R-O: Residential Office Setback Standards in Bentonville
In the City of Bentonville, setback requirements for the R-O: Residential Office district are determined by the specific use of the structure and its parking configuration. Most residential uses and office buildings without front parking require a 20-foot front setback, whereas office developments that include parking in the front yard must maintain a minimum 50-foot front setback.
Minimum Setback Requirements for the R-O District
Setbacks in the City of Bentonville are measured as the horizontal distance between the property line or right-of-way line and the foundation of the structure [Section 401.03(d)]. The following table outlines the specific requirements for the R-O: Residential Office district based on building type:
| Building Type | Front Setback | Interior Side Setback | Exterior Side Setback | Rear Setback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Family Dwelling | 20 feet | 7 feet | 20 feet | 25 feet |
| Two-Family Dwelling | 20 feet | 10 feet | 20 feet | 25 feet |
| Office with parking in front | 50 feet | 10 feet | 50' (parking); 20' (no parking) | 25 feet |
| Office without parking in front | 20 feet | 10 feet | 20 feet | 25 feet |
[Section 401.07(c)(1)]
Garage Setback Requirements
The City of Bentonville applies specific setback standards for residential garages within the R-O: Residential Office district to ensure proper functionality and safety:
- Street-Facing Garages: The minimum front setback for a garage facing the street is 30 feet from the property line.
- Side- or Rear-Loading Garages: These must maintain a minimum front setback of 20 feet from the front property line. These standards apply to both attached and detached garage structures [Section 401.07(c)(3)].
Allowed Setback Encroachments
Certain architectural and landscape features are permitted to extend into the required setbacks of the R-O: Residential Office district. Unless otherwise restricted by an easement or right-of-way, the following standards apply:
- Eaves, Sills, and Cornices: May project up to 18 inches into any required setback.
- Bay Windows and Chimneys: May encroach up to 2 feet into a required setback, provided they remain at least 3 feet from the side or rear property lines.
- Steps: May encroach up to 2 feet into a required setback, provided they are no closer than 3 feet to the side or rear property lines.
- Open Porches and Decks: If the finished floor is 30 inches or less above the lowest adjacent grade, these features may encroach into a setback but must remain at least 12 feet from the front property line and 5 feet from the side or rear property lines.
- Awnings: May extend up to 6 feet into a required setback but must be no closer than 2 feet to the curb of any street or property line [Section 401.04(h)].
Additional Considerations for the R-O District
The R-O: Residential Office district is intended to provide a transition area where residential activity is no longer practical, allowing for professional offices without limitation to the size of the office, while maintaining compatibility with the surrounding community [Section 401.07(a)(9)].
In instances where a utility easement extends beyond the required setback, the City of Bentonville mandates that the edge of the utility easement serves as the effective setback line [Section 401.07(c)(4)].
Sections Cited
- Section 401.03 Calculations And Measurements
- Section 401.04 Application Of Zoning District Regulations
- Section 401.07 Residential (R) Districts Regulations