HomeMy WebLinkAboutWrite-Up for LU2022-18-03FILE NO.: LU2022-18-03
NAME: Land Use Plan Amendments in Ellis Mountain Planning District
LOCATION: Along Kanis Road, Chenal Parkway to Asbury Road.
OWNER/AUTHORIZED AGENT:
City of Little Rock, Staff
AREA: 168 acres ±
WARD: 6 & 7 PLANNING DISTRICT: 18 CENSUS TRACT: 42.07 &
42.18
CURRENT ZONING: O-2, PCD, R-2, PDC, PDR, C-1, C-3, PRD
BACKGROUND:
At the July 2021 Planning Commission meeting, the Planning Commission recommended
an approximate 2.5-acre tract on the north side of Kanis Road at Panther Branch Drive
be Commercial (C) on the Future Land Use Plan Map. As part of the recommendation of
approval, the Commission requested the City review the Future Land Use Map given the
evolution of the land use pattern in west Little Rock and considering the anticipated
realignment of Cooper Orbit Road.
From the City’s Future Land Use Narrative: The Plan recognizes that market pressures
for more intensive uses will occur in this area.
Staff has discussed the potential land use changes with the Planning Commission Plans
Sub-Committee. Areas within the study area were identified for further discussion to
determine if a land use amendment is warranted. Neighborhood Associations in the area
were contacted about possible amendments. The identified potential change area
property owners were notified in late August 2022. The package described below is a
result of comments received and review by Staff and Planning Committee members.
A.PROPOSAL/REQUEST:
Change Area 1: Land Use Map change is from Suburban Office (SO) to Residential
High Density (RH); between Kanis Road and Chenal Parkway, east of Rock Creek.
FILE NO.: LU2022-18-03 (Cont.)
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The Suburban Office (SO) category shall provide for low intensity development of
office or office parks in close proximity to lower density residential areas to assure
compatibility. A Planned Zoning District is required.
The Residential High Density (RH) category accommodates residential
development of more than twelve (12) dwelling units per acre.
Change Area 2: Land Use Map change is from Suburban Office (SO) to Service
Trades District (STD); between Kanis and Pride Valley Roads, south of Rock
Creek.
The Suburban Office (SO) category shall provide for low intensity development of
office or office parks in close proximity to lower density residential areas to assure
compatibility. A Planned Zoning District is required.
The Service Trades District (STD) category provides for a selection of office,
warehousing, and industrial park activities that primarily serve other office service
or industrial businesses. The district is intended to allow support services to these
businesses and to provide for uses with an office component. A Planned Zoning
District is required for any development not wholly office.
FILE NO.: LU2022-18-03 (Cont.)
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Change Area 3: Land Use Map change is from Residential Low Density (RL) and
Suburban Office (SO) to Public/Institutional (PI); north of Kanis Road opposite
Bakers Lane.
The Residential Low Density (RL) category provides for single family homes at
densities not to exceed 6 dwelling units per acre. Such residential development is
typically characterized by conventional single-family homes but may also include
patio or garden homes and cluster homes, provided that the density remains less
than 6 units per acre.
The Suburban Office (SO) category shall provide for low intensity development of
office or office parks in close proximity to lower density residential areas to assure
compatibility. A Planned Zoning District is required.
The Public/Institutional (PI) category includes public and quasi-public facilities that
provide a variety of services to the community such as schools, libraries, fire
stations, churches, utility substations, and hospitals.
Change Area 4: Land Use Map change is from Residential Low Density (RL) and
Suburban Office (SO) to Residential Medium Density (RM); west of Kanis Road,
south of Bakers Lane and north of Cooper Orbit Road.
FILE NO.: LU2022-18-03 (Cont.)
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The Residential Low Density (RL) category provides for single family homes at
densities not to exceed 6 dwelling units per acre. Such residential development is
typically characterized by conventional single-family homes but may also include
patio or garden homes and cluster homes, provided that the density remains less
than 6 units per acre.
The Suburban Office (SO) category shall provide for low intensity development of
office or office parks in proximity to lower density residential areas to assure
compatibility. A Planned Zoning District is required.
The Residential Medium Density (RM) category accommodates a broad range of
housing types including single family attached, single family detached, duplex,
town homes, multi-family and patio or garden homes. Any combination of these
and possibly other housing types may fall in this category provided that the density
is between six (6) and twelve (12) dwelling units per acre.
Change Area 5: Land Use Map change is from Residential Low Density (RL) and
Residential Medium Density (RM) and Suburban Office (SO) to Commercial (C);
either side of Kanis Road, opposite Panther Branch Drive.
FILE NO.: LU2022-18-03 (Cont.)
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The Residential Low Density (RL) category provides for single family homes at
densities not to exceed 6 dwelling units per acre. Such residential development is
typically characterized by conventional single-family homes but may also include
patio or garden homes and cluster homes, provided that the density remains less
than 6 units per acre.
The Residential Medium Density (RM) category accommodates a broad range of
housing types including single family attached, single family detached, duplex,
town homes, multi-family and patio or garden homes. Any combination of these
and possibly other housing types may fall in this category provided that the density
is between six (6) and twelve (12) dwelling units per acre.
The Suburban Office (SO) category shall provide for low intensity development of
office or office parks in proximity to lower density residential areas to assure
compatibility. A Planned Zoning District is required.
The Commercial (C) category includes a broad range of retail and wholesale sales
of products, personal and professional services, and general business activities.
Commercial activities vary in type and scale, depending on the trade area that they
serve.
Change Area 6: Land Use Map change is from Suburban Office (SO) and Mixed
Office and Commercial (MOC) to Residential High Density (RH); northwest of the
Kanis – Cooper Orbit Roads intersection.
The Suburban Office (SO) category shall provide for low intensity development of
office or office parks in proximity to lower density residential areas to assure
compatibility. A Planned Zoning District is required.
The Mixed Office and Commercial (MOC) category provides for a mixture of office
and commercial uses to occur. Acceptable uses are office or mixed office and
FILE NO.: LU2022-18-03 (Cont.)
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commercial. A Planned Zoning District is required if the use is mixed office and
commercial.
The Residential High Density (RH) category accommodates residential
development of more than twelve (12) dwelling units per acre.
Change Area 7: Land Use Map change is from Mixed Office and Commercial
(MOC) to Residential Medium Density (RM); between Asbury and Kirby Roads,
north of Kanis Road.
The Mixed Office and Commercial (MOC) category provides for a mixture of office
and commercial uses to occur. Acceptable uses are office or mixed office and
commercial. A Planned Zoning District is required if the use is mixed office and
commercial.
The Residential Medium Density (RM) category accommodates a broad range of
housing types including single family attached, single family detached, duplex,
town homes, multi-family and patio or garden homes. Any combination of these
and possibly other housing types may fall in this category provided that the density
is between six (6) and twelve (12) dwelling units per acre.
Change Area 8: Land Use Map change is from Mixed Office and Commercial
(MOC) and Suburban Office (SO) to Commercial (C); either side of Woodlands
Trail, south of Kanis Road.
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The Mixed Office and Commercial (MOC) category provides for a mixture of office
and commercial uses to occur. Acceptable uses are office or mixed office and
commercial. A Planned Zoning District is required if the use is mixed office and
commercial.
The Suburban Office (SO) category provides for low intensity development of office
or office parks in proximity to lower density residential areas to assure
compatibility. A Planned Zoning District is required.
The Commercial (C) category includes a broad range of retail and wholesale sales
of products, personal and professional services, and general business activities.
Commercial activities vary in type and scale, depending on the trade area that they
serve.
Change Area 9: Land Use Map change is from Mixed Office and Commercial
(MOC) to Residential Low Density (RL); southwest of the Cooper Orbit-Kanis
intersection.
The Mixed Office and Commercial (MOC) category provides for a mixture of office
and commercial uses to occur. Acceptable uses are office or mixed office and
FILE NO.: LU2022-18-03 (Cont.)
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commercial. A Planned Zoning District is required if the use is mixed office and
commercial.
The Residential Low Density (RL) category provides for single family homes at
densities not to exceed 6 dwelling units per acre. Such residential development is
typically characterized by conventional single-family homes but may also include
patio or garden homes and cluster homes, provided that the density remains less
than 6 units per acre.
Change Area 10: Land Use Map change is from Mixed Office and Commercial
(MOC) and Suburban Office (SO) to Residential Low Density (RL); east of
Woodlands Trail and south of Kanis Road.
The Mixed Office and Commercial (MOC) category provides for a mixture of office
and commercial uses to occur. Acceptable uses are office or mixed office and
commercial. A Planned Zoning District is required if the use is mixed office and
commercial.
The Suburban Office (SO) category shall provide for low intensity development of
office or office parks in proximity to lower density residential areas to assure
compatibility. A Planned Zoning District is required.
The Residential Low Density (RL) category provides for single family homes at
densities not to exceed 6 dwelling units per acre. Such residential development is
typically characterized by conventional single-family homes but may also include
patio or garden homes and cluster homes, provided that the density remains less
than 6 units per acre.
Change Area 11: Land Use Map change is from Residential Low Density (RL) to
Public and Institutional (PI) west of Cooper Orbit Road at Brodie Creek.
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The Residential Low Density (RL) category provides for single family homes at
densities not to exceed 6 dwelling units per acre. Such residential development is
typically characterized by conventional single-family homes but may also include
patio or garden homes and cluster homes, provided that the density remains less
than 6 units per acre.
The Public/Institutional (PI) category includes public and quasi-public facilities that
provide a variety of services to the community such as schools, libraries, fire
stations, churches, utility substations, and hospitals.
B. EXISTING CONDITIONS/ZONING:
Change Area 1: Land Use Plan Map change is from Suburban Office (SO) to
Residential High Density (RH).
FILE NO.: LU2022-18-03 (Cont.)
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The location is between Chenal Parkway and Kanis Road, east of Rock Creek.
This area is 13.6 acres ±. This land is zoned O-2, Office and Institutional District
with a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for apartments. There is an existing
apartment complex on the land (Fitzroy at Chenal).
To the north is Chenal Parkway and Rock Creek Park zoned Park and Recreation
(PR). To the east is the developed Woodcreek Addition Subdivision, zoned Single
Family District (R-2). Southeast of the site is an office building zoned Office and
Institutional District (O-2). South of the site is Chenal Storage and an area under
development zoned Planned Commercial Development (PCD). To the west
beyond Rock Creek is a Kum & Go Convenience store and fuel pumps zoned
General Commercial District (C-3).
Change Area 2: Land Use Plan Map change is from Suburban Office (SO) to
Service Trades District (STD).
The location is south of Kanis Road and southeast of Rock Creek. This area is
10.8 acres ±. The land is zoned Planned Commercial District (PCD) and is
currently developed with a mini-warehouse, Chenal Storage Center.
To the North across Kanis Road is Fitzroy Chenal apartments, zoned Office and
Institutional District (O-2) with a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). Easterly and south
of Kanis Road is zoned Planned Commercial District (PCD) with two areas under
development. East of the site is an office zoned Planned Office Development
(POD). To the south is the developed single-family Kanis Creek Subdivision and
three offices in a Planned Commercial Development (PCD). Southwesterly form
the site are two single family residences zoned Single Family District (R-2). To the
northwest is undeveloped land, zoned PCD (expired).
FILE NO.: LU2022-18-03 (Cont.)
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Change Area 3: Land Use Plan Map change is from Residential Low Density (RL)
and Suburban Office (SO) to Public/Institutional (PI).
The location is north of Kanis Ridge Road and east of Kanis Road. This area is 8.4
acres ±. The land is zoned Planned Development-Office (PD-O), Single Family
District (R-2) with a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for a Church, and PD-R
(Planned Development Residential) for a mosque and related school owned by the
Islamic Center of Little Rock. The site has an office, residence and religious
meeting place, and is being developed with the school facilities.
To the north is an office, zoned Office and Institutional District (O-2) and the
developed single-family Woodcreek Subdivision, zoned Single Family District (R-
2). East of the site are two developed single-family subdivisions: Parkway Place
and Summit Ridge, zoned R-2. Southeasterly from the site is the partially
developed single-family Kanis Ridge Estates subdivision, zoned R-2. To the west
across Kanis Road is Baker Elementary School, zoned (R-2) with a CUP for the
school, and Baker School Apartments, zoned R-2.
Change Area 4: Land Use Plan Map change is from Residential Low Density (RL)
and Suburban Office (SO) to Residential Medium Density (RM).
FILE NO.: LU2022-18-03 (Cont.)
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The location is southwest of Kanis Road and northwest of Panther Branch Drive.
This area is 29.8 acres ±. The land is zoned Single Family District (R-2). It is
currently undeveloped and wooded. There were proposals for multi-family on a
portion of this area in 2014 and 2015.
To the north is a Planned Office Development (POD) with an office (Detection
Systems, Inc.). East of the site is Chenal Pet Palace, a Planned Development-
Commercial (PD-C). McKenzie Park Apartments, a Planned Development-
Residential (PD-R), and an undeveloped area zoned R-2 are also to the east of
the site. To the south are 3 single family residences and the Recovery Centers of
Arkansas, zoned R-2. To the west is undeveloped land zoned R-2.
Change Area 5: Land Use Plan Map change is from Residential Low Density (RL),
Residential Medium Density (RM), and Suburban Office (SO) to Commercial (C).
The location is either side of Kanis Road, north of Panther Branch Drive. This area
is 26.3 acres ±. The land is zoned Single Family District (R-2) with a apportion with
a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) and two Planned Development-Commercial (PD-
C). The PD-C south of Kanis Road is developed as ‘Chenal Pet Palace’, a pet
FILE NO.: LU2022-18-03 (Cont.)
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grooming and boarding facility. The PD-C south of Kanis Ridge Drive and north of
Kanis Road is for a proposed ministorage facility. The R-2 land is mostly wooded
and undeveloped. There are a couple of structures on the land (former
residences). A portion has been cleared.
To the north is the Kanis Ridge single-family subdivision, partially developed and
zoned Single Family District (R-2). To the east is land zoned Planned
Development Residential (PDR) with an apartment development (Rowan Park
apartments) and Neighborhood Commercial District (C-1), a convenience store
with gas pumps. West of the site is Single Family District (R-2) land, wooded and
undeveloped and to the southwest is land zoned Planned Development
Residential (PDR) and Neighborhood Commercial District (C-1) which has been
developed as McKenzie Park apartments.
Change Area 6: Land Use Plan Map change is from Suburban Office (SO) and
Mixed Office and Commercial (MOC) to Residential High Density (RH).
The location is southwest of Kanis Road, east of Panther Branch Drive. This area
is 10.5 acres ±. The land is zoned Planned Development-Residential (PD-R) and
Neighborhood Commercial District (C-1). The land has been developed as an
apartment complex (McKenzie Park Apartments).
To the west is undeveloped land zoned Single Family District (R-2). Northwest of
the site (south of Kanis Road) is undeveloped land zoned Multifamily District (MF-
6) which allows for multifamily development at a maximum of six dwelling units per
acre, and a PD-C developed as ‘Chenal Pet Palace’, a pet grooming and boarding
facility. A PD-C south of Kanis Ridge Drive and north of Kanis Road is for a
proposed ministorage facility. Directly north of Kanis Road is zoned General
Commercial District (C-3) currently wooded and undeveloped and Single Family
District (R-2) mostly wooded and undeveloped with a house and outbuildings. To
the northeast is land zoned Neighborhood Commercial District (C-1) with
convenience store with gas pumps, beyond which is a PD-R developed as Rowan
FILE NO.: LU2022-18-03 (Cont.)
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Park Apartment. North of Kanis Road and east of Kirby Road is an undeveloped
Planned Commercial Development (PCD) for a proposed mixed commercial
development. To the east of the site (south of Kanis Road) is wooded undeveloped
land zoned General Commercial District (C-3). South of Cooper Orbit Road is a
Planned Residential Development (PRD) for a proposed single-family subdivision,
under development.
Change Area 7: Land Use Plan Map change is from Mixed Office and Commercial
(MOC) to Residential Medium Density (RM).
The location is north of Kanis Road, between Kirby Road and Asbury Road. This
area is 3.5 acres ±. This site is zoned Single Family District (R-2) with a single
family home and 3 accessory structures.
West of Kirby Road is land zoned PD-R, developed as Rowan Park Apartments.
Southerly from the site is undeveloped land zoned Planned Commercial
Development (PCD) to allow for a mixed-use development. To the southeast is
land zoned Planned Development Office (PD-O) with a home-based office. Zoning
to the north and east is Single Family District (R-2) with single family tracts to the
north and the developed single-family Cedar Ridge Subdivision to the east.
Change Area 8: Land Use Plan Map change is from Mixed Office and Commercial
(MOC) and Suburban Office (SO) to Commercial (C).
FILE NO.: LU2022-18-03 (Cont.)
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The location is either side of Woodlands Trail, south of Kanis Road. This area is
8.9 acres ±. This site is zoned General Commercial District (C-3) and is wooded
and vacant.
The northwest corner of Kanis and Kirby Roads is zoned Neighborhood
Commercial District (C-1) and is developed as a convenience store with gas
pumps. The north side of Kanis Road is zoned Planned Commercial District (PCD)
to allow mixed use and is undeveloped. To the west is a Planned Residential
Development (PRD) to allow for an attached and patio home development (with
earthwork currently underway). South of site is land zoned Single Family District
(R-2), which is currently wooded and undeveloped. The area to the east is a
Planned Office Development (POD) with a developed single-family subdivision
and some undeveloped offices tracts.
Change Area 9: Land Use Plan Map change is from Mixed Office and Commercial
(MOC) to Residential Low Density (RL).
The location is southwest of the Kanis-Cooper Orbit Roads intersection. This area
is 4.5 acres ±. The land is zoned Planned Residential Development (PRD) for a
FILE NO.: LU2022-18-03 (Cont.)
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proposed attached and patio home residential development. The land is currently
being graded for the development.
South and west of the site is land with the same Planned Residential Development
(PRD), with earthwork underway. To the southeast is land zoned Single Family
District (R-2) and is wooded. To the east is zoned Neighborhood Commercial
District (C-1), undeveloped and wooded. North of Cooper Orbit Road is McKenzie
Park Apartments, a Planned Development Residential (PD-R) and C-1.
Change Area 10: Land Use Plan Map change is from Mixed Office and Commercial
(MOC) and Suburban Office (SO) to Residential Low Density (RL).
The location is east of Woodlands Trail and south of Kanis Road. This area is 3.8
acres ±. The land is zoned Single Family District (R-2) and is undeveloped and
wooded.
To the west is land zoned Neighborhood Commercial District (C-1), which is
currently wooded and undeveloped. South of site is land zoned Single Family
District (R-2) and is currently wooded and undeveloped. The area to the east is a
Planned Office Development (POD) with a developed single-family subdivision
and some undeveloped office tracts. To the north is land zoned General
Commercial District (C-3) which is undeveloped.
Change Area 11: Land Use Plan Map change is from Residential Low Density (RL)
to Public and Institutional (PI).
FILE NO.: LU2022-18-03 (Cont.)
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The location is north of Cooper Orbit Road, across from Glisten Lane. This area is
48.5 acres ±. The land is zoned Single Family District (R-2). It was developed as
a religious retreat, currently the land is used as a rehab facility (Recovery Centers
of Arkansas/Oasis Renewal Center).
The land surrounding this location are Single Family District (R-2) excepting a
Planned Commercial Development (PCD) to the southeast, south of Cooper Orbit
Road to allow single-chair beauty salon, and a Planned Development-Residential
(PD-R) to the south of the site for the developed Governors Manor single-family
subdivision. To the west is a developed single-family subdivision, Capitol Lakes
Estates, zoned Single Family District (R-2). The R-2 area to the north is
undeveloped wooded and the land to the northeast and southeast are larger tract
single-family houses.
C. NEIGHBORHOOD NOTIFICATIONS:
Notices were sent to the following neighborhood associations: Capitol Lakes POA,
Governors Manor POA, Kanis Creek Neighborhood Association, Spring Valley
Manor POA, Citizens of West Pulaski Association and Woodlands Edge POA.
Each area neighborhood contact was notified of the review in August 2022. Staff
received are several informational contacts from the association contacts. Twenty-
four property owner contacts were identified for the possible change areas. An
initial letter about possible changes was sent out to these property owners, August
19, 2022. Staff received no contacts as a result of this letter. A second contact
was made, in early November 2022, to the same associations and property owners
about the package and December hearing before the Planning Commission.
Notice of this agenda item was also sent to all neighborhood contacts as part of
the December Planning Commission notification.
G. TRANSPORTATION/PLANNING:
Land Use Plan:
FILE NO.: LU2022-18-03 (Cont.)
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Change Area 1, Suburban Office (SO) to Residential High Density (RH): This site
is between Kanis Road and Chenal Parkway, east of Rock Creek. There is an
existing apartment complex on the land (Fitzroy at Chenal).
North is Chenal Parkway, beyond which is Rock Creek shown as Park/Open
Space (PK/OS). To the east are developed single-family subdivisions, shown as
Residential Low Density (RL) use. Southeast from the site is an office building
shown on the Land Use Map as Suburban Office (SO). To the south (across Kanis
Road) is Change Area 2, Chenal Storage and vacant tracts. This area is currently
shown as SO.
The Park/Open Space (PK/OS) category includes all public parks, recreation
facilities, greenbelts, flood plains, and other designated open space and
recreational land.
The Residential Low Density (RL) category provides for single family homes at
densities not to exceed 6 dwelling units per acre. Such residential development is
typically characterized by conventional single-family homes but may also include
patio or garden homes and cluster homes, provided that the density remains less
than 6 units per acre.
The Suburban Office (SO) category shall provide for low intensity development of
office or office parks in proximity to lower density residential areas to assure
compatibility. A Planned Zoning District is required.
FILE NO.: LU2022-18-03 (Cont.)
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Change Area 2, Suburban Office (SO) to Service Trades District (STD): This site
is between Kanis and Pride Valley Roads, south of Rock Creek. The land is
developed with a mini-warehouse development – Chenal Storage.
To the north is Change Area 1, an existing apartment complex (Fitzroy at Chenal)
currently shown as SO. East of the site is an office building shown on the Land
Use Map as Suburban Office (SO). South of Pride Valley Road is a developed
single-family subdivision shown as RL. To the southwest are two single-family
tracts shown as Residential Medium Density (RM).
The Service Trades District (STD) category provides for a selection of office,
warehousing, and industrial park activities that primarily serve other office service
or industrial businesses. The district is intended to allow support services to these
businesses and to provide for uses with an office component. A Planned Zoning
District is required for any development not wholly office.
The Residential Medium Density (RM) category accommodates a broad range of
housing types including single family attached, single family detached, duplex,
town homes, multi-family and patio or garden homes. Any combination of these
and possibly other housing types may fall in this category provided that the density
is between six (6) and twelve (12) dwelling units per acre.
Change Area 3, Residential Low Density (RL) and Suburban Office (SO) to Public
Institutional (PI): This site is north of Kanis Road opposite Bakers Lane. This area
has an office, residence and religious meeting place, and is being developed with
the school facilities.
To the north is an office building shown on the Land Use Plan Map as Suburban
Office (SO). East of the site are developed single-family subdivisions shown as
RL. To the southeast is a single-family subdivision under development, shown as
RL. Southwest, across Kanis Road, is shown as RM. The RM area is partially
developed with an apartment building, office, and single-family residence. To the
west, across Kanis Road, is a school shown as Public/Institutional (PI). To the
northwest is a developed single-family subdivision shown as RL.
FILE NO.: LU2022-18-03 (Cont.)
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The Public/Institutional (PI) category includes public and quasi-public facilities that
provide a variety of services to the community such as schools, libraries, fire
stations, churches, utility substations, and hospitals.
Change Area 4, Residential Low Density (RL) and Suburban Office (SO) to
Residential Medium Density (RM): This site is west of Kanis Road, south of Bakers
Lane and north of Cooper Orbit Road.
To the north (west of Kanis Road) is classified as RM and is partially developed
with an office, single family residence, and an apartment building. North (east of
Kanis Road) is the partially development single-family subdivision shown as RL on
the Plan Map. East of the site is Change Area 5 with undeveloped RL,
undeveloped RM, and SO with a kennel; and Change Area 6, SO and Mixed Office
Commercial (MOC) developed with McKenzie Park Apartment. To the south are
tracts developed with single family homes, classified RL. Southwesterly from the
site is Change Area 11, a rehabilitation facility classified RL. West of the site are
undeveloped tracts shown as RL.
The Mixed Office and Commercial (MOC) category provides for a mixture of office
and commercial uses to occur. Acceptable uses are office or mixed office and
commercial. A Planned Zoning District is required if the use is mixed office and
commercial.
FILE NO.: LU2022-18-03 (Cont.)
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Change Area 5, Residential Low Density (RL), Residential Medium Density (RM),
and Suburban Office (SO) to Commercial (C): This site is to either side of Kanis
Road, opposite Panther Branch Drive. On the land there are: an animal
grooming/boarding business, undeveloped land, ruins and a single-family
residence with out-buildings.
This area surrounds an undeveloped tract shown on the Plan Map as Commercial
(C). To the north are developed subdivisions shown as RL. Northeast of the site is
PI with religious institutions. To the east is Rowan Park Apartments shown for RM.
Southeast of the site is a convenience store with fuel pumps shown as MOC. To
the south is Change Area 6, shown as SO and MOC developed with McKenzie
Park Apartment. West of the site is Change Area 4 which is currently undeveloped
RL.
The Commercial (C) category includes a broad range of retail and wholesale sales
of products, personal and professional services, and general business activities.
Commercial activities vary in type and scale, depending on the trade area that they
serve.
Change Area 6, Suburban Office (SO) and Mixed Office and Commercial (MOC).to
Residential High Density (RH): This site is northwest of the Kanis – Cooper Orbit
Roads intersection. The land is developed with McKenzie Park Apartments.
FILE NO.: LU2022-18-03 (Cont.)
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North and west is Change Area 5 shown as SO that has been developed with a
kennel, undeveloped RM, and mostly undeveloped RL. Surrounded by Change
Area 5 is an undeveloped tract of C. Northeasterly from the site is MOC with a
convenience store with fuel pumps, several vacant tracts, and one residential
office. South and east of the site is Change Area 9, an undeveloped tract of MOC.
To the south and west are partially developed tracts of RL.
Change Area 7, Mixed Office and Commercial (MOC) to Residential Medium
Density (RM): This site is between Asbury and Kirby Roads, north of Kanis Road.
There is a single-family home and 3 accessory structures on the land.
North of the site is
partially developed
residential tracts
shown as RL. To the
northeast are
developed single-
family subdivisions
shown as RL. Easterly
from the site is shown a
SO with a mix of
residential and office
uses. To the south are
several undeveloped
tracts and one
residential office in MOC. West of the site is RM developed with Rowan Park
Apartments and MOC with a convenience store with fuel pumps.
Change Area 8, Mixed Office and Commercial (MOC) and Suburban Office (SO)
to Commercial (C): This site is to either side of Woodlands Trail, south of Kanis
Road. The land is wooded and undeveloped.
To the north are several undeveloped tracts and one residential office shown as
MOC. Northeasterly from the site are several undeveloped tracts and one
residential office shown as SO. To the east is a developed single-family subdivision
with some vacant office tracts shown as SO. South of the site is Change Area 8,
undeveloped land shown as MOC and SO. To the west is Change Area 9,
undeveloped land currently shown as MOC.
FILE NO.: LU2022-18-03 (Cont.)
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Change Area 9, Mixed Office and Commercial (MOC) to Residential Low Density
(RL): This site is southwest of the Cooper Orbit-Kanis intersection. The land has
been cleared and there is earthwork underway.
To the north is Change Area 6, currently shown as SO and MOC developed with
McKenzie Park Apartments. To the east is Change Area 8, undeveloped land
currently shown as MOC and SO; and Change Area 10, undeveloped land
currently shown as MOC and SO. To the southeast, south, and west is
undeveloped land shown as RL on the Plan Map.
Change Area 10, Mixed Office and Commercial (MOC) and Suburban Office (SO)
to Residential Low Density (RL): This site is east of Woodlands Trail and south of
Kanis Road. The site is undeveloped and wooded.
To the north is Change Area 8, undeveloped land currently shown as MOC and
SO. East if the site is a developed single-family subdivision shown as RL. To the
south is undeveloped land shown as RL. To the west is undeveloped land shown
as MOC on the Plan Map.
FILE NO.: LU2022-18-03 (Cont.)
24
Change Area 11, Residential Low Density (RL) to Public Institutional (PI): This site
is west of Cooper Orbit Road at Brodie Creek. The land is used as a rehab facility
(Recovery Centers of Arkansas/Oasis Renewal Center).
To the north are undeveloped lands shown as RL. East of the site are residential
tracts shown as RL. To the south and west are developed single-family
subdivisions shown as RL on the Plan Map.
Master Street Plan:
The study area follows Kanis Road approximately one and a half miles, from its
intersection with Chenal Parkway southeasterly to its intersection with Asbury
Road. This section of Kanis Road is shown in the Master Street Plan as a Minor
Arterial. Wellington Hills Road and Panther Branch Drive are Minor Arterials that
intersect with Kanis Road within the study area. Within the study area the Master
Street Plan Map shows a connection of Cooper Orbit Road with Panther Branch
Drive as a Minor Arterial.
Kirby Road, Woodlands Trail, and Pride Valley Road are shown on the Master
Street Plan Map as Collectors within the study area. Within the study area the
Master Street Plan Map shows a continuation of Pride Valley Road east from Kanis
Road as a Collector
FILE NO.: LU2022-18-03 (Cont.)
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A Minor Arterial provides connections to and through an urban area and their
primary function is to provide short distance travel within the urbanized area.
Entrances and exits should be limited to minimize negative effects of traffic and
pedestrians on a Minor Arterial.
Collector roads are designed to connect traffic from Local Streets to Arterials or to
activity centers, with the secondary function of providing access to adjoining
property.
These streets may require dedication of right-of-way and may require street
improvements for entrances and exits to the site..
Bicycle Plan:
Within the study area there is a proposed Class I Bike Path shown north of Change
Area 1 along Rock Creek. A Bike Path is to be a paved path physically separate
for the use of bicycles. Additional right-of-way or an easement is recommended.
Nine-foot paths are recommended to allow for pedestrian use as well (replacing
the sidewalk).
Historic Preservation Plan:
There are no historic districts in this area.
H. ANALYSIS:
FILE NO.: LU2022-18-03 (Cont.)
26
A Land Use Plan Map amendment was approved late summer 2021 on the north
side of Kanis Road at Panther Branch Drive. This change was from Residential
Low Density (RL) to Commercial (C). As a result of the amendment, Staff with the
Plans Committee of the Planning Commission began a review of the Kanis Road
corridor in the vicinity of the approved change. Initially Staff reviewed the existing
conditions – uses, zoning and development activity in the vicinity. A package of
possible changes was presented to the Plans Committee. Based on discussions
between staff and the Committee members changes to the package were made.
The neighborhood contacts for association in the vicinity were identified as were
the property owners of land included within potential change areas. Notices of the
potential changes were sent to this group for comment. The only contacts received
were informational after this initial notice. Based on this, Staff moved the package
forward for hearing before the full Commission. Notices were resent to the same
groups in the first week of November for the December Commission hearing.
Staff believes most of these changes reflect the current use and/or zoning of the
land. Only change Area 4 and Area 5 reflect a new use pattern. These two
changes are based a Commercial Node concept. At a major intersection. Kanis
Road with Panther Branch Drive (two Arterials) Commercial (high intensity) uses
area shown with a transition area of slightly higher density residential to the west.
The majority of this area is currently undeveloped and not zoned for commercial
use.
Change Area 1 is between Kanis Road and Chenal Parkway, east of Rock Creek.
The change is from Suburban Office (SO) to Residential High Density (RH). There
is an existing apartment complex (Fitzroy Chenal) on the land. This apartment is
less than a decade old. The land is zoned as office with a conditional use permit
for apartments. The proposed change reflects the exiting use and zoning which is
not likely to change in the near or mid-term timeframe. This amendment is for the
Land Use Plan Map to reflect the existing conditions and likely future use of the
land more accurately.
Change Area 2 is between Kanis Road and Pride Valley Road, east of Rock Creek.
The change is from Suburban Office (SO) to Service Trades District (STD). There
is an existing mini-warehouse development on the land. The land is zoned with a
Planned Commercial Development (PCD) for mini-warehouse use. The proposed
change reflects the exiting use and zoning which is not likely to change in the near
or mid-term timeframe. This amendment is for the Land Use Plan Map to reflect
the existing conditions and likely future use of the land more accurately.
Change Area 3 is north or east of Kanis Road at Bakers Lane. The change is from
Suburban Office (SO) and Residential Low Density (RL) to Public Institutional (PI).
This area is made up of several tracts all owned by the same religious organization.
There is a mix of zoning: PD-R (Planned Development Residential) for a mosque
and school; PD-O (Planned Development Office) for a contractor’s office, R-2
FILE NO.: LU2022-18-03 (Cont.)
27
(CUP) for a church; and R-2 Single Family. The southern half to two-thirds of the
application area has been cleared with earthwork started for a new mosque and
school. The previously approved office and church site is currently being used for
the mosaic. The conversion to a mosque and school use on the land is new and
continuing to progress. The Land Use Plan Map change is consistence with the
approved zonings of the land. The current use as well as the use under
development are also consistent with the proposed Land Use classification. It is
reasonable to assume that the quasi-public use developed and developing on the
site will continue for the near and mid-term future. This amendment is for the Land
Use Plan Map to reflect the existing conditions and likely future use of the land
more accurately.
Change Area 4 is southwest of Kanis Road and northwest of Cooper Orbit Road.
The change is from Residential Low Density (RL) and Suburban Office (SO) to
Residential Medium Density (RM). The land is currently undeveloped and wooded.
The zoning is R-2, Single Family District. The area is totally outside of the city of
Little Rock. Within the last decade there have been two requests for high density
residential on this land. Within the general vicinity there are single-family detached
and attached structures as well as apartment complexes. There does seem to be
some demand for attached single-family housing in west Little Rock. An area of
Medium Density Residential (RM) with a density of from 6 to 12 units per acres
would be about double that of single-family but well below the typical apartment
development. This would allow for a different type of residential development as
a housing option in the area. This site would also serve as a transition from the
commercial at the intersection of Kanis Road-Panther Branch Drive and more
traditional single-family developments further to the west.
Change Area 5 is either side of Kanis Road north and south of the Panther Branch
Drive intersection. The change is from Residential Low Density (RL) and
Suburban Office (SO) to Commercial (C). The land is currently zoned R-2, Single
Family District; MF6, Multifamily District 6-units per-acre; and PDC, Planned
Development Commercial. The area is totally outside of the city of Little Rock.
Most of the R-2 zoned land is vacant or has ruins on it. There is at least one house
still in use on this land. The C-3 land is undeveloped (was re-classified to
commercial use about one year ago). One PDC is a pet grooming and boarding
facility and the other is a recently (last few months) approved mini-warehouse
development. This is the future intersection of two Minor Arterials (with Cooper
Orbit Road being relocated to this location as Panther Branch Drive). This
transportation change makes a land use change to a more intense use reasonable.
The intersection of two Arterials is often the location of a commercial node on the
Land Use Plan Map.
Change Area 6 is at the southeast corner of Kanis Road and Panther Branch Drive.
The change is from Suburban Office (SO) and Mixed Office Commercial (MOC) to
Residential High Density (RH). The land is currently zoned PDR, Planned
Development Residential and C-1, Neighborhood Commercial District. There is
FILE NO.: LU2022-18-03 (Cont.)
28
an existing apartment complex (McKenzie Park) on the site. This development is
less than a decade old. The proposed change reflects the exiting use and zoning
which is not likely to change in the near or mid-term timeframe. This amendment
is for the Land Use Plan Map to reflect the existing conditions and likely future use
of the land more accurately.
Change Area 7 is between Kirby and Asbury Roads, north of Kanis Road. The
change is from Mixed Office Commercial (MOC) to Residential Medium Density
(RM). The land is currently zoned R-2, Single Family. The western half has a
Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for the single-family home to be a manufactured
house. An area of Medium Density Residential (RM) with a density of from 6 to 12
units per acres would be about double that of single-family but well below the
typical apartment development. This would allow for a different type of residential
development as a housing option. This area would also serve as a transition from
more intense uses at the intersection of Kanis-Kirby-Cooper Orbit Roads and the
single-family uses further to the north.
Change Area 8 is either side of Woodlands Trail, south of Kanis Road. The change
is from Mixed Office Commercial (MOC) and Suburban Office (SO) to Commercial
(C). The land is zoned C-3, General Commercial District. The current use is
wooded and undeveloped. This re-classification to C-3 occurred approximately
two years ago. The proposed change reflects the existing zoning and likely future
use pattern which is not likely to change in the near or mid-term timeframe. This
amendment is for the Land Use Plan Map to reflect the existing conditions and
likely future use of the land more accurately.
Change Area 9 is southwest of the Cooper Orbit-Kanis Roads intersection. The
change is from Mixed Office Commercial (MOC) to Residential Low Density (RL).
The land is zoned PRD (Planned Residential Development) for the construction of
a subdivision with attached housing and patio homes. The land is currently being
cleared with earthwork for the project is underway. The proposed change reflects
the existing zoning and likely future use pattern which is not likely to change in the
near or mid-term timeframe. This amendment is for the Land Use Plan Map to
reflect the existing conditions and likely future use of the land more accurately.
Change Area 10 is east of Woodland Trails and south of Kanis Road. The change
is from Mixed Office Commercial (MOC) and Suburban Office (SO) to Residential
Low Density (RL). The land is zoned R-2, Single Family District. There was a re-
classified to R-2 and a single-family subdivision plat approved approximately two
years ago for this land. The proposed amendment reflects the existing zoning and
likely future use pattern which is not likely to change in the near or mid-term
timeframe. This amendment is for the Land Use Plan Map to reflect the existing
conditions and likely future use of the land more accurately.
Change Area 11 is north of Cooper Orbit Road and northeast of Brodie Creek. The
change is from Residential Low Density (RL) to Public Institutional (PI). The land
FILE NO.: LU2022-18-03 (Cont.)
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is zoned R-2, Single Family District. The area is totally outside of the city of Little
Rock. The land was developed as a religious retreat several decades ago. More
than a decade ago the land changed hands (current owner) and has been used as
a rehabilitation center since that time. The proposed change reflects the existing
use which is not likely to change in the near or mid-term timeframe. This
amendment is for the Land Use Plan Map to reflect the existing conditions and
likely future use of the land more accurately.
Staff believes that these changes will make the Land Use Plan Map more reflected
of the likely future development pattern for the area.
I. STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Approval
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (DECEMBER 8, 2022)
The item was placed on consent agenda for approval. By a vote of 7 for, 0 against,
2 absent and 1 vacancy, the Planning Commission approved the item.