The Little Rock Planning Commission on April 10 approved rezoning 2524 South Pine Street from R-3 to PDR to allow construction of a four-unit townhouse-style multifamily building that will be owner-occupied for one unit with three units marketed for rent.

Staff said the proposed development would contain four units of approximately 880 square feet each, include townhouse front porches facing West 26th Street and a shared driveway leading to garages. The proposal shows a 26-foot front-yard setback, 17.6-foot side setbacks and a two-story maximum height not to exceed 35 feet. Section 36502 (parking requirement) requires 1.5 spaces per unit; staff said the site plan provides adequate parking with garage spaces and room for a second vehicle per unit.

One neighbor speaker, Beverly Smith, said she was not strictly opposed but urged more single-family redevelopment and expressed concern that rental units increase traffic and change neighborhood character. Applicant Jimmy Mays said the proposed units are three-bedroom, two-bath residences and that he intends to be hands-on in selection of tenants to maintain neighborhood character.

Commissioners asked about lot orientation and confirmed the platted front faces Pine Street; they praised elements of the design as a creative redevelopment option that can blend with single-family character. Several commissioners complimented the applicant for investing in the neighborhood and noted tree preservation where possible.

A motion to accept staff’s recommendation passed on a roll-call vote with the following recorded: Brown — yes; Bernard — yes; Hart — yes; Hodges — yes; McDonald — yes; Person — yes; Russell — yes; Samad — yes; Trimble — yes; Baxter — yes; Vickers — yes. The motion was recorded as approved.

The PDR rezoning allows the applicant to proceed with site-plan and permit reviews under the conditions in the staff report.