Planning commission recommends rezoning of 4.9-acre parcel at 4700 Industrial Drive to general industrial

The Jonesboro Metropolitan Area Planning Commission voted Tuesday to recommend approval of a rezoning request that would change 4.9 acres at 4700 Industrial Drive from R-1 (single-family medium density) to I-2 (general industrial).

Megan McAllister of McAllister Engineering presented the request on behalf of the applicant listed in the agenda. Planning staff said the site is largely industrial in character though many nearby properties remain zoned R-1; previous land-use planning left the area rural where sewer was not available. Staff recommended a favorable recommendation to city council, with conditions that the site satisfy city engineering requirements, comply with the city's stormwater drainage design manual and floodplain regulations, and submit a final site plan for planning department review before redevelopment.

Staff told the commission the 4.9-acre parcel does not currently have sewer service; because of its size staff said the site could operate on septic depending on the proposed use and water demand. Commissioners asked about existing uses in the area; staff said industrial uses exist nearby and that many of those are legal nonconforming uses because they predate current zoning.

The commission voted to recommend approval. Staff noted the rezoning will need placement on a city council agenda for final action; the transcript records that the applicant must appear on the council agenda by Thursday (specific calendar date not specified in the meeting record).

Any redevelopment or change of use on the parcel will require submission and approval of a final site plan and compliance with engineering, stormwater, and floodplain regulations prior to issuance of building permits.