R-3 Medium-High Density Multifamily Residential District Setback Requirements in Bentonville
In the R-3 Medium-High Density Multifamily Residential district of Bentonville, the standard minimum setback requirements are 20 feet for the front yard, 10 feet for interior side yards, 20 feet for exterior side yards, and 25 feet for the rear yard. These regulations apply to all standard building types within the district, though alternative setback standards may apply if the property is developed as a specialized "Cottage Court" or if a building exceeds the standard height limit.
Standard Minimum Setbacks for R-3 Residential
The City of Bentonville establishes uniform setback requirements for all building types within the R-3: Medium-High Density Multifamily Residential district. These distances are measured as the horizontal distance between the property line or right-of-way line and the foundation of the structure [Section 401.03(d)].
| Setback Location | Minimum Requirement for R-3 District |
|---|---|
| Front Yard | 20 feet |
| Side Yard (Interior) | 10 feet |
| Side Yard (Exterior) | 20 feet |
| Rear Yard | 25 feet |
[Source: Section 401.07(c)(1)]
Permitted Setback Encroachments
Bentonville regulations allow certain architectural features to project into the required setbacks of the R-3: Medium-High Density Multifamily Residential district. Unless otherwise restricted by an easement or right-of-way, the following features may encroach according to these standards:
| Feature | Encroachment Standard |
|---|---|
| Eaves, sills, cornices, or ornamental features | May project up to 18 inches into any required setback. |
| Bay windows, chimneys, and similar features | May encroach up to 2 feet, but must remain at least 3 feet from side or rear property lines. |
| Open porches, balconies, and breezeways | May encroach into a required setback but no closer than 12 feet to the front property line and 5 feet to the side or rear property line. |
| Steps (finished floor $\le$ 30 inches above grade) | May encroach up to 2 feet, but must remain at least 3 feet from side or rear property lines. |
[Source: Section 401.04(h)]
Specialized Setback Regulations
Height-Based Side Setback Adjustments
In the Bentonville R-3: Medium-High Density Multifamily Residential district, the maximum height for a principal building is generally 40 feet [Section 401.07(d)(1)]. However, a building may exceed this maximum height if the developer provides additional interior side yard setbacks. For every two feet of additional height beyond the 40-foot limit, the interior side yard setback must be increased by one foot [Section 401.07(d)(3)].
Cottage Court Standards
If a development in the R-3: Medium-High Density Multifamily Residential district meets the specific definition of a "Cottage Court," it is subject to a different set of setback requirements designed for that specific housing type.
| Cottage Court Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback | 10 foot minimum; 20 foot maximum |
| Side Setback | 7 feet |
| Rear Setback | 7 feet |
| Minimum distance between units | 7 feet |
[Source: Section 601.35(c)]
Nonresidential Use Separation
When charitable, cultural, or other nonresidential facilities are permitted within or abut the Bentonville R-3: Medium-High Density Multifamily Residential district, they must adhere to enhanced minimum building separation requirements. For example, eating or picnic areas must be separated from the nearest residential property line by 100 feet, and outdoor spectator facilities or sports areas require a 200-foot separation [Section 601.15].
Sections Cited
- Section 401.03 Calculations and Measurements
- Section 401.04 Application of Zoning District Regulations
- Section 401.07 Residential (R) Districts Regulations
- Section 601.15 Nonresidential Uses In Or Abutting R Districts
- Section 601.35 Cottage Courts