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Planning commission approves site-plan amendment and fire‑code driveway variances for Central Avenue development
Summary
The Hot Springs City Planning Commission on March 13 approved a site‑plan amendment for a multi‑structure residential development at 5302 and 5308 Central Avenue and granted fire‑code driveway variances after review by Lake Hamilton Fire and Rescue.
The Hot Springs City Planning Commission on March 13 approved a site‑plan amendment for a previously authorized multi‑structure residential development at 5302 and 5308 Central Avenue and granted requested driveway‑grade variances after review by Lake Hamilton Fire and Rescue.
The amendment, SPA 25‑001, modifies the entrance layout for a development on about 2 acres and would allow the owner the option to sell townhomes as individually owned units. The applicant listed on the record was Aaron Burrows of Atoka Incorporated.
The applicant requested a variance from the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code for driveway grades: 12.5 percent (8:1) on an interior driveway and a downhill grade of 14.3 percent (7:1) on a west exit driveway toward the lake. Planning staff reported that Fire Marshal Bill Heck of Lake Hamilton Fire and Rescue reviewed and approved the variance, documented in a Feb. 28, 2025 email, and recommended approval subject to conditions.
The commission approved the application on the consent agenda with staff findings and six conditions of approval. Staff read the conditions into the record; they require, among other items, strict conformance with the approved amended site and development plan (including driveway grades, grooved concrete, retaining walls, hydrants, utilities, parking and landscaping); compliance with applicable city, state and federal standards including the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code; issuance of separate permits from ADOT, Garland County Stormwater, and Garland County 911 addressing prior to work; full cutoff exterior lighting to retain illumination on the subject property; and a one‑year effective window for the approved large‑scale site plan from the date of Planning Commission approval. The Planning Commission recommendation will carry to the Board of Directors for final action when applicable.
Why it matters: The variances change the required driveway design for a residential complex near the lake and were approved after local fire‑rescue review. The conditions attached to approval are intended to ensure compliance with safety, utility and permitting requirements before construction begins.
The meeting record shows the item presented by Director Salman and approved on the consent agenda; the staff report and conditions were entered into the public record during the March 13 meeting.
