Springdale council overturns planning commission, approves gravel lot and chain‑link screening for Herc Rentals expansion

The Springdale City Council voted 7–1 on June 10, 2025, to overturn the Planning Commission’s denial of two variance requests for an expansion of Herc Rentals at 4269 Wagon Wheel Road, allowing a gravel yard instead of required paving and permitting chain‑link fencing with barbed wire for security.

The variance appeal was presented by city planning staff and representatives for the applicant. Sharon Tromberg, Director of Planning and Community Development, told the council the Planning Commission had approved a related rezoning unanimously at its May meeting but denied two variances — paving and screening — in a 4–4 tie. Tromberg said the pavement variance vote in commission “was a tie 4 to 4 board, so it ultimately failed.”

Attorney Caitlin Gibbs, representing the applicant with Watkins Boyer Gray and Curry, said the expansion will bring larger, tracked equipment to the site and argued gravel is appropriate for such machinery. “This…