Centerton amends zoning map to align code, council adopts ordinance with emergency clause

Centerton — The Centerton City Council voted Sept. 9 to adopt Ordinance 2025‑48 amending the municipal zoning map to reflect prior code changes for residential townhome and multifamily districts and to correct mapping mistakes made during earlier rezones and annexations. Why it matters: The ordinance does not change property lines, setbacks, or density beyond existing uses, but it updates official zoning designations so the code and the map match. Councilors said the cleanup reduces uncertainty for property owners, developers and city staff. What the ordinance does: City planner Diane (surname not stated) told the council the amendments reconcile the map with Title 14 changes passed in 2021 and 2023 and correct errors for subdivisions annexed from the county. Specific changes include converting older RTHMF‑12 labels to new RTH‑5 designations, reclassifying some duplex developments as R‑3 duplex where buildings were not constructed to be sold separately, and clarifying several townhome parcels. Vote and emergency clause: The council adopted Ordinance 2025‑48 by roll call (Thompson: Yes; Henson: Yes; Reed: Yes; Hagen: Yes) and immediately adopted the emergency clause, making the map amendment effective on passage. Council discussion indicated staff support and that parcels and owners had been notified; no public comments were received during the planning commission public hearing. Discussion vs. decision: The proceeding was a formal legislative action. Diane emphasized the ordinance is a map cleanup and will not alter the way property owners use their parcels. Councilors asked clarifying questions about when parcels had been rezoned and whether the changes affected taxes; staff said they would not change taxes or setbacks. Next steps: City staff will update the online zoning map and notify affected property owners; any future large projects will follow standard plat and permitting processes with the corrected map in effect.