Off-Street Parking Standards for the R-C2: Central Residential - Moderate Density District
In the R-C2: Central Residential - Moderate Density district, residential developments are required to provide a minimum of one parking space per dwelling unit, which may be fulfilled through on-site parking, on-street parking, or a shared parking agreement. For non-residential or mixed-use projects within this City of Bentonville district, surface parking must be located specifically at the side or rear of the building to prevent the interruption of pedestrian movement at the front of the structure. Furthermore, the City of Bentonville requires that any property in the R-C2 district with a rear alley or private drive utilize a rear-loading garage rather than front-facing access.
Residential Parking Requirements in R-C2
The City of Bentonville establishes a specific standard for residential density and parking in the R-C2: Central Residential - Moderate Density district that differs from the general residential requirements found in other parts of the city. While most single-family districts require two spaces per unit, the R-C2 district emphasizes urban density and walkability [Section 501.06(e)].
| Use Type | Minimum Parking Requirement |
|---|---|
| Residential Dwelling Unit (all types) | 1 space per dwelling unit |
| Mixed-Use Project (Residential portion) | 1 space per dwelling unit (must be clearly marked) |
Residential parking in the R-C2 district may be achieved via three methods: on-site parking, on-street parking, or a shared parking agreement [Section 501.06(e)(1)(a)].
Commercial and Institutional Parking Requirements
For non-residential uses allowed within the R-C2: Central Residential - Moderate Density district, the City of Bentonville applies its general schedule of off-street parking. These requirements are based on the specific type of use and its square footage or capacity [Section 501.06(f)].
| Land Use Type | Minimum Parking Ratio |
|---|---|
| Medical Clinics | 1 space per 300 sq. ft. of net floor space |
| Business and Professional Office | 1 space per 300 sq. ft. of net floor space* |
| General Business and Retail Sales | 1 space per 250 sq. ft. of net floor area** |
| Restaurants | 1 space per 4 occupants (max permitted) plus 1 per employee (largest shift) |
| Religious Facilities (Sanctuary) | 1 space per 4 seats |
*Reductions apply for office structures over 10,000 sq. ft. [Section 501.06(f)]. **Reductions apply for retail structures over 10,000 sq. ft. [Section 501.06(f)].
Parking Location and Design Standards
The City of Bentonville mandates strict design criteria for the R-C2: Central Residential - Moderate Density district to ensure a pedestrian-friendly environment and consistent neighborhood character [Section 501.06(e)].
Placement of Parking Lots
In the R-C2 district, surface parking must be located to the side or the rear of the building. This is a mandatory requirement intended to ensure that vehicles entering or exiting the property do not interrupt the pedestrian movement at the front of the building [Section 501.06(e)(1)(c)].
Garage Access and Setbacks
Access to parking via garages in the R-C2 district is governed by the presence of alleys.
- Rear Alley Present: If a rear alley or rear private drive exists or is platted, a rear-loading garage is required [Section 401.07(d)(3)(c)].
- No Alley Present: A front-loading garage is permitted only if no rear access exists. In these cases, the garage must be pushed toward the rear lot line and must be recessed a minimum of 6 feet from the front façade of the building [Section 401.07(d)(3)(c)].
Shared and Mixed-Use Parking
In mixed-use projects within the City of Bentonville's R-C2 district, parking spaces must be clearly marked to distinguish residential parking from employee or customer parking. The City encourages shared parking access where two or more establishments can share the same spaces due to differing peak demand times. Such agreements must be submitted during the site development review process [Section 501.06(e)(2)].
Technical Specifications
Off-street parking areas in the R-C2: Central Residential - Moderate Density district must adhere to the following technical standards:
- Surfacing: All parking areas must be paved with a sealed surface pavement, unless the City Engineer approves a low-impact development alternative [Section 501.07].
- Dimensions: A standard 90-degree parking space must be 9 feet wide by 19 feet deep. However, single-family and duplex structures are exempt from specific dimension requirements [Section 501.02].
- Proximity: Parking must generally be located within 200 feet of the structure it serves [Section 501.03(a)].
- Alleys: Alleys utilized for access must remain clear and passable at all times [Section 501.06(e)(1)(d)].
Sections Cited
- Section 401.07 Residential (R) Districts Regulations
- 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