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Planning Commission approves rezoning for short‑term rental at 705 S. Oak despite neighbor objections
Summary
The commission rezoned a duplex at 705 S. Oak from R‑4 to PDC to allow two short‑term rentals (max 29 days); opponents cited parking and neighborhood character concerns but staff said the application met STR‑2 requirements and recommended approval.
The Little Rock Planning Commission on Dec. 11 approved a rezoning (file Z‑10231) for 705 South Oak, allowing the owner to operate two short‑term rentals (STR‑2) with a maximum stay of 29 days. Staff told the commission the property met applicable code requirements and recommended approval subject to conditions and standard staff comments.
Opponents Evan Lewis and Lavelle Crump told the commission the neighborhood — identified in testimony as Stiff Station — did not need another short‑term rental, cited a forthcoming hotel development nearby and raised concerns about the lack of off‑street parking. Lewis said, “Stiff Station doesn't need another rental property, period,” and asked the commission to deny the rezoning.
Applicant RD Hopper said the property has been used as a rental for the past 10 years, that he reviewed rental records showing about a 75% occupancy rate over two years, and that the house had been improved for safety and upkeep. Hopper described available off‑street parking spots near the property and said he planned to install a Ring doorbell, updated doors and required smoke and carbon‑monoxide detectors. He said the property had no recent police reports or code‑enforcement cases.
A motion to approve the rezoning carried on the roll call; commissioners voted to approve the PDC rezoning subject to compliance with the comments and conditions in staff’s report. The applicant and neighbors were encouraged to exchange contact information to address any post‑approval concerns.
