Recreational Vehicle, Boat, and Trailer Parking in the City of Bentonville

In the City of Bentonville, specific restrictions previously contained in the zoning code regarding the storage of recreational vehicles and trailers on residential lots have been repealed. However, all vehicles parked off-street in the City of Bentonville must be situated on a paved, sealed surface, and any vehicle or trailer stored on a property must be operable and possess a current license to avoid being classified as a prohibited public nuisance or illegal salvage yard.

General Off-Street Parking Standards

The City of Bentonville requires that adequate off-street parking be provided for all land uses within the city limits. While the specific section governing "Parking and Storage of Certain Vehicles" (formerly Sec 501.12) was repealed on November 14, 2023, by Ordinance 2023-244, general parking and surfacing standards remain in effect for all residential districts, including R-E, R-1, R-2, R-3, and R-4.

Surfacing Requirements

Any area used for off-street parking in the City of Bentonville must meet specific surfacing standards. Residents may not park RVs, boats, or trailers on grass or unpaved surfaces in their yards.

Requirement	Standard
Pavement Type	Sealed surface pavement (unless approved as low-impact development)
Maintenance	Must be maintained to prevent dust and dispose of surface water
Administrative Authority	City Engineer

[Sec 501.01, Sec 501.07]

Operability and Vehicle Condition

The City of Bentonville regulates the condition of vehicles and trailers stored on private property through definitions of inoperable vehicles and salvage yards. Parking a "dead" or dismantled RV, boat, or trailer in a driveway or yard is generally prohibited if it meets the criteria of a nuisance or an unlicensed vehicle.

Inoperable Vehicles: Defined by the City of Bentonville as any vehicle, automobile, motorcycle, or boat that lacks a current license or is in a state of disrepair that prevents it from operating as intended [Sec 201.02].
Salvage Yard Classification: Any residential premise in the City of Bentonville where an inoperable, partially dismantled, or wrecked vehicle remains outside for more than thirty (30) days may be deemed a "junk or salvage yard," which is generally prohibited in residential zoning districts [Sec 201.02].

Definitions of Regulated Equipment

When determining how to park or store equipment in the City of Bentonville, the following definitions from the Zoning Code apply:

Term	Definition
Recreational Vehicle (RV)	A vehicular unit (max 8.5' x 40') designed as temporary living quarters, either self-propelled or towed (e.g., travel trailers, motor homes)
Travel Trailer	An object used for travel and vacation that is capable of being drawn or propelled by a motor vehicle
Inoperable Vehicle	Any vehicle or boat without a current license or in a state of disrepair

[Sec 201.02]

Limitations on Residential Occupancy

The City of Bentonville defines "Residential Occupancy" to exclude activities that involve the storage of motor vehicle parts, machinery, junk, or scrap materials if those items are visible from off the lot. While functional RVs and boats are typically allowed on paved surfaces, using these vehicles for permanent habitation on a residential lot is restricted, as the City of Bentonville defines a "Dwelling" as a building containing permanent facilities for living, sleeping, and cooking, explicitly excluding recreational vehicle trailers [Sec 201.02].

Sections Cited