Bentonville R-1 Low Density Single Family Residential Zoning Guide
The R-1: Low Density Single Family Residential district in Bentonville is designed for high-value residential developments that are strictly separated from commercial and industrial activities. In this district, the primary permitted uses are single-family detached homes and cottage courts, requiring a minimum lot size of 6,000 square feet for standard dwellings and 10,000 square feet for cottage courts. Residential density is controlled through a maximum building height of 36 feet and a maximum lot coverage of 40% for interior lots.
Purpose and Character
The Bentonville R-1: Low Density Single Family Residential district serves as a zone for single-family housing where the highest property values are generally maintained. Because the City of Bentonville considers the separation of residential and commercial/industrial uses essential for this district, access to connecting traffic arteries is prioritized to maintain neighborhood tranquility [Sec 401.07(a)(3)].
Allowed and Prohibited Uses
Uses Permitted by Right
The following uses are allowed in the R-1: Low Density Single Family Residential district without requiring a conditional use permit, though they remain subject to standard building and development regulations [Sec 401.05(b)]:
- Residential: Single-family detached dwellings, modular homes, cottage courts, and temporary shelters [Sec 401.05 Table of Uses].
- Public and Institutional: Educational facilities (public or private), libraries, museums, and governmental service facilities [Sec 401.05 Table of Uses].
- Recreation: Mini-parks, neighborhood parks, community parks, and public safety services [Sec 401.05 Table of Uses].
- Agricultural/Animals: Domestic or household animals and community gardens [Sec 401.05 Table of Uses].
- Utilities: General utility facilities [Sec 401.05 Table of Uses].
Conditional Uses
Certain uses are permitted within the Bentonville R-1: Low Density Single Family Residential district only after a public hearing and approval by the Bentonville Planning Commission. These uses include [Sec 301.06]:
- Residential/Ag: Urban farms and group homes [Sec 401.05 Table of Uses].
- Civic/Service: Religious facilities, community centers, aquariums, cemeteries, or mausoleums [Sec 401.05 Table of Uses].
- Care Services: Adult day care, licensed child care centers, and licensed family homes (caring for 6 to 16 children) [Sec 401.05 Table of Uses].
- Business/Commercial: Bed and breakfasts, Type B home occupations, and temporary uses [Sec 401.05 Table of Uses].
- Communication: Wireless communication facilities such as cell towers [Sec 401.05 Table of Uses].
Accessory Uses
Accessory uses in the R-1: Low Density Single Family Residential district must be subordinate to the principal residential use and are generally permitted as follows:
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): Only one ADU is allowed per lot. The unit must be owner-occupied and cannot be subdivided from the primary structure [Sec 601.02].
- Home Occupations (Type A): These are small-scale businesses operated solely by residents with no outside employees and no visible change to the home's appearance [Sec 601.12].
- Animals: Apiculture (beekeeping) and hobby chickens (maximum of 4 hens, no roosters) are permitted as accessory uses subject to specific enclosure and setback rules [Sec 601.04, Sec 601.11].
- Structures/Equipment: Nonresidential accessory buildings (sheds/garages), solar energy systems, donation boxes, and small wind energy systems [Sec 401.05 Table of Uses].
Prohibited Uses
Per the Bentonville Zoning Code, any use not explicitly marked as permitted, conditional, or accessory in the Table of Uses is prohibited. Notable prohibited uses in the R-1: Low Density Single Family Residential district include [Sec 401.05(e)]:
- Commercial: Retail stores, restaurants, liquor stores, bars, and professional offices.
- Industrial: Manufacturing, warehousing, and salvage yards.
- Automotive: Gas stations, car washes, and automobile repair shops.
- Medical: Hospitals, medical clinics, and marijuana dispensaries or cultivation facilities.
Development Standards
Development in the Bentonville R-1: Low Density Single Family Residential district must adhere to specific lot, area, and bulk requirements.
Lot and Area Standards
| Standard | Standard Single-Family | Cottage Court |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | 6,000 sq. ft. | 10,000 sq. ft. |
| Minimum Lot Width | 60 ft. | 100 ft. |
| Max Lot Coverage (Interior) | 40% | 50% |
| Max Lot Coverage (Corner) | 45% | 55% |
| Maximum Building Height | 36 ft. | 2.5 Stories |
[Sec 401.07(b), Sec 601.35]
Minimum Setback Requirements
| Setback Location | Minimum Distance |
|---|---|
| Front Yard | 20 ft. |
| Side Yard (Interior) | 7 ft. |
| Side Yard (Exterior/Corner) | 20 ft. |
| Rear Yard | 25 ft. |
[Sec 401.07(c)]
Off-Street Parking Standards
| Use Type | Required Parking Spaces |
|---|---|
| Single-Family Dwelling | 2 spaces per dwelling unit |
| Accessory Dwelling Unit | 1 paved space (optional, not required) |
| Bed and Breakfast | 2 spaces for dwelling + 1 per guest room |
| Registered Family Home | 1 per employee + 1 per classroom |
[Sec 501.06(f)]
Sections Cited
- Section 301.06 Conditional Uses
- 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 601.04 Apiculture (beekeeping)
- Section 601.11 Hobby Chickens
- Section 601.12 Home Occupations
- Section 601.35 Cottage Courts