Duplex and Multi-family Townhouse Regulations in Bentonville
In the City of Bentonville, duplexes (two-family dwellings) and townhomes are permitted by right in several residential and downtown districts, most notably the R-2, R-3, R-4, R-C2, R-C3, and DN-2 through DN-4 districts. These developments are subject to strict density requirements, with duplexes typically requiring a minimum lot area of 5,000 square feet in standard residential zones and townhome structures requiring at least 6,000 square feet. Additionally, the City of Bentonville generally mandates two off-street parking spaces per unit for duplexes, while certain downtown and high-density districts allow a reduced ratio of one space per unit.
Permitted Districts for Duplexes and Townhomes
According to the City of Bentonville Table of Uses, residential structures containing more than one unit are categorized primarily as "Two-Family" or "Townhouse or Row House" dwellings.
Two-Family Dwellings (Duplexes)
The City of Bentonville allows two-family dwellings by right in the following districts:
- Residential Districts: R-2, R-3, R-4, R-ZL (Zero Lot Line), R-O (Residential Office), R-C2 (Central Residential - Moderate Density), and R-C3 (Central Residential - High Density).
- Downtown Neighborhood Districts: DN-2, DN-3, and DN-4.
- Downtown Districts: DC (Downtown Core) and DE (Downtown Edge).
- Industrial Districts: Allowed as a conditional use (C) in the I-1 district [Section 401.05].
Townhouse and Row House Structures
Townhouse structures, defined in Bentonville as a building consisting of three to six attached units, are permitted by right in:
- Residential Districts: R-2, R-3, R-4, R-C2, and R-C3.
- Downtown Neighborhood Districts: DN-2, DN-3, and DN-4.
- Downtown Districts: DC and DE.
- Commercial Districts: Allowed as a conditional use (C) in the C-2 district [Section 401.05].
Lot and Area Standards for Two-Family and Townhome Developments
The City of Bentonville establishes specific minimums for lot size and width to regulate the density of multi-unit residential developments.
Standard Residential (R) Districts
The following standards apply to the R-2, R-3, and R-4 districts, which are the primary zones for these housing types [Section 401.07]:
| District | Building Type | Min. Lot Area (sq. ft.) | Min. Lot Width | Max. Lot Coverage (Interior) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R-2 | Two-family | 5,000 | 50' | 50% |
| R-2 | Townhouse (Structure) | 6,000 | 60' | 65% |
| R-3 | Two-family | 5,000 | 50' | 50% |
| R-3 | Townhouse (Structure) | 6,000 | 60' | 65% |
| R-4 | Two-family | 5,000 | 50' | 50% |
| R-4 | Townhouse (Structure) | 6,000 | 60' | 65% |
Downtown Neighborhood (DN) Districts
In Downtown Bentonville neighborhood districts, lot sizes often depend on whether the unit has alley access [Section 401.07-B]:
| District | Building Type | Min. Lot Area (sq. ft.) | Min. Lot Width | Max. Lot Coverage (Interior) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DN-2 | Two-family (Alley Access) | 4,000 | 40' | 50% |
| DN-2 | Two-family (No Alley) | 5,000 | 50' | 50% |
| DN-2 | Townhouse (Structure) | 7,500 | 75' | 60% |
| DN-3 | Two-family (Alley Access) | 4,000 | 40' | 50% |
| DN-3 | Townhouse (Structure) | 6,000 | 60' | 65% |
Setback Requirements
Setbacks in the City of Bentonville vary significantly between traditional residential zones and the more compact downtown infill districts [Section 401.07 and 401.07-B].
| District | Front Setback | Interior Side Setback | Rear Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| R-2 | 20' | 7' | 25' |
| R-3 | 20' | 10' | 25' |
| R-C2 | 20' | 7' (0' if attached) | 15' |
| R-C3 | 0' | 0' | 7' |
| DN-2 | 12' Min / 25' Max | 7' | 25' |
| DN-3 | 10' Min / 20' Max | 7' | 25' |
Parking Requirements
The City of Bentonville distinguishes parking needs by district and dwelling size [Section 501.06].
| Land Use / District | Parking Ratio |
|---|---|
| Two-Family / Duplex (General) | 2 spaces per dwelling unit |
| Multi-Family Dwelling (General) | 3 spaces for each two dwelling units |
| R-C2, R-C3, and DN Districts | 1 space per dwelling unit |
| Cottage Courts (1,250 sq. ft. or less) | 1 space per unit |
| Cottage Courts (Greater than 1,250 sq. ft.) | 1.5 spaces per unit |
Sections Cited
- Section 201.02 Definitions Of Terms And Uses
- Section 401.02 Classification Of Districts
- Section 401.05 Table Of Uses For Zoning Districts
- Section 401.07 Residential (R) Districts Regulations
- Section 401.07-B Downtown Neighborhood (DN) Districts Regulations
- Section 401.08-B Downtown (D) Districts Regulations
- Section 501.06 Number Of Off-Street Parking Spaces Required
- Section 601.35 Cottage Courts