Bentonville’s Plan to Shape Its Future Enters Next Phase
As the city of Bentonville moves forward with its comprehensive development plan, it has reached a critical juncture where public input is being integrated into the draft future land use map. This crucial step is part of the Plan Bentonville initiative, launched to guide the city’s growth and reflect the community’s aspirations for the next 25 years.
The Future Land Use Plan, a central component of the comprehensive plan, aims to vividly visualize and define the character and function of different areas within the city. Instead of being a regulatory tool, the map serves as a guiding document that lays out the community’s vision for how it wants to evolve. Currently, the plan categorizes the city into “place types,” including urban neighborhoods, walkable neighborhoods, and neighborhood centers, which will inform zoning regulations and development in the coming years.
Public engagement has been a focal point throughout the process. The city has hosted various events, including Design Week, during which thousands of comments were collected from residents and stakeholders. This feedback is now being analyzed and used to update the map, ensuring that the final version accurately reflects the community’s goals. The updated map will be reviewed by the City Council, setting the stage for further refinement and implementation.
The next phase of Plan Bentonville will focus on integrating the future land use vision with zoning and development codes. This unified development code aims to streamline the development process and ensure that future projects align with the community’s long-term objectives. The code will be developed in collaboration with the Planning Commission and City Council, ensuring a balanced and cohesive approach to Bentonville’s growth.
Beyond its immediate impacts on zoning and land use, the future land use plan is also expected to influence other city plans related to transportation, utilities, and parks. This holistic approach is designed to ensure Bentonville grows in a sustainable, equitable, and environmentally conscious manner, which will ultimately benefit both residents and future generations.
