The purpose of this ordinance is to prevent sedimentation and erosion from clearings within Little Rock, which has a number of hillside neighborhoods. The ordinance was developed and written by a citizens group and places limits on tree clearing and grading, requires a landscaping plan and that a qualified superintendent be on site during all land clearing activities. Additionally, the ordinance requires that all but the building permit be issued before approval of the grading permit and that construction is ‘imminent.’.. Read More

This ordinance attempts to minimize the ecological disturbances resulting from development of land. In particular, this ordinance sets up guidelines and requirements for the use of such erosion/sedimentation control structures as stormwater screenings and silt fences. The ordinance requires that developers obtain a grading permit before beginning work on a site, and that they draw up grading and drainage plans certified by engineers, detailing how erosion will be controlled and how trees will be protected... Read More

This ordinance requires that any harvesting of timber be conducted in a manner consistent with the Best Management Practices (BMPs) laid out in the Arkansas Forestry Commission’s Best Management Practices for Silviculture... Read More

This ordinance was designed to preserve trees located on public property. Some of the ways this goal is to be achieved is through granting the city the exclusive right to plant, prune, maintain, and remove trees on public property. City employees performing these duties must have attended a workshop on basic tree science and pruning. In addition, non-city employees may not plant or remove a tree without prior notification... Read More

This ordinance was enacted in order to provide for “regulation of the preservation, planning, maintenance, and removal of trees within the city.” This is achieved through the creation of a tree registry to protect trees that are valuable due to their history or their species. In addition, the ordinance provides guidelines for general protection of the trees under circumstances such as development, pruning, and planting. .. Read More

The city of Bentonville, Arkansas has created a separate Article, 601, in its Zoning Code for all use regulations. Section 601.24 specifically describes the requirements for solar energy systems. Bentonville considers the number of solar panels and supporting equipment as one system, without any limitation as to the number of modules and arrays installed on the property. The section includes location, height, and setback requirements for roof mounted, ground mounted systems, and pole mounted systems. Section 601.24 also includes regulations for.. Read More