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Planning Commission approves variance and conditional use for sports complex at South 70 Third Place
Summary
The Planning Commission approved a variance to allow metal panels on rear and east facades and a conditional use permitting a new sports complex with two athletic fields, barbershop and retail at 5615 South 70 Third Place, with conditions on materials, landscaping, lighting and irrigation.
The Fort Smith Planning Commission on Oct. 13 approved a variance and companion conditional use allowing construction of a sports complex at 5615 South 70 Third Place.
The developer requested a variance from the UDO's high‑quality materials requirement for the north rear and east side facades. The applicant argued those facades face railroad tracks and undeveloped land with limited public visibility; the proposal would use 100% metal panels on those two facades while providing 100% high‑quality materials on the south and west facades visible to developed areas and rights‑of‑way. Staff recommended approval of the variance with conditions that the south front and west side facades consist of 100% high‑quality materials as shown on the development plan, landscaping and parking screening comply with the UDO, site lighting conform to the UDO, and automatic irrigation be installed for required landscaping.
The conditional use would allow a sports complex totaling approximately 27,853 square feet with a 1,489‑square‑foot barbershop, a 4,911‑square‑foot general retail tenant and two athletic fields. The site plan showed 54 parking spaces and conceptual perimeter landscaping; staff confirmed the parking count complied with the UDO.
Commissioners said the proposal represented a positive development for the city; staff recommended approval with the conditions above. Both the variance and conditional use passed 8‑0. The approvals require compliance with the submitted development plan and irrigation of required landscaping.
