reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
AR Code § 14-56-304 (2020)
2020 Arkansas Code|Title 14 - Local Government|Subtitle 3 - Municipal Government|Chapter 56 - Municipal Building and Zoning Regulations — Planning|Subchapter 3 - Zoning Regulations|§ 14-56-304. Setback lines in cities of the second class

 (a)  (1) Upon the petition of a majority of the owners of lots, or parts thereof, in any district comprising one (1) or more blocks fronting on any residential street in any city of the second class, the city council shall have the power to prohibit, by ordinance, the use of the front part of the lots, for the distance of two-thirds (2/3) of the depth thereof from the street, for stables, barns, or other outhouses, or for stock lots.  (2) Persons already so using such property shall have six (6) months in which to remove such buildings or discontinue such use.    (b)  (1) The petitions and ordinance mentioned in subsection (a) of this section shall set forth the metes and bounds of the proposed district, which shall include both sides of the residential street, not to exceed one-half (½) the distance through the block.  (2) It shall be immaterial in what part of the proposed district the petitioners' property lies, so that the petition contains a majority of all property owners in the district.    (c) The continued occupancy of these lots by the owner contrary to the terms of an ordinance, when duly passed, shall constitute a public nuisance. The owner or proprietor of them shall, upon conviction, be fined in any sum not less than five dollars ($5.00) and not to exceed fifteen dollars ($15.00) per day for the continued violation thereof.
AR Code § 14-56-305 (2020)
2020 Arkansas Code|Title 14 - Local Government|Subtitle 3 - Municipal Government|Chapter 56 - Municipal Building and Zoning Regulations — Planning|Subchapter 3 - Zoning Regulations|§ 14-56-305. Conformance required — Exceptions

 (a)  (1) When the city council shall have laid off zones, it shall not be lawful for anyone to construct or carry on within a given zone any business not authorized by the ordinance of the city establishing it, unless with special permission granted by the council of the city, or by a commission which it may create for the purpose of determining whether an exception shall be made, in the particular instance.  (2) Exceptions shall be made only for good cause.    (b) In case of abuse, the adjacent property owners shall have the right to appeal to the courts of chancery to protect their property from depreciation by reason of the setting up of exceptional business within the zone.
AR Code § 14-56-306 (2020)
2020 Arkansas Code|Title 14 - Local Government|Subtitle 3 - Municipal Government|Chapter 56 - Municipal Building and Zoning Regulations — Planning|Subchapter 3 - Zoning Regulations|§ 14-56-306. Land use in adjacent and contiguous cities to be compatible — Definitions

 (a) If municipalities become adjacent and contiguous to one another through annexation or other procedures, then lands or properties within the boundary area of each municipality shall be zoned only for land uses which are compatible with the zoned land uses of the adjoining lands or properties, even if the adjoining lands or properties are located outside the corporate limits or are located within the corporate limits of another municipality.  (b) Adjoining lands within the boundary area shall remain zoned with a compatible land use until the governing body of each municipality which is adjacent and contiguous to the boundary area adopts a resolution agreeing to a change in the zoning of the lands or properties that adjoin one another and stating that the rezoning to a land use which is not compatible will not adversely impact the adjoined land or property.  (c) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires:  (1) “Adjacent and contiguous” means any time the corporate limits of one municipality come in contact with the boundaries of the corporate limits of another municipality, or if the boundaries of one municipality extend to within one thousand feet (1000') of the corporate limits of another municipality;  (2) “Boundary area” means the area of land along the municipal boundary that is:  (A) Inside the municipality and within one thousand feet (1000') of the municipality's corporate boundary that is adjacent and contiguous to another municipality; and  (B) Outside the municipality, but within the planning and zoning jurisdiction of the municipality and also within one thousand feet (1000') of the municipality's corporate boundary that is adjacent and contiguous to another municipality;    (3)  (A) “Compatible land use” means any use of lands, buildings, and structures which is harmonious to the uses and activities being conducted on the adjoining lands and properties and which does not adversely affect or unreasonably impact any use or enjoyment of the adjoined land.  (B) A compatible land use includes a land use authorized by the municipal zoning ordinance for the zone that is the equivalent to, or that is as nearly equivalent as possible to, a land use authorized by the municipal zoning ordinance; and    (4) “Municipality” means:  (A) A city of the first class;  (B) A city of the second class; or  (C) An incorporated town.      (d) This section shall apply to municipalities with planning commissions and zoning ordinances authorized under §§ 14-56-401 — 14-56-425 and shall apply to any other municipal zoning regulations authorized by Arkansas law.  (e) Notwithstanding anything contained in subsections (a)-(d) of this section, this section shall not apply to any property if the owners of the property have sought to have services extended to the property pursuant to § 14-40-2002 prior to March 30, 2001.
AR Code § 14-56-401 (2020)
2020 Arkansas Code|Title 14 - Local Government|Subtitle 3 - Municipal Government|Chapter 56 - Municipal Building and Zoning Regulations — Planning|Subchapter 4 - Municipal Planning|§ 14-56-401. Construction

 This subchapter shall be construed liberally. The enumeration of any object, purpose, power, manner, method, or thing shall not be deemed to exclude like or similar objects, purposes, powers, manners, methods, or things.
AR Code § 14-56-402 (2020)
2020 Arkansas Code|Title 14 - Local Government|Subtitle 3 - Municipal Government|Chapter 56 - Municipal Building and Zoning Regulations — Planning|Subchapter 4 - Municipal Planning|§ 14-56-402. Authority generally

 Cities of the first and second class and incorporated towns shall have the power to adopt and enforce plans for the coordinated, adjusted, and harmonious development of the municipality and its environs.
AR Code § 14-56-403 (2020)
2020 Arkansas Code|Title 14 - Local Government|Subtitle 3 - Municipal Government|Chapter 56 - Municipal Building and Zoning Regulations — Planning|Subchapter 4 - Municipal Planning|§ 14-56-403. Purpose of plans

 (a) The plans of the municipality shall be prepared in order to promote, in accordance with present and future needs, the safety, morals, order, convenience, prosperity, and general welfare of the citizens.  (b) The plans may provide, among other things, for:  (1) Efficiency and economy in the process of development;  (2) The appropriate and best use of land;  (3) Convenience of traffic and circulation of people and goods;  (4) Safety from fire and other dangers;  (5) Adequate light and air in the use and occupancy of buildings;  (6) Healthful and convenient distribution of population;  (7) Good civic design and arrangement;  (8) Adequate public utilities and facilities; and  (9) Wise and efficient expenditure of funds.
AR Code § 14-56-404 (2020)
2020 Arkansas Code|Title 14 - Local Government|Subtitle 3 - Municipal Government|Chapter 56 - Municipal Building and Zoning Regulations — Planning|Subchapter 4 - Municipal Planning|§ 14-56-404. Planning commission created

 (a)  (1) The legislative body of the municipality may create a planning commission of not less than five (5) members, of whom at least two-thirds (2/3) shall not hold any other municipal office or appointment except membership in the board of adjustment or a joint planning agency.  (2) A city of the second class or an incorporated town may elect by ordinance to allow the city council to serve as the planning commission and board of adjustment under this subchapter.    (b) The legislative body may confer on the commission the powers necessary to carry out the municipal plan.
AR Code § 14-56-405 (2020)
2020 Arkansas Code|Title 14 - Local Government|Subtitle 3 - Municipal Government|Chapter 56 - Municipal Building and Zoning Regulations — Planning|Subchapter 4 - Municipal Planning|§ 14-56-405. Appointment of members

 (a) Appointment and terms of the members of the planning commission shall be as provided by city ordinance.  (b) The legislative body of the municipality may appoint one-third (1/3) of the membership of the commission from electors living outside the corporate limits of the municipality but within the recorded planning jurisdiction of the municipality.
AR Code § 14-56-406 (2020)
2020 Arkansas Code|Title 14 - Local Government|Subtitle 3 - Municipal Government|Chapter 56 - Municipal Building and Zoning Regulations — Planning|Subchapter 4 - Municipal Planning|§ 14-56-406. Commission officers

 (a)  (1) The planning commission shall designate one (1) of its members as chair and select a vice chair and such other officers as it may require.  (2) The mayor shall serve as the chair of the planning commission if the city council is operating as the planning commission and board of adjustment under § 14-56-404(a)(2).    (b) The terms of office of the chair and other officers of the commission shall be as provided by the rules of the planning commission.
AR Code § 14-56-407 (2020)
2020 Arkansas Code|Title 14 - Local Government|Subtitle 3 - Municipal Government|Chapter 56 - Municipal Building and Zoning Regulations — Planning|Subchapter 4 - Municipal Planning|§ 14-56-407. Meetings of commission

 (a) Regular meeting dates shall be established providing for at least one (1) regular meeting to be held in each quarter of each calendar year.  (b) The commission shall keep a public record of all business, resolutions, transactions, findings, and determinations.
AR Code § 14-56-408 (2020)
2020 Arkansas Code|Title 14 - Local Government|Subtitle 3 - Municipal Government|Chapter 56 - Municipal Building and Zoning Regulations — Planning|Subchapter 4 - Municipal Planning|§ 14-56-408. Rules and regulations

 The planning commission shall adopt rules and regulations for the discharge of its duties and the transaction of business.
AR Code § 14-56-409 (2020)
2020 Arkansas Code|Title 14 - Local Government|Subtitle 3 - Municipal Government|Chapter 56 - Municipal Building and Zoning Regulations — Planning|Subchapter 4 - Municipal Planning|§ 14-56-409. Compensation of members

 The members of the municipal planning commissions established pursuant to the provisions of this subchapter shall be entitled to receive such compensation, if any, for attendance at commission meetings as may be authorized by an ordinance duly adopted by the governing body of the city.
AR Code § 14-56-410 (2020)
2020 Arkansas Code|Title 14 - Local Government|Subtitle 3 - Municipal Government|Chapter 56 - Municipal Building and Zoning Regulations — Planning|Subchapter 4 - Municipal Planning|§ 14-56-410. Appropriations

 The municipality is authorized to appropriate funds to the planning commission to be used in carrying out its functions.
AR Code § 14-56-411 (2020)
2020 Arkansas Code|Title 14 - Local Government|Subtitle 3 - Municipal Government|Chapter 56 - Municipal Building and Zoning Regulations — Planning|Subchapter 4 - Municipal Planning|§ 14-56-411. Purpose of commission

 The general purpose of the planning commission is to:   (1) Prepare, or have prepared, a plan of the municipality;  (2) Receive and make recommendations on public and private proposals for development;  (3) Prepare and administer planning regulations;  (4) Prepare and transmit to the legislative body recommended ordinances implementing plans; and  (5) Advise and counsel the city government and other public bodies.
AR Code § 14-56-413 (2020)
2020 Arkansas Code|Title 14 - Local Government|Subtitle 3 - Municipal Government|Chapter 56 - Municipal Building and Zoning Regulations — Planning|Subchapter 4 - Municipal Planning|§ 14-56-413. Territorial jurisdiction

 (a)  (1)  (A) The territorial jurisdiction of the governing body of a municipality for the purpose of this subchapter shall not exceed the limits stated under this subsection.  (B) If the territorial limits of two (2) or more municipalities conflict, the limits of their respective territorial jurisdictions shall be a line equidistant between them, or as agreed on by the respective municipalities.    (2) In addition to the powers under this subchapter, cities now having eight thousand (8,000) population or more shall have the authority to administer and enforce planning ordinances outside their corporate limits as follows:  (A) For cities of eight thousand (8,000) to sixty thousand (60,000) population, the jurisdictional area will be one (1) mile beyond the corporate limits;  (B) For cities of sixty thousand (60,000) to one hundred fifty thousand (150,000) population, the jurisdictional area will be two (2) miles beyond the corporate limits; and  (C)  (i) For cities of one hundred fifty thousand (150,000) population and greater, the jurisdictional area will be three (3) miles beyond the corporate limits.  (ii) Upon July 3, 1989, no city with a population in excess of one hundred fifty thousand (150,000) persons shall exercise any zoning authority outside the boundaries of the county wherein it is located without the approval of the quorum court of the county wherein the city is not located and the approval of the governing bodies of all other cities having zoning authority over the area.      (3) Cities having a population of eight thousand (8,000) persons or less:  (A) Shall have a jurisdictional area that does not exceed one (1) mile beyond the corporate limits; and  (B) Shall not exercise any zoning authority outside the corporate limits.    (4) Cities now having an eight thousand (8,000) population or more and situated on a navigable stream may administer and enforce zoning ordinances outside their corporate limits but may not exceed the territorial limits under subdivision (a)(2) of this section.  (5) The city populations will be based on the most recent federal decennial census.    (b)  (1) The planning commission shall designate the area within the territorial jurisdiction for which it will prepare plans, ordinances, and regulations.  (2) A description of the boundaries of the area shall be filed with the city clerk and with the county recorder.
AR Code § 14-56-414 (2020)
2020 Arkansas Code|Title 14 - Local Government|Subtitle 3 - Municipal Government|Chapter 56 - Municipal Building and Zoning Regulations — Planning|Subchapter 4 - Municipal Planning|§ 14-56-414. Preparation of plans

 (a) Studies. The planning commission shall undertake suitable studies related to the plans to be prepared. The studies shall be conducted after the completion of the planning area map and prior to the preparation of the plans.  (b)  (1) Land Use Plan. The commission may prepare and adopt a land use plan which may include, but shall not be limited to:  (A) The reservation of open spaces;  (B) The preservation of natural and historical features, sites, and monuments;  (C) The existing uses to be retained without change;  (D) The existing uses proposed for change; and  (E) The areas proposed for new development.    (2) The plan may include areas proposed for redevelopment, rehabilitation, renewal, and similar programs.    (c)  (1) Community Facilities Plan. The commission may prepare and adopt a community facilities plan indicating the general location and extent of the service areas of, and the future requirements of:  (A) Community facilities such as schools, playgrounds, recreational areas, hospitals, special education facilities, and cultural facilities;  (B) Governmental buildings and areas;  (C) Public and private utility terminals and lines; and  (D) Transportation terminals and lines.    (2) The plan may indicate areas to be reserved for future public acquisition as provided in this subchapter.    (d)  (1) Master Street Plan. The commission may prepare and adopt a master street plan which shall designate the general location, characteristics, and functions of streets and highways.  (2)  (A) The plan shall include the general locations of streets and highways to be reserved for future public acquisition.  (B) The plan may provide for the removal, relocation, widening, narrowing, vacating, abandonment, and change of use or extension of any public ways.      (e) Other Plans. The commission may prepare and adopt such other plans as are significant to the health, safety, and general welfare of the municipality and its environs.
AR Code § 14-56-415 (2020)
2020 Arkansas Code|Title 14 - Local Government|Subtitle 3 - Municipal Government|Chapter 56 - Municipal Building and Zoning Regulations — Planning|Subchapter 4 - Municipal Planning|§ 14-56-415. Plan recommendations

 Following the adoption and filing of any plan, the planning commission may transmit to the legislative body, for enactment, recommended ordinances and regulations which will carry out or protect the various elements of the plan.
AR Code § 14-56-416 (2020)
2020 Arkansas Code|Title 14 - Local Government|Subtitle 3 - Municipal Government|Chapter 56 - Municipal Building and Zoning Regulations — Planning|Subchapter 4 - Municipal Planning|§ 14-56-416. Zoning ordinance

 (a)  (1) Following adoption and filing of the land use plan, the commission may prepare for submission to the legislative body a recommended zoning ordinance for the entire area of the municipality.  (2) The ordinance shall consist of both a map and a text.  (3)  (A) The ordinance may regulate the location, height, bulk, number of stories, and size of buildings; open space; lot coverage; density and distribution of population; and the uses of land, buildings, and structures.  (B) The ordinance may require off-street parking and loading.  (C) The ordinance may provide for districts, of compatible uses, for large scale unified development, for elimination of uses not in conformance with provisions of the ordinance, and for such other matters as are necessary to the health, safety, and general welfare of the municipality.  (D) The ordinance shall include provisions for administration and enforcement.  (E)  (i) The ordinance shall designate districts or zones of such shape, size, or characteristics as deemed advisable.  (ii) The regulations imposed within each district or zone shall be uniform throughout the district or zone.        (b)  (1) The ordinance shall provide for a board of zoning adjustment, which may either be composed of at least three (3) members, or the commission as a whole may sit as the board of zoning adjustment.  (2) The board shall have the following functions:  (A) Hear appeals from the decision of the administrative officers in respect to the enforcement and application of the ordinance, and may affirm or reverse, in whole or in part, the decision of the administrative officer;  (B)  (i)  (a) Hear requests for variances from the literal provisions of the zoning ordinance in instances where strict enforcement of the ordinance would cause undue hardship due to circumstances unique to the individual property under consideration, and grant such variances only when it is demonstrated that such action will be in keeping with the spirit and intent of the provisions of the ordinance.  (b) The board shall not permit, as a variance, any use in a zone that is not permitted under the ordinance.  (c) The board may impose conditions in the granting of a variance to insure compliance and to protect adjacent property.    (ii) Decisions of the board in respect to the above shall be subject to appeal only to a court of record having jurisdiction.      (3)  (A) The board shall establish regular meeting dates, adopt rules for the conduct of its business, establish a quorum and procedure, and keep a public record of all findings and decisions.  (B) Each session of the board shall be a public meeting with public notice of the meeting and business to be carried on published in a newspaper of general circulation in the city, at least one (1) time seven (7) days prior to the meeting.      (c) The ordinance shall be observed through denial of the issuance of building permits and use permits.
AR Code § 14-56-418 (2020)
2020 Arkansas Code|Title 14 - Local Government|Subtitle 3 - Municipal Government|Chapter 56 - Municipal Building and Zoning Regulations — Planning|Subchapter 4 - Municipal Planning|§ 14-56-418. Setback ordinance

 When a master street plan has been adopted and filed as provided, the legislative body of the city, upon recommendation of the commission, may enact ordinances establishing setback lines on such streets and highways as are designated by the plan and may prohibit the establishment of any new structure or other improvements within the setback lines.
AR Code § 14-56-419 (2020)
2020 Arkansas Code|Title 14 - Local Government|Subtitle 3 - Municipal Government|Chapter 56 - Municipal Building and Zoning Regulations — Planning|Subchapter 4 - Municipal Planning|§ 14-56-419. Control of road entry

 Following the adoption and filing of a master street plan as provided, the legislative body, upon recommendation of the commission, may enact ordinances providing for the control of entry into any of the major streets and highways shown in the plan.
AR Code § 14-56-420 (2020)
2020 Arkansas Code|Title 14 - Local Government|Subtitle 3 - Municipal Government|Chapter 56 - Municipal Building and Zoning Regulations — Planning|Subchapter 4 - Municipal Planning|§ 14-56-420. Adoption and amendment procedures

 Any of the recommended ordinances and regulations that may be prepared by the commission shall be adopted or amended only in conformance with procedures specified in § 14-56-422.
AR Code § 14-56-421 (2020)
2020 Arkansas Code|Title 14 - Local Government|Subtitle 3 - Municipal Government|Chapter 56 - Municipal Building and Zoning Regulations — Planning|Subchapter 4 - Municipal Planning|§ 14-56-421. Enforcement of ordinances and regulations

 (a)  (1) Violations of any provision of ordinances and regulations adopted to carry out the intent of plans shall be considered a misdemeanor.  (2) Each day's violation shall be considered a separate offense.    (b)  (1) The legislative body may enjoin any individual or property owner who is in violation of a planning ordinance to prevent or correct the violation.  (2) Any individual aggrieved by a violation of the ordinance may request an injunction against any individual or property owner in violation of the ordinance, or may mandamus any official to enforce the provisions of the ordinance.