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Council approves transitional housing special-use permit at 707 Murchison Road
Summary
Council granted a special-use permit to convert the existing building at 707 Murchison Road into transitional housing for up to 40 residents, citing community-development and homelessness-reduction benefits and requiring compliance with safety codes.
Fayetteville City Council approved a special-use permit on May 26 to allow a transitional housing facility at 707 Murchison Road, with conditions limiting occupancy to no more than 40 residents.
City planning staff described the site — a building on a 3.5+ acre parcel partly in the floodplain — and said the proposed program would offer workforce support, life-skills development and mentorship to residents. Bishop J. Porter (United Gospel Fellowship Covenant Ministries) and John Russell (peer-support specialist) testified in favor, describing past work with unhoused residents and the need for in-city transitional options.
Councilmember Davis moved a findings-based motion that enumerated required findings of fact (UDO standards, public safety compliance, site management, and public benefit). The motion included conditions the applicants agreed to follow, including building and life-safety inspections and a 40-resident occupancy cap; the motion passed after a second and recorded vote.
Staff noted the property is largely within the floodplain and that future development or new construction would trigger additional requirements and permits. The approval allows the applicant to proceed with technical review and required building permits consistent with city and state regulations.
