Development News for Centerton, Arkansas

Planning Commission Reviews Revisions to Zoning Schedule of Uses

The Planning Commission reviewed revisions to Title 14, Schedule of Uses, concerning agriculture, commercial, and industrial zoning. The commission had previously reviewed these changes multiple times over six months, with all identified changes highlighted in blue (indicating removal). Commissioners confirmed that all proposed changes had been incorporated and that no further comments were necessary before setting a public hearing. The commission is preparing to schedule a public hearing for these revisions, with potential meetings in July and August.

Planning Commission Approves Short-Term Rental at 811 Reading Railroad Lane

The Planning Commission considered and recommended approval for a conditional use permit for a short-term rental at 811 Reading Railroad Lane. The applicant, Candace May, owner of the property, sought approval for the short-term rental, emphasizing a strict no-party policy and clear house rules. The property is zoned R3 single-family, Lot 331 of Featherston Village, phase 2, and is 0.07 acres. The home is 1,250 sq ft with three bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms, and a two-car driveway. No structural changes are proposed. Quiet hours will be observed from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m., and no parties or gatherings will be allowed. On-street parking is prohibited, with designated guest parking available across the property. The property is managed by the owner, and the rental agreement must comply with all applicable laws and zoning requirements. The term of approval was recommended for an indefinite period. The commission closed the public hearing and approved the conditional use permit 2608.

Planning Commission Recommends New Town Center Land Use Plan and Zoning District

The Planning Commission discussed and voted to recommend amending the future land use plan and map for a new town center (NTC) and adding a corresponding New Town Center Planned Zoning District (NTC PZD). This initiative is part of a downtown study aiming to expand the designated downtown area beyond the current 'white box' to include a larger region south of Centerton Boulevard. The proposed plan designates several zones: a core district for mixed-use retail, restaurant, entertainment, services, institutional, and residential development with a central green space; a corridor district to connect the new town center to the original downtown along North Main Street, focusing on mobility and economic activity; a mixed-use district with primarily multi-use residential, commercial, and institutional uses; and a neighborhood transition zone acting as a buffer with townhomes, row homes, and cottage court styles. The NTC PZD is proposed as a flexible zoning tool to manage development within these new land use designations until a more detailed zoning plan is established after the study's completion. The commission reviewed the proposed changes, including the rationale for creating this temporary zoning district and its relationship with the ongoing downtown study, which is expected to be completed in August. Public comments focused on the timeline, potential for grandfathering existing land rights, and the clarity of the study's outputs. The commission voted to recommend the future land use plan amendment and the establishment of the NTC PZD to the council.

Planning Commission Recommends Updated Bylaws to City Council

The Planning Commission reviewed and recommended proposed updates to its bylaws for approval by the City Council. Key changes include referencing the municipal code for public notice posting locations, requiring email notification of absences at least 24 hours before meetings, and clarifying procedures for members recusing from a vote or abstaining. A member recusing due to a conflict of interest must step away before deliberation and not participate in decision-making. Abstaining from a vote without a conflict is considered a 'no vote,' and voting 'yes' or 'no' is considered best practice. The commission discussed the specifics of referencing the municipal code for posting locations, noting that the code outlines the exact number and types of locations, and referencing it avoids the need to update the bylaws if those locations change. The commission voted to recommend these updated bylaws to the City Council.