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Commission approves rezoning at 1979 Blackberry Lane to allow large horse barn
Summary
A split‑zoned 9.5‑acre tract at 1979 Blackberry Lane was rezoned entirely to A‑1 so the property owner can construct a larger horse barn; staff said the change aligns lot zoning and allows accessory structures above size limits that apply on smaller lots.
The Conway Planning Commission voted Tuesday to rezone a split‑zoned 9.5‑acre parcel at 1979 Blackberry Lane entirely to A‑1 so the owner can build a larger horse and equipment barn.
Planning staff explained the parcel was split between R‑1 and A‑1 due to how portions were annexed into the city in the early 2000s. "A portion came in as r 1 and another portion later came in as a 1," Lauren, a planning staff member, said. The property currently houses a 3,700‑square‑foot single‑family home and a 2,000‑square‑foot shop.
Staff told the commission that accessory‑structure size limits vary by zoning and lot size. Under staff's description, when a lot already contains a home, accessory structures are limited to 50% of the covered area of the home; with one acre, the limit is 75%. Because the applicant's lot is more than five acres in A‑1, staff said rezoning the whole parcel to A‑1 would allow larger ancillary structures needed for horses.
Kenny Mullins, who identified himself as the property owner at 1979 Blackberry Lane, told the commission he wanted the barn and equipment storage and said much of the area around him is already A‑1. "We're not trying to end... we've got the 7 acres next to us for the horses... we just want a bigger barn," Mullins said. He told the commission he currently has five horses.
A neighbor, Helen Benefiel, who owns adjoining property, spoke at the hearing and said she wants to ensure her land remains agricultural. "I just wanna make sure that my property is always agriculture," Benefiel said; she told the commission she is comfortable with the rezoning answer for Mullins.
Commissioners approved the rezoning by voice vote after hearing no opposition. Staff said approval would allow the applicant to proceed with his building permit application for the larger barn, pending City Council action. The planning commission's recommendation will be sent to City Council as early as Aug. 26, staff said.
Discussion vs. action: the hearing record shows staff explanation of zoning rules, applicant testimony about intended barn size and current operations, neighbor comment, and commission approval of the rezoning recommendation.
