R-C2: Central Residential - Moderate Density District in Bentonville

The R-C2 district in the City of Bentonville serves as a moderate-density residential zone designed to encourage traditional urban design and infill development with a maximum building height of 40 feet. This district requires a minimum lot area of 4,000 square feet and mandates one off-street parking space per dwelling unit, with specific regulations requiring rear-loading garages when alleys or private drives are available.

Purpose and General Character

The R-C2: Central Residential - Moderate Density district is primarily located in the area generally referred to as "Downtown" in the City of Bentonville. The specific intent of this district is to stabilize and improve existing residential neighborhoods while encouraging the infill of available lands. It is designed to provide a choice of housing types and locations for various lifestyles and economic levels [Sec 401.07(a)(10)].

Characteristically, the R-C2 district serves as a buffer or transitional zone between lower-density single-family neighborhoods and higher-density residential or commercial districts. It emphasizes traditional urban design and allows for the development of single-family, two-family, and townhouse structures [Sec 401.07(a)(10)].

Permitted Land Uses

The City of Bentonville classifies uses in the R-C2 district into three categories: uses allowed by right (indicated by a dot), uses requiring a conditional use permit (indicated by a "C"), and accessory uses (indicated by an "A") [Sec 401.05].

Residential Uses

Allowed by Right: Single-family dwellings, two-family dwellings, townhouse structures (end block), modular dwellings, condominium dwellings, assisted living facilities, and temporary shelter facilities [Table of Uses].
Conditional Uses: Group homes, cottage courts, and Type B home occupations [Table of Uses].
Accessory Uses: Accessory dwelling units (ADUs), and Type A home occupations [Table of Uses].

Commercial and Public Uses

Allowed by Right: Bakeries, mini-parks, and neighborhood parks [Table of Uses].
Conditional Uses: Restaurants, retail establishments, urban farms, aquariums, community centers, educational facilities, golf courses, museums, religious facilities, adult day care, cemeteries, and licensed child care centers [Table of Uses].

Development Standards

Development within the City of Bentonville's R-C2 district must adhere to specific lot, area, and setback requirements to maintain the intended moderate-density character.

Lot and Area Standards

Standard	Requirement
Minimum Lot Area	4,000 square feet
Minimum Street Frontage	20 feet
Minimum Lot Width (Rear access via alley/private drive)	35 feet
Minimum Lot Width (No rear access)	50 feet
Maximum Building Height	40 feet

[Sec 401.07(b), Sec 401.07(d), Sec 401.03]

Setback Standards

Building Type	Front Setback	Side Setback (Interior)	Side Setback (Exterior)	Rear Setback
Single-Family	20 feet	7 feet	20 feet	15 feet
Two-Family	20 feet	7 feet (0' if attached)	20 feet	15 feet
Townhouse	10 feet	7 feet (0' if attached)	10 feet	15 feet

[Sec 401.07(c)]

Parking and Garage Requirements

The City of Bentonville applies specific parking standards to the R-C2 district to preserve pedestrian-friendly streetscapes:

Parking Ratio: One parking space per dwelling unit is required for residential development [Sec 501.06(e)(1)].
Garage Placement: If a rear alley or private drive exists or is platted, a rear-loading garage is required. If no alley exists, a front-loading garage is permitted but must be recessed at least six feet from the front façade of the building and pushed toward the rear lot line [Sec 401.07(c)(3)c].
Surface Parking: To protect pedestrian movement, surface parking must be located at the side or rear of the building [Sec 501.06(e)(1)c].

Sections Cited

Sec 401.02 Classification Of Districts
Sec 401.03 Calculations And Measurements
Sec 401.05 Table Of Uses For Zoning Districts
Sec 401.07 Residential (R) Districts Regulations
Sec 501.06 Number Of Off-Street Parking Spaces Required