Clay County, AR Building Permits, Zoning & Septic Rules

We found no confirmed building-permit requirement for unincorporated Clay County, Arkansas: the county's own code of ordinances marks its Building article "Reserved," suggesting no local permit program has been adopted, though we could not verify this on an official county government webpage¹. The same code leaves its Planning/Zoning article "Reserved" too, pointing toward no countywide zoning ordinance². Septic is different and well documented: the Arkansas Department of Health, not the county, permits every onsite wastewater system here³. Confirm both building and zoning directly with the county before you rely on this.

At a glance

Building permit: No confirmed building-permit requirement in unincorporated Clay County¹
Zoning: No confirmed countywide zoning ordinance²
Septic permit: Required statewide; Arkansas Department of Health issues it³⁴
Owner-builder: Exempt from contractor licensing to build your own residence⁵
Water well: Must be built by a licensed Arkansas water well contractor⁶
RV / tiny home living on your own land: Not confirmed either way; state rules found only cover paid parks of 3+ spaces⁷⁸
Minimum lot size / setbacks: No countywide rule confirmed²

Who to call

Septic permits

Arkansas Department of Health - Environmental Health (Onsite Wastewater)

Onsite wastewater (septic) permits for Clay County and statewide; local applications are handled through the Department or its Authorized Agent for the county

501-661-2171

4815 W. Markham Street, Slot 46, Little Rock, AR 72205

Also useful

Clay County Judge's Office

Clay County's chief executive office; the county has no separate building, planning or zoning department, so this is the office to ask about any building, zoning, floodplain or road question for unincorporated land

(870) 598-2667

[email protected]

151 South 2nd Ave, Piggott, AR 72454

Also useful

Clay County Clerk's Office

County records, including recorded deeds and plats for land in Clay County; also keeps a second office in Corning at (870) 857-3480

(870) 598-2813

[email protected]

151 South 2nd Ave, Piggott, AR 72454

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 24, 2026.

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

We could not confirm a building-permit requirement for unincorporated Clay County from an official government source. The strongest lead is the county's own code of ordinances, which marks its Building article "Reserved," a sign that no local permit program has been adopted, but that copy is hosted by a third-party publisher rather than the county's own site, so treat it as a strong lead, not confirmation¹. Clay County's official website does not publish a building-code or permit page of its own, and lists no building or codes department among its departments⁹. Arkansas's statewide code still sets a compliance standard even in areas where no local permit or inspection is required, so a home built without a local permit can still be expected to meet the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code's residential provisions¹⁰¹¹. Before you build, call the Clay County Judge's Office at (870) 598-2667 to confirm whether any permit applies to your parcel⁹.

Does Clay County have zoning?

We could not confirm a countywide zoning ordinance for unincorporated Clay County from an official government source; the same third-party-hosted county code that marks Building "Reserved" also leaves its Planning/Zoning article "Reserved," pointing toward no ordinance, but this has not been independently verified². What is confirmed is that zoning is a city matter inside Clay County's towns: Piggott has adopted its own zoning regulations covering structures, setbacks, parking and loading within city limits, and Corning has its own zoning code for its corporate limits¹². Neither city's rules reach unincorporated land. Until you can confirm directly with the county, don't assume unincorporated Clay County land is free of setback, lot-size or dwelling-size rules; ask the Clay County Judge's Office at (870) 598-2667 before you site a build⁹.

How do septic permits work in Clay County?

Every onsite wastewater (septic) system in Clay County is permitted by the state, not the county. The Arkansas Department of Health, or its Authorized Agent where one has been designated for the county, must approve the permit application before construction³. You need a Permit for Construction before you build, alter, repair or extend a system, and a separate Permit for Operation, issued only after inspection and approval, before you can use it⁴¹³. A permit can be refused where a public sewer system is reasonably available and economically feasible, and Arkansas separately requires connection to a sanitary sewer when one is within 300 feet and reachable without crossing another owner's property⁴¹⁴. Soils make this the county's central planning issue: none of Clay County's soils, 0%, are free of severe limits for a conventional septic drain field, so every property here should assume an engineered or alternative system and budget accordingly¹⁵. If you want a composting or incinerating toilet instead, Arkansas only allows premanufactured units the Department has authorized, installed by a licensed installer¹⁶.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Clay County?

We could not confirm a county or state rule that directly answers whether you can place a single RV or tiny home on your own unincorporated Clay County land. The Arkansas rules we found address recreational-vehicle parks and mobile-home parks, defined as a parcel with three or more paid, occupied-or-intended spaces, which need Department of Health-approved plans; a tiny house on wheels is treated as a mobile home if plumbed to the 2018 Arkansas Plumbing Code, or as an RV if not⁷⁸. Those rules govern commercial parks, not a single unit on your own property, so absence of a park rule here is not the same as permission. Call the Clay County Judge's Office at (870) 598-2667 before you plan to live in an RV or tiny home while building, since we could not confirm the answer either way⁹.

Building a home in Clay County: the steps, in order

Call the Clay County Judge's Office at (870) 598-2667 to confirm whether any building permit, zoning rule or setback applies to your specific parcel, since we could not verify this from an official source⁹¹².

Get a site evaluation for your septic system early: with 0% of the county's soils free of severe drain-field limits, plan on an engineered or alternative system on nearly any lot¹⁵.

Apply for your septic Permit for Construction through the Arkansas Department of Health or its local Authorized Agent before you build, and don't use the system until you have the separate Permit for Operation¹⁷⁴¹³.

If you're drilling a well, use a licensed Arkansas Water Well Contractor; well construction and pump installation by contract require that license statewide⁶.

If your driveway will connect to a state highway, apply to the Arkansas Department of Transportation district engineer before any work on the right-of-way¹⁸.

If you'll act as your own contractor, you're exempt from Arkansas residential-builder and home-improvement licensing as long as you don't build more than one residence in a calendar year⁵.

Once you buy, record your deed with the Clay County Clerk's Office in Piggott, which also keeps the county's recorded land records¹⁹.

What to check before you buy land in Clay County

Septic soils are the single biggest constraint: 0% of Clay County's soils avoid severe limits for a conventional drain field, so get a site evaluation on the specific parcel before you count on standard septic working at all¹⁵. The land itself is gentle, with 93.4% at 15% slope or less, and about a fifth wooded at 21.1%, so terrain and cover are rarely the obstacle²⁰²¹. Clay County is well-watered for the region, averaging 49.8 inches of precipitation a year with severe drought in only about 7% of years²²²³. It's a genuinely rural county, 88 miles from the nearest metro area²⁴. Property taxes are light: an effective 0.5% rate with a median bill around $459 a year, and typical home insurance runs about $1,584 a year²⁵²⁶²⁷.

Watch-outs

We could not confirm from an official Clay County government page whether the county requires a building permit or has adopted zoning; the county's own website, claycountyarkansas.org, lists no building, codes or planning department and publishes no building-code or zoning page of its own⁹¹.
We could not confirm floodplain-development rules, driveway-access rules for county roads, or short-term-rental rules for Clay County; ask the Clay County Judge's Office at (870) 598-2667 about each before you buy or build⁹.
State rules on RV parks and mobile-home parks (three or more paid spaces) do not answer whether you can place a single RV or tiny home on your own land; that answer is unconfirmed for Clay County⁷.

Sources

Written September 24, 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.

How Clay County scores

Seclusion75100% ev.

Self-Sufficiency61100% ev.

Admin Boringness85100% ev.

Durability47100% ev.

Property Autonomy47100% ev.

Carry Cost82100% ev.

Evidence strength: 100%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$124kTypical home

0.5%Property tax

$4,788Land / acre

49.8"Annual rain

7% of yrsSevere drought

22.2 / yr (+18.6)Mid-century 100°F days

17.7 daysMid-century dry spell

2.44" (+6.7%)Mid-century 1-day rain

1.66×Wildfire change factor

100%Forward climate coverage

$1,584Home insurance / yr

0.8% / yrInsurance growth

0.86%Nonrenewal rate

county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis

459,235People within 2 hr

18,950Radius comparison (15 mi)

22.2People / sq mi

0.4%Federal land

93.4%Land at 15% slope or less

0%Septic soil without severe limits

0 acWorkable land screen

21.1%Wooded land

57.7 tonsBiomass / forest ac

59.3°FAvg temp

Answers from the rulebook for Clay County

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

Clay County rules

Local zoningVaries (with conditions)
Aggregate local zoning in Clay County, Arkansas, based on independently sourced municipal rules for the City of Corning and City of Piggott; these rules apply within municipal limits rather than throughout the county.
- The City of Corning zoning regulations apply within the corporate limits of Corning.
- The City of Piggott states that its zoning regulations were adopted by ordinance and regulate structures, structural distance, parking, and loading requirements.
- Unincorporated-area county zoning was not established from an official county or state webpage in this research.
“The City of Piggott Zoning Regulations were a dopted by ordinance in accordance with the General Land Use Plan. They clearly define all city regulations pertaining to structures and structural distance, parking and loading requirements, and more.”
City of Corning Zoning Code ↗Re-checked Sep 10, 2026
County-wide zoningAbsent
Chapter 13, Article II (Planning/Zoning) only recites the Arkansas enabling statute (A.C.A. 14-17-209/210) and leaves the operative Section "Reserved," indicating no county zoning ordinance has been adopted for unincorporated areas.
Clay County Code of Ordinances, Chapter 13 (Urban/Rural Development) ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Arkansas rules that apply here

Building permitLimited
Construction subject to the Arkansas Building Code statewide minimums, including rural and unincorporated areas.
- Arkansas Building Code requirements apply statewide even where no permit is required.
- The source does not establish a universal statewide building-permit requirement; applicable permit requirements may depend on the responsible local or other code authority.
“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)
Residential builder and home-improvement contractor licensing in Clay County and elsewhere in Arkansas.
- An owner acting as the contractor in constructing the owner's residence is exempt from licensure unless the owner builds more than one residence during a calendar year.
- An owner acting as the owner's own home-improvement contractor on the owner's own property is exempt from licensure.
- The source also lists exemptions for subcontractors working for properly licensed contractors and contractors licensed by other agencies or boards when performing work within the scope of that license.
residences built by owner per calendar year: <= 1 residence (The exemption does not apply if the owner builds more than one residence during any calendar year.)
“The following are exemptions to the residential builder and home improvement licensing requirements: (1) owners are exempt from licensure when acting as the contractor in the construction of his or her residence unless he or she builds more than one residence during any calendar year (2) owners acting as his or her own home improvement contractor on his or her own property (3) subcontractors working for a properly licensed contractors and (4) contractors licensed by other licensing agencies or boards if the contractor is performing work within the scope of that license.”
Home Improvement Specialty New Application ↗Re-checked Sep 10, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- 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
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
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- 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
InspectionsLimited
Construction subject to Arkansas Building Code compliance and any applicable inspection regime.
- The official statewide source expressly recognizes areas where inspections are not required.
- Where an inspection is required, the applicable inspection authority and process are not specified by this statewide source.
“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
One more reviewed finding 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
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
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Limited — Tiny homes on wheels in Clay County when located in a paid parcel with three or more occupied or intended spaces.
  ““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 10, 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
Who permits septicState
Onsite wastewater systems in Clay County, including systems serving buildings or residences.
- The Arkansas Department of Health or its Authorized Agent must approve the permit application before construction.
- Where an Authorized Agent has not been designated for a city or county, applications are made to the Department.
“For those cities or counties with authorized agents, the authorized agent shall be the authorized agent of the department.”
Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Sep 10, 2026
Septic permitRequired
Construction, alteration, repair, extension, or operation of onsite wastewater systems in Clay County.
- A valid Permit for Construction is required before construction, alteration, repair, or extension.
- A Permit for Operation is required before operation.
- Emergency repairs may proceed without prior permit issuance only if a permit is obtained within 10 working days after repairs are made.
- A permit must be refused where public sewer systems are reasonably available or economically feasible, subject to Section 3.4 and the emergency-repair exception.
emergency repair permit deadline: <= 10 working days (Permit must subsequently be obtained after emergency repairs.)
“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 Sep 10, 2026
Septic inspectionRequired
Operation of onsite wastewater systems in Clay County.
- The system must be inspected and approved by the Department or its Authorized Agent before operation.
- After inspection approval, the Authorized Agent issues the Permit for Operation.
- The system may not be used until the Permit for Operation is issued.
- The installer must notify the Authorized Agent or Designated Representative when installation is ready for inspection; the owner or occupant must provide reasonable access.
installer documentation deadline: <= 5 days (Documentation is submitted to the local health unit after installation under 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: (1) Such system has been inspected and approved by the department or its authorized agent; and (2) 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 10, 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
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — Composting or incinerating toilets and associated wastewater disposal in Clay County.
  “Only premanufactured composting or incinerating toilets authorized by the Department of Health shall be utilized in the onsite wastewater system.”
  Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Sep 10, 2026
Well permitRequired
Water-well construction or pump installation performed under contract in Clay County.
- A person contracting for or engaged in well construction or pump installation must hold or be employed by a person holding an Arkansas Water Well Contractor License.
- The contractor must hold the proper license, certificates, and permits for the type of construction engaged.
- The rule is statewide and administered under the Arkansas Water Well Construction Rules.
“Any person who contracts for or is engaged in well construction or pump installation shall hold or be employed by a person holding an Arkansas Water Well Contractor License. The water well contractor shall: (A) Hold the proper license, certificates, and permits for the type of construction engaged; and (B) Meet continuing education requirements as set forth herein.”
17 CAR § 11-306. Water well contractor licenses ↗Re-checked Sep 10, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — Wells serving public and semi-public water systems in Arkansas.
  “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 hookupSewer (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.
- When the stated distance and availability conditions are met, connection to the sanitary sewer is required.
- Privies, onsite wastewater systems, and other receptacles for human excreta may not be constructed, maintained, or used on the premises under that condition.
sewer distance from building sewer-exit point: <= 300 feet (sewer must be 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.”
14 CAR § 21-301. Generally ↗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 plats that are boundary surveys creating parcels in Arkansas.
- The plat must be filed with the State Surveyor's office after any recording requirements imposed by city or county government.
- Filing is not required, but may be submitted, for survey plats of subdivided property located in a municipality where the property has previously been surveyed and a plat filed.
plat distribution deadline: 30 days after completion
“Subdivision plats [...] are to be filed with the State Surveyor’s office [...] Filing is not required [...] for survey plats [...] located in a municipality [...]”
15 CAR § 281-301. Publication of results ↗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
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
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
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Limited — RV occupancy in Clay County where three or more RV spaces are occupied or intended for occupancy and placement or maintenance services are provided for a fee; the state rule addresses Department-approved recreational-vehicle parks for transient dwelling purposes, typically by night or week.
  ““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 10, 2026
- Limited — Temporary or transient camping involving three or more paid RV/tiny-home/mobile-home spaces in Clay County.
  ““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 10, 2026

Still unanswered

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

Zoning districts — Published county zoning districts or zoning-district information for Clay County, especially unincorporated areas.
Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size for residential development in unincorporated Clay County, Arkansas.
Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size for residential development in unincorporated Clay County, Arkansas.
Setbacks — Building setbacks for development in unincorporated Clay County, Arkansas.
Lot coverage — Maximum lot coverage for development in unincorporated Clay County, Arkansas.

3 more unanswered

Building height
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.

Living off-grid in Clay County, Arkansas

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

Clay County scores 76/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and manageable long-term carry cost.

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

Clay County does not require a county building permit for a home in unincorporated areas, and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Arkansas Department of Health (ADH), Onsite Wastewater program. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Clay County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Clay County is limited to specific cases: Statewide rule. 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. A tiny home is limited to specific cases. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Clay County, Arkansas?

Land in Clay County runs about $4,788 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Clay County?

Clay County gets about 49.8" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 7% of years.

How remote is Clay County?

A typical private-land location has about 18,950 people within 15 miles and 2,387,775 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

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

At a glance

Who to call

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

Does Clay County have zoning?

How do septic permits work in Clay County?

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Clay County?

Building a home in Clay County: the steps, in order

What to check before you buy land in Clay County

Watch-outs

Sources

Clay County in Arkansas

How Clay County scores

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Parcel due diligence

Answers from the rulebook for Clay County

Clay County rules

Arkansas rules that apply here

Still unanswered

Living off-grid in Clay County, Arkansas

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

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

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Clay County?

How much does land cost in Clay County, Arkansas?

What is the water situation in Clay County?

How remote is Clay County?

How Clay compares in Arkansas