26 MAR 9OPENING REMARKS: The Planning Commission of the City of Jacksonville, Arkansas met in a regular session on March 9, 2026. Chairman Oakley opened the meeting at approximately 6:33 p.m.
expressing appreciation to those in attendance.
ROLL CALL: Commissioners Billy Hall, Nick Priest, Allen Walker, Zeke Brown, and Jeff Twitty were present and answered ROLL CALL. Chairman Jim Oakley declared a quorum. PRESENT (6) with
chair, ABSENT (2), VACANT (1).
CORRECTION AND/OR APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Commissioner Twitty moved, seconded by Commissioner Priest to approve the minutes of January 12, 2026 as presented. MOTION CARRIED.
PUBLIC HEARING(S):
REQUEST TO APPROVE PLAT(S): a. PRELIMINARY PLAT Tyson Estates
This item of business was combined with item b. below.
b. FINAL PLAT Tyson Estates
Representative Aaron Robinson with Bond Engineering stated this is an unplatted two acre piece of property off of Gregory Street. He explained the house is currently being demolished
and they are requesting the property to now be four, single-family residential lots.
City Engineer Adam Whitlow noted, regarding the preliminary plat, the Water and Sewer infrastructure is already there, half street improvements will be required, and due to future plans
along that corridor, Staff recommends a payment in lieu of fee instead of physical improvements. He explained they also need to provide signed and stamped drainage report with calculations
and address upstream and downstream conditions in the narrative if they choose to put in infrastructure. He added that they must coordinate with Water and Wastewater for services. He
related, with the final plat, he and Mr. Robinson would need to calculate the in lieu of fee value for the half street improvements.
When asked, Mr. Robinson confirmed they are not intended to be rental homes, but after sold, the buyer could turn it into one.
Commissioner Priest moved, seconded by Commissioner Walker to approve the preliminary and final plats of Tyson Estates contingent on providing a payment in lieu of fee for half street
improvements and coordination with Water and Wastewater. MOTION CARRIED.
BUILDING PERMIT(S): SITE PLAN 618 West Main Street
Engineer Whitlow announced that the petitioner has withdrawn the request at this time due to changes not requiring Commission approval.
GENERAL: DISCUSSION Food Truck Regulations
Engineer Whitlow pointed out information being within the packet, as well as provided an additional sample ordinance from Springdale regarding Food Truck Courts. He also cited JMC §
5.44.030 - Physical Location and Placement Requirements: “No such food vendor/merchant/caterer/canteen operation shall be operated within the City limits of Jacksonville without having
written permission and agreement from the landowner upon which the entity operates its food oriented business. Appropriate placement of the entity's facility must satisfy all applicable
zoning provisions so as not to create any health, safety, or traffic issues, addressing all appropriate setbacks, off street parking, pedestrian access needs, and traffic flow.” He
confirmed there is a need for more thorough code regarding food trucks and food truck courts. He questioned when is a food truck considered more of a permanent fixture; what determines
permanency? He does not want to see people use the food truck mechanism to avoid regulations and then have a brick and mortar store, who had to put in landscaping, parking, and adhere
to commercial design standards, complain. He noted that Carlos Okpala, owner of Smith’s Kitchen food truck, owns the lot where his truck is located, which is rare.
Mr. Okpala told how he originally submitted plans to have a supply storage building and to build a wall for security. He related, due to costs, he now prefers to install a fence and
purchase a mobile trailer for storage.
Engineer Whitlow brought up that a prefabricated building was mentioned, but to have an accessory structure, you have to have a more permanent primary structure.
Mr. Okpala pointed out, to avoid any ADA issues, he can get a mobile trailer to be able to pull it on and off of the lot, if necessary.
Engineer Whitlow confirmed Mr. Okpala’s most recent plans meet the definition of “mobile” and there is nothing restricting him from building a fence.
Mr. Okpala noted the fence is to help keep a boundary from the unsheltered population nearby.
A brief discussion ensued regarding different aspects needing addressed, where City Clerk Davitt requested a picture presentation showing other cities in the region that deal with food
truck courts.
Engineer Whitlow concurred, pointing out there are gray areas that need to be clarified in an ordinance.
Commissioner Priest affirmed they should not be overregulated since they are new small businesses.
Engineer Whitlow mentioned it would focus on avoiding health, safety, and traffic issues.
Further discussion ensued that included accessory structures, restrooms, and parking surfaces.
Mr. Okpala told how he came to Jacksonville from Dallas, Texas, noting the current ordinance here seems outdated. He brought up wanting to have a portable toilet, or “porta potty,” on
site for employees.
When City Clerk Davitt shared concerns of one being on Main Street, Engineer Whitlow agreed on special events only; not placed permanently.
Mr. Okpala noted that it would be hidden to keep good aesthetics. He related that there are other food trucks in the City with portable toilets.
Engineer Whitlow brought up that water and sanitation requirements may be needing addressed as well. He confirmed there would be public hearings, but this Commission is not a legislative
body; the City Council will approve or deny the ordinance.
ANNOUNCEMENT(S):
ADJOURNMENT: Chairman Oakley without objection, adjourned the meeting at approximately 7:14 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
_________________________
Susan L. Davitt