Fayetteville, Arkansas
Fayetteville Set the Precedent. Other Cities Are Following.
The Arkansas state board reviewed Fayetteville's pre-approved plan process and approved it. The city launched 20+ designs across 500 acres in downtown and Walker Park, each selected to fit the surrounding neighborhood. Within the first week, residents outside the pilot area were asking when it would reach their part of town.
The Challenge
State architecture boards can question whether distributing stock building plans constitutes the unlicensed practice of architecture. A program that hasn't addressed this can be halted after launch, after months of staff time and political capital have already been spent.
The Approach
The Arkansas state board reviewed the methodology and approved it. Pattern Zones Co. provided the technical framework. We curated 20+ plans from our catalog for the downtown and Walker Park pilot areas, each selected to fit the surrounding neighborhood. The city's online platform lets residents input their address and see which plans fit their lot.
“We're working to make housing simpler without compromising on quality. Faster doesn't mean lower quality; it means removing barriers for people who want to live here.”
Mayor Molly Rawn
City of Fayetteville
What Changed
- Process reviewed and approved by the Arkansas state board.
- 20+ plans curated from our catalog, each fitting the scale and character of its pilot area neighborhood.
- Address-based plan matching using city GIS data. Residents see exactly what they can build on their lot.
- Within the first week, residents outside the pilot area were asking when the program would expand to their neighborhood.
What People Are Saying
Builders can focus on craftsmanship, lenders on feasibility, and residents on livability.
Britin Bostick
Long Range Planning Manager
City of Fayetteville
This platform bridges a gap we've seen for years — a middle ground between large developments and one-off custom builds.
Marlee Stark
Chief Housing Officer
City of Fayetteville
Ready to Launch a Pre-Approved Plan Program?
Who We Worked With
In the News
Ready to take the next step?
Let's explore what's possible together.