Bentonville DN-4 Downtown Mixed-Use Residential District Guide
In the City of Bentonville, the DN-4: Downtown Mixed-Use Residential zoning designation is designed to facilitate high-density living and local commerce through a blend of multi-family housing and mixed-use structures. This district allows a wide array of residential, retail, and service uses by right, while maintaining a 40-foot height limit for smaller residential units and a 50-foot limit for larger multi-family and commercial developments. Residential parking requirements in the DN-4: Downtown Mixed-Use Residential district are streamlined to one space per dwelling unit to encourage an urban, walkable environment [Section 401.07-B, Section 501.06].
Purpose and District Intent
The DN-4: Downtown Mixed-Use Residential district is established by the City of Bentonville to encourage increased neighborhood density and localized commerce. This district is unique within the municipality for its focus on multi-family housing and mixed-use structures, which are intended to respond to high levels of activity and housing demand in the downtown periphery. The physical form of the DN-4: Downtown Mixed-Use Residential district transitions from purely residential character to a service-oriented environment where retail, office, and residential uses may coexist on the same floor or within the same building [Section 401.07-B (a)(4)].
Allowed Land Uses in DN-4
The following uses are categorized based on their permission status within the DN-4: Downtown Mixed-Use Residential district.
Uses Allowed By Right
The City of Bentonville permits several primary and secondary uses in this district without requiring a conditional use permit, provided they meet standard development regulations:
- Residential: Single-family dwellings, two-family dwellings, townhouses, multi-family dwellings, cottage courts, condominiums, assisted living facilities, and rehabilitation facilities [Table of Uses, Section 401.05].
- Commercial and Retail: Artisan shops, bakeries, bars/lounges/taverns, restaurants (including microbreweries), pharmacies, and general retail stores [Table of Uses, Section 401.05].
- Services: Financial institutions, professional offices, medical offices (doctor, urgent care, laboratory), adult day care, child care centers, and personal services (barber, beauty shop, etc.) [Table of Uses, Section 401.05].
- Public and Institutional: Community centers, libraries, museums, religious facilities, educational facilities, public safety services, and government service facilities [Table of Uses, Section 401.05].
- Miscellaneous: Urban farms, aquariums, solar energy systems (small), and wireless communication facilities [Table of Uses, Section 401.05].
Conditional Uses
Certain activities in the DN-4: Downtown Mixed-Use Residential district require approval from the Bentonville Planning Commission through the conditional use procedure:
- Home Occupations (Type B) [Section 601.12].
- Temporary Uses [Section 601.25].
- Single-use commercial buildings (which are typically required to be in mixed-use structures) [Section 401.07-B (c)(2)].
Accessory Uses
These uses are allowed only as secondary components to a primary permitted use:
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) [Section 601.02].
- Home Occupations (Type A) [Section 601.12].
- Non-residential accessory buildings [Section 601.01].
- Unattended donation boxes [Section 601.34].
Prohibited Uses
The following uses are generally not permitted within the DN-4: Downtown Mixed-Use Residential district in the City of Bentonville:
- Industrial: Intensive industrial operations, light industrial facilities, and salvage yards [Table of Uses].
- Automotive: Automobile repair, gas stations, and heavy equipment sales [Table of Uses].
- Agriculture: Slaughterhouses, stables, livestock markets, and large-scale agricultural product processing [Table of Uses].
- Residential: Manufactured home parks [Table of Uses].
Development and Bulk Standards
Properties in the DN-4: Downtown Mixed-Use Residential district must adhere to specific lot and area requirements to maintain the intended urban density of the City of Bentonville.
Lot and Area Standards
| Building Type | Min. Lot Area (sq. ft.) | Min. Lot Width | Max. Lot Coverage (Interior/Corner) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Family (Alley Access) | 4,000 | 40' | 50% / 55% |
| Single-Family (No Alley Access) | 5,000 | 50' | 50% / 55% |
| Multi-Family | 8,000 | 80' | 75% / 80% |
| Mixed-Use / Commercial | 10,000 | 80' | 75% / 80% |
Setback Requirements
| Building Type | Front Yard (Min/Max) | Side Yard (Interior) | Side Yard (Ext/Corner) | Rear Yard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single & Two-Family | 8' / 15' | 7' | 8' / 15' | 25' |
| Townhouse | 8' / 15' | 10' | 8' / 15' | 25' |
| Multi-Family | 8' / 15' | 10' | 8' / 15' | 15' |
| Mixed-Use / Other | 0' / 15' | 0' | 0' / 15' | 15' |
Note: For mixed-use buildings adjacent to a non-mixed-use building, the interior side yard may be 0 or 12 feet [Section 401.07-B (e)].
Height Standards
The City of Bentonville limits building height in the DN-4: Downtown Mixed-Use Residential district based on the primary use of the structure:
| District / Use Type | Maximum Height Allowed |
|---|---|
| Single-Family and Two-Family | 40 feet |
| Townhouse | 40 feet |
| Multi-Family | 50 feet |
| Mixed-Use and Commercial | 50 feet |
Parking Requirements
The City of Bentonville mandates specific off-street parking ratios for the DN-4: Downtown Mixed-Use Residential district to balance development needs with its walkable intent:
| Use Category | Required Parking Ratio |
|---|---|
| Residential Dwellings | 1 space per dwelling unit |
| Professional Office | 1 space per 300 sq. ft. of net floor area |
| Retail Sales | 1 space per 250 sq. ft. of net floor area |
| Restaurants | 1 space per 4 occupants (max capacity) + 1 per employee |
Residential parking in this district may be achieved via on-site parking, on-street parking, or a shared parking agreement as approved by the City of Bentonville [Section 501.06 (e)].
Sections Cited
- ARTICLE 201 DEFINITIONS
- ARTICLE 401 ZONING DISTRICT REGULATIONS
- Section 401.05 Table Of Uses For Zoning Districts
- Section 401.07-B Downtown Neighborhood (DN) Districts Regulations
- ARTICLE 501 OFF-STREET PARKING AND LOADING
- Section 501.06 Number Of Off-Street Parking Spaces Required
- ARTICLE 601 USE REGULATIONS
- Section 601.01 Accessory Structures
- Section 601.02 Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
- Section 601.12 Home Occupations
- Section 601.25 Temporary Uses And Structures
- Section 601.34 Unattended Donation Boxes