R-E: Residential Estate Zoning in the City of Bentonville
The R-E: Residential Estate district in the City of Bentonville is an extremely low-density residential zone designed for maximum privacy and environmental preservation, requiring a minimum lot size of two acres (87,120 square feet). In the City of Bentonville, this district allows for single-family dwellings, modular homes, and hobby chicken keeping by right, while maintaining strict building coverage limits of 10% to 15% and a maximum height of 36 feet.
Purpose and General Character
The primary purpose of the R-E: Residential Estate district is to provide an area for extremely low-density residential development. The City of Bentonville established this district to provide residents with maximum privacy through the use of significant open spaces [Section 401.07(a)(2)].
The general character of the R-E: Residential Estate district is defined by its focus on:
- Privacy and Space: By mandating large two-acre lots, the district ensures a high degree of separation between primary structures.
- Environmental Protection: The regulations are specifically designed to be protective of the natural environment [Section 401.07(a)(2)].
- Scenic Attraction: The district promotes the preservation of the landscape to maintain scenic beauty within the City of Bentonville.
- Animal Keeping: The R-E: Residential Estate district specifically identifies the keeping of animals as a characteristic use, provided they are specifically approved by the planning commission [Section 401.07(a)(2)].
Permitted and Conditional Land Uses
Land uses in the R-E: Residential Estate district are categorized by whether they are allowed by right, as an accessory use, or require a conditional use permit.
Primary Residential and Agricultural Uses
- Permitted by Right (=): Single-family dwellings, modular homes, hobby chickens (up to 4 hens), community gardens, greenhouses, and registered family child care homes for 5 or fewer children [Section 401.05].
- Conditional Uses (C): Urban farms, botanical gardens, and licensed family child care homes for 6 to 16 children [Section 401.05].
Civic and Institutional Uses
- Permitted by Right (=): Public safety services [Section 401.05].
- Conditional Uses (C): Religious facilities, educational facilities, community centers, museums, cemeteries or mausoleums, aquariums, and utility facilities [Section 401.05].
Accessory and Temporary Uses
- Accessory Uses (A): Accessory dwelling units (ADUs), Type A home occupations, small wind energy systems, solar energy systems, and non-residential accessory buildings [Section 401.05].
- Conditional Uses (C): Type B home occupations, wireless communication facilities (cell towers), and various temporary uses [Section 401.05].
Development Standards
The City of Bentonville imposes strict bulk and area requirements on the R-E: Residential Estate district to maintain its low-density character.
Lot and Area Requirements
| 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% |
| Maximum Building Height | 36 feet |
Source: [Section 401.07(b)(1)] and [Section 401.07(d)(1)]
Minimum Setback Standards
Setbacks in the R-E: Residential Estate district are uniform for all sides of the property to ensure adequate buffering.
| Setback Location | Minimum Distance |
|---|---|
| Front Yard | 30 feet |
| Side Yard (Interior) | 30 feet |
| Side Yard (Exterior) | 30 feet |
| Rear Yard | 30 feet |
Source: [Section 401.07(c)(1)]
Parking Requirements
Residential structures within the R-E: Residential Estate district must provide off-street parking.
| Land Use | Parking Ratio |
|---|---|
| Single-Family Dwelling | 2 spaces per dwelling unit |
Source: [Section 501.06(f)]
Sections Cited
- Section 401.05 Table Of Uses For Zoning Districts
- Section 401.07 Residential (R) Districts Regulations
- Section 501.06 Number Of Off-Street Parking Spaces Required
- Section 601.11 Hobby Chickens