Arkansas City planning panel backs carport amendment for lots without alleys; zoning board grants 313 Main setback variance

The Arkansas City Planning Commission on Tuesday recommended that the city commission consider an ordinance amendment to permit open carports on single- and two-family lots that lack a platted alley, provided six conditions are met.

Staff (Speaker 2) told the commission the proposed rules would require a paved driveway, an open structure on three sides (not enclosed), a maximum width of 18 feet, a minimum 5-foot setback from the property line, construction with materials compatible with the house and restriction on non-vehicle storage. "It could not be closer than 5 feet from the property line," Speaker 2 said while outlining the draft language. The recommendation would move the draft to the city commission for final action.

The proposal drew a mix of support and enforcement concerns from commissioners and residents. One participant (Speaker 3) pressed staff on past lapses in enforcement: "What's the point in having a resolution or an ordinance without enforcing it?" Speaker 2 acknowledged enforcement challenges and described the city’s typical compliance process — identifying violations, sending letters and pursuing permit correction or removal when appropriate — while noting limited staff capacity.

Commissioners discussed how to notify residents if the change advances. Speaker 3 suggested multiple channels including the city website, social media, the newspaper and a notice enclosed with water bills; Speaker 2 said staff could prepare a flyer and use those avenues to reach households.

Separately, the Board of Zoning Appeals considered a variance request tied to one property. Speaker 5 moved to grant a variance for a parcel identified in the meeting as 313 Main, reducing the required front-yard setback from 25 feet to 5 feet. After discussion about neighborhood lot depths and existing conditions, the board took a roll-call vote; six members — Mike Bergenini, Lloyd Colston, Chris Johnson, Dwayne Eastman, Cody Richardson and Dottie Smith — recorded "Aye." "Motion carries," Speaker 3 announced, and staff confirmed the variance was granted and could be acted on immediately. "They did grant the variance, and so you are allowed... your contractor could come as early as tomorrow," Speaker 2 said.

The commission also covered next steps for approvals and permitting: if the planning commission forwards the amendment, the city commission will schedule consideration following the city’s standard public-notice timeline. Staff explained that contractors must still submit permit plans for review and approval before construction begins.

The meeting closed after brief additional announcements, including a notice that a rezoning petition for 706 East Madison and a city-initiated rezoning for the proposed East Chestnut water tower may appear on an upcoming agenda.