PC Minutes 9-7-2021City of Van Buren, Arkansas
Municipal Annex
111 North 12 ° Street • Van Buren, Arkansas 72956
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES
Van Buren Public Library
September 7, 2021
1. Call To Order. The Van Buren Planning Commission held its monthly meeting on
Tuesday, September 7, 2021, at 5:30 P.M. The meeting was held in the Van Buren Public Library
meeting room.
2. Roll Call. The following Commissioners were present: Chairman Andy Dibble, Vice -
Chairman Philip Bagby, Mark Evans, Jason Myers, Mason Shirey, Jolm Symonds, and Jay White. Also
present were Planning Director Wally Bailey, City Inspector David Martin, Secretary Jennifer
Willoughby, Sherry and Chris Tedder of Tedder Gunnery, and Farrah Shoppach of O'Neal Real
Estate. Commissioners Lynne Graham and Tiffany Webster were absent.
3. Approval Of Minutes From June 1, 2021. A motion to approve was made by
Commissioner Jay White and seconded by Commissioner Jason Myers. The motion was approved
unanimously.
4. Public Hearing for CUP #4-2021—Sherry Tedder, 2805 Ahna Hwy; Indoor Gun
Range in C-2. A motion to approve was made by Commissioner Jason Myers and seconded by
Commissioner John Symonds. Commissioner Mark Evans abstained. The motion was approved
unanimously.
Mrs. Tedder presented to the commission her desire
to offer a luxury shooting experience that
includes up to six retail
spaces,
as well as bring gun
and shooting education to
schools, host
conceal/carry classes, and
provide
training opportunities
for law enforcement and the
community.
Planning Director Wally Bailey stated. the Permitted and Conditional Use Legend indicates that an
Indoor Firing Range is a Conditional Use in the Commercial-2 zoning district. Mx. Bailey also noted
that in accordance with the requirements listed in Van Buren Ordinance No. 26-2005 as amended by
Ordinance No. 6-2015, the Tedder's have provided fingerprint cards to the Arkansas State Police and
submitted a criminal history report from the Arkansas State Police that indicates no criminal history.
They also provided the statement that they will comply with all local, state, and federal laws,
regulations, and guidelines.
5. Old/New Business
a. Discussion on Article IV, Section 2, paragraph 4 of the Van Buren Zoning
Code regarding Non -conforming uses and structures.
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Planning Director Wally Bailey brought up die discussion for a code amendment to be placed oil the
October Planning Commission voting agenda. He stated that the Van Buren Zoning Code does not
permit the rebuilding of a stricture that is damaged more than two-thirds of its replacement value.
The code is silent as to a process for a situation where the structure is damaged by more than two-
thirds. This issue affects a non -conforming structure or a structure housing a non conforming use.
Mr. Bailey is proposing an amendment that establishes a conditional use application process for any
property owner that wants to rebuild a structure that is damaged by more than two-thirds. Any non-
conforming structure damaged by two -thuds or less can be rebuilt without a conditional use
application. Fort Smith has a similar requirement but uses a 50 percent threshold. Commissioner
Jason Myers and Chairman Philip Bagby stated that the 50% of assessed value threshold would be a
good amount. All commissioners agreed to malting the amendments within the zoning code regarding
a non -conforming use or a non -conforming structure that is destroyed or damaged.
G. Adjourn.
A motion to
adjourn
was made by Chairman Philip Bagby and seconded by
Commissioner Mason
Shirey. The
motion was approved unanimously,
y v
Wally Bailey, Planning Director
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