In Pine Bluff, Arkansas, we stand at a critical juncture where housing policies profoundly impact our community's future. As a resident investing over $27,000 into my prefabricated accessory-type structure, I face the devastating directive to remove my home due to current zoning laws. With limited income, this isn't just about preserving my own home; it's about advocating for an inclusive, sustainable future for Pine Bluff. 

Our city grapples with population decline and growing housing insecurity, particularly affecting our most vulnerable residents. Current regulations in Chapter 29 – ZONING, Section 29-2 of the Pine Bluff Zoning Code unfairly prohibit prefabricated accessory-type structures as principal buildings. While other cities across Arkansas embrace this innovative solution to deliver affordable, sustainable housing options, Pine Bluff lags behind. 

The inclusion of prefabricated accessory-type structures offers a viable path toward affordability and sustainability. These home solutions are efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly, providing a promising avenue for addressing housing shortages. By amending Section 29-2, we can remove unnecessary barriers, paving the way for transformative community development and an improved quality of life for all residents.

This issue is not isolated to individual homeowners but resonates across the broader Pine Bluff community. With housing costs soaring and economic challenges mounting, we must take decisive action to facilitate affordable living arrangements. Prefabricated accessory-type structures represent an opportunity to revitalize our neighborhoods and foster demographic growth.

Therefore, I urge Mayor Vivian L. Flowers and the City Council Members to listen to the voices of their constituents and consider the amendment of Section 29-2. Let's create a better future for Pine Bluff by allowing prefabricated accessory-type structures as principal buildings, fostering a progressive environment conducive to growth and opportunity.

Please lend your support and sign this petition to drive crucial changes in our city’s zoning laws, ensuring a vibrant and sustainable future for Pine Bluff, Arkansas.

PETITION TO THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF PINE BLUFF,
ARKANSAS

Proposed Amendment to Pine Bluff Zoning Code (Sec. 29-2) to Permit Prefabricated Accessory-type Structures as Principal Buildings

Dear Mayor Vivian L. Flowers and Esteemed City Council Members,

We, the undersigned residents and concerned citizens of Pine Bluff, Arkansas, respectfully submit this petition requesting an amendment to Chapter 29 – ZONING, Article I – IN GENERAL, Section 29-2 –
Definitions of the City of Pine Bluff Zoning Code.

We urge you to revise the current definitions of “Building, principal” and “Building, accessory,” which
currently prohibit the use of prefabricated accessory-type structures, portable, and other alternative structures as primary buildings on residential lots.

Under the current code:

• The definition of “Building, principal” states:
“Tents, yurts, canopies, prefabricated storage buildings, portable storage containers, semi- truck trailers, railroad cars, and the like shall not be permitted as principal buildings for the purposes of this chapter.”

• The definition of “Building, accessory” includes a similar restriction for many of the same structures, preventing them from even serving as secondary buildings in most zones.

These restrictions limit innovation and affordability in housing development and prevent residents from utilizing sustainable and creative construction options. We believe this policy conflicts with Pine
Bluff’s potential for modern growth and housing equity.

We propose the following change:
Amend Section 29-2 to permit prefabricated accessory-type structures—including portable buildings, container units, and other modern alternatives—as principal buildings, subject to reasonable safety, health, and aesthetic standards.

This amendment would bring numerous benefits to our community:

• Affordable Housing Access – Enabling lower-cost housing alternatives.

• Economic Development – Encouraging new construction and investment.

• Sustainability – Supporting eco-conscious building practices.

• Creative Land Use – Promoting flexibility and smarter urban development.

We request that the Council initiate a formal review and amendment process to support more inclusive and forward-thinking housing policies. We are ready to work with city leaders to ensure responsible standards accompany these updates.

Thank you for your attention and service to our community.

Sincerely,
We The People of Pine Bluff