HomeMy WebLinkAboutboa_08 21 2025August 21, 2025
There being no further business before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned
at 4:18 p.m.
Date
4rl
Chairman
LITTLE ROCK BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
SUMMARY AND MINUTE RECORD August 21, 2025
4:00 P.M.
Roll Call and Finding of a Quorum
A Quorum was present there being three (3) members present.
Members Present:
Members Absent:
City Attorney:
James Bertram
James Harkins
Brian Self
Frank Allison
Austin Grinder
Cameron Bowden
Approval of the Minutes of the July 17, 2025 Meeting of the Little Rock
Board of Adjustment. The Minutes were approved as presented.
MINUTES
LITTLE ROCK BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT AGENDA PROCEDURE
AUGUST 21, 2025
4:00 PM
Roll Call and Finding of a Quorum
II. Approval of the Minutes of the July 17, 2025 meeting of the Board of Adjustment
III. Presentation of Consent Agenda
IV. Presentation of Hearing Items
LITTLE ROCK BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT
AGENDA
AUGUST 21, 2025
NEW BUSINESS:
Item Number: File Number: Address:
1. Z-10167 2419 North Grant Street
A variance is requested from area regulations of
Sec. 36-254 to allow a residence with a reduced side
yard setback in an R-2 zoning.
2. Z-10174 1616 Brookwood Drive
A variance is requested to the rear yard
regulations of Section 36-320 to allow a reduced
side yard setback in an 1-2 zoning.
3. Z-10175 1714 North Palm Street
A variance is requested to the regulations
of Section 36-254 to allow a reduced side yard
setback in an R-2 zoning.
4. Z-10176 511 Pepper Avenue
A variance is requested to the regulations of Section
36-342.1 to allow a reduced percentage of glazing
on a ground level street facing wall in a UU Zoning.
A variance is requested to the regulations of Section
36-342.1 to allow a paved parking area between the
building and street in a UU Zoning.
A variance is requested to the regulations of Section
36-342.1 to allow corrugated siding on non -street
facing facades in UU Zoning.
5. Z-10168 4322 Country Club Blvd.
Variances are requested from area regulations of
Sec. 36-254 to allow a residence with a reduced
front and rear yard setbacks in an R-2 zoning.
A variance is requested from area regulations of
Sec. 36-253 to allow a residence to occupy greater
than the allowed area in an R-2 zoning.
6. Z-10165-A 4920 Country Club Blvd.
A variance is requested from area regulations of
Sec. 36-254 to allow a residence with a reduced
front yard setback in an R-2 zoning.
A variance is requested from area regulations of
Sec. 36-253 to allow a residence to occupy greater
than the allowed area in an R-2 zoning.
AUGUST 21,2025
ITEM NO.: 1
File No.:
Owner:
Applicant:
Address:
Legal Description
Zoned:
Present Use:
FILE NO.: Z-10167
Z-10167
Everswick Family Trust
Jason Duncan (Agent)
2419 North Grant Street
Lot 2, Block 30 Park View Addition of the City of Little Rock, AR
R-2
Single-family Residence
Proposed Use: Single-family Residence
Variance(s) Requested Variances are requested from area regulations of Sec. 36-254
to allow a residence with a reduced side yard setback for
construction of a carport.
Justification: The applicant's justification is presented as per the attached
letter.
STAFF REPORT:
A. Planning and Development Civil Engineering Comments:
No Comments.
B. Landscape and Buffer Comments:
In October 2020 the City adopted the "Heights Landscape Design Overlay District,"
requiring installation of one tree per 40 linear feet of street frontage within the
Heights District Boundary, applicable to [among other types] residential construction
in excess of 600 square feet.
C. Building Codes Comments:
No Comment
D. Analysis.,
The R-2 zoned property located at 2419 North Grant Street is occupied by a 1,471
square foot, one-story, single-family residence. The survey indicates a lot width of
50 feet and a depth of 145 feet with a front setback of 39.7 feet. The residence is
located on the south-central portion of the lot 4.9 feet from the south side property
line, 12.2 feet from the north side property line and approximately 46.8 feet from the
east (rear) property line.
1
AUGUST 21,2025
ITEM NO.: 1
FILE NO.: Z-10167
The property currently includes a paved access drive along the north perimeter of
the site connecting to North Grant Street and a fenced rear yard area. As an
improvement to the property the applicant proposes to construct a new 276 square
foot open carport along the northern perimeter of the residence extending into
the side yard setback to within 1.025 feet of the north property line.
The applicant states that the remaining area and slope of the lot does not allow for a
detached parking structure in the rear yard area. The applicant further states that the
proposed carport will attach to the residence and sit directly over the existing drive
allowing for covered parking.
Section 36-(d)(2) of the City's Zoning Ordinance states there shall be a side yard
set -back on each side of the building having a width of not less than ten (10) percent
of the average width of the lot, not to exceed eight (8) feet. Therefore, the applicant
is requesting a variance to allow the side yard setback to be reduced to no less
than 0.5 feet.
Staff believes that the central location of the dwelling along with a reduced rear
yard and larger than average front yard setback creates a unique site situation.
Therefore, staff supports the proposed carport location and the requested variance
Based on the above analysis staff finds the request and variance to be somewhat
reasonable. Staff believes that the encroachment of the proposed carport upon the
newly constructed dwelling to the north will have no adverse impact on either
property, therefore, staff supports the requested variance.
E. Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of the requested variance to allow the reduction of the side
yard setback to be not less than 1.025 feet from the proposed carport, subject to
the following condition:
1. Obtain a building permit prior to construction.
2. Install trees, if deemed applicable at the time of building permit, in
accordance with the Heights Design Overlay District requirements.
AUGUST 21,2025
ITEM NO.: 1 FILE NO,: Z-10
Board of Adjustment
(August 21, 2025)
The applicant was present. There were no objectors present.
Staff presented the application to the Board and stated it recommended approval as per
the staff report.
There was a consent motion to approve the application. The motion was seconded. The
application was approved on consent. The vote was 3 ayes, 0 nays, and 2 absent. The
motion passed.
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Area Zoning
City of Little Rock Planning & Development
Case: Z-10167
Location: 2419 N. GRANT ST.
Ward: 3 N
PD: 4
CT:16 0 100 200
TRS: T2N R12W 30 Feet
Sketch Map
City of Little Rock Planning & Development
Case No: Z-10167
Name: Jason Duncan
Location: 2419 N. Grant St.
Title: Reduced side yard setback
M4
AUGUST 21, 2025
ITEM NO.: 2
File No.:
Owners:
Applicant:
Address:
Legal Description-
Current Zoning:
Present Use:
Proposed Use:
Z-10174
Z-10174
AO R, LLC
Ben Wells; White-Daters & Associates, Inc.
1616 Brookwood Drive
Lot 2 Block O of the Riverdale Addition to the City of Little Rock,
Pulaski County
1-2
Light Industrial
Light Industrial
Variance(s) Requested: A variance is requested from the area provisions of Section
36-320(e)(2) to allow a reduced side yard setback in an 1-2
zoning.
A variance is requested from the building line regulations of
Sec. 31-12 to allow the encroachment of a structure across a
platted building line.
Justification: The applicant's justification is presented in an attached letter.
STAFF REPORT:
A. Planning and Development Civil Engineering Comments:
B. Landscape and Buffer Comments:
No Comment
C. Building Codes Comments:
Full Building Permit with Full Plans required. Contact Curtis Richey at 501-371-4724
or crichey@littlerock.gov
D. Analysis:
The property located at 1616 Brookwood Drive is currently occupied by a gray brick
warehouse building in an 1-2 zoned area. The survey shows a lot width of
approximately 174 feet and a lot depth of approximately 517 feet.
AUGUST 21, 2025
ITEM NO.: 2
Z-10174
The applicant is proposing to place a prefabricated accessory structure on the
property. The accessory structure will encroach on the building setback line which is
plotted at 30 feet and the side yard setback which is 15 feet.
The applicant states the need for this variance arises due to the challenges with the
existing levee not being located within the easement along the west property line
and extending approximately 15 feet onto the owner's property line. Initially, plans
were approved and permitted by the city to construct a retaining wall along the west
easement line to facilitate building the accessory structure. However, the levee
district has since informed us that this plan will not be approved. The levee district
requires either relocating the levee back into the easement or moving the accessory
structure away from the levee.
Relocating the levee is not feasible and positioning the accessory structure away
from disturbing the levee, or to maintain the 30 foot setback south property line
would place the building in the middle of the existing parking lot. This would
significantly disrupt the parking lot's functionality and the property's overall use.
After evaluating alternatives, the applicant proposes to move the accessory structure
to the south property line and reduce the side set back to 10 feet. The adjustment
would preserve the parking lot's utility while complying with the levee district's
requirement.
Section 36-320(e)(2) states " There shall be a side yard on each side of the building
having a width of not less than fifteen (15) feet. Therefore, the applicant is requesting
a variance to allow the side yard setback to be reduced to no less than 10 feet.
Section 31-12(b) of the City's Subdivision Ordinance states, "In those instances
where a recorded subdivision plat has established building setback lines in
accordance with this chapter, variances of those lines shall only be granted by the
Board of Adjustment. Therefore, the applicant is requesting a variance to allow a
reduction of the 30-foot platted side building line to 10 feet.
In Staffs opinion, the proposed building line adjustment, poses no negative effect
upon the health, safety, or welfare of the general public, and does not detract from
the value or aesthetic of the neighborhood or surrounding properties. In addition,
Staff finds the request to generally be in conformance with the development pattern
in the area. Based on the above assessment and analysis, Staff finds the requested
variances to be reasonable.
If the Board approves the requested building line setback variance, the applicant
must then produce a one -lot replat reflecting the approved change. As such, the
applicant must also review filing procedures with the County Clerk's office to
determine if the replat will require a revised Bill of Assurance and respond as
necessary and appropriate, as part of said replat.
AUGUST 21, 2025
ITEM NO.: 2
Z-10
E. Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of the requested side yard setback to no less than fifteen
(15) feet, and the platted building line no less than 10 feet, subject to the following
conditions:
1.Obtain a building permit prior to construction.
2.A replat of the property be performed and filed.
Board of Adjustment
(August 21, 2025)
The applicant was present. There were no objectors present.
Staff presented the application to the Board and stated it recommended approval as per the
staff report.
There was a consent motion to approve the application. The motion was seconded. The
application was approved on consent. The vote was 3 ayes, 0 nays, and 2 absent. The
motion passed.
WHITE - DATERS & ASSOCIATES, INC.
24 Rahling Circle
Little Rock, Arkansas 72223
Phone: 501-821-1667
ki www.whited ters. m
May 13, 2025
Board of Adjustment
City of Little Rock
723 West Markham St.
Little Rock, AR 72201
RE: 1616 Brookwood Accessory Storage Structure - Side Yard Variance Request
Members of the Board:
The Owner, AOR, LLC would like a variance to reduce the 30' Platted Side Yard Setback and the 15' 1-2 Zoning
Side Yard Setback on the south property line to 10' for a prefabricated accessory structure that will be used for
storage, which we believe would be the most practical solution given site constraints.
The need for this variance arises due to challenges with the existing levee not being located within the easement
along the west property line and extending approximately 15' onto the owner's property. Initially, plans were
approved and permitted by the city to construct a retaining wall along the west easement line to facilitate
building the accessory structure. However, the levee district has since informed us that this plan will not be
approved. The levee district requires either relocating the levee back into the easement or moving the accessory
structure away from the levee.
Relocating the levee is not feasible and positioning the accessory structure away from disturbing the levee, or to
maintain the 30-foot setback south property line would place the building in the middle of the existing parking
lot. This would significantly disrupt the parking lot's functionality and the property's overall use.
After evaluating alternatives, we propose moving the accessory structure to the south property line and
reducing the side yard setback to 10 feet. This adjustment would preserve the parking lot's utility while
complying with the levee district's requirements.
We believe this variance request meets the criteria for approval, as it addresses an undue hardship caused by
the levee's location outside of the easement and the district's restrictions, is the least intrusive solution, and will
not adversely affect neighboring properties, while still allowing practical use of the property.
Please place this item on the agenda for the July 17, 2025 Board of Zoning Adjustment Meeting.
Please contact me if you need any additional information or have any questions.
Thank you for your assistance.
Sincerely,
Ben Wells, P.E.
CIVIL ENGINEERING - LAND PLANNING 8, DEVELOPMENT - SURVEYING - LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
Area Zoning
City of Little Rock Planning & Development
Case: Z-10174
Location: 1616 BROOKWOOD DR.
Ward: 3 N
PD: 4
CT:15.02 0 125 250
TRS: T2N R12W 32 Feet
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Sketch Map
City of Little Rock Planning & Development
Case No: Z-10174 Title: Reduced side yard setback
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Name: Ben Wells (Tim Daters and Assoc.)
Location: 1616 Brookwood Dr
AUGUST 21, 2025
ITEM NO.: 3
File No. -
Owners.
Applicant:
Address:
Legal Description.
Current Zoning:
Present Use:
Proposed Use:
Variance(s) Requested
Justification:
STAFF REPORT:
Z-10175
Z-10175
John Davis
Thomas Engineering
1714 North Palm Street
Lot 24, Block 26/0, Cliffewood Subdivision to the City of Little
Rock, Pulaski County
:!
Single Family Residential
Single Family Residential
A variance is requested from the area provisions of Section
36-254 to allow a reduced side yard setback in an R-2 zoning.
The applicant's justification is presented in an attached letter.
A. Planning and Devela rnent Civil Engineering Comments:
B. Landscape and Buffer Comments:
In October 2020 the City adopted the "Heights Landscape Design Overlay
District," requiring installation of one tree per 40 linear feet of street frontage
within the Heights District Boundary, applicable to [among other types] residential
construction in excess of 600 square feet.
C. Building Codes Comments:
As per 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code Volume III R302.1(1) Single Family
Dwellings have the following requirements when dealing with Dwellings that are
closer than 7' from the property line:
1. If the soffit assembly extends inside of 5' from the property line, it must be
constructed with fire treated materials. 5/8" Type "X" Drywall, stucco, fire treated
plywood or some other fire treated material on underside of the soffit, fire treated
fascia, elimination of soffit vents and gable vents and crawl space vents on the
affected portion of the wall. Note: Vents must be relocated to ensure proper
venting of the attic space.
1
AUGUST 21, 2025
ITEM NO.: 3 _
Z-10175
Exceptions to this are to fire block this section of the exterior wall from the top plate
to the underside of the roof decking and to fire caulk the blocking at all joints.
D. Ana�s
The property located at 1714 North Palm Street is currently occupied by a two-
story single-family residence within the Heights Design Overlay District. The
survey shows a lot width of 102.5 feet and a depth of 138.25 feet. The residence
is centrally located on a corner lot at North Palm Street and Cantrell Road.
The applicant is proposing to demolish the existing garage and construct a new 2-
storey garage and bedroom addition. At its closest point the side addition is
proposed to be 5 to 6 feet from the side lot line. Because of this the applicant is
requesting a variance of the side setback to allow for the home side addition.
The site plan indicates that the applicant proposes to construct a new living space
addition to the south side of the existing residence and a new outdoor living area
along the west perimeter of the residence. The new addition will commence at the
existing structure and extend south to within 5.6feet of the south property line, then
proceed along the west perimeter of the residence to the rear yard building line.
Section 36-254(d)(2) states "There shall be a side yard set -back on each side of
the building having a width of not less than ten (10) percent of the average width
of the lot, not to exceed eight (8) feet." The new garage/bedroom will be located
5.6 feet from the south property line. Therefore, the applicant is requesting a
variance to allow the side yard setback to be reduced to no less than 5.6 feet.
Based on the above analysis, staff finds the variance request to be reasonable.
Staff believes that the expansion of the dwelling footprint conforms to the
development patterns of the area and will have no adverse impact on the
surrounding properties
E. Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of the requested variance to allow the expansion of
the dwelling and the reduction of the side yard setback, subject to the following
conditions:
1.Obtain a building permit prior to construction.
2. Install trees, if deemed applicable at the time of building permit, in accordance
with the Heights Design Overlay District requirements.
Board of Adjustment
(August 21, 2025)
The applicant was present. There were no objectors present.
Staff presented the application to the Board and stated it recommended approval as per the
staff report.
There was a consent motion to approve the application. The motion was seconded. The
application was approved on consent. The vote was 3 ayes, 0 nays, and 2 absent. The
motion passed.
THOMAS ENGINEERING COMPANY
4D .
civil engineers land surveyors
3810 LOOKOUT RD NORTH LITTLE ROCK, AR 72116 (501)753-4463
NATIONAL SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS
June 17, 2025
Mr. Romie Price
Plans Development Administrator
City of Little Rock Planning and Development
723 W. Markham
Little Rock, AR 72201-1334
RE: 1714 N Palm Street
Side Yard Setback Variance
Mr Price:
Please accept this letter to serve as our application for a side yard setback variance at 1714 N. Palm Street
Little Rock, Arkansas. We wish to be placed on the August 21st, 2025 Board of Adjustment's agenda.
The owners wish to construct an addition to the side and rear of the existing house. The rear addition will be
a covered outdoor living space (denoted in purple an site plan). The side addition will first demolish the
existing garage for a new 2-storey garage and bedroom addition (denoted in pink on the site plan). The side
addition will encroach into the side setback of t0% or 10 feet. At It's closest palm, the side addition is
proposed to be 5'-6" from the side lot line. Because of this, we are requesting a variance of the side setback
line to allow for the home side addition. Allowing this requested sidle setback variance will keep with the
overall layout of the residential lat. Whereas an expansion to the north will he closer to the busy traffic and
noise of Cantrell Road and expansion to the rear/ west will encroach into the exlshng pool. Also, in the spirit
of the Heights Landsope Overlay District, all efforts will be made to preserve a large tree in the NW corner of
the back yard.
Attached with this letter are the following documents:
1. Survey of property showing existing conditions.
2. Survey of property showing the proposed improvements.
3. Architectural renderings.
4. Application for Zoning Variance form
5. Agent Affidavit
Please feel free to contact me with any questions
Sincerely,
Thomas R. Pownall, P.E.
Vice President
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Case: Z-10175
Location: 1714 NORTH PALM ST.
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PLAN DIAGRAM
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Sketch Map
City of Little Rock Planning & Development
Case No: Z-10175
Name: Thomas Pownall
Location: 1714 North Palm St.
Title: Reduced side yard setback
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City of Little Rock Planning & Development
Case No: Z-10175 Elevation 1
Name: Thomas Pownall
Location: 1714 North Palm St.
Title: Reduced side yard setback
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Sketch Map
City of Little Rock Planning & Development
Case No: Z-10175 Elevation 2 Title: Reduced side yard setback
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Name: Thomas Pownall
Location: 1714 North Palm St.
AUGUST 21, 2025
ITEM NO. 4 Z-10176
File No.: Z-10176
Owners: Tract 1: Haybar Properties, LLC
Tract 2: Haybar Legacy, LLC
Applicant: Jonathan Nunn (Agent)
Address: Northwest Corner of Pepper Avenue and 5th Street
Tract 1: 511 Pepper Avenue
Tract 2: 1603 East 5t" Street
Legal Description: Tract 1: Lot 1, Block 18, Garlands Subdivision, City of Little
Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas
Tract 2: Lot 2, Block 18, Garlands Subdivision, City of Little
Rock, Pulaski County, Arkansas
Zoned: UU Urban Use District
Present Use: Tract 1: Vacant
Tract 2: Vacant
Proposed Use: (2)-Unit, Office, Showroom and Warehouse Development
Variance(s) Requested The building materials provisions of Sec. 36-342.1 to allow
Corrugated on all side walls not directly exposed to the street.
The street -level floor provisions orientation provisions of Sec.
36-342.1 to allow the ground level floor of a structure without
the minimum surface area of 60% transparent or window
display.
The parking lot provisions provisions of Sec. 36-342.1 to allow
off-street parking between the building and the abutting street.
Justification: The applicant's justification is presented in an attached letter.
1
AUGUST 21, 2025
ITEM NO. 4 Z-10176
STAFF REPORT
A. Planning and Development Civil Engineering Comments:
No Comments.
B. Buffering and Landscape Comments:
1. Site plan must comply with the Little Rock Zoning Ordinance, Sec. 36-342.1. UU
Urban Use District and the City's minimal landscape and buffer ordinance
requirements.
2. Signage is to be reviewed and permitted separately.
3. A perimeter planting strip is required along any side of a vehicular use area that
abuts adjoining property or the right -of --way of any street. This strip shall be at
least nine (9) feet wide. The property is located in the City's designated mature
area. A twenty-five (25%) percent reduction of the buffer requirements is
acceptable. The minimum dimension of the perimeter planting strip shall be six
(6) feet nine (9) inches. One (1) tree and three (3) shrubs or vines shall be
planted for every thirty (30) linear feet of perimeter planting strip.
4. Screening requirements will need to be met for the vehicular use areas adjacent
to street rights -of -way. Provide screening shrubs with an average linear spacing
of not less at three (3) feet within the required landscape area. Provide trees with
an average linear spacing of not less than thirty (30) feet.
5. For parking areas with twelve or more spaces eight percent (8%) of the vehicular
use area must be designated for green space; this green space needs to be
evenly distributed throughout the parking area(s). The minimum size of an
interior landscape area shall be one hundred fifty (150) square feet for
developments with one hundred fifty (150) or fewer parking spaces.
6. Building landscape areas shall be provided between the vehicular use area used
for public parking and the general vicinity of the building. These shall be provided
at the rate equivalent to planter strip three (3) feet wide along the vehicular use
area. One (1) tree and four (4) shrubs shall be planted in the building landscape
areas for each forty (40) linear feet of vehicular use area abutting the building.
7. An irrigation system shall be required for developments of one (1) acre or larger.
For developments of less than one (1) acre a there shall be a water source within
seventy-five (75) feet of all plant material if an automatic irrigation system is not
provided.
2
AUGUST 21, 2025
ITEM NO. 4
Z-10176
8. All landscape areas shall be protected as per City of Little Rock Landscape
Ordinance (Sec. 15-100). Provide notes on plan specifying type and location of
mulch, edging, wheel stops, and/or concrete curb and gutter.
9. All ground or roof mounted mechanical systems shall be screened from abutting
properties and streets. Any trash receptacles or pickup shall be oriented away
from a primary street side of the property and screened from the public right-of-
way. Screen shall exceed the height of the dumpster or trash containment areas
by at least two (2) feet no to exceed eight (8) feet total height.
10.The City Beautiful Commission recommends preserving as many existing trees
as feasible on this site. Credit toward fulfilling Landscape Ordinance
requirements can be given when preserving trees of six (6) inch caliper or larger.
11.Any Chapter 15, landscape code requirements that cannot be met may require a
variance from the City Beautiful Commission.
C. Building Codes Comments:
No Comments
D. Staff Analysis:
The UU zoned properties located at 511 Pepper Avenue and 1603 East 5th Street
are currently vacant. The survey indicates that Tract 1 has a width of 49.9 feet
along Pepper Avenue, and an average depth of 100 feet. Tract 2 has a width of
50 feet along East 5th Street and an average depth of 100 feet.
The applicant is proposing to construct a new 4,400 square foot multi -use
structure on the Urban Use (UU) zoned properties with street access from both
Pepper Avenue and East 5th Street. The applicant has stated that the property will
be developed with separate two-lane access drives with parking for each street
facing the business front entry.
The proposed development consists of two separate tracts of land. The first tract
located at 511 Pepper Avenue, is currently vacant and lies from West to East.
The second tract of land is located at the northeast corner of Tract 1 and
connects to East 5th Street. This parcel is vacant with heavy vegetation.
The applicant is requesting several variances from the UU district development
criteria established in Section 36-342.1 (c). The variances are as follow:
1. Section 36-342.1. (c)(4) [Building Materials.] states, "Fagade materials may be
any standard material, except corrugated or fubbed materials." (Pepper
Avenue and East 5th Street). Brick will be used on the street facing (front)
facades and
3
AUGUST 21, 2025
ITEM NO. 4
Z-10176
all other facades will be of corrugated metal and will be visible from both 5tn
Street and Pepper Avenue.
2. Section 342.1 (c)(8) Street -level floor, states, "The ground -level (street fronting)
floor of nonresidential structures shall have a minimum surface area of sixty (60)
percent transparent or window display." Transparency requirements are
requested to be less than 60% due to the design of interior spaces and limited
street access.
3. Section 342.1 (c)(10)(b) Parking Lots, states, "Surface parking is to be located
behind or adjacent to a structure, never between the building and abutting
street." The interior connection of the lots at the rear influences both the location
and feasibility of new structure construction. The situation prohibits the parking
area from being located in the rear of the lots to gain street access.
The applicant proposes to develop a (2)-Unit, Office, Showroom and Warehouse
Development. Similar variances have been granted in the area.
Staff believes that each of the requested variances is appropriate
and will have no negative impact on the surrounding area.
D. Staff Recommendation:
Staff recommends approval of the requested variances, subject to compliance with
the Staff comments outlined in the staff report.
Board of Adjustment
(August 21, 2025)
The applicant was present. There were no objectors present.
Staff presented the application to the Board and stated it recommended approval as per the staff
report.
There was a consent motion to approve the application. The motion was seconded. The
application was approved on consent. The vote was 3 ayes, 0 nays, and 2 absent. The motion
passed.
4
Chairman and Members
Little Rock Board of Adjustment
c/o Planning & Development Department
723 W. Markham Street
Little Rock, AR 72201
Re: Variances for Sill Pepper Avenue — Surface Parking & Exterior Materials
Dear Board Members,
I respectfully request two variances for a 4,500 sf one-storyflex-space
building at 511 Pepper Avenue (UU District / Presidential Overlay):
Code standard Relief requested
Surface parking Allow 4 spaces between the building and Pepper Ave
must be behind the and 5th street
building
Corrugated metal Permit brick and glazing on the 2 streetfagades;
prohibited on charcoal finish corrugated metal for facades that are
facades on the building side facades
Reduction in Window Transparent display Frontage
Hardship & Justification
Site constraints: The 2 lots while zoned UU appear to be in an
overflow of the primary UU zoning which appears to be targeted at the
downtown core. This area is presently a heavy industrial warehousing
district and while there are efforts to unify the east village/end area
with downtown core it currently does not reflect the direction of the
immediate area. What I am proposing is a very well designed structure
to housse 2 small business, one of which is my own AV production
company which specializes in the rental and onsite performance of
events. On -site meaning at client venue ie convention center/hotels
etc not at the place of in question. are approx 10,000 sf lot total is only
110 ft deep, drops 7 ft toward the rear alley, and contains a sewer
easement Placing parking behind the building blocks
emergency -vehicle turning and would require ±$110 k in fill and
retaining walls.
Financial burden of full -brick construction: Extending brick to all
facades adds significant (=12 % of total construction cost). For an infill
project targeting affordable flex -commercial tenants in an emerging
location, this premium makes rents uncompetitive and jeopardizes
financing. Corrugated steel is durable, code -compliant, and largely
screened from public view based on the tree screening of adjacent
lots. In the event the lots are developed the material would largely be
out of view based on the 5ft lot line then the primary facade would
maintain
Consistency with district intent: The brick/glass street frontage, new
sidewalk, street trees, and 3-ft evergreen hedge preserve the
pedestrian realm. Front -loaded parking is buffered and mirrors nearby
legacy warehouses, maintaining neighborhood character.
■ Minimum variance: Only the relief necessary to build an economical,
code -compliant structure is requested; no other reasonable
alternatives exist
Mitigation
■ Evergreen hedge, canopy trees, and ornamental fence screen parking
(partial)
• Permeable pavers and on -site detention reduce runoff
Well Designed facades facing both streets with reasonable amount of
glass street view and brick
Approval will enable a tax -generating, job -creating project while respecting
the spirit of the UU District. I appreciate your consideration and am available to
answer questions.
Respectfully,
Area Zoning
City of Little Rock Planning & Development
Case: Z-10176
Location: 511 PEPPER AVE.& 1603 EAST 5th ST.
Ward:1 N
PD: 7
CT:2 0 50 100
TRS: T1 N R12W 1 Feet
C_EIRIR AYtNIIF _ �_
9 i
Sketch Map
City of Little Rock Planning & Development
Case No: Z-10176
Name: Jonathan Nunn
Location: 511 Pepper Ave and 1603 E. 5th St.
Title: Parking requirements
N
Sketch Map
City of Little Rock Planning & Development
Case No: Z-10176 Front Elevation
Name: Jonathan Nunn
Location: 511 Pepper Ave and 1603 E. 5th St.
Title: Parking requirements
N
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