HomeMy WebLinkAboutLU2025-16-01 Staff Report w MinutesSeptember 11, 2025
ITEM NO. 5: FILE NO.: LU2025-16-01
NAME: Otter Creek Land Use Plan Amendment – RL to AF
LOCATION: 11619 & 11705 Alexander Road
OWNER/AUTHORIZED AGENT:
Owner
K & S Homes Inc.
2281 Lookout Mountain Rd
Benton, AR 72019-7808
Agent
Rasburry Surveying LLC
308 W South St,
Benton, AR 72015
AREA: 14.3 acres +/-
WARD: Ward 7 PLANNING DISTRICT: 16 CENSUS TRACT: 41.04
CURRENT ZONING: L-1, Industrial Park District & R-2, Single-Family District
BACKGROUND:
A. PROPOSAL/REQUEST:
The request is for a Land Use Plan Amendment from Residential Low (RL) to
Agriculture (A). The application is pursued concurrently with a rezoning application,
File No. Z-6396-B, request from Industrial Park District (I-1) and Single-Family District
(R-2) to Agricultural and Forestry District (AF).
B. EXISTING CONDITIONS:
The subject site is 14.3 acres +/- of cleared, gently sloping land currently developed
with horse stables, associated equestrian and livestock facilities, pasture, and
residence. The site is located on the south side of Alexander Road with open ditch for
drainage and no sidewalks. The rear of the property is approximately 140 feet north
of Otter Creek and a significant portion of the property is within the 100-year flood
plain.
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ITEM NO. 5 (Cont.): FILE NO.: LU2025-16-01
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C. NEIGHBORHOOD NOTIFICATIONS:
All Neighborhood Associations notified prior to planning commission meetings.
Figure 1. Aerial imagery of 11619 & 11705 Alexander Road in relation to surrounding development context.
September 11, 2025
ITEM NO. 5 (Cont.): FILE NO.: LU2025-16-01
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D. PLANNING/TRANSPORTATION:
Land Use Plan:
The request is in the Otter Creek Planning District, District 16. The development
principles of the district include preserving existing open space, wetlands, and
natural sound barriers, and identifying and correcting drainage issues in the area.
The Land Use Plan shows Residential Low Density (RL) for the requested area. 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 requested land use designation is Agricultural (A) which provides for a transition
between rural areas and the urban fringe, where it would be appropriate to preserve
existing rural land use, prior to annexation into the city. The site is within the city
limits, and the use of the property is residential and includes the raising of livestock.
Master Street Plan:
The subject property sits on the south side of Alexander Road with approximately 156
feet of frontage.
Alexander Road is a Minor Arterial on the Master Street Plan. Minor Arterials are high
volume roads designed to provide connections to and through an urban area. Curb
cuts should be minimized to allow for continuous traffic flow while still allowing some
access to adjoining property. Deceleration Lanes are required. Standard Right-of-
way (ROW) is 90 feet. Sidewalks are required on both sides.
Bicycle Plan:
Alexander Road is designated on the Master Bike Plan as a Proposed Class II Bike
Lane. Class II Bike Lanes provides a portion of the pavement for the sole use of
bicycles.
Historic Preservation Plan:
The application, as shown, should have no effect on identified historic resources.
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ITEM NO. 5 (Cont.): FILE NO.: LU2025-16-01
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E. ANALYSIS:
To the north of the application, across Alexander Rd, is designated for Light Industrial
(LI) uses characterized by industrial parks and warehouses. East of the application is
designated for Residential Medium Density (RM) uses and is characterized by a
single-family home on a large tract and a mobile home park; south of which is a
wooded tract designated for Residential Low Density (RL) use. To the west is a tract
with a single-family home in an area of Residential Low Density (RL) use, and an area
of Public/Institutional use with utility facilities. An area designated for Park and Open
Space uses is shown to the west and south along Otter Creek which encompasses
the riparian areas and creek floodway.
Staff finds that the amendment request is reasonable and appropriate given the site's
location, surrounding land use pattern, and proximity to environmental landscapes.
The proposed Agricultural (A) designation is consistent with the Otter Creek Planning
District's development principles, which advocate for the preservation of existing
open space, wetlands, and natural sound barriers.
F. STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff supports the proposed Land Use Plan Amendment in the Otter Creek Planning
District from Residential Low (RL) to Agricultural (A) and recommends approval.
G. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION: (SEPTEMBER 11, 2025)
The applicant was present. There were no persons registered in opposition. Staff
presented the item with a recommendation of approval. The item remained on the
Consent Agenda for Approval. The vote was (9) ayes, (0) nays and (2) absent. The
motion passed. The application was approved.