C-2: General Commercial District Regulations in Bentonville
The C-2: General Commercial district in Bentonville is the city's least restrictive commercial zone, primarily intended to serve the planning area and highway travelers along local arterial streets. Within the Bentonville C-2: General Commercial district, lots must maintain a minimum area of 7,000 square feet and can accommodate buildings up to 60 feet in height, with setbacks increasing significantly when the property is adjacent to residential zones.
Purpose and General Character
The C-2: General Commercial district is designed to accommodate the widest array of commercial activities in Bentonville. Its primary function is to serve both the local population and transient highway travelers by congregating high-intensity uses along local arterial streets. The district is managed to minimize traffic disruptions while ensuring that commercial developments remain interspersed within the corporate boundaries of Bentonville [Sec 401.08(a)(3)].
Dimensional and Development Standards
The Bentonville C-2: General Commercial district established specific bulk, area, and height requirements to ensure orderly development. These standards vary based on the orientation of parking and the proximity to neighboring zoning districts.
Lot and Area Requirements
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | 7,000 square feet |
| Minimum Lot Width | 70 feet |
| Maximum Interior Lot Coverage | 60% |
| Maximum Exterior/Corner Lot Coverage | 60% |
| Maximum Building Height | 60 feet |
[Sec 401.08(b), Sec 401.08(d)]
Minimum Setback Requirements
| Yard Type | Standard |
|---|---|
| Front (Parking in front) | 50 feet |
| Front (No parking in front) | 20 feet |
| Side (Adjacent to non-residential) | 7 feet |
| Side (Adjacent to residential) | 30 feet |
| Rear (Adjacent to non-residential) | 20 feet |
| Rear (Adjacent to residential) | 30 feet |
[Sec 401.08(c)]
Height Exceptions: Any structure in the C-2: General Commercial district that exceeds the 60-foot height limit must be set back an additional one foot for every foot in excess of the maximum height allowed [Sec 401.08(d)(2)].
Permitted and Conditional Land Uses
The C-2: General Commercial district allows for a broad range of intensive commercial, retail, and service-oriented uses.
Commercial and Retail Uses
The following uses are typically allowed by right in the Bentonville C-2: General Commercial district:
- Retail: General retail stores, bakeries, artisan shops, and building/landscape material sales.
- Automotive: Auto and vehicle sales/rental, automobile repair, and gas stations.
- Services: Financial institutions, medical clinics, professional offices, and personal service establishments (e.g., barber shops).
- Hospitality: Hotels, motels, and restaurants (including drive-in and drive-through facilities).
- Entertainment: Indoor commercial recreation (bowling alleys, theaters, etc.) and outdoor music venues (subject to conditional use permits).
Prohibited and Restricted Uses
- Sexually Oriented Businesses: These are prohibited in all Bentonville districts except for the C-2: General Commercial district, where they may be allowed only with a Conditional Use Permit and must meet a 660-foot separation requirement from churches, schools, parks, and residential districts [Sec 601.22].
- Residential: Generally, new standalone residential uses are not the focus of this district, though existing single-family dwellings may be maintained [Sec 601.18].
Off-Street Parking Requirements
Parking in the C-2: General Commercial district is determined by the specific use of the property. For most general business and retail sales, the following ratio applies:
| Use | Parking Ratio |
|---|---|
| General Business and Retail | 1 space per 250 sq. ft. of net floor area (up to 10,000 sq. ft.) |
| Restaurants | 1 space per 4 occupants (max capacity) + 1 space per employee on largest shift |
| Hotels and Motels | 1 space per guest room + additional spaces for employees and public areas |
| Medical Clinics | 1 space per 300 sq. ft. of net floor area |
[Sec 501.06(f)]
Sections Cited
- Sec 401.08 Commercial (C) Districts Regulations
- Sec 501.06 Number Of Off-Street Parking Spaces Required
- Sec 601.18 Residential In Commercial District; Existing
- Sec 601.22 Sexually Oriented Business