Bentonville R-4 High Density Multifamily Residential District Guide
The R-4: High Density Multifamily Residential district in the City of Bentonville provides for high-density housing developments with a maximum building height of 50 feet and allowable lot coverage up to 55% for corner lots. While primarily intended for multi-family complexes, the R-4 district also permits single-family and two-family dwellings, provided they meet a minimum lot area of 5,000 square feet. This district is strategically located near commercial centers and along major traffic arteries to accommodate the City of Bentonville's most intensive residential needs [Sec 401.07].
Purpose and General Character
The R-4 district is established to provide high-density residential development within the City of Bentonville. This district can exist in both older, established sections of the city and newer developed areas. The R-4 district is typically developed adjacent to or in conjunction with neighborhood commercial or shopping center developments [Sec 401.07(a)(6)].
To ensure the R-4 district remains compatible with its surroundings, the City of Bentonville requires that adequate public utilities and services exist or be provided during development. The district often serves as a buffer or transition zone between single-family residential areas and non-compatible commercial use districts [Sec 401.07(a)(6)].
Permitted Land Uses
The R-4 district allows a variety of residential and community-oriented uses, either by right, as accessory uses, or through a conditional use permit.
Uses Allowed by Right
The following uses are permitted by right in the R-4 district of the City of Bentonville [Sec 401.05]:
- Residential: Single-family dwellings, Two-family dwellings, and Multi-family dwellings.
- Education and Civic: Educational facilities, Museums, Libraries, and Public Safety Services.
- Parks and Recreation: Mini-parks and Neighborhood parks.
- Other: Child care (Registered Family Home for 5 children or less) and Mobile food vendors.
Conditional Uses
Certain uses require a Conditional Use Permit from the City of Bentonville Planning Commission to ensure they do not negatively impact the neighborhood [Sec 401.05]:
- Residential: Group homes, Modular dwellings, and Type B Home Occupations.
- Civic and Assembly: Religious facilities, Community centers, and Adult day care.
- Facility and Infrastructure: Utility facilities, Aquariums, and Large-scale temporary uses.
- Child Care: Licensed Family Homes (6–16 children).
Accessory Uses
Uses permitted only as subordinate to a primary structure in the R-4 district include [Sec 401.05]:
- Accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
- Nonresidential accessory buildings.
- Type A Home Occupations.
- Donation boxes.
Development Standards
The City of Bentonville mandates specific bulk and area requirements for the R-4 district to control population density and building intensity.
Lot and Area Requirements
| 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% |
| Townhouse Structure | 6,000 | 2,000 | 60' | 50% / 55% |
| Multi-family | 10,000 | 800 | 100' | 50% / 55% |
| All others | 10,000 | N/A | 100' | 50% / 55% |
| [Table Sec 401.07(b)(1)] |
Setback Standards
Setbacks in the R-4 district are measured from the property line to the structure's foundation [Sec 401.03(d)].
| Setback Location | Minimum Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front | 20 feet |
| Side (Interior) | 10 feet (30 feet when adjacent to single-family) |
| Side (Exterior) | 20 feet |
| Rear | 25 feet |
| [Table Sec 401.07(c)(1)] |
Height and Parking Standards
The R-4 district allows for the tallest residential structures among the standard R-districts in the City of Bentonville.
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Maximum Building Height | 50 feet |
| Single/Two-Family Parking | 2 spaces per dwelling unit |
| Multi-Family Parking | 3 spaces for every 2 dwelling units |
| [Sec 401.07(d) and Sec 501.06(f)] |
Special Regulations
- Infill Guidelines: New structures in the R-4 district should be constructed at a height compatible with adjacent structures to prevent overshadowing [Sec 401.07(d)(2)].
- Accessory Structures: The total square footage of an individual accessory structure in the City of Bentonville may not exceed 50% of the total square footage of the primary structure [Sec 601.01(b)].
- Home Occupations: Type A home occupations are allowed by right but must not occupy more than 25% of the gross habitable floor area of the principal dwelling unit [Sec 601.12(a)(4)].
Sections Cited
- Sec 401.03 Calculations and Measurements
- 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 601.01 Accessory Structures
- Sec 601.12 Home Occupations