Board approves parking and setback variances for medical practice at 150 19th Avenue

The Conway Board of Zoning Appeals approved variances for 150 19th Avenue on March 26, 2026, allowing a parking shortfall and a reduced corner-front setback for an existing shed as the applicant expands a medical practice.

Staff said the proposed expansion would create a 7,444-square-foot facility requiring 28 parking spaces under Conway’s UDO; the applicant proposed 22 spaces, a deficit of six. Staff also identified an unpermitted larger shed on the property that requires a 3.5-foot setback variance.

Sworn testimony from Dr. Daniel Paul described a busy practice with two doctors, a nurse practitioner and other staff: “We see 100 patients a day,” he told the board, explaining that patients use on-site spaces, a leased lot owned by a neighboring property owner (Charlie Ray), and nearby street parking. Dr. Paul said he has a lease letter for additional spaces and that he has maintained off-site parking, resurfacing and stripe work over the years.

Board members asked whether leased or off-site parking would remain available if surrounding properties developed; staff said the UDO encourages shared parking in overlay districts but emphasized that approvals would be contingent on demonstrated access. The board also reviewed the shed’s history: two smaller sheds previously authorized by a 2017 variance were replaced by a larger shed; the applicant has applied for the permit to legalize the replacement contingent on the setback variance.

After discussion, a board member moved to approve the variances (parking reduction, allowance of leased/shared parking to meet on-site percentage, and 3.5-foot setback for the shed). The motion was seconded and the board voted to approve the request. Staff reminded the applicant that required site work and permits must still be completed as conditions of the approval.

What happens next: the applicant can proceed with permit applications that reflect the variances granted; if leased parking is part of the approval, staff will require documentation that parking access remains in place.