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Planning Commission meeting – September 17

The City of Highfill Planning Commission will meet Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.

This month’s meeting includes two public hearings concerning proposed changes to the zoning of properties in Highfill. Because zoning determines how property may be developed and used, these requests are an important part of the City’s development review process.

Two Rezoning Requests Under Review

The Planning Commission will consider two separate requests to change property to R-2, Residential zoning. Both applicants are proposing future single-family residential development, including related streets, utilities, drainage, and amenities.

Mathias Ranch

The first request involves approximately 166.86 acres located north of N. Highway 12 and east of Mason Valley Road. Mathias Ranch LLC is requesting a change from I-1, Light Industrial to R-2, Residential.

The applicant’s proposal would allow the property to be developed as a single-family residential subdivision with associated amenities and infrastructure.

The property is located within the City’s Town Center-North Future Land Use area. Staff notes that the property is adjacent to an existing residential planned unit development and that future development of the area will need to address connections between properties and the surrounding transportation network.

The staff review identifies several items that would continue to be addressed through the development review process, including street and pedestrian connectivity, bicycle access, property access, drainage, buffering, setbacks, and landscaping.

City staff has recommended approval of the rezoning request. The Planning Commission will consider the request during the public hearing and determine what action to take.

Sach Property

The second request involves approximately 235.64 acres located between Center Street and NE Hutchenson Road. Sach Oliver is requesting to rezone five parcels to R-2, Residential.

The property currently includes Rural Residential (RR) and I-1, Light Industrial zoning. The request would change the properties to R-2 to accommodate a proposed single-family residential subdivision and related infrastructure.

The packet notes that the City’s Future Land Use Map currently identifies the area as Light Industrial, while the surrounding development pattern is primarily residential. It also identifies NE Morrow Avenue as a future Collector, which could provide a transition between residential development and future industrial uses.

A preliminary plat has been submitted for approximately 80.79 acres as the first phase of the proposed development. Additional phases are anticipated, although preliminary plats for those phases have not yet been submitted.

As with the Mathias Ranch request, the rezoning itself would not constitute final approval of a subdivision or construction project. Future development would remain subject to the City’s applicable subdivision, site-development, infrastructure, drainage, access, and other review requirements.

Understanding the Review

A rezoning request changes the zoning classification assigned to a property. It does not, by itself, approve a final subdivision plan or authorize construction.

The Planning Commission will review the requests in relation to the City’s zoning regulations, adopted plans, surrounding land uses, and other information included in the applications and staff reviews.

Residents can review the City’s planning documents and the complete meeting materials before the meeting to better understand the requests and the standards used during the review.

Public Hearing

The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing for each rezoning request during the September 22 meeting.

Before attending the public hearing, residents are encouraged to review the supporting documents, including the applications, staff reviews, maps, and other materials included in the meeting packet.

After receiving public comments, the Planning Commission will consider the information presented and take the action provided for under the applicable review process.

Citizens may also submit comments online. Please use the form below to send comments directly to City staff for inclusion in the public record.


Planning Resources

Residents can use the following resources to learn more about the City’s zoning regulations, long-range planning documents, and the specific proposals being considered.

  • Highfill Zoning Code — Review the City’s zoning regulations and standards that apply to land use and development.
  • Future Land Use and Master Street Plan — Review the City’s adopted long-range planning documents and maps.
  • September 2026 Planning Commission Meeting Packet — Review the rezoning applications, staff reviews, maps, notices, and supporting documents for this meeting.

[View the Highfill Zoning Code]
[View the Future Land Use and Master Street Plan]
[View the September 2026 Planning Commission Meeting Packet]

Other Business

In addition to the two public hearings, the Planning Commission will consider the July 28, 2026, Regular Planning Commission Meeting minutes.

Meeting Information

Planning Commission Meeting
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
6:00 p.m.
Highfill City Hall — Council Chambers
2560 W. Hwy 12
Highfill, AR 72734

Residents are encouraged to review the meeting materials before the meeting and use the public comment opportunity if they would like their comments included in the public record.

Meeting Guidelines

The City provides meeting materials and participation information in advance to help residents stay informed and participate in the City’s planning process.

When attending the meeting:

  • Please sign in when you arrive.
  • Use the QR code at the sign-in table to access the full Planning Commission packet.
  • Review the agenda and supporting materials in advance to learn more about the items under consideration.
  • Public hearings are the opportunity for public input on the applicable hearing items. Residents may attend, listen to the discussion, and share their comments with the Planning Commission.

Virtual Attendance

Residents who cannot attend the meeting in person are encouraged to participate remotely. [Details and access instructions are available on the City of Highfill website.]

Whether attending in person or online, residents can participate in the public hearing process and stay informed about matters being considered by the Planning Commission.

Understanding the Planning Commission’s Role

The Planning Commission plays an important role in guiding growth and development in Highfill. This volunteer board reviews land-use proposals, zoning requests, and subdivision plans to help ensure that applications are evaluated under the City’s zoning regulations and adopted planning documents.

Public input is welcome during public hearing items listed on the agenda. This keeps comments focused on proposals that are formally before the Planning Commission for review.

The Planning Commission’s meeting procedures differ from City Council meetings. During a City Council meeting, residents may speak during the Public Comment portion of the agenda and address the Council on matters beyond the specific public hearing items.

Meeting agendas and supporting materials are posted in advance so residents can review upcoming topics, understand the proposals under consideration, and participate in the City’s public process.

Every Person Counts: Why the Census Matters

Promotional graphic from the City of Highfill titled “Every Person Counts: Why the Census Matters.” The graphic explains that the census impacts the community for the next 10 years. Five sections highlight key points: funding for roads, infrastructure, parks, safety, and schools; planning improvements and budgeting; determining government representation; ensuring fair resources and opportunities; and that completing the census is quick and important. A “Did You Know?” section notes the census occurs every 10 years, influences distribution of federal funding, and that missed households affect community funding for a decade. The message ends with “Together, let’s ensure every resident counts—and every opportunity for Highfill counts too. Thank you for helping build a stronger Highfill!

The U.S. Census occurs once every 10 years, but the information collected impacts communities for the following decade.

The U.S. Census does much more than count people—it helps determine funding, infrastructure planning, public services, and representation for the next decade.

A complete and accurate count helps Highfill:

  • Secure funding for roads, water and sewer infrastructure, parks, public safety, and other community services.
  • Plan responsibly for future growth and development.
  • Strengthen grant applications and long-term planning efforts.
  • Ensure our community receives fair representation as our population grows.

When the next Census takes place, every resident’s participation helps strengthen Highfill’s future.

Because when everyone is counted, everyone benefits.

It’s My Town!