Preserving Bentonville’s Historic Character Amid Rapid Growth

As Bentonville prepares for significant growth, city planners are taking steps to ensure the city’s historic charm isn’t overshadowed by new development. With the introduction of the proposed Future Land Use Map and updates to the zoning code, Bentonville is aiming to balance its small-town appeal with the demands of a growing population. At the heart of this effort is a focus on maintaining the character of the city’s historic downtown areas, while providing guidance for thoughtful, harmonious development in surrounding neighborhoods.

Preserving Downtown’s Identity

One of the most anticipated updates is the proposed Downtown Neighborhood Overlay, which introduces new guidelines to protect Bentonville’s historic areas. This overlay would require new developments to adhere to height and setback standards that reflect the existing character of the neighborhood. By aligning new buildings with the average heights and setbacks along each block, the overlay aims to ensure a cohesive look that respects the area’s historic identity.

Downtown Bentonville is cherished by residents and visitors alike for its vibrant mix of historic architecture, locally-owned businesses, and walkable streetscapes. By setting clear standards, the overlay not only preserves the charm of these areas but also gives residents confidence that future development will complement, rather than alter, the character they value.

Zoning Adjustments for Cottage Courts and Traditional Neighborhoods

In addition to the downtown overlay, the city is proposing refinements for areas designated as DN-2 districts and Cottage Courts. These updates will create consistency and predictability for both developers and residents, particularly in neighborhoods near downtown.

The adjustments include changes to allowable unit counts, setting standards for townhome and cottage court developments to ensure they fit within the aesthetic and density expectations of existing neighborhoods. The idea is to promote residential diversity while maintaining the visual harmony that residents appreciate.

“The goal is to provide housing options that support a variety of lifestyles while preserving the qualities that make each neighborhood unique,” said a city planning representative. “This approach helps ensure Bentonville can grow responsibly, preserving the sense of community and charm that makes it so special.”

Height and Zone Transition Standards

Beyond the downtown and surrounding neighborhoods, Bentonville’s proposed zoning updates also include new height transition standards that address concerns about high-rise developments adjacent to lower-density areas. With these standards, developments in more intense zoning districts will be limited in height when they border residential neighborhoods. This “stepping down” effect allows for a smoother transition between different zoning types, helping prevent dramatic shifts in building height and density from one area to the next.

Specifically, the new guidelines would limit buildings to approximately one story taller than neighboring structures within 40 feet of the property line and two stories within 60 feet. These standards provide a visual buffer, protecting residential areas from the overwhelming presence of larger commercial or multi-family buildings.

A Collaborative Vision for Growth

Bentonville’s growth strategy reflects extensive community input gathered through surveys, public meetings, and design workshops over the past year. By directly engaging residents, the city has gained insights into the specific ways they hope to see Bentonville evolve. Preservation of historic character, thoughtful development, and neighborhood cohesion were resounding themes, and city planners have worked to ensure these priorities are central to the updated plan.

As the proposed zoning adjustments move to the Planning Commission and City Council for approval, residents can continue to play a role in shaping their city’s future. By honoring Bentonville’s past while guiding its growth, city leaders and residents alike are working together to ensure that the best qualities of the city endure.