Off-Street Parking Requirements for the R-C3 High Density District in Bentonville
Residential projects in the City of Bentonville's R-C3: Central Residential - High Density district are required to provide one (1) parking space per dwelling unit, which may be satisfied through on-site parking, on-street parking, or shared parking agreements. Commercial and non-residential uses in the R-C3 district must adhere to specific intensity-based ratios, such as one space per 250 square feet for retail or one space per 300 square feet for offices. In all cases within the R-C3 district, surface parking must be located exclusively at the side or rear of the primary building to protect the pedestrian character of the front streetscape [Sec 501.03 and Sec 501.06].
Residential Parking Ratios for R-C3
In the R-C3: Central Residential - High Density district, the City of Bentonville provides more flexible options for meeting parking demands compared to standard residential zones. Developers can meet these requirements through a combination of traditional and alternative methods.
| Use Type | Required Parking Ratio |
|---|---|
| All Residential Units | 1 space per dwelling unit |
| Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) | 0 additional spaces required (1 max may be provided) |
Residential parking in the R-C3 district may be achieved via on-site parking, on-street parking, or a shared parking agreement [Sec 501.06(e)].
Commercial and Institutional Parking Ratios
For non-residential developments within the R-C3: Central Residential - High Density district, the City of Bentonville applies a schedule based on the use and net floor area.
| Land Use | Parking Ratio |
|---|---|
| General Business and Retail Sales | 1 space per 250 sq. ft. of net floor area |
| Business and Professional Office | 1 space per 300 sq. ft. of net floor area |
| Medical Clinics | 1 space per 300 sq. ft. of net floor space |
| Restaurants | 1 space per 4 occupants (max permitted) + 1 space per employee (largest shift) |
| Auditoriums, Arenas, and Theaters | 1 space for every 4 seats |
| Event Centers | 1 space per 4 occupants (max permitted) + 1 space per employee |
Floor Area Reductions for Large Buildings
For retail and office structures in the City of Bentonville that exceed 10,000 square feet, the required parking is calculated using a sliding scale. The first 10,000 square feet are calculated at the full ratio, and the remaining area is calculated at a reduced percentage:
- 10,001—20,000 sq. ft.: 95% of the standard requirement.
- 20,001—30,000 sq. ft.: 90% of the standard requirement.
- 30,001—40,000 sq. ft.: 85% of the standard requirement.
- 40,000 sq. ft. and up: 80% of the standard requirement [Sec 501.06(f)].
Design and Location Standards
The R-C3: Central Residential - High Density district has strict design mandates to ensure that parking lots do not dominate the visual environment.
Mandatory Placement
All off-street parking lots in the R-C3 district must be located to the rear or side of the primary building or structure [Sec 501.03(c)]. This requirement is intended to ensure that entering and exiting vehicles do not interrupt pedestrian movement at the front of the building [Sec 501.06(e)(1)c].
Shared Parking and Alleys
- Shared Parking: In the R-C3 district, the City of Bentonville encourages shared parking access and facilities where two or more establishments are located on the same or adjacent sites. An agreement must be submitted as part of the site development review process [Sec 501.06(e)(2)].
- Mixed-Use Marking: In mixed-use projects within R-C3, parking must be clearly marked to distinguish residential spaces from employee or customer parking [Sec 501.06(e)(1)b].
- Alleys: Any alleys used for access in the R-C3 district must remain clear and passable at all times [Sec 501.06(e)(1)d].
Surfacing and Dimensions
All off-street parking areas in Bentonville must be paved with a sealed surface pavement [Sec 501.07]. Standard 90-degree parking spaces must be at least 9 feet wide by 19 feet deep [Sec 501.02(a)].
Sections Cited
- Sec 501.02 Parking Dimensions
- Sec 501.03 Location Of Off-Street Parking
- Sec 501.06 Number Of Off-Street Parking Spaces Required
- Sec 501.07 Surfacing Of Parking Lots
- Sec 601.02 Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)