Planning Commission - Regular Meeting

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[Music] Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] All right. Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Uh, we would like to go ahead and call this meeting to order. This is the Little Rock Planning Commission, September 11th, 2025. I think we all know what September 11th is. And just uh before we get started, how about we just have a moment of silence uh for the fallen. All right. So, let's move forward here and let's get started with a a roll call to determine a court.

Talk loud enough on screen too loud. Anybody just let me know. This is a roll call vote for September the 11th, 2025 voting commission meeting. Commissioner Brown here. Bernard present. Hart here. Hodes here. Macdonald here. Person here. Russell present. Sad here. Tremble. Baxter present. Vickers present. We have quum.

Great. So, moving right along here. I'm sure all of the commissioners have got an opportunity to review the uh the minutes. And at this time, I would love to entertain a motion if there's not any questions. Mr. Chair, I'd like to have a motion to second. I give a roll call vote, please. Excuse me. Torrance. Commissioner Brown. Yes. Bernard, yes. Hart, yes. Hodes, yes. Macdonald, yes. Person, yes. Russell, hi. Sant, yes. Tremble backter, yes. Vickers,

yes. Minister approved. All right. Great.

Moving forward. Uh, at this particular time, uh, Jeremy, will you be giving the, uh, reading of the consent agenda? Yes, sir. Um, this is a consent agenda for September 11th, 2025. Uh, the following items have been withdrawn or deferred. Item one, S1963 is being withdrawn without prejudice at the request of the applicant. Item four, S20002 is being deferred to the October 9th, 202025 agenda at the request of the applicant. Item 10 is being uh Z10189 is being deferred to the October 9th, 202025 agenda due to issues with notifications. The following is the consent agenda or is following is up for consent approval. Item number three S-867-R10 Chanel Valley phase 37 preliminary plat north side of Chenal Valley Drive at Oral Boulevard. Staff recommends approval of the requested preliminary plat subject to compliance with the comments and conditions outlined in paragot D and E and the staff analysis of the agenda staff report. Item number five, LU2025-16-09, Otter Creek Planning District, land use plan amendment from RL to AF, 11619, and 11705 Alexander Road. Staff supports the proposed land use plan amendment in the Otter Creek Planning District from residential low to agricultural and recommends approval. Item 5.1 Z6396B reszoning from R2 to I1

reszoning from I2 and I1 to AF 11619 and 1175 Alexander Road. Staff recommends approval of the requested AF reszoning. Item number six, LU202518-02, Ellis Mountain Planning District, land use plan amendment from suburban office to neighborhood commercial, 12819 Kanes Road. Staff supports the proposed land use plan amendment in the Ellis Mountain Planning District from suburban office to neighborhood commercial and recommends approval. Item 6.1, Z8123- A, reszoning from 03 to C3, 12819 Kanes Road. Staff recommends approval of the requested C3 zoning. Item number seven, Z-10180, reszoning from R2 to C4 to Lrod Drive. Staffer recommends approval of the requested C4 reszoning. Item number eight and item number 8.1 have been pulled off uh consent agenda to go to regular agenda. Item number nine Z9680- A Rock City Wraps PDC revocation request 11414 West Markhamm Street. Staff recommends approval of the PDC revocation request. Item 11, Z-10191, Haddock, STR2, PDC 408 Booker Street. Staff recommends approval of the PDC resoning subject to compliance with the comments and conditions noted in paragraph E and the staff analysis of the agenda staff report. And that concludes the consent agenda.

Thank you, Jeremy. Uh we've heard the reading of the consent agenda. If there's not any question by any any of the board members, I would love to entertain a motion. Mr. Chair, I make a motion that we accept the consent agenda as read. Second. All right, we have a motion to second. I get a roll call vote, please. Brown, yes. Yes. Hart, yes. Hodgees, yes. Macdonald, yes. Russell, hi. Samad, yes. Tremble. Baxter, yes. Vickers, yes. Consent agenda has been approved.

All right. Excellent. If um your item was on the consent agenda, um you are more than welcome to stay, but uh at this particular time, you may leave. Uh now we're about to start our regular uh agenda here and so we will give you just a moment to depart and um while we're doing that while we wait for just a minute um we have two items on the regular agenda and that's item number two uh Z-10128- uh items uh 8 and 8.1 uh we have on there and then at the end following that last we will have the staff presentation. for the ADU informationational presentation. So at this particular time um we want to move forward and start with item number two. Uh if the applicant is present, please make your way to the podium. That's Z-10128- A. May I please have the reading? Item number two, Z10128A, Ornorth, number one, PDR. Uh, southeast corner of East 21st Street and Brag Street. Um, this item went up on the August 19th, 2025 agenda. The applicant submitted a revised site plan. Um, so we're just going to go over what that was. Site plan and site uh plat staff. The revised site plan and plat showed a 10- foot wide sidewalk and utility easement along the south property line behind the proposed residences. The revised site plan shows a 5 foot wide concrete sidewalk along the south property line connecting with the sidewalk along Brag Street. The sidewalk will connect to the rear of each of the residences. The sidewalk should provide adequate access from the residences to the street to allow for trash cans to be taken to the rightway for pickup. Although the applicant has provided a plan for garbage collection, staff continues to have concerns with the fact

the applicant is providing no off- streetet parking and continues to recommend denial of this application. Thank you for the reading. Applicant, please state your name for the record. Yeah, I'm Vernon Williams with Garnet Engineering. All right, Mr. Williams. Uh we do have several cards that are in opposition. Um you can you can speak now and you can defer your time and I'll defer my time. Okay, great.

So uh let me call the first card here. And before I do this, I will say uh for each if you're if you're forward or in opposition against your item on tonight's agenda, each side have up to 20 minutes. So, if there's 10 cards here, uh you know, essentially you have two minutes uh each person or if you have um someone that like to speak for your group, obviously you can yield your time to them. So, just wanted to let you know that the first card we have here is is it Jared Juel or Juel? Good afternoon, uh, commission. My name is Gerard Juel. Um, I rise in opposition to the proposed, uh, uh, development of the of this uh, plot. I'm one of the owners of the land adjacent to it at 721 East 21st Street. Um, I would just leave it at that.

All right. Is that it? Oh, this opposition comes with it. I come from Texas to oppose this. Thank you. Thank you. Next card is Sharon Juul. Good afternoon. Good afternoon.

Uh my name is Sharon Juul. Um I was here last month when uh um the net engineer um deferred this until this meeting and I informed you last month that I would be back this month. So I am here to rise in opposition to this um property development. As my brother was saying earlier, um we own adjacent property uh on East 21st Street to this empty lot as well as other properties in the area. Um there's no parking. Um this is a small plot of land and I know someone said they lived in DC and they were used to row houses. Um, but I've never seen a row house this narrow with five units planned for this piece of land. Um, there is an alley between this land and our property, but it's not maintained um or used u at all um to my knowledge. Also too, um if the um if Ganette Engineering is talking about street parking, uh this property is on East 21st Street, which is a bus line. Um so at the best, you might get three parking spaces, maybe one on the side street on Brag Street, but if you're talking five units, even if there's a minimum of two people per unit, you're talking 10 parking spaces. uh and I'm sure there's going to be more than that. So, it is not adequate to say that individuals living in these five units um congested together are going to have sufficient parking and because there is uh as you can see I guess on the map earlier there are two homes directly behind that empty lot. Uh, so there's no way to have

parking behind the unit unless you go up three or four stories and or you make the first level parking. Um, so again, we rise in opposition to this and unless the city is going to restrict um the parking on East 21st Street and Bragg Street, there is no parking um that will be sufficient for even four units or less. less long talking about five units. Um so again um I want to reserve the rest of our time. Thank you. Thank you.

The next card is John is good afternoon all excuse me. Good afternoon all commissioners. I rose in concern of the parking. My church is next across the street on 21st in Bragg and we're there sometime from Sunday morning, Sunday evening, Tuesday evening, Friday evening and uh we're already congested for parking and we're we're looking for parking uh to be to be made on the grounds of the church ground, but right now we're parking on the street. And so my concern is if what is it what is the planning commission going to do? uh uh about parking. What what what what is the plan? I now I do I do appreciate Ordar for for for what he's doing to improve the the the appearance and and and climate of of that of that 21st Street. I do appreciate that. But still, uh parking is going to be a problem. I already see that and I don't really I don't and I don't oppose it, but I don't approve either because I can already see there's going to be cons some congestion there. That's my That's my issue. Thank you.

All right, Mr. Williams, you can come back up to the podium here. Now, I'm sure you heard some of the opposition's uh concerns on this matter here. So, at this particular time, the floor is yours.

Yeah, sure. Um, you know, we talked a lot at great length last month about um the project and the and the on street parking. Um, you know, uh, the one lady said that she thought there was only room for three cars to be parked in front of there. Um, a parallel spot for a car is 22 ft wide. There's room for five parallel spots. Along 21st Street, there's room for one or two more on the side street. So, there is room um if if we were going to provide off- streetet parking for this, we would only provide room for one vehicle for per for unit. So, I mean, I I think we've got enough spots there to park it. Um, you know, um I I can't do it as eloquently as as Mike Ordorf can, obviously, but he spent a lot of time last month talking about how much Little Rock needs workforce housing and and you know, the price point that he's going to try to bring these units in for to allow people options to own homes. And uh you know we we we think this is good for the community. I I think everything that Mike has built in that neighborhood which is a lot has been good for the community and you know we stand by what he's done and I'd answer any other questions you have but

right so at this particular time I want to open the floor up to any of the commissioners with any questions comments. So this is the applicant. Um, one of the oppositions made a really important point about that being along a bus route. Um, were you guys aware of that and where are the stops? Because again, I was want to talk about seeing something like this in DC and Chicago, but you never have street parking where you've got a bus route for obvious safety reasons. Is that accurate? And what's your y'all's plan for that? Because that makes me really nervous. I I think if you pull up an aerial photograph of 21st Street, you see

I've got one cars parked along along the street out there. I mean, so it's something that they're doing on other blocks. It's not like five cars next to the curb is going to block it more than one or two. And I mean when when we pulled it up on the screen last month, you saw the cars. It was it wasn't a hundred parked along 21st Street, but there were ones parked on both sides of the street. I'm looking right now. There's no cars parked on it. So that's why at all on either side of the street. Yeah, there's like one either side. I guess my concern though is with it being a bus route. Were you guys aware of that when you're planning this? because that that's a different dynamic than it's just being a street to park on. That's a diligent. Are you aware of that? What's your plan for that?

I mean, Mike lives in the neighborhood. His development is a couple blocks down the street. They park on the street there. I mean, we're aware. Uh, Commissioner Hart, go ahead.

Mr. Chairman, I I would just I think we're coming at this from the wrong place and staff as they oppose it is coming at it from the wrong angle. It's So, it's on a bus route. it's on a route for public transportation and we're seem to all be assuming that everyone who purchases one of these units is going to have a car and that just may not be the case. I mean, people do use public transportation in this city and so and PE and there is street parking. So, I'm sort of looking at this from the perspective of there may be homeowners here who these are,00T homes which will be affordably priced and some of these homeowners may may rely on public transportation and not have a car or two. So, um I don't think we should assume that that every residential structure built in this town has to have a a driveway and a garage. That's just that's not the way a city to me that's not the way a city ought to look at things. Um I think we ought to rely on some public transportation and assume that maybe some of these homeowners may not have cars at all. So, I'm I'm I'm in favor of investment uh particularly in an area town that struggles to attract investment. So, I'm I'm going to be supportive of this. Um based on the changes that the applicant made with respect to the sidewalks and I I'm the parking I guess what I'm saying is the parking is not a huge concern for me in this in this particular analysis.

Thank you. Uh any other questions from any or statements from any Commissioner Russell? Quit. Um so I actually do live in this neighborhood. Um I live right behind Paway Square. I'm not in support of this application and Mike very well knows that. Um, I made it very clear that providing one parking spot off street per unit, which would be four, not five, okay,

would make this development palatable. I mean, there's really not much else to say about that. I mean, the city ordinance is what it is. that one parking space per unit if it was four units because then they would have alley access would make this a viable development. Without it, I don't I think it's going to add too many complications to a street where people already drive too fast. That's why we have those speed bumps that everybody ignores that they just use as ramps. I know because I'm one of them. Um, it's it's not smart development. It's not going to be good for the neighborhood as it's presented.

Thank you. So, Mr. Williams, I'm sorry. Did you Did you have a question? Um, so Mr. Williams, last time we was here, I know you said he to I guess to be feasible for these five units versus four. I know they had came about. Was that just a problem of of trying to make this more affordable to get these five units versus the four? I know when we talked about it in the last I mean, I think what we said last month is still true. It's it's it's not about affordability or or making numbers work. It's about wanting to provide an opportunity to a reason for a reasonably priced house to five people instead of four people.

Okay. Are there any other questions or comments from any other commissioners? If not, uh do you have a question, Commissioner Bernard?

Not a question, uh comment. I will say uh I am also in support of this initiative and the concept. Um but to your your comment uh to provide this product to uh five people versus four I think uh considering where it's at the expense of the other residential owners in that area as well as the safety um with the bus route along with the staff's recommendation and even uh I I guess the response to parking existing in the area not considering the density of four or five people being dropped in is one area where there's already a issue with parking. Um, so I'm torn because I do support the initiative and the concept. However, not at the expense um with a few elements uh missing, I'll say.

Thank you, uh, Vice Chair. So, Mr. Williams, where where is Mr. Orondorf? He had um some an emergency came up with his wife and he said to take his kids to an a school activity.

Sorry to hear about the emergency. Um I mean I'm just going to try to the extent I can weave together all these different threads that we have as as a commission as commissioners. And I mean, I I think it's safe to say that we're all highly aware and everyone in our city is as well that we need more development like this because tell me if I'm wrong, ultimately the goal of this these aren't going to be rentals. These are going to be sold to people who can get equity in their houses. Correct. Yes. At an affordable what what will be the estimated?

I believe I believe the price point that Mike mentioned last month was $150,000. in terms of the parking issue because even and sir ma'am correct me is it Mr. and Mrs. Joel Jewel J E Wel got it um and then Mr. Eim.

Yes sir. I mean I just heard you know the opposition and this is why I wish Mr. or if we're here and maybe even deferral one last time could be of interest because I mean these are legitimate and valid concerns about the parking correct and so in terms of putting a parking spot in the back is that feasible I mean the lot doesn't have the depth to put parking in the back if you're talking about trying to do a rear load or I don't understand I mean I let me I'm looking at it right now I see the proposed sidewalk. What is new in this schema or schematic from last month? I mean, the big objection last month was was was the trash

and and how somebody got the trash can from the back of their house to the front of the house. The only thing that was added from our discussion last month was the rear sidewalk. Correct. But it's still five units. Yes. Okay. And so last month um the date of our meeting in August, whatever the second Thursday was. Yeah. So it's been about 30 days. A little bit of water under the bridge, but I I fairly remember that it was deferred. Mr. Worf made the made the election to defer. And the big issue for us at that time was the garbage. Correct.

Right. And that's been addressed. So in terms of the parking issue going back to 21st Street. So currently and I and help me with the proper terminology is that street slotted or rated in such a way that there's on street parking on 21st at this point in time. I mean Mike testified last month that that that they do park on 21st Street. Okay. Okay. And there's definitely enough width going to lie under for a spot in front of each one of those units for a car to park.

Okay. Okay. And then this might also be of of Mr. Jewel, Mrs. Jewel, and Mr. Eome. Currently, the Mr. Eome pastor, it's Solid Rock is your church, right? Bethl Temple. Got it. In terms of parking right now for the residents, most of those houses do have driveways. And Mr. Juel, Miss Mrs. Does your house have off streetet parking? Yes, ma'am. Yeah, absolutely. Come over here.

If you could pull up the map that shows the Okay. So, I'm assuming the red stripe is the proposed units. If you see the building to the right, so you have the small narrow alley which is the width of maybe one car. Um then you have an empty lot. There was a home there but it burned down and then you have um the office there. So when you're talking about parking, if you see the red area of the proposed five units, there is two houses literally back to back. So, there's no way you can do a driveway or do anything because the lot is so narrow um in terms of bringing out trash or even creating parking. Um and that's why we are um opposed to that because the length of that lot. Currently, there's not a sidewalk. So, like he said, they added a sidewalk. There is a sidewalk on the other side of the alley on our property at 721 East 21st Street. So once you add a sidewalk on that section, that's going to make the town houses even smaller or more narrow in terms of depth. Um so unless you're going to go up three stories or four stories, it's just not reasonable. And again, it's not reasonable in terms of parking because on from the side, you may be able to get, as the gentleman said, one parking space from the side. That shows you how narrow that lot is. And yes, you want development in the area, but there's a

lot more lots that are more suitable to put four or five units with ample parking. Yes, ma'am. Thank you. And to answer your question, I'm sorry. Um, we do have parking. Um, and y'all are at 721, correct? We're at 721. So, even when I'm sorry, even before the other home burned down, ma'am, there's space between 721 and the other building, which was the cle cell anemia building. There's space in between. So, you can pull in behind those units and park in between those units as well as on street parking. Thank you.

Um I'm going to keep on asking questions because and commissioners please interrupt me, but I just I feel that this is an important issue in our city and I feel that you know regardless of what happens after this we have a duty to make a very informed decision. So Mr. Williams first name in Vernon right? Yes. Just want to confirm I had to ask chair and commissioner. Okay. In terms of the block from is it South Bragg to the alley on East 21st Street. So currently it looks like it's 703. That's where those row homes are going to be built. Right. They'll be facing 21st Street. So what is it? You can't park within 20 ft of an inter of a cross street. Correct. Is that the law? That's plus minus 25 foot triangle. 25 foot.

25. Okay. So what is the length? And I don't know if you can see it, but what is the right area to that area in terms of feet? Well, you've got a 21 foot side setback plus the road rideway. And the ride the road rideway is 60 ft. I mean, so it's probably in the neighborhood of 45 or 50 feet to the first. How long what's what's an average parking spot? 50. A parallel parking spot is 22 feet long. 22 feet. So, how many cars can we get on that frontage? Five. Okay. And then another question. South Brag Street is that currently is one able to park either driving north or south on Brag Street. Neighbors, do you all know this? Can you currently park on Brag Street?

Yeah, I think they do. Yes. And there's no restrictions. Restrictions is probably more of a city question than a verdict question. And I'm just going to wrap it up at this, fellow commissioners. I'm sorry for talking so much, but I I think our city needs choice. And Mr. and Mrs. Juel, I totally understand and pastor Eum totally understand your concerns as well, but I do think the point that Commissioner Hart made with respect to also giving people transportation. Last question. Where does the bus run? Where's the stop on 21st? Not completely. Neighbors, do you all know? Where on East 21st? Got it. West of Bragg. It runs both directions,

right? But where's the actual bus stop? Commissioner, it's actually if you pull up the map, it's like literally at the start of that intersection going potentially if if if this is approved, you know, ultimately if the board approves this. So opp you're saying opposite side of the street. Hold on. I'm sorry. Uh I'm sorry about that, Miss to keep order. We want to make sure that and we can't hear you and we can't get it on the record. So unless a commissioner up here calls you, uh please refrain. Thank you so much. But he and please address the board. Yes, but we still need to get them on the record for it to happen. So, sorry about that, Mr. We I was he'd asked where the bus stop was and the gentleman was just saying it was at the southwest corner of the intersection.

I got so if if this project and then this is a a question for full-time staff if this project is ultimately approved that bus stop like in certain places in Little Rock and other larger cities that would be marked out with diagonal lines such that that couldn't be parked but the rest of the street could be parked. Correct. That's correct. Usually there's a there's a marked off area for the parking plus a little bit more for the bus to be able to pull in and out, but the rest of the street, yes, would be allowed to do parking. I mean, it's similar. We do the same thing kind of on uh Kavanaaugh has that same issue. Okay. To my knowledge, there's no striping on 21st Street.

Stripe. Thanks. I mean, and and I would like to add one one thought. You're sir, you're talking about pulling into a driveway like it's a better situation, but I would much have rather have people leaving from a parallel spot than people trying to back out onto 21st Street. Well, they wouldn't be. They'd be backing out into the alley. Into the Oh, you think you'd do parking on the side? Is that what you're saying? It's the only place you can. Um, do we have any other questions or comments? If not, uh, I'd like to go ahead and entertain. Hold on before we start. Brad, go ahead.

Sorry for this non sequator here, but if you drive a white SUV with the license plate as ASC, you are blocking someone in. And I believe this gentleman is waiting for you to move your vehicle. Okay. White SUV. Okay. Okay. In light fact, Mr. Chair director in light in light of the fact that that that commissioner has Can we can you wait for just a second while we take the vote, sir? Yes, sir. Sir, we really appreciate it. Thank you. We're going to get to it. If you could just bear with just a few minutes.

Actually, I need some time to consider. Can we just have a threem minute recess?

You know what? Uh in in light of we get to we need to get this car moved. Uh we're going to take a threeminut recess uh and we'll be back here to reconvene. All right. Heat. Heat. Heat. Heat. [Music] [Music] [Music] Heat. Heat. [Music]

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[Music] Heat. Heat. [Music] Heat. Heat. All [Music] right, ladies and gentlemen, we want to reconvene here the meeting. So, let's go ahead and get started back on this. And before uh we have a motion here, uh Commissioner Brown has a question for staff.

Sorry, I'm having trouble with the buttons today. So, just for the record, I mean, I love the idea of the affordable housing, but until the opposition brought up the bus issue, I wasn't really I was didn't really understand there's an important issue here. There's a bus stop right across the street. You guys said there's striping that's supposed to be there, which is not there now. If this were rebuilt, assume if this was approved, what's the process and who's responsible for that? Because again, having come from places where you have this kind of stuff, you don't usually have on street parking where there is a bus route. That's usually just a no-go. And particularly don't have one near a bus stop because those buses start up, they don't see it. Who's responsible for making that striping and making sure that it's clearly marked so there's line of sight and all those kind of rules? Because I don't see that in the developer site plan anywhere. Is that a city responsibility? is a developer responsibility because that's my big hold up right now. It's a safety issue and a big one. So what's I was going to clarify under normal circumstance what I what I I mess I may have misunderstood earlier on it. I was saying in normal situations what you would have is a parked out a striped out area to not allow parking in that situ. It's not in that situation. But to answer your question who would do that yeah

I believe it would be public works that would handle that. Well, actually, no. Actually, the metro plan would probably be rock region metro. I'm sorry, not metro plan. Excuse me for that. Okay. They would be striping out that area plus there'd be an additional area. Now, public works would usually be posting a sign saying that there's no parking in that in that area.

Okay. But I guess my question is from just a safety standpoint, when does that come to pass? Because again, now the affordable housing park, you know, I'm sold on that. the park street or off streetet parking I'm torn on but when we get to there being this being on a bus route that becomes a big safety issue what is the trigger to make sure that happens if this gets approved I guess is my question and how because what I don't have happen what makes me nervous because again just full disclosure I've seen somebody get a per pedestrian hit by bus before

it ain't pretty all right so I'm a little sensitive to it and I'll just fully admit to it um when you what is the trigger to get those things addressed if this gets approved and what's the time frame on that I'm not certain on what the trigger of when that when and how that would happen. What we would probably end up having to do would be getting in in touch with Rock Region and inform them that that needs to be something that's addressed. Okay. That that bus stop needs striping. Yeah, there's a stop literally across the street. There's like two stops. Yes. You know,

it would be something we would just have to get in touch with them and have them address that to to make sure that that doesn't happen. And then we would get in touch with we would coordinate with public works to make sure there were signs up saying that there'd be no parking in that area on the side of the road. Okay. That could be done much quicker. Okay. Did that answer your question, Commissioner? Uh, close enough. Okay. Uh, Vice Chair Baxter. Okay. Floor is yours.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. All right. It's 4:50 p.m. Um, and I don't like taking more times on matters than should be taken, but this is also what we volunteered. This is what we raised our hand for. And this came up before us, not just last month, but I think was it six months before that? You're talking about the one the one that was voted down unanimously, correct? Yep. but then it ended up going before and feel free to take the podium again, Mr. Williams, if you like. Sure. Um, just so we can hear you on the microphone. The the project six months ago that we unanimously voted down that ended up going to the board, what happened at the board with that project?

I I I think, you know, I don't fully know because Mike took care of most of that because it it was probably more of a political issue than an engineering issue. regardless on but it was eventually he was authorized to go ahead and do that in your return I think it took three three passes is that that right? Yes sir. It was it was uh uh ultimately uh passed by the board of directors.

Okay. So fellow commissioners and uh Commissioner Russell mentioned something to me while we were on break and not on the record. He thought that I was polling uh Mr. and Mrs. jewel um and then pulling other commissioners. I'm not pulling anyone. I'm trying to get to the truth of this. I believe that the planning commission is a deliberative body and that our recommendation to the board should carry weight. So, if we have to spend 10 or 15 more minutes on this so that we converse as a body to come to the best decision and potentially even defer for one more month, then that's what we should do. So neighbors, I hear your main concern about this and feel free if you don't mind taking the podium again. Mrs. Juel, Mr. Juel, or is it Pastor Isim or is

pardon pardon me for my misprononunciation earlier? Yes, sir. And do you prefer pastor or Mr. Sir? Okay, fantastic. Um, Mr. Juel, Mrs. Juwel, if this parking issue were resolved, would you have any objections to this development? From what I hear, it sounds like the parking is your number one issue. Correct. Thank you. Yes, ma'am. The parking is one of the issues. What I when I look at this diagram of the uh proposed project, I see square footage for the home, but I don't see the dimensions. Right now, you have two homes directly behind this empty lot.

Yes, ma'am. So, would you want to live next door where the very end of your lot That's my next question. Has a twotory or threetory building right next door. Yes, ma'am. And I know we talked about parking, non-parking. I don't know how many people have children and have extended family. And to say that you're going to have five homes and nobody's going to have a car, uh, that may be a stretch, right?

I I think parking is going to be issue, but I also think the layout of these homes um in terms of how much space is going to be behind the actual structure, you know, how much is going to be in front. So, I think there's some some other issues, too. I see. Absolutely. Okay. So, um, Mr. Williams, would you take the stand again, sir? the podium, not the stand. We're not in and I'm the last person that wants you to rush making your decision. I want you guys to be happy what you decide. Okay, real quick. And then full-time staff, we might need a refresher here in terms of how many deferrals are left for the applicant. Can they defer again? Yes, they can defer again.

Okay. So, if they defer, it will be at their expense and they'll have to renotice. Is there is there an option and for for better minds than mine, is there an option for the commission to require deferral in order to come up with a parking plan? Because it does seem that at least going back to 21st Street and Brag Street, y'all, and y'all are amazing, but y'all should have gotten with the city and marked out how many spots there are and had some form of parking plan because then all of this would be resolved. If we knew how many on street parking spots there were in the surrounding two, three blocks, I think this would resolve this issue, plain and simple. So, can we require them to come back next month with a parking plan?

Hello. So staff, this question for staff, Brad, is that data readily available now or No, I mean he they would have to go out and they would have to they would have to do some some measurements themselves and and Vernon would have to, you know, show a parking plan, per se. Uh but to answer your question, can the commission request deferral? Yes, the commission can can request deferral. It's just like last time. Last time we we requested deferral for But it would still be at their expense, right? It would still be at their expense. Yes.

Okay. One other set of questions then I'll shut up and thanks for your indulgence. Vernon, Mr. Williams. Okay. The houses, the neighboring houses, and I wish Mike were here as well because I think he could answer this. So, the ones that Mr. Mrs. Jules spoke about directly to the south on Brag Street, where are they? Have they objected to this? They're not here tonight. Correct. Um, what's the neighborhood say besides just these good neighbors?

I haven't been contacted by any of these people from the mailings that we sent out. The I think the fellow behind us is the only one who has called us and and the impression I got was that he was he was supportive of it. But, you know, I I haven't I haven't gotten any negative comments at my office as a result of the letters I sent out for this project. If I can ask a question in light of everything that that we've said, are you interested in deferring this one last time? That was the text I was I was sending while you were talking was I'm trying to figure out if Mike is um you know

I mean I think

and uh also Mr. Chair just to let the commission know um there's a question about how many deferrals this would be their uh final deferral. You can only appear at three meetings. This would be their next next meeting would be their third one. So it' be last shot. Thank you on that. I mean even and this is the last last thing I'll say in this. If we look at the aerial map on this and I wish I had some geospatial tool where I could measure that measure that measure that measure that very simple pointtooint with the 15 20 foot whatever you know I'm a lawyer not an urban planner but you see what I'm saying. And then you divide the total feet within say a 200 yard radius, two football fields.

You can right click on the program you have there and you get measure distance to that location. But this should be done by y'all because this is your project. And if you come, we we know how the parking works on our on our project. So how many parking spots are on We have room for five across the front and we have room for one or two on the on the side street on Bragg. Right. And you're speaking just of this and this. Yes. What about this and this and this and this? Well, a five unit apartment, you need to provide one parking spot per unit.

And so we've exceeded we've exceeded what's required. Yes. One and a half, isn't it? It's based on bedroom count staff. Correct. It rounds down to one. That's the way our code goes. Rounds down. So it's just one. If there's seven and a half plus minus spots required for he just said there's five required. Sorry. So five required. But if we look at we think two war memorial football fields 200 yard radius there's probably about four times that amount of available parking spots currently probably plus minus.

All right. So at this time I mean if if the applicant doesn't want to deferral is that correct? You do not want to defer. What's gained by deferring? What if you defer at your expense then you will come back? It's not the money. I'm just

No, you would come back next month and obviously we would um you know uh relook at relook at your your whole file and your whole application. Uh but you do not have to deferral if you do not want to. We can move forward with the vote. Uh it's totally at your discretion. So, so Mike has told me through text that that if if it's the wish of the board, he's willing to defer, but I mean, Mr. Baxter is the only one that I hear asking us to defer and and I don't really see the point. And it I'm and I'm not trying to be ugly, but we've talked about this all. I mean, if there's there's something that can be gained by waiting a month. No, the board can make a a motion for deferral, but yeah,

there is no motion that's been made. So, I'm just boys talking. I I mean, Right. at this particular point. Uh it's at your discretion. Uh if there was a deferral raised and you had I guess you text your u your client, right? Um and if you do not want to deferral or he does not want the deferral, then you can move forward and we can vote today. Yeah. So I guess what I'm asking you do not want to deferral. Is that correct? I mean Chairman Vickers, may I go ahead? Yeah. I want to clean up any confusion. uh one single commissioner has asked you to defer, right?

Uh it's completely up to you. Uh there is no uh absolute no uh condition that if you do defer that you're going to come back with the circumstances changing and then the commission is going to vote for your your application. Uh and there's no uh guarantee that if you choose not to defer that they're not going to approve it or deny it right now. So, it's going to be complete within your discretion. No one can put pressure on you. And if you do defer, there's no guarantee that you're going to get an approval next month. I want to make that clear before you decide. Yeah, I'm aware of that. And you know,

Yeah. And just say, Mr. Williams, no, no commissioner up here is putting any pressure on you. So, I don't want you to feel like there's any pressure on you. If I may clarify, I'm not I'm not asking you to do anything, right? I'm just trying to make it clear that I think there are some legitimate questions that this commission has that I also have that it would be very helpful for Mr. Orondorf to be here, for Mike to be here. And in light of the fact that he can't due to this emergency, I mean, even the questions that Commissioner Russell raised. You know, he and I sometimes spar, but ultimately I think they're good questions. And I think the same thing with the neighbors and pastor. So, if you want to submit it to vote, submit it to vote. I'm not requiring or requesting you to do anything. I'm just

Yeah. you know, speaking openly. But ultimately, my last comment on this is I will vote for it. The neighbors, it's that's not me trying to I hear your concerns loud and clear, but I do think ultimately this is a question of who moves into here, whether they want to park on the street or not. I think Little Rock needs affordable development extremely and extraordinarily. So, I think ultimately it'll be a net benefit. So, I personally will vote for it and I'll leave it at that. All right. So, if Did you have any other questions? No, I I just want to say I I don't necessar I don't want a deferral. I mean, we've had two very good spirited debates on this already. I'm clear with you, Mr. Williams. Thank you. At the particular time, I would like to entertain a motion. Yes, sir.

Uh for this and and it has to be in the affirmative. Correct. The staff, I think, recommended for uh disapproval. Mr. Chair, I'd like to make a motion that we accept staff's recommendations in file Z-10128- A with the exception of the recommendation for denial. Yes. And do I have a second? Second. All right. I have a motion in a second. May I get a roll call vote, please? Commissioner Brown. No. No.

Yes. No. No. No. No. Russell. No. No. Yes. Baxter. Yes. Vickers. Yes. Motion fails. All right. The motion fails. Thank you. Thank you for coming on, Mr. Williams.

And uh we're going to move right along to our next uh agenda item on the our regular agenda. And that's item number eight uh and 8.1. Um excuse me, Brad. We can do that. Can we do that together or do we have to itemize them out? We can read both the staff reports at the same time. You'll have to vote separate. Okay. Because I only have the eight. I guess all the card says 8.1, right? Correct. But yeah. Okay. So, and Hannah will do this report for number eight. Okay. All right. So, we'll have the reading of eight and then we will follow right up with 8.1. Correct.

All right. So, uh uh if you can hold tight, applicant. No, you can stay right there. Stay at the podium. Uh Hannah, could you please provide the reading for eight, please?

Uh absolutely. So, um this is an application for a land use plan amendment in the Ellis Mountain um planning district. The request is going from a suburban office to neighborhood commercial. The applicant is pursued concurrently with a reasonzoning application file number Z10190 which is request for quiet office district 01 to neighborhood commercial district C1. Um this staff report is solely about the land use uh amendment change uh which comes beforehand. The subject site is 1.5 acres of clearcut land largely devoid of mature vegetation. Um recent improvements include new curb cut gutter and sidewalks along Kanis. Um commercial interest is following uh Kanes widening and improvements. Pedestrian facilities on the site connect to the Point West single family residential subdivision through Point um West Circle to the north. um all neighborhood associations notified prior to the planning commission meeting alongside the zoning application. Uh the development principles of the Ellis Mountain Planning District include ensuring that roads are improved in a manner that are supportive of all modes of transportation and to encourage commercial uses at major intersections of arterial streets. The areas identified for commercial land use in Ellis Mountain Planning District are located at major intersections of arterial streets to encourage commercial concentrations and to discourage strip commercial development. Let's see. Um the subject property is surrounded by various land uses north and south of the subject property is designated for residential low density. To the east, west, and southwest, the areas designated for suburban office uses with undeveloped partially wooded tracks. And to the east of the subject property along the south of Kanis Road is designated for neighborhood commercial use, which you can see on the land use

plan shown here with a 2025 aerial image. Staff finds that the amendment request is reasonable and appropriate given the site's location surrounding land use pattern and proximity to a major intersection. The subject property lies at the corner of Kanis Road and Point West Drive, both of which are high order streets identified in the master street plan, making the site well suited for neighborhood scale commercial development. The proposed neighborhood commercial use designation is consistent with the Ellis Mountain Planning District's development principles principles. The proposed amendment would provide convenient access to goods and services for nearby residents including over uh 1100 households within half a mile radius while maintaining compatibility with the surrounding residential and office designations. Um, the site benefits from existing infrastructure improvements, including new sidewalks and access points, um, which do support walkability and connectivity with adjacent neighborhoods. And, um, to further improve walkability and active transportation access from surrounding neighborhoods, staff does recommend the applicant incorporate internal pedestrian pathways um, which could be discussed outside of this, but could be considered in the the zoning case. staff supports the proposed land use plan amendment in the Ellis Mountain Planning District from suburban office to neighborhood commercial and recommends approval.

Thank you, Anna. And we will have the um and the concurrent reading for 8.1. Uh Jeremy, if you will, please.

Item 8.1 is Z 10190. It's a resoning from 01 to C1. It's on the north side of Kanis Road between West Point Drive and Atkins Road. The applicant proposes a reszone one and a half acre site located on the north side of Kanis Road between Point West Drive and Atkins Road from 01 to C1 for future office and commercial development. The site is currently undeveloped. The majority of the trees are to appear to have been removed from the property. The remaining trees appear to be along the north and east property lines. Currently, access to the site from either Kanes Road or Atkins Road does not appear to be developed. Properties in the general area contain a mixture of zoning and uses. Staff is supported supportive of the requested reszoning from 01 to C1 to allow for the future development of the property. Staff feels the request conforms with the development pattern of this area. Kanis Road is a minor arterial on the city's master street plan. Properties to the east and west along Kanis Road contain a mixture of commercial and office uses and zoning. Staff feels the proposal will not be out of character with the neighborhood and will not have an adverse impact on the area. Thank you.

Thank you for the reading. Applicant, please state your name for the record. Uh I'm David Watkins. All right, Mr. Watkins. Uh you do have a few cards here that in opposition. if you would like to speak now or you can defer your time and come back up afterwards. It's a decision. Defer the time. Okay, great. Please have a seat and uh we will uh call the cards. The first card is Bailey Meadow if you're available.

Hey, how are y'all? Good. The floor is yours. Go ahead. Um I live in Point West Cove um just on the north side of Kanes. Um it's pretty high traffic volume. Um, only thing I'm asking for, I don't care about the commercial zoning. Only thing I'm asking for is a traffic light. Um, it's very, very high dense population. We have two big neighborhoods on the north and the south end of Kanes with the mosque uh on the left side and then we're getting a community center on the opposite side of the mosque. And with this commercial zoning coming in, we're going to have more and more uh traffic. So, the only thing I'm asking for is traffic light.

Thank you. Thank you. Next card is Sadi Ali. Yeah. My name is Sadiq Ali and I'm an entrepreneur and community leader. I feel a social responsibility to work towards the quality of life of the people in the community. The church in 2013, Dixon Plague with Collier International developed a plan for Cany's point office space where the church was coming looking for a place for the community to reside and we had a verbal commitment that this will be office park and the leadership went and approved the site for the church. Now the business community grew and they decided to invest in a community center. It the groundbreaking was last month we came up with $3 million investment. There are a lot of kids, young people today's world, we have lot of issues with mental health and we need to there are commercial players coming in there but we have people who wants to move to Arkansas little rock we need housing we need lot of housing and the traffic count is I mean I'm glad city worked on getting that three lane I'm so happy about that but still we have too much of traffic now too much of investment is coming there and we are looking to develop more housing over there and we have moment street few blocks away the Sam's Club Walmart there real estate

empty with nothing now we are creating another C1 to add more traffic count more accidents will take place now the community is facing with some nuisance we reached out to chief Helton to see how we can address this issues. The young people they don't have anything to do the neighborhood they can come they can play the sports they can perform in activities. This is what we want to bring to the community and there is like the developments are happening and I request the city I oppose this thing but you guys are we have a lot of wisdom on this to so I end here. Thank you.

Thank you. Next card is uh Bob Harden. Not to be redundant with anything that Ali may have said, my name is Bob Harden. I'm an attorney and represent Glory Properties who owns that property where which is immediately east of uh West Point Drive and is adjacent to the property here in question. And Ali several years ago developed this property for the church and there exists a church on this property. Um, you know, the congregation, this church are a lot younger than me and they have young children and so they there is concern uh about it being in a qu a real quiet place. I was involved when n when Dixon Flake developed this and that was primary for the purchase and development of that property by the church that it be quiet. Um there are some things that that are a little offensive to the uh owners for a C1 development. As you know C1 allows for pharmacies and by law once you allow a pharmacy in and you have specifically provided in your regulations. You must also have medical marijuana dispensaries and growers that must be permitted there uh for you know with any kind of change. There's other types of businesses, not just retail, but there could be some retail that is selling liquor. I do realize there are state laws that deal with both of those things. But what your decision is is to make decision what you want irregardless of what state law might provide and where state law might go in the future. But for this particular church in this particular situation, it's a very quiet area. As you can see from the map, you have primary all residential south and north. It's a very unique place on Kanes

at that place where you have that and you have a great deal of commercial on either end. Uh we just think that this for quiet business is a good place. It's a good off it's a good place to use it right now. Have no idea what the what the owners might want to do with the property, but that would have significant difference on the position of the owner if they knew. But there's some things in C1 that would be offensive, let's say, to the current owners of the adjacent property. And for that reason, they object. And I thank you very much for your time. Thank you. All right. Uh applicant, if you will come back up to the podium, and you've kind of heard uh some opposition here and uh the floor is yours at this particular time if you want to address any of those uh concerns.

Again, I'm the board would love to hear.

Sure. I'm David Watkins and I'm assisting Amin Pabini um as he is an agent for the land owner currently. Um he's provided a response to some of the objections and he wanted to give you all a copy of it. So I'm going to pass that out right now. While he's passing that out, I'll make a few comments. Um the purpose of this um zoning land use and zoning designation um the the office zoning and land use is is very limited does not reflect the natural commercial growth and use patterns that are already in this corridor. Um we're requesting this change to commercial which is consistent with nearby development and the city's land use plan for Kanes Road. Uh this will allow for flexibility for future neighborhood oriented uses without committing to any type of business at this stage. Uh some key points that Mr. Pabini wanted to point out um that we are only asking for a land use change and reszone. We've not submitted building plans, site plans for the development. Uh the city staff requested we only um ask for zoning and land use changes at this time. Um any specific project whether retail service or mixed use will require full site plan review and approval by the city at a later date as you all know. Um so we're not um presenting a type of commercial use at this time. Um the C1 zoning is intended for smallcale neighborhood commercial uses that serve the community. Uh the change aligns with surrounding development patterns along Kanish Road which already ex includes a mix of residential office and neighborhood retail. The reasonzoning ensures that when development occurs, it is done in a manner consistent with city policy and oversight.

Um for some community consideration, we we respect the neighbors concerns and want to emphasize that no specific commercial use is being approved today. the city will have to carefully review traffic, drainage, landscaping, building design, and all of those things when actual site plan is submitted. Um, so resoning simply provides a framework for appropriate neighborhood commercial uses. Um, in the event there is opposition, which there was, we we do appreciate the community's interest. At this time, our application is again only for zoning adjustment and land use adjustment. no construction or businesses have been proposed or approved. If and when a project is developed, it will go through the city's full site plan and permitting processes, which ensures public input and compliance with safety, design, and neighborhood standards. This resoning request simply brings the property into alignment with the city's long-term land use goals for this corridor. We prefer not to speculate on future tenants or uses today, as that would be premature. Right now this is only about the land use category. Uh so in closing um we respectfully request the approval of this resoning from 01 to C1 and the land use amendment as it represents a natural appropriate and cityup supported transition for this property. We remain committed to working with the city and community during any future development process to ensure that projects meet all requirements and serve the neighborhood needs.

All right. At this particular time, I want to open the floor to any of the commissioners with any questions or comments. H um I don't know do you have the same map is the um red colored property to the south of your property commercial zone commercial at the current time? Yes, the zone on the on the land use plan it is neighborhood commercial. Okay. on the south and that's what we're proposing to change ours to. Okay. And then zoning wise it would be C3 and we're proposing C1.

Yeah. I have a just a quick question. I think this actually may be for staff on that. So, there are like six homes there that are immediately to the north of this property. And I'm always sensitive to when we change zoning. Um because those people built their homes thinking they would have an office in their backyard and we're we're now talking about putting commercial uses. So, so what are the uh what would the building setbacks be and buffers be in straight C1 zoning that would protect those guys back there? 25 ft plus a 9 foot landscape buffer.

Correct. And there'd have to be a fence or landscaping as he as he stated 25 plus which I believe is identical to the office identical to all. Okay. It is okay. It's the same. So questions first of all comment to the opposition then a question for probably staff. Just so you know, the things you mentioned about alcohol and marijuana usage, there are state laws that prevent anything within 1500 feet of a church. So, I would encourage you to be aware of that. But to staff, uh, this says C1 zoning. Is this permitted uses or is this conditional uses or both? Or what's what's the clarity on that? Because it just says C1. There's no clarity.

It would it would just be zoned for all C1. What are permitted C1 uses? Okay. But the conditional uses, which those other uses they have, that wouldn't be that. No, they would have they would after the zoning change, they would have to come back for a conditional use permit if they wanted to do that. And so the second thing to the applicant um again having been through what these neighbors are going through, has there been a discussion with the uh neighbors who are opposed about saying, "Okay, you know what? We're going to come see one, but we're going to take only these specific things and adjusting what's in that usage list to make to where they're more comfortable." Have you had that conversation at all with them?

I that conversation not been had directly. Um but in this response that was passed out um there is discussion about um Mr. Pini actually attends this this he's a part of this congregation of this church. Um he's he's not heard any opposition from members of the church. Okay. Um and and currently as the church is building that um the community center is that they're they they've offered to as this development comes on to you allow parking on this new development for the church and you're the developer and you're part of the church.

Yes, we are I'm the part of the church also and we have already offered parking for the church and also the community building that Mr. Ali is building already. So we have been committed to helping uh the church the isali Jamat Kana as well and we have already written in writing that we are nowhere concerning liquor store or a marijuana business nowhere. Excuse me sir can you please state your name for the record? Sure. Uh my name is Amin Pabani. Thank you. Thank you question. Any other comments questions? M Mr. Sheriff, for for what it's worth, there was tra traffic was brought up and I just pulled up ARDOT's uh daily traffic count map for this area and it's 16,000 per day.

16,000 per day. Yes, sir. Thank you. Uh, Commissioner Bernard, I've got a question of clarity. Uh, and forgive me if I'm alone in this, but I'm a bit confused, Mr. Ali. I know you're in opposition, but I believe we heard from you're in support uh I guess unofficially. So, just for my clarity, are you in support or in opposition? Okay. Thank you. I'm sorry. I didn't hear what he said. He said he's opposed.

Okay. All right. Do we have any other statements, comments, questions from any of the commissioners? I typically don't talk that much, but uh I'm still kind of confused on some things. You guys are in the same mosque, right? Same conversation. Yes. Have y'all not had conversation between you?

I did. I already told all the leaders of the community. I have already discussed with all the pastors all the community leadership of the thing and they are very supportive only Mr. Ali is opposing this particular thing and based on the letter that we received today uh we have already given in writing that we are not in any way as Mr. Bob, I know him also uh on the liquor or marijuana. I am opposed to that personally as well. So I'm not going into any kind of liquor or marijuana business. In fact, we have always supported and the unity center that has been built, we have provided the parking space available until that whether it is one year or more. Even the construction takes a year, we are supportive of the members as because even my kids myself every day my mom goes to church every single day she looks forward for it. So I'm aware of that concerns and I'm always supportive of what I'm doing. So he's just opposing it but everyone has a right of that with all all due respect and also one of the uh members that has uh rightly pointed out that we do need a traffic light because when the parking is on this side and the the ismiley center is on the other side the the crossing is there. So if we can have a red light crossing which we already uh requested earlier that would be very helpful indeed for the safety to increase the safety. Uh also Kinesis is already aligned to get into commercial. If you see the opposite sides it's already C3 and we are just requesting C1. In light of above I I humbly request each of the uh commissioners to please help us. Thank you.

All right. uh to answer the commission on that and just for the public as well on that when a specific project comes in with the site plan and some of that staff will require traffic study which will then determine whether a light is necessary or not. Just to clarify that for everyone. All right. If we don't have any more questions or comments, I would love to entertain a motion. 90 that the commission approve staff separately. Sorry, we have

Thank you, Commissioner Russell. That is correct. Apologies, Mr. Chair. I'd like to make a motion, a revised motion, uh, that in file number LU2025-18-01, item number 8, that the commission approve staff's recommendations subject to staff's conditions. All right. So, we have a motion for item number eight and we have a second for this uh for item number eight. May I get a roll call vote, please? Yes. Yes. Hart, yes. Hodgees, yes. McDonald, yes. Parson, yes. Russell, hi. Sad, yes. Treble,

yes. Backter, yes. Vickers, yes. Motion's approved. All right. Thank you everybody for coming out. Thank you uh for um for your application here, Mr. Chair. We have a motion for 8.1. Yes, sir. Item 8.1, file Z-10190, that the commission approve staff's recommendations of the requested C1 reszoning. Second. I have a motion and a second for 8.1. Make it a roll call vote, please. Yes. Bernard, yes. Art, yes. Hodgees, yes. Macdonald, yes. Parson.

Yes. Russell, hi. Sad. Yes. Tremble, yes. Backter. Hi. Vickers, yes. Closer's approved. All right. 8 8 and 8.1 has been approved. Uh, thank you for coming out on this particular item. Uh, for even opposition, we thank you all for coming out and we'll give you a second here to depart. And moving right along. Um, we now have a presentation for the ADU informational presentation by Hannah. So, at this particular time, Hannah, the floor is yours for your presentation.

Perfect. Um, thank you all for um taking I'm I'm going to try to only take 10 minutes um just to catch the commission up on some portion actions that have been taken as well as some new state law um in the case that um the commission wants to consider what's in the packet that's been okay go over the items in that packet. um just for your your own kind of personal deliberation. This is not um a voting item. It is it is simply anformational uh presentation. So this is about accessory dwelling units. Um I'm not going to read out all of this, but you are welcome to. I'll send the presentation out. Um but a bill was passed U 1503 now act 313 um which requires all Arkansas cities to update their zoning codes um by January to allow at least one accessory dwelling unit by right uh on any residential lot with a single family home. Um the city like all cities have uh are required and mandated to respond to this. Um at that time we started a community engagement campaign in July. um that campaign went readily into the state law going into effect. there was a lot of unanticipated um inquiry in the state law and um just to best serve uh development and and residents providing a clear kind of standard moving forward. We went ahead and um by emergency clause uh submitted an ordinance to the board so that we can go ahead and get in compliance with state law and um hopefully reduce or mitigate any any future issues. That does not mean that the case is closed. um any any there can be any zoning change or any change to uh municipal um zoning law. So um with that um in case you don't know what an accessory dwelling unit is, it's a self-contained

and independently accessed living unit that includes its own cooking, sleeping and sanitation facilities. It is by definition accessory to another uh primary structure. Um and if you are interested, AARP has significant literature on this topic. The initial planning process um started out um as such um with the intent of coming to the planning commission and then going to the board. Um this shows the pivoting that happened during that time um when the ordinance went into effect. So right now we're in September planning commission presentation and again everything that we have learned from start to now is is in that packet for you all to to look at and consider. The ordinance has already been passed. Um but I'm going to I'm going to explain some of that and then definitely take questions um because I think that's probably the most confusing part of the process. Um so just to just to go through the state law um it does require municipalities um to allow by right um an accessory dwelling unit by certain definitions. The a the act aims to address housing attainability and availability. This is not an act that talks about HUD housing uh section uh 10 108. I always get section 106 from historic preservation messed up but that's just me. Um and so this is about housing attainability. Um it goes into effect August 5th, August 4th. Um and that is where that uh kind of pivot came from and cities are mandated to have something in their zoning code by January 1st which we have already met that condition which means we have some breathing room now. Um so the act requires that um these units they can be attached internal or addition and detached ADUs. Cities do

not get to um get to kind of have a um a determination for against either one of those types and cities cannot require that residential occupancy meet certain frameworks. It's very open. So this is just a quick image of what cities cannot and can regulate that are kind of hot topics. Um we cannot look at aesthetics, lot size, occupancy type, parking, utilities in general. Some of these go into higher detail. So, um, just go ahead and and and read that state law and read our ordinance and, um, happy to answer any questions at any time from any commissioners if y'all just want to give us a call. Um, what they can regulate is setbacks, but no more restrictive than what is applied to the single family house. Height and size, no more than what is restrictive to the single family house. Lot coverage, um, same as what was said earlier about the single family house. It does not relieve anybody from meeting building safety and fire codes. And this does not require that cities allow short-term rentals by right. Has nothing to do with short-term rentals. But that is a hot, you know, question we got during community engagement. So, I just want to clarify that concern. So, these are these are I'm going to go through a couple quick things that we talked about our community engagement meetings. Um, and I imagine they're going to be your frequently asked questions as well. So, um, does the law mandate cities must allow ADUs to be used to short-term rentals? No. Our current ordinances on short-term rentals absolutely apply. Bills of assurance. Um, this law was a mandate to cities. It was not a mandate to private residences. They are allowed to use their bill of assurance and take that forward and and go through the legal process if they do not wish to have these in their neighborhoods if their bill of assurance doesn't allow them. And that is a private matter that this commission nor the board and the

city in general can can do on behalf of of a private covenant does not allow RVs and trail travel trailers. These do not meet a number of building codes um for this purpose. So if you have any constituents or neighbors that are concerned about this, you know, you can you can point them to this. This part of this presentation is online and and we can make it more available. Um but no parking infrastructure. So we are not allowed to require that additional parking be provided for an accessory dwelling unit beyond what is already required for the single family home. So single family home it's one. We can't require two just because it has an ADU. So this does this could impact infrastructure depending on how many are built. But that is something that we get to continue to study. Um but it is a concern because it takes away a lot of this takes away what cities have been able to do. So that's one of the primary concerns of this bill from municipal standpoint. Public infrastructure as far as water um and other public infrastructures. We absolutely can regulate how our streets are used. If we um for the safety of others do not require or allow parking on a minor arterial. That doesn't mean somebody gets to park on the minor arterial. There's no parking there. they will have to provide parking through other other means for the safety of their of their uh residence um and renter or user of the the type. Um it does not mean that applicant is relieved to storm water management if it becomes applicable. Um and cities are allowed to require a will serve letter. Um lots of neighborhoods in Little Rock that are curve linear suburban street patterns have lower pressure um water infrastructure. Um so there is some allowance in that and that's going

to be decisions made by CAW and Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority. Um one thing that we are doing because we are very concerned about this is just um addressing an emergency response. If you hear inquiries about how is 911 going to get to my house, how is the fire department going to get to my back door unit, um my granny flat, my cottage, you know, my rear cottage. Um we we already address them in the system, but we are reooking at providing addresses and correcting um where some have been missed. Just you know, this is an old building pattern. This is not new. So we are relooking at that and working with uh pages plasky area geographic information system to just kind of better serve with data our residents for response times. Um and just for the property owner if you have an occupied ADU um and you've put your own address on it that is not the address that's in the system for 911 response. So, please contact public works or just call them just to double check that you are, you know, those response times can be very important for um your renters and the people you're responsible for. Um just some information on rental registration still required um still asked for. Rental inspections still available when they are rental units. Um I won't dive too much into that, but that information is available for people. If you hear anybody, just point them our direction for that. the new ordinance. This is ordinance number 22647. It's in your packet. Um the main things that it does, it establishes definitions and development standards for accessory dwelling units allowed by act 313. I do want to remind the commission that these are not the only type of accessory dwelling units that go through our process. If an applicant wants two accessory dwelling units, one of them may go through this process, another one may seek a

conditional use permit. So, we were very aware, self-aware of our own zoning code in this um and did not just erase um the laws that were already in place, but modified them to meet state law. Um an ADU can be reviewed and permitted concurrently with proposals for a single family dwelling, but not can be occupied before the primary dwelling is complete. This is a standard practice that we already we already practice. basically kind of restates that, you know, in the case that you want a single family home and an ADU, can't just build the ADU and then stop building. So, it can't be occupied at that time because it's not technically a primary structure. We don't have that happen very often, but it's just it's just a very traditional practice. Um, the city has decided to require will serve letters um as required uh per permit submittals. So, um, this, uh, this is an addition we are choosing to use as part of the state law. Some other neighboring cities are not. I think this will teach us a lot. Um, so it's just another way to kind of safeguard some of that infrastructure and help the property owner understand upfront if there's going to be a water pressure issue that would impact the feasibility of their project. So, it could be good on both ends. Um, one of the main pieces of the ordinance is um, in order to access the byite approval, you must meet specific development standards that are compliant with the state law. Um, mostly um, the ADU needs to be built within the setbacks of the district. Many ADUs are detached in the rear. Um, in this those would still either go through a variance or conditional use permit depending um, if they cannot fit within these setbacks. Um, and this is how this is the ordinance that was passed. So whether attached, detach or internal, the units must conform to the setbacks

of the applicable zoning district equal to the state law. Yes.

It is almost zoneless. So, it's very difficult to fit within our framework. It it allows ADUs to be built um alongside single family homes regardless of what zone they're in. So, that's why they're pretty it's a pretty unique law, right? But I'm I'm asking if this is going to provide qual or if this is going to create conflict between existing other existing residential zones that allow duplex by right. Nothing duplex can be built as an accessory structure outside the building setback lines because it's accessory. Whatever is currently allowed in a zoning district is not being taken away. Okay. Okay. That's that makes sense. Um there's a section on applicability in the uh ordinance.

Okay.

Okay. Um so uh area and size um we stuck straight with the state law. Lot coverage uh straight with the state law and height is uh the zoning district. So we can be no more restrictive than what the applicable zoning district is. Um just kind of a look back on what city staff staff has been up to. Um in July we created a uh website. It's still active. Um, I misspelled it on there, but it's supposed to read tinyurl.com. You can also just scan it. Um, we did start a community focus group. Uh, those are the members that have been in there. The, uh, planning commission chair and vice chair have been in attendance to those meetings. Um, that have been very helpful with that discussion. Um, we have also utilized the, um, special interest of our other ch uh, commissioners, the chairs from our other commissioners, commissions, sorry, city commissions. um and trying to seek advisement from our our our peers. Um we also had three smallcale developers who do both infill and rehabilitation. So you know we feel like that community focus group is kind of wellrounded. Um we did release an ex ADU community survey that was from July 17th August 24th. We got 259 response respondents. Um there is in your packet I think at the back those are all of the results of that survey including all of the comments. Um and those are very interesting. So um there was an ADU community meeting on August 25th at 6 PM. We had 17 attendees. 93% of them were residents. And then we've also included a um I misspelled that as well but slido results. So we had some interactive um interactive polling. So, it can kind of tell you who who showed up and how they feel. Um, and then I'm just going to run through the results of the survey, but

you are more than welcome to, you know, continue looking at it. But at large, um, 78% of respondents were Little Rock homeowners. 83 of respondents generally supported ADUs. 67% of respondents favored detached ADUs in their neighborhood over attached or internal. Um, and that map just shows you kind of where people self-chose the location of their response. Um, so this is just that homeowner is most of the people who took this survey. Most people were aware of accessory dwelling units when taking the survey. Um, after they were done, it shot them back to the the um the website, you know, to get more informed about it. Um, this is how people feel about allowing accessory dwelling units in general. Um, this is where we're getting that 80s something percent from. Um, 13% do not support ADUs um or and 4% are unsure, but the rest in in some scenario were generally supportive either directly supportive or by certain conditions. Um, there's that just graphically. Um top two to three concerns absolutely absentee landlords I think um when you put this on any survey everyone's going to click that it is of top concern so it could be a little misleading but um um that was one of the top issues and then parking and traffic and then illegal construction and use top two to three benefits housing for aging aging parents or adult children affordable rental housing also think attainable rental housing and income support for homeowners. Um, this uh says uh the most favorable uh location for an ADU um was detached. This included folks who were not supportive of ADUs or very concerned. Um

so it kind of ran in line with that um kind of across feelings and this is just people who are generally interested in building um and what conflicts are or you know just their considerations. And then this was just a fun build your own ADU. We don't get to tell developers exactly what they need to look like. We can incentivize those things, but I think this gives a good picture to folks who want to build these to rent them out just what their neighbors are actually interested in um residing in. So, Little Rock is very much a a porch town. So, and then there was about uh 120 plus community comments um and those are all listed out. And then if um we are still collecting feedback. So um just point folks in our direction, point them in in my direction and um we are happy to continue to take additional input. And then final slide um what's up next? The results of the community engagement process um are definitely in the department's hands and will inform any any future ordinance or zoning code amendments. Um we are continuing continuing to actively take uh public input and we are continuing to study the use and its impacts uh via the state law because again this these are not totally new uh uh unit types. They are they are age-old and um we are working on improving addressing actively and educating residents or property owners and um considering development process improvements. So, in that little slido response, get um some people gave us some ideas on how we could assist in that. So, um and so I just wanted to also answer any questions.

Are there any questions for any of the commissioners? Quick question, this might be a stupid one. Um, if I was a developer, could I build a primary uh home and then rent that out and then also build a ADU in the back and rent those both out separately?

Yes. That nothing nothing about the state law or the city's code would prohibit that except for just meeting, you know, building and safety code requirements and and all of those things. If there's an existing accessory what we consider accessory dwelling on a property, would this would this would they be able to add another one if it's was built prior to this law or is this covering ones that are already there going kind of similar to Mr. Russell's question? Um, or is that even clear in this in this law?

Well, some some things we will see uh get determined later if we come uh in confrontation with them. And um I'll hand it over to Sean. Um in general, anything that is um existing right now that was previously approved by the commission and it's gone through building permit review and everything is is legal. Um anything built illegally moving forward will be considered illegal. And um if somebody already has an ADU on the lot and they want another one um I think they've already utilized the process for the state law even if the state law wasn't in effect at that time and they would want a second ADU. So they would go through whatever the zoning district requirements are for that second ADU.

Yeah. And this is relatively new and I know um Vice Mayor W I think you may have been in contact with some of our legislators. Did you want to speak on any of this? Cuz I know because the reason why I say that is a lot of the questions that you're getting ready to answer are questions that are very debatable. Like for example, did you have to have an existing structure or the primary structure built first and then make an ADU? And there's a strong opinions and I think and I don't want to misspeak but there are opinions that you can build the ADU at the same time you build the primary structure or you have to have a primary structure and then build the ADU.

Let let me give you a clear like for example up in the heights there's a bunch of houses up there that they've got an attached garage over the attached garage they've got an apartment and that was built long ago. Is that considered an ADU or is it still the house where they could do another ADU in the back? That's what I guess is is the fuzzy part can answer that.

Gotcha. Okay.

They have the option to do that now. And she's going to keep me straight. They have the option to do that, but uh they have to follow all the safety codes. Um I I was I objected to the ordinance that came before the board. I was the only one voted against it. And my issue was that the intent of the legislature from the people that I talked to was that you would have an existing unit and you could add an internal um an a um external and what's the other one Hannah? internal ex attached. Okay. Detached. And uh I had a practical application that was going on where I felt like a developer was going to build brand new primary and ADU at the same time. North Little Rock identified in their ordinance that you could do that to an existing unit. Our city attorney ruled differently and said it didn't make any difference. So that was my objection to it. We don't typically look to North Little Rock for a lot of things, but I happen to agree with them on on this particular issue. So, um I think there are people that are concerned about what's going to happen in their neighbors yards, those kinds of things. But I'm happy to know that anything that's on wheels will not be allowed to go in a backyard. I'm really pleased about that because initially I thought that was going to be an issue. But that was my objections as well as uh I'm not sure why the legislature decided to do some of the things that they did. This being one, removing the ETJ, another um that was for our friends across the city lines to help protect the development to go in on that and then ADUs. I think there could have been some other language, some more definition that

would helped our legal staff and planning staff to craft to craft maybe a different ordinance. And I'm not sure it's over. I'm hearing that something might happen in January to try to help us out on that. So, that's that's my thoughts. Yes. Thank you for letting me weigh in on this one more time.

Absolutely. And and and so the bottom line is there are a lot of questions. Uh this is highly controversial. Uh the the act can be interpreted multiple ways and I'm sure multiple jurisdictions will apply it in multiple ways and and I'm sure this will at some point hit the courts and uh it will be a case of first precedent and it might be Little Rock that leads the way. I'm not sure.

Well, to answer to answer the question there there is a section if you look at page three or four under variances. The mere fact that the placement of an accessory dwelling unit is to be placed on a location previously granted a variance for a non-residential use does not guarantee that any variance of an accessory dwelling unit will be granted. Basically, what that says is if you've done something before or if you've applied for something before and been granted. Doesn't necessarily mean that you can take that and convert it automatically to an ADU. You still have to go through the requirements of the ordinance. Now, in areas like the Heights and Hillrest where we do have lots of essentially illegally built, but they're they've just been there forever. Rental garage apartments, whatever. There's already a process for that. It's the board of adjustment. So, I mean, the city already has processes to deal with these things. This is just allowing ADUs like Hannah said zoneless like it it or yeah zoneless where if it's R1 or two or three or four doesn't matter if it's a residential zone you can by right build one ADU if you already have an ADU well that's one so you're done if you want two then you have to go through the variance process which is going to be something different entirely outside of this ordinance Hope that helps.

Any other questions from any other commissioners? Uh if not, thank you very much Anna for the presentation. It's very informative. Um and before uh last month um I spoke on creating a sub um u subcommittee to look at the bylaws andor um you know different uh policy, zoning, etc. And we I know we had one commissioner, Commissioner Russell uh would like to be on that before you leave uh today after the meeting is adjourned. Could you maybe get with Torrance and one of staff? We're going to I just want to create a sheet. Just make sure you get the names email. I mean, we already got that, but we get the names and then what we want to do is put together, you know, that subcommittee now that we, you know, you kind of identified if you wanted to be on it. And then we want to get on that to really dig deeper to you know really get into discussion and engage so we can set up a time a date for everyone maybe a zoom call uh maybe in person or a collective of there thereof. So if you want to be a part of that subcommittee uh at the end please put your name sign up.

Yeah we want we'll want to set up working groups but I think it if there's more than two it does still have to meet public notification requirements. So it's probably going to have to be inperson meetings. Yeah. Would be my guess. Yeah. So, we uh we'll get that set up once we identify who all would like to be on there. It's not mandatory, ladies and gentlemen. But is that what this is or is this just a

Yes. So, after the meeting, just you can get uh down here with staff, one or two, and we would get the names and then we will uh move forward from there to everybody get a good date and time for everybody that works for them uh to have further discussion on that. Okay. Uh our last uh new item uh in our citizen communication, we have Stacy Fletcher. If you're present, uh please make your way to the podium.

Hi, I'm Stacy Fletcher. I live in the Heights neighborhood and I'm here on behalf of the Heights Neighborhood Association um as a point of information to bring awareness to you all um about a resolution that was adopted. Whereas guess I'll wait till that gets all passed out and I'm probably short one. Um whereas the Heights Neighborhood Association worked for several years to create the Heights Landscape Design Overlay District which the Little Rock Planning Commission and the Little Rock Board of Directors approved in 2019 and which we have greatly appreciated. On October 2nd, 2019, Mayor Frank Scott Jr. and city attorney Tom Carpenter signed ordinance 21787 [Music] that amended the city of Little Rock Code to include the Heights Landscape Design Overlay District as section 36-434.46 through 36-434.51. Since the ordinance became effective, 50 plus houses have been built or under construction that violate the heights landscape design overlay regulations. The building codes division routinely issues certificates of occupancy for houses that violate the overlay regulations rather than delaying issuance until statutory requirements are met. The planning department has only issued a few citations for violations of sections 36-434.46 and 36-434.51. The board of adjustment rubber stamps

variances that allow builders to violate the overlay regulations because there is not room for appropriate landscaping. The Heights Neighborhood's historic tree canopy is disappearing at an alarming rate. The Heights Neighborhood Association reaffirms its commitment to the approved Heights Landscape Design Overlay District and requests that the building codes division, the Department of Planning and Development, the Board of Adjustment, and the Parks Department work together to enforce this ordinance that is mandatory under city code. was resolved this 20th day of August 2025. And that's all I have. Thank you.

Thank you. If I can, Commissioner like to answer a little bit on this. Um, first I

appreciate the Heights Neighborhood Association coming in and saying something about this. Um, I will say this is more of a planning and development department issue than it is a planning commission issue. But I will say, I mean, um, we're aware of the issue. We've actually had a a little bit of flux in our landscape specialist and now we've got that stabilized with a great person back there, Miss Deborah. Um, and we've are addressing it in the sense that now I believe starting Monday, we will have a review process just for landscaping requirements so that we can address this and try to solve any problems. And I know Deborah's looking into all 50. I believe you've provided a spreadsheet and she's checking into all of those, but we're doing the best we can to try to correct this issue and and no longer have it be a problem.

Thank you very much. All right, with that being said, do we have any other new business? Uh if not, ladies and gentlemen, this meeting is ajourned.