Passed by the Highfill City Council: November 10, 2026.
On Tuesday, November 10, 2026, the Highfill City Council passed Ordinance 2026-21 Amending Chapter 14.04 Zoning and Landscape Code, a comprehensive update to the City’s zoning regulations designed to implement the adopted Highfill Vision Plan. The ordinance creates a new zoning framework for future rezonings, establishes new development and landscaping standards, and modernizes zoning regulations to support future residential, commercial, mixed-use, and industrial growth while preserving existing zoning classifications.
At a Glance: What This Ordinance Does
• Retains all existing zoning districts as “Legacy Zoning Districts” for currently zoned properties.
• Establishes new “Vision Plan Districts” that will apply to all future rezonings.
• Creates a new Planned Zoning District (PZD) process to allow flexible, master-planned developments.
• Introduces landscaping, buffering, and street tree requirements for new development.
• Establishes new zoning districts for mixed-use, downtown, residential, commercial, civic, and industrial areas identified in the Vision Plan.
• Updates regulations related to accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to comply with Arkansas law.
• Does not rezone any existing property as part of this ordinance.
Summary for Residents
This ordinance updates Highfill’s zoning code to align with the City’s long-term Vision Plan for growth and development. Existing properties will keep their current zoning classifications unless they are rezoned in the future. New zoning districts will guide future development patterns by encouraging walkable neighborhoods, mixed-use activity centers, responsible commercial growth, and appropriate transitions between residential and nonresidential areas. The ordinance also establishes landscaping and street tree requirements for new developments and provides clearer standards for future growth.
Detailed Overview
Implementing the Highfill Vision Plan
The ordinance creates a new zoning system based on the future land use categories established in the Highfill Vision Plan. New Vision Plan Districts include residential, mixed-use, downtown, commercial, civic, utility, parks, and industrial categories designed to support the City’s long-term development goals. All future rezonings approved after the ordinance’s effective date must use these new zoning districts.
Existing Zoning Remains in Place
A key feature of the ordinance is that it does not automatically change anyone’s zoning. Existing residential, commercial, and industrial districts remain in effect and continue to govern currently zoned properties unless a future rezoning request is approved.
New Planned Zoning District Option
The ordinance establishes a Planned Zoning District (PZD) process that allows developers and the City to create customized zoning plans for larger projects. The process is intended to encourage innovative development, increased open space, improved connectivity, and higher-quality design while maintaining consistency with the Vision Plan.
Landscaping and Street Tree Standards
The ordinance adds new landscaping requirements for future development, including perimeter buffers between development and rural land, enhanced screening between different land uses, and street tree requirements along public streets. These standards are intended to improve community appearance, provide transitions between land uses, and preserve Highfill’s rural character.
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
The ordinance updates local regulations to comply with Arkansas law regarding accessory dwelling units. Qualified ADUs are permitted by right throughout the City subject to applicable standards, and the ordinance clarifies how ADUs are reviewed and regulated within both the existing and new zoning systems.