Guide to the E-1: Extraction Zoning District in Fayetteville
The E-1: Extraction district in Fayetteville is a specialized industrial zone requiring a minimum lot size of 10 acres and at least 200 feet of frontage on a state road. Designed for commercial mining and the removal of natural resources like sand and gravel, the district enforces strict operational limits, including 200-foot setbacks from residential zones and restricted blasting hours from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays.
Purpose of the E-1: Extraction District
The Fayetteville City Council established the E-1: Extraction district to facilitate the commercial removal of natural accumulations, specifically sand, clay, silt, gravel, rock, and various minerals. Because extraction activities can significantly impact the surrounding environment, the district regulations aim to mitigate potential issues related to groundwater contamination, noise, dust, traffic hazards, soil erosion, and general public safety [Section 161.33(A)].
Permitted and Conditional Land Uses
The character of the E-1: Extraction district is industrial and site-intensive. Land use is primarily limited to the extraction of raw materials and necessary public or utility infrastructure.
Permitted Uses (By Right)
- Use Unit 1 (City-wide uses by right): Includes public facilities, agricultural uses, and essential services [Section 161.33(B)(1)].
- Use Unit 30 (Extractive uses): This is the primary function of the district. It includes mining for coal, ores, clay, sand, silt, rock, gravel, petroleum, and natural gas. It also includes the crushing, sorting, and washing of earth products [Section 162.01 & 164.08(A)].
- Noncommercial Public Areas: Parks, playgrounds, or preserves operated on a noncommercial basis [Section 164.08(A)(3)].
Conditional Uses
- Use Unit 2 (City-wide uses by conditional use permit): These uses may be allowed after specific review by the Planning Commission if they are found to be compatible with the extraction site [Section 161.33(B)(2)].
Development and Dimensional Standards
Fayetteville mandates significant separation between E-1: Extraction activities and other zoning districts to protect the public welfare.
| Standard | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Minimum Lot Area | 10 acres |
| Minimum Lot Width (Frontage) | 200 feet (must be on a state road or compatible access) |
| Setback from Residential (R) Districts | 200 feet |
| Setback from P, A, C, or I Districts | 100 feet |
| Machinery Setback (Sorters/Crushers) | 500 feet from any lot line |
| Maximum Building Height | Not specified (determined by site plan) |
| Maximum Density | None |
[Section 161.33 & 164.08]
General Character and Operational Requirements
The E-1: Extraction district is considered generally incompatible with most other land uses. To maintain order and safety, the City of Fayetteville enforces the following operational standards:
- Traffic and Infrastructure: Operations must not create unusual traffic hazards or require the City to provide special public improvements or maintenance [Section 164.08(C)].
- Blasting Restrictions: Blasting operations are strictly limited to Mondays through Fridays, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. [Section 164.08(C)].
- Environmental Management: Owners must avoid the creation of undrained pockets or stagnant pools. Effective steps, including seeding, mulching, and stabilizing, must be taken to control erosion of disturbed areas during the process [Section 164.08(C) & (D)].
- Fencing and Screening: Safety fences are required where deemed necessary by the Planning Commission. Screening must provide at least 75% opaqueness to protect the view from abutting properties [Section 164.08(D)].
Application and Reuse Requirements
Any application for E-1: Extraction zoning must include a comprehensive development plan and a letter from the State Department of Pollution Control and Ecology regarding the Arkansas Open Cut Land Reclamation Act [Section 164.08(E)].
A critical component of the district's character is the "Plan for Reuse." Applicants must submit a site plan showing how the land will be restored once extraction is complete. Restoration must be compatible with surrounding property and can include the creation of permanent lakes. However, the total area under excavation at any single time is generally limited to 10 acres to ensure ongoing reclamation [Section 164.08(E)(3)].
Sections Cited
- Section 161.33 - District E-1, Extraction
- Section 162.01 - Use Unit 30: Extractive Uses
- Section 164.08 - Extraction Supplemental Regulations