Commission begins broader zoning-code review using Arkansas UDO model

A commissioner introduced a model Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) for small Arkansas cities and urged the commission to use it as a reference for updating Eureka Springs' code. "It kinda just...sparked my brain to start thinking about some of the things that we currently have in code and some things that we don't have in code," the commissioner said.

Commissioners discussed reviewing permitted uses in all zones, creating clearer categories of permits (including permits with conditions and special permits), and adding processes to consider nonstandard businesses when the city clerk brings them forward. The commissioner suggested renaming some zones (for example, from a "business" to a "commerce" zone) and examining incentives such as tax abatement as tools to attract businesses into designated zones.

Commissioners agreed staff should circulate the UDO link and excerpts in the packet for the next meeting so each commissioner can review materials and return with more detailed comments; several commissioners also asked staff to identify sections addressing ADUs, building heights and mobile-home standards for targeted discussion.