Conway County, AR: Limited Building Permits

Conway County, Arkansas is subject to statewide building-code minimums, but we could not confirm a general county residential building-permit requirement for unincorporated land^1,2. Work subject to the Arkansas Energy Code must be inspected by the state Energy Office, its agent or the code official, though Conway County's local inspection practice remains unconfirmed². The Arkansas Department of Health or its authorized agent administers septic permits³.

At a glance

Building permit: Local requirement not confirmed; statewide building-code minimums still apply^2,4
Building inspections: Energy-code work requires inspection; Conway County's local inspection practice was not confirmed²
Zoning: Countywide zoning for unincorporated land was not confirmed⁵
Septic: Construction and operation permits generally required through the state program and county health unit^3,6
Owner-builder: Energy-code compliance is voluntary when building a single-family home for your own occupancy²
RV or tiny home: Private-parcel occupancy was not confirmed; state park rules apply to three or more paid spaces⁷
Septic soils: Only about 7% of soils lack severe limits for a conventional drain field⁸
Private well permit: A general permit rule was not confirmed; state approval is documented for public and semi-public wells⁹

Who to call

Also useful

Conway County Judge's Office

County administration and county roads; ask this office which authority handles building, zoning, floodplain and driveway questions for an unincorporated parcel

(501) 354-9640

judge@conwaycounty.org

117 S. Moose St., Morrilton, AR 72110

Health department

Conway County Health Department

Local health unit contact; ask for the onsite environmental health specialist for septic applications

501-354-4652

100 Hospital Dr.

2 more officesSeptic permits

Septic permits

Arkansas Department of Health Onsite Wastewater Program

Statewide onsite wastewater policy and permit-application review with county environmental health specialists

501-6612171

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

Online permits →

Septic permits

Arkansas Department of Health Onsite Wastewater FAQs

Official instructions for starting a septic permit and state guidance on lot size and the acreage-based permit exemption

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 7, 2026.

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

We could not confirm a general Conway County residential building-permit requirement for unincorporated land, and the statewide source recognizes that some Arkansas areas have no permit requirement.

We could not confirm a general Conway County residential building-permit requirement for unincorporated land, and the statewide source recognizes that some Arkansas areas have no permit requirement^2,4. New structures and covered alterations still must comply with the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, while local governments may adopt more stringent provisions from that code¹. The Arkansas Energy Code is an energy-efficiency code, not a complete answer to building, zoning, septic or occupancy rules². Work subject to that energy code must be inspected by the Arkansas Energy Office, its agent or the code official, but Conway County's local inspection practice remains unconfirmed². Ask the Conway County Judge's office which authority reviews plans, issues building permits, conducts local inspections or documents occupancy for the parcel¹⁰. For a builder who builds or contracts to build a single-family home for personal occupancy, energy-code compliance is voluntary; that provision does not answer whether other building, electrical, plumbing, septic or floodplain permits apply².

Who handles Conway County building and permit questions?

Conway County publishes no dedicated building or planning contact in the official service information we could verify, so begin with the Conway County Judge's Office at 117 S. Moose St., Morrilton, AR 72110, (501) 354-9640, or judge@conwaycounty.org¹⁰. Ask the office to identify the authority for building permits, inspections, floodplain review and county-road access on the parcel rather than assuming those functions do not exist. The County Judge's office also oversees the county road system, making it the practical first call when a proposed driveway meets a county road¹⁰. For onsite wastewater, call the Conway County Health Department at 501-354-4652 and ask for the onsite environmental health specialist^11,12. The state Onsite Wastewater Program works with local environmental specialists to review qualifying septic applications⁶.

Does Conway County, Arkansas have zoning?

We could not confirm a countywide zoning ordinance for unincorporated Conway County from an accessible official source.

We could not confirm a countywide zoning ordinance for unincorporated Conway County from an accessible official source⁵. The same gap applies to county rules for setbacks, minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size, building height and lot coverage, so ask the Conway County Judge's office what applies to the parcel before fixing a house site or ordering plans¹⁰. A lack of a confirmed county zoning rule does not answer what an incorporated city may require, and it does not cancel statewide building, septic or highway-access rules. Arkansas's building-code minimums apply statewide, including where no local permit is required⁴. A driveway connecting to a state highway requires an Arkansas Department of Transportation permit, while the county office should be asked about access from a county road^10,13.

How do septic permits work in Conway County?

The Arkansas Department of Health or its authorized agent administers Conway County onsite-wastewater permits.

The Arkansas Department of Health or its authorized agent administers Conway County onsite-wastewater permits³. Call the Conway County Health Department at 501-354-4652 and ask for the onsite environmental health specialist^11,12. Part I of the application is the Permit for Construction, Part II records the installation inspection, and Part III is the Permit for Operation³. Obtain the construction permit before building, altering, repairing or extending the system; after installation, the system must pass inspection and receive its operating permit before use³. Arkansas sets no single septic minimum lot size; soil suitability, bedroom count and the 100-foot well setback determine space needs¹². A qualifying single residence on ten or more acres may be exempt from the permit when the entire sewage system is more than 200 feet from every property line, including roads¹². Only about 7% of Conway County soils lack severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so make soil evaluation an early purchase contingency⁸.

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

We could not confirm a Conway County rule allowing or prohibiting long-term RV, tiny-home or manufactured-home occupancy on a single private parcel, so ask the Conway County Judge's office before treating the land as a legal homesite¹⁰. Arkansas regulates parcels operating as mobile-home or recreational-vehicle parks when three or more spaces are occupied or intended for occupancy and placement or maintenance services are provided for a fee⁷. Under those park rules, a tiny house on wheels is treated as a mobile home when plumbed and inspected under the state plumbing code, and as a recreational vehicle when it is not¹⁴. Those park provisions do not settle private occupancy outside a qualifying park. Off-grid sanitation remains regulated: onsite systems require approval, inspection and permits, while an available sanitary sewer within 300 feet of the building's sewer-exit point must be used when the connection does not cross another person's property³.

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

Ask the Conway County Judge's office which local authority covers building permits, inspections, zoning, floodplain review and county-road access for the parcel.

Ask the Conway County Judge's office which local authority covers building permits, inspections, zoning, floodplain review and county-road access for the parcel¹⁰.
Confirm that the house design meets Arkansas's statewide building-code minimums even if no local building permit is required^1,4.
Call the Conway County Health Department and ask for the onsite environmental health specialist before choosing the final house and drain-field locations^11,12.
Determine whether an available sanitary sewer is within 300 feet of the building's sewer-exit point and can be reached without crossing another person's property; if so, sewer connection is required and onsite sanitation may not be used³.
If onsite wastewater is allowed, obtain Part I approval before work, complete the Part II installation inspection, and obtain the Part III operating permit before use³.
Obtain the soil evaluation early because only about 7% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field⁸.
Apply to the Arkansas Department of Transportation before constructing a driveway onto a state highway¹³.

What should you check before buying land in Conway County?

Start with wastewater feasibility: only about 7% of Conway County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field.

Start with wastewater feasibility: only about 7% of Conway County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field⁸. If land will be divided into lots using standard onsite systems, the subdivision wastewater plan must go to the Arkansas Department of Health with soil and site information for review; that requirement does not establish a general Conway County subdivision ordinance³. The wastewater plan-review fee is $100 for the first lot plus $25 for each following lot, capped at $1,500; this is not a general county building or land-use permit fee¹⁵. The county receives about 52 inches of precipitation annually, and about 82% of its land has a slope of 15% or less, so visit after rain and verify drainage⁸. Confirm legal road access and ask the County Judge's office whether a county-road entrance requires approval; a state-highway driveway requires a state permit^10,13. We could not confirm a Conway County floodplain-development process for private property. The available state well rule covers public and semi-public wells but does not establish a permit requirement for every private domestic well⁹.

Watch-outs

Conway County's general residential permit, inspection and certificate-of-occupancy requirements were not confirmed; ask the County Judge's office which authority applies before construction¹⁰.
Countywide zoning, setbacks, minimum dwelling size and minimum lot size for unincorporated land were not confirmed; get a parcel-specific answer from the County Judge's office^5,10.
An onsite wastewater system generally needs a construction permit before work and an inspection, approval and operation permit before use³.
Available sanitary sewer within 300 feet can require connection and rule out a privy or onsite wastewater system when the connection does not cross another person's property³.

Sources

15 official pages, each quoted and re-checked · written October 7, 2026

Written October 7, 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 Conway County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Compared with neighboring counties

Unlike 5 of its 6 neighbors, Conway County requires a building permit only in limited cases.

Rule	Conway County	Faulkner County	Pope County	Perry County	Van Buren County	Pulaski County	Yell County
Building permit	Limited	Not required	Limited	Not required	Not required	Required	Not required
County zoning	Not published	Not published	Not published	No	No	Yes	No
Septic permits	AR Dept. of Health	AR Dept. of Health	AR Dept. of Health	AR Dept. of Health	AR Dept. of Health	ADH	ADH

Answers from the rulebook for Conway County

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

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
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Available — Builders who build or contract to build single-family buildings for their own occupancy under the Arkansas Energy Code
  “Compliance with this Code by builders who build, or contract to build, single-family buildings for their own occupancy is voluntary.”
  Arkansas Energy Code for New Building Construction Supplements and Amendments ↗Re-checked Oct 2, 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
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Adopted — Arkansas commercial and residential construction subject to the Arkansas Energy Code.
  “The 2014 Arkansas Energy Code for New Building Construction establishes minimum energy requirements for residential and commercial buildings in the State of Arkansas. Residential and Commercial For residential and commercial structures, Arkansas adopts the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), 2009 Edition, published and copyrighted by the International Codes Council.”
  Building Energy Codes Programs ↗Re-checked Oct 7, 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
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Required — Construction or work subject to the Arkansas Energy Code
  “104.1 General. 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.”
  Arkansas Energy Code for New Building Construction Supplements and Amendments ↗Re-checked Oct 3, 2026
- Limited — Construction subject to Arkansas Building Code compliance and any applicable inspection regime.
  “areas when no permit or inspections are required.”
  Home Improvement Contractor License Application ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
Certificate of occupancyLimited
Open-enrollment public charter schools commencing student operations in a new or renovated facility anywhere in Arkansas.
- Before commencing operations with students, the school must obtain one of three alternative approvals for the new construction or renovation.
- The alternatives are: a certificate of occupancy issued by a local code official and approved by the state fire marshal; a certificate of occupancy or other approval of the state fire marshal; or a certificate of substantial completion issued by a licensed architect.
- A certificate of occupancy is therefore not independently mandatory when one of the two listed alternative approvals is obtained.
“An open-enrollment public charter school shall not commence operations with students in any new or renovated facility unless the school has obtained for the new construction or renovation: (1) A certificate of occupancy issued by a local code official, approved by the state fire marshal; (2) A certificate of occupancy or other approval of the state fire marshal; or (3) A certificate of substantial completion issued by a licensed architect.”
6 CAR § 31-425. Charter school facilities ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
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
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 (with conditions) — Onsite wastewater systems serving property in Conway County
  “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 Oct 2, 2026
- State (with conditions) — Onsite wastewater systems in Conway County.
  “For those cities or counties with Authorized Agents, the Authorized Agent shall be the Authorized Agent of the Department. In the event that an Authorized Agent has not been designated for a city or county, applications for onsite wastewater systems shall be made to the Department.”
  Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Oct 2, 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 — Construction, alteration, repair, extension, or operation of onsite wastewater systems serving Conway County property
  “Approved by the Department of Health or its authorized agent prior to initiating construction.”
  codeofarrules.arkansas.gov ↗Re-checked Oct 2, 2026
- Required — Construction, alteration, repair, extension, or operation of onsite wastewater systems serving Conway County property.
  “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.”
  Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Oct 2, 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
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Required — Onsite wastewater systems serving Conway County property
  “After approval of the inspection, the authorized agent will approve and issue a permit for operation.”
  Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Oct 2, 2026
- Required — Installation and operation approval for onsite wastewater systems in Conway County.
  “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 Oct 2, 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 — Privies and onsite wastewater systems serving premises in Conway County.
  “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 26, 2026
- Limited — Privies and onsite wastewater systems used for sanitation at Conway County properties.
  “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 Oct 2, 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
Sanitary sewer connection for premises in Conway County.
- Connection is required when a sanitary sewer is within 300 feet from the point where the sewer exits a building and is available to the premises.
- Connection must be possible without crossing another person's property.
- When those conditions apply, privies and onsite wastewater systems may not be constructed, maintained, or used on the premises.
sewer distance: <= 300 feet (Sewer must be available and connection must not require 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
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Conditional — Properties in Conway County served by onsite wastewater systems.
  “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 Oct 2, 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 landLimited
Subdivision plans in Conway 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.
- Submission is to the local health unit and includes soil pits, percolation tests if applicable, test locations, topography, and other information required for review.
- The plan-review fee is a minimum of $100 for one lot and $25 for each following lot, with a maximum of $1,500.
- This claim does not establish a general county subdivision ordinance.
plan review fee for one lot: >= 100 USD · plan review fee for each following lot: per 25 USD (Maximum total plan-review fee is $1,500.) · 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 Oct 2, 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 [...]”
  codeofarrules.arkansas.gov ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
Driveway accessRequired
Construction, reconstruction, modification, or relocation of access driveways on Arkansas State Highway right-of-way, including residential, commercial, and temporary access driveways.
- No work may begin on State Highway right-of-way until the engineer issues the permit.
- Applications are made to the District Engineer and include a work description, location, applicant contact information, and required drawings or deposit/bond.
- An Access Management Agreement may require approval or a permit from the relevant jurisdiction; failure to provide it may be grounds for denial.
- Commercial driveway permits generally require a minimum $1,000 deposit or bond per driveway, with governmental-entity waiver possible.
- Temporary driveway access is limited to 120 days initially, extendable at 60-day intervals up to 240 days.
commercial driveway deposit or bond: >= 1000 USD per driveway minimum (May be waived for governmental entities.) · temporary driveway initial duration: <= 120 days maximum (May be extended at 60-day intervals up to 240 total days.) · frontage limit: 50 feet or less (Limited to one driveway.) · rural setback inside adjoining property frontage: >= 10 feet minimum (Urban minimum is 5 feet; Section 6.9 exceptions may apply.)
“A permit shall be obtained from the Department for all access driveways on State Highways.”
Regulations: Rules for Access Driveways to State Highways ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Building in a floodplainRequired
Development by an Arkansas state department on property within the boundaries of the hundred-year floodplain or a Building Authority Division designated flood hazard area.
- The rule applies to a state department proposing the development, not generally to all private or local development statewide.
- The department must submit an application on a form approved by the Design Review Section.
- The application must include the application number, date, department or property owner, site address or legal description, development type, brief description, base flood elevation, lowest-floor elevation, attachment acknowledgment, and applicant contact/signature information.
- Supporting attachments should include the FEMA map, copies of other regulatory permits such as Clean Water Act sections 401 and 404 permits, elevation certificates, a certification of no increase in base flood elevation or no-rise certificate, a flood-proofing certificate, certifications for water supply, sanitary sewer, and on-site waste disposal systems, and notification of watercourse alteration or relocation.
- The Design Review Section reviews and approves or disapproves the application; if approved, the floodplain administrator issues a development permit for the design phase.
- The permit must be posted during construction; the site is reviewed before final acceptance; and noncompliant work requires correction or may be designated a nonconforming use site.
- For riverine watercourse alteration or relocation, the department must notify the division, adjacent communities, and the state NFIP Coordinator at the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission before the alteration or relocation, submit copies to the Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration, maintain flood-carrying capacity, and provide an engineering study of before-and-after conditions prepared by a registered professional engineer.
- For structures and equipment pads under the state rule, elevation requirements vary by FEMA-map and base-flood-elevation availability: two feet above adjacent grade where no FEMA map exists; two feet above the Building Authority Division base flood elevation where no nearby FEMA base flood elevation data exists; and one foot above the accepted or mapped base flood elevation in the circumstances specified by 22 CAR § 111-708.
minimum elevation where no FEMA map exists and site is flood-prone: 2 feet above adjacent grade · minimum elevation where FEMA map exists but no base flood elevation data is provided within 500 feet: 2 feet above the Building Authority Division-established base flood elevation · minimum elevation where FEMA map exists, no site base flood elevation is provided, and a base flood elevation is available within 500 feet or from another authoritative source: 1 foot above the base flood elevation accepted by the division · minimum elevation where FEMA map provides a base flood elevation at the site: 1 foot above the elevation shown on the map in the flood insurance study, if available, or as interpolated between map elevations
“When a department proposes to develop property within the boundaries of the hundred-year floodplain or a Building Authority Division designated flood hazard area, the department shall submit an application for a development permit on a form approved by the Design Review Section.”
22 CAR § 111-705. Permits ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
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 (with conditions) — Arkansas Department of Health onsite-wastewater subdivision plan review fees applicable to covered Conway County subdivisions
  “The plan review fee will be a minimum of one hundred ($100.00) for one (1) lot and twenty-five dollars ($25.00) for each following lot, with a maximum of one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500).”
  Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Oct 3, 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
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Published (with conditions) — Arkansas onsite wastewater permit process applicable in Conway County.
  “Part I of the Permit is the Permit for Construction. [...] Part II of the Permit Application is the installation inspection. [...] Part III of the Permit is the Permit for Operation.”
  Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Oct 2, 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

Still unanswered

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

County-wide zoning — Countywide zoning regulation administered by Conway County.
Local zoning — Aggregate local zoning across Conway County municipalities and unincorporated areas.
Zoning districts — Published zoning districts or zoning maps for Conway County.
Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling-size requirements in Conway County.
Minimum lot size — Minimum lot-size requirements in Conway County.

6 more unanswered

Setbacks
Building height
Camping on your land
Manufactured homes
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 Conway County, Arkansas

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

Conway County scores 71/100 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 Conway County, Arkansas?

Land in Conway County runs about $3,149 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Conway County?

Conway County gets about 52" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 8% of years.

How remote is Conway County?

A representative private-land location has about 9,357 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,455,251 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 Conway County, Arkansas