Petitioner seeks rezoning for three‑unit ‘barndominium’ on West Park; no public opposition at hearing

A petitioner identified as Jordan asked the hearing body to rezone a two‑block area near the 500 block of West Park so he could build a single‑story, three‑unit apartment classified as a triplex. Jordan described the planned structure as a ‘‘barndominium’’ — a metal, conditioned‑envelope building — and said it would be constructed to meet residential and handicap‑accessibility building codes.

Jordan said, “What we’re proposing is a, a 3 unit apartment building. It’s classified as a triplex.” He added, “The terminology I just used was barndominium,” and described the building as “basically a metal structure, condition envelope building.”

The petition seeks rezoning from R‑2 to R‑3 covering a two‑block radius bounded by Park, Baringo, Russell and Sam streets, Jordan said. He told the hearing the rezoning is a prerequisite: the special‑use permit needed to authorize a multi‑dwelling cannot be sought until the property is rezoned and the matter goes through the planning commission and city council.

A hearing officer confirmed the petition had been publicly noticed; staff told the hearing that no members of the public had registered opposition. The officer said the petition would be submitted to the city council for further consideration. The hearing record indicates the petitioner believes the change would allow multi‑family dwellings in the area near West Side School and several existing multi‑unit buildings.

Jordan also referenced recent state legislation in the course of the discussion, saying he had sent materials about ‘‘Act 313’’ to city staff; the hearing record shows no substantive legal determination was made at the public hearing itself. The petitioner stated the project address as the 500 block of West Park and said a similar structure he built previously was the Masonic Lodge in West Helena.

No motion or council vote occurred at the hearing. City staff reiterated that rezoning is a separate process and that, if the council approves rezoning, the petitioner would then pursue required special‑use and permitting steps.

The hearing concluded after staff recorded the absence of public opposition and noted the item will be taken up by the city council for later action.