Fayetteville approves rezoning plan for 71B corridor

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — The Fayetteville City Council has officially set the future for development along College and School Avenues by unanimously approving a rezoning plan for nearly 600 acres along the 71B corridor.

This area was previously part of U.S. 71 Business until the city took over in 2020, according to the final draft of the project’s plan .

In about a month, the new zoning rules will start, covering about 586 acres. The first area affected is College Avenue from North Street to Sain Street near the North Fulbright Expressway.

The second area is School Avenue from 15th to Skelton streets, close to the South Fulbright Expressway.

The council’s decision came after they amended the original plan to remove some residential properties from the new zoning area, addressing concerns from local residents.

The council voted 8-0 to approve this new zoning district called Urban Corridor, which aims to promote mixed-use development and increase housing options along this busy roadway.

Currently, most of this area is zoned for commercial use only. The new Urban Corridor zoning will allow for residential developments like apartments and three- or four-family homes, while single-family homes and duplexes will need special approval.

Buildings must be within 30 feet of the street and can be up to eight stories tall, increasing the height limit from six stories. Certain businesses, such as gas stations and drive-throughs, will also require special permits to operate.

This plan has been in development since 2018, aiming to improve safety for both drivers and pedestrians, upgrade infrastructure, and encourage the construction of more housing options.

The previous zoning allowed only commercial uses and required buildings to be set back from the road, resulting in parking lots in front instead of sidewalks.

Overall, this change aims to help the city make better use of existing infrastructure and meet the growing housing needs while addressing traffic safety concerns.

To read the full plan for the project, please visit www.fayetteville-ar.gov/3444/71B-Corridor-Plan .

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