Off-Street Parking Standards for the DE: Downtown Edge District in Bentonville
In the City of Bentonville, the DE: Downtown Edge district features specialized parking ratios that exempt smaller nonresidential projects from requirements while establishing specific per-unit counts for residential developments. Developments within the DE: Downtown Edge district are uniquely exempt from standard off-site parking distance limits and are not required to provide additional parking for the simple change of use of an existing structure.
Required Parking Ratios for the DE: Downtown Edge District
The City of Bentonville establishes the following specific parking counts for new construction and additions within the DE: Downtown Edge district based on the use type and size of the facility.
| Use Category | Parking Space Requirement |
|---|---|
| Nonresidential Uses (Under 3,000 sq. ft.) | None |
| Nonresidential Uses (Over 3,000 sq. ft.) | 1 space per 1,000 sq. ft. |
| Residential Uses: Studio and 1 Bedroom | 1 space per unit |
| Residential Uses: 2 or more Bedrooms | 1 space per unit, plus 0.5 spaces for each bedroom over 3 |
[Sec 501.06(d)(1)]
Applicability to Existing and Razed Structures
The City of Bentonville provides significant flexibility for existing and redeveloped properties within the DE: Downtown Edge district to encourage urban infill and preservation:
- Change of Use: Parking requirements do not apply to existing structures in the DE: Downtown Edge district when there is a change of use [Sec 501.06(d)(2)].
- Razed (Demolished) Structures: When a structure is demolished and replaced, the parking requirement is calculated only on the net increase in square footage. The total is determined by the square footage of the new structure minus the square footage of the original building's footprint [Sec 501.06(d)(3)].
Proximity and Ownership Requirements
Standard City of Bentonville parking regulations regarding the location and distance of parking are modified for the DE: Downtown Edge district:
- Distance Exemptions: While most districts require off-street parking to be within 200 feet of the structure, the DE: Downtown Edge district is exempt from this maximum distance requirement [Sec 501.03(a)].
- Satellite Lots: If off-street parking is provided on a separate lot, that property must be zoned to allow for parking [Sec 501.03(b)].
- Ownership: Parking must generally be on land under the same ownership as the principal use. However, a conditional use permit may be obtained to allow parking on a lot with different ownership to count toward the district requirements [Sec 501.04].
Administrative Waivers
The Bentonville Planning Commission retains the authority to grant waivers regarding the specific parking standards defined for the DE: Downtown Edge district [Sec 501.06(c)].
Sections Cited
- Sec 401.02 Classification Of Districts
- Sec 501.03 Location Of Off-Street Parking
- Sec 501.04 Ownership
- Sec 501.06 Number Of Off-Street Parking Spaces Required