Setback Requirements for the R-2 Medium Density Two Family and Townhome Residential District in Bentonville
In the City of Bentonville, the R-2: Medium Density Two Family and Townhome Residential district requires a minimum front setback of 20 feet, an interior side setback of 7 feet, and a rear setback of 25 feet. On corner lots, buildings must maintain an exterior side setback of 20 feet to ensure adequate separation from the street. Additionally, any street-facing garage within the R-2: Medium Density Two Family and Townhome Residential district must be set back at least 30 feet from the property line it faces [Sec 401.07].
Minimum Setback Standards for the R-2 District
The Bentonville zoning code establishes specific distances that structures must be set back from property lines within the R-2: Medium Density Two Family and Townhome Residential district. These measurements are taken as the horizontal distance between the property line or right-of-way line and the foundation of the structure [Sec 401.03].
| Feature | Minimum Standard |
|---|---|
| Front Setback | 20 feet |
| Side Setback (Interior) | 7 feet |
| Side Setback (Exterior/Corner) | 20 feet |
| Rear Setback | 25 feet |
Garage Setbacks in the R-2 District
The City of Bentonville applies specialized setback requirements for garages in residential districts to manage the visual impact of vehicles and ensure safety. These standards for the R-2: Medium Density Two Family and Townhome Residential district apply to both attached and detached garages [Sec 401.07].
- Street-Facing Garages: The minimum front setback for a garage that faces a street is 30 feet from the property line.
- Side- or Rear-Loading Garages: If the garage is oriented so it is loaded from the side or rear, the minimum front setback is 20 feet from the front property line.
Permitted Setback Encroachments
Certain architectural features are permitted to extend into the required setbacks of the R-2: Medium Density Two Family and Townhome Residential district, provided they do not infringe upon any right-of-way or easement unless specifically exempted by the city [Sec 401.04].
| Feature | Encroachment Standard |
|---|---|
| Eave, sill, cornice, or ornamental feature | May project up to 18 inches into any required setback. |
| Bay windows, chimneys, and similar features | May encroach up to 2 feet into any required setback, but no closer than 3 feet to the side or rear property line. |
| Open porches, balconies, and decks (finished floor $\le$ 30 inches above grade) | May encroach into a required setback but no closer than 12 feet to the front property line and no closer than 5 feet to the side or rear property line. |
| Steps (finished floor $\le$ 30 inches above grade) | May encroach up to 2 feet into any required setback, but no closer than 3 feet to the side or rear property line. |
| Awnings | May extend up to 6 feet into a required setback but must be no closer than 2 feet from the curb of any street or property line. |
General Regulations and Limitations
The application of setbacks in the R-2: Medium Density Two Family and Townhome Residential district is subject to several over-arching rules in the Bentonville Zoning Code:
Utility Easements
If a utility easement extends beyond the required setback line on a lot, the edge of that utility easement shall serve as the effective setback line for the R-2: Medium Density Two Family and Townhome Residential district [Sec 401.07].
Independent Compliance
No part of a yard or open space required for one building can be counted toward the requirements of any other building. Each structure in Bentonville must comply with its own respective setback requirements independently [Sec 401.04].
Sight Distance Requirements
No structure, fence, or sign may be located in a manner that creates an obstruction in areas required to be kept clear for sight distances, as determined by the Bentonville City Engineer [Sec 401.04].
Sections Cited
- Section 201.02 Definitions Of Terms And Uses
- Section 401.03 Calculations And Measurements
- Section 401.04 Application Of Zoning District Regulations
- Section 401.07 Residential (R) Districts Regulations