R-MH: Manufactured Home Residential District in Bentonville
The Bentonville R-MH: Manufactured Home Residential district is established to accommodate single-family manufactured home subdivisions, manufactured home parks, and the placement of manufactured homes on individual lots. Key requirements include a maximum building height of 36 feet and minimum lot sizes ranging from 4,500 square feet for individual lots to 11,000 square feet for entire parks. Residential developments in this district must provide two parking spaces per manufactured home.
Purpose and General Character
The primary purpose of the R-MH district in the City of Bentonville is to encourage the development of suitable environments for manufactured housing. This includes the creation of organized manufactured home subdivisions and the regulation of manufactured home parks [Sec 401.07(a)(7)].
As part of Bentonville's broader residential strategy, the R-MH district supports the municipal goal of providing a variety of housing types at different price points and density levels while controlling structure height to ensure adequate light and air access [Sec 401.07(a)(1)]. The character is intended to be residential, protecting property values through established setbacks and coverage limits that prevent over-congestion [Sec 401.07(a)(1)].
Permitted and Conditional Uses
The R-MH district specifically defines "Manufactured Dwelling" as a unit constructed in a factory after January 1, 1976, meeting HUD standards, whereas a "Mobile Home" refers to units built prior to that date [Sec 201.02].
Land uses within the Bentonville R-MH district are categorized as follows:
Primary Uses Allowed by Right
- Manufactured Home Park: The principal use permitted by right in this district [Sec 401.05].
- Residential Occupancy: General urban living activities [Sec 201.02].
Accessory Uses
- Home Occupation – Type A: Minor businesses operated solely by residents within the dwelling that do not change the residential character [Sec 401.05, Sec 601.12].
- Accessory Structures: Includes detached garages, sheds, or workshops, provided they do not exceed 50% of the primary structure's square footage [Sec 601.01].
- Donation Boxes: Allowed as an accessory use for 501(c)(3) organizations [Sec 601.34].
Conditional Uses
- Group Home: Facilities providing family-like environments for more than four handicapped individuals [Sec 401.05].
- Home Occupation – Type B: Home-based businesses that may have greater impacts than Type A and require Planning Commission approval [Sec 401.05, Sec 601.12].
Development Standards
The City of Bentonville enforces specific density and dimensional standards to maintain the character of the R-MH district.
Lot and Area Requirements
| Requirement | Manufactured Home Lots | Manufactured Home Parks | All Others Not Listed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | 4,500 sq. ft. | 11,000 sq. ft. | 7,000 sq. ft. |
| Min. Land Area per Dwelling | 4,500 sq. ft. | 3,500 sq. ft. | 7,000 sq. ft. |
| Minimum Lot Width | 50 ft. | 60 ft. | 65 ft. |
| Max Coverage (Interior Lot) | 30% | 30% | 40% |
| Max Coverage (Corner Lot) | 35% | 35% | 45% |
[Sec 401.07(b)(1)]
Setback and Height Standards
Bentonville's R-MH district setbacks ensure separation between structures and property lines.
| Standard | Manufactured Home Lots | Manufactured Home Parks |
|---|---|---|
| Front Setback | 20 ft. | 25 ft. |
| Side Setback (Interior) | 10 ft. | 15 ft. |
| Side Setback (Exterior) | 20 ft. | 25 ft. |
| Rear Setback | 25 ft. | 25 ft. |
| Maximum Building Height | 36 ft. | 36 ft. |
[Sec 401.07(c)(1), Sec 401.07(d)(1)]
Parking and Loading
Developments within the Bentonville R-MH district must provide adequate off-street parking based on the specific type of residential development:
- Manufactured Home Subdivision: 2 spaces per manufactured home [Sec 501.06(f)].
- General Residential: Typically 2 spaces per dwelling unit unless otherwise specified [Sec 501.06(f)].
Parking areas must be paved with a sealed surface pavement, and for subdivisions, the project must be approved through the Large-Scale Development process if the parking lot accommodates more than five vehicles [Sec 501.07, Sec 501.08].
Sections Cited
- Sec 201.02 Definitions Of Terms And Uses
- 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 501.07 Surfacing Of Parking Lots
- Sec 501.08 Off-Street Parking Lots In Residential Districts
- Sec 601.01 Accessory Structures
- Sec 601.12 Home Occupations
- Sec 601.34 Unattended Donation Boxes