Centerton Planning Commission Recap, January 20, 2026

Centerton Planning Commission Recap, January 20, 2026

Featherston West setback amendment approved and early zoning cleanup discussions begin

If you have questions about buying, building, or selling in Centerton, call or text me at 314-517-3196, email allie.verdery@evrealestate.com, or visit thebluehairedbroker.com. I am Allie Verdery, The Blue Haired Broker with Engel & Volkers Bentonville, your local Centerton Luxury Real Estate Advisor, and I attend these meetings so residents and property owners can understand not just what passed, but why it matters.

New business

PUD25-02 Featherston West, setback amendment

This meeting had one public hearing item, and it was detailed but ultimately very straightforward.

What was requested

The applicant requested an amendment to the existing PUD22-02 Featherston West to reduce the minimum front building setback on lots 273 through 290:

• From 37 feet to 27 feet measured from the centerline of the road

• A reduction of 10 feet

These lots are located in Phase 3 of the Featherston West development, near Kimmel Road and Daisy Road, on the southwest portion of the subdivision.

Background and context

Staff explained that:

• The original Featherston West PUD was approved in February 2023

• Phase 1, consisting of approximately 100 units along Kimmel Road, has already been platted and recorded

• Phases 2 and 3 are still under construction, with this request applying only to Phase 3

The amendment was requested because:

• The development was sold to a new owner

• The new builder’s home product would not fit within the originally approved building envelope on these specific lots

Rather than requesting a variance, the applicant pursued a PUD amendment, which is the correct process since the original setbacks were established through the PUD approval.

What changed and what stayed the same

This is where the nuance matters.

What did not change

• Side setbacks

• Landscape buffer requirements

• Overall PUD zoning structure

• Utility access and safety standards

What did change

• The homes were shifted slightly closer to the street

• Driveways and parking were moved to the side of the homes, rather than in front

• Lots were made wider, even though fewer lots exist overall

Commissioners were told:

• The original plan allowed up to 297 lots

• The revised plan reduces that to 293 lots

• Required two off street parking spaces per home are still accommodated

• Utilities were reviewed by water and sewer and utility providers, with confirmation that adequate space exists

• A 12 foot utility easement remains between the back of curb and the building setback

• There are no sidewalks in front of these homes, as pedestrian circulation is provided behind the houses between rows

Open space actually increased

One of the most important trade offs discussed was open space.

Under the original PUD:

• The development was required to provide 15 percent open space due to the presence of commercial zoning in the northeast corner

With the amendment:

• The original plan provided 17 percent open space

• The revised plan increases that to 20 percent open space

• Most of that increase comes from an expanded green space in the southwest corner of the development

This point was specifically acknowledged during commissioner discussion.

Safety and design discussion

Commissioners asked thoughtful questions about:

• Whether a 12 foot distance from curb to front of house was safe

• Visibility for drivers

• Pedestrian access

Staff and the applicant clarified:

• No sidewalks exist in front of these homes, reducing pedestrian conflicts

• Parking is not on street for these lots

• Visibility and traffic safety are not negatively impacted

• Homes were moved forward, but parking and spacing between structures were improved laterally

Public hearing

The public hearing was:

• Opened

• No one from the audience spoke

• Closed

Staff also noted that the applicant met all notification requirements:

• Mailed notices to property owners within 300 feet

• Posted signage

• Published notice

• City posted notices

Decision

The Planning Commission voted by roll call to approve PUD25-02 Featherston West.

Outcome

• ✅ Amendment approved unanimously

Other business

Schedule of Uses, early discussion

The commission then moved into Other Business, which focused on a preliminary review of the Schedule of Uses within the zoning code.

This was not an action item. It was an early working discussion.

Why this matters

Staff explained there are inconsistencies in how uses are allowed across zoning districts, particularly:

• Between commercial districts

• Between commercial and industrial districts

• Situations where a use may be allowed in one district but not another with similar intensity

One specific example mentioned:

• Grocery stores being permitted outright in certain commercial districts when they may be more appropriate as conditional uses depending on size and context

Key themes from the discussion

• The biggest pinch points appear to be within commercial zoning districts, not industrial

• Commissioners acknowledged that current categories sometimes lack clarity between neighborhood scale uses and more intense commercial uses

• There was discussion about:

  • Possibly introducing another commercial zoning category

  • Using square footage thresholds to differentiate neighborhood scale retail from larger formats

  • Considering overlay districts as a future tool

  • Improving how zoning districts are explained, not just how uses are listed

Staff noted:

• Only about one third of the schedule has been reviewed so far

• More research and comparison with other fast growing cities is planned

• Commissioners were encouraged to review the material and bring feedback to future meetings

Outcome

• 📌 No action taken

• 📌 Item remains under staff and commission review

Announcements

Several reminders and updates were shared:

• Upcoming meetings

  • City Council: February 10, 2026 at 6:00 PM

  • Planning Commission: February 3, 2026 at 6:00 PM

  • Technical Review Committee: February 19, 2026 at 2:00 PM, via Zoom

Branding update

Staff shared that the new Centerton community brand has officially launched. Commissioners reacted positively to:

• The apple inspired logo

• The use of the “C” within the design

• The tagline “Community at Our Core”

This tied back nicely to the City Council’s formal adoption of the brand the week prior.

Final takeaways

📌 What was approved

• PUD25-02 Featherston West setback amendment for lots 273 through 290

📌 What residents and builders should note

• This was a PUD amendment, not a variance

• Lot count decreased, but lot width and open space increased

• Utilities, parking, and safety considerations were reviewed and addressed

📌 What to watch next

• Continued review of the zoning Schedule of Uses

• Potential future changes to commercial zoning structure and clarity

Why this matters for real estate in Centerton

Planning Commission decisions like this shape home design, density, neighborhood layout, and long term market appeal. Understanding the trade offs behind these approvals is key for buyers, sellers, and anyone considering building in Centerton.

If you want to talk through how planning decisions impact home values or future development patterns, I am always happy to help.

Allie Verdery
The Blue Haired Broker, Engel & Volkers Bentonville
Centerton Luxury Real Estate Advisor
📞 314-517-3196
✉️ allie.verdery@evrealestate.com
🌐 thebluehairedbroker.com