visible from the street [Section 201.02].
Land Use Regulations
Land uses in the DN-1 District are categorized as those allowed by right, accessory uses, or conditional uses requiring Planning Commission approval.
Residential and Neighborhood Uses
| Use Type | Permission Level |
|---|---|
| Single-Family Dwelling | Allowed by Right (=) |
| Cottage Court Dwelling | Allowed by Right (=) |
| Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) | Accessory Use (A) |
| Assisted Living Residential Facility | Allowed by Right (=) |
| Temporary Shelter Residential Facility | Allowed by Right (=) |
| Home Occupation (Type A) | Accessory Use (A) |
| Home Occupation (Type B) | Conditional Use (C) |
| Group Home | Conditional Use (C) |
| Bed and Breakfast | Conditional Use (C) |
Community and Public Uses
| Use Type | Permission Level |
|---|---|
| Library | Allowed by Right (=) |
| Mini-Park / Neighborhood Park | Allowed by Right (=) |
| Religious Facilities | Conditional Use (C) |
| Educational Facility (Public or Private) | Conditional Use (C) |
| Community Center | Conditional Use (C) |
| Museum | Conditional Use (C) |
| Aquarium | Conditional Use (C) |
Other Permitted Uses
| Use Type | Permission Level |
|---|---|
| Mobile Food Vendor | Allowed by Right (=) |
| Donation Box | Accessory Use (A) |
| Urban Farm | Conditional Use (C) |
| Utility Facility / Wireless Communication | Conditional Use (C) |
| Temporary Uses | Conditional Use (C) |
[Section 401.05 Table of Uses]
Dimensional and Development Standards
The DN-1 District utilizes specific lot and area requirements to maintain its low-density character.
Lot and Area Standards
| Building Type | Min. Lot Area (sq. ft.) | Min. Land Area per Unit | Min. Lot Width | Max. Lot Coverage (Int. / Corner) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Family | 5,000 | N/A | 50' | 40% / 45% |
| Cottage Court | 10,000 | 2,500 | 100' | 50% / 55% |
[Section 401.07-B(d)(1)]
Minimum Setback Standards
| Setback Location | Minimum Requirement | Maximum Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Front Yard | 15' | 25' |
| Side Yard (Interior) | 7' | N/A |
| Side Yard (Exterior/Corner) | 15' | N/A |
| Rear Yard | 25' | N/A |
Note: For Cottage Courts, the interior side yard for attached units may be 0' [Section 401.07-B(e)].
Height Standards
| District | Maximum Height Allowed |
|---|---|
| DN-1 | 36' |
[Section 401.07-B(a)]
Parking and Accessory Structures
- Residential Parking: Residential developments in the DN-1 District must provide at least one (1) parking space per dwelling unit. This can be achieved through on-site, on-street, or shared parking agreements [Section 501.06(e)(1)].
- Accessory Structures: The total square footage of an individual accessory structure cannot exceed 50% of the total square footage of the primary structure on the lot. They must be located behind the front building line of the primary structure [Section 601.01].
Sections Cited
- Section 201.02 Definitions Of Terms And Uses
- Section 401.05 Table Of Uses For Zoning Districts
- Section 401.07-B Downtown Neighborhood (DN) Districts Regulations
- Section 501.06 Number Of Off-Street Parking Spaces Required
- Section 601.01 Accessory Structures