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DN-3 Downtown High Density Residential Setback Requirements for Bentonville

Jurisdiction: BentonvilleCode Version: December 9, 2025

In the City of Bentonville, the DN-3: Downtown High Density Residential district requires a front yard setback between 10 feet and 20 feet for all permitted building types. Side yard interior setbacks in the DN-3 district range from 0 feet for attached structures to 10 feet for detached multi-family units, while rear yard requirements are set at 25 feet for single-family or townhouse structures and 15 feet for multi-family and mixed-use developments.

DN-3 District Purpose and Intent

The DN-3: Downtown High Density Residential district in the City of Bentonville is intended to increase neighborhood density through the development of small-lot single-family housing and townhouses throughout the district. These areas are typically situated adjacent to downtown commercial uses, and in specific instances such as at the ends of blocks, multi-family apartment buildings are considered appropriate [Sec 401.07-B (a)(3)].

Minimum Setback Standards for DN-3

All development within the DN-3: Downtown High Density Residential district must adhere to specific "build-to" zones for front and exterior side yards to maintain a consistent urban fabric in Bentonville. The following table details the setbacks required based on the specific building type being constructed.

DN-3 Setback Requirements Table

Building Type Front Yard (Min / Max) Side Yard: Exterior / Corner (Min / Max) Side Yard: Interior Detached Side Yard: Interior Attached Rear Yard (Minimum)
Single-family and Two-family 10' / 20' 10' / 20' 7' 0' 25'
Townhouse 10' / 20' 10' / 20' 10' 0' 25'
Multi-family / Mixed-Use / Commercial 10' / 20' 10' / 20' 10' 0' 15'

[Sec 401.07-B (e)]

Additional Site Regulations for DN-3

Development in the DN-3: Downtown High Density Residential district is further governed by standards regarding street frontage and building height to ensure compatibility with the surrounding Bentonville downtown context.

Street Frontage

All lots within the Downtown Neighborhood (DN) districts, including the DN-3 district, must maintain a minimum street frontage of 20 feet [Sec 401.07-B (d)(2)].

Maximum Height Standards

The City of Bentonville limits the height of structures in the DN-3 district based on the building type:

  • Single-family and Two-family: 40 feet maximum.
  • Townhouse: 40 feet maximum.
  • Multi-family: 40 feet maximum.

[Sec 401.07-B (a)]

Garage Setbacks

For residential development in the DN-3 district, Bentonville code dictates specific garage placement. When a rear alley or private drive is available, a rear-loading garage is mandatory. If no such access exists, front-loading garages are permitted but must be recessed at least 6 feet from the front façade of the building to minimize their visual impact [Sec 401.07 (d)(3)(c)].

Sections Cited

  • Sec 401.07 Residential (R) Districts Regulations
  • Sec 401.07-B Downtown Neighborhood (DN) Districts Regulations

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