Zoning in Benton County?
Posted on Wednesday, March 26, 2008
BENTONVILLE - Zoning. Does it exist outside the actual cities of Benton County ?
Some would say "yes," and others would bet everything they own the answer is "no."
There's talk of a "Blue Book"that's meant to help Benton County guide planning, development and more. But even the county's governing bodies claim there are parts of the "Blue Book"that they are not sure they can legally enforce.
There was a group of residents that formed and met several times between 2003 and 2005 in an attempt to identify issues in the county and draw up possible solutions or ways to manage those issues. But even those involved in those discussions believe the county still has a long way to go.
So does the Benton County Quorum Court, which has appointed and charged a Benton County Zoning Committee with producing a county zoning ordinance for consideration. And in order to provide the general public with a voice, a focus group of more than a dozen residents who expressed interest in such issues to the county has been formed to work side by side with the Zoning Committee.
There were individuals from Bella Vista, Gentry and the Prairie Creek and Beaver Lake areas, as well as a rancher, an individual who intends to stand up for the county's agricultural interests and even a candidate in the race for Benton County judge.
"I'm not committed to zoning in Benton County, but I realize that we do need a plan," said Larry Kelly, a member of the Zoning Committee who was also involved in the residents group that discussed many of these same issues earlier this decade.
Some initial issues brought to the table during the informal first joint meeting of the Zoning Commission and Focus Group on Tuesday night was people living in travel trailers without connections to septic systems, water quality, how much and what kind of development should be permitted on Beaver Lake. Such focuses as sustainability, the rising cost of gasoline and other environmental factors seemed to be a concern for many as they worked their way through the initial meeting.
"There's a lot here to get our arms around, but I think having these groups working together is a good idea," Benton County Planning Director Ashley Pope said.
"I want these groups to have round-table discussions. I really want the focus group to feel they are at the table with those on the (Zoning ) Committee. Their input is just as important."
The two groups will meet about twice a month for an undetermined number of months. What will come of their discussions and meetings is unknown.
All of those in the room - regardless of which group they represented - had a point of view they were willing to offer.
But everyone was in agreement about one thing: There are definitely planning and zoning issues that must be addressed in Benton County.
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