Guide to the R-3 Medium-High Density Multifamily Residential District in Bentonville

The R-3 Medium-High Density Multifamily Residential district in Bentonville provides for medium-density housing such as apartments, townhouses, and two-family dwellings with a maximum height limit of 40 feet. Development requires a minimum lot size of 6,000 square feet for multifamily structures (with at least 1,500 square feet of land per unit) and a maximum interior lot coverage of 40%. The district is specifically intended to serve as a transitional buffer between incompatible land uses where adequate public facilities are available.

Purpose and General Character

The primary purpose of the R-3 Medium-High Density Multifamily Residential district is to establish suitable areas for medium-density residential development within the City of Bentonville. This district is typically located in areas where adequate municipal facilities either exist or are planned for provision alongside development [Sec 401.07(a)(5)].

A defining characteristic of the R-3 district is its role as a buffer or transitional zone, separating incompatible development districts from one another. To support this diversity in housing, the City of Bentonville allows a variety of structural types in this zone, including townhouses and zero lot line developments [Sec 401.07(a)(5)].

Permitted Land Uses

Land uses in the R-3 Medium-High Density Multifamily Residential district are categorized by right, by accessory status, or by conditional permit.

Residential Uses

Permitted by Right: Single-family dwellings, two-family dwellings, multi-family dwellings, townhouses (including end blocks), condominiums, cottage courts, and modular homes [Sec 401.05 Table of Uses].
Permitted as Accessory: Accessory dwelling units (ADUs), Type A home occupations, and donation boxes [Sec 401.05 Table of Uses].
Conditional Uses: Group homes and Type B home occupations [Sec 401.05 Table of Uses].

Civic and Recreational Uses

Permitted by Right: Mini parks and neighborhood parks [Sec 401.05 Table of Uses].
Conditional Uses: Aquariums, community centers, educational facilities, museums, community parks, and religious facilities [Sec 401.05 Table of Uses].

Utilities and Others

Permitted as Accessory: Small wind energy systems [Sec 401.05 Table of Uses].
Conditional Uses: Public utility facilities, wireless communication facilities (cell towers), and various temporary uses [Sec 401.05 Table of Uses].

Lot and Area Standards

The City of Bentonville enforces specific spatial requirements for the R-3 Medium-High Density Multifamily Residential district to regulate population density and building bulk.

Building Type	Min. Lot Area (sq. ft.)	Min. Land Area per Unit (sq. ft.)	Min. Lot Width (ft.)
Single-family	5,000	N/A	50
Two-family	5,000	N/A	50
Cottage Court	6,000	1,500	60
Townhouse (Unit)	2,000	N/A	20
Townhouse (Structure)	6,000	2,000	60
Multi-family	6,000	1,500	60
All others not listed	10,000	N/A	100

Maximum Lot Coverage: 40% for interior lots; 45% for corner lots [Sec 401.07(b)(1)].
Street Frontage: All lots in the R-3 district must have a minimum of 20 feet of street frontage [Sec 401.07(b)(2)].

Setback and Height Requirements

Structures within the R-3 Medium-High Density Multifamily Residential district must adhere to minimum distance requirements from property lines and height restrictions.

Minimum Setback Standards

Setback Location	Minimum Requirement
Front Yard	20 feet
Side Yard (Interior)	10 feet
Side Yard (Exterior)	20 feet
Rear Yard	25 feet

Height Standards

The maximum height allowed in the R-3 district is 40 feet [Sec 401.07(d)(1)].

Bentonville allows an exception for building height: the maximum height may be exceeded if one additional foot of interior side yard setback is provided for every two feet of additional height. This exception does not apply to zero lot line buildings [Sec 401.07(d)(3)].

Off-Street Parking Requirements

The City of Bentonville requires adequate off-street parking for all residential uses in the R-3 Medium-High Density Multifamily Residential district to prevent street congestion.

Residential Use Type	Required Parking Ratio
Single-Family Dwelling	2 spaces per dwelling unit
Two-Family Dwelling / Duplex	2 spaces per dwelling unit
Multi-Family Dwelling	3 spaces for every two dwelling units (1.5 per unit)
Patio Home Dwelling	2 spaces per dwelling unit

Sections Cited

Section 401.05: Table Of Uses For Zoning Districts
Section 401.07: Residential (R) Districts Regulations
Section 501.06: Number Of Off-Street Parking Spaces Required