CAPITOL ZONING DISTRICT COMMISSION STATE OF ARKANSAS. What it the Capitol Zoning District Commission?

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Donna Cobb
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CAPITOL ZONING DISTRICT COMMISSION STATE OF ARKANSAS 410 South Battery Street, Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 324-9644 http://czdc.arkansas.gov What it the Capitol Zoning District Commission?

A nine-member commission reviews exterior changes and land-use within the District. The Commission's mission, in brief, is 1.) To preserve the visual prominence of the State Capitol; 2.

) To preserve historic and architecturally significant structures; and 5.) To encourage compatible development within the District. What does the CZDC review?

1 CAPITOL ZONING DISTRICT COMMISSION STATE OF ARKANSAS 410 South Battery Street, Little Rock, AR (501) What it the Capitol Zoning District Commission? The Capitol Zoning District was created in 1975 by the General Assembly to protect and improve the neighborhoods around the State Capitol and the Governor's Mansion. A nine-member commission reviews exterior changes and land-use within the District. The Commission's mission, in brief, is 1.) To preserve the visual prominence of the State Capitol; 2.) To ensure a public environment of high amenity in the State Capitol Area; 3.) To preserve the residential character of the Governor s Mansion Area; 4.) To preserve historic and architecturally significant structures; and 5.) To encourage compatible development within the District. What does the CZDC review? The agency reviews how land in the Capitol Zoning District is used, such as single-family, multifamily, office or commercial. The agency s authority over land-use includes requirements for building heights and setbacks, for offstreet parking, and for signage. The agency also reviews all exterior modifications in the District, including new construction, additions, renovations, and demolitions, as well as the installation of site improvements such as carports, fences, and parking lots. Finally, the agency may review cases of severe deterioration, also called demolition-by-neglect. What types of work does the CZDC not regulate? CZDC does not review the ordinary maintenance of a building s exterior or any interior remodeling. The agency does not regulate building codes for plumbing, HVAC, electrical, or life-safety systems. The agency does not regulate any activity in the public right-of-way, including alleys and sidewalks. CZDC does not review work performed by utility companies or other state agencies. CZDC does not regulate paint colors. The agency does not regulate nuisances such as trash in yards, weed lots, or noisy animals. Finally, the CZDC does not review alleged criminal activity, but refers such complaints to law enforcement agencies. Most Capitol Zoning permits are approved by staff. Agency activities including approvals, denials, meetings, and violations are reported monthly to the Arkansas Legislative Council.

2 Capitol Zoning District 1980 vs South Main Street 1400 block West Third Street 1700 block West Twentieth (Charles Bussey) Street 300 block

3 Capitol Zoning District State Capitol Area

4 Capitol Zoning District Governor s Mansion Area

5 Recent rehabilitation projects in the Capitol Zoning District 1915 South Gaines 2219 South Arch 2010 South Louisiana 1510 South Main

6 Recent rehabilitation projects in the Capitol Zoning District (cont.) 707 South Dennison 2215 South Louisiana 1922 South Main

7 Recent new construction in the Capitol Zoning District 2001 South Broadway 321 South Victory 1300 South Arch 2304 South Louisiana 1301 South Louisiana 1306 South Arch 1917 South Scott 1415 West Third (addition)

Capitol Zoning has served to keep properties in active use MacArthur Park Historic District Capitol Zoning District (Gov Mansion Area) In late 2015, the City of Little Rock conducted a survey of

8 Capitol Zoning has served to keep properties in active use MacArthur Park Historic District Capitol Zoning District (Gov Mansion Area) In late 2015, the City of Little Rock conducted a survey of vacant lots and vacant buildings in downtown Little Rock. Green parcels on the map above represent vacant lots, and gray represents vacant buildings. The shaded purple areas show the boundaries of special districts. Capitol Zoning s effect on property investment is real and noticeable. Knowing that surrounding properties will be held to a uniform set of agreed upon standards allows owners to invest confidently in their homes and businesses. (Most of the vacant properties in the Governor s Mansion Area lie in the L -shaped region along Chester and Roosevelt these blocks weren t included in the District until 2001.)

ARTICLE 1: Purpose and Administration

ARTICLE 1: Purpose and Administration... 1-1 17.1.1: Title...1-1 17.1.2: Purpose and Intent...1-1 17.1.3: Relationship to Comprehensive Plan...1-1 17.1.4: Effective Date...1-2 17.1.5: Applicability...1-2