Guide to the DN-4: Downtown Mixed-Use Residential District in Bentonville
The DN-4: Downtown Mixed-Use Residential district in Bentonville is designed to increase neighborhood density and local commerce through high-density multi-family housing and mixed-use structures, allowing for building heights up to 50 feet. This district prioritizes an urban, walkable character, requiring commercial uses to be integrated into mixed-use buildings and providing a residential parking ratio of one space per dwelling unit.
Purpose and General Character
The primary intent of the DN-4: Downtown Mixed-Use Residential district is to facilitate increased neighborhood density and provide opportunities for local commerce within the City of Bentonville. This is achieved through the development of multi-family housing and mixed-use structures [Section 401.07-B(a)(4)].
The general character of the DN-4: Downtown Mixed-Use Residential district is defined by its unique location within the surrounding urban context, which experiences high levels of activity and housing demand. The district is intended to support a vibrant, pedestrian-oriented environment where residents live in close proximity to services and commercial hubs [Section 401.07-B(a)(4)].
Permitted Building Types
In the DN-4: Downtown Mixed-Use Residential district, several specific building types are permitted by right. These include:
- Single-family dwellings
- Cottage Courts
- Two-family dwellings
- Townhouses (both Block-end and Mid-block)
- Multi-family structures (both Block-end and Mid-block)
- Mixed-use buildings [Section 401.07-B(c)(1)].
Commercial buildings in the DN-4: Downtown Mixed-Use Residential district of Bentonville must be configured as mixed-use buildings. A single-use commercial building is only permitted if the Planning Commission approves a conditional use permit [Section 401.07-B(c)(2)]. Additionally, ground-floor commercial uses are explicitly permitted in multi-family buildings within the DN-4: Downtown Mixed-Use Residential district [Section 401.07-B(c)(3)].
Lot and Area Standards
The City of Bentonville imposes specific lot dimensions and coverage limits based on the building type utilized within the DN-4: Downtown Mixed-Use Residential district.
DN-4 Lot and Area Standards Table
| Building Type | Min. Lot Area (sq. ft.) | Min. Land Area per Unit (sq. ft.) | Min. Lot Width | Max. Lot Width | Max. Lot Coverage (Interior) | Max. Lot Coverage (Corner) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single-family (Alley) | 4,000 | -- | 40' | 50' | 50% | 55% |
| Single-family (No Alley) | 5,000 | -- | 50' | 60' | 50% | 55% |
| Single-family Attached (Unit) | 2,000 | -- | 20' | -- | -- | -- |
| Single-family Attached (Structure, Alley) | 4,000 | -- | 40' | 50' | 50% | 55% |
| Single-family Attached (Structure, No Alley) | 5,000 | -- | 50' | 60' | 50% | 55% |
| Cottage Court | 6,000 | -- | 60' | -- | 50% | 55% |
| Two-family (Alley) | 4,000 | -- | 40' | 50' | 50% | 55% |
| Two-family (No Alley) | 5,000 | -- | 50' | 60' | 50% | 55% |
| Townhouse (Unit) | 2,000 | -- | 20' | -- | -- | -- |
| Townhouse (Structure) | 6,000 | 2,000 | 60' | -- | 65% | 70% |
| Multi-family | 8,000 | 800 | 80' | -- | 75% | 80% |
| Mixed-use/Commercial | 10,000 | 800 | 80' | -- | 75% | 80% |
[Source: Section 401.07-B(d)(1)]
Setback Requirements
Setbacks in the DN-4: Downtown Mixed-Use Residential district are designed to maintain the urban fabric of Bentonville while ensuring adequate separation between different building types.
DN-4 Minimum Setback Standards Table
| Building Type | Front Yard (Min/Max) | Side Yard (Ext/Corner) (Min/Max) | Side Yard (Int. Detached) | Side Yard (Int. 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 & Commercial | 0' / 15' | 0' / 15' | 0' (12' if adj. to non-mixed use) | 0' | 15' |
[Source: Section 401.07-B(e)(1)]
Height Standards
The City of Bentonville regulates the maximum height of structures in the DN-4: Downtown Mixed-Use Residential district to ensure compatibility with the surrounding neighborhood.
DN-4 Height Standards Table
| Building Type | Maximum Height Allowed |
|---|---|
| Single-family and Two-family | 40' |
| Townhouse | 40' |
| Multi-family | 50' |
| Mixed-use and Commercial | 50' |
[Source: Section 401.07-B(a) Height Standards Table]
Off-Street Parking Requirements
Parking in the DN-4: Downtown Mixed-Use Residential district is specifically regulated to support its dense, urban nature. For residential developments in this district, one (1) parking space must be provided per dwelling unit. This requirement can be fulfilled through on-site parking, on-street parking, or a shared parking agreement [Section 501.06(e)(1)(a)].
In mixed-use projects within the DN-4: Downtown Mixed-Use Residential district, parking must be clearly marked to distinguish between resident parking and employee or customer parking [Section 501.06(e)(1)(b)]. Surface parking must be located at the side or rear of the building to prevent the interruption of pedestrian movement along the front of the building [Section 501.06(e)(1)(c)].
Sections Cited
- Section 401.02 Classification Of Districts
- Section 401.07-B Downtown Neighborhood (DN) Districts Regulations
- Section 501.06 Number Of Off-Street Parking Spaces Required