Bentonville R-C2: Central Residential - Moderate Density Zoning Guide
The R-C2: Central Residential - Moderate Density district in Bentonville is designed to stabilize existing neighborhoods while encouraging urban infill with a 4,000-square-foot minimum lot size for single-family homes. While primarily residential, the R-C2 district permits various housing types including townhomes and accessory dwellings, with a maximum building height of 40 feet. In Bentonville’s R-C2 zone, residential parking requirements are reduced to one space per dwelling unit, which can be satisfied through on-site, on-street, or shared parking arrangements.
District Purpose and Intent
The primary purpose of the R-C2: Central Residential - Moderate Density district is to provide for moderate-density residential development and redevelopment in the "Downtown" areas of Bentonville. These areas are generally located beyond the town square and the primary commercial corridors. The R-C2 district serves as a buffer or transition zone between lower-density single-family neighborhoods and higher-density residential or commercial districts. It promotes a mix of housing types and economic levels while encouraging traditional urban design [Section 401.07(a)(10)].
Allowed and Prohibited Uses
In Bentonville, land uses within the R-C2 district are categorized as permitted by right, allowed via conditional use permit, allowed as an accessory use, or prohibited.
Permitted Uses (By Right)
The following uses are allowed by right in the Bentonville R-C2 district as primary and secondary uses [Section 401.05(b)]:
- Residential: Single-family dwellings, two-family dwellings, townhouses or row houses (including end-block developments), and accessory dwellings [Table of Uses].
- Residential Facilities: Assisted living facilities and temporary shelters [Table of Uses].
- Civic and Public Assembly: Libraries, museums, mini-parks, neighborhood parks, and public safety services [Table of Uses].
- General Services: Government service facilities [Table of Uses].
- Animals: Domestic or household animals [Table of Uses].
- Employment: Home occupations (Type A), which are approved administratively by city staff [Section 601.12(a)].
- Retail: Mobile food vendors [Table of Uses].
- Other: Nonresidential accessory buildings and donation boxes [Table of Uses].
Conditional Uses
The following uses require a Conditional Use Permit approved by the Bentonville Planning Commission [Section 301.06]:
- Residential: Group homes and Home Occupations (Type B) [Table of Uses].
- Civic and Public Assembly: Aquariums, community centers, educational facilities, and religious facilities [Table of Uses].
- Agricultural: Botanical gardens and urban farms [Table of Uses].
- Services: Adult day care, licensed child care centers, licensed family homes (6-16 children), and bed and breakfasts [Table of Uses].
- Other: Temporary uses [Table of Uses].
Prohibited Uses
Any use not specifically identified as permitted by right (●) or conditional (C) in the Table of Uses for the R-C2 district is prohibited [Section 401.05(e)]. Prohibited uses in Bentonville R-C2 include, but are not limited to:
- Commercial: General retail, packaged liquor stores, bars/lounges, restaurants (including drive-in and drive-through), and professional offices (except as allowed under home occupations) [Table of Uses].
- Industrial: Light and intensive industrial manufacturing, warehouse or wholesaling operations, and salvage yards [Table of Uses].
- Automotive: Automobile repair, car washes, gas stations, and vehicle sales [Table of Uses].
- Recreation: Indoor and outdoor commercial recreation facilities, arenas, and stadiums [Table of Uses].
Development and Dimensional Standards
Bentonville enforces specific bulk and area requirements to maintain the moderate-density character of the R-C2 district.
Lot and Area Standards
| Feature | Single-Family / All Others Not Listed | Two-Family / Townhome Structure (End Block) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | 4,000 sq. ft. | 2,000 sq. ft. (per unit) |
| Min. Lot Width (Rear Access) | 35 feet | 20 feet |
| Min. Lot Width (No Rear Access) | 50 feet | 25 feet |
| Max. Lot Coverage (Interior) | 40% | 65% |
| Max. Lot Coverage (Corner) | 45% | 70% |
[Table 401.07(b)(1)]
Setback Standards
| Setback Location | Single-Family / All Others | Two-Family | Townhome (End Block) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Front Yard | 20 feet | 20 feet | 10 feet |
| Side Yard (Interior) | 7 feet | 7 feet (0' where attached) | 7 feet (0' where attached) |
| Side Yard (Exterior) | 20 feet | 20 feet | 10 feet |
| Rear Yard | 15 feet | 15 feet | 15 feet |
[Table 401.07(c)(1)]
Height and Parking Standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Maximum Building Height | 40 feet [Table 401.07(d)(1)] |
| Residential Parking Ratio | 1 space per dwelling unit [Section 501.06(e)(1)(a)] |
| Street Frontage | Minimum 20 feet [Section 401.07(b)(2)] |
Specific Regulations for R-C2
- Garages: In the R-C2 district, if a rear alley or private drive exists, a rear-loading garage is mandatory. If no rear access exists, front-loading garages must be pushed toward the rear lot line and recessed at least 6 feet from the front façade of the building [Section 401.07(c)(3)(c)].
- Parking Achievement: The required residential parking in the R-C2 district may be achieved via on-site parking, on-street parking, or a shared parking agreement [Section 501.06(e)(1)(a)].
- Corner Lot Width: The minimum width for corner lots in R-C2 must be 20% larger than interior lots [Section 401.07(b)(3)].
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 601.12 Home Occupations