Off-Street Parking Requirements for Planned Residential Development (PRD) in Bentonville
Developments within the City of Bentonville PRD: Planned Residential Development district are required to provide a minimum of two off-street parking spaces for every residential unit. While the district primarily follows the standard parking ratios established in the City of Bentonville Zoning Code, the Planning Commission maintains the authority to modify these requirements for mixed-use projects and approve grouped parking arrangements to enhance design flexibility.
General Parking Standards for PRD Districts
In the City of Bentonville, all uses established within a PRD: Planned Residential Development district must comply with the general off-street parking and loading requirements found in Article 501 of the Zoning Code [Section 401.11(g)(2)].
The PRD: Planned Residential Development district is intended to provide a variety of housing types and densities, and the master site plan for the development must clearly detail all proposed parking spaces, including both off-street and on-street locations [Section 401.11(c), Section 401.11(e)(1)(g)].
Residential Parking Specifics
The City of Bentonville mandates specific standards for residential components within the PRD: Planned Residential Development district to ensure adequate capacity for residents and guests:
- Standard Ratio: Each residential unit must be provided with two (2) off-street parking spaces. These may be provided via a driveway, carport, or garage [Section 401.11(g)(2)(a)].
- Guest Parking: Guest parking spaces are permitted to be uncovered. They must be located in a manner that makes them easily accessible to visitors [Section 401.11(g)(2)(b)].
- Grouped Parking: The Planning Commission may authorize parking spaces, garages, or carports to be grouped together rather than attached to individual units, provided the Commission determines the locations are accessible and useful for the specific dwelling units [Section 401.11(g)(2)(c)].
Commercial and Mixed-Use Parking Ratios
While the primary use of a PRD: Planned Residential Development is residential, the City of Bentonville allows for the modification of parking standards for mixed-use projects through the master site plan process [Section 401.11(e)(1)(h)]. For commercial or institutional uses allowed within the district, the following standard ratios from the City of Bentonville Zoning Code apply:
| Land Use Type | City of Bentonville Parking Ratio |
|---|---|
| Residential (PRD Specific) | 2 spaces per dwelling unit |
| Multi-Family Dwelling | 3 spaces for each two dwelling units |
| Business and Professional Office | 1 space per 300 sq. ft. of net floor area |
| General Business and Retail Sales | 1 space per 250 sq. ft. of net floor area (up to 10,000 sq. ft.) |
| Auditoriums/Places of Assembly | 1 space for each four (4) seats |
| Restaurants | 1 space per 4 occupants (max permitted) plus 1 space per employee on largest shift |
[Section 401.11(g)(2), Section 501.06(f)]
Design and Modification Authority
The City of Bentonville provides the Planning Commission with discretionary power to adapt parking requirements to meet the innovative goals of a PRD: Planned Residential Development.
Permitted Modifications
During the approval of the PRD master site plan, the Planning Commission may modify the number of required off-street parking spaces, particularly in instances involving mixed residential and commercial uses [Section 401.11(e)(1)(h)].
Garage Setbacks
To maintain the aesthetic character of City of Bentonville neighborhoods, the PRD: Planned Residential Development district enforces specific setbacks for parking structures. Rear and side-loading garages are encouraged and must be set back at least 30 feet. For front-loading garages, the structure must be set back a minimum of 30 feet from the property line [Section 401.11(g)(6)(h)].
Sections Cited
- Section 401.11 PRD, Planned Residential Development District Regulations
- Section 501.06 Number Of Off-Street Parking Spaces Required