Development News for Bentonville, Arkansas

Church Parking Waiver, Townhome Elevations, and Multiple Rezoning Requests Approved

The commission considered a parking waiver request for Levy Saints Church to allow for 253 parking spaces, exceeding the code limit of 109. Staff proposed conditions including low-impact development for new spaces, adherence to the drainage manual for runoff, and additional landscape buffer. The applicant, Bloom Associates, stated the need for more parking due to the church's size. The commission moved the item to the consent agenda with conditions, and it was later approved as part of the consent agenda. Additionally, an amendment to a large-scale development for 8th and C Street townhomes, concerning lighter exterior colors, was also moved to the consent agenda. A rezoning request for a three-acre parcel south of Highway 72, east of Elm Tree, from T2.1 to T3.1, consistent with the community plan, was approved 6-0 after a public hearing where the applicant, Joseph Costello, was en route. Finally, two companion rezoning requests by Barron Road LLC (RZ26-0029 for T3.2 and RZ26-0024 for T4.2) were discussed and approved 6-0. These were consistent with the community plan under standard review. A separate rezoning request (RZ26-0017) by Edward and Amilda Frail Revocable Trust, involving a three-piece rezoning (T4.2, T3.1, and T3.2), was also discussed after a public hearing where neighbors raised concerns about infrastructure, runoff, flooding, spot zoning, and density compatibility. Staff addressed these concerns, clarifying the property is within city limits and would require full drainage reports. The item was approved 6-0.