Regulations for Keeping Chickens, Bees, and Livestock in Bentonville
Residents of the City of Bentonville may keep a limited number of hobby chickens and honeybee colonies on residential lots, provided they adhere to strict quantity limits and setback requirements. While general livestock is primarily restricted to agricultural or specific large-estate residential zones, the Bentonville Zoning Code allows for small-scale urban agriculture to preserve the character of residential neighborhoods.
Hobby Chickens in Residential Districts
The Bentonville Zoning Code permits the keeping of "hobby chickens" on non-agricultural lots for the production of eggs, garden fertilizer, meat, or as pets [Sec 201.02]. This activity is allowed by right in the A-1 Agricultural, RE Residential Estate, R-1 Low Density Single Family Residential, and R-2 Medium Density Two Family and Townhome Residential districts [Sec 401.05].
Quantity and Restrictions
The City of Bentonville enforces the following standards for hobby chickens:
- Hen Limit: A maximum of four (4) hens are allowed for each single-family dwelling [Sec 601.11].
- Roosters: Roosters are strictly prohibited in the City of Bentonville [Sec 601.11].
- Multi-family Prohibition: No birds are allowed in multi-family complexes [Sec 601.11].
- Slaughtering: There shall be no outside slaughtering of birds [Sec 601.11].
- Maintenance: Enclosures must be kept in a neat and sanitary condition to prevent offensive odors, and food must be stored in rodent-proof containers [Sec 601.11].
Placement Standards
Chicken enclosures must meet specific separation requirements to protect neighboring properties.
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Setback | 25 feet from any neighboring dwelling |
| Permitted Location | Rear or side yard only |
Apiculture (Beekeeping)
Beekeeping is permitted within the City of Bentonville as a primary use in A-1 districts and as an accessory use in the RE Residential Estate and R-1 Low Density Single Family Residential districts [Sec 401.05].
Colony Limits by Lot Size
The number of permitted bee colonies is determined by the size of the tract of land.
| Lot Size | Maximum Number of Colonies |
|---|---|
| One-quarter (1/4) acre or less | One (1) colony |
| More than 1/4 acre, but less than 1/2 acre | Two (2) colonies |
| More than 1/2 acre, but less than 1 acre | Three (3) colonies |
| One (1) acre or larger | Four (4) colonies |
| 200 feet or more from all property lines | No limit |
Regulatory Requirements for Bees
- Registration: All honeybee colonies must be registered with the Arkansas State Plant Board and maintain an active certificate of inspection [Sec 601.04].
- Safety Barriers: If a colony is situated within 25 feet of a public or private property line, the beekeeper must establish a "flyway barrier" at least six (6) feet in height (wall, fence, or dense vegetation) to force bees to fly at an elevation above ground level [Sec 601.04].
- Prohibited Species: Africanized honeybees are strictly prohibited in the City of Bentonville [Sec 601.04].
- Water Access: Beekeepers must provide a convenient water source on-site to prevent bees from congregating at neighboring swimming pools or birdbaths [Sec 601.04].
General Livestock and Farm Animals
The City of Bentonville defines "Animal, Farm" to include chickens, pigs, sheep, goats, horses, cattle, llamas, emus, ostriches, donkeys, and mules [Sec 201.02].
Zoning Permissions
The keeping of general livestock is significantly more restricted than hobby chickens or bees.
| Use Type | A-1 Agricultural | RE Residential Estate | R-1 through R-4 Districts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Animal—Farm | Permitted by Right (=) | Conditional Use (C) | Prohibited* |
| Animal—Exotic | Conditional Use (C) | Prohibited | Prohibited |
*Note: Chickens are permitted in these districts only when qualifying under the "Hobby Chicken" regulations [Sec 601.11].
Additional Requirements
All animals and fowls kept within a zoning district must be maintained in accordance with Chapter 6 (Animals) of the Bentonville Municipal Code [Sec 601.03]. For properties where livestock is permitted as a "Conditional Use," the Bentonville Planning Commission may impose additional restrictions to ensure the use is compatible with surrounding residential properties [Sec 301.06].
Sections Cited
- Sec 201.02 Definitions Of Terms And Uses
- Sec 301.06 Conditional Uses
- Sec 401.05 Table Of Uses For Zoning Districts
- Sec 601.03 Animals
- Sec 601.04 Apiculture (beekeeping)
- Sec 601.11 Hobby Chickens