DN-3: Downtown High Density Residential Zoning Guide for Bentonville
The DN-3: Downtown High Density Residential district in Bentonville is designed to increase neighborhood density through the development of small-lot single-family housing and townhouses, particularly in areas adjacent to downtown commercial centers. Within the DN-3: Downtown High Density Residential district, high-density residential development is prioritized, including multi-family apartment buildings allowed specifically at the ends of blocks. Most development standards in this Bentonville district emphasize a transition from large-lot residential areas to those of higher density while maintaining urban design integrity.
Purpose of the DN-3: Downtown High Density Residential District
The intent of the DN-3: Downtown High Density Residential district is to allow for an increased neighborhood density throughout the district. These areas are typically situated adjacent to downtown commercial uses. In certain instances, such as at the ends of blocks, multi-family apartment buildings are considered an appropriate use to support the housing demand and activity levels near the city center [Section 401.07-B].
Allowed and Prohibited Uses
The following land uses are categorized based on their permission status within the DN-3: Downtown High Density Residential district in Bentonville.
Uses Allowed by Right
The following uses are permitted by right in the DN-3: Downtown High Density Residential district, subject to standard use regulations and parking requirements [Section 401.05]:
- Residential: Dwelling—Condominium, Dwelling—Cottage Court, Dwelling—Multi-Family (specifically Block-end types), Dwelling—Townhouse or Row House, Dwelling—Two-Family, Group Home, and Residential Facility—Assisted Living.
- Civic and Public Assembly: Aquarium, Community Center, Cultural Studio, Educational Facility, Golf Course, Library, Museum, Religious Facilities, and various park types (Mini, Neighborhood, Community).
- Public Services: Adult Day Care, Cemetery or Mausoleum, Child Care (Licensed Center, Registered Family Home, and Licensed Family Home), Government Service Facility, and Public Safety Services.
- Utilities and Transportation: Parking Facility (as a principal use), Transportation Facilities (excluding airports), and Utility Facility.
- Other: Temporary Uses.
Accessory Uses
The following uses are permitted only as accessory to a primary use in Bentonville's DN-3: Downtown High Density Residential district [Section 401.05]:
- Residential Accessory: Dwelling—Accessory (ADU) and Home Occupation—Type A.
- General Accessory: Building Accessory—Nonresidential, Donation Box, and Small Wind Energy Systems.
Conditional Uses
The following uses require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) approved by the Bentonville Planning Commission for location within the DN-3: Downtown High Density Residential district [Section 401.05]:
- Urban Farm: Agricultural cultivation of fruits, vegetables, or herbs by individuals or organizations for sale.
- Home Occupation—Type B: Home-based businesses that do not meet the criteria for administrative approval.
- Commercial Buildings: Any single-use commercial building (Commercial uses are otherwise required to be located within a mixed-use building) [Section 401.07-B(c)(2)].
Prohibited Uses
Any use not explicitly marked as allowed, accessory, or conditional in the Table of Uses is prohibited in the DN-3: Downtown High Density Residential district. Examples of prohibited uses include:
- Industrial: Intensive Industrial, Light Industrial, and Salvage Yards.
- Commercial/Retail: Automobile Repair, Gas Stations, Liquor Stores, and most General Retail (unless integrated into a mixed-use building).
- Animal Services: Animal Clinics, Kennels, or Shelters.
Lot and Area Standards
All development in the DN-3: Downtown High Density Residential district must adhere to specific lot size and coverage requirements as established by the City of Bentonville.
| Building Type | Min. Lot Area (sq. ft.) | Min. Lot Width | Max. Lot Width | Max. Lot Coverage (Interior) | Max. Lot Coverage (Corner) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Family (Alley Access) | 4,000 | 40' | 55' | 50% | 55% |
| Single-Family (No Alley Access) | 5,000 | 50' | 65' | 50% | 55% |
| Two-Family (Alley Access) | 4,000 | 40' | 55' | 50% | 55% |
| Two-Family (No Alley Access) | 5,000 | 50' | 65' | 50% | 55% |
| Townhouse (Structure) | 6,000 | 60' | -- | 65% | 70% |
| Multi-Family (Block-end) | 10,000 | 100' | -- | 65% | 70% |
[Section 401.07-B(d)]
Setback and Separation Standards
Building placement in the DN-3: Downtown High Density Residential district is regulated by minimum and maximum setbacks to maintain the desired urban fabric of Bentonville.
| Building Type | Front Yard (Min/Max) | Side Yard (Ext. Min/Max) | Side Yard (Int. Detached) | Side Yard (Int. Attached) | Rear Yard (Min) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single & Two-Family | 10' / 20' | 10' / 20' | 7' | 0' | 25' |
| Townhouse | 10' / 20' | 10' / 20' | 10' | 0' | 25' |
| Multi-Family (Block-end) | 10' / 20' | 10' / 20' | 10' | 0' | 15' |
[Section 401.07-B(e)]
Height and Parking Requirements
Bentonville mandates specific height limits and parking ratios for the DN-3: Downtown High Density Residential district to ensure compatibility with the surrounding residential character.
| Requirement | Standard |
|---|---|
| Maximum Height | 40 feet (Applies to Single-Family, Two-Family, Townhouse, and Multi-Family) |
| Residential Parking | 1 space per dwelling unit |
| Commercial (Integrated) | Parking requirements determined by specific commercial use type |
[Section 401.07-B(a) and Section 501.06(e)]
Sections Cited
- Article 201 Definitions
- 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