DN-3 Downtown High Density Residential District Guide
The DN-3 Downtown High Density Residential district in the City of Bentonville facilitates increased neighborhood density by allowing for a mix of small-lot single-family homes, townhouses, and multi-family apartments. Most residential structures in the DN-3 Downtown High Density Residential district are limited to a maximum height of 40 feet, and development typically requires one off-street parking space per dwelling unit [Section 401.07-B and Section 501.06].
Purpose and General Character
The DN-3 Downtown High Density Residential district is intended to increase residential density within the City of Bentonville by encouraging the development of small-lot single-family housing and townhouses throughout the district. These areas are typically located adjacent to downtown commercial centers. While the primary character is defined by single-family and townhouse units, the DN-3 Downtown High Density Residential district also allows for multi-family apartment buildings, though these are specifically directed toward the ends of blocks [Section 401.07-B(a)(3)].
Allowed Building Types
In the City of Bentonville, all structures within the DN-3 Downtown High Density Residential district must be classified into specific building types. The following types are permitted by right:
- Single-family: Permitted [Section 401.07-B(c)(1)].
- Cottage Court: Permitted [Section 401.07-B(c)(1)].
- Two-family: Permitted [Section 401.07-B(c)(1)].
- Townhouse (Block-end and Mid-block): Permitted [Section 401.07-B(c)(1)].
- Multi-family (Block-end only): Permitted [Section 401.07-B(c)(1)].
Commercial activities in the DN-3 Downtown High Density Residential district are generally required to be integrated into mixed-use buildings. A single-use commercial building may only be permitted if the City of Bentonville Planning Commission approves a conditional use permit [Section 401.07-B(c)(2)].
Technical Development Standards
Lot and Area Standards
The City of Bentonville mandates the following minimum and maximum lot dimensions for the DN-3 Downtown High Density Residential district:
| Building Type | Min. Lot Area (sq. ft.) | Min. Land Area per Unit (sq. ft.) | Min. Lot Width | Max. Lot Width | Max. Lot Coverage (Interior/Corner) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single-family (Alley) | 4,000 | -- | 40' | 55' | 50% / 55% |
| Single-family (No Alley) | 5,000 | -- | 50' | 65' | 50% / 55% |
| Two-family (Alley) | 4,000 | -- | 40' | 55' | 50% / 55% |
| Two-family (No Alley) | 5,000 | -- | 50' | 65' | 50% / 55% |
| Townhouse (Unit) | 2,000 | -- | 20' | -- | -- |
| Townhouse (Structure) | 6,000 | 2,000 | 60' | -- | 65% / 70% |
| Multi-family (Block-end) | 10,000 | 800 | 100' | -- | 65% / 70% |
Minimum Setback Standards
Setbacks in the DN-3 Downtown High Density Residential district are designed to maintain the urban fabric of the City of Bentonville while providing necessary separation:
| Building Type | Front Yard (Min / Max) | Ext. Side Yard (Min / Max) | Interior Side (Detached / Attached) | Rear Yard |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single-family / Two-family | 10' / 20' | 10' / 20' | 7' / 0' | 25' |
| Townhouse | 10' / 20' | 10' / 20' | 10' / 0' | 25' |
| Multi-family / Mixed-Use | 10' / 20' | 10' / 20' | 10' / 0' | 15' |
Height Standards
The maximum height for structures within the DN-3 Downtown High Density Residential district is 40 feet across all primary building types [Section 401.07-B(f)(1)].
Permitted and Conditional Land Uses
The Table of Uses for the City of Bentonville identifies which specific land uses are allowed in the DN-3 Downtown High Density Residential district:
- Permitted by Right: Single-family, two-family, multi-family, cottage court, domestic animals, and community gardens [Section 401.05].
- Accessory Uses: Accessory dwelling units (ADUs), home occupations (Type A), and doctor offices (as an accessory to medical services) [Section 401.05 and Section 601.12].
- Conditional Uses: Urban farms, religious facilities, schools, adult day care, bed and breakfasts, artisan shops, and bakeries [Section 401.05].
Parking and Loading
Residential development in the DN-3 Downtown High Density Residential district of the City of Bentonville requires one (1) parking space per dwelling unit. This requirement can be fulfilled through on-site parking, on-street parking, or a shared parking agreement [Section 501.06(e)]. In mixed-use projects, parking must be clearly marked to distinguish between resident and customer/employee spaces [Section 501.06(e)(1)(b)].
Sections Cited
- Section 401.02: Classification Of Districts
- 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 601.12: Home Occupations