Setback Requirements for the DE: Downtown Edge District in Bentonville
In the DE: Downtown Edge district of Bentonville, the maximum front yard setback is 20 feet for residential structures and 0 feet for nonresidential structures. Side yard setbacks for all building types in this district must be at least 7 feet, while rear setbacks range from 7 to 12 feet depending on whether the adjacent property is residential or nonresidential. These standards are designed to facilitate an urban transition between the Downtown Core and lower-density residential neighborhoods [Sec 401.8-B (a)(2)].
Overview of the DE: Downtown Edge District
The DE: Downtown Edge district is intended by the City of Bentonville to serve as an area of transition between the high-intensity Downtown Core and the surrounding lower-density residential areas. The district encourages infill and redevelopment with a physical form that allows for both horizontal and vertical mixed-use buildings. In the City of Bentonville, the DE: Downtown Edge district regulations allow for flexible use, where retail, commercial, office, and residential uses may coexist on all floors [Sec 401.8-B (a)(2)].
Setback Standards for the DE: Downtown Edge District
The City of Bentonville establishes specific setback requirements to ensure the desired urban character of the DE: Downtown Edge district. Unlike many other districts that establish minimum front setbacks, the DE: Downtown Edge district utilizes maximum front setbacks to keep buildings close to the street and maintain a walkable environment.
The following table outlines the specific setback requirements for the DE: Downtown Edge district:
| Building/Occupancy Type | Front Yard (Maximum) | Side Yard (Minimum) | Rear Yard: Adjacent to Residential (Minimum) | Rear Yard: Adjacent to Nonresidential (Minimum) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential | 20 feet | 7 feet | 12 feet | 7 feet |
| Nonresidential | 0 feet | 7 feet | 12 feet | 7 feet |
Note on Side Setbacks: Within the DE: Downtown Edge district, side setbacks are not applicable in instances where a common wall is proposed or already exists between structures [Sec 401.8-B (d)].
Encroachment Standards for the DE: Downtown Edge
In the DE: Downtown Edge district, certain building features such as canopies, awnings, and balconies are permitted to encroach into the public right-of-way or setback areas provided they meet specific clearance and distance requirements. These features are regulated to ensure they do not interfere with pedestrian or vehicular movement in the City of Bentonville.
| Encroachment Feature Requirement | Standard for DE: Downtown Edge |
|---|---|
| Minimum Height Clearance | 8 feet |
| Minimum Setback from Arterial or Collector Street | 4 feet |
| Minimum Setback from Downtown Local Street | 6 feet |
Clearance for these encroachments is measured from the pavement to the bottom-most portion of the structure, while the setback is measured from the back of the curb (or the edge of the street pavement if no curb is present) [Sec 401.8-B (f)].
Sections Cited
- Sec 401.02 Classification Of Districts: Lists the DE, Downtown Edge as a Downtown (D) district.
- Sec 401.8-B Downtown (D) Districts Regulations: Provides the purpose, setback requirements, and encroachment standards for the DE: Downtown Edge district.