Fort Smith approves comprehensive new development rules
by May 19, 2009 8:09 pm 72 views
The Fort Smith Board of Directors unanimously approved Tuesday (May 19) night a unified development ordinance (UDO) that has been more than four years in the making.
The UDO is a comprehensive set of rules and regulations designed to improve the look and function of residential, commercial and other physical infrastructure in the city. The 400-plus page document has survived a four-year process of public hearings, special interest inputs, city board inputs and state and national changes to urban planning rules.
Wally Bailey, director of development services for the city of Fort Smith, said at least 25 public hearings were held during process and four formal public hearings were held to gather input.
Examples of changes in the UDO include:
• Parking lots for commercial and retail buildings will be pushed to the back of the building.
• Design elements of buildings will be enforced to avoid metal building construction — especially on commercial corridors.
• Signage standards will require smaller and lower signs that are better incorporated into landscaping.
The new rules received the endorsement of the Greater Fort Smith Association of Home Builders, the Fort Smith Board of Realtors and the Fort Smith Section of the American Institute of Architects.
“We believe an organized process for developments with increased design standards is needed and will help promote the quality of life in Fort Smith,” Ralph Bogner Jr., 2008 Fort Smith Realtors Board president, noted in a Dec, 23, 2008 letter endorsing the UDO.
UDO-required changes to zoning maps will be reviewed in several public hearings in the city’s wards, Bailey explained to the board.
The effective date of Aug. 12, 2009 was set for the new comprehensive rules. Bailey said all projects approved under the previous set of rules or in the review pipeline now will be allowed to continue.