Bolthole Index

Craighead County, Arkansas

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Jonesboro, Arkansas

Jonesboro, Arkansas requires both a city zoning permit and a building permit before covered construction, reconstruction, moving, demolition or structural alteration begins.1 The city administers zoning and construction inspections, while the Arkansas Department of Health or its authorized agent handles onsite wastewater permits.234

At a glance

Building permit
Required before covered building work begins inside Jonesboro1
Zoning
City zoning controls land use and site standards by district2
Septic
State permits and approval apply when an onsite system is allowed56
Inspections
Electrical, plumbing, HVAC and structural inspections apply to city construction3
Accessory dwelling
Conditionally allowed, with district, occupant and rental restrictions7
Owner-builder
Arkansas offers a contractor-licensing exemption, but city permits still apply81
RV or tiny home
Occupancy on a private lot was not confirmed; ask city Planning & Zoning2

Who to call

Building permits

City of Jonesboro Inspections

Building-plan review, building-permit issuance and electrical, plumbing, HVAC and structural inspections inside Jonesboro

870-933-4602

[email protected]

300 S. Church St., Jonesboro, AR 72401

Online permits →

Zoning

City of Jonesboro Planning & Zoning

Zoning districts, permitted uses, site standards, rezoning, conditional uses and building-permit application intake

870-932-0406

[email protected]

300 S. Church Street, Jonesboro, AR 72401

Online permits →

Septic permits

Arkansas Department of Health - Onsite Wastewater

Statewide onsite wastewater policy and permit review in cooperation with the local Environmental Health Specialist

501-661-2171

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

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 10, 2026.

Off-grid gear

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

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Do you need a building permit in Jonesboro, Arkansas?

Yes. Inside Jonesboro city limits, both a zoning permit and a building permit must be issued before construction, reconstruction, moving, demolition or structural alteration of a building begins.1 Applications must include scaled plans and site information, and applicable fees must be paid before issuance.1

Jonesboro applies municipal construction codes that include the Arkansas residential, fire, plumbing, fuel-gas, mechanical, electrical and energy codes listed by the city.9 Arkansas also offers an owner-builder exemption from state residential-contractor licensing for a person building that person's own residence, subject to the state conditions, but that exemption does not waive Jonesboro building permits, zoning approval or inspections.81

Who issues building permits in Jonesboro, AR?

City of Jonesboro Planning & Zoning receives the application, and the Inspections Department completes final approvals before issuing the building permit.10 The Planning & Zoning office is at 300 S. Church Street and can be reached at 870-932-0406 or [email protected].11 The Inspections office is at the same municipal address and can be reached at 870-933-4602 or [email protected].12

The city says residential review takes approximately 3 to 5 days after submission to Planning; Planning sends the application to Engineering for floodplain issues before Inspections gives final approval.10 Inspections performs electrical, plumbing, HVAC and structural inspections on residential, commercial and industrial construction.12

Does Jonesboro have zoning, and what does it control?

Jonesboro has municipal zoning that regulates allowable uses, site characteristics and the boundaries of zoning districts inside the city.2 The applicable district matters: an RS-5 single-family lot requires at least 8,712 square feet and 70 feet of width, while an AG agricultural lot requires at least 5 acres and 240 feet of width.1314

In RS-5, the listed setbacks are 25 feet in front, 20 feet in the rear and 7.5 feet on each side.15 In AG, the listed setbacks are 30 feet in front, 30 feet in the rear and 10 feet on each side.16 Ask Planning & Zoning to confirm the parcel's district, use permissions, overlays and recorded constraints before laying out a home.2

How do septic permits work inside Jonesboro?

When public sewer is unavailable or is not reasonably available or economically feasible, constructing, altering, repairing or extending an onsite wastewater system requires a valid Permit for Construction from the Arkansas Department of Health or its authorized agent before work begins.5 The system must be inspected and approved, and the owner must obtain a Permit for Operation before using it.6

Arkansas requires a sanitary-sewer connection when the sewer is within 300 feet of the point where the sewer exits the building, is available to the premises and can be reached without crossing another person's property.17 Craighead County soil data rates 0% of mapped soils as free of severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so obtain a parcel-level evaluation rather than assuming a standard system will work.18

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Jonesboro?

We could not confirm a Jonesboro rule that generally allows or prohibits long-term RV occupancy, private-lot camping or tiny-home occupancy. Ask City of Jonesboro Planning & Zoning how the parcel's zoning district and proposed utilities affect the specific use before buying or moving a unit onto the land.

Arkansas park rules do not answer the private-lot question: they regulate parcels with 3 or more paid spaces intended for RVs, tiny houses on wheels or mobile homes.19 Accessory dwelling units have a clearer city rule: Jonesboro allows them by right in AG, RR and R-O only for immediate family members or onsite employees, allows them conditionally in other residential districts, and prohibits using them for general rentals.7

Building a home in Jonesboro: what are the steps?

  1. Ask Planning & Zoning to confirm the zoning district, allowed use, lot dimensions and setbacks.2
  2. Determine whether public sewer is available; if an onsite system may be needed, contact the Arkansas Department of Health's Onsite Wastewater Program before finalizing the site plan.45
  3. Submit the building-permit application and scaled plans to Planning & Zoning for city review.1
  4. Complete Planning, Engineering and Inspections review, pay the applicable fees and obtain both zoning and building permits before work starts.101
  5. Schedule and pass the required trade and structural inspections.3
  6. Complete all final inspections before the structure is finalized and obtain the required certificate of occupancy.320

What should you check before buying land in Jonesboro?

Verify the parcel's zoning district before relying on a listing's development claims because Jonesboro's lot area, width, setbacks and allowed uses vary by district.2113 Check sewer availability and onsite-wastewater feasibility early because state rules can require a sewer connection and the county's mapped soils rate poorly for conventional drain fields.1718

If a driveway is proposed, Jonesboro's development process requires a driveway permit from the city or state, depending on the road.22 Craighead County's effective property-tax rate is about 0.5%, and the median annual property-tax bill is $1,084.2324 We could not confirm a Jonesboro-specific private-well permit rule or minimum dwelling size; ask Planning & Zoning and the Arkansas Department of Health before treating either issue as settled.

Watch-outs

  • Do not begin covered work after filing an application; Jonesboro requires both the zoning permit and building permit to be issued before work starts.1
  • Do not assume an RV or tiny house can be occupied on a private lot; we could not confirm the Jonesboro rule, so ask Planning & Zoning about the specific parcel and use.11
  • A public sewer within 300 feet can trigger a connection requirement when it is available without crossing another person's property.17

Sources

  1. City of Jonesboro Planning & Development Guide (Jonesboro), quoted and re-checked
  2. Zoning Process (Jonesboro), quoted and re-checked
  3. Inspections (Jonesboro), quoted and re-checked
  4. Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024), quoted and re-checked
  5. Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) (Jonesboro), quoted and re-checked
  6. Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) (Jonesboro), quoted and re-checked
  7. Sec. 117-226. Residential uses (Jonesboro), quoted and re-checked
  8. Residential Rules (November 2022), quoted and re-checked
  9. Inspections (Jonesboro), quoted and re-checked
  10. Inspections (Jonesboro), quoted and re-checked
  11. City of Jonesboro Planning & Zoning (jonesboroar.gov)
  12. City of Jonesboro Inspections (jonesboroar.gov)
  13. Sec. 117-138. Residential districts (Jonesboro), quoted and re-checked
  14. Sec. 117-138. Residential districts (Jonesboro), quoted and re-checked
  15. Sec. 117-138. Residential districts (Jonesboro), quoted and re-checked
  16. Sec. 117-138. Residential districts (Jonesboro), quoted and re-checked
  17. 14 CAR § 21-301. Generally, quoted and re-checked
  18. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  19. 20 CAR § 138-102. Compliance (Arkansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  20. City of Jonesboro Planning & Development Guide (Jonesboro), quoted and re-checked
  21. Sec. 117-138. Residential districts (Jonesboro), quoted and re-checked
  22. City of Jonesboro Planning & Development Guide (Jonesboro), quoted and re-checked
  23. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  24. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 10, 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.

Answers from the rulebook for Jonesboro

Jonesboro’s own rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction, reconstruction, moving, demolition, or structural alteration of buildings inside Jonesboro city limits.

    • Both a zoning permit and a building permit must be issued before work commences.
    • Applications must include scaled plans and site information.
    • Applicable fees must be paid before permit issuance.
    “It shall be unlawful to commence the construction, reconstruction, moving, demolition or structural alteration of any building until a zoning permit and a building permit has been issued.”
  • Building code adoptedPartial

    Construction inside Jonesboro city limits.

    • The city page lists multiple applicable state and model codes, including the 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, 2021 Existing Building Code, 2018 Arkansas Plumbing and Fuel Gas Codes, 2021 International Mechanical Code, 2020 National Electrical Code, and 2014 Arkansas Energy Code.
    “Arkansas Fire Prevention Code (AFPC), 2021 Edition, Vol. III: Residential”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Residential, commercial, and industrial construction inside Jonesboro city limits.

    • The city performs electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and structural inspections.
    • All final inspections must be completed and approved before the structure is finalized.
    “Final Inspections- All final inspections must be completed and approved before structure is finalized.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Permitted development inside Jonesboro city limits when a certificate of occupancy is required by the city process.

    • Driveways, parking, and landscaping must be installed and inspected before certificate-of-occupancy approval where the guide so specifies.
    • Final inspections must be completed and approved.
    “Certificate of Occupancy Issued – No temporary Certificates will be issued.”
  • Local zoningPresent

    Land inside Jonesboro city limits; the city adopts and administers its own zoning ordinance.

    • Uses remain subject to the applicable zoning district and any conditional-use or specific-use approval.
    “The City of Jonesboro's Zoning Ordinance is a body of regulations pertaining to allowable uses within given zoning districts, characteristics of the sites occupied by those uses, and the geographic area contained within the boundaries of zoning districts.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Jonesboro city zoning districts.

    • The residential chapter identifies 14 residential districts, including AG, RS-1 through RS-8, RM classifications, RMH, and RI-U.
    • Specific uses may be permitted by right or require conditional-use approval.
    “There are 14 residential districts designed to meet present and future housing needs, to protect the character of, and property values in, residential areas, to encourage a suitable environment for family life and to provide choice in density, as well as in type of housing.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    AG agricultural district inside Jonesboro city limits.

    • The cited table also specifies minimum lot width, front, rear, and side setbacks.

    minimum lot area: >= 5 acres (AG) · minimum lot width: >= 240 feet (AG)

    “AG | 240 | 5 acre | 30 | 30 | 10 each RS-1 | 120 | 43,560 s.f. | 40 | 30 | 25 each”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — RS-5 single-family residential district inside Jonesboro city limits.
      “RS-5—Single-family residential district; minimum 8,712 sq. ft. lot required.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    RS-5 single-family residential district inside Jonesboro city limits.

    • The table states front, rear, and side setbacks for the district.
    • Other overlay or compatibility standards may impose additional setbacks.

    front setback: >= 25 feet (RS-5) · rear setback: >= 20 feet (RS-5) · side setback: >= 7.5 feet (each side, RS-5)

    “RS-5 | 70 | 8,712 s.f. | 25 | 20 | 7.5 each”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — AG agricultural district inside Jonesboro city limits.
      “AG | 240 | 5 acre | 30 | 30 | 10 each RS-1 | 120 | 43,560 s.f. | 40 | 30 | 25 each”
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    RS-5 single-family residential district inside Jonesboro city limits.

    • Maximum lot coverage for all buildings is 35 percent in RS-1 through RS-5 districts.
    • The ordinance states that other exceptions and supplements follow the table.

    maximum building lot coverage: <= 35 percent (RS-1 through RS-5)

    “Maximum lot coverage all buildings shall not exceed 35 percent in RS-1 thru RS-5 districts and 40 percent in all other residential districts.”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Development subject to Jonesboro residential compatibility standards inside city limits.

    • The 35-foot limit applies within 50 feet of the lot line of triggering property.
    • Structures more than 50 feet away may increase height if permitted by base-district regulations, at a ratio of one foot per five feet of setback.

    maximum height within 50 feet: <= 35 feet (development subject to compatibility standards)

    “No structure shall exceed 35 feet in height within 50 feet of the lot line of triggering property. Structures located over 50 feet from the lot line of triggering property may increase height, if permitted by base district zoning regulations, at a ratio of one foot in height for each five feet of setback.”
  • Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)

    Accessory dwelling units inside Jonesboro city limits.

    • Allowed by right in AG, RR, and R-O districts only when housing immediate family members or onsite employees.
    • May be allowed by conditional-use approval in other residential districts.
    • May not be used for general rental purposes.
    “Accessory dwelling units shall be allowed by right in AG, RR, and R-O districts provided that the dwelling unit is used to house immediate family members or employees who work onsite. Such units may also be allowed, subject to conditional use approval, in other residential districts. Accessory dwelling units shall not be used for general rental purposes.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupWater and sewer (with conditions)

    Each mobile home or manufactured housing unit in a manufactured housing park inside Jonesboro city limits.

    • The rule applies to manufactured housing parks and requires both public sanitary sewer and public water supply.
    • The cited section does not establish a universal connection-distance rule for every new single-family home.
    “Each mobile home/manufactured housing unit shall be connected to the public sanitary sewer and a public water supply system.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision development inside Jonesboro city limits.

    • Preliminary plat plans are reviewed by Planning, Engineering, Building, Streets, utility companies, sanitation, fire, and applicable agencies.
    • The final subdivision plat must be filed within one year of preliminary approval unless MAPC grants an extension.

    final plat filing deadline: 1 year (after preliminary approval unless extension is granted by MAPC)

    “Final Subdivision Plat shall be filled within 1-year of the preliminary approval (unless extension is applied for and granted by MAPC)”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Building development inside Jonesboro city limits where a driveway is proposed.

    • A driveway permit is required from the State or City.
    • The driveway must be installed and inspected before certificate-of-occupancy approval where the guide specifies.
    “Driveways (Permit required from State or City); Parking & Landscaping needs to be installed and inspected before Certificate of Occupancy will be approved.”
  • Short-term rentalsAllowed (with conditions)

    Short-term residential rentals in Jonesboro residential zoning districts where the use table marks the use permitted or conditionally permitted.

    • The residential use table distinguishes permitted and conditional districts.
    • Applicable zoning, parking, and other use-specific standards still apply.
    “Short-term residential rentals P P P P P P P P C”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Residential and commercial building-permit review inside Jonesboro city limits.

    • Residential review takes approximately 3 to 5 days from submission to Planning.
    • Commercial review takes approximately 5 to 15 days.
    • Residential applications go to Planning, then Engineering for floodplain issues, then Inspections for final approvals.
    • Commercial plans are distributed to Engineering, Fire Marshals, and Inspections.
    “Takes approximately 3 to 5 days from date submitted to Planning.”

Rules another office applies inside Jonesboro

Jonesboro does not set these itself; the county, a health district or the state does, and they apply to every address inside its limits.

  • Septic permitRequired

    Onsite wastewater construction, alteration, repair, or extension inside Jonesboro city limits when public sewer is unavailable or not reasonably available/economically feasible.

    • A valid Permit for Construction is required before work begins.
    • A Permit for Operation is required before operation begins.
    • Emergency repairs may begin without prior permit only if a permit is obtained within 10 working days.
    • Permits may be refused where public sewer is reasonably available or economically feasible.
    “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.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Onsite wastewater systems inside Jonesboro city limits.

    • The system must be inspected and approved before operation.
    • The owner must obtain a Permit for Operation after approval.
    • Installation inspection may occur during any phase of installation.
    “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.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Private onsite wastewater sanitation inside Jonesboro city limits.

    • A permit may be refused where public sewer systems are reasonably available or economically feasible.
    • Emergency repairs may proceed without prior permit only if a permit is obtained within 10 working days.
    “A Permit for the construction, alteration, repair, extension, or operation of an onsite wastewater system or alternate/experimental system shall be refused where public sewer systems are reasonably available or economically feasible”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Jonesboro or Craighead County directly.

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builders undertaking construction inside Jonesboro city limits.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size inside Jonesboro city limits.
  • Living in an RV — Long-term or residential occupancy of recreational vehicles on private land inside Jonesboro city limits.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land inside Jonesboro city limits.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy inside Jonesboro city limits.
2 more unanswered
  • Well permit
  • Agricultural exemption

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.

Unanswered questions are usually a sign that Jonesboro publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Craighead County’s page lists the county offices to call.

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