Bentonville R-3 Medium-High Density Multifamily Residential Guide
The R-3: Medium-High Density Multifamily Residential district in the City of Bentonville is designed for medium-density residential developments, including apartments and townhomes, and often serves as a transition or buffer between incompatible zones. Development within this Bentonville zoning designation is subject to a 40-foot maximum building height and requires a minimum lot size of 6,000 square feet for multifamily structures or cottage courts.
Allowed Uses in the Bentonville R-3 District
The Bentonville Zoning Code categorizes uses as being allowed by right (primary/secondary use), allowed by conditional use permit, or allowed only as an accessory use.
Residential Uses Allowed by Right
The following residential dwellings and facilities are permitted by right in the R-3: Medium-High Density Multifamily Residential district:
- Single-Family Dwellings [Sec 401.05]
- Two-Family Dwellings [Sec 401.05]
- Multi-Family Dwellings [Sec 401.05]
- Townhouses or Row Houses [Sec 401.05]
- Cottage Courts [Sec 401.05]
- Condominiums [Sec 401.05]
- Modular Dwellings [Sec 401.05]
- Residential Facility, Assisted Living [Sec 401.05]
- Residential Facility, Temporary Shelter [Sec 401.05]
- Child Care, Registered Family Home (5 children or less) [Sec 401.05]
Conditional Uses (Requires Planning Commission Approval)
These uses may be permitted in the R-3: Medium-High Density Multifamily Residential district if a conditional use permit is acquired:
- Group Homes [Sec 401.05]
- Home Occupation — Type B [Sec 401.05]
- Urban Farm [Sec 401.05]
- Aquarium [Sec 401.05]
- Community Center [Sec 401.05]
- Educational Facilities [Sec 401.05]
- Golf Course [Sec 401.05]
- Museum [Sec 401.05]
- Religious Facilities [Sec 401.05]
- Adult Day Care [Sec 401.05]
- Cemetery or Mausoleum [Sec 401.05]
- Child Care, Licensed Center or Licensed Family Home (6-16 children) [Sec 401.05]
- Public Safety Services [Sec 401.05]
- Utility Facility [Sec 401.05]
- Wireless Communication Facility (Cell Towers) [Sec 401.05]
- Temporary Uses [Sec 401.05]
Accessory Uses
The following are permitted only as accessory to a primary allowed use in the R-3: Medium-High Density Multifamily Residential district:
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) [Sec 401.05]
- Home Occupation — Type A [Sec 401.05]
- Hobby Chickens [Sec 401.05]
- Building, Accessory — Nonresidential [Sec 401.05]
- Donation Box [Sec 401.05]
- Solar Energy Systems (Small/Small Wind Energy Systems) [Sec 401.05]
Prohibited Uses in the Bentonville R-3 District
Per the City of Bentonville's regulatory framework, any use not explicitly listed as allowed by right, accessory, or conditional in the Table of Uses is prohibited [Sec 401.05(e)]. Notable prohibited uses in the R-3: Medium-High Density Multifamily Residential district include:
- Commercial Retail/Service: General Retail, Artisan Shops, Bakeries, Bars/Taverns, Restaurants, and Professional Offices.
- Automotive: Automobile Repair, Car Washes, Gas Stations, and Vehicle Sales.
- Industrial: Light and Intensive Industrial uses, Slaughterhouses, and Salvage Yards.
- Medical: Hospitals, Medical Clinics, and Urgent Care (unless otherwise permitted as a Residential Assisted Living facility).
- Marijuana: Medical Marijuana Cultivation Facilities and Dispensaries.
Development Standards for Bentonville R-3
The City of Bentonville mandates specific bulk, area, and setback requirements to maintain the character of the R-3: Medium-High Density Multifamily Residential district.
Lot and Area Standards
| Building Type | Min. Lot Area (sq. ft.) | Min. Land Area per Unit (sq. ft.) | Min. Lot Width | Max. Lot Coverage (Interior/Corner) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single-family | 5,000 | N/A | 50' | 40% / 45% |
| Two-family | 5,000 | N/A | 50' | 50% / 55% |
| Cottage Court | 6,000 | 1,500 | 60' | 50% / 55% |
| Townhouse (unit) | 2,000 | N/A | 20' | N/A |
| Townhouse (structure) | 6,000 | 2,000 | 60' | 65% / 70% |
| Multi-family | 6,000 | 1,500 | 60' | 65% / 70% |
[Source: Sec 401.07(b)]
Minimum Setback Standards
| Building Type | Front Setback | Interior Side Setback | Exterior Side Setback | Rear Setback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard R-3 (All) | 20' | 10' | 20' | 25' |
| Cottage Court* | 10' - 20' | 7' | 7' | 7' |
*Note: Cottage Courts have a 7' minimum distance between units [Sec 601.35(c)].
Height and Parking Standards
The maximum height for any structure in the R-3: Medium-High Density Multifamily Residential district is 40 feet [Sec 401.07(d)]. Parking must be provided off-street according to the following ratios:
| Land Use | Parking Ratio |
|---|---|
| Single-Family / Two-Family | 2 spaces per dwelling unit |
| Multi-Family Dwelling | 3 spaces for every two dwelling units |
| Cottage Court (≤1,250 sq. ft.) | 1 space per unit |
| Cottage Court (>1,250 sq. ft.) | 1.5 spaces per unit |
[Source: Sec 501.06(f), Sec 601.35(g)]
Sections Cited
- Sec 401.05 Table Of Uses For Zoning Districts
- Sec 401.07 Residential (R) Districts Regulations
- Sec 501.06 Number Of Off-Street Parking Spaces Required
- Sec 601.35 Cottage Courts