Rezoning required for RV repair shop

A request for a conditional use was not opposed but was not the appropriate request to bring before the Planning Commission. according to city attorney Howard Slinkard.

Slinkard told planners that the proposed use of the property at 1900 Slack St. does not fit within the agricultural zone.

Tim and Lori Gunter appeared before city planners. No one from the public appeared at the public hearing. The Gunters told city officials they wanted to put in an RV service center.

"I've worked on RVs for 40 years. I was living in Bentonville remodeling one at a time, when this property became available," Tim Gunter said. "With the location, it's the perfect place for a repair shop."

"It's zoned agriculture and they're asking for a conditional use. I believe it should be rezoned," Dr. Karen Sherman, planner, said. "I'm concerned about a conditional use request instead of rezoning."

"You can't issue a conditional use. It's not there," Slinkard said.

"They came in for a business license," Tony Townsend, building official, said, "but it wouldn't fit home occupancy."

Tim Gunter said: "Tony is the one who suggested this. He's the one that knows."

"Unfortunately the code doesn't permit non-conforming use," Slinkard said, recommending that the request be dropped and come back as a rezone request.

Planner Jerry Burton asked about the Gunter's plans.

"I'm really big on looking nice. We're not going to buy salvage trailers and put them out there for parts. We're big on looks and appearance, too," Tim Gunter said.

Townsend said he would get a rezoning request to the Gunters.

General News on 04/15/2015