Centerton Planning Commission Recap - 6.3.25

The Centerton Planning Commission had a packed agenda this past Tuesday, with five public hearings and multiple administrative items on deck. As your local expert and reliable meeting-watcher, I was tuned in from start to finish—because when decisions are made that shape how our city grows, I want to make sure you stay informed. Here’s your detailed recap of what went down.

📎 Administrative Approvals Ratified

The following items were approved administratively and ratified by the Commission:

• Home Occupation – Tutoring: A quiet use fully compliant with residential zoning.

• Home Occupation – Online Sales/Storage: Low-impact home-based business.

• Dog Groomer: Approved under existing home occupation standards.

• Splash Car Wash Tract Split: A clarification was made during the meeting—it was actually a right-of-way and easement dedication plat, not a true tract split.

🏠 Conditional Use Approved: Short-Term Rental at 1031 States Avenue

• Approved unanimously, for a 5-year term.

• The applicant, Kathleen Sabrietta, requested approval to operate an 800 sq. ft. 2-bedroom, 1-bath home as a short-term rental.

• Located in Featherston Village Phase II, the home is zoned R3-SF with PUD allowances for smaller lot sizes.

• Public comments raised concerns about the number of STRs already in the neighborhood (as many as 8 were mentioned on Airbnb) and the potential impact on safety and stability.

• The Planning Commission acknowledged the concerns but noted that this was a properly submitted application with verified screening practices, and the subdivision covenants do not prohibit STRs.

🏡 Conditional Use Approved: Detached Garage with Living Space – 521 Timber Ridge

• Approved unanimously, indefinite term.

• Jeff and Teresa Beachum applied to construct a detached garage with a loft-style living area above. The structure includes an RV garage, bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and living space.

• Purpose: to improve accessibility (a flatter surface for Teresa, who has mobility issues) and provide room for visiting family.

• The property combines two platted lots in the Timber Ridge subdivision (0.49 acres total) and meets all setback and utility standards.

• No public comments were received.

• The Commission clarified it’s within all dimensional standards, and although subdivision covenants may limit certain uses, those are private matters not enforced by the city.

🛏️ Conditional Use Approved: Short-Term Rental at 990 Boardwalk Avenue

• Approved unanimously, 5-year term.

• This is another STR in Featherston Village, not far from the States Avenue property.

• The 2-bedroom, 2.5-bath home includes a flex space and is managed by a third-party property manager with guest screening processes.

• Commissioners noted that this request mirrored the earlier STR application, and no additional public comments were received at the time of the hearing.

🎨 Conditional Use Approved: Temporary Tattoo Trailer – 880 E Centerton Blvd

• Approved unanimously, for a 7-month period (June 2025–January 2026).

• The business, Lost Inc., is awaiting buildout of their permanent retail suite in the Tooth Squad shopping center.

• This temporary trailer will operate 10 AM–5 PM, Monday through Saturday, and share parking with existing tenants.

• The Commission confirmed it does not block required parking and is positioned with proper setbacks from the building.

• No signage proposed yet; any future signage will require a permit.

• The Commission appreciated the proactive approach in operating legally while awaiting permanent space readiness.

🎆 Conditional Use Approved: Frese Fireworks Stand

• Approved unanimously, for both July 4th and New Year's holiday seasons, for a 3-year term.

• Frese Fireworks was granted approval to operate their seasonal fireworks stand on Highway 72, at the site of the former soccer fields.

• The stand will operate under all required temporary use standards, including access, parking, lighting, and fire safety regulations.

• Commissioners confirmed that the site is well-positioned away from residential congestion and has operated without incident in previous years.

**🗓️ PUD Extension Approved: Flyway Crossing

• Approved unanimously.

• The applicant requested an extension for the previously approved Planned Unit Development (PUD) known as Flyway Crossing.

• This extension was granted primarily due to ongoing sewer capacity limitations, which have delayed progress across several planned projects.

• Staff and Commission confirmed that no design or density changes were being proposed—this was strictly a time extension to preserve entitlements under the original conditions until infrastructure allows full buildout.

📍 Final Plat Approved: The Landing

• Approved unanimously.

• The final plat for The Landing subdivision marks the conclusion of a multi-phase project. Staff confirmed that all public utility easements, infrastructure tie-ins, and drainage requirements had been satisfied.

• During discussion, the Commission emphasized that this plat reflects the culmination of earlier planning decisions, and confirmed that the internal roadway alignment, pedestrian access, and lot configurations remained consistent with previously approved preliminary plans.

• There was also clarification regarding park land dedication obligations, which had been fulfilled in earlier phases.

• Mayor Bill Edwards spoke up during this item, sharing that he had received several questions recently about The Landing and its development status. He emphasized the importance of transparency and communication with the public and noted that this final plat solidifies the project’s compliance with city planning protocols.

• Commissioners echoed that sentiment, adding that the subdivision’s progression reflects proper phasing and accountability from the developer side.

• This final approval clears the way for lots to be officially recorded and permits to be pulled for residential construction—bringing another planned neighborhood closer to completion in Centerton’s expanding west side.

📍 Final Plat Approved: The Reserve at Wolverine

• Approved unanimously.

• This final plat included updated drainage and easement details, and staff confirmed it met all engineering and platting requirements.

• The approval allows the subdivision to move into the building permit and sale phase.

📌 Final Thoughts

• This meeting showcased a wide range of requests—from short-term rentals and accessory dwellings to final plats and PUD extensions—each bringing its own set of considerations.

• The Commission demonstrated care in listening to community voices, especially around STRs in Featherston Village, while reinforcing the importance of fair policy application.

• The Landing’s final plat sparked valuable discussion around transparency and the importance of public understanding in multi-phase developments.

• Frese Fireworks and Lost Inc. exemplified how temporary uses can be successfully integrated when planned with foresight and in compliance with standards.

• And as infrastructure continues to impact development timelines, like with Flyway Crossing’s sewer-related delay, the city remains focused on steady, well-coordinated growth.

• Credit to staff and commissioners alike for managing a packed agenda with thoughtfulness and clarity.

Bookmark this blog and check back after each meeting for the latest Centerton planning insights, straight from your local real estate expert, The Blue Haired Broker with Engel & Völkers Bentonville.

Whether you’re watching for upcoming inventory in new subdivisions like The Landing or keeping tabs on accessory dwelling trends for multigenerational living, these meetings offer an early glimpse into the future of Centerton’s housing landscape. And if you're thinking about buying, selling, or simply staying informed—I'm here to guide you through it all with insight, strategy, and local expertise.