HomeMy WebLinkAbout132-26 RESOLUTION
Page 1
113 West Mountain Street
Fayetteville, AR 72701
(479) 575-8323
Resolution: 132-26
File Number: 2026-1662
A RESOLUTION TO GRANT THE APPEAL SUBMITTED BY SWARM AERO AND DETERMINE THAT
USE UNIT 22 MANUFACTURING IS THE MOST APPROPRIATE CLASSIFICATION FOR THIS
BUSINESS
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS:
Section 1: That the City Council of the City of Fayetteville, Arkansas hereby grants the appeal submitted by Swarm
Aero and determines that Use Unit 22, Manufacturing is the most appropriate classification for this business.
PASSED and APPROVED on May 19, 2026
Approved:
_______________________________
Molly Rawn, Mayor
Attest:
_______________________________
Kara Paxton, City Clerk Treasurer
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33
Mailing address:
113 W. Mountain Street
Fayetteville, AR 72701
www.fayetteville-ar.gov
CITY COUNCIL MEMO
2026-1662
MEETING OF MAY 19, 2026
TO: Mayor Rawn and City Council
THROUGH: Keith Macedo, Chief of Staff
Jonathan Curth, Development Services Director
FROM: Jessica Masters, Planning Director
SUBJECT: APPEAL: BOA-2026-0002: Board of Adjustment (3660 S. SCHOOL AVE/HANNA’S
CANDLE COMPANY, 756): Submitted by SWARM AERO for property located at 3660
S. SCHOOL AVE. in WARD 1. The property is zoned I-1, HEAVY COMMERCIAL AND
LIGHT INDUSTRIAL and contains approximately 15.0 acres. The request is an appeal
of a Board of Adjustment determination of use.
RECOMMENDATION:
City Planning staff recommend that City Council find in favor of the appellant and determine that Use Unit 22 is
the most appropriate classification for this business.
BACKGROUND:
The subject property is in south Fayetteville on S. School Avenue, just north of Drake Field, the City of
Fayetteville’s airport. Containing two parcels with approximately 15.0 acres, the property is zoned I-1, Heavy
Commercial and Light Industrial, and is currently developed with a light industrial building that County records
indicate was constructed in the mid-1950s. The structure has historically been used for manufacturing
purposes, specifically Use Unit 22 per the Unified Development Code, dating back to the operation of an
electrical components manufacturer and distribution center (Cooper Power System) which opened in 1954.
Following closure in 2016, it appears that Hannah’s Candle, a candle manufacturing company applied for but,
failing to receive a final Fire Marshal inspection, was never issued a City business license at this location.
Another electronic manufacturing company, Keytronics, was issued a business license at that location in 2018.
Following the business’ relocation to Springdale, the license was officially revoked in 2026. Hannah’s Candle
Company is still listed as the property owner of record.
Request: The request is an appeal of a determination by the Board of Adjustments on a zoning use
classification for a drone manufacturing facility. Originally classified as Use Unit 22 by the Zoning and
Development Administrator, the Board ruled in favor of a member of the public who appealed that
classification. The Board did not determine the appropriate classification.
Public Comment: Staff has received public comment in opposition on this item, following the initial approval of
the business license. Written communication is attached to this memo.
DISCUSSION:
At the April 6, 2026 Board of Adjustments meeting, a vote of 3-1-0 (Fox voting no) approved an appeal of
staff’s initial determination of use. The appeal was submitted by resident Jesse Buchanan with Councilmember
Sarah Moore. Board member Fox voted in favor of upholding staff’s determination, while the three other
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33
Mailing address:
113 W. Mountain Street
Fayetteville, AR 72701
www.fayetteville-ar.gov
present members voted in favor of granting the appeal. Board member Norman provided an outline and a
recommendation for Use Unit 31, which the City Attorney indicated would not be an appropriate use due to the
City’s limitation in regulating pollution. No other Use Units for consideration were offered by the Board.
Lacking an alternative that is consistent with the stated Use Unit 22 description within existing zoning code or
prior application of that zoning code, staff find that Use Unit 22 remains the most appropriate classification for
drone manufacturing based on the applicant's provided information. Use Unit 22 "consists of industrial uses
which usually generate some adverse environmental effects and for this reason they should be located away
from uses which do not produce adverse effects." This description covers light to moderate industrial
fabrication and assembly, including fabricated metal products, machinery, or transportation equipment. After
further conferring with and touring the Swarm Aero facility following the April 6 Board of Adjustment decision,
staff were informed that the onsite manufacturing process will involve assembly of lightweight components,
fabrication of small mechanical parts, and research and development of various carbon fiber weaving
technologies. Comparatively, Use Unit 23, Heavy Industrial, is reserved for heavy industrial uses with great
environmental impacts, such as foundries, petroleum processing, or demolition services. None of these heavy
industrial activities are planned with the applicant’s business activities. Further, the applicant does not intend to
perform test flights, or modify the property and its onsite structure in ways staff finds to have adverse impact.
Should flights occur in the future, they would take place at Drake Field Airport and are regulated as necessary
by the Federal Aviation Administrion (FAA).
BUDGET/STAFF IMPACT:
N/A
ATTACHMENTS: 3. Appeal Letter, 4. Exhibit A, 5. Legal Memo - Use Unit 31, 6. Mayor Memo to City Council,
7. BOA Staff Report
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33
Page 1
City of Fayetteville, Arkansas
Legislation Text
113 West Mountain Street
Fayetteville, AR 72701
(479) 575-8323
File #: 2026-1662
A RESOLUTION TO GRANT THE APPEAL SUBMITTED BY SWARM AERO AND
DETERMINE THAT USE UNIT 22 MANUFACTURING IS THE MOST APPROPRIATE
CLASSIFICATION FOR THIS BUSINESS
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF FAYETTEVILLE,
ARKANSAS:
Section 1: That the City Council of the City of Fayetteville, Arkansas hereby grants the appeal submitted
by Swarm Aero and determines that Use Unit 22, Manufacturing is the most appropriate classification
for this business.
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33
ERNESTLANCASTER DR
MC
C
O
L
L
U
M
A
V
E
SCHOOL
AVE
R-A
I-1
Regional Link
Unclassified
Residential Link
Planning Area
Fayetteville City Limits
Close Up View
BOA-2026-0002 3660 S. SCHOOL AVE
N
0 150 300 450 60075
Feet
Subject Property
1:2,400
EXHIBIT A
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33
Date: April 16, 2026
To: Members of the City Council; City Attorney Kit Williams
CC: Mayor’s Direct Reports
Yesterday, Swarm Aero filed a notice of appeal regarding the decision by the Board of
Adjustments on April 6th.
In Fayetteville, all businesses must obtain a business license. Once a business applies
for a license, our staff conducts a zoning review to ensure the business is operating in
the right zone. When Swarm Aero applied for a business license, our professional and
competent city staff performed a thorough and careful review just as they do for all
businesses opening in the city.
The business license for Swarm Aero was approved fairly and, as stated by the City
Attorney, in accordance with the law.
I remain supportive of my staff, as well as staff in the City Attorney’s office, for their
dedication and adherence to all local and state regulations.
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33
TO: Board of Adjustment
FROM: Jessie Masters, Planning Director
MEETING DATE: April 6, 2026
SUBJECT: BOA-2026-0002: Board of Adjustment (3660 S. SCHOOL
AVE/HANNA’S CANDLE COMPANY, 756): Submitted by JESSE
BUCHANAN for property located at 3660 S. SCHOOL AVE. The property
is zoned I-1, HEAVY COMMERCIAL AND LIGHT INDUSTRIAL and
contains approximately 15.0 acres. The request is an appeal of staff’s
determination of a proposed use.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends denial of BOA-2026-0002, upholding staff’s determination of use classification.
RECOMMENDED MOTION:
“I move to approve BOA-2026-0002.”
BACKGROUND:
The subject property is in south Fayetteville on S. School Avenue, just north of Drake Field, the
City of Fayetteville’s airport. Containing two parcels with approximately 15.0 acres, the property
is zoned I-1, Heavy Commercial and Light Industrial, and is currently developed with a light
industrial building that County records indicate was constructed in the mid-1950s. The structure
has historically been used for manufacturing purposes, specifically Use Unit 22 per the Unified
Development Code, dating back to the operation of an electrical components manufacturer and
distribution center (Cooper Power System) which opened in 1954. Following closure in 2016, it
appears that Hannah’s Candle, a candle manufacturing company applied for but, failing to receive
a final Fire Marshal inspection, was never issued a City business license at this location. Another
electronic manufacturing company, Keytronics, was issued a business license at that location in
2018. Following the business’ relocation to Springdale, the license was officially revoked in 2026.
Hannah’s Candle Company is still listed as the property owner of record. Surrounding land uses
and zoning are depicted in Table 1.
Table 1:
Surrounding Land Uses and Zoning
Direction Land Use Zoning
North State of Arkansas (National Guard) I-1, Heavy Commercial and Light Industrial
South Undeveloped/Airport I-1, Heavy Commercial and Light Industrial
East Rural/Undeveloped/Industrial R-A, Residential Agricultural;
I-1, Heavy Commercial and Light Industrial
West Industrial I-1, Heavy Commercial and Light Industrial
DISCUSSION:
Request: In December 2025, a new tenant at the subject property, Swarm Aero, applied for a
commercial business license as an “aerospace research and development” organization for drone
manufacturing. City planning staff performed a standard zoning compliance check and found the
Board of Adjustment
April 6, 2026
Item 3
BOA-2026-0002 (HANNA'S CANDLE COMPANY)
Page 1 of 51
Updated with results
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33
most appropriate use to apply to the application was for Use Unit 22, Manufacturing. A member
of the public with support from a City Councilperson is appealing staff’s determination of use,
contesting that the applicant’s on-site activities will exceed those typically found under that
classification, and would be more akin to a facility that handles explosives or creates excessive
nuisance affects on the surroundings.
Public Comment: Staff has received public opposition to the issuance of the business license,
with comment contesting that the business operations fall under the provided use classification.
Written comment received by City staff is attached to this report.
RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends denial of BOA-2026-0002, upholding staff’s
determination of the use classification.
____
City Plan 2040 Future Land Use Designation: Industrial
FINDINGS:
As outlined in 162.02(B), when a use is not specifically classified in the City’s use schedule, it is
the responsibility of the Zoning and Development Administrator to determine the appropriate
designation. Code does not recognize drone manufacturing as an independent use, so staff
evaluated the application materials submitted by the business to make a determination.
Business license applications take the form of a multi-step review process. City Planning, the
City’s Fire Marshal, and, if necessary, the Accounting Division for businesses remitting HMR tax,
review business licenses according to relevant codes. For each business license issued by the
City, Planning staff perform a zoning check, which relies primarily on the applicant’s submitted
information and cross-referencing the City’s zoning ordinance for guidance on applying an
appropriate use. In instances where there may be zoning discrepancies or additional information
required, Planning staff will reach out directly to the applicant for clarification, rely on precedent
for similar uses, or confer with other planners for institutional knowledge. Further, if a use is not
permitted by zoning code, staff may direct an applicant to apply for a conditional use permit, if
permissible in a specific zoning district, or recommend that the applicant rezone their property, or
seek an alternative location where the use is permitted by-right. Each planner’s determination is
then reviewed by the Planning Director prior to approval.
In this instance, planners discussed the application internally and came to a consensus that Use
Unit 22 is consistent with the application materials that were submitted. Prominently, the applicant
noted that there would be no flammable or explosive materials handled, which can lead to a
different use unit designation with corresponding zoning implications. Use Unit 22 includes
fabricated metal and structural products, like fire control, transportation, machinery, and HVAC
BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT ACTION: ” Approved ” Denied ” Tabled
Date: April 6, 2026
Motion:
Second:
Vote:
Board of Adjustment
April 6, 2026
Item 3
BOA-2026-0002 (HANNA'S CANDLE COMPANY)
Page 2 of 51
Young
Ata
3-1-0 (Fox voted no)
X
Staff's
determination was
overturned.
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33
equipment. Accordingly, City staff found Swarm Aero’s stated business activities to accurately
align with this.
Alternatively, other use units that could have been considered may have been Use Unit 23, Heavy
Industrial, or Use Unit was 42, Clean Technologies, which includes research and development,
but not manufacturing. Use Unit 42 is also permitted in the I-1 zoning district. Use Unit 23 would
require a rezone to I-2, General Industrial, and Use Unit 31 would require both a rezoning and an
additional conditional use permit. With the application materials submitted, there was no indication
that the business intended to handle explosives, emit noxious odors, or would otherwise qualify
the business as a land use other than Use Unit 22 Manufacturing. The Fayetteville Fire Marshal
also investigated the property prior to business license issuance and found no evidence to support
that the type of work performed on site would require a more intensive use classification.
Prior to this hearing, the applicant provided an additional description of the proposed site
activities, and it is attached to this report.
Should the Board choose to grant the applicant’s appeal, the business license would likely require
revocation if the applicant chose to remain at the location but is were unable to rezone their
property or receive a necessary conditional use permit for this stated location. Following this, if
the Board finds in favor of the appellants and applies a different use classification, then the
applicant may also seek a relocation to a zoning district that allows the use by-right within the City
limits.
Should the Board choose to find in favor of staff’s determination, the business license will remain
active. However, in the future, if the business activities are found to change in a manner that
moves them out of zoning compliance, code outlines a specific set of opportunities for revocation
under chapter 118.03 – Suspension and Revocation of Business License.
BUDGET/STAFF IMPACT:
None
ATTACHMENTS:
• Unified Development Code
o 161.30 District I-1, Heavy Commercial And Light Industrial
o 162: Use Units
• One Mile Map
• Close-Up Map
• Current Land Use Map
• Business License Application
• Swarm Aero Written Documentation
• City Attorney Memo
• Request Letter
• Public Comment
Board of Adjustment
April 6, 2026
Item 3
BOA-2026-0002 (HANNA'S CANDLE COMPANY)
Page 3 of 51
Additional added 4/6/2026
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33
161.30 District I-1, Heavy Commercial And Light Industrial
(A) Purpose. The Heavy Commercial District is designed primarily to accommodate certain commercial and light
industrial uses which are compatible with one another but are inappropriate in other commercial or industrial
districts. The Light Industrial District is designed to group together a wide range of industrial uses, which do not
produce objectionable environmental influences in their operation and appearance. The regulations of this
district are intended to provide a degree of compatibility between uses permitted in this district and those in
nearby residential districts.
(B) Uses.
(1) Permitted Uses.
Unit 1 City-wide uses by right
Unit 3 Public protection and utility facilities
Unit 4 Cultural and recreational facilities
Unit 5 Government Facilities
Unit 6 Agriculture
Unit 13 Eating places
Unit 16 Shopping goods
Unit 17 Transportation trades and services
Unit 18 Gasoline service stations and drive-in/drive-through
restaurants
Unit 21 Warehousing and wholesale
Unit 22 Manufacturing
Unit 25 Offices, studios and related services
Unit 27 Wholesale bulk petroleum storage facilities with
underground storage tanks
Unit 42 Clean technologies
Unit 46 Short-term rentals
(2) Conditional Uses.
Unit 2 City-wide uses by conditional use permit
Unit 19 Commercial recreation, small sites
Unit 20 Commercial recreation, large sites
Unit 28 Center for collecting recyclable materials
Unit 36 Wireless communications facilities
Unit 38 Mini-storage units
Unit 43 Animal boarding and training
(C) Density. None.
(D) Bulk and Area Regulations. None.
(E) Setback Regulations.
Front, when adjoining A or R districts 50 feet
Front, when adjoining C, 1, or P districts 25 feet
Side, when adjoining A or R districts 50 feet
Side, when adjoining C, 1, or P districts 10 feet
Rear 25 feet
(F) Height Regulations. There shall be no maximum height limits in I-1 District, provided, however, that if a building
exceeds the height of two (2) stories, the portion of the building that exceeds two (2) stories shall have an
additional setback from any boundary line of an adjacent residential district. The amount of additional setback
for the portion of the building over two (2) stories shall be equal to the difference between the total height of that
portion of the building, and two (2) stories.
(G) Building Area. None.
(Ord. No. 6945, §5(Exh. D), 12-16-25)
Board of Adjustment
April 6, 2026
Item 3
BOA-2026-0002 (HANNA'S CANDLE COMPANY)
Page 4 of 51
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33
CHAPTER 162: USE UNITS
162.01 Establishment/Listing
The various use units referred to in the zoning district provisions are herein listed in numerical order. Within the use
units, the permitted uses are ordinarily listed in alphabetical order. In these use units where there is a preliminary
descriptive statement (which may mention specific uses) in addition to the detailed list of uses, the detailed list shall
govern.
Unit 1 City-wide uses by right
Unit 2 City-wide uses by conditional use permit
Unit 3 Public protection and utility facilities
Unit 4 Cultural and recreational facilities
Unit 5 Government facilities
Unit 6 Agriculture
Unit 7 Animal husbandry
Unit 8 Single-family dwellings
Unit 9 Two-family dwellings
Unit 10 Three (3) and four (4) family dwellings
Unit 11 Manufactured home park
Unit 12a Limited business
Unit 12b General business
Unit 13 Eating places
Unit 14 Hotel, motel and amusement facilities
Unit 15 Neighborhood shopping goods
Unit 16 Shopping goods
Unit 17 Transportation Trades and services
Unit 18 Gasoline service stations and drive-in/drive-through restaurants
Unit 19 Commercial recreation, small sites
Unit 20 Commercial recreation, large sites
Unit 21 Warehousing and wholesale
Unit 22 Manufacturing
Unit 23 Heavy industrial
Unit 24 Home occupation
Unit 25 Offices, studios, and related services
Unit 26 Multi-family dwellings
Unit 27 Wholesale bulk petroleum storage facilities with underground storage
tanks
Unit 28 Center for collecting recyclable materials
Unit 29 Dance halls
Unit 30 Extractive uses
Unit 31 Facilities emitting odors & facilities handling explosives
Unit 32 Sexually oriented business
Unit 33 Adult live entertainment club or bar
Unit 34 Liquor stores
Unit 35 Outdoor music establishments
Unit 36 Wireless communications facilities
Unit 37 Manufactured homes
Unit 38 Mini-storage units
Unit 39 Auto salvage and junk yards
Unit 40 Sidewalk Cafes
Unit 41 Accessory dwellings
Unit 42 Clean technologies
Unit 43 Animal boarding and training
Board of Adjustment
April 6, 2026
Item 3
BOA-2026-0002 (HANNA'S CANDLE COMPANY)
Page 5 of 51
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33
Unit 44 Cluster Housing Development
Unit 45 Small scale production
Unit 46 Short-term rentals
Unit 48 Private dormitories
…
(W) Unit 22. Manufacturing.
(1) Description. Unit 22 consists of industrial uses which usually generate some adverse environmental
effects and for this reason they should be located away from uses which do not produce adverse effects.
(2) Included Uses.
Fabricated metal products: • Cutlery engraving
• Fire control equipment
• Guns and related equipment
• Machinery
• Tanks
• Transportation equipment, including
body shops
Fabricated structural products: • Air conditioning and cooling
apparatus
• Fabricated wire products
• Fire control equipment
• Hardware products
• Heating apparatus
• Metal cans
Miscellaneous manufacturing: • Athletic goods
• Amusements
• Musical instruments
• Plated ware
• Silverware
• Sporting goods
• Toys
• Textile products
• Housing for caretakers
…
(X) Unit 23. Heavy Industrial.
(1) Description. Unit 23 consists of uses which cause the greatest adverse environmental effects because of
odor, noise, unsightliness, air pollution and explosions.
(2) Included Uses.
Manufacturing uses: • Fabricated metal products
• Primary metal industries
• Textile mill products
Processing and sales: • Scrap metal
• Refuse
Repair service • Tirecapping
Wrecking and demolition services
Apparel products: • Industrial leather belting
Clay products
Food and allied products
Furniture and allied products
Board of Adjustment
April 6, 2026
Item 3
BOA-2026-0002 (HANNA'S CANDLE COMPANY)
Page 6 of 51
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33
Glass products
Lumber and wood products: • Millware products
• Plywood products
• Prefabricated structural wood
• Veneer products
• Wooden container
Paper and allied products: • Paperboard containers
Petroleum and related
industries:
• Coal yard
• Lubricating oils and greases
Primary metal industry: • Foundry
Stone products
Housing for caretakers
…
(FF) Unit 31. Facilities Emitting Odors and Facilities Handling Explosives. *
(1) Description. Unit 31 consists of facilities which are heavy industrial in nature, but which have the potential
to have adverse effects such as odor or the potential for explosions
(2) Included Uses.
Manufacturing Uses: Chemical and allied
products
Food and kindred
products:
• Animal fats and oils
rendering
• Beverages distilling
• Meat slaughtering and
packaging
Paper and allied products
Rubber and plastic
products
Processing and sales: Explosives
Wholesale and
warehousing:
Livestock stockyards
Explosive materials
Apparel products: Leather tanning
Chemical and allied
products:
Any process likely to emit
odor or have the potential
for explosion
Paper and allied products: Building paper and board • Paper
Petroleum and related
industries:
Bulk station and terminal
Rubber and
miscellaneous plastic
products:
Inner tubes
Tires
…
(QQ) Unit 42. Clean Technologies.
(1) Description. Unit 42 consists of uses that fabricate or produce goods and services that greatly reduce or
eliminate negative environmental impacts, create new technologies or improve the productive and
responsible use of natural resources.
Alternative Energy Fabrication and
Storage Components:
• Wind
• Solar
Board of Adjustment
April 6, 2026
Item 3
BOA-2026-0002 (HANNA'S CANDLE COMPANY)
Page 7 of 51
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33
• Fuel cells
• Batteries
• Hybrid systems
Fabrication or Production of
Materials:
• Nano Technologies
• Solar panels
• Computer components, such as
microchips
• Advanced packaging
Research and Development: • Monitoring and control systems
• Energy infrastructure management
• Energy efficiency management
• Materials and recycling management
• Transportation logistics
• Environmental cleanup and safety
• Scientific or high tech research
laboratories
(Code 1965, App. A., Art. 6 (A), (F); Ord. No. 329, 10-1-85; Ord. No. 3165, 2-4-86; Ord. No. 3341, 3-15-88; Ord. No.
1747, 6-29-70; Code 1991, §§118.01, 160.055; Ord. No. 3546, 4-19-91; Ord. No. 3792, §§2, 3, 5-17-94; Ord. No.
3870, §1 (Ex. A), 2-21-95; Ord. No. 3909, §1, 7-18-95; Ord. No. 3971, §§3, 4, 5-21-96; Ord. No. 4024, §3, 3-18-97;
Ord. No. 4034, §§1, 2, 4-15-97; Ord. No. 4100, §2 (Ex. A), 6-16-98; Ord. No. 4376, §5 (Ex. E), §6 (Ex. F), 3-5-02;
Ord. No. 4423, §1 (Ex. A), 10-02-02, Ord. No. 4728, 7-19-05; Ord. No. 4913, 8-15-06; Ord. No. 4919, 09-05-06; Ord.
No. 4930, 10-03-06; Ord. No. 4946, 11-21-06; Ord. No. 5028, 6-19-07; Ord. No. 5128, 4-15-08; Ord. No. 5203, 12-2-
08; Ord. No. 5195, 11-6-08; Ord. No. 5226, 3-3-09; Ord. No. 5238, 5-5-09; Ord. No. 5312, 4-20-10; Ord. No.5312, 4-
20-10; Ord. No. 5338, 8-3-10; Ord. No. 5339, 8-3-10; Ord. No. 5352, 9-7-10; Ord. No. 5462, 12-6-11, Ord. No. 5668,
3-18-14; Ord. No. 5735, 1-20-15; Ord. No. 5772, 5-19-15; Ord. No. 5921, §§2, 3, 11-1-16; Ord. No. 5945, §§10—14,
1-17-17; Ord. No. 5990, §1, 8-1-17; Ord. No. 6245, §3, 10-15-19; Ord. No. 6427, §§1(Exh. D), 2, 4-20-21; Ord. No.
6624, §1, 11-1-22; Ord. No. 6678, §2, 9-5-23; Ord. No. 6879, §3, 5-20-25)
Editor's note(s)—Ord. No. 6888, §1, adopted June 17, 2025 determines that Ordinance 6427 (Sunset Clause),
Ordinance 6625 (extending Sunset Clause), Ordinance 6710 (extending the Sunset Clause), and Ordinance
6820 (extending the Sunset Clause) be amended so that Ordinance 6427 and all amendments to Code
Sections ordained or enacted by Ordinance 6427 shall automatically sunset, be repealed and become void on
November 30, 2025 unless prior to that time and date the City Council amends this ordinance to repeal or
further amend this sunset, repeal and termination section.
162.02 Interpretation
(A) In each use unit division, permitted uses are set forth in the division entitled "Included uses." In the event of a
conflict between such divisions and the "description" divisions, the former shall prevail.
(B) In any case where there is a question as to whether or not a particular use is included in a particular use unit,
the Zoning and Development Administrator shall decide. A use shall not be interpreted as being in any use unit
if it is specifically listed in another unit in this chapter.
(Code 1965, App. A., Art. 6(B); Ord. No. 1747, 6-29-70; Ord. No. 2181, 1-6-76; Code 1991, §160.056; Ord. No. 4100,
§2 (Ex. A), 6-16-98
Board of Adjustment
April 6, 2026
Item 3
BOA-2026-0002 (HANNA'S CANDLE COMPANY)
Page 8 of 51
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33
SC
H
O
O
L
A
V
E
WILLOUGHBY RD
M
A
I
N
AV
E
SCHOOL
AVE
M
A
I
N
A
V
E
C-2
R-A
I-1
RSF-4
RPZD
P-1
Regional Link
Neighborhood Link
Unclassified
Residential Link
Trail (Proposed)
Design Overlay District
Fayetteville City Limits
Planning Area
One Mile View
BOA-2026-0002 3660 S. SCHOOL AVE N
0 0.25 0.50.13 Miles
Planning Area
Fayetteville City Limits
Subject Property
Board of Adjustment
April 6, 2026
Item 3
BOA-2026-0002 (HANNA'S CANDLE COMPANY)
Page 9 of 51
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33
ERNESTLANCASTER DR
MC
C
O
L
L
U
M
A
V
E
SCHOOL
AVE
R-A
I-1
Regional Link
Unclassified
Residential Link
Planning Area
Fayetteville City Limits
Close Up View
BOA-2026-0002 3660 S. SCHOOL AVE
N
0 150 300 450 60075
Feet
Subject Property
1:2,400
Board of Adjustment
April 6, 2026
Item 3
BOA-2026-0002 (HANNA'S CANDLE COMPANY)
Page 10 of 51
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33
ERNEST
LANCASTER DR
SCHOOLAVE
WILLOUGHBY RD
MAINAVE
2025 Imagery | EagleView Technologies | Surdex Corporation
Regional Link
Neighborhood Link
Unclassified
Residential Link
Planning Area
Fayetteville City Limits
Current Land Use
BOA-2026-0002 3660 S. SCHOOL AVE N
0 225 450 675 900112.5
Feet
Subject Property
Agricultural
Institutional
Industrial
Commercial
1:3,600
Board of Adjustment
April 6, 2026
Item 3
BOA-2026-0002 (HANNA'S CANDLE COMPANY)
Page 11 of 51
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33
SCREENSHOTS FROM
BUSINESS LICENSE
Board of Adjustment
April 6, 2026
Item 3
BOA-2026-0002 (HANNA'S CANDLE COMPANY)
Page 12 of 51
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33
SCREENSHOTS FROM
BUSINESS LICENSE
Board of Adjustment
April 6, 2026
Item 3
BOA-2026-0002 (HANNA'S CANDLE COMPANY)
Page 13 of 51
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33
SCREENSHOTS FROM
BUSINESS LICENSE
Board of Adjustment
April 6, 2026
Item 3
BOA-2026-0002 (HANNA'S CANDLE COMPANY)
Page 14 of 51
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33
SC
R
E
E
N
S
H
O
T
S
F
R
O
M
BU
S
I
N
E
S
S
L
I
C
E
N
S
E
Board of Adjustment
April 6, 2026
Item 3
BOA-2026-0002 (HANNA'S CANDLE COMPANY)
Page 15 of 51
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33
SC
R
E
E
N
S
H
O
T
S
F
R
O
M
BU
S
I
N
E
S
S
L
I
C
E
N
S
E
Board of Adjustment
April 6, 2026
Item 3
BOA-2026-0002 (HANNA'S CANDLE COMPANY)
Page 16 of 51
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33
Who Are We?
Swarm Aero is an American
aerospace manufacturer founded in
2022 and headquartered in Oxnard,
California.
We design and manufacture large
uncrewed aircraft as well as the
software that enables these - and
other - vehicles to be operated more
efficiently.
Founders:
Danny Goodman
Peter Kalogiannis
Oliver Palmer
Why Arkansas?
● We evaluated more than 20
states before choosing
Arkansas and settling in
Fayetteville. Each day we're
reminded we made the right
call.
● From our university partners to
our neighbors at Drake Field to
the civic leaders who joined us
for our ribbon cutting — we are
proud of the relationships we
are building here.
● We are not just operating here.
We are investing here, hiring
here, and building something
we believe this community will
be proud of for a long time.
● We are actively hiring across
the organization and intend to double our aircraft team in 2026.
What Are Our Fayetteville Facilities To Be Used For?
Board of Adjustment
April 6, 2026
Item 3
BOA-2026-0002 (HANNA'S CANDLE COMPANY)
Page 17 of 51
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33
● Our operations at 3660 S. School are for aircraft manufacturing only: composite fabrication,
airframe assembly, and engineering research and development.
● Our aircraft - like any aircraft - are built to carry payloads of a variety of types. We do not
manufacture or decide on those payloads.
● There are no explosive materials, no ordnance, and no hazardous chemical emissions
associated with our work.
● This kind of aircraft manufacturing happens in many facilities across the country, with no
odors emitted
When Will We Take Flight?
● We celebrated our ribbon cutting in February 2026 and are working towards having our first
flight in the next two years (so by mid-2028) at our development facilities elsewhere
● The only flights that will take place from Fayetteville will be one-way delivery operations
where the aircraft takes off from Drake Field, but lands elsewhere at the customer’s site.
These flights are years away. No test flights will take place in Fayetteville.
For Complete Clarification:
● No weapons manufacturing or testing
● No explosives present
● Not a data center
● A pilot manufacturing facility at which initial flight testing isn’t slated to start til mid-2028
Board of Adjustment
April 6, 2026
Item 3
BOA-2026-0002 (HANNA'S CANDLE COMPANY)
Page 18 of 51
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33
Board of Adjustment
April 6, 2026
Item 3
BOA-2026-0002 (HANNA'S CANDLE COMPANY)
Page 19 of 51
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33
Board of Adjustment
April 6, 2026
Item 3
BOA-2026-0002 (HANNA'S CANDLE COMPANY)
Page 20 of 51
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33
Board of Adjustment
April 6, 2026
Item 3
BOA-2026-0002 (HANNA'S CANDLE COMPANY)
Page 21 of 51
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33
Board of Adjustment
April 6, 2026
Item 3
BOA-2026-0002 (HANNA'S CANDLE COMPANY)
Page 22 of 51
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33
Board of Adjustment
April 6, 2026
Item 3
BOA-2026-0002 (HANNA'S CANDLE COMPANY)
Page 23 of 51
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33
Board of Adjustment
April 6, 2026
Item 3
BOA-2026-0002 (HANNA'S CANDLE COMPANY)
Page 24 of 51
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33
Board of Adjustment
April 6, 2026
Item 3
BOA-2026-0002 (HANNA'S CANDLE COMPANY)
Page 25 of 51
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33
Board of Adjustment
April 6, 2026
Item 3
BOA-2026-0002 (HANNA'S CANDLE COMPANY)
Page 26 of 51
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33
Board of Adjustment
April 6, 2026
Item 3
BOA-2026-0002 (HANNA'S CANDLE COMPANY)
Page 27 of 51
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33
Board of Adjustment
April 6, 2026
Item 3
BOA-2026-0002 (HANNA'S CANDLE COMPANY)
Page 28 of 51
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33
Board of Adjustment
April 6, 2026
Item 3
BOA-2026-0002 (HANNA'S CANDLE COMPANY)
Page 29 of 51
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33
Board of Adjustment
April 6, 2026
Item 3
BOA-2026-0002 (HANNA'S CANDLE COMPANY)
Page 30 of 51
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33
Board of Adjustment
April 6, 2026
Item 3
BOA-2026-0002 (HANNA'S CANDLE COMPANY)
Page 31 of 51
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33
Board of Adjustment
April 6, 2026
Item 3
BOA-2026-0002 (HANNA'S CANDLE COMPANY)
Page 32 of 51
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33
1
Masters, Jessica
From:Jesse Buchanan <jbuchanancc@gmail.com>
Sent:Friday, February 20, 2026 4:27 PM
To:Masters, Jessica
Cc:Moore, Sarah
Subject:Swarm AERO Appeal
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Fayetteville. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize
the sender and know the content is safe.
Hello,
I am following up from our call earlier and submitting my request in writing. I would like to request an
appeal to the Board of Adjustments regarding Swarm AERO’s authorization to do business in I1 - Heavy
Commercial and Light Industrial. According to § 155.06 Appeals from Staff Interpretations and Actions
(B) Appeals to the Board of Adjustment, these decisions can be appealed by a council member on behalf
of a resident of the city. I have CC’ed council member Moore, of Ward 2, so she may do so on my behalf.
Please let me know if there is anything else needed from me. Thank you!
-Jesse Buchanan
APPLICANT
REQUEST
LETTER
Board of Adjustment
April 6, 2026
Item 3
BOA-2026-0002 (HANNA'S CANDLE COMPANY)
Page 33 of 51
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33
1
Masters, Jessica
From:Pennington, Blake
Sent:Wednesday, March 25, 2026 9:51 AM
To:Masters, Jessica
Subject:FW: I1 questions of objectionable environmental influences
Jessie, here is the first email we received from Sarah. Kit’s memo went out the next day.
Blake E. Pennington
Senior Assistant City Attorney
City of Fayetteville, Arkansas
bpennington@fayetteville-ar.gov
Direct: (479) 575-8312
From: Moore, Sarah <sarah.moore@fayetteville-ar.gov>
Sent: Thursday, February 19, 2026 4:44 PM
To: Williams, Kit <kwilliams@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Pennington, Blake <bpennington@fayetteville-ar.gov>
Subject: I1 questions of objectionable environmental influences
Kit and Blake
Good Afternoon.
This passage is in the I1 stating industrial uses that do not produce “objectionable environmental influences”. The
business, Swarm Aero, that was allowed to be licensed in the city as use unit 22 mfg at 3660 S School has a high
likelihood to do this. I am wondering what avenues are available if you think this was allowed to be a by use right
given it may be counter to this passage within the UDC for this type of business. Are there re review mechanisms
for this license? Are there ways to look further at the business make up for compatibility to what is listed as the
type of uses in I1?
I don’t think this business is light industrial with the descriptions that I am reading further in the UDC as well for
types of business listed.
161.30 - District I-1, Heavy Commercial And Light Industrial
(A)
Purpose. The Heavy Commercial District is designed primarily to accommodate certain commercial and
light industrial uses which are compatible with one another but are inappropriate in other commercial
or industrial districts. The Light Industrial District is designed to group together a wide range
of industrial uses, which do not produce objectionable environmental influences in their operation and
appearance. The regulations of this district are intended to provide a degree of compatibility between uses
permitted in this district and those in nearby residential districts.
APPLICANT
REQUEST
LETTER
Board of Adjustment
April 6, 2026
Item 3
BOA-2026-0002 (HANNA'S CANDLE COMPANY)
Page 34 of 51
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33
2
Sarah Moore
Fayetteville City Council, Ward 2
sarah.moore@fayetteville-ar.gov
479.263.6629
Report a concern with SeeClickFix:
https://www.fayetteville-ar.gov/4233/Report-a-Concern-with-SeeClickFix
Speak up on City projects:
https://speakup.fayetteville-ar.gov/
Voice your feedback to the entire Council and Mayor by emailing:
agendaitemcomment@fayetteville-ar.gov
Board of Adjustment
April 6, 2026
Item 3
BOA-2026-0002 (HANNA'S CANDLE COMPANY)
Page 35 of 51
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33
BOA-2026-0002
Compiled public comment
From: Jay Gray <jwgray1000@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, April 2, 2026 8:12 AM
To: Caroline Fox <CarolineF@dcius.pro>
Subject: Zoning Concerns
Dear Board of Adjustments -
I am writing in opposition to the administrative decision that Swarm Aero received a zoning
classiflcation of "light industrial" for the property at 3660 S. School Ave at the April 6, 2026 meeting,
for the following reasons.
1. The administrative zoning process was manipulated, by imposing secrecy on City employees
that represent the citizens, with NDAs. This violates Arkansas policy of freedom of information and
open meetings. The administrative process was fatally fiawed and therefore should be referred to
City Council for a full public review.
2. Swarm Aero “use” is not “light industrial.” The Uniform Development Code Chapter 162 deflnes
“light industrial” to include activities like engraving cutlery or making toys or “amusements.”
Autonomous weaponized drones do not flt this deflnition, and should not be allowed to proceed.
3. This project should not have been waved through as if it were a like-for-like substitution for the
prior electronic-component assembler, which was a better flt with light industrial zoning.
I respectfully ask the Board to flnd that:
1. The Swarm Aero facility was wrongly classifled as “light industrial”; and
2. The change-of-use analysis should have been, but apparently was not, done; and
3. The administrative approval of the Swarm Aero facility was procedurally defective because it was
wrongly kept secret, and, for that reason, this matter should be referred to City Council for full
public review as a properly noticed agenda item, not mere re-approval by staff; and
4. Certify this matter to the City Attorney for a formal opinion, placed on the public record, to justify
the use of NDAs apparently to circumvent Arkansas policy of freedom of information and public
meetings.
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Jay W. Gray
272 S. Napier Ave
Board of Adjustment
April 6, 2026
Item 3
BOA-2026-0002 (HANNA'S CANDLE COMPANY)
Page 36 of 51
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33
BOA-2026-0002
Compiled public comment
Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701
4/2/2026
From: Ginny Masullo <masullo.ginny1@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, April 2, 2026 12:04 PM
To: peternormanboa@gmail.com; samcasualmail@gmail.com; Caroline Fox
<CarolineF@dcius.pro>; erin.a.adkins@gmail.com; jyoung@odysseynwa.com
Subject: Auguments for why AERO SWARM is not Light industry
Dear Fayetteville Board of Adjustments,
· The repeated claim that everything will be “enclosed,” and therefore flts light industry, just
doesn’t fully add up. Manufacturing might happen indoors, but AUS, armed uncrewed
vehicles, testing can’t be enclosed. That means noise, safety, and other impacts won’t stay neatly
contained inside a building.
· Safety. These aren’t tiny hobby drones — they’re large, experimental aircraft. If one crashes,
the potential damage is serious. Testing that kind of equipment near neighborhoods, schools and
active civilian air traffic feels like an unnecessary risk. My understanding is that this type of testing
is usually done in much more isolated areas.
· Then there’s the practical issue of transportation. Getting large drones from the factory to the
airport would mean using public roads, would it not? . That raises obvious concerns about traffic
disruptions, safety, and whether roads might need to be closed from time to time.
· Secrecy is another concern. If security requirements lead to restricted access to roads or parts
of the airport, that affects the public’s ability to use shared spaces and infrastructure.
· Finally, fuel and energy storage shouldn’t be brushed aside. Aircraft fuel and lithium-ion
batteries both come with real flre and explosion risks.
With these concerns I respectfully submit that AERO SWARM is not a light industry.
Ginny Masullo
1837 Rupple Road
Fayetteville Ar. 72704
-----Original Message-----
From: Celeste <celestenic@yahoo.com>
Sent: Wednesday, April 1, 2026 5:50 PM
Board of Adjustment
April 6, 2026
Item 3
BOA-2026-0002 (HANNA'S CANDLE COMPANY)
Page 37 of 51
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33
BOA-2026-0002
Compiled public comment
To: erin.a.adkins@gmail.com; Caroline Fox <CarolineF@dcius.pro>; samcasualmail@gmail.com;
peternormanboa@gmail.com
Subject: “To Build the largest UAV Swarm on the Planet” Swarm Aeros mission -Zefyron. NO KILLER
DRONES IN NWA
To the Board of Adjustments: For decision at the April 6, 2026, meeting, I oppose the administrative
grant to Swarm Aero of “light industrial” zoning classiflcation at the 3660 S. School property in
Fayetteville. My reasons follow.
1. This weapons manufacturer appears to have manipulated the administrative zoning process by
imposing secrecy on City employees with NDAs. This violates Arkansas policy of freedom of
information and open meetings. The administrative process was, therefore, fatally fiawed and
should be referred to City Council for a full public review.
2. Swarm Aero “use” is a galaxy away from “light industrial.” The Uniform Development Code
Chapter 162 deflnes “light industrial” to include activities like engraving cutlery or making toys or
“amusements.” There is nothing whatsoever “amusing” about autonomous weaponized bombers
fiying around our City skies in swarms.
3. Nor should this project have been waved through as if it were a like-for-like substitution for the
prior electronic-component assembler.
It is long past time to shed some sunshine on this outrage. I respectfully ask the Board to flnd that:
1. The Swarm Aero facility was wrongly classifled as “light industrial”; and
2. The change-of-use analysis should have been, but apparently was not, done; and
3. The administrative approval of the Swarm Aero facility was procedurally defective because it was
wrongly kept secret, and, for that reason, this matter should be referred to City Council for full
public review as a properly noticed agenda item, not mere re-approval by staff; and
4. Certify this matter to the City Attorney for a formal opinion, placed on the public record, to justify
the use of NDAs apparently to circumvent Arkansas policy of freedom of information and public
meetings.
Thank you for your service.
Obviously I’ve copy/pasted, since this was clear and concise, but this all was beyond shocking to
learn!! I showed up for the quorum court to oppose an IDA for Washington County. I’m SHOCKED
this was snuck through without allowing citizens a voice on this. I hope you will see that the zoning
doesn’t flt and this can move forward to try and get this thing out of here!! I don’t want The Natural
State to become the War State…even though it seems that may be the trajectory the NWA Council
has planned. I will protest this every step of the way any way I can.
Board of Adjustment
April 6, 2026
Item 3
BOA-2026-0002 (HANNA'S CANDLE COMPANY)
Page 38 of 51
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33
BOA-2026-0002
Compiled public comment
Thank you all for listening!,
A very concerned citizen
Celeste Wharry
479-879-2923
celestenic@yahoo.com
(Not sure you need this, but 65 W Ozark Tr. Fay., AR 72701
From: Necia Parker-Gibson <neciap@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, April 1, 2026 5:23 PM
To: Caroline Fox <CarolineF@dcius.pro>
Subject: Fwd: Swarm Aero shouldn’t fiy
Swarm Aero is not an appropriate industry for the light industrial category, or for South Fayetteville.
It will be water and power intensive where the infrastructure is way behind the growth in population,
and no one wants to hear or see military hardware hovering as they come to campus or live and
work in the area. Sincerely, Necia Parker-Gibson
From: Virginia Hillis <carriagehouseonthetrail@gmail.com>
Sent: Wednesday, April 1, 2026 4:15 PM
To: Agenda Item Comment <agendaitemcomment@fayetteville-ar.gov>
Subject: Drone manufacturing and AI Data bank
Board of Adjustment
April 6, 2026
Item 3
BOA-2026-0002 (HANNA'S CANDLE COMPANY)
Page 39 of 51
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33
BOA-2026-0002
Compiled public comment
CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the City of Fayetteville. Do not click links or open
attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
I want to express my extreme opposition to having our peaceful enlightened city be the home of
manufacturing military machines and data storage. This not only makes us vulnerable and a target
to who ever the chosen enemy is at the moment it will increase the noise & danger to our streets
and skies while increasing the cost for energy and most importantly send the Very wrong distorted
message as a city that we believe in violence and war and support it. I don’t want to see these
nightmarish robots fiying overhead the soul purpose would be to kill people ! Not a flt for a
peaceful college town in the Natural State.Can you just imagine besides local opposition the
tourists and parents of UA students flnding out about this crap.
The noise alone would bring on PTSD.Don’t ruin our vibe !
Sincerely concerned,Greenway Trail House
From: Frank Head <ccisnw@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, March 30, 2026 4:59 PM
To: erin.a.adkins@gmail.com; gavin@grsmithcivilengineering.com; Caroline Fox
<CarolineF@dcius.pro>; samcasualmail@gmail.com; peternormanboa@gmail.com
Subject: Zoning consideration at April 6 meeting
Dear Board of Adjustments Member:
Re your decision at the April 6, 2026, meeting, I strongly oppose the administrative grant to Swarm
Aero of “light industrial” zoning classiflcation at the 3660 S. School property in Fayetteville. My
reasons are as follows:
1. This weapons manufacturer appears to have manipulated the administrative zoning process by
imposing secrecy on City employees with NDAs. This violates Arkansas policy of freedom of
information and open meetings. The administrative process was, therefore, fatally fiawed and
should be referred to City Council for a full public review.
2. Swarm Aero “use” is a galaxy away from “light industrial.” The Uniform Development Code
Chapter 162 deflnes “light industrial” to include activities like engraving cutlery or making toys or
“amusements.” There is nothing whatsoever “amusing” about autonomous weaponized bombers
fiying around our City skies in swarms.
3. Nor should this project have been waved through as if it were a like-for-like substitution for the
prior electronic-component assembler.
It is long past time to shed some sunshine on this outrage. I respectfully ask the Board to flnd that:
Board of Adjustment
April 6, 2026
Item 3
BOA-2026-0002 (HANNA'S CANDLE COMPANY)
Page 40 of 51
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33
BOA-2026-0002
Compiled public comment
1. The Swarm Aero facility was wrongly classifled as “light industrial”; and
2. The change-of-use analysis should have been, but apparently was not, done; and
3. The administrative approval of the Swarm Aero facility was procedurally defective because it was
wrongly kept secret, and, for that reason, this matter should be referred to City Council for full
public review as a properly noticed agenda item, not mere re-approval by staff; and
4. Certify this matter to the City Attorney for a formal opinion, placed on the public record, to justify
the use of NDAs apparently to circumvent Arkansas policy of freedom of information and public
meetings.
Thank you for your service.
Frank W. Head Jr.
402 West ILA Street
Fayetteville AR 72701
From: Phyllis Head <brooklyngirl951@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, March 30, 2026 5:11 PM
To: Erin.A.Adkins@gmail.com; gavin@grsmithcivilengineering.com; Caroline Fox
<CarolineF@dcius.pro>; samcasualmail@gmail.com; peternormanboa@gmail.com
Subject: Please change zoning of Swarm Aero April 6
Dear Board of Adjustments Member:
Re your decision at the April 6, 2026, meeting, I strongly oppose the administrative grant to Swarm
Aero of “light industrial” zoning classiflcation at the 3660 S. School property in Fayetteville. My
reasons are as follows:
1. This weapons manufacturer appears to have manipulated the administrative zoning process by
imposing secrecy on City employees with NDAs. This violates Arkansas policy of freedom of
information and open meetings. The administrative process was, therefore, fatally fiawed and
should be referred to City Council for a full public review.
2. Swarm Aero “use” is a galaxy away from “light industrial.” The Uniform Development Code
Chapter 162 deflnes “light industrial” to include activities like engraving cutlery or making toys or
“amusements.” There is nothing whatsoever “amusing” about autonomous weaponized bombers
fiying around our City skies in swarms.
Board of Adjustment
April 6, 2026
Item 3
BOA-2026-0002 (HANNA'S CANDLE COMPANY)
Page 41 of 51
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33
BOA-2026-0002
Compiled public comment
3. Nor should this project have been waved through as if it were a like-for-like substitution for the
prior electronic-component assembler.
It is long past time to shed some sunshine on this outrage. I respectfully ask the Board to flnd that:
1. The Swarm Aero facility was wrongly classifled as “light industrial”; and
2. The change-of-use analysis should have been, but apparently was not, done; and
3. The administrative approval of the Swarm Aero facility was procedurally defective because it was
wrongly kept secret, and, for that reason, this matter should be referred to City Council for full
public review as a properly noticed agenda item, not mere re-approval by staff; and
4. Certify this matter to the City Attorney for a formal opinion, placed on the public record, to justify
the use of NDAs apparently to circumvent Arkansas policy of freedom of information and public
meetings.
Thank you for your service.
Phyllis Head
402 West ILA Street
Fayetteville AR 72701
From: panneverland1@protonmail.com <panneverland1@protonmail.com>
Sent: Monday, March 30, 2026 9:29 PM
To: erin.a.adkins@gmail.com; jyoung@odysseynwa.com; Caroline Fox <CarolineF@dcius.pro>;
samcasualmail@gmail.com; peternormanboa@gmail.com; gavin@grsmithcivilengineering.com
Subject: A Message from a Concerned Citizen to the Board of Adjustments in regards to Swarm
Aero
Dear Board members,
I am sending this email to you in regards to the upcoming Board of Adjustments meeting that will
happen on April 6. On that day, Council member Sarah More and Jesse Buchanan will argue that
Swarm Aero does not meet the criteria of a I-1 zoning law and therefore cannot operate under a
heavy commercial and light industrial zone.
As a concerned citizen of my home town of Fayetteville, Arkansas, I fully support and back the
arguments of Sarah More and Jesse Buchanan. I do not support Swarm Aero, nor do I want said
drone weapons manufacturing company being placed in my home town. I hope that the board
members will carefully consider the arguments of Sarah More and Jesse Buchanan, and will vote in
favor of their arguments and against the zoning of Swarm Aero.
Board of Adjustment
April 6, 2026
Item 3
BOA-2026-0002 (HANNA'S CANDLE COMPANY)
Page 42 of 51
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33
BOA-2026-0002
Compiled public comment
Thank you for your time and consideration and I hope you will make the wise decision of not
supporting the I-1 zoning of Swarm Aero.
Sincerely,
Jacob C. Hook
Sent with Proton Mail secure email.
From: Ginny Masullo <masullo.ginny1@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, March 30, 2026 12:01 PM
To: Caroline Fox <CarolineF@dcius.pro>
Subject: April 6 appeal re: Wrongful procedure in Swarm Aero zoning
Dear Caroline,
The approval of Swarm Aero’s zoning raises serious concerns regarding compliance with the
Arkansas Open Meetings Act, specifically the requirement that City employees execute
nondisclosure agreements.
Swarm Aero also does not qualify as “light industrial” under Uniform Development Code
Chapter 162, which contemplates substantially different uses.
At the April 6, 2026 meeting, the approval of Swarm Aero at 3660 S. School Avenue should be
rescinded. Alternatively, the matter should be referred to the City Council for public review
and formal action.
Additionally, I request that the Board of Adjustment refer this matter to the City Attorney for a
formal legal opinion addressing both the zoning classification and the use of nondisclosure
agreements, with the opinion entered into the public record.
Respectfully,
Ginny Masullo
1837 N. Rupple Road
Fayetteville, Arkansas 72704
Thank you,
Ginny Masullo
1837 N. Rupple Road
Fayetteville Arkansas 72704
Board of Adjustment
April 6, 2026
Item 3
BOA-2026-0002 (HANNA'S CANDLE COMPANY)
Page 43 of 51
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33
BOA-2026-0002
Compiled public comment
From: anita schnee <anitafay@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, March 30, 2026 8:25 AM
To: Caroline Fox <CarolineF@dcius.pro>
Subject: April 6 Swarm Aero: oppose zoning, secrecy: amicus brief
To the Board of Adjustments:
I am a concerned-citizen attorney living in Fayetteville. For decision at the April 6, 2026, meeting, I
oppose the administrative grant to Swarm Aero of “light industrial” zoning classiflcation at the 3660
S. School property in Fayetteville. I attach a brief I have prepared in support of the appeal. This
contains the legal citations and analysis in support of my reasoning. Please treat this brief as an
“amicus curiae” submission.
In summary, my reasons follow.
1. This weapons manufacturer appears to have manipulated the administrative zoning process by
imposing secrecy on City employees with NDAs. This violates Arkansas policy of freedom of
information and open meetings. The administrative process was, therefore, fatally fiawed and
should be referred to City Council for a full public review.
2. Swarm Aero “use” is a galaxy away from “light industrial.” The Uniform Development Code
Chapter 162 deflnes “light industrial” to include activities like engraving cutlery or making toys or
“amusements.” There is nothing whatsoever “amusing” about autonomous weaponized bombers
fiying around our City skies in swarms.
3. Nor should this project have been waved through as if it were a like-for-like substitution for the
prior electronic-component assembler.
It is long past time to shed some sunshine on this ill-advised project. I respectfully ask the Board to
flnd that:
1. The Swarm Aero facility was wrongly classifled as “light industrial”; and
2. The change-of-use analysis should have been, but apparently was not, done; and
3. The administrative approval of the Swarm Aero facility was procedurally defective because it was
wrongly kept secret, and, for that reason, this matter should be referred to City Council for full
Board of Adjustment
April 6, 2026
Item 3
BOA-2026-0002 (HANNA'S CANDLE COMPANY)
Page 44 of 51
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33
BOA-2026-0002
Compiled public comment
public review as a properly noticed agenda item, not mere re-approval by staff; and
4. Certify this matter to the City Attorney for a formal opinion, placed on the public record, to justify
the use of NDAs that had the effect of circumventing Arkansas policy of freedom of information
and public meetings.
Thank you for your service.
/s/ Anita Schnee
P.O. Box 3484, Fayetteville, AR 72702
March 30, 2026
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`
Anita Schnee
Attorney at Law
479.587.0262
P.O. Box 3484
Fayetteville, AR 72702-3484
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`
IMPORTANT: This message is intended for the use of the individual(s) to whom it is addressed. It
may contain information that is privileged, confldential, and exempt from disclosure under
applicable law. If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient, you are hereby notifled
that any dissemination, distribution, or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you
have received this communication in error, please notify me immediately by telephone at
479.587.0262. Thank you. The Bar and Supreme Court require all attorneys to notify e-mail
recipients that e-mail is not a secure method of communication.
~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`~`
From: Pattie Williams <zipattie@me.com>
Sent: Sunday, March 29, 2026 2:20 PM
Board of Adjustment
April 6, 2026
Item 3
BOA-2026-0002 (HANNA'S CANDLE COMPANY)
Page 45 of 51
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33
BOA-2026-0002
Compiled public comment
To: Caroline Fox <CarolineF@dcius.pro>
Subject: April 6 Swarm Aero: oppose zoning classiflcation and secrecy.
March 29, 2026
To the Board of Adjustments: For decision at the April 6, 2026, meeting, I oppose the
administrative grant to Swarm Aero of “light industrial” zoning classiflcation at the 3660 S. School
property in Fayetteville. My reasons follow.
1. This weapons manufacturer appears to have manipulated the administrative zoning process by
imposing secrecy on City employees with NDAs. This violates Arkansas policy of freedom of
information and open meetings. The administrative process was, therefore, fatally fiawed and
should be referred to City Council for a full public review.
2. Swarm Aero “use” is a galaxy away from “light industrial.” The Uniform Development Code
Chapter 162 deflnes “light industrial” to include activities like engraving cutlery or making toys or
“amusements.” There is nothing whatsoever “amusing” about autonomous weaponized bombers
fiying around our city skies in swarms.
3. Nor should this project have been waved through as if it were a like-for-like substitution for the
prior electronic-component assembler.
It is long past time to shed some sunlight on this outrage. I respectfully ask the Board to flnd that:
1. The Swarm Aero facility was wrongly classifled as “light industrial”; and
2. The change-of-use analysis should have been, but was not, done; and
3. The administrative approval of the Swarm Aero facility was procedurally defective because it was
wrongly kept secret, and, for that reason, this matter should be referred to City Council for full
public review as a properly noticed agenda item, not mere re-approval by staff; and
4. Certify this matter to the City Attorney for a formal opinion, placed on the public record, to justify
the use of NDAs to circumvent Arkansas policy of freedom of information and public meetings.
Thank you for your service.
Pattie Williams
Board of Adjustment
April 6, 2026
Item 3
BOA-2026-0002 (HANNA'S CANDLE COMPANY)
Page 46 of 51
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33
BOA-2026-0002
Compiled public comment
1008 W. Grand Blvd., Unit 328
Fayetteville, Arkansas 72704
From: Bayard Blain <bayardguitars@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, March 29, 2026 2:03 PM
To: Caroline Fox <CarolineF@dcius.pro>
Subject: Swarm aero
Hello I’m a citizen of Fayetteville working to express my concerns.
This weapons manufacturer appears to have manipulated the administrative zoning process by
imposing secrecy on City employees with NDAs. This violates Arkansas policy of freedom of
information and open meetings. The administrative process was, therefore, fatally fiawed and
should be referred to City Council for a full public review.
2. Swarm Aero “use” is a galaxy away from “light industrial.” The Uniform Development Code
Chapter 162 deflnes “light industrial” to include activities like engraving cutlery or making toys or
“amusements.” There is nothing whatsoever “amusing” about autonomous weaponized bombers
fiying around our City skies in swarms.
3. Nor should this project have been waved through as if it were a like-for-like substitution for the
prior electronic-component assembler.
It is long past time to shed some sunlight on this outrage. I respectfully ask the Board to flnd that:
1. The Swarm Aero facility was wrongly classifled as “light industrial”; and
2. The change-of-use analysis should have been, but was not, done; and
3. The administrative approval of the Swarm Aero facility was procedurally defective because it was
wrongly kept secret, and, for that reason, this matter should be referred to City Council for full
public review as a properly noticed agenda item, not mere re-approval by staff; and
4. Certify this matter to the City Attorney for a formal opinion, placed on the public record, to justify
the use of NDAs to circumvent Arkansas policy of freedom of information and public meetings.
Thank you for your service.
Bayard Blain
19 E 4th
Fayetteville AR
Board of Adjustment
April 6, 2026
Item 3
BOA-2026-0002 (HANNA'S CANDLE COMPANY)
Page 47 of 51
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33
BOA-2026-0002
Compiled public comment
72701
From: Curth, Jonathan <jcurth@fayetteville-ar.gov>
Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2026 4:07 PM
To: Moore, Sarah <sarah.moore@fayetteville-ar.gov>
Cc: Macedo, Keith <kmacedo@fayetteville-ar.gov>
Subject: RE: Swarm Aero
Sarah,
The process for Swarm Aero was consistent with other commercial business license applications in
Fayetteville, with reviews from Planning and the Fire Marshal for zoning and flre protection
respectively.
Searching “3660 S. School Ave” or “BLC-1079-2025” will bring up the license information in our
online portal, although that may list the NAICS (North American Industry Classiflcation System)
code and not the local zoning use unit. The Use Unit for this license is 22, Manufacturing. This is
permitted by-right in the I-1, Heavy Commercial and Light Industrial zoning district.
Thanks,
Jonathan Curth, AICP
Board of Adjustment
April 6, 2026
Item 3
BOA-2026-0002 (HANNA'S CANDLE COMPANY)
Page 48 of 51
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33
BOA-2026-0002
Compiled public comment
Development Services Director
Development Services Department
City of Fayetteville, Arkansas
479.575.8308
jcurth@fayetteville-ar.gov
Website l Facebook l Twitter l Youtube
From: Moore, Sarah <sarah.moore@fayetteville-ar.gov>
Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2026 1:48 PM
To: Curth, Jonathan <jcurth@fayetteville-ar.gov>
Cc: Macedo, Keith <kmacedo@fayetteville-ar.gov>
Subject: Re: Swarm Aero
Thanks Jonathan. I was trying to understand better what the process was when they applied for
being a business in Fayetteville. If I look them up in the portal, will I be able to see all the details for
that business?
Like what use unit they are for the zoning for that space….
Sarah Moore
Fayetteville City Council, Ward 2
sarah.moore@fayetteville-ar.gov
479.263.6629
Report a concern with SeeClickFix:
https://www.fayetteville-ar.gov/4233/Report-a-Concern-with-SeeClickFix
Speak up on City projects:
https://speakup.fayetteville-ar.gov/
Voice your feedback to the entire Council and Mayor by emailing:
agendaitemcomment@fayetteville-ar.gov
From: Curth, Jonathan <jcurth@fayetteville-ar.gov>
Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 10:15 AM
To: Moore, Sarah <sarah.moore@fayetteville-ar.gov>
Board of Adjustment
April 6, 2026
Item 3
BOA-2026-0002 (HANNA'S CANDLE COMPANY)
Page 49 of 51
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33
BOA-2026-0002
Compiled public comment
Cc: Macedo, Keith <kmacedo@fayetteville-ar.gov>
Subject: Swarm Aero
Sarah,
Thanks for the message this morning. Development Services does not participate in all stages of
business recruitment and I am uncertain what level of that may have occurred with Swarm Aero.
Our role is generally limited to the permitting and licensing side. For Swarm Aero, they applied for a
business license in mid-December and several sign permits soon thereafter. All have been issued.
Otherwise, I am not familiar with any standard we enforce regarding testing or interaction of the
business with airspace or the airport, but have copied Keith here in case he has something to add.
Jonathan Curth, AICP
Development Services Director
Development Services Department
City of Fayetteville, Arkansas
479.575.8308
jcurth@fayetteville-ar.gov
Website l Facebook l Twitter l Youtube
From: Curth, Jonathan <jcurth@fayetteville-ar.gov>
Sent: Friday, March 20, 2026 8:32 AM
To: Williams, Kit <kwilliams@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Jones, D'Andre <dandre.jones@fayetteville-
ar.gov>; Stafford, Bob <bob.stafford@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Macedo, Keith <kmacedo@fayetteville-
ar.gov>
Cc: Pennington, Blake <bpennington@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Hungate, Hannah
<hhungate@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Masters, Jessica <jmasters@fayetteville-ar.gov>
Subject: RE: Attached Image
All,
As a follow-up on the below, please be advised that Fayetteville’s Board of Adjustment will be
considering whether staff made the appropriate zoning designation of Swarm Aero at the upcoming
April 6th meeting. How a business is designated determines if it is permitted in the underlying zoning
district. This is a resident appeal of staff’s determination that Swarm Aero is a manufacturing use,
which is permitted by-right in I-1, Heavy Commercial and Light Industrial zoning district.
Thanks,
Board of Adjustment
April 6, 2026
Item 3
BOA-2026-0002 (HANNA'S CANDLE COMPANY)
Page 50 of 51
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33
BOA-2026-0002
Compiled public comment
Jonathan Curth, AICP
Development Services Director
Development Services Department
City of Fayetteville, Arkansas
479.575.8308
jcurth@fayetteville-ar.gov
Website l Facebook l Twitter l Youtube
From: Williams, Kit <kwilliams@fayetteville-ar.gov>
Sent: Thursday, March 19, 2026 3:55 PM
To: Jones, D'Andre <dandre.jones@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Stafford, Bob <bob.stafford@fayetteville-
ar.gov>; Macedo, Keith <kmacedo@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Curth, Jonathan <jcurth@fayetteville-
ar.gov>
Cc: Pennington, Blake <bpennington@fayetteville-ar.gov>; Hungate, Hannah
<hhungate@fayetteville-ar.gov>
Subject: Fw: Attached Image
D'Andre and Bob,
Please flnd attached my memo answering D'Andre's questions presented to him by Mr.
Gargas.
Kit Williams
City Attorney
City of Fayetteville AR
479-575-8313
Board of Adjustment
April 6, 2026
Item 3
BOA-2026-0002 (HANNA'S CANDLE COMPANY)
Page 51 of 51
Docusign Envelope ID: A450D45F-4BFE-86EF-8376-A02075E04C33