R-4 High Density Multifamily Residential Setback Standards in Bentonville

In the City of Bentonville, the R-4 High Density Multifamily Residential district requires a minimum front setback of 20 feet and a minimum rear setback of 25 feet. While interior side setbacks are generally established at 10 feet, this requirement increases significantly to 30 feet whenever an R-4 High Density Multifamily Residential property is located adjacent to a single-family residential district.

R-4 District Setback Requirements

The City of Bentonville establishes specific distance requirements between structures and property lines in the R-4 High Density Multifamily Residential district to ensure adequate light, air, and safety. These standards apply to all primary building types within the district [Section 401.07].

Setback Type	R-4 High Density Multifamily Residential Requirement
Front Setback	20 feet
Side Setback (Interior)	10 feet (Increases to 30 feet if adjacent to single-family)
Side Setback (Exterior)	20 feet
Rear Setback	25 feet

Special Setback Considerations for the R-4 District

Garage Setbacks

The Bentonville zoning code mandates additional specific setbacks for garages located within the R-4 High Density Multifamily Residential district to manage the visual impact of vehicles on the streetscape [Section 401.07]:

Street-Facing Garages: These must maintain a minimum front setback of 30 feet from the property line the garage faces.
Side- or Rear-Loading Garages: These must maintain a minimum front setback of 20 feet from the front property line.

Permitted Encroachments

Certain architectural features are permitted to extend into the required setbacks of the R-4 High Density Multifamily Residential district, provided they meet specific criteria [Section 401.04]:

Eaves, Sills, and Cornices: May project up to 18 inches into any required setback.
Bay Windows and Chimneys: May encroach up to 2 feet into a required setback, but must remain at least 3 feet away from any side or rear property line.
Open Porches and Decks: If the finished floor is 30 inches or less above the lowest adjacent grade, these may encroach into a required setback but must be no closer than 12 feet to the front property line and no closer than 5 feet to a side or rear property line.
Steps: May encroach up to 2 feet into a required setback, provided they remain at least 3 feet from side or rear property lines.

Sight Distance Requirements

Notwithstanding the standard setbacks, the City of Bentonville prohibits any building, structure, or sign from being located in a manner that creates an obstruction in areas designated to be kept clear for traffic safety [Section 401.04].

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