R-E: Residential Estate Zoning Guide for Bentonville, Arkansas
The R-E: Residential Estate district in Bentonville is an extremely low-density residential designation that requires a minimum lot size of two acres (87,120 square feet). It is intended to provide maximum privacy through large open spaces and is the primary residential district where the keeping of farm animals is permitted with a conditional use permit.
Purpose and Character
The R-E: Residential Estate district is established by the City of Bentonville to foster a low-density environment that protects the natural landscape and encourages residential alternatives most protective of the environment. A key feature of this district is the allowance for scenic attraction and the keeping of animals when specifically approved by the Planning Commission [Sec 401.07(a)(2)].
Permitted and Prohibited Uses
The City of Bentonville regulates land use in the R-E: Residential Estate district through three levels of permission: Uses Allowed by Right, Uses Allowed by Conditional Use Permit, and Accessory Uses.
Uses Allowed by Right
These uses are permitted as primary or secondary uses in the R-E: Residential Estate district without requiring a special permit, provided they meet standard development codes.
- Residential: Single-family dwellings, modular dwellings, and Registered Family Homes (caring for 5 or fewer children) [Sec 401.05].
- Agriculture & Animals: Domestic or household animals, community gardens, hobby chickens, and greenhouses [Sec 401.05].
- Civic: Public libraries [Sec 401.05].
Uses Allowed by Conditional Use Permit
The following uses require approval from the Bentonville Planning Commission. This process ensures the use is compatible with the surrounding neighborhood and does not negatively impact public health or safety.
- Animals & Agriculture: Animal clinics, animal kennels or shelters, farm animals, and urban farms [Sec 401.05].
- Residential & Lodging: Group homes, Licensed Family Homes (caring for 6–16 children), and Bed and Breakfast establishments [Sec 401.05].
- Civic & Education: Aquariums, botanical gardens, community centers, educational facilities, museums, and religious facilities [Sec 401.05].
- Infrastructure: Utility facilities, wireless communication facilities (cell towers), and temporary uses [Sec 401.05].
Accessory Uses
Accessory uses are permitted only as subordinate to a primary residence and must comply with all development standards.
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) [Sec 401.05].
- Home Occupations (Type A) [Sec 401.05].
- Donation boxes [Sec 401.05].
- Non-residential accessory buildings [Sec 401.05].
Prohibited Uses
Any use not specifically listed as allowed by right, by conditional use, or as an accessory use is prohibited in the R-E: Residential Estate district. Notable prohibited uses include:
- Multi-family dwellings (apartments, townhomes, or two-family duplexes).
- Commercial retail and office establishments (except those qualifying as Home Occupations).
- Industrial or intensive agricultural uses like slaughterhouses or livestock markets.
- Mobile home parks.
Technical Development Standards
Development in the R-E: Residential Estate district must adhere to strict lot, area, and height requirements to maintain the low-density character of the Municipality.
Lot and Area Standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | 87,120 sq. ft. (2 acres) |
| Minimum Lot Width | 100 feet |
| Maximum Lot Coverage (Interior Lot) | 10% |
| Maximum Lot Coverage (Exterior/Corner Lot) | 15% |
Setback and Height Standards
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front Setback | 30 feet |
| Side Setback (Interior) | 30 feet |
| Side Setback (Exterior) | 30 feet |
| Rear Setback | 30 feet |
| Maximum Building Height | 36 feet |
Parking Requirements
The City of Bentonville requires a minimum of two (2) off-street parking spaces per dwelling unit for single-family residences in the R-E: Residential Estate district [Sec 501.06(f)].
Specific Use Regulations
- Home Occupations: Type A home occupations are approved administratively if they occupy less than 25% of the habitable floor area and employ no non-residents. Type B occupations require a conditional use permit [Sec 601.12].
- Hobby Chickens: No more than four (4) hens are allowed. Roosters and outside slaughtering are strictly prohibited. Enclosures must be at least 25 feet from neighboring dwellings [Sec 601.11].
- Accessory Structures: Individual accessory structures may not exceed 50% of the square footage of the primary structure unless the lot is larger than two acres, in which case they are exempt from this size limit [Sec 601.01].
Sections Cited
- ARTICLE 201 DEFINITIONS
- 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
- Sec 601.01 Accessory Structures
- Sec 601.11 Hobby Chickens
- Sec 601.12 Home Occupations