Permitted Zoning Districts for Bars, Taverns, and Nightclubs in Bentonville
In Bentonville, bars, lounges, and taverns are allowed by right in the Neighborhood Commercial (C-1), General Commercial (C-2), Mixed-Use Commercial (C-3), and Downtown Core (DC) zoning districts. Nightclubs, which the code classifies as indoor commercial recreation facilities, are permitted by right in the General Commercial (C-2), Mixed-Use Commercial (C-3), Downtown Core (DC), Downtown Edge (DE), and Heavy Industrial (I-2) districts. Establishments featuring adult entertainment, such as adult cabarets, are restricted to the General Commercial (C-2) district and require a conditional use permit.
Bars, Lounges, and Taverns
The Bentonville Zoning Code defines a "Bar, Lounge or Tavern" as an establishment where the primary activity is the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages on the premises, and where food service is considered secondary [Sec 201.02].
According to the Bentonville Table of Uses, these establishments are permitted as follows:
- Allowed by Right: Neighborhood Commercial (C-1), General Commercial (C-2), Mixed-Use Commercial (C-3), and Downtown Core (DC) [Sec 401.05].
- Conditional Use Permit Required: Residential Office (R-O) and Downtown Edge (DE) [Sec 401.05].
Nightclubs and Indoor Entertainment
In the City of Bentonville, a "Night club" is categorized under "Commercial Recreation or Entertainment Facility, Indoor" [Sec 201.02]. This category applies to establishments providing indoor recreational activities for a fee or admission charge.
The following permissions apply to indoor commercial recreation facilities (nightclubs):
- Allowed by Right: General Commercial (C-2), Mixed-Use Commercial (C-3), Downtown Core (DC), Downtown Edge (DE), and Heavy Industrial (I-2) [Sec 401.05].
- Conditional Use Permit Required: Agricultural (A-1), Neighborhood Commercial (C-1), and Light Industrial (I-1) [Sec 401.05].
Adult Cabarets and Sexually Oriented Businesses
Establishments that function as nightclubs or bars but regularly feature persons appearing in a state of nudity or live performances characterized by specified sexual activities are defined as "Adult Cabarets" [Sec 201.02]. These are considered "Sexually Oriented Businesses" and are subject to stricter location requirements in Bentonville. They are only permitted in the General Commercial (C-2) district with an approved conditional use permit and must maintain a 660-foot separation from churches, schools, residential districts, public parks, and hospitals [Sec 601.22].
Development Standards
Bars, taverns, and nightclubs must comply with the bulk and area regulations assigned to their specific zoning district in Bentonville.
Commercial District Standards (C-1, C-2, C-3)
| Standard | Neighborhood Commercial (C-1) | General Commercial (C-2) | Mixed-Use Commercial (C-3) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max. Height | 40 feet | 60 feet | 60 feet |
| Min. Lot Area | 7,000 sq. ft. | 7,000 sq. ft. | None |
| Max. Lot Coverage | 50% | 60% | 100% |
| Front Setback (No Parking) | 20 feet | 20 feet | 0 feet |
| Rear Setback (Adj. to Residential) | 25 feet | 30 feet | 0 feet |
[Sec 401.08]
Downtown District Standards (DC, DE)
| Standard | Downtown Core (DC) | Downtown Edge (DE) |
|---|---|---|
| Min. Height | 20 feet | None |
| Max. Height | 80 feet | 50 feet |
| Max. Lot Coverage | 100% | 80% |
| Front Setback (Max) | 0 feet (Non-residential) | None |
| Side Yard (Min) | 0 feet | 7 feet |
[Sec 401.8-B]
Parking Requirements
The City of Bentonville requires off-street parking for establishments serving food and beverages based on their maximum permitted occupancy.
| Use Type | Required Parking Spaces |
|---|---|
| Restaurants and similar (Bars/Taverns) | 1 space per 4 occupants (at max permitted occupancy) plus 1 space per employee on the largest shift. |
| Downtown Core (DC) | None required for the first 3,000 sq. ft. of the first floor; 1 space per 500 sq. ft. thereafter. |
[Sec 501.06]
Sections Cited
- Sec 201.02 Definitions Of Terms And Uses
- Sec 401.05 Table Of Uses For Zoning Districts
- Sec 401.08 Commercial (C) Districts Regulations
- Sec 401.8-B Downtown (D) Districts Regulations
- Sec 501.06 Number Of Off-Street Parking Spaces Required
- Sec 601.22 Sexually Oriented Business