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Single-Family Residential Zoning Districts in Bentonville

Jurisdiction: BentonvilleCode Version: December 9, 2025

In the City of Bentonville, single-family residential homes are permitted by right in all primary Residential (R) districts, all Downtown Neighborhood (DN) districts, and the Agricultural (A-1) district. These dwellings are generally subject to a minimum requirement of two off-street parking spaces and vary significantly in minimum lot size, ranging from 3,000 square feet in high-density areas to 5 acres in agricultural zones.

Permitted Districts for Single-Family Dwellings

According to the Bentonville Table of Uses, the "Single Family Dwelling" is permitted by right as a primary use in the following zoning districts [Sec 401.05]:

  • Agricultural District: A-1.
  • Residential Districts: R-E (Residential Estate), R-1 (Low Density), R-2 (Medium Density), R-3 (Medium-High Density), R-4 (High Density), R-C2 (Central Residential - Moderate Density), and R-C3 (Central Residential - High Density).
  • Specialized Residential Districts: R-MH (Manufactured Home Residential) allows manufactured single-family homes, and R-ZL (Zero Lot Line) allows single-family units constructed on a side property line [Sec 401.07(a)].
  • Downtown Neighborhood Districts: DN-1, DN-2, DN-3, and DN-4.

Lot and Area Standards for Residential Districts

The City of Bentonville establishes specific lot dimensions and coverage maximums for single-family homes based on their specific zoning designation.

District Minimum Lot Area (sq. ft.) Minimum Lot Width Max. Lot Coverage (Interior/Corner)
A-1 217,800 (5 acres) 100' 30% / 30%
R-E 87,120 (2 acres) 100' 10% / 15%
R-1 6,000 60' 40% / 45%
R-2 5,000 50' 40% / 45%
R-3 5,000 50' 40% / 45%
R-4 5,000 50' 40% / 45%
R-MH 4,500 (individual lots) 50' 30% / 35%
R-ZL 4,000 40' 60% / 65%
R-O 6,000 60' 40% / 45%
R-C2 4,000 35' - 50' 50% / 55%
R-C3 3,000 15' 70% / 75%

[Sec 401.06(b), 401.07(b), 401.07(c)]

Setback and Height Requirements

Dwellings in the City of Bentonville must adhere to setback lines to provide open space and separation from neighboring structures.

District Front Setback Interior Side Setback Exterior Side Setback Rear Setback Max. Height
A-1 30' 30' 30' 30' 40'
R-E 30' 30' 30' 30' 36'
R-1 20' 7' 20' 25' 36'
R-2 20' 7' 20' 25' 36'
R-3 20' 10' 20' 25' 40'
R-4 20' 10' 20' 25' 50'
R-C2 20' 7' 20' 15' 40'
R-C3 0' 0' 5' 7' 40'

[Sec 401.06(b), 401.07(c), 401.07(d)]

Downtown Neighborhood (DN) District Specifics

Single-family homes in the Downtown Neighborhood districts of Bentonville are categorized by the presence or absence of alley access, which affects the minimum lot width.

  • DN-1: Minimum lot area of 5,000 sq. ft. and 50' width [Sec 401.07-B(d)].
  • DN-2: Minimum lot area of 4,000 sq. ft. (with alley) or 5,000 sq. ft. (without alley). Minimum widths are 40' and 50', respectively [Sec 401.07-B(d)].
  • DN-3 & DN-4: Minimum lot area of 4,000 sq. ft. (with alley) or 5,000 sq. ft. (without alley). These districts allow for higher maximum lot coverage, reaching up to 55% for corner lots [Sec 401.07-B(d)].

Off-Street Parking Requirements

The City of Bentonville requires that most single-family dwellings provide a specific number of parking spaces to ensure adequate off-street capacity.

Land Use Parking Ratio
Single-Family Dwelling 2 spaces per dwelling unit
R-C2, R-C3, and DN Districts 1 space per dwelling unit

[Sec 501.06(e), 501.06(f)]

Sections Cited

  • Sec 401.05 Table Of Uses For Zoning Districts
  • Sec 401.06 A-1, Agricultural District Regulations
  • Sec 401.07 Residential (R) Districts Regulations
  • Sec 401.07-B Downtown Neighborhood (DN) Districts Regulations
  • Sec 501.06 Number Of Off-Street Parking Spaces Required

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