Bentonville R-2 Medium Density Two Family and Townhome Residential District Regulations
The R-2 Medium Density Two Family and Townhome Residential district in Bentonville permits moderate-density housing, specifically targeting single-family homes, duplexes, and townhomes with a maximum building height of 36 feet. Most residential lots in the R-2 district require a minimum area of 5,000 square feet and a minimum width of 50 feet, while providing at least two off-street parking spaces per dwelling unit. This district serves as a transition zone, maintaining residential character by strictly separating living areas from commercial and industrial activities [Section 401.07].
Purpose and General Character
The primary intent of the R-2: Medium Density Two Family and Townhome Residential district is to provide a residential environment with slightly higher density than standard low-density zones while maintaining similar land use restrictions. The R-2 district focuses on the development and maintenance of two-family residential structures (duplexes), patio homes, and townhomes. These developments may be located in either established neighborhoods or undeveloped areas of Bentonville where a moderate-density character is desired. A defining characteristic of the Bentonville R-2 district is its required separation from all commercial and industrial activity to preserve the residential ambiance [Section 401.07].
Permitted Land Uses
Land uses in the R-2 district are categorized as permitted by right, allowed by accessory use, or requiring a conditional use permit.
Uses Permitted by Right
The following uses are allowed in the R-2 district without requiring a conditional use permit, though they remain subject to standard building and development codes:
- Single-family dwellings (including modular homes)
- Two-family dwellings (duplexes)
- Townhouse or row house structures
- Public parks (Mini, Neighborhood, and Community)
- Libraries
- Community gardens
- Registered Child Care Family Homes (serving 5 or fewer children)
- Public safety services [Section 401.05]
Accessory Uses
These uses are permitted only when incidental to a primary residential use on the same lot:
- Accessory dwelling units (ADUs)
- Home occupations (Type A)
- Hobby chickens (up to 4 hens; roosters prohibited)
- Apiculture (beekeeping)
- Donation boxes [Section 401.05]
Conditional Uses
The Bentonville Planning Commission may approve the following uses in the R-2 district if they meet specific location and impact criteria:
- Religious facilities and community centers
- Educational facilities (public or private)
- Museums and botanical gardens
- Golf courses and country clubs
- Bed and breakfast lodgings
- Child care centers and licensed family homes (6-16 children)
- Group homes
- Urban farms [Section 401.05]
Technical Development Standards
The R-2 district is governed by specific "Bulk and Area" requirements that dictate how much of a lot can be covered and where buildings must be placed.
Lot and Area Requirements
In the R-2 district, lot requirements vary based on the specific type of housing being constructed. For corner lots in any Bentonville residential district, the minimum width must be 20% larger than the interior lot requirement [Section 401.07].
| Building Type | Min. Lot Area (sq. ft.) | Min. Lot Width | Max. Lot Coverage (Interior/Corner) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Family | 5,000 | 50' | 40% / 45% |
| Two-Family (Duplex) | 5,000 | 50' | 50% / 55% |
| Townhouse Structure | 6,000 | 60' | 65% / 70% |
| Townhouse Unit | 2,000 | 20' | N/A |
| Single-Family Attached Structure | 5,000 | 50' | 50% / 55% |
| Single-Family Attached Unit | 2,500 | 25' | N/A |
Setback and Height Standards
Setbacks represent the required distance between a structure and the property lines of the R-2 district lot.
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback | 20 feet |
| Interior Side Setback | 7 feet |
| Exterior Side Setback | 20 feet |
| Rear Setback | 25 feet |
| Maximum Building Height | 36 feet |
Parking and Frontage
Every lot in the R-2 district must have a minimum street frontage equal to the minimum lot width required at the building line (typically 50 feet), except for lots on cul-de-sacs or curves, which may be reduced to 20 feet [Section 401.07].
Off-street parking must be provided on-site for all residential uses in Bentonville.
| Use Type | Required Parking Ratio |
|---|---|
| Single-Family Dwelling | 2 spaces per dwelling unit |
| Two-Family/Duplex Dwelling | 2 spaces per dwelling unit |
| Patio Home Dwelling | 2 spaces per dwelling unit |
| Standard Parking Space Size | 9 feet x 19 feet |
Accessory Structure Regulations
In the R-2 district, accessory structures (such as sheds or detached garages) are subject to the following rules:
- Size: The total square footage cannot exceed 50% of the primary structure's square footage.
- Placement: No accessory structure may be located in the front yard or project beyond the front building line of the primary structure.
- Separation: Structures exceeding 200 square feet must be at least 12 feet away from the primary dwelling [Section 601.01].
Sections Cited
- Section 401.02 Classification Of Districts
- Section 401.05 Table Of Uses For Zoning Districts
- Section 401.07 Residential (R) Districts Regulations
- Section 501.02 Parking Dimensions
- Section 501.06 Number Of Off-Street Parking Spaces Required
- Section 601.01 Accessory Structures