Zoning Regulations for Religious Facilities in Bentonville, Arkansas
In the City of Bentonville, religious facilities—including churches, synagogues, and temples—are allowed in every zoning district, provided they obtain a Conditional Use Permit from the Planning Commission. These facilities must satisfy specific vehicular access requirements when located near residential areas, generally requiring a location on or near a major street, and must provide one off-street parking space for every four seats in the main sanctuary [Section 401.05; Section 601.19].
Permissibility by District
According to the Table of Uses for the City of Bentonville, "Religious Facilities" are classified as a use permitted only by a Conditional Use Permit (represented by the letter "C") in all agricultural, residential, commercial, and industrial districts. This requirement applies to both primary structures and associated Sunday school facilities [Section 201.02; Section 401.05].
| Zoning District Category | Specific Districts Included | Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural | A-1 (Agricultural) | Conditional Use Permit |
| Residential | R-E, R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-MH, R-ZL, R-O, R-C2, R-C3 | Conditional Use Permit |
| Downtown Neighborhood | DN-1, DN-2, DN-3, DN-4 | Conditional Use Permit |
| Commercial | C-1, C-2, C-3 | Conditional Use Permit |
| Downtown | DC (Downtown Core), DE (Downtown Edge) | Conditional Use Permit |
| Industrial | I-1 (Light Industrial), I-2 (Heavy Industrial) | Conditional Use Permit |
| Planned Development | PUD, PRD | Conditional Use Permit |
Specific Development Standards for Religious Facilities
The Bentonville Zoning Code imposes additional location and design standards for religious facilities to ensure they are compatible with the surrounding community.
Vehicular Access and Location
When a religious facility is located within any Residential (R) District or on a lot contiguous to a Residential (R) District, the City of Bentonville requires that the facility have its primary vehicular entrance and exit on a major street. Alternatively, the entrance and exit may be located on a thoroughfare within 150 feet of its intersection with a major street. It is important to note that all churches existing prior to the adoption of these regulations are exempt from this specific access requirement [Section 601.19].
Site Plan Approval
No religious facility may be established without an official site plan. The Bentonville Planning Commission must review and approve the site plan for every proposed church, synagogue, or temple facility [Section 601.19].
Off-Street Parking Requirements
The City of Bentonville mandates specific parking ratios for religious institutions based on the capacity of the primary assembly area.
| Facility Component | Parking Requirement |
|---|---|
| Church Sanctuary | 1 space for each four (4) seats based on maximum seating capacity in the principal assembly room |
| Joint Parking Allowance | Churches may establish joint parking facilities with other businesses or agencies, provided there is no time conflict in demand. Joint facilities cannot exceed 50% of the total required spaces |
For the purposes of these calculations, the City of Bentonville defines the number of seats based on the maximum permitted occupancy of the principal assembly room [Section 501.06].
Prohibited Locations and Overlays
While religious facilities are generally allowed via conditional use across the City of Bentonville, certain safety overlays impose strict prohibitions.
Northwest Arkansas Regional (XNA) Airport Overlay District
In the interests of public safety and to mitigate hazards in the event of an aircraft crash, the City of Bentonville prohibits religious facilities and other places of public assembly in specific zones of the XNA Airport Overlay District:
- Zone 2 (Inner Safety/Turning Zone): Prohibited.
- Zone 3 (Outer Safety Zone): Prohibited [Section 401.13].
Municipal Airport District
In the Municipal Airport District, religious facilities are permitted, but they must be sound-attenuated to achieve a minimum 30-decibel noise reduction from outside to indoor levels. The granting of an avigation easement is also required before a building permit can be issued [Section 401.12].
Sections Cited
- Sec 201.02 Definitions Of Terms And Uses
- Sec 401.05 Table Of Uses For Zoning Districts
- Sec 401.12 Municipal Airport Overlay District
- Sec 401.13 Northwest Arkansas Regional (XNA) Airport Overlay District
- Sec 501.06 Number Of Off-Street Parking Spaces Required
- Sec 601.19 Religious Facilities