Bentonville R-1 Low Density Single Family Residential District Guide
The Bentonville R-1 Low Density Single Family Residential district is designed for high-value residential developments that maintain a strict separation from commercial and industrial activities. Standard single-family lots in this district must be at least 6,000 square feet with a maximum building height of 36 feet, while the municipality requires two off-street parking spaces per dwelling unit.
Purpose and General Character of the R-1 District
The primary objective of the R-1 Low Density Single Family Residential district is to serve residential areas where housing is generally of the highest value. In order to preserve the character and value of these neighborhoods, the City of Bentonville enforces a strict separation between R-1 land uses and any commercial or industrial activity [Section 401.07(a)(3)].
The general character of the R-1 district is defined by low-density population distribution and significant open spaces. Because these neighborhoods are strictly residential, the City of Bentonville considers access to connecting traffic arteries to be essential for the functionality of the district [Section 401.07(a)(3)].
Permitted and Conditional Land Uses
The City of Bentonville allows a specific variety of uses within the R-1 Low Density Single Family Residential district, ranging from primary residential structures to essential public services.
Uses Permitted by Right
The following uses are allowed by right in the R-1 district, provided they meet standard development requirements:
- Residential: Single-family dwellings, modular dwellings, cottage courts, and temporary shelters [Section 401.05].
- Civic and Institutional: Educational facilities, libraries, museums, and governmental service facilities [Section 401.05].
- Recreation: Golf courses, mini-parks, neighborhood parks, and public safety services [Section 401.05].
- Other: Agriculture, community gardens, greenhouses, and solar energy systems [Section 401.05].
Conditional Uses
Certain uses require a Conditional Use Permit from the Planning Commission to ensure they are compatible with the surrounding R-1 residential environment:
- Botanical gardens and urban farms [Section 401.05].
- Group homes and religious facilities [Section 401.05].
- Community centers and bed and breakfast establishments [Section 401.05].
- Licensed child care family homes (serving 6–16 children) [Section 401.05].
- Utility facilities and wireless communication facilities (cell towers) [Section 401.05].
- Type B Home Occupations [Section 601.12(b)].
Accessory Uses
The R-1 district allows several secondary uses that must be subordinate to the primary residence:
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): Permitted if the primary or accessory unit is owner-occupied [Section 601.02(b)(1)].
- Home Occupations (Type A): Permitted if they are conducted entirely within the dwelling and employ no non-residents [Section 601.12(a)].
- Hobby Chickens: Allowed for single-family dwellings, limited to four hens (no roosters) [Section 601.11].
- Other: Small wind energy systems, donation boxes, and apiculture [Section 401.05].
Technical Development Standards
Bentonville mandates specific lot sizes, building placements, and height restrictions for the R-1 Low Density Single Family Residential district to ensure uniform development.
Lot and Area Requirements
The R-1 district distinguishes between standard residential lots and those developed as cottage courts.
| Standard | Standard R-1 Development | R-1 Cottage Court |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | 6,000 sq. ft. | 10,000 sq. ft. |
| Min. Land Area per Unit | N/A | 2,500 sq. ft. |
| Minimum Lot Width | 60 feet | 100 feet |
| Max. Coverage (Interior Lot) | 40% | 50% |
| Max. Coverage (Corner Lot) | 45% | 55% |
Source: [Section 401.07(b)(1)]
Minimum Setback Standards
Setbacks define the required open space between structures and property lines in the R-1 district.
| Yard Type | Standard Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Yard | 20 feet |
| Side Yard (Interior) | 7 feet |
| Side Yard (Exterior) | 20 feet |
| Rear Yard | 25 feet |
Source: [Section 401.07(c)(1)]
Height and Parking Standards
The City of Bentonville limits the physical scale and parking impact of the R-1 district to maintain its low-density nature.
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Maximum Building Height | 36 feet |
| Required Parking (Single-Family) | 2 spaces per dwelling unit |
| Required Parking (Cottage Court) | 1 to 1.5 spaces per unit (based on square footage) |
Source: [Section 401.07(d)(1), Section 501.06(f), Section 601.35(g)]
Sections Cited
- Section 101.05 Nature And Application
- Section 401.02 Classification Of Districts
- Section 401.05 Table Of Uses For Zoning Districts
- Section 401.07 Residential (R) Districts Regulations
- Section 501.06 Number Of Off-Street Parking Spaces Required
- Section 601.02 Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
- Section 601.11 Hobby Chickens
- Section 601.12 Home Occupations
- Section 601.35 Cottage Courts
[SOURCES: 2, 43, 48-88, 90, 92, 95, 96, 130, 136-137, 141-143, 173-175]