Arkansas County, AR: No Building Permit, No Zoning

Unincorporated Arkansas County, Arkansas appears not to require a county residential building permit, but statewide building-code minimums still apply^1,2. We could not confirm countywide zoning; municipalities issue their own building permits and Stuttgart has municipal zoning, while septic permits throughout the county remain with the Arkansas Department of Health or its authorized agent^1,3,4.

At a glance

Building permit: Appears not to be required by the county in unincorporated areas; confirm before building¹
Zoning: No confirmed countywide zoning ordinance for unincorporated land¹
Building code: State building-code minimums apply even where permits or inspections are not required²
Septic permit: State approval is required through the Arkansas Department of Health or its authorized agent^4,5
Owner-builder exemption: State contractor licensing exemption for your own residence; codes and approvals still apply⁶
RV / mobile home / tiny home parks: State rules regulate fee-based parks with 3 or more spaces; a single unit on private land remains unconfirmed^7,8
Driveway on a state highway: Requires an Arkansas DOT permit; no confirmed county driveway rule was found⁹

Who to call

Also useful

Arkansas County Government (DeWitt)

General Arkansas County government contact; the starting point for a rural building, road or land-use question not covered by a city or the state, since no separate county building, planning or road department could be found online

870-659-2099

101 Court Square, De Witt, AR 72042

Septic permits

Arkansas Department of Health, Onsite Wastewater Program

Statewide onsite wastewater (septic) and well program; approves systems directly or through a locally assigned Designated Representative, and can direct callers to the local health unit covering Arkansas County

1-800-462-0599

4815 W. Markham, Little Rock, AR 72205

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 9, 2026.

Do you need a building permit in Arkansas County, Arkansas?

Unincorporated Arkansas County appears not to require a county residential building permit; municipalities issue building permits inside their jurisdictions, while septic permits throughout the county remain with the Arkansas Department of Health or its authorized agent^1,4. Building-code compliance is separate: statewide minimums apply even where no building permit or inspection is required². A city or county that issues building permits for new construction must adopt the Arkansas Energy Code, but that rule does not show that Arkansas County operates a building-permit program¹⁰. Before ordering plans or site work, ask Arkansas County whether the parcel is unincorporated and whether any county building inspection or approval has since been established¹.

Who issues building permits in Arkansas County?

No separate Arkansas County building or inspection department is listed, so begin with Arkansas County Government at the DeWitt courthouse for an unincorporated parcel.

No separate Arkansas County building or inspection department is listed, so begin with Arkansas County Government at the DeWitt courthouse for an unincorporated parcel¹. For land inside a municipality, that city handles building permits; Stuttgart also administers municipal zoning through its zoning map and Planning Commission^1,3. Septic permits do not move to the city: the Arkansas Department of Health or its authorized agent handles onsite wastewater throughout Arkansas County^4,5. For an unincorporated parcel, ask the county specifically about building inspection, floodplain review, subdivision approval, and a county-road driveway permit; those county procedures remain unconfirmed¹.

Does Arkansas County have zoning?

We could not confirm a current countywide zoning ordinance for unincorporated Arkansas County.

We could not confirm a current countywide zoning ordinance for unincorporated Arkansas County¹. That does not make a parcel unrestricted: general minimum dwelling size, lot size, building setbacks, height, lot coverage, and county subdivision rules remain unconfirmed, so ask Arkansas County about the parcel¹. Arkansas law lets a county planning board adopt zoning for all or part of a county's unincorporated area, but we could not confirm that Arkansas County has done so¹¹. Stuttgart has municipal zoning under its Unified Development Code, but that code does not apply outside city limits¹²; septic permits there still come from the Arkansas Department of Health or its authorized agent^3,4. State law generally requires an Arkansas municipality to allow an accessory dwelling unit by right on a qualifying single-family parcel while retaining applicable code and zoning standards; that rule does not create the same right in unincorporated Arkansas County¹³. The half-acre minimum applies only to subdivision lots using drip dispersal to establish onsite-wastewater lot size¹⁴.

How do septic and well permits work in Arkansas County?

The Arkansas Department of Health or its authorized agent issues septic construction and operation permits in Arkansas County.

The Arkansas Department of Health or its authorized agent issues septic construction and operation permits in Arkansas County^4,5,15. State review fees for an individual system run from $30 to $150 based on house size, and repair or extension review costs $30¹⁴. Only 1.6% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, so make the site evaluation an early contingency¹⁶. State setbacks govern onsite wastewater placement, including separation from wells, water, buildings, and property lines¹⁴. Off-grid sewage discharges still need approval¹⁷. In a subdivision using onsite systems, Department of Health approval must come before any construction on a lot; the half-acre drip-dispersal rule is conditional, not a general lot minimum^14,18.

Can you live in an RV, mobile home or tiny home on your land in Arkansas County?

Arkansas's park rules do not answer whether you may occupy one RV, manufactured home, or tiny house on wheels on private land in Arkansas County.

Arkansas's park rules do not answer whether you may occupy one RV, manufactured home, or tiny house on wheels on private land in Arkansas County. We could not confirm a county rule for a single unit, so ask Arkansas County and any municipality with jurisdiction before relying on that use¹. A fee-based parcel with at least 3 spaces for RVs, tiny houses on wheels, or mobile homes is regulated as a park and needs Department of Health approval before construction or alteration^7,8. Under the park rule, a tiny house on wheels is treated as a mobile home when plumbed and inspected under the Arkansas Plumbing Code and otherwise as an RV⁸. An approved RV park is for transient stays, typically by the night or week, not proof of a right to permanent private-land occupancy⁸. Stuttgart zoning adds a separate city check, while septic approval remains with the state program^3,4.

Building a home in Arkansas County: what are the steps?

Confirm whether the parcel is outside a municipality; ask the city about its building permit and zoning approval, or ask Arkansas County Government about any county building, floodplain, subdivision, and driveway approvals.

Confirm whether the parcel is outside a municipality; ask the city about its building permit and zoning approval, or ask Arkansas County Government about any county building, floodplain, subdivision, and driveway approvals¹.
Design the home to statewide building-code minimums even if no local building permit or inspection is required².
Ask the Arkansas Department of Health or its authorized agent for the septic permit and site evaluation before fixing the house and well locations^4,5,14.
Do not use the septic system until it passes inspection and receives its operation permit¹⁵.
If acting as your own contractor, remember that the owner-builder provision exempts state contractor licensing for your own residence, but not building codes, building permits, zoning approval, inspections, or septic permits⁶.
Obtain an Arkansas Department of Transportation driveway permit before connecting to a state highway⁹.

What to check before you buy land in Arkansas County

Put septic feasibility first: only 1.6% of Arkansas County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field.

Put septic feasibility first: only 1.6% of Arkansas County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field¹⁶. Ask whether public sewer is available, because connection is required when access is within 300 feet of the building's sewer exit¹⁹. Confirm the parcel's city limits, county approval path, flood status, legal access, and county-road entrance requirements with Arkansas County before closing¹. A driveway connecting to a state highway requires an Arkansas Department of Transportation permit⁹. The county is very flat—99.8% of its land is at a slope of 15% or less—so drainage and flood exposure deserve parcel-level review even on an easy-looking building site¹⁶. Arkansas County's effective property-tax rate is about 0.6%, and the median annual property-tax bill is about $722¹⁶.

Watch-outs

Arkansas County's own building-permit, inspection, and countywide zoning rules remain unconfirmed; call the county government office before design or site work¹.
State park rules begin at 3 fee-based spaces and do not establish permission to occupy a single RV, mobile home, or tiny house on private land^7,8.
The farm-building exemption is limited to electrical licensing and code-authority requirements for nonresidential farm structures; it is not a general permit or land-use exemption²⁰.
A septic permit can expire for construction purposes if work does not begin within 1 year unless the permit is revalidated¹⁴.

Sources

20 official pages, each quoted and re-checked · written October 9, 2026

Written October 9, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Arkansas County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like 4 of its 6 neighbors, Arkansas County requires no county building permit for a home.

Rule	Arkansas County	Lincoln County	Monroe County	Desha County	Jefferson County	Phillips County	Prairie County
Building permit	Not required	Not required	Not required	Not required	Limited	Not required	Limited
County zoning	No	Not published	No	Not published	Not published	No	No
Septic permits	AR Dept. of Health	AR Dept. of Health	ADH	AR Dept. of Health	AR Dept. of Health	AR Dept. of Health	AR Dept. of Health

Cities and towns in Arkansas County

Inside a city or town, that city usually issues building permits and sets zoning; the county’s rules above cover unincorporated land. Septic, wells and floodplain rules usually stay with the county or state everywhere.

Not yet covered: Town of Almyra · DeWitt · Gillett · Humphrey · Town of St. Charles

Answers from the rulebook for Arkansas County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Arkansas County rules

County-wide zoningAbsent
Arkansas County has not adopted comprehensive countywide zoning; land-use regulation exists only within municipalities, and no county planning/zoning department is listed.
Arkansas.gov - Arkansas County ↗From the county’s own site, awaiting a second reviewer

Arkansas rules that apply here

Building permitLimited
Arkansas counties, cities, and municipalities that issue building permits for new building construction under the Arkansas Energy Code.
- The rule applies to counties, cities, or municipalities that issue building permits for new building construction.
- A local government may use prior plan approval, building-permit requirements, and inspections during construction.
- The source states that applicable local governments were required to adopt the Code before 2014-12-31.
- The source states an effective date of 2015-01-01.
adoption deadline: <= 2014-12-31 · effective date: 2015-01-01
“All counties, cities or municipalities that issue building permits for new building construction are required to adopt this Code for new construction, additions and renovation of existing structures. However, the local municipality shall not in any way modify the energy conservation standards in this Code or promulgate or adopt rules or regulations that are less stringent than this Code. A local government may exercise other administrative and enforcement procedures that it deems necessary to affect the purposes of this Code, including, but not limited to, prior plan approval, building permit requirements, and inspections during the course of construction.”
2014 Arkansas Energy Code for New Building Construction Supplements and Amendments ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Limited — State building-code compliance for construction, including construction in rural and unincorporated areas of Arkansas.
  “Arkansas Building Codes are mandatory statewide minimums. They apply statewide even in areas when no permit or inspections are required.”
  Home Improvement Specialty New Application ↗Re-checked Oct 3, 2026
- Limited — Construction subject to the Arkansas Building Code statewide minimums, including rural and unincorporated areas.
  “They apply statewide even in areas when no permit or inspections are required.”
  Home Improvement Contractor License Application ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
- Limited — Construction subject to the Arkansas Energy Code for New Building Construction Supplements and Amendments.
  “A local government may exercise other administrative and enforcement procedures that it deems necessary to affect the purposes of this Code, including, but not limited to, prior plan approval, building permit requirements, and inspections during the course of construction.”
  2014 Arkansas Energy Code for New Building Construction Supplements and Amendments ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)
Owner-builders and owners acting as their own home-improvement contractors under Arkansas residential-contractor licensing law.
- A person constructing his or her own residence is exempt unless he or she builds more than one residence during a calendar year.
- The owner of a single-family residence acting as his or her own home-improvement contractor on his or her own property is exempt.
- This is an exemption from state contractor licensing requirements, not an express exemption from any building permit, inspection, certificate-of-occupancy, septic, fire, or municipal requirement.
maximum residences built by a person under the residence exemption: <= 1 residence per calendar year (The exemption does not apply if the person builds more than one residence during any calendar year.)
“The following shall be exempted from the licensing requirements of this subchapter: (1) A person who acts as a residential building contractor in the construction of his or her residence unless he or she builds more than one (1) residence during any calendar year; (2) The owner of a single family residence acting as his or her own home improvement contractor on his or her own property;”
Residential Contractors Committee Rules and Arkansas Code ↗Re-checked Oct 3, 2026
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Conditional — State residential-building-contractor and home-improvement-contractor licensing requirements for an owner building or improving the owner's residence or single-family residence on the owner's property.
  “The following shall be exempted from the licensing requirements of this subchapter: (1) A person who acts as a residential building contractor in the construction of his or her residence unless he or she builds more than one (1) residence during any calendar year; (2) The owner of a single family residence acting as his or her own home improvement contractor on his or her own property;”
  Arkansas Residential Contractors Committee Rules ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
- Available (with conditions) — State residential-contractor licensing for an owner building or improving a single-family residence in Arkansas County.
  “The following shall be exempted from the licensing requirements of this subchapter: (1) A person who acts as a residential building contractor in the construction of his or her residence unless he or she builds more than one (1) residence during any calendar year; (2) The owner of a single family residence acting as his or her own home improvement contractor on his or her own property;”
  Arkansas Residential Licensing Law and Rules ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
- Available (with conditions) — Arkansas residential contractor licensing for an individual constructing the individual’s own residence or an owner of a single-family residence acting as the owner’s own home-improvement contractor on the owner’s property.
  “construction of his or her residence unless he or she builds more than one (1) residence during any calendar year;”
  Arkansas Residential Contractors Committee Rules and Statutes ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
Building code adoptedPartial
The Arkansas Energy Code as amended, for any Arkansas city or county that issues building permits for new building construction; this establishes a statewide conditional adoption framework but does not establish that Arkansas County itself adopted the code.
- Only cities or counties that issue building permits for new building construction are identified as applicable cities or counties required to adopt the code.
- Applicable cities or counties were required to adopt the code before 12/31/2014.
- Upon adoption, the local government must submit a copy of the adoption ordinance to the Arkansas Economic Development Commission - Energy Office.
- If the applicable city or county had not adopted by 12/31/2014, the mayor and/or county judge was required to submit a letter within 60 days explaining noncompliance.
- The source concerns the Arkansas Energy Code, not the complete Arkansas Fire Prevention Code or a county-specific building-permit ordinance.
adoption deadline: 12/31/2014 · noncompliance-letter deadline: 60 days after 12/31/2014
“111.1 Adoption. Arkansas Code § 15-10-205(b)(3)(B) requires that any city or county in Arkansas which issues building permits for new building construction (referred to herein as “applicable cities or counties”) shall adopt the Arkansas Energy Code as amended. 111.1.1 Date of adoption: Applicable cities or counties shall adopt the Arkansas Energy Code prior to 12/31/2014.”
2014 Arkansas Energy Code for New Building Construction Supplements and Amendments ↗Re-checked Oct 3, 2026
5 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Adopted (with conditions) — Building, residential, and fire-code compliance for construction in Arkansas County and elsewhere in Arkansas.
  “2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code (Includes: Fire Code, Building Code, Residential Code) (Based on IBC 2021 w\Arkansas Amendments)”
  Current Applicable State Codes in Arkansas ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
- Adopted (with conditions) — Construction, alteration, relocation, enlargement, replacement, repair, use, occupancy, and demolition of buildings and structures in Arkansas, including Arkansas County, subject to the code's scope and exceptions.
  “Each district, county, municipality, or other political subdivision of this state shall only adopt and enforce the provisions of the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code”
  Arkansas Fire Prevention Code Rules, 2021 Edition ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
- Adopted (with conditions) — New structures and applicable alterations, additions, changes in use, and changes in structures throughout Arkansas, under the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, including Volume II for building-code requirements and Volume III for residential-code requirements.
  “Each district, county, municipality, or other political subdivision of this state shall only adopt and enforce the provisions of the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, 2021 Edition. [...] The design and construction of new structures shall comply with the International Building Code Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, Volume II, and any alterations, additions, changes in use or changes in structures required by this code, which are within the scope of the International Building Code, Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, Volume II, shall be made in accordance therewith.”
  2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
- Partial — State projects in Arkansas.
  “The adopted building code for state projects is the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, 12 CAR pt. 15, as adopted by the Division of Arkansas State Police, State Fire Marshal’s office.”
  22 CAR § 111-407. Building codes adopted ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
- Adopted (with conditions) — State projects in Arkansas subject to the Building Authority Division design-review rules.
  “The adopted building code for state projects is the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, 12 CAR pt. 15, as adopted by the Division of Arkansas State Police, State Fire Marshal’s office. Arkansas laws and this subchapter shall have precedence over the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code where they exceed the requirements of the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code. All project designs shall comply with all Arkansas laws and the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code. Other codes, rules, or standards may be applicable to a specific project. It is the department’s and design professional’s responsibility to determine all applicable codes for each specific project.”
  22 CAR § 111-407. Building codes adopted ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
InspectionsRequired
Construction or work that must comply with the Arkansas Energy Code for New Building Construction Supplements and Amendments.
- Inspection is required for construction or work that must comply with the cited Code.
- Inspection may be performed by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission Energy Office, its agent, or the code official.
- Code officials within a county or municipality that has adopted the Code and normally conducts final inspections shall perform final inspection and approval when the building is completed and ready for occupancy.
- The local government may conduct additional inspections during construction.
“Construction or work that must comply with this Code shall be subject to inspection by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission - Energy Office or its agent, or by the code official.”
2014 Arkansas Energy Code for New Building Construction Supplements and Amendments ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Limited — Building-code compliance in Arkansas, including rural and unincorporated areas.
  “Arkansas Building Codes are mandatory statewide minimums. They apply statewide even in areas when no permit or inspections are required.”
  Home Improvement Contractor Application ↗Re-checked Oct 3, 2026
- Limited — Construction subject to Arkansas Building Code compliance and any applicable inspection regime.
  “areas when no permit or inspections are required.”
  Home Improvement Contractor License Application ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
Certificate of occupancyLimited
Open-enrollment public charter schools commencing student operations in a new or renovated facility anywhere in Arkansas.
- Before commencing operations with students, the school must obtain one of three alternative approvals for the new construction or renovation.
- The alternatives are: a certificate of occupancy issued by a local code official and approved by the state fire marshal; a certificate of occupancy or other approval of the state fire marshal; or a certificate of substantial completion issued by a licensed architect.
- A certificate of occupancy is therefore not independently mandatory when one of the two listed alternative approvals is obtained.
“An open-enrollment public charter school shall not commence operations with students in any new or renovated facility unless the school has obtained for the new construction or renovation: (1) A certificate of occupancy issued by a local code official, approved by the state fire marshal; (2) A certificate of occupancy or other approval of the state fire marshal; or (3) A certificate of substantial completion issued by a licensed architect.”
6 CAR § 31-425. Charter school facilities ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Limited — New or renovated facilities of open-enrollment public charter schools before operations with students commence.
  “An open-enrollment public charter school shall not commence operations with students in any new or renovated facility unless the school has obtained for the new construction or renovation: (1) A certificate of occupancy issued by a local code official, approved by the state fire marshal; (2) A certificate of occupancy or other approval of the state fire marshal; or (3) A certificate of substantial completion issued by a licensed architect.”
  6 CAR § 31-425. Charter school facilities ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
- Limited — State of Arkansas construction projects administered by a state owner or agency.
  “Certificates of Occupancy are not issued by any one State Agency for State projects. The responsibility therefore rests with the Owner/Agency of the project.”
  DBA Project Closeout Guide ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
- Limited — Buildings subject to the Arkansas Energy Code when located in a county or municipality that has adopted the Code and conducts final inspections as part of normal operations.
  “An open-enrollment public charter school shall not commence operations with students in any new or renovated facility unless the school has obtained for the new construction or renovation: (1) A certificate of occupancy issued by a local code official, approved by the state fire marshal; (2) A certificate of occupancy or other approval of the state fire marshal; or (3) A certificate of substantial completion issued by a licensed architect.”
  2014 Arkansas Energy Code for New Building Construction Supplements and Amendments ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
Minimum lot sizeSpecified
Subdivision lots in Arkansas County using drip dispersal design to determine minimum lot size for onsite wastewater systems
- The rule applies to subdivisions using drip dispersal design for minimum lot size.
- Minimum depth to bedrock criteria in Section 7.2.2 must be met.
- Primary and secondary absorption areas must be flagged on contour.
- Legal descriptions of the primary and secondary absorption areas must be included in the legal descriptions of the lots.
- The lot must be 0.5 acres or larger.
minimum lot size: >= 0.5 acres (Only for subdivisions using drip dispersal design under the stated criteria)
“Drip dispersal design may be used in determining minimum lot size for subdivisions when the following criteria are met: Minimum depth to bedrock in section 7.2.2, primary and secondary absorption areas are flagged on contour, legal description of primary and secondary absorption areas included in the legal description of those lots. Lots using drip dispersal design for minimum lot size shall be 0.5 acres or larger.”
Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Oct 3, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Specified — Subdivision lots statewide that use drip dispersal design for determining minimum lot size under Arkansas Department of Health onsite wastewater rules.
  “Lots using drip dispersal design for minimum lot size shall be 0.5 acres or larger.”
  Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
SetbacksSpecified
Onsite wastewater facilities and absorption areas in Arkansas County, including subdivisions using onsite wastewater systems.
- The rules establish minimum horizontal distances; greater distances are required where local conditions demand.
- Waivers, except those involving public water supplies, must be submitted to and approved by the Department.
- Waivers affecting public water supplies must be submitted to and approved by Engineering.
- For subdivisions with an individual water well, the well must be at least 50 feet from any lot line and at least 100 feet from any part of the onsite wastewater system on the same lot and systems on adjacent lots.
- Primary and secondary absorption areas must comply with Section 6.2 setbacks.
- Existing installations, previously recorded subdivision plats, previously issued construction permits, and certain previously approved master plans receive the protections and exceptions in Section 3.4.
distance from body of water high-water mark near public water supply intake: >= 300 feet (Applies if within one quarter mile of a public water supply intake on that body of water.) · distance from spring used as public water supply: >= 300 feet · distance from domestic water supply: >= 100 feet · distance from stream or lake high-water mark: >= 100 feet · distance from pond on same property: >= 50 feet (If in the pond watershed.) · distance from pond on adjacent property: >= 100 feet (If in the pond watershed; in no case may the minimum separation from any pond be less than 50 feet.) · distance from dwelling or building: >= 10 feet · distance from property lines: >= 10 feet · distance from water service line: >= 10 feet (See Arkansas Plumbing Code.) · distance from sinkhole: >= 100 feet
“6.2.1 Facilities used for the collection, treatment, and renovation of wastewater shall be at least 300 feet from the high-water mark of any body of water, if within one quarter mile of a public water supply intake on that body of water.”
Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Oct 6, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Specified — Onsite wastewater systems and associated absorption areas on lots or tracts in Arkansas County
  “If an individual water well supply and an onsite wastewater system are proposed, the lot size shall be such that the well shall be located at least 50 feet from any lot line, and at least 100 feet from any part of the onsite wastewater system proposed on the same lot and onsite wastewater systems proposed on any adjacent lots. Wells should be located up slope from wastewater systems if possible. Both primary and secondary onsite wastewater systems shall conform to all set back requirements established under Section 6.2 of this rule.”
  Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Oct 3, 2026
Lot coverageDistrict specific (with conditions)
State delegation to county planning boards for zoning ordinances covering all or part of a county's unincorporated area; this is not a statewide lot-coverage percentage.
- A county planning board may prepare a zoning ordinance only for all or part of the unincorporated area of the county.
- The ordinance must include both a map and a text.
- Lot coverage is a subject the zoning ordinance may regulate; the enactment does not require a county to adopt such a rule.
- The ordinance must designate districts or zones, and regulations within each district or zone must be uniform throughout that district or zone.
“The county planning board shall have authority to prepare, or to cause to be prepared, a zoning ordinance for all or part of the unincorporated area of the county, which ordinance shall include both a map and a text. [...] The zoning ordinance may regulate: [...] (C) lot Lot coverage;”
arkleg.state.ar.us ↗Re-checked Nov 4, 2026
Living in an RVLimited
Parcels with three or more recreational-vehicle spaces, tiny-house-on-wheels spaces, or mobile-home spaces where placement or maintenance services are provided for a fee.
- The parcel is considered a mobile home or recreational vehicle park and must comply with 20 CAR Part 138.
- The owner or operator is responsible for compliance.
- Waivers or exceptions are considered case-by-case at the discretion of the Arkansas Department of Health.
- Construction, alteration, repair, or extension of a park requires prior Department approval.
- Detailed plans must include the park layout, sewage system, water source and distribution system, buildings, parking areas, dump stations, and topographical features.
- The definitions identify recreational-vehicle parks as involving transient dwelling purposes, typically by night or week.
spaces triggering park regulation: >= 3 spaces (applies where placement or maintenance services, or both, are provided for a fee)
“Any parcel of land in which three (3) or more spaces are occupied or intended for occupancy by recreational vehicles, tiny houses on wheels, or mobile homes, where placement or maintenance services, or both, are provided for a fee, whether new or existing, shall be: (1) Considered a mobile home or recreational vehicle park; and (2) In compliance with this part.”
20 CAR § 138-102. Compliance ↗Re-checked Oct 4, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — Occupancy of recreational vehicles in Arkansas recreational-vehicle parks regulated by the Arkansas Department of Health under 20 CAR Part 138.
  “Any parcel of land in which three (3) or more spaces are occupied or intended for occupancy by recreational vehicles, tiny houses on wheels, or mobile homes, where placement or maintenance services, or both, are provided for a fee, whether new or existing, shall be: (1) Considered a mobile home or recreational vehicle park; and (2) In compliance with this part.”
  20 CAR § 138-102. Compliance ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Tiny homesLimited
Occupancy of tiny houses on wheels in Arkansas parcels operating as mobile-home or recreational-vehicle parks with three or more paid spaces.
- The rule expressly includes tiny houses on wheels among spaces triggering mobile-home or recreational-vehicle-park regulation.
- Placement or maintenance services, or both, must be provided for a fee.
- The parcel is considered a mobile home or recreational vehicle park and must comply with 20 CAR Part 138.
- The owner or operator is responsible for compliance.
- Waivers or exceptions are considered case by case at the discretion of the Arkansas Department of Health.
- Construction, alteration, repair, or extension of the park requires prior submission and Department approval.
- Detailed plans and specifications must include the park layout, sewage system, water source and distribution system, buildings, parking areas, dump stations, and topographical features.
- The rule does not establish a general statewide authorization or prohibition for a single tiny house on wheels outside a qualifying park.
minimum qualifying spaces: >= 3 spaces (the spaces must be occupied or intended for occupancy by recreational vehicles, tiny houses on wheels, or mobile homes)
“three (3) or more spaces are occupied or intended for occupancy by recreational vehicles, tiny houses on wheels, or mobile homes”
20 CAR § 138-102. Compliance ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Limited — Tiny houses on wheels in Arkansas County when placed in a regulated park or when classified under the state rule according to plumbing inspection status.
  ““Tiny house on wheels” means a structure intended as a habitable dwelling for one (1) or more individuals which, for the purposes of this part, shall be considered a: (A) Mobile home, if plumbed and inspected in accordance with the 2018 Arkansas Plumbing Code, 17 CAR pt. 65; or (B) Recreational vehicle, if not plumbed and inspected in accordance with the 2018 Arkansas Plumbing Code;”
  20 CAR § 138-101. Definitions ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
- Limited — Parcels with three or more spaces for tiny houses on wheels, recreational vehicles, or mobile homes where placement or maintenance services are provided for a fee.
  “Any parcel of land in which three (3) or more spaces are occupied or intended for occupancy by recreational vehicles, tiny houses on wheels, or mobile homes, where placement or maintenance services, or both, are provided for a fee, whether new or existing, shall be: (1) Considered a mobile home or recreational vehicle park; and (2) In compliance with this part.”
  20 CAR § 138-102. Compliance ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
- Limited — Occupancy of tiny houses on wheels in Arkansas mobile-home or recreational-vehicle parks regulated by the Arkansas Department of Health under 20 CAR Part 138.
  ““Tiny house on wheels” means a structure intended as a habitable dwelling for one (1) or more individuals which, for the purposes of this part, shall be considered a: (A) Mobile home, if plumbed and inspected in accordance with the 2018 Arkansas Plumbing Code, 17 CAR pt. 65; or (B) Recreational vehicle, if not plumbed and inspected in accordance with the 2018 Arkansas Plumbing Code;”
  20 CAR § 138-101. Definitions ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Manufactured homesLimited
Parcels with three or more fee-based spaces for mobile homes, tiny houses on wheels, or recreational vehicles.
- Three or more spaces are required before the parcel is treated as a mobile-home or recreational-vehicle park under this rule.
- Placement or maintenance services, or both, must be provided for a fee.
- The parcel is considered a mobile-home or recreational-vehicle park and must comply with 20 CAR Part 138.
- The owner or operator is responsible for compliance.
- Waivers or exceptions require case-by-case Department of Health approval.
- Construction, alteration, repair, or extension of the park requires prior Department of Health approval and detailed plans and specifications.
spaces threshold: >= 3 spaces (fee-based placement or maintenance services)
“Any parcel of land in which three (3) or more spaces are occupied or intended for occupancy by recreational vehicles, tiny houses on wheels, or mobile homes, where placement or maintenance services, or both, are provided for a fee, whether new or existing, shall be: (1) Considered a mobile home or recreational vehicle park; and (2) In compliance with this part.”
20 CAR § 138-102. Compliance ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — Manufactured or mobile-home occupancy in Arkansas County when three or more homes are placed or intended for placement with fee-based placement or maintenance services.
  ““Mobile home park” means a parcel of land for the placement of three (3) or more mobile homes, tiny homes on wheels, or recreational vehicles where services for a fee are provided for the placement for residential purposes;”
  codeofarrules.arkansas.gov ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Accessory dwellingsLimited
Municipal regulation of at least one accessory dwelling unit on a lot or parcel containing a single-family dwelling in Arkansas, including incorporated municipalities in Arkansas County such as Stuttgart and DeWitt; this Act does not itself regulate county government or establish a countywide rule for unincorporated Arkansas County.
- The accessory dwelling unit must be a self-contained and independently accessed living unit on the same parcel as a single-family dwelling of greater square footage, with cooking, sleeping, and sanitation facilities, and must comply with or be exempt from applicable regulatory requirements.
- A municipality must allow at least one accessory dwelling unit by right, meaning without a public hearing, variance, conditional use permit, special permit, special exception, or other discretionary zoning action other than a site-plan conformity determination.
- The unit may be attached, detached, or internal. If attached or detached, it may not exceed 75% of the primary dwelling's gross floor area or 1,000 square feet, whichever is less.
- Municipalities may continue to apply regulatory requirements, including the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, locally adopted ordinances and amendments, applicable zoning ordinances and conditions, design standards, and other applicable state and local laws.
- A municipality may not require additional parking or fees in lieu of additional parking; matching exterior design, roof pitch, or finishing materials; owner occupancy; a familial, marital, or employment relationship between occupants; development impact fees exceeding $250; public-street or sidewalk improvements except for reconstruction or repair of infrastructure disturbed by construction; more restrictive height, setback, lot-size, lot-coverage, or frontage standards than those for the primary dwelling; more onerous development standards; a restrictive covenant as a permit condition; or separate water and sewer from the primary structure.
- The Act does not prohibit municipal regulation of short-term rentals.
- A municipality may charge an accessory-dwelling-unit application-review fee not exceeding $250 per unit, in addition to usual building fees.
- A policy, regulation, or ordinance in effect on or after January 1, 2026 that conflicts with the Act is invalid to the extent of the conflict.
- A municipality may require a will-serve letter from both a municipal water system and municipal sewer system, or Department of Health approval where municipal water or sewer service is unavailable.
- The Act does not supersede applicable regulatory requirements and allows municipalities to adopt more-permissive rules.
- The Act was approved on March 18, 2025, but the official legislative summary states that acts without an emergency clause or specified effective date became effective August 5, 2025; the Act contains no emergency clause or specified effective date.
maximum detached or attached ADU size: 75% of primary dwelling gross floor area or 1,000 square feet, whichever is less (Internal ADUs are not subject to this specific attached/detached size sentence.) · maximum development impact fee: <= 250 USD (The municipality may not assess development impact fees in excess of $250.) · maximum application-review fee: <= 250 USD per accessory dwelling unit (Usual building fees may be charged in addition.) · conflicting local policy invalidity date: 2026-01-01 (Invalid only to the extent of conflict with Act 313.)
“Except as provided in this section, a municipality shall not adopt a policy, regulation, or ordinance that restricts, prohibits, or otherwise regulates the use of at least one (1) accessory dwelling unit by right on a lot or parcel that contains a single-family dwelling.”
Act 313 of the Regular Session, 2025 ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Who permits septicState (with conditions)
Individual sewage disposal (septic) systems and alternate/experimental systems in Arkansas, administered by the Arkansas Department of Health (Division of Environmental Health Protection) and its authorized agents (the environmental health specialist assigned to each county)
- The chapter (and so the Department's permit requirement) does not apply to an individual or alternate/experimental system on a tract of ten (10) acres or larger whose field line or sewage disposal line is no closer than 200 feet to the property line (§ 14-236-104(c)).
- Systems in existence on July 1, 1977, and certain systems installed after that date in subdivisions platted before July 1, 1977, are not required to meet more stringent specifications than the standards then applicable (§ 14-236-104(a)).
- Permit requirement (§ 14-236-112) covers systems installed after July 1, 1977; emergency repairs may proceed if a permit is obtained within ten working days.
- A municipality's law or regulation setting standards that give greater protection to public health or safety prevails within that municipality (§ 14-236-105).
- Surface-discharging systems may also need ADEQ authorization; not verified from an official page in this job.
- The statute text is from the Department of Health's 2014 compilation of the Act; check the current Arkansas Code for later amendments.
acreage exemption threshold: >= 10 acres (field line or sewage disposal line no closer than 200 feet to the property line) · minimum field line distance to property line for exemption: >= 200 feet
“the division of environmental health protection of the department of health or its authorized agents shall have general supervision and authority over the location, design, construction, installation, and operation of individual sewage disposal systems”
Arkansas Sewage Disposal Systems Act, A.C.A. § 14-236-101 et seq. (Arkansas Department of Health compilation, 2014 language update) ↗Re-checked Nov 6, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Mixed — Onsite wastewater systems in Arkansas County and statewide Arkansas.
  “(h)(1) For those cities or counties with authorized agents, the authorized agent shall be the authorized agent of the department. (2) In the event that an authorized agent has not been designated for a city or county, applications for onsite wastewater systems shall be made to the department.”
  codeofarrules.arkansas.gov ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Septic permitRequired
Construction, alteration, repair, extension, or operation of onsite wastewater systems statewide in Arkansas.
- A completed permit application and detailed plans must be approved before construction of a building or residence.
- Construction, installation, or modification requires permits for construction and operation before work begins.
- A permit may be refused where public sewer is reasonably available or economically feasible, subject to the emergency-repair exception.
- Emergency repairs may proceed without prior permit only if a permit is obtained within 10 working days.
- Applications are made to the Department or its Authorized Agent; where no local Authorized Agent is designated, applications are made to the Department.
- Construction must begin within one year after issuance or the permit must be revalidated.
- The rule is effective September 5, 2024.
public sewer connection distance: <= 300 feet (when available and connection can be made without crossing another person's property) · emergency repair permit deadline: 10 working days (after repairs are made) · permit review fee for structures 1,500 square feet or less: 30 USD · permit review fee for structures over 1,500 and up to 2,000 square feet: 45 USD · permit review fee for structures over 2,000 and up to 3,000 square feet: 90 USD · permit review fee for structures over 3,000 and up to 4,000 square feet: 120 USD · permit review fee for structures over 4,000 square feet: 150 USD · alteration, repair, or extension permit review fee: 30 USD
“A completed Onsite Wastewater System Permit Application and detailed plans and specifications following the requirements found in Appendix F for the collection, treatment and/or renovation facilities for all wastes of a domestic nature, containing a predominance of human excreta and exclusive of industrial wastes shall be submitted to and receive the approval of the Arkansas Department of Health or its Authorized Agent, prior to construction of a building or residence. [...] Permit requirement. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, corporation, association, municipality, or governmental agency to begin construction, alteration, repair, or extension of any onsite wastewater system, owned by any other person, firm, corporation, association, municipality or governmental agency until the owner first obtains a valid Permit for Construction issued by the Department or its Authorized Agent.”
Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Required — Individual onsite wastewater systems in Arkansas County and elsewhere in Arkansas, including construction, installation, modification, and operation of systems serving domestic wastewater.
  “Permits for construction and operation of onsite wastewater systems shall be obtained in accordance with this part prior to the construction, installation, or modification of the onsite wastewater system.”
  Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Nov 13, 2026
Septic inspectionRequired
Operation of onsite wastewater systems statewide in Arkansas after installation or construction.
- The system must be inspected and approved by the Arkansas Department of Health or its Authorized Agent before operation.
- The owner must obtain a Permit for Operation before the system is used.
- The installer must notify the Authorized Agent or Designated Representative when the installation is ready for inspection.
- The owner or occupant must provide free access at reasonable times for inspection.
- The installer must submit required installation documentation to the local health unit within five days.
- The inspection may be performed by the Authorized Agent or, with the Authorized Agent's approval, by the Designated Representative.
installer documentation deadline: 5 days (after installation pursuant to the approved permit)
“It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, corporation, association, municipality or governmental agency to begin operation of any onsite wastewater system until such system has been inspected and approved by the Department or its Authorized Agent and the owner has first obtained a Permit for Operation issued by the Department or its Authorized Agent. [...] Within five (5) days, the installer shall submit the required documentation to the local health unit that the system has been installed pursuant to the approved permit. [...] After approval of the inspection, the Authorized Agent will approve and issue a Permit for Operation. The system shall not be used until the Permit for Operation is issued.”
Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Required — Operation of onsite wastewater systems in Arkansas County.
  “(2) After approval of the inspection, the authorized agent will approve and issue a permit for operation. (3) The system shall not be used until the permit for operation is issued.”
  14 CAR § 21-303. Permit Procedure ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Off-grid sanitationLimited
Individual or off-grid sewage disposal, treatment, holding, or handling systems in Arkansas County.
- Individual systems must comply with 14 CAR pt. 21.
- Discharges from sewage disposal or treatment facilities are prohibited unless specifically permitted by the Department or the Division of Environmental Quality.
- Off-property discharges must be disinfected, meet current discharge standards, and require an NPDES permit from the Division of Environmental Quality.
- Facilities must be at least 100 feet from domestic water wells and 300 feet from the high-water mark of a water-supply lake or intake under ideal conditions; greater distances may be required locally.
minimum distance from domestic water well: >= 100 feet (greater distances may be required where local conditions demand) · minimum distance from water-supply lake or intake: >= 300 feet (greater distances may be required where local conditions demand)
“(B) Discharges from sewage disposal or treatment facilities are prohibited unless specifically permitted by the department or the Division of Environmental Quality. (C) All off-property discharges must be disinfected and meet current discharge standards. (D) Property owners with off-property discharges must contact the Division of Environmental Quality to obtain a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit.”
20 CAR § 131-106. Treatment and disposal of human waste ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Allowed (with conditions) — Use of composting or incinerating toilets as components of an Arkansas onsite wastewater system.
  “Only pre-manufactured composting or incinerating toilets authorized by the Department”
  Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Well permitLimited
Wells serving public and semi-public water systems in Arkansas.
- Written approval from the Arkansas Department of Health is required before construction begins.
- If the well's public or semi-public status is uncertain, the well contractor must obtain a written determination from the Department of Health before construction.
- This claim does not establish a general construction-permit requirement for private domestic wells.
“Wells for public and semi-public water systems shall be located, designed, and constructed in accordance with the respective rules of the Department of Health and shall have written approval from the department prior to the start of construction. If uncertain that a well is public or semi-public, the well contractor shall obtain a written determination from the department prior to construction.”
17 CAR § 11-607. Public and semi-public wells ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Mandatory utility hookupConditional
New buildings or residences in Arkansas County seeking public water service or located near a public sewer.
- In an unsewered area, public water service requires written documentation that the Department approved sewage-disposal plans or that no disposal-system approval is required.
- Connection to public sewer is required for homes and businesses when the sewer exit is within 300 feet of public sewer access on the owner's property or an adjacent street or alley.
- New public water service also requires documentation that the service line and building plumbing were inspected and found substantially compliant with the Arkansas Plumbing Code.
public sewer connection distance: <= 300 feet (measured from the point where the sewer exits the building to access to the public sewer) · public water plumbing inspection compliance: substantial compliance (Arkansas Plumbing Code, 17 CAR pt. 65)
“(1) Approved sewage disposal required. No public water system shall provide service to a new building or residence in an unsewered area until the customer provides written documentation that: (A) The department has approved plans for construction of a sewage disposal facility for the building or residence; or (B) No disposal system approval is required by the department for the building.”
20 CAR § 131-106. Treatment and disposal of human waste ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Sewer (with conditions) — Homes and premises where a sanitary sewer is within 300 feet from the point where the sewer exits the building and available without crossing another person's property.
  “All premises shall be connected to a sanitary sewer when within three hundred feet (300’) from the point where the sewer exits a building on the property owner’s property and available to said premises when connection can be made without crossing another person's property.”
  codeofarrules.arkansas.gov ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
Agricultural exemptionConditional
State and local sales-tax exemption for electricity, natural gas, and liquefied petroleum gas used by qualifying agricultural structures and qualifying aquaculture or horticulture equipment in Arkansas.
- The utility must be separately metered and used only for the exempt purpose.
- Multiple-use meters serving eligible and noneligible structures, facilities, or equipment do not qualify.
- The farmer must obtain a certificate from the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration before the exemption is allowed and provide it to the utility supplier.
- Qualifying agricultural structures include commercial poultry or livestock facilities, cattle or dairy facilities, and greenhouses used for commercial production.
- Qualifying aquaculture or horticulture equipment includes specified cooling, collection, irrigation, pond-pumping, pond-aeration, and holding or sorting-tank equipment used in commercial operations.
exemption start date: 2014-01-01 · eligible utilities: electricity, natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (Must be separately metered and used only for the exempt purpose) · DFA certificate: true (Required before the exemption is allowed) · water exemption for commercial poultry farming start date: 2021-10-01 (Water must be used exclusively for poultry farming and separately metered)
“Act 1441 of 2013 provides an exemption from state and local sales taxes for electricity, natural gas, and liquefied petroleum gas used by qualifying agricultural structures and qualifying aquaculture and horticulture equipment beginning January 1, 2014. The eligible utility must be separately metered and used only for the purpose of the exemption.”
Farm Utility Exemption Notice and Agricultural, Aquaculture and Horticulture Utility Exemption Application ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Conditional — Electrical licensing and Arkansas Electrical Code Authority Act requirements for construction, installation, maintenance, repair, or renovation of nonresidential farm buildings or structures in Arkansas County
  “shall not apply to the following: [...] renovation of any nonresidential farm building or structure;”
  17 CAR § 210-602. Construction and exemptions ↗Re-checked Oct 3, 2026
- Conditional — Construction, installation, maintenance, repair, or renovation of a nonresidential farm building or structure in Arkansas, as an exemption from the Arkansas Electrical Code Authority Act requirements.
  “(b) The requirements of the Arkansas Electrical Code Authority Act, Arkansas Code § 20-31-101 et seq., shall not apply to the following: [...] (2) Any construction, installation, maintenance, repair, or renovation of any nonresidential farm building or structure;”
  17 CAR § 210-602. Construction and exemptions ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Subdivision plans in Arkansas County that propose standard onsite wastewater systems for all or part of the lots or tracts.
- Plans must be submitted to the Arkansas Department of Health for review and approval of the overall onsite-wastewater utilization plan.
- Unsuitable lots or parcels must be incorporated into surrounding lots or parcels; green or community space must be identified and is not assigned a lot number or considered in subdivision approval.
- Submission is made to the local health unit and must include soil-pit data, percolation tests if applicable, test locations, topography, and other information required for review.
- The plan review fee is at least $100 for one lot, $25 for each following lot, capped at $1,500.
- Plans must include the listed vicinity, legal-description, lot-boundary, street, easement, topographic, flood-level, absorption-area, contour, well, feature, bedroom-design, public-water engineering, recipient-address, copy-count, and FEMA flood-zone information.
- For lots under three acres, the rule specifies seasonal-water-table depths; interceptor drains require a complete permit submittal; drip-dispersal minimum-lot design requires specified criteria and lots of at least 0.5 acre.
- Construction of any type may not begin on any subdivision lot until final approval of the onsite-wastewater submission by the Department of Health.
- No surface-discharging systems are allowed in subdivisions for new construction until applicable Division of Environmental Quality and Department of Health requirements are met.
- Section 3.4 preserves specified standards for existing systems, previously recorded plats, previously issued permits, and certain previously approved master plans; health hazards or nuisances must conform within 30 working days after notification.
minimum plan review fee for one lot: >= 100 USD (The fee is $25 for each following lot, with a maximum of $1,500.) · following-lot plan review fee: 25 USD (Subject to the $1,500 maximum.) · maximum plan review fee: <= 1500 USD · minimum undisturbed soil depth to brief seasonal water table for lots under three acres: >= 13 inches · minimum undisturbed soil depth to adjusted moderate seasonal water table for lots under three acres: >= 18 inches · minimum undisturbed soil depth to adjusted long seasonal water table for lots under three acres: >= 24 inches · minimum lot size using drip dispersal design: >= 0.5 acre · lots designed for: three-bedroom residences (Unless otherwise indicated.)
“Construction of any type shall not begin upon any lot in the subdivision until final approval of the submission for utilization of onsite wastewater systems within the subdivision has been made by the Department of Health.”
Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Oct 6, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision plans in Arkansas County that propose standard onsite wastewater systems for all or part of the lots or tracts
  “shall be submitted to the Arkansas Department of Health”
  Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Oct 3, 2026
- Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision plats that are boundary surveys creating parcels in Arkansas.
  “Subdivision plats [...] are to be filed with the State Surveyor’s office [...] Filing is not required [...] for survey plats [...] located in a municipality [...]”
  codeofarrules.arkansas.gov ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
Driveway accessRequired
Construction, reconstruction, modification, or relocation of access driveways on Arkansas State Highway right-of-way, including residential, commercial, and temporary access driveways.
- No work may begin on State Highway right-of-way until the engineer issues the permit.
- Applications are made to the District Engineer and include a work description, location, applicant contact information, and required drawings or deposit/bond.
- An Access Management Agreement may require approval or a permit from the relevant jurisdiction; failure to provide it may be grounds for denial.
- Commercial driveway permits generally require a minimum $1,000 deposit or bond per driveway, with governmental-entity waiver possible.
- Temporary driveway access is limited to 120 days initially, extendable at 60-day intervals up to 240 days.
commercial driveway deposit or bond: >= 1000 USD per driveway minimum (May be waived for governmental entities.) · temporary driveway initial duration: <= 120 days maximum (May be extended at 60-day intervals up to 240 total days.) · frontage limit: 50 feet or less (Limited to one driveway.) · rural setback inside adjoining property frontage: >= 10 feet minimum (Urban minimum is 5 feet; Section 6.9 exceptions may apply.)
“A permit shall be obtained from the Department for all access driveways on State Highways.”
Regulations: Rules for Access Driveways to State Highways ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Building in a floodplainRequired
Development by an Arkansas state department on property within the boundaries of the hundred-year floodplain or a Building Authority Division designated flood hazard area.
- The rule applies to a state department proposing the development, not generally to all private or local development statewide.
- The department must submit an application on a form approved by the Design Review Section.
- The application must include the application number, date, department or property owner, site address or legal description, development type, brief description, base flood elevation, lowest-floor elevation, attachment acknowledgment, and applicant contact/signature information.
- Supporting attachments should include the FEMA map, copies of other regulatory permits such as Clean Water Act sections 401 and 404 permits, elevation certificates, a certification of no increase in base flood elevation or no-rise certificate, a flood-proofing certificate, certifications for water supply, sanitary sewer, and on-site waste disposal systems, and notification of watercourse alteration or relocation.
- The Design Review Section reviews and approves or disapproves the application; if approved, the floodplain administrator issues a development permit for the design phase.
- The permit must be posted during construction; the site is reviewed before final acceptance; and noncompliant work requires correction or may be designated a nonconforming use site.
- For riverine watercourse alteration or relocation, the department must notify the division, adjacent communities, and the state NFIP Coordinator at the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission before the alteration or relocation, submit copies to the Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration, maintain flood-carrying capacity, and provide an engineering study of before-and-after conditions prepared by a registered professional engineer.
- For structures and equipment pads under the state rule, elevation requirements vary by FEMA-map and base-flood-elevation availability: two feet above adjacent grade where no FEMA map exists; two feet above the Building Authority Division base flood elevation where no nearby FEMA base flood elevation data exists; and one foot above the accepted or mapped base flood elevation in the circumstances specified by 22 CAR § 111-708.
minimum elevation where no FEMA map exists and site is flood-prone: 2 feet above adjacent grade · minimum elevation where FEMA map exists but no base flood elevation data is provided within 500 feet: 2 feet above the Building Authority Division-established base flood elevation · minimum elevation where FEMA map exists, no site base flood elevation is provided, and a base flood elevation is available within 500 feet or from another authoritative source: 1 foot above the base flood elevation accepted by the division · minimum elevation where FEMA map provides a base flood elevation at the site: 1 foot above the elevation shown on the map in the flood insurance study, if available, or as interpolated between map elevations
“When a department proposes to develop property within the boundaries of the hundred-year floodplain or a Building Authority Division designated flood hazard area, the department shall submit an application for a development permit on a form approved by the Design Review Section.”
22 CAR § 111-705. Permits ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — Development by an Arkansas state department on property within the boundaries of the hundred-year floodplain or a Building Authority Division-designated flood hazard area; this source does not establish a general countywide floodplain permit requirement for private or local development in Arkansas County.
  “When a department proposes to develop property within the boundaries of the hundred-year floodplain or a Building Authority Division designated flood hazard area”
  22 CAR § 111-705. Permits ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Permit feesPublished (with conditions)
State-regulated onsite wastewater permit review fees for property in Arkansas County, including unincorporated areas and municipalities subject to the Arkansas Department of Health rules.
- A fee is levied for review of each permit and is payable to the Arkansas Department of Health.
- The review fee must be paid before issuance of Part 1 of the Permit Application, and no refund is due if the applicant does not proceed.
- Construction must begin within one year of issuance or the permit must be re-validated by the original submitting Designated Representative or the Department’s Authorized Agent.
- For individual onsite wastewater applications, the fee is $30 for structures of 1,500 square feet or less; $45 for more than 1,500 and up to 2,000 square feet; $90 for more than 2,000 and up to 3,000 square feet; $120 for more than 3,000 and up to 4,000 square feet; $150 for more than 4,000 square feet; and $30 for alteration, repair, or extension of an individual sewage disposal system.
- Residential auxiliary areas such as garages, carports, and porches are excluded when calculating square footage.
individual application review fee, structure <= 1,500 sq. ft.: 30 USD · individual application review fee, structure > 1,500 and <= 2,000 sq. ft.: 45 USD · individual application review fee, structure > 2,000 and <= 3,000 sq. ft.: 90 USD · individual application review fee, structure > 3,000 and <= 4,000 sq. ft.: 120 USD · individual application review fee, structure > 4,000 sq. ft.: 150 USD · alteration, repair, or extension review fee: 30 USD
“A fee shall be levied for the review of each permit.”
Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Published (with conditions) — Basic design-service fees for Arkansas state department projects governed by the Building Authority Division.
  “$50,001 to $75,000 | 9.25%”
  22 CAR § 111-212. Design services fee schedule ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
Arkansas state department development projects located within a hundred-year floodplain or a Building Authority Division-designated flood hazard area.
- The application is submitted on a Design Review Section-approved form.
- The application must identify the site, development type, base flood elevation, lowest-floor elevation, attachments, and applicant contact and signature information.
- Supporting materials may include FEMA maps, other regulatory permits, elevation certificates, no-rise certification, flood-proofing certification, utility or onsite-waste-disposal certification, and watercourse-alteration notification.
- The Design Review Section reviews and approves or disapproves the application; additional information may be requested.
- If approved, the floodplain administrator issues a design-phase development permit; the permit must be posted during construction, followed by compliance review before final acceptance.
permit application timing: before development of covered property · appeal or review completion point: prior to final acceptance
“the department shall submit an application for a development permit”
22 CAR § 111-705. Permits ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Campground & park staysLimited
Camping at Arkansas state-park campsites.
- Campsites are limited to eight persons, excluding day-use guests, and one camping unit consisting of no more than two structures.
- Registration at the park office and payment of the camping fee are required before campers are considered registered.
- At least one adult age eighteen or older must register for and occupy the campsite during the entire registration period, with exceptions for scout troops, camping groups, or multiple family groups when sufficient adult supervision is provided.
- Registration must occur at the park office on the day of arrival, and campers must occupy the site by the time the visitor information center closes.
- Campsite occupancy is limited to fourteen days within a thirty-day period in the same park.
- A seven-day extension may be granted by the Park Superintendent from April through October when campgrounds are not at capacity.
- Additional extensions require approval by the Director of the State Parks Division for health problems, relocation, or job reassignment; longer extensions may be granted by Park Superintendents from November through March.
- Campers may not move between campsites in the same park to evade the limits, because permanent or semi-permanent residence is not permitted in a state park.
- All vehicles and trailers must be parked on hard surfaces or designated sites.
- State park camping areas are fee areas for registered campers only.
- The rule addresses state-park campsites and does not establish a statewide rule for camping on private land or land outside state parks.
maximum persons per campsite: 8 persons (excluding day-use guests) · maximum camping units per campsite: 1 unit (the unit may consist of no more than two structures) · maximum occupancy: <= 14 days per 30-day period (seven-day extensions and other stated extensions may apply)
“Campers may not occupy campsites within the same park in excess of fourteen (14) days within a thirty-day period.”
22 CAR § 50-108. Camping rules, fee collection, registration, and reservations ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
4 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Limited — Occupancy of recreational vehicles in Arkansas County when three or more RV spaces are occupied or intended for occupancy for a fee, including spaces operated as a recreational-vehicle park.
  “Any parcel of land in which three (3) or more spaces are occupied or intended for occupancy by recreational vehicles, tiny houses on wheels, or mobile homes, where placement or maintenance services, or both, are provided for a fee, whether new or existing, shall be: (1) Considered a mobile home or recreational vehicle park; and (2) In compliance with this part.”
  20 CAR § 138-102. Compliance ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
- Allowed (with conditions) — Temporary or transient dwelling use of recreational-vehicle spaces in Arkansas County in a Department-of-Health-approved recreational-vehicle park.
  ““Recreational vehicle park” means a parcel of land, for which plans have been approved by the Department of Health, where three (3) or more spaces are occupied or intended for occupancy by recreational vehicles for transient dwelling purposes, typically by night or week, commonly associated with travel to, at, or near an attraction;”
  20 CAR § 138-101. Definitions ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
- Limited — Temporary overnight occupancy in recreational vehicles at recreational vehicle parks in Arkansas, as to the park's sewage-disposal infrastructure.
  “Each recreational vehicle park shall provide a sanitary station [...]”
  20 CAR § 138-105. Sewage disposal ↗Re-checked Nov 4, 2026
- Limited — Manufactured-home occupancy in Arkansas mobile home parks, as to the park's sewage-disposal infrastructure.
  “Each mobile home space shall be provided with at least a four-inch (4”) diameter sewer riser pipe.”
  20 CAR § 138-105. Sewage disposal ↗Re-checked Nov 4, 2026
county zoning authorityGeneral
Arkansas counties may establish zoning ordinances for all or part of their unincorporated areas through a county planning board.
- The county planning board may prepare or cause preparation of the ordinance.
- The ordinance must include both a map and text.
- Permitted subjects include building location, height, bulk, stories, size, open space, lot coverage, population density and distribution, and uses of land, buildings, and structures.
- The ordinance may require off-street parking and loading.
- The ordinance may provide for compatible-use districts, large-scale unified development, elimination of nonconforming uses, and other matters necessary to county health, safety, and general welfare.
- The ordinance must designate districts or zones for all or part of the unincorporated area.
- Regulations must be uniform throughout each district or zone.
- The ordinance must allow and regulate home-based work as provided in Arkansas Code § 14-1-104.
“The county planning board shall have authority to prepare, or to cause to be prepared, a zoning ordinance for all or part of the unincorporated area of the county, which ordinance shall include both a map and a text.”
House Bill 2452 — County planning boards and zoning boards of adjustment ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- General — Arkansas county planning boards adopting zoning ordinances for all or part of a county's unincorporated area.
  “The county planning board shall have authority to prepare, or to cause to be prepared, a zoning ordinance for all or part of the unincorporated area of the county, which ordinance shall include both a map and a text.”
  arkleg.state.ar.us ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026

Inside cities and towns in Arkansas County

Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.

Local zoningPresent (with conditions)
Zoning regulation administered by the City of Stuttgart within the municipality.
- The City of Stuttgart's official City Code page links to a Unified Development Code; district-specific permitted, conditional, and prohibited uses must be checked in that code.
- The cited city page does not establish applicability outside Stuttgart city jurisdiction.
“City Code INDEX TITLE 1 TITLE 2 TITLE 3 TITLE 4 TITLE 5 TITLE 6 TITLE 7 TITLE 8 TITLE 9 TITLE 10 TITLE 11 TITLE 12 TITLE 13 TITLE 14 TITLE 15 UPDATES Unified Development Code City of Stuttgart”
City Code — City of Stuttgart, Arkansas ↗Re-checked Oct 9, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Present — Zoning within the incorporated City of Stuttgart, Arkansas, which lies in Arkansas County.
  “General Info & Zoning Map [...] Zoning Map [...] City of Stuttgart”
  Services 4 — City of Stuttgart, Arkansas ↗Re-checked Oct 3, 2026

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

Zoning districts — Zoning districts applicable to property in Arkansas County, including the distinction between unincorporated areas and incorporated municipalities.
Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size under Arkansas County Code Chapter 13, Articles I and II.
Building height — Building-height limits under Arkansas County Code Chapter 13, Articles I and II.
Short-term rentals — Short-term rentals in Arkansas County.

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Water rights & wells in Arkansas County

Whether a new home can legally get its own water here — the sub-state groundwater regime, from Arkansas’s water agency.

Over-appropriated / declining

The aquifer here is over-appropriated and declining. A domestic well is usually still permit-exempt, but long-term supply is a genuine risk.

Household wellExempt — no permit or water right

Critical Groundwater Area designation in Arkansas is explicitly NON-regulatory — no water right or permit is required to drill or use a well, even inside a critical area. A new landowner can drill a household well anywhere.

Limit: non-domestic users >=50,000 gpd register; domestic exempt

Arkansas Dept of Agriculture — Water-Use Registration / Critical Groundwater Areas ↗

Grand Prairie Critical Ground Water Areapartial of county
CGWA (1998) over the Mississippi River Valley alluvial + Sparta aquifers in the rice belt; large alluvial cone of depression (20-50% saturated thickness). Non-regulatory; domestic wells not barred.
Arkansas Dept of Agriculture — 2023 Groundwater Report; USGS ↗

Regulated-riparian state (large uses permitted). Groundwater rules change and basin boundaries follow the aquifer, not the county line — confirm current well and appropriation rules with the Arkansas state water agency before you buy or drill.Groundwater governance as of Jul 2026, cited to each administering agency.

Living off-grid in Arkansas County, Arkansas

Is Arkansas County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Arkansas County scores 73/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and manageable long-term carry cost.

How much does land cost in Arkansas County, Arkansas?

Land in Arkansas County runs about $4,364 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Arkansas County?

Arkansas County gets about 50.6" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 9.6% of years. On water rights, Arkansas County lies in the Grand Prairie Critical Ground Water Area — CGWA (1998) over the Mississippi River Valley alluvial + Sparta aquifers in the rice belt; large alluvial cone of depression (20-50% saturated thickness). Non-regulatory; domestic wells not barred..

How remote is Arkansas County?

A typical private-land location has about 7,742 people within 15 miles and 1,805,144 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Arkansas County, Arkansas