FAQs • Hot Springs, AR • CivicEngage

What will the plan include?: To a large degree, the plan’s scope will reflect the findings and directions established through the public process. But at a minimum, it’s expected the plan will include updates to the community vision, land use, transportation, and capital facilities and utilities chapters in the 1997 plan.

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Hot Springs Comprehensive Plan

1. What is the Hot Springs Comprehensive Plan?: This is a process updating one of the city’s most important documents: the comprehensive plan, which establishes goals and policies for nearly everything the city does. The document is written with a long-range (20-year) plan horizon. Hot Springs’ existing plan was first developed and adopted in 1997, and there’s a lot to update. Think of the plan as a blueprint for Hot Springs’ future - one that will lead decisions regarding land-use patterns, civic investments concerning water, waste and storm-water, transportation, parks, housing, and other community needs.

2. Who commissioned the plan, and why?: Hot Springs’ Board of Directors commissioned the plan update in the spring of 2009, prompted by current and projected growth, economic development needs, downtown revitalization, transportation, and other needs. In short, the city wants to take a more active approach to its future - establishing a strategic, sustainable set of goals and policies to improve Hot Springs over time.

3. What’s the difference between a comprehensive plan and “zoning”?: Comprehensive plans (sometimes referred to as “long-range” or “general” plans) are essentially policy documents – intended to guide decisions by staff and elected officials. What are commonly referred to as land development or zoning regulations are just that – specific, legal regulations governing building and land use. The development code is intended to implement comp plan goals, so the two are related, but kept separate - and may only be revised through public process and adoption by board action.

4. How long will the update take?: The plan update process, including resource evaluation, committee and public meetings, draft development and review is expected to be complete by June 2010. Consideration by the Planning Commission and Board of Directors, including eventual adoption, will begin at that time.

5. Who can take part in the process?: All residents or those employed in Hot Springs, or in the extra-territorial jurisdiction (ETJ), are strongly encouraged to take part in the process.

6. How do I get involved in the planning process?: The city and its consultant are committed to involving the public as much as possible, and plan to host public meetings and workshops, issue email notices, conduct informal questionnaires, and more. Some residents have been appointed to an advisory committee. Take part in any or all of the events and activities, follow the work on the city website, contact the city about involvement opportunities – but be sure to share your thoughts, ideas, and concerns!

7. What will the plan include?: To a large degree, the plan’s scope will reflect the findings and directions established through the public process. But at a minimum, it’s expected the plan will include updates to the community vision, land use, transportation, and capital facilities and utilities chapters in the 1997 plan.

8. Will any revisions to Hot Springs’ zoning or development code take place?: Depending on the plan’s outcome, future updates to Hot Springs’ regulatory framework may be desirable. However, no changes or updates to city regulations are currently planned.

9. Who are the consultant team members?: The consultant team is being led by Studio Cascade, a community and regional planning firm based in Spokane, Washington.