R-C2 Central Residential Moderate Density District Setback Standards for Bentonville

In the Bentonville R-C2: Central Residential - Moderate Density district, standard residential developments are typically required to maintain a 20-foot front setback, a 7-foot interior side setback, and a 15-foot rear setback. Specific configurations for townhomes and attached dwellings allow for a reduction to a 10-foot front setback and a 0-foot interior side setback at the common wall, provided all other standards of the Bentonville Zoning Code are met.

R-C2 District Setback Requirements

The Bentonville Zoning Code establishes specific distance requirements between structures and property lines for the R-C2: Central Residential - Moderate Density district. These standards vary based on the specific type of residential building being constructed [Sec 401.07(c)(1)].

Building Type	Front Setback	Interior Side Setback	Exterior Side Setback	Rear Setback
Single-family and all others not listed	20 feet	7 feet	20 feet	15 feet
Two-family	20 feet	7 feet (0' where attached)	20 feet	15 feet
Townhome structure — End block	10 feet	7 feet (0' where attached)	10 feet	15 feet

Supplemental R-C2 Development Standards

Beyond the basic setback distances, the City of Bentonville applies additional regulations to the R-C2 district regarding street frontage and garage placement.

Street Frontage

Each lot within the R-C2 district must have a minimum street frontage equal to the minimum lot width required at the building line. Exceptions are made for lots fronting on cul-de-sac turnarounds or curving street frontages, where a minimum of 20 feet of street frontage is required, provided the side lot lines diverge until reaching the required lot width at the building line [Sec 401.07(b)(2)].

Garage Placement and Setbacks

The City of Bentonville mandates specific garage orientations for the R-C2 district to preserve the neighborhood character:

Alley Access: If a rear alley or rear private drive exists or is platted, the structure must utilize a rear-loading garage [Sec 401.07(c)(3)c].
Front-Loading Garages: When no rear access is available, front-loading garages are permitted but must be pushed toward the rear lot line and recessed a minimum of 6 feet from the front façade of the building [Sec 401.07(c)(3)c].
Street Facing Minimums: In all cases, a street-facing garage must be set back at least 30 feet from the property line it faces [Sec 401.07(c)(3)a].

Permitted Setback Encroachments

Bentonville allows certain architectural features to extend into the required setbacks of the R-C2 district.

Feature	Encroachment Standard
Eave, sill, cornice, or ornament	May project up to 18 inches into any required setback.
Bay windows and chimneys	May encroach up to 2 feet, but no closer than 3 feet to the side or rear property line.
Open porches, balconies, and decks	May encroach into a required setback but no closer than 12 feet to the front line and 5 feet to the side/rear lines.
Steps (finished floor ≤ 30" above grade)	May encroach up to 2 feet, but no closer than 3 feet to the side or rear property line.

[Sec 401.04(h)]

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