DN-4: Downtown Mixed-Use Residential Setback Requirements in Bentonville
In the City of Bentonville, the DN-4: Downtown Mixed-Use Residential district requires front and exterior side setbacks ranging from 8 to 15 feet for residential structures, while mixed-use buildings may have a 0-foot minimum front setback. Interior side setbacks vary by building type, allowing 0 feet for attached structures and up to 12 feet for mixed-use buildings adjacent to non-mixed-use developments. Rear setbacks for the DN-4: Downtown Mixed-Use Residential district are established at 25 feet for single-family or townhouse units and 15 feet for multi-family or mixed-use developments.
Overview of the DN-4 District
The DN-4: Downtown Mixed-Use Residential district is designed by the City of Bentonville to allow for increased neighborhood density and localized commerce. This district specifically encourages the development of multi-family housing and mixed-use structures that fit the unique activity levels and housing demands of the downtown area [Sec 401.07-B(a)(4)].
All lots within the DN-4: Downtown Mixed-Use Residential district must maintain a minimum street frontage of 20 feet [Sec 401.07-B(d)(2)].
Minimum Setback Standards
Setback requirements in the DN-4: Downtown Mixed-Use Residential district are determined by the specific building type being constructed. While residential-only buildings have stricter minimums to maintain neighborhood character, mixed-use buildings are permitted greater flexibility to encourage an urban, walkable environment in Bentonville.
DN-4: Downtown Mixed-Use Residential Setback Table
| Building Type | Front Yard (Min / Max) | Exterior/Corner Side Yard (Min / Max) | Interior Side Yard (Detached) | Interior Side Yard (Attached) | Rear Yard |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single-family & Two-family | 8' / 15' | 8' / 15' | 7' | 0' | 25' |
| Townhouse | 8' / 15' | 8' / 15' | 10' | 0' | 25' |
| Multi-family | 8' / 15' | 8' / 15' | 10' | 0' | 15' |
| Mixed-use & Others | 0' / 15' | 0' / 15' | 0'* | 0' | 15' |
*Note: For mixed-use buildings in the DN-4: Downtown Mixed-Use Residential district, the interior side yard must be increased to 12 feet if the property is adjacent to a non-mixed-use building [Sec 401.07-B(e)].
Special Building Types and Exceptions
Cottage Courts
If a development in the DN-4: Downtown Mixed-Use Residential district meets the definition of a "Cottage Court," it is subject to a different set of setback and separation standards. These requirements ensure the preservation of the shared courtyard character essential to this building type in Bentonville [Sec 601.35(c)].
DN-4 Cottage Court Setbacks:
- Front Setback: 10 feet minimum; 20 feet maximum.
- Side Setback: 7 feet.
- Rear Setback: 7 feet.
- Minimum Distance Between Units: 7 feet.
Side Yard Nuances
In the DN-4: Downtown Mixed-Use Residential district, side setbacks are generally not applicable when a common wall is proposed or already present between two structures [Sec 401.07-B(d)]. This facilitates the "attached" building types (like townhouses or row houses) common in Bentonville's urban core.
General Design and Land Development
Bentonville code specifies that the setback standards for the DN-4: Downtown Mixed-Use Residential district are not exhaustive of all development requirements. Developers should also refer to Section 1100.22 of the Bentonville Land Development Code for additional design criteria [Sec 401.07-B(b)].
Sections Cited
- Sec 401.07-B Downtown Neighborhood (DN) Districts Regulations
- Sec 601.35 Cottage Courts