Off-Street Parking Standards for the R-ZL: Zero Lot Line District in Bentonville
Residential developments in the City of Bentonville R-ZL: Zero Lot Line district typically require two off-street parking spaces per dwelling unit for single-family and two-family structures. While most parking spaces in Bentonville must meet standard dimensions of 9 feet by 19 feet, single-family and duplex residences in the R-ZL: Zero Lot Line district are specifically exempt from these parking dimension requirements [Section 501.02].
Purpose of the R-ZL: Zero Lot Line District
The R-ZL: Zero Lot Line district is a moderate-density residential zone in the City of Bentonville designed to allow for a variety of dwelling types while encouraging the efficient use of land and utilities [Section 401.07]. Because this district often serves as a transition between lower-density and higher-density residential zones, the City of Bentonville applies specific parking ratios based on the intensity of the land use.
Residential Parking Requirements
The City of Bentonville requires that off-street parking be provided on the same lot as the principal use, except in specific cases involving ownership agreements or conditional use permits [Section 501.04]. In the R-ZL: Zero Lot Line district, parking for residential uses is calculated based on the following ratios:
| 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 every two dwelling units (1.5 per unit) |
[Section 501.06]
Non-Residential and Service-Oriented Requirements
While the R-ZL: Zero Lot Line district is primarily residential, the City of Bentonville Table of Uses allows for certain community-scale "commercial" or service-oriented projects, often subject to a Conditional Use Permit [Section 401.05]. Parking for these specific uses allowed within the R-ZL: Zero Lot Line district must follow these standards:
| Land Use Type | Required Parking Ratio |
|---|---|
| Religious Facilities / Church Sanctuary | 1 space per 4 seats (based on max capacity) |
| Licensed Child Care Centers | 1 space per 500 sq. ft. of net floor area plus 1 space per employee |
| Registered Child Care Family Home | Handled as a Home Occupation; generally requires no additional parking beyond the residential requirement |
| Adult Day Care | 1 space per 300 sq. ft. of net floor area (Standard Service Ratio) |
[Section 501.06, Section 601.12]
General Design and Location Standards
In addition to the specific ratios, the City of Bentonville mandates several design and logistical standards for any project located within the R-ZL: Zero Lot Line district:
Proximity and Location
Off-street parking must be located within 200 feet of the structure it is intended to serve [Section 501.03]. For residential uses in the R-ZL: Zero Lot Line district, these spaces are typically provided via driveways, carports, or garages.
Dimensions and Access
While single-family and duplex structures are exempt from standard stall dimensions, other permitted uses in the R-ZL: Zero Lot Line district must provide standard 9' x 19' spaces for 90-degree parking [Section 501.02]. Access drives leading to these parking areas must be at least 10 feet wide for dwellings and 15 feet wide for all other uses [Section 501.02].
Surfacing
All off-street parking areas in the City of Bentonville must be paved with a sealed surface pavement. The only exception is for developments constructed as part of a low-impact development (LID) specifically approved by the City Engineer [Section 501.07].
Sections Cited
- Section 401.05 Table of Uses For Zoning Districts
- Section 401.07 Residential (R) Districts Regulations
- Section 501.02 Parking Dimensions
- Section 501.03 Location Of Off-Street Parking
- Section 501.04 Ownership
- Section 501.06 Number Of Off-Street Parking Spaces Required
- Section 501.07 Surfacing Of Parking Lots
- Section 601.12 Home Occupations