The policies plan map is based on the policies, assumptions and forecasts contained in this plan. It contains general land use and circulation proposals and is not intended to show precisely the limits of land use proposed nor each individual use as other types of uses may be compatible with the designated use. For example, a convenience market, a school, several duplexes and single-family residences, along with appropriate zoning for each of those uses could all be in conformance with the plan designation of residential.
Because land use designations may not reflect specific local conditions they should not be interpreted to propose nor preclude developments without consideration of the policies, principles, standards, or intent of the general plan. Site considerations relating to topography, geology, soils, or hydrology may be more important in establishing the specific use and intensity of a particular parcel than designation on the plan map. Similarly, the presence of adequate streets as well as schools, parks and other community facilities should be assured before a development is approved that would otherwise be in conformance with the plan map.
Determination of the conformance of a proposed use or zone with the general plan should include consideration of the following questions:
DETAILED LEGEND
Residential densities are expressed in terms of net land area, which excludes land required for public streets. Planned Developments which provide for private streets may result in slightly higher densities in terms of gross (or total) land area.
Residential areas are indicated on the Policies Plan Map by use of the color yellow. While no densities are expressed, typical densities are as follows:
Suburban Density. Typical density is between 0-4 dwelling units per net acre. Typical lot sizes are 10,000 square feet or more. Typical development is single-family detached housing, although second units may be permitted. Planned Developments may include a variety of housing types within the overall density range.
Low Density. Typical density is between 4-8 dwelling units per net acre. Typical lot sizes range from 5,000 to 10,000 square feet. Typical development is single-family detached housing, although second units may be permitted. Some mobile home parks are developed at this density. Planned Developments may include a variety of housing types within the overall density range.
Medium Density. Typical density is between 8-17 dwelling units per net acre. Minimum lot area per dwelling unit is 2,500 square feet. Typical development may be mobile home parks; single-family detached housing, mixed with duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes; or townhouses and 2-3 story garden apartments. Planned Developments many include a variety of housing types within the overall density range.
High Density. Typical density is between 17-34 dwelling units per net acre, although individual projects may be approved at higher densities if over three stories (up to 58 dwelling units per net acre) or located in the downtown area (where there is no height or density limit). Typical development includes apartments or condominiums within multi-story buildings located within the downtown area, near major activity centers or along major arterials. Planned Developments may include a variety of housing types within the overall density range.
Commercial/Office/Retail. These areas include the regional shopping center, community shopping centers, concentrations of offices and professional services, and portions of the downtown area where mixed retail and office uses are encouraged. Not shown are neighborhood convenience centers which support and are compatible with residential areas. These areas are indicated on the Plan Map in the color red.
Certain areas along major arterials which are commercially zoned but presently vacant or underutilized may be appropriate for high-density residential use of mixed commercial/residential use. Development proposals within these areas should be evaluated within the context of applicable policies and standards and compatibility with adjoining areas.
Business Park/Campus. The business park campus land is largely unrepresented in the regional market. These areas could be used for a variety of office related uses as well as training related activities. These types of developments will require a close working relationship with a variety of different community organizations, such as Westark College, in order to provide a wide range of educational, instructional and training programs to on-site businesses and employees. Other uses would include traditional multi-story offices. These areas are outlined on the planning map in the color magenta.
Light Industrial. It is anticipated that a variety of different manufacturing activities could be attracted to these areas. All of the industrial areas are in close proximity to the proposed interstate. One particular area has been designated as a distribution center. Comprehensive design standards and use restrictions permit their location adjacent to residential areas. Other industrial development may be appropriate if compatible with adjacent industrial parks or residential areas. Light industrial is designated dark grey on the Plan Map.
Business Industrial. These areas could accommodate a variety of private sector firms that have a need for incorporating office and assembly activities, often referred as flex-space in the same building. These areas are designated light grey on the Plan Map.
Parks and Recreation. These areas include regional parks, community parks, and special use facilities such as golf courses, historic estates, linear parks and trails. Not shown are neighborhood parks and school athletic fields and playgrounds.
Agriculture. These areas include agricultural and grazing lands, undevelopable land due to slopes or other hazards, and lands proposed for park or other permanent open space. These areas are designated as green on the Plan Map.
Water/Wetlands/Floodplains. These areas are typically classed as undevelopable. However, a significant portion of water and wetland can be used to facilitate a natural drainage area. This plan envisions the use of the natural drainage characteristics. A series of trails or greenways could be located within these areas that would permit access by foot, horse, or bicycle. This natural setting will enhance the quality of any development adjoining these areas. The color blue on the Plan Map designates these areas.
Government/Nonprofit. These areas contain major governmental, educational and cultural facilities. Part of this area is the major activity center in the planning area. It contains major public facilities such as a new City Hall, retail and office areas, and even high-density residential areas. Mixed-use development is encouraged to promote the pedestrian orientation and to maintain the downtown area as an integrated living, working, shopping and recreational area. These areas are designated as light violet on the Plan Map.
Special/Schools. This area could accomodate school expansions and/or community center and/or girls and boys club. This area is designated dark violet on the Plan Map.
STREETS AND HIGHWAYS
Interstate. These routes are intended to carry regional and through traffic at high speeds. Access is limited by divided roadways, grade separations, and interchanges with expressways or major arterials.
Major Arterials
These routes are intended to carry inter-city traffic as well as intra-city traffic between important local generators. Facilities are generally four lanes or more with at grade intersections. Provision may be made for controlled turning movements. Expressways are included as major arterials but may feature selected characteristics of freeways.
Minor Arterials
These routes are intended to carry local traffic between major arterials and collector streets and/or serve local generators. the type of facility varies with the specific function, traffic volume and nature of adjacent development.
Not shown on the Plan Map are collector streets and local streets.
The function of collector streets is to carry local traffic to and from arterials as well as provide access to abutting properties. Local streets are intended primarily to provide direct access to abutting properties.
RAIL TRANSPORTATION
Railroad. One main line traverses the planning areas east to west and south into Fort Chaffee near Gate 3. This railroad effectively divides the current city of Barling from the Fort Chaffee expansion area.
One corridor represents the proposed extension of Strozier Lane (State HWY 253) through Fort Chaffee to State Hwy 71 South. The other corridor represents the extension of Massard Road through the Fort Chaffee properties to intersect with Interstate 49.