The Fayetteville City Council held its second reading of its controversial “Driveway” Ordinance during its meeting on Tuesday, October 15. Over 75 people were in attendance at the meeting; the majority of those present were in opposition of this Ordinance. City Council member Smith proposed an amendment to the Ordinance, which would grandfather in any development secured between 2014- 1 year after adoption of this proposal; the amendment passed 7-1.
Public comment regarding the Driveway Ordinance ensued for over 2 hours, and over 25 people spoke in opposition; no one spoke for the proposed ordinance. City Council members spoke following public comment, and the vote was tabled until the next City Council meeting on November 5th.
CALL TO ACTION: PLEASE attend the Fayetteville City Council meeting on November 5th; we need as many people in the room as possible who oppose having the City of Fayetteville mandate the width of driveways in our undeveloped areas, which directly affects their garage structure’s size and orientation on your property. The meeting on November 5th will be the third and FINAL reading; this means the Fayetteville City Council will vote on this Ordinance at this meeting.
Fayetteville City Council Meeting
Tuesday, November 5th at 5:30 pm
Fayetteville City Hall
113 West Mountain, Rm. 219, Fayetteville AR 72701
Earlier this year, the Northwest Arkansas Home Builders Association worked alongside the Arkansas State HBA and the NAHB (National Association of Home Builders) to pass Arkansas Act 446, which prohibits local cities and municipalities from regulating residential building designs, materials, and placement of structures on a homeowner’s property solely on the basis of aesthetics. If the Fayetteville City Council votes for this Ordinance, they will be in direct violation of this state law, and will likely face lawsuits as a result of the vote.
