Off-Street Parking Standards for the R-2 Medium Density Residential District
In the City of Bentonville, the R-2: Medium Density Two Family and Townhome Residential district requires a minimum of two off-street parking spaces for every single-family, patio home, or two-family/duplex dwelling unit. While the R-2 district is primarily residential and separated from major commercial activity, any conditionally permitted institutional uses must adhere to specific ratios, such as one space per four seats for church sanctuaries or one space per 300 square feet for professional offices. Standard parking stalls must measure 9 feet by 19 feet, though single-family and duplex structures in the City of Bentonville are exempt from these specific dimensional requirements [Sec 501.02, Sec 501.06].
Residential Parking Requirements
The City of Bentonville mandates specific parking ratios for the R-2: Medium Density Two Family and Townhome Residential district based on the type of dwelling unit. These requirements are intended to prevent congestion and maintain the residential character of the neighborhood [Sec 401.07].
| Land Use Type | Required Parking Ratio |
|---|---|
| Single-Family Dwelling | 2 spaces per dwelling unit |
| Patio Home Dwelling | 2 spaces per dwelling unit |
| Two-Family Dwelling / Duplex | 2 spaces per dwelling unit |
| Multi-Family Dwelling | 3 spaces for each two dwelling units |
| Bed and Breakfast | 2 spaces for the dwelling plus 1 space per guest room |
| Manufactured Home Subdivision | 2 spaces per manufactured home |
Non-Residential and Institutional Parking
While the R-2: Medium Density Two Family and Townhome Residential district is designated for residential use, certain institutional or professional uses may be allowed via a Conditional Use Permit. In such cases, the City of Bentonville applies the following general standards [Sec 501.06]:
| Use Type | Required Parking Ratio |
|---|---|
| Church Sanctuary | 1 space per 4 seats (based on maximum capacity) |
| Nursery, Kindergarten, Day-Care | 1 space per 500 sq. ft. of net floor area + 1 per employee |
| Medical Clinics | 1 space per 300 sq. ft. of net floor area |
| Business/Professional Office | 1 space per 300 sq. ft. of net floor area |
| Schools (Grades 1—8) | 1 space per employee + 1 space per classroom |
| Community Center | Requirements same as Religious Facilities (1 per 4 seats) |
Parking Design and Dimensional Standards
The City of Bentonville provides specific engineering standards for the construction of parking areas within the R-2 district to ensure safety and accessibility [Sec 501.02].
Stall Dimensions
Standard 90-degree parking spaces must have a minimum dimension of 9 feet in width by 19 feet in depth. However, the City of Bentonville explicitly exempts single-family and duplex structures within the R-2: Medium Density Two Family and Townhome Residential district from these specific dimension requirements [Sec 501.02(d)].
Access and Surfacing
- Access Drives: For residential dwellings in the R-2 district, access drives must be at least 10 feet wide. For all other uses, the width must be at least 15 feet [Sec 501.02(b)].
- Surfacing: All off-street parking areas in the City of Bentonville must be paved with a sealed surface pavement to prevent dust and facilitate drainage, unless the City Engineer approves a low-impact development alternative [Sec 501.07].
- Location: Parking must be located within 200 feet of the structure it is intended to serve [Sec 501.03].
Special Use Regulations in R-2
Certain home-based activities and accessory units have unique parking considerations within the R-2: Medium Density Two Family and Townhome Residential district:
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): No additional parking spaces are required for an ADU. However, a maximum of one additional off-street paved space may be provided [Sec 601.02(f)].
- Home Occupations (Type A): These activities are permitted as long as they do not cause more than one customer vehicle to be parked in the vicinity of the principal dwelling unit at any given time [Sec 601.12(a)(10)].
- Alleys: If a property in the R-2 district utilizes an accessory garage that accesses from a rear alley, there must be a minimum setback of 20 feet between the alley right-of-way and the garage door [Sec 601.01(d)(3)].
Sections Cited
- Sec 401.07 Residential (R) Districts Regulations
- 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 601.01 Accessory Structures
- Sec 601.02 Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
- Sec 601.12 Home Occupations