Northwest Arkansas

Bella Vista

• Ended single-family zoning. The smallest density zoning (R-1) is now called Low Density Residential and allows single-family and two-family dwellings.
• Created a mixed-use zoning designation to promote/require residential AND commercial uses within one development.
• Targeted key areas with the new zoning map and proposed increased density and mixed-use where applicable per our adopted land use plan.
• Streamlined planning reviews – all site plan reviews will now be done through staff so long as it’s not industrial, a planned zoning district, or requires special approval from PC (CUPs, variances, waivers, etc.).

Bentonville

• Plan Bentonville is underway with the Future Land Use Plan approved by city council
• A zoning code update is in progress

Cave Springs

Cave Springs is actively promoting housing diversity by encouraging multi-family developments, smaller single-family lots, and unique housing typologies like zero lot line homes and cottage courts. The City is also enhancing walkability and regional connectivity through new sidewalks and the integration of a greenway trail into the downtown core. Additionally, Cave Springs is supporting mixed-use development by updating zoning codes, streamlining the PZD process, and adopting a Downtown Master Plan to guide future growth.

Centerton

Check out the latest from the Centerton Planning Department

Elkins

Check out the latest from the City of Elkins

Elm Springs

Check out the latest from the Elm Springs Planning Department

Farmington

Check out the latest from the Farmington Planning Commission

Fayetteville

• Housing Affordability & Production: Fayetteville is leveraging $1.599 million in federal HOME funds to incentivize long-term affordability through rental development, homebuyer assistance, and owner-occupied beautification projects.
• Housing Diversity: Updates to the city's zoning code and future land use map encourage options to promote density, including allowances for accessory dwelling units (ADUs), duplexes, and small-scale multifamily homes in more areas.
• Walkable, Transit-Connected Development: Our recent form-based code expansion and mixed-use infill policies prioritize walkability and transit alignment in designated growth areas.
• Streamlined Permitting & Zoning Reform: We’ve accelerated internal working groups focused on modernizing our permitting process, with early wins including clearer checklists, simplified review timelines, and a customer-focused permit dashboard in development. Specifically, we've passed several key ordinances to expand the types of homes that can be built here, including ordinances that:

Gravette

Johnson

Check out the latest from the Johnson Planning Department

Lowell

Check out the latest from the Lowell Planning Department

Pea Ridge

Check out the latest from the Pea Ridge Planning Department

Prairie Grove

Check out the latest from the Prairie Grove Planning Department

Regional Planning

• Learn more about the Northwest Arkansas Regional Planning Commission
• Read a blog post about the NWAPC

Rogers

• The Rogers Unified Development Code will be amended in July 2025 to include provisions for creating condominiums. These regulations conform with Arkansas State Law while make it easier administratively to build and maintain developments with common property.

• The Departments of Community Development and Community Risk Reduction are working with Pattern Zone Co. to develop a portfolio of pre-approved plans for missing-middle housing.

• Rogers has further streamlined the development review process by allowing plans for public improvements to be submitted in the same planset as plats and site development plans.

Siloam Springs

• With the passage of Act 313, there will be more avenues for builders and homeowners to construct ADUs.
• All new subdivisions are required to have sidewalks.
• The City is in the process of developing a Unified Development Code (UDC). One of the principal aims of the UDC is zoning reform.
• Siloam Springs seeks to be a place where our residents grow and thrive in a vibrant community. This includes addressing issues such as water quality in Sager Creek, emergency response and readiness, and reducing low density, single land use developments that have sprawled to the edges of town. There is renewed focus is on fostering urban infill utilizing “strong towns” principals. The City remains committed to upgrading our streets to best serve the needs of the community and future residents.

Springdale

Springdale recently adopted the Downtown Master Plan Addendum, which includes two major components:

1. a housing development master plan for the southeast quadrant of Downtown, and
2. a parking study and strategy for the entirety of Downtown.

Within that strategy, Springdale now offers a Workforce Attainable Housing Density Bonus. It will be incorporated into the Downtown Springdale Form-Based Code and applies to eligible new construction in specific areas of Downtown. It allows additional building height and unit count within the Building Envelope Standards in exchange for providing a minimum percentage of workforce-attainable housing.

Tontitown

Tontitown is laying the groundwork for a new comprehensive plan in 2026, while implementing a 412 overlay district to modernize development standards and working on a “Heritage District” to honor and shape its historic roots.