Council waives subdivision requirements for Faulkner Lake access road; members raise lighting concerns

The North Little Rock City Council approved an ordinance waiving sections of the subdivision ordinance (ordinance number 79-46) for property along Faulkner Lake Road that functions as an access road.

Planning staff explained the area is an access road that runs parallel to Faulkner Lake and currently functions like an alley or large driveway rather than a full public street. "This is not the Faulkner Lake proper. It's the access road that runs parallel to it," planning staff said.

Council members asked whether waiving the requirements would leave future residents without sidewalks or street lighting and whether that could prompt later requests to the city. Council Member Baxter and others sought clarity on whether the project extends an existing auxiliary road and whether the city had previously waived similar requirements in adjacent developments. Staff said the council had waived similar requirements historically and that the developer is asking to continue that pattern for this extension.

Council Member Hart asked whether the waiver required a showing of hardship; city attorney and staff explained that a hardship standard applies to variances before the board of adjustment but not to discretionary council waivers under the subdivision code. Planning staff said the developer had not offered a hardship statement at the meeting and that the planning commission had already taken action recommending the waiver.

Council approved the waiver and the emergency clause. Staff noted some street lights already exist on Faulkner Lake proper, but not along the access road; future residents could request lighting later, and that would be considered separately.