Guide to the C-3: Mixed-Use Commercial District in Bentonville
The C-3: Mixed-Use Commercial district in Bentonville facilitates urban, walkable neighborhoods outside the downtown area, allowing for up to 100% lot coverage and a maximum building height of 60 feet. The district permits a diverse blend of residential, professional office, and neighborhood commercial services with zero-foot front and rear setbacks when not adjacent to residential zones.
District Purpose and Character
The C-3: Mixed-Use Commercial district is established by the City of Bentonville for areas located outside of the downtown core. Its primary intent is to provide opportunities for residents to live, work, meet, shop, and utilize essential services within the immediate vicinity of their homes [Sec 401.08(a)(4)].
The general character of the C-3: Mixed-Use Commercial district is defined by an urban, walkable design. The City of Bentonville uses this zoning to encourage physical activity, promote alternative transportation methods, and foster greater social interaction to improve the overall health and wellbeing of the community [Sec 401.08(a)(4)].
Lot and Area Standards
The C-3: Mixed-Use Commercial district is the most flexible commercial zone in Bentonville regarding land utilization, as it does not mandate a minimum lot area or width.
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | None |
| Minimum Lot Width | None |
| Maximum Lot Depth | None |
| Maximum Interior Lot Coverage | 100% |
| Maximum Exterior/Corner Lot Coverage | 100% |
[Source: Sec 401.08(b)]
Setback Requirements
Setbacks in the C-3: Mixed-Use Commercial district are highly dependent on the nature of the adjacent property. When the district borders a residential zone, increased separation is required to protect neighborhood character.
| Setback Location | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front (Parking in front) | 0 feet |
| Front (No parking in front) | 0 feet |
| Side (Adjacent to non-residential) | 0 feet |
| Side (Adjacent to residential) | 10 feet |
| Rear (Adjacent to non-residential) | 0 feet |
| Rear (Adjacent to residential) | 0 feet |
[Source: Sec 401.08(c)(1)]
Building Height Standards
Bentonville regulates the vertical scale of the C-3: Mixed-Use Commercial district to ensure compatibility with surrounding developments.
| Standard | Limit |
|---|---|
| Maximum Height | 60 feet |
| Height Exception | Structures may exceed 60 feet if they provide one (1) additional foot of setback for every one (1) foot of excess height. |
[Source: Sec 401.08(d)(1)-(2)]
Permitted Land Uses
The C-3: Mixed-Use Commercial district allows for a broad spectrum of uses by right. Below is a summary of the primary activities permitted in this district within the City of Bentonville.
Residential and Mixed-Use
The City of Bentonville allows significant residential density within the C-3: Mixed-Use Commercial district. Permitted uses include:
- Single-family, Two-family, and Multi-family dwellings.
- Townhouses and Condominiums.
- Group Homes.
- Assisted Living and Extended Medical Care facilities.
Commercial and Retail
- Artisan shops and Bakeries.
- Financial institutions and Professional offices.
- Medical services, including Doctors' offices, Urgent Care, and Laboratories.
- Restaurants, including those with drive-through service and Microbreweries.
- General retail sales and Pharmacy services.
- Indoor commercial recreation and entertainment facilities.
Public and Institutional
- Educational facilities (College, Elementary, Secondary, etc.).
- Religious facilities and Community Centers.
- Museums and Libraries.
- Governmental service facilities.
[Source: Sec 401.05 Table of Uses]
Specific District Regulations
Parking Placement
To maintain the walkable, urban character of the C-3: Mixed-Use Commercial district, the City of Bentonville requires that all off-street parking lots be located to the side or the rear of the primary building or structure [Sec 501.03(c)].
Height and Setback Transitions
In the C-3: Mixed-Use Commercial district, if a building is designed to exceed the standard 60-foot height limit through the exception rule, only the specific portion of the structure that rises above the 60-foot mark must meet the additional setback requirements [Sec 401.08(d)(2)].
Sections Cited
- Sec 401.02 Classification Of Districts
- Sec 401.05 Table Of Uses For Zoning Districts
- Sec 401.08 Commercial (C) Districts Regulations
- Sec 501.03 Location Of Off-Street Parking