Off-Street Parking Requirements for the Bentonville R-1: Low Density Single Family Residential District
In the R-1: Low Density Single Family Residential district of the City of Bentonville, all single-family dwellings must provide a minimum of two off-street parking spaces per unit. For non-residential or conditional "commercial" style projects allowed within the R-1 district, such as religious facilities, the City of Bentonville requires one parking space for every four seats in the main sanctuary. All off-street parking areas in this district must be paved with a sealed surface and be located within 200 feet of the structure they serve [Section 501.03, Section 501.06, Section 501.07].
Residential Parking Ratios
Residential developments within the R-1: Low Density Single Family Residential district are subject to specific ratios based on the type of dwelling unit. While the district is primarily intended for single-family homes, other specific residential forms like Cottage Courts have distinct requirements [Section 501.06].
| Residential Use Type | Required Parking Ratio |
|---|---|
| Single-Family Dwelling | 2 spaces per dwelling unit |
| Cottage Court (Units $\le$ 1,250 sq. ft.) | 1 space per unit |
| Cottage Court (Units > 1,250 sq. ft.) | 1.5 spaces per unit |
| Bed and Breakfast | 2 spaces per dwelling plus 1 space per guest room |
Non-Residential and "Commercial" Parking Ratios
The R-1: Low Density Single Family Residential district allows for certain institutional and service-oriented uses (often via Conditional Use Permits) that operate similarly to commercial projects. The City of Bentonville mandates the following ratios for these uses [Section 501.06(f)]:
| Use Type | Required Parking Ratio |
|---|---|
| Church Sanctuary | 1 space per 4 seats (based on max capacity) |
| Nursery, Kindergarten, and Day-Care Centers | 1 space per 500 sq. ft. of net floor area plus 1 space per employee |
| Community Center | Must meet the same requirements as Religious Facilities |
| Public assembly (Auditoriums, etc.) | 1 space per 4 seats |
Design, Dimensions, and Location Standards
The City of Bentonville provides specific engineering and placement standards for parking facilities to ensure safety and accessibility.
Space Dimensions and Access
Standard off-street parking spaces must measure at least 9 feet by 19 feet. However, the City of Bentonville expressly exempts single-family and duplex structures from these specific dimensional requirements [Section 501.02]. Access drives for residential uses in the R-1 district must be a minimum of 10 feet wide [Section 501.02(b)].
| Parking Feature | Standard Requirement |
|---|---|
| Standard 90° Parking Space | 9 feet x 19 feet |
| Residential Access Drive Width | 10 feet minimum |
| Max Distance from Structure | 200 feet (measured from nearest point) |
Surfacing and Infrastructure
Any off-street parking area in the R-1: Low Density Single Family Residential district must be paved with a sealed surface pavement. An exception may be granted by the City Engineer if the area is constructed as part of an approved low-impact development [Section 501.07].
Large-Scale Development Review
In the R-1 district, whenever an off-street parking lot is designed to accommodate more than five vehicles, the project must be approved through the City of Bentonville’s Large-Scale Development process and comply with all applicable subdivision regulations [Section 501.08].
Sections Cited
- Section 501.01 Applicability
- Section 501.02 Parking Dimensions
- Section 501.03 Location Of Off-Street Parking
- Section 501.06 Number Of Off-Street Parking Spaces Required
- Section 501.07 Surfacing Of Parking Lots
- Section 501.08 Off-Street Parking Lots In Residential Districts
- Section 601.10 Community Center
- Section 601.35 Cottage Courts