Planning Commission approves conditional use permit to convert barn to accessory dwelling on Rinke Road

The Planning Commission on March 13 approved a conditional use permit to convert an existing accessory structure into a second-story accessory dwelling unit at 5301 Rinke Road (file Z1000122).

Staff described the property as an R-2 lot with an existing 32-by-54-foot accessory structure and a 1,296-square-foot single-family residence. The applicant proposed a second-story addition to create a three-bedroom, two-bath accessory dwelling; staff recommended approval subject to compliance with the conditions in paragraphs D, E and F of the staff report.

Applicant Steven Casa (Renaissance Construction) told the commission the structure would be used for family housing, not short-term rental, and that the site is gated and set well back from the public road. Pam Noble, president of Southwest Little Rock United for Progress and a Rinke Road resident, opposed the request citing local flooding, the narrow and partially uncurbed road, and concerns about whether utilities and access are adequate. Noble said the immediate area floods at times and asked the commission to consider drainage and road conditions before approving new residential units.

Commissioners asked staff about site access, utility requirements and parking; staff confirmed the site has ample on-site parking and that the accessory structure meets the square-footage requirements under the conditional-use rules. On a roll call, the commission approved the conditional use permit with the staff-recommended conditions. Recorded votes include yes votes from Commissioners Brown, Hart, Hodges, McDonald, Person, Russell, Trimble, Baxter and Vickers. The applicant may proceed with permit applications and must comply with the project-specific conditions required by staff.