Cleveland County, AR Building Permits, Zoning & Septic Rules

Cleveland County's state directory listing shows no building, planning or zoning office, and no official source confirms that ordinary construction needs a county building permit¹. The county also does not participate in the National Flood Insurance Program, so there's no local floodplain permit and federally backed flood insurance isn't available on floodplain parcels here¹. Septic systems are permitted at the state level: the Arkansas Department of Health's Onsite Wastewater program reviews applications through the Cleveland County Local Health Unit². Arkansas also lets you build your own single-family home without a contractor's license, as long as you don't build more than one in a calendar year³.

At a glance

Building permit: Not confirmed either way — no county department found¹
Zoning: No countywide zoning ordinance found⁴
Septic (OSSF) permit: State-permitted via the Cleveland County Local Health Unit²
Flood insurance (NFIP): County does not participate — no federally backed flood insurance on floodplain parcels¹
Owner-builder exemption: Yes — build one home per year yourself without a license³
Minimum lot size for drip-dispersal septic: 0.5 acres minimum, if design criteria are met⁵
Property tax: About 0.6% effective rate; median bill $716/yr⁶⁷

Who to call

Also useful

Cleveland County Courthouse

General Cleveland County government contact; the starting point for building, zoning, road or driveway questions since no dedicated department publishes its own page

870-325-6214

20 Magnolia Street, Rison, AR 71665

Septic permits

Cleveland County Local Health Unit (Arkansas Department of Health)

Administers onsite wastewater (septic) permit applications for Cleveland County through the Arkansas Department of Health's Environmental Health Specialist program

(870) 325-6311

409 East Magnolia, Rison, AR 71665

Property records

Cleveland County Assessor's Office

Property assessment and valuation for Cleveland County

870-325-6695

20 Magnolia St., Rison, AR 71665

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 Cleveland County, AR?

Cleveland County's listing in Arkansas's official county directory shows no building, planning, codes or inspection office, and no official source states that ordinary construction in the county needs a permit¹. That's evidence there's likely no county building-permit process for a typical house, barn or shed — not a guaranteed rule — so confirm anything unusual with the Cleveland County Courthouse first⁸. Arkansas's statewide Fire Prevention Code, which includes residential construction standards, still applies as a compliance standard even in places with no local permit program, so a home still has to meet those construction standards whether or not anyone checks⁹. Arkansas is explicit that these statewide standards apply even where no permit or inspection is required at all¹⁰.

Who handles permits in Cleveland County, and how do you reach them?

Because Cleveland County has no building department, start with the Cleveland County Courthouse in Rison at 870-325-6214, 20 Magnolia Street, Rison, AR 71665 — it's the general county contact for anything not handled by a specific office⁸. Septic (onsite wastewater) permits go through the Cleveland County Local Health Unit, part of the Arkansas Department of Health, at (870) 325-6311, 409 East Magnolia, Rison, AR 71665¹¹. Property records and valuation questions go to the Cleveland County Assessor's Office, at 870-325-6695, 20 Magnolia St., Rison, AR 71665¹². No official county source confirms who issues driveway or road-access permits on county roads, so ask at the Courthouse before you cut a new driveway⁸.

Does Cleveland County have zoning?

Cleveland County's state directory entry lists no planning or zoning office, and no official source confirms a countywide zoning ordinance in unincorporated Cleveland County⁴. That's a "we didn't find one," not a settled "no rule" — whether the towns of Rison, Kingsland or New Edinburg administer their own zoning wasn't confirmed either, so a parcel near any of them deserves a direct call to that town⁸. With no confirmed county zoning, there's also no confirmed county rule on minimum lot size, setbacks, building height or lot coverage for unincorporated land, beyond what the state's onsite-wastewater rules require for subdivided lots⁵.

How do septic permits work in Cleveland County?

Septic systems in Cleveland County are permitted at the state level: applications for onsite wastewater systems go to the Arkansas Department of Health, or to a local Authorized Agent where one has been designated — no Authorized Agent is confirmed for Cleveland County, so plan to work through the Department via the Cleveland County Local Health Unit's Environmental Health Specialist¹³¹¹. If you're buying into a subdivision rather than a single existing lot, construction can't begin on any lot until the Department gives final approval of the subdivision's onsite-wastewater plan, and a lot smaller than 0.5 acres generally can't use a drip-dispersal design⁵. Only about 3.4% of Cleveland County's soils have no severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field — one of the lowest shares Bolthole Index tracks — so budget for real soil testing and likely an alternative system on most parcels¹⁴. If a sanitary sewer already runs within 300 feet of where your building's sewer line would exit, and it's reachable without crossing someone else's property, Arkansas requires you to connect to it instead of using a septic system¹⁵. Start at the Cleveland County Local Health Unit, (870) 325-6311, 409 East Magnolia, Rison, AR 71665¹¹.

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

No official Cleveland County or Arkansas source found addresses long-term RV occupancy, tiny-home occupancy or temporary camping on private land here — these are open questions, not confirmed permissions. What is confirmed is that Cleveland County has no zoning ordinance on record to restrict any of that through⁴. Whatever you put on the land, though, still needs a compliant wastewater system: an RV, tiny home or manufactured home isn't exempt from Arkansas's onsite-wastewater permitting if it isn't connected to a public sewer¹³. Call the Cleveland County Courthouse before you set up an RV or tiny home as a residence, since unwritten local practice can differ from what's published online⁸.

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

Call the Cleveland County Courthouse first. Confirm your specific plans, since no building-permit or zoning process is published, at 870-325-6214, 20 Magnolia Street, Rison, AR 71665⁸.
Get your soil tested and apply for a septic permit. Applications for onsite wastewater systems go to the Arkansas Department of Health through the Cleveland County Local Health Unit at (870) 325-6311, 409 East Magnolia, Rison, AR 71665¹¹¹³.
Plan for difficult soils. Only about 3.4% of Cleveland County's soils lack severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so expect the real possibility of an engineered or alternative system¹⁴.
Check your flood risk yourself. Cleveland County does not participate in the National Flood Insurance Program, so there's no local floodplain permit process and no federally backed flood insurance on floodplain parcels — get your own elevation and flood information before you commit¹.
If your driveway connects to a state highway, get an ARDOT access permit before you build it; commercial driveways generally need a minimum $1,000 deposit or bond¹⁶.
Build. No official Cleveland County source found requires a county building permit or inspection for ordinary construction, but Arkansas's statewide Fire Prevention Code construction standards still apply even without a local permit program⁹.
If you're acting as your own contractor, you can build your own single-family home without a residential-contractor license, as long as you don't build more than one in a calendar year¹⁷.

What to check before you buy land in Cleveland County

Cleveland County gets a wet 55.2 inches of rain a year and has been in severe drought in only about 10.5% of years, so water availability is generally solid here¹⁸¹⁹. About 91% of the county is wooded and roughly 99% of the land sits at a gentle 15% slope or less, so terrain is rarely the obstacle — soil is: only about 3.4% of Cleveland County's soils have no severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, among the lowest shares Bolthole Index tracks²⁰²¹¹⁴. The county does not participate in the National Flood Insurance Program, so if a parcel sits in a mapped floodplain, there's no local floodplain permit process and federally backed flood insurance won't be available there — get your own flood assessment before you buy¹. The county is about 61 miles from the nearest metro area, with a population density of about 12 people per square mile — genuinely rural²²²³. Typical property taxes run about 0.6% of value, with a median bill near $716 a year, among the lowest Bolthole Index tracks⁶⁷.

Watch-outs

Cleveland County does not participate in the National Flood Insurance Program: there's no local floodplain development permit, and federally backed flood insurance isn't available on floodplain parcels here, so get your own flood assessment before you buy or build¹.
Whether you can live in an RV, tiny home or manufactured home on your own Cleveland County land is an open question with no official county or state answer on record — call the Courthouse before you set one up⁸.

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 Cleveland County scores

Seclusion76100% ev.

Self-Sufficiency67100% ev.

Admin Boringness85100% ev.

Durability67100% ev.

Property Autonomy47100% ev.

Carry Cost8496% 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 →

$162kTypical home

0.6%Property tax

$3,733Land / acre

55.2"Annual rain

10.5% of yrsSevere drought

27.5 / yr (+22.9)Mid-century 100°F days

17.2 daysMid-century dry spell

2.41" (+4.8%)Mid-century 1-day rain

1.49×Wildfire change factor

100%Forward climate coverage

$1,510Home insurance / yr

1.4% / yrInsurance growth

0.9%Nonrenewal rate

single ZIP shrunk to state medianInsurance basis

5,758People within 30 min

1,196,629People within 2 hr

12,327Radius comparison (15 mi)

12.3People / sq mi

0%Federal land

99.3%Land at 15% slope or less

3.4%Septic soil without severe limits

12,780 acWorkable land screen

90.7%Wooded land

52.1 tonsBiomass / forest ac

62.8°FAvg temp

Answers from the rulebook for Cleveland County

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

Cleveland County rules

County-wide zoningAbsent
No county planning or zoning office is listed for Cleveland County on the state's official county directory, indicating no countywide zoning in unincorporated areas.
Arkansas.gov - Cleveland County ↗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)
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
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
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
Onsite wastewater systems in Cleveland County, including individual systems and systems serving subdivisions.
- The Arkansas Department of Health or its Authorized Agent administers permits and approvals.
- For cities or counties with Authorized Agents, the Authorized Agent acts for the Department; where no Authorized Agent has been designated, applications are made to the Department.
“applications for onsite wastewater systems shall be made to the Department.”
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
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 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 development in Arkansas, including Cleveland County, when onsite wastewater systems are proposed.
- Primary and secondary absorption areas must be sized according to natural soil conditions using the rule's loading rates.
- Lots under three acres have specified soil-depth criteria and may require complete permit submittals when interceptor drains are used.
- Drip dispersal may be used for minimum-lot-size determinations only when the stated bedrock, flagging, and legal-description criteria are met; such lots must be at least 0.5 acres.
- Construction of any type may not begin on a subdivision lot until the Department of Health gives final approval of the onsite-wastewater submission.
- Property-owner-association delegation is discretionary and remains subject to rule compliance, required permit forms, and final approval of each permit.
minimum lot size for drip-dispersal design: >= 0.5 acres (only when the rule's stated design criteria are met)
“5.5.7 Construction of any type shall not begin upon any lot in the subdivision until final approval of the submission for utilization of onsite wastewater systems within the subdivision has been made by the Department.”
Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Sep 10, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- 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 [...]”
  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

Still unanswered

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

Local zoning — Zoning administered by municipalities or other local authorities within Cleveland County, Arkansas.
Zoning districts — Countywide and unincorporated-area zoning districts in Cleveland County.
Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in unincorporated Cleveland County, Arkansas.
Lot coverage — Lot-coverage limits in unincorporated Cleveland County, Arkansas.
Building height — Building-height limits in unincorporated Cleveland County, Arkansas.

3 more unanswered

Camping on your land
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 Cleveland County, Arkansas

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

Cleveland County scores 85/100 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 Cleveland County, Arkansas?

Cleveland 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 - 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 Cleveland County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Cleveland 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 Cleveland County, Arkansas?

Land in Cleveland County runs about $3,733 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Cleveland County?

Cleveland County gets about 55.2" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 10.5% of years.

How remote is Cleveland County?

A representative private-land location has about 5,758 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,196,629 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 Cleveland County, Arkansas

At a glance

Who to call

Do you need a building permit in Cleveland County, AR?

Who handles permits in Cleveland County, and how do you reach them?

Does Cleveland County have zoning?

How do septic permits work in Cleveland County?

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

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

What to check before you buy land in Cleveland County

Watch-outs

Sources

Cleveland County in Arkansas

How Cleveland County scores

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Parcel due diligence

Answers from the rulebook for Cleveland County

Cleveland County rules

Arkansas rules that apply here

Still unanswered

Living off-grid in Cleveland County, Arkansas

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

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

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

How much does land cost in Cleveland County, Arkansas?

What is the water situation in Cleveland County?

How remote is Cleveland County?

How Cleveland compares in Arkansas