Bradley County, AR: No Building Permit, No Zoning

Q: Does Bradley County, Arkansas have zoning?

Bradley County appears to have no countywide zoning. Inside the City of Warren, the city has zoning regulations of its own and a Planning Commission, so a Warren parcel needs a city zoning check; septic permits still come from the Arkansas Department of Health either way. For the rest of the county, we could not confirm an express county no-zoning statement, zoning map or district schedule, so do not treat a parcel as unrestricted. Ask the Bradley County Courthouse whether the tract lies inside an incorporated municipality and whether floodplain, nuisance, access or other rules affect the planned use. Private-land rules for RV living, tiny homes, setbacks, minimum dwelling size and a general residential minimum lot size remain unconfirmed; ask the courthouse about each intended use. A subdivision using standard onsite wastewater systems must submit its overall wastewater plan to the Arkansas Department of Health, and unsuitable lots must be incorporated into surrounding lots. Lots using drip dispersal to determine minimum lot size must be at least 0.5 acres, but that septic rule is not a general county zoning minimum.

Unincorporated Bradley County, Arkansas appears not to require a residential building permit, but no express county permit policy was confirmed, so ask the courthouse about the parcel before building¹. Bradley County appears to have no countywide zoning, while the City of Warren has its own zoning regulations^1,2. Septic permits for any address, city or not, come from the Arkansas Department of Health or its authorized agent^3,4.

At a glance

Building permit: Appears not required for an unincorporated home; confirm the parcel with the courthouse¹
Zoning: Appears to have no countywide zoning; confirm county or municipal jurisdiction¹
Septic permit: A state construction permit is required for covered onsite-wastewater work⁴
Septic inspection: Inspection and an operating permit are required before use³
Owner-builder: Arkansas has a conditional contractor-license exemption for an owner building a residence for personal use⁵
RV or tiny home: Private-land occupancy is unconfirmed; separate state health rules apply to qualifying parks^6,7
Septic soils: Only about 3.8% of soils avoid severe limits for a conventional drain field⁸

Who to call

Also useful

Bradley County Courthouse

Bradley County Courthouse main number; the starting point for confirming county-administered building, zoning, floodplain, road-access and parcel-jurisdiction questions

870-226-3464

101 East Cedar Street, Warren, AR 71671

Septic permits

Arkansas Department of Health, Bradley County Health Unit

Local health-unit contact for the Onsite Environmental Specialist and onsite-wastewater permit process

(870) 226-8440

208 North Bragg Street, Warren, AR 71671

Online permits →

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 Bradley County, Arkansas?

A residential building permit appears not to be required in unincorporated Bradley County.

A residential building permit appears not to be required in unincorporated Bradley County¹. We could not confirm an express Bradley County permit policy, inspection program or certificate-of-occupancy process, so give the courthouse the parcel location and project description before buying or starting work¹. Arkansas building-code standards apply statewide even where permits or inspections are not required⁹. The Arkansas Energy Code separately requires counties and municipalities that issue new-construction permits to adopt that code, but the source does not establish that Bradley County operates a local permit program; compliance is voluntary for a self-builder constructing a single-family home for personal occupancy¹⁰. State-project code and floodplain rules do not establish the process for an ordinary private Bradley County home^11,12.

Who issues building, septic and driveway permits in Bradley County?

Start with the Bradley County Courthouse at 101 East Cedar Street, Warren, AR 71671, or call 870-226-3464 to confirm whether the parcel is unincorporated and who handles building, private-project floodplain and county-road questions¹. We could not confirm a Bradley County building-inspection department, residential permit application or certificate-of-occupancy process; ask what applies to the specific project¹. For septic, call the Arkansas Department of Health's Bradley County Health Unit at 208 North Bragg Street, Warren, AR 71671, phone 870-226-8440¹³. The Arkansas Department of Health or its authorized agent approves septic construction and issues the operating permit⁴. A driveway connecting to a state highway is separate: the Arkansas Department of Transportation District Engineer must issue the access permit before work begins in the state right-of-way¹⁴.

Does Bradley County, Arkansas have zoning?

Bradley County appears to have no countywide zoning.

Bradley County appears to have no countywide zoning¹. Inside the City of Warren, the city has zoning regulations of its own and a Planning Commission, so a Warren parcel needs a city zoning check; septic permits still come from the Arkansas Department of Health either way^2,3. For the rest of the county, we could not confirm an express county no-zoning statement, zoning map or district schedule, so do not treat a parcel as unrestricted. Ask the Bradley County Courthouse whether the tract lies inside an incorporated municipality and whether floodplain, nuisance, access or other rules affect the planned use¹. Private-land rules for RV living, tiny homes, setbacks, minimum dwelling size and a general residential minimum lot size remain unconfirmed; ask the courthouse about each intended use¹. A subdivision using standard onsite wastewater systems must submit its overall wastewater plan to the Arkansas Department of Health, and unsuitable lots must be incorporated into surrounding lots⁴. Lots using drip dispersal to determine minimum lot size must be at least 0.5 acres, but that septic rule is not a general county zoning minimum¹⁵.

How do septic permits work in Bradley County?

The Arkansas Department of Health or its authorized agent handles onsite-wastewater permitting in Bradley County.

The Arkansas Department of Health or its authorized agent handles onsite-wastewater permitting in Bradley County³. The published process is Part I approval for construction, Part II installation inspection and Part III permission to operate; the system cannot be used before the operating permit is issued^3,4. Call the Bradley County Health Unit at 870-226-8440 before committing to a house or drain-field location¹³. Only about 3.8% of Bradley County soils avoid severe limits for a conventional drain field, and state rules require suitable primary and secondary absorption areas^4,8. A sanitary-sewer connection is required when sewer is available within 300 feet of the building exit and the connection does not cross another person's property; an onsite system cannot be used in that circumstance⁴. State review fees are published by project size or type, and construction must begin within one year unless the permit is revalidated³.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Bradley County?

We could not confirm a Bradley County rule allowing or prohibiting long-term RV occupancy, temporary camping or tiny-home occupancy on a single private parcel.

We could not confirm a Bradley County rule allowing or prohibiting long-term RV occupancy, temporary camping or tiny-home occupancy on a single private parcel. Ask the Bradley County Courthouse about the exact location and intended use before relying on an RV or tiny home as temporary or permanent housing¹. State health rules separately cover a parcel operating as a recreational-vehicle or mobile-home park when at least 3 paid spaces are intended for RVs, tiny houses on wheels or mobile homes and placement or maintenance services are provided for a fee^6,7. Those park rules do not answer the single-unit private-land question⁶. Off-grid sanitation still needs approval: only authorized composting or incinerating toilets may be used, other wastewater requires compliant disposal, and applicable onsite-wastewater permits remain required^4,16.

What are the steps to build a home in Bradley County?

Give the Bradley County Courthouse the parcel location and confirm municipal jurisdiction, residential permit expectations, private-project floodplain review and county-road access.

Give the Bradley County Courthouse the parcel location and confirm municipal jurisdiction, residential permit expectations, private-project floodplain review and county-road access¹.

Call the Bradley County Health Unit at 870-226-8440 before fixing the house and drain-field locations¹³.

Determine whether an available sanitary sewer must be used before designing septic⁴.

Submit the septic application and plans, obtain Part I approval before construction, complete the Part II installation inspection and wait for the Part III operating permit before using the system⁴.

Confirm the building-permit answer for the parcel; Bradley County appears not to require a residential permit, while Arkansas building-code standards still apply^1,9.

An owner building a residence for personal use may qualify for Arkansas's contractor-license exemption, but that exemption does not remove other approvals⁵.

Obtain state approval before constructing a driveway in state-highway right-of-way¹⁴.

What should you check before buying land in Bradley County?

Put septic feasibility first: only about 3.8% of Bradley County soils avoid severe limits for a conventional drain field, so obtain a site evaluation before choosing a house location or closing on septic-dependent land⁸. If the tract will be subdivided with standard onsite systems, Arkansas health review applies to the overall wastewater plan and requires soil, topographic, well-location and flood-zone information⁴. A drip-dispersal design used to determine subdivision lot size requires at least 0.5 acres¹⁵, and an individual well must be at least 50 feet from any lot line¹⁷. About 97.8% of Bradley County land has a slope of 15% or less, while roughly 89.5% is wooded, so clearing and access may still shape costs⁸. We could not confirm the private-well permit rule or a private-project floodplain process; ask the courthouse about both before closing¹. If access touches a state highway, secure the state driveway permit before right-of-way work¹⁴.

Watch-outs

Bradley County appears to have neither a residential building-permit program nor countywide zoning, but ask the courthouse about the specific parcel before acting¹.
Bradley County septic systems need a construction permit, inspection and an operating permit, and difficult soils make early site evaluation especially important^3,4,8.
Private-land RV and tiny-home occupancy could not be confirmed; Arkansas park rules answer a different question and should not be treated as permission for one unit on rural land^6,7.

Sources

17 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 Bradley County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Compared with neighboring counties

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

Rule	Bradley County	Calhoun County	Ashley County	Union County	Cleveland County	Drew County	Ouachita County
Building permit	Not required	Not required	Not required	Not required	Not required	Not required	Not required
County zoning	No	No	No	No	No	No	No
Septic permits	AR Dept. of Health	ADH	AR Dept. of Health	AR Dept. of Health	AR Dept. of Health	AR Dept. of Health	AR Dept. of Health

Answers from the rulebook for Bradley County

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

Bradley County rules

County-wide zoningAbsent
No county planning/zoning department is listed for Bradley County and Arkansas counties generally have no countywide zoning unless specifically adopted.
Arkansas.gov Bradley County Portal ↗From the county’s own site, awaiting a second reviewer

Arkansas rules that apply here

Building permitLimited
Construction subject to the Arkansas Energy Code for New Building Construction Supplements and Amendments.
- The source does not impose a single statewide building-permit requirement for all private residential and commercial construction.
- Local governments may establish prior plan approval, building-permit requirements, and construction inspections.
- Counties, cities, or municipalities that issue building permits for new building construction are required to adopt the Arkansas Energy Code for new construction, additions, and renovations.
- The cited document is the 2014 Arkansas Energy Code; current Arkansas Fire Prevention Code applicability should be confirmed separately.
“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
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- 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
Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (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.
- A person constructing the person’s own residence is exempt unless the person builds more than one residence during a calendar year.
- An owner of a single-family residence may act as the owner’s own home-improvement contractor on the owner’s own property.
- The exemption concerns contractor licensing and does not by itself eliminate applicable building-code, permit, inspection, zoning, or other requirements.
maximum own residences constructed per calendar year before the stated exemption no longer applies: <= 1 residence (The statute states the exemption does not apply if the person builds more than one residence during a calendar year.)
“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
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.
- Arkansas laws and the applicable subchapter take precedence over the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code where they exceed its requirements.
- All project designs must comply with all Arkansas laws and the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code.
- Other codes, rules, or standards may apply to a specific project.
- The department and design professional are responsible for determining all applicable codes for each specific project.
“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
4 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Adopted (with conditions) — State projects in Arkansas, not established here as the code-adoption rule for private Bradley County construction.
  “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 26, 2026
- Adopted (with conditions) — Arkansas energy-code requirements relevant to new construction in Bradley County.
  “For residential and commercial structures, Arkansas adopts the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), 2009 Edition”
  Arkansas Energy Code for New Building Construction Supplements and Amendments ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 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
- 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
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- 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
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- 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 Bradley County using Arkansas onsite-wastewater systems.
- This claim concerns lot-size requirements for onsite-wastewater approval, not a general county zoning minimum lot size.
- If an individual well and onsite wastewater system are proposed, the well must be at least 50 feet from any lot line and at least 100 feet from onsite wastewater systems.
- For public water with onsite wastewater, the lot must contain primary and secondary absorption areas.
- Drip-dispersal design used to determine minimum lot size requires lots of at least 0.5 acres.
- Other soil, subdivision, floodplain, and permit requirements may apply.
minimum lot size for drip-dispersal design: >= 0.5 acres (when used for determining minimum lot size for subdivisions and the rule's criteria are met) · minimum well distance from lot line: >= 50 feet (when an individual water well and onsite wastewater system are proposed) · minimum well distance from onsite wastewater system: >= 100 feet (same lot and adjacent 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 4, 2026
SetbacksSpecified
Onsite wastewater facilities located in Bradley County, Arkansas, including facilities for collection, treatment, and renovation of wastewater.
- The rule establishes minimum horizontal distances; greater distances are required where local conditions demand under 14 CAR § 21-501.
- The pond distances in paragraph (5)(A) apply if the pond is in the pond watershed.
- The water-service-line requirement incorporates the Arkansas Plumbing Code, 17 CAR pt. 65.
- The Code of Arkansas Rules became effective January 1, 2025.
distance from high-water mark of body of water near public water supply intake: >= 300 feet (Applies if within one quarter (1/4) mile of a public water supply intake on that body of water.) · distance from spring used as public water supply: >= 300 feet · distance from source of domestic water supply: >= 100 feet · distance from high-water mark of stream or lake: >= 100 feet · distance from pond on same property: >= 50 feet (Pond must be in the pond watershed.) · distance from pond on adjacent property: >= 100 feet (Applies if the pond is in the pond watershed.) · minimum pond separation distance: >= 50 feet (In no case shall the minimum separation distance from any pond be less than fifty 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, 17 CAR pt. 65.) · distance from sinkhole: >= 100 feet
“(1) Three hundred feet (300’) from the high-water mark [...] (7) Ten feet (10’) from all property lines; [...] (9) One hundred feet (100’) from any sinkhole.”
14 CAR § 21-502. Minimum horizontal distances ↗Re-checked Oct 7, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Specified — Facilities used for the collection, treatment, and renovation of onsite wastewater in Bradley County and elsewhere in Arkansas.
  “6.2.2 Facilities used for the collection, treatment, and renovation of wastewater shall be at least 300 feet from any spring used as a public water supply. 6.2.3 Facilities used for the collection, treatment, and renovation of wastewater shall be at least 100 feet from any source of domestic water supply. 6.2.4 Facilities used for the collection, treatment, and renovation of wastewater shall be at least 100 feet from the high-water mark of any stream or lake.”
  Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Oct 6, 2026
- Specified — Lots in Bradley County where an individual water well supply and an onsite wastewater system are proposed.
  “(2) Fifty feet (50’) from any lot line; [...] (3) One hundred feet (100’) [...] onsite wastewater systems proposed on any adjacent lots.”
  14 CAR § 21-402. Individual water well ↗Re-checked Oct 7, 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
Occupancy of recreational vehicles in Arkansas recreational-vehicle parks regulated by the Arkansas Department of Health under 20 CAR Part 138.
- The rule applies when three or more spaces are occupied or intended for occupancy by recreational vehicles, tiny houses on wheels, or mobile homes and placement or maintenance services, or both, are provided for a fee, whether new or existing.
- 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 and approval is at the Department of Health's discretion.
- Construction, alteration, repair, or extension of a mobile-home or recreational-vehicle park requires prior submission and department approval.
- Detailed plans must include the park layout, sewage system, water source and distribution system, buildings, parking areas, dump stations, and topographical features.
minimum spaces triggering park regulation: >= 3 spaces (Placement or maintenance services, or both, must be 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
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
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- 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
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
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- State — Onsite wastewater systems in Bradley County.
  “Department. The Arkansas Department of Health.”
  Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
- State — Onsite wastewater permitting and authorization applicable in Bradley County.
  “approved by the Department or its Authorized Agent prior to initiating construction.”
  Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Sep 29, 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
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Required — Onsite wastewater systems serving domestic buildings or residences in Bradley County under Arkansas Department of Health jurisdiction.
  “4.3. 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.”
  Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
- Required — Construction, alteration, repair, extension, and operation of onsite wastewater systems in Bradley County.
  “Permits for construction and operation of onsite wastewater systems shall be obtained in accordance with the RULES PERTAINING TO ONSITE WASTEWATER SYSTEMS prior to the construction, installation or modification of the Onsite Wastewater System. [...] 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. [...] except that emergency repairs may be undertaken without prior issuance of a Permit, provided a Permit is subsequently obtained within 10 working days after the repairs are made.”
  Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 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 Bradley County.
  “inspected and approved by the Department”
  Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
Off-grid sanitationAllowed (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 may be used.
- The devices must be evaluated by an ANSI-approved laboratory under NSF Standard 41.
- Wastewater other than urine and feces must be renovated or disposed of under Sections 8 or 9 of the rule.
- Stabilized compost must be buried onsite or deposited in an approved sanitary landfill.
- The system remains subject to applicable onsite wastewater permitting and approval requirements.
“Only pre-manufactured composting or incinerating toilets authorized by the Department”
Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Limited — Off-grid sanitation and onsite wastewater systems in Bradley County.
  “No privies, onsite wastewater systems or other receptacles for human excreta shall be constructed, maintained, or used on the premises. [...] 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.”
  Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Sep 29, 2026
- Limited — Private onsite sanitation in Bradley County where public sewer is unavailable or not economically feasible.
  “a permit for the construction [...] shall be refused where public sewer systems are reasonably available or economically feasible”
  14 CAR § 21-303. Permit Procedure ↗Re-checked Sep 29, 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
Connection to sanitary sewer for premises in Bradley County.
- Connection is required when the sewer is within 300 feet from the point where it exits a building and is available to the premises.
- Connection must be possible without crossing another person's property.
- No privy, onsite wastewater system, or other receptacle for human excreta may be used in that circumstance.
sewer distance: <= 300 feet (must be available and connection must not cross another person's property)
“All premises shall be connected to a sanitary sewer when within 300 feet 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. No privies, onsite wastewater systems or other receptacles for human excreta shall be constructed, maintained, or used on the premises.”
Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Sep 29, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Sewer (with conditions) — Premises in Bradley County where sanitary sewer is within 300 feet and available without crossing another person's property.
  “All premises shall be connected to a sanitary sewer when within 300 feet 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.”
  Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
- 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
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- 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 Bradley 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.
- Unsuitable lots or parcels must be incorporated into surrounding lots or parcels.
- The plan review fee is at least $100 for one lot, $25 for each following lot, with a maximum of $1,500.
- The source also requires soil, topographic, well-location, flood-zone, and other plan information.
minimum plan review fee: >= 100 USD (one lot) · additional-lot plan review fee: per 25 USD (each following lot) · maximum plan review fee: <= 1500 USD
“All subdivision plans, which are proposed to utilize standard onsite wastewater systems as a method of wastewater treatment for all or part of the lots or tracts in said subdivision, shall be submitted to the Arkansas Department of Health for review and approval of the overall plan for the utilization of onsite wastewater systems.”
Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Sep 29, 2026
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Limited — Subdivisions in Bradley County proposed to use standard onsite wastewater systems for all or part of their lots or tracts.
  “All subdivision plans, which are proposed to utilize standard onsite wastewater systems as a method of wastewater treatment for all or part of the lots or tracts in said subdivision, shall be submitted to the Arkansas Department of Health for review and approval of the overall plan for the utilization of onsite wastewater systems.”
  Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
- Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision plans in Bradley County that propose standard onsite wastewater systems for some or all lots or tracts.
  “shall be submitted to the Arkansas Department of Health”
  Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 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
Driveways connecting property to Arkansas state highway right-of-way in Bradley County.
- A permit request must be made to the district engineer.
- The request must include a brief description of the proposed work, its location, and the applicant's name, address, and telephone number.
- The district engineer arranges a meeting with a district representative, and the official permit forms are prepared for processing.
- Necessary drawings and any required deposit or bond must be submitted for approval.
- No work may begin on state highway right-of-way until the engineer issues the permit.
- If an access management agreement applies, the request must also include the appropriate jurisdictional approval or permit; failure to provide it is grounds for denial.
- The rule page states that the Code of Arkansas Rules became effective January 1, 2025 and is updated weekly.
“A request for a permit to construct any driveway or to reconstruct any existing driveway shall be made to the district engineer. [...] No work shall be undertaken on state highway right-of-way until the permit has been issued by the engineer.”
27 CAR § 94-102. Instructions for securing an access driveway permit ↗Re-checked Sep 29, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Required — Construction, reconstruction, modification, or relocation of access driveways on Arkansas State Highway right-of-way, including residential, commercial, and temporary access driveways.
  “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
- Required — Development subject to the Arkansas Building Authority Division floodplain management program; applicability to ordinary private Bradley County projects was not separately established.
  “Developments subject to the Building Authority Division floodplain management program include but are not limited to improvements to, or new construction of buildings, structures, mining, dredging, excavating, drilling operations, filling, grading, paving, landscaping, or storage of equipment or materials.”
  22 CAR § 111-703. Development subject to permitting requirements ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Permit feesPublished (with conditions)
Basic design-service fees for Arkansas state department projects governed by the Building Authority Division.
- The schedule is based on total final construction cost, including adjustments by change order or negotiations.
- For projects less than $50,000 or more than $50,000,000, fees may be negotiated subject to Building Authority Division approval.
- Specified modifiers apply, including deductions for simple projects and additions for complex projects or projects requiring intensified observation.
basic fee for construction cost $50,001 to $75,000: 9.25 percent of total final construction cost · basic fee for construction cost $75,001 to $100,000: 9 percent of total final construction cost · basic fee for construction cost $100,001 to $200,000: 8.75 percent of total final construction cost · basic fee for construction cost $1,000,001 to $20,000,000: 6.5 percent of total final construction cost · basic fee for construction cost $42,500,001 to $50,000,000: 4 percent of total final construction cost · fee modifier for simple projects: 1 percentage points minimum deduction · fee modifier for complex projects: 1.5 percentage points maximum addition
“$50,001 to $75,000 | 9.25%”
22 CAR § 111-212. Design services fee schedule ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Published — Arkansas onsite-wastewater permit review fees applicable in Bradley County.
  “A fee shall be levied for the review of each permit. Permit fees shall be made payable to the Department.”
  Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Permit processPublished
Arkansas onsite-wastewater permit process applicable in Bradley County.
- Part I is the Permit for Construction and must be approved before construction.
- Part II is the installation inspection.
- Part III is the Permit for Operation.
- No changes or alterations may be made before prior approval of the Authorized Agent.
- The installer must notify the Authorized Agent at least 24 hours before work begins.
- Emergency repairs may proceed without prior notification if a permit is obtained within ten working days.
advance installation notice: >= 24 hours (emergency repairs) · emergency repair permit deadline: <= 10 working days (after repairs are made)
“Part I of the Permit is the Permit for Construction. Part I of the Permit Application form shall be completed by a Designated Representative and approved by the Department or its Authorized Agent prior to initiating construction.”
Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Sep 29, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Published — Arkansas onsite-wastewater permit process applicable in Bradley County.
  “Part III of the Permit is the Permit for Operation. 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
- Published (with conditions) — Arkansas state department development projects located within a hundred-year floodplain or a Building Authority Division-designated flood hazard area.
  “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
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- 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 Bradley County

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

Local zoningPresent (with conditions)
Land within the incorporated City of Warren, Bradley County, Arkansas.
- The official City of Warren document states that Ordinance No. 220 adopted zoning regulations for the City of Warren.
- Ordinance No. 958 amended Ordinance No. 220 by reclassifying property from R-1 to C-1 to open and operate a food-truck business.
- The ordinance states that it is in full force and effect after adoption and publication.
- The cited document does not identify the current location of the complete zoning ordinance or zoning map.
“That Ordinance No. 220 of the City of Warren, Arkansas, including but not limited to, all maps and descriptions of zoning districts be, and the same hereby is amended to classify all that property in the City of Warren, Arkansas, described in Attachment " A" to this Ordinance, and incorporated herein as if set forth word for word in this Ordinance, from R- 1 to C- 1, in order to open and operate a FOOD TRUCK business at that location.”
Minutes of the Regular Warren City Council Meeting, September 9, 2024 ↗Re-checked Oct 6, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Present (with conditions) — Land use and development within the incorporated City of Warren, Bradley County, Arkansas.
  “That Ordinance No. 220 of the City of Warren, Arkansas, including but not limited to, all maps and descriptions of zoning districts”
  City of Warren Ordinance No. 958 ↗Re-checked Oct 6, 2026
- Present (with conditions) — Zoning regulation within the incorporated City of Warren, Bradley County, Arkansas.
  “SECTION 1. That Ordinance No. 220 of the City of Warren, Arkansas, including but not limited to, all maps and descriptions of zoning districts be, and the same hereby is amended to classify all that property in the City of Warren, Arkansas, described in Attachment "A" to this Ordinance, and incorporated herein as if set forth word for word in this Ordinance, from R-1 to C-1, in order to open and operate a FOOD TRUCK business at that location.”
  Building & Codes Department ↗Re-checked Oct 7, 2026

Still unanswered

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

Zoning districts — Published zoning districts in Bradley County.
Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in Bradley County, including unincorporated areas.
Building height — Building height in unincorporated Bradley County.
Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land in unincorporated Bradley County.
Manufactured homes — Manufactured-home occupancy in unincorporated Bradley County.

2 more unanswered

Accessory dwellings
Short-term rentals

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 Bradley County

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

Actively managed

This basin is under active state management — new water use is scrutinized, though a domestic well is usually still allowed.

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 ↗

South Arkansas (Sparta) Critical Ground Water Area
State's first CGWA (1996) over the Sparta aquifer (>360 ft of decline near El Dorado). NON-regulatory conservation designation — domestic wells never barred; Union County use was voluntarily cut and the aquifer is recovering.
USGS WRI 99-4075 (Sparta Aquifer CGWAs) ↗

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 Bradley County, Arkansas

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

Bradley County scores 74/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and low administrative friction for a quiet rural property.

How much does land cost in Bradley County, Arkansas?

Land in Bradley County runs about $3,664 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Bradley County?

Bradley County gets about 55.6" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 13% of years. On water rights, Bradley County lies in the South Arkansas (Sparta) Critical Ground Water Area — State's first CGWA (1996) over the Sparta aquifer (>360 ft of decline near El Dorado). NON-regulatory conservation designation — domestic wells never barred; Union County use was voluntarily cut and the aquifer is recovering..

How remote is Bradley County?

A representative private-land location has about 10,244 people within a 30-minute drive and 879,514 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Bradley County, Arkansas