DN-1: Downtown Low-Density Residential Zoning Guide for Bentonville
The DN-1: Downtown Low-Density Residential district in Bentonville is designed to preserve the established single-family character of downtown neighborhoods, specifically targeting lots generally larger than 60 feet in width. Within the DN-1 district, residents are permitted to construct single-family dwellings and cottage courts by right, provided they adhere to a maximum building height of 36 feet and maintain significant rear yard setbacks of 25 feet.
Purpose and Intent of the DN-1 District
The City of Bentonville established the DN-1: Downtown Low-Density Residential district to protect the physical form and development patterns of the older residential areas near the downtown core. The primary objective of the DN-1 district is to ensure that new construction or infill remains predominantly single-family in nature and respects the spatial characteristics of existing neighborhoods [Section 401.07-B (a)(1)].
Allowed Building Types
In the DN-1 district, the City of Bentonville restricts the types of structures that may be erected. Only the following building types, as defined by the code, are permitted:
- Single-Family Dwelling: A detached dwelling designed for or occupied by one family only [Section 201.02].
- Cottage Court: A group of no less than four and no more than 12 detached structures arranged around a shared courtyard visible from the street [Section 201.02].
Allowed and Prohibited Uses
The Bentonville Table of Uses specifies which activities are permitted, require special approval, or are entirely excluded from the DN-1 district.
Uses Permitted by Right
The following uses are allowed in the DN-1 district without requiring a conditional use permit:
- Single-Family Dwellings [Section 401.05]
- Cottage Courts [Section 401.05]
- Group Homes [Section 401.05]
- Temporary Shelters (Residential Facility) [Section 401.05]
- Registered Family Home Child Care (5 children or less) [Section 401.05]
- Governmental Service Facilities [Section 401.05]
- Parks (Mini, Neighborhood, and Community) [Section 401.05]
Conditional Uses
The following uses may be allowed in the DN-1 district only after receiving approval from the Bentonville Planning Commission:
- Urban Farms [Section 401.05]
- Bed and Breakfasts [Section 401.05]
- Religious Facilities [Section 401.05]
- Educational Facilities [Section 401.05]
- Community Centers [Section 401.05]
- Museums and Aquariums [Section 401.05]
- Adult Day Care [Section 401.05]
- Licensed Family Home Child Care (6–16 children) [Section 401.05]
- Public Safety Services and Utility Facilities [Section 401.05]
- Wireless Communication Facilities (Cell Towers) [Section 401.05]
Accessory Uses
The following uses are permitted only as subordinate to a primary residence in the DN-1 district:
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) on lots with single-family structures [Section 401.07-B (d)(1)]
- Home Occupations (Type A) [Section 401.05]
- Nonresidential Accessory Buildings (e.g., sheds, private garages) [Section 401.05]
- Unattended Donation Boxes [Section 401.05]
Prohibited Uses
Any use not explicitly listed with a dot (●), "C", or "A" in the Table of Uses is prohibited in the DN-1 district. Notable prohibited uses include:
- Multi-Family Dwellings (Apartments) [Section 401.07-B (c)(1)]
- Townhouses or Row Houses [Section 401.07-B (c)(1)]
- Two-Family Dwellings (Duplexes) [Section 401.07-B (c)(1)]
- All Commercial, Retail, and Industrial uses [Section 401.05]
- Medical Marijuana Dispensaries or Cultivation Facilities [Section 401.05]
Development Standards for DN-1
The City of Bentonville enforces specific lot and area requirements to maintain the low-density character of the DN-1 district.
Lot and Area Standards
| Standard | Single-Family Dwelling | Cottage Court |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | 5,000 sq. ft. | 10,000 sq. ft. |
| Min. Land Area per Unit | N/A | 2,500 sq. ft. |
| Minimum Lot Width | 50 ft. | 100 ft. |
| Max. Interior Lot Coverage | 40% | 50% |
| Max. Corner Lot Coverage | 45% | 55% |
| Maximum Building Height | 36 ft. | 36 ft. (max 2.5 stories) |
Minimum Setback Standards
| Setback Location | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Yard | 15 ft. Minimum / 25 ft. Maximum |
| Side Yard (Interior) | 7 ft. |
| Side Yard (Exterior/Corner) | 15 ft. |
| Rear Yard | 25 ft. |
Note: For Cottage Courts, the front setback must be between 10 and 20 feet, and the minimum distance between individual units must be 7 feet [Section 601.35 (c)].
Parking Requirements
Residential development within the Bentonville Downtown Neighborhood districts, including the DN-1 district, requires one (1) off-street parking space per dwelling unit [Section 501.06 (e)(1)(a)].
Sections Cited
- Section 201.02: Definitions of Terms and Uses
- Section 401.05: Table of Uses for Zoning Districts
- Section 401.07-B: Downtown Neighborhood (DN) Districts Regulations
- Section 501.06: Number of Off-Street Parking Spaces Required
- Section 601.35: Cottage Courts