Variance Decisions in Conway

A variance is an authorized departure from the strict requirements of a zoning ordinance. Rather than changing the underlying zoning classification (which is what rezoning does), a variance allows a property owner to deviate from specific rules - like setback distances, building height limits, lot coverage ratios, or parking requirements - while keeping the same zoning designation. ZoneWire tracks variance activity across Conway, AR public meetings.

ZoneWire monitors Conway, AR planning and council meetings, transcribes them, and flags variance activity. As of the latest update we have analyzed 3 meetings and detected 4 variance mentions.

Tracking variance in Conway surfaces zoning and development signals early, so developers, investors, and brokers can evaluate parcels and approvals before they reach the broader market.

Conway is a city and administers its own zoning through the Planning & Development Department, the Planning Commission, and the City Council. The current Zoning Code was adopted as Ordinance No. O-22-111, passed September 27, 2022 and effective November 18, 2022. Zoning applications are submitted through the city's Civic Access (Tyler) portal, and the department can be reached at 1111 Main St, Conway, AR 72032 or (501) 450-6105.

Section 202 of the Conway Zoning Code establishes districts in several groups: Residential (R-1 One Family, R-2A Two Family, R-2 Low Density, SR Suburban Residential, MF-1/MF-2/MF-3 Multi-Family, RMH Mobile Home, HR Historical Residential); Commercial (C-1 Central Business, C-2 Neighborhood Commercial, C-3 Highway Service and Open Display); Office (O-1 General, O-2 Quiet, O-3 Restricted); Industrial (I-1 Intermediate Industrial, RU-1 Restricted Use, I-3 Intensive Industrial); and Special districts (A-1 Agricultural, S-1 Institutional, PUD Planned Unit Development, SP Specific Plan, TJ Rural).

The Conway Planning Commission meets on the third Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers of Conway City Hall, 1111 Main Street. These are the meetings at which rezoning requests, conditional use permits, and subdivision items are heard, following the published Planning Commission schedule and application deadlines.

Under Section 803 of the Zoning Code, a rezoning or text/map amendment can be initiated by the City Council, the Planning Commission, or a property owner or authorized agent. Property-owner requests require an application with fees, a published public hearing notice, a posted sign on the property, and mailed notice to owners within 200 feet before the Planning Commission public hearing. The Planning Commission then makes a recommendation, and the City Council takes final action to adopt, modify, reject, or remand the request.

A conditional use permit allows a use that is permitted in a district only after review to ensure it protects public health, safety, and welfare and is compatible with the surrounding area. Applicants pay a non-refundable filing fee of $325, publish and post public-hearing notice, and notify property owners within 200 feet. After the public hearing, the Planning Commission may approve the request by majority vote and forward its recommendation to the City Council for action within seventy (70) days. Separately, the Planning Commission also sits as the Board of Zoning Adjustment to hear variances, special exceptions, and appeals.

Yes. ZoneWire Free sends New Meeting Alerts for Conway at no cost, with the agenda for each meeting. ZoneWire Pro adds full transcripts, zoning and development analysis, and keyword alerts for $129 per market per month.