Drew County, AR Building Permits & Zoning Rules

Unincorporated Drew County, Arkansas appears to require no general county building permit or county zoning, but construction in a mapped flood zone still needs a floodplain development permit¹². Septic permits go through the Arkansas Department of Health and its Drew County Local Health Unit³. Inside Monticello, city building permits and zoning apply⁴⁵.

At a glance

Building permit: Appears not required generally in unincorporated areas; required in mapped flood zones¹
Zoning: No countywide zoning documented; Monticello has city zoning²⁵
Septic: State Department of Health permit, issued through the county Local Health Unit³
Septic soils: Only 5.2% of county soils are free of severe limits for a conventional drain field⁶
RV/tiny-home/mobile-home park rule: Health rules apply at 3 or more spaces with services provided for a fee⁷
Owner-builder exemption: Exempt from residential contractor licensing on your own residence, up to one per calendar year⁸
Monticello building permit (if inside city): $15 plus $0.15 per square foot, plus $35 per inspection, for new residential construction⁹
Farm buildings: Nonresidential farm structures have a limited state electrical licensing and code exemption¹⁰

Who to call

Health department

Drew County Local Health Unit (Arkansas Department of Health)

Onsite wastewater (septic) permit applications and inspections for Drew County, as the Arkansas Department of Health's local unit

(870) 367-6234

940 Scogin Dr, Monticello, AR 71655

Also useful

Drew County government

General Drew County government contact; no separate county building, zoning or floodplain department is listed

870-460-6200

210 South Main Street, Monticello, AR 71655

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 29, 2026.

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

Unincorporated Drew County appears to have no general county building-permit office or permit requirement, although mapped flood-zone construction still requires a floodplain development permit¹. The Arkansas Fire Prevention Code remains a statewide compliance standard even where no permit or inspection is required¹¹¹². A separate fire-code rule for licensed healthcare facilities does not create a general residential permit requirement; it says local codes still apply where enforced and treats some fire-code provisions as optional when the life-safety code does not address them¹³. Inside Monticello, the city requires an application and City Inspector approval before work begins⁴. Monticello charges $15 plus $0.15 per square foot under roof and $35 per listed inspection for new residential construction⁹.

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

Septic applications in Drew County go through the Drew County Local Health Unit, part of the Arkansas Department of Health, at (870) 367-6234, 940 Scogin Dr, Monticello, AR 71655³¹⁴. Drew County lists no separate building or zoning department, so use the county government contact at 870-460-6200, 210 South Main Street, Monticello, AR 71655 to confirm unincorporated jurisdiction and floodplain status¹²¹⁵. For land inside Monticello, the city administers the building-permit process and zoning rather than the county⁴⁵.

Does Drew County have zoning?

No countywide zoning ordinance is documented for unincorporated Drew County². Drew County's published material does not confirm minimum dwelling size, setbacks, lot coverage or building height, so ask county government about the specific parcel before treating any of those as unrestricted¹⁵. Monticello is different: land inside the city is subject to municipal zoning districts, including agricultural, business, industrial, mixed-use and residential districts⁵. A nonresidential farm building has a state exemption from the cited electrical licensing and electrical-code requirements, but that narrow exemption does not waive zoning, wastewater, floodplain or other applicable rules¹⁰.

How do septic permits work in Drew County?

Septic systems in Drew County, called onsite wastewater systems under Arkansas rules, are permitted by the Arkansas Department of Health, administered locally through the Drew County Local Health Unit in Monticello³¹⁴. Soils are the central planning fact here: only 5.2% of Drew County's land is free of severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so budget for a careful site evaluation and likely an engineered system on most parcels⁶. If a sanitary sewer line is within 300 feet of where your building's sewer line would exit and reachable without crossing another person's property, Arkansas rule requires connecting to it instead of using a septic system or privy¹⁶. For a well, written Department of Health approval is required before construction only where the well serves a public or semi-public water system; the process for an ordinary private domestic well isn't spelled out on the official pages reviewed, so ask the Local Health Unit directly¹⁷¹⁴.

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

We could not confirm a Drew County rule allowing or prohibiting long-term occupancy of one RV, tiny home or manufactured home on private unincorporated land; ask county government before relying on that use¹⁵. Arkansas health rules classify a tiny house on wheels as a mobile home when it is plumbed and inspected under the Arkansas Plumbing Code, and as a recreational vehicle when it is not, but only for the state's mobile-home and recreational-vehicle park rules⁷. Those park rules apply when at least three qualifying spaces are provided with services for a fee and do not decide single-parcel occupancy⁷. Municipal accessory-dwelling rules do not establish an unincorporated Drew County right¹⁸. Septic approval still applies to an onsite wastewater system³. Inside Monticello, confirm the parcel's municipal zoning district and city permit requirements⁵⁴.

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

Ask Drew County government whether the parcel is unincorporated, inside Monticello, or in a mapped flood zone¹⁵.
For a Monticello parcel, identify its zoning district and apply for city approval before construction⁵⁴.
For mapped flood-zone construction, obtain the required floodplain development permit¹. The separate state-department floodplain rule applies to development proposed by an Arkansas department, not ordinary private construction¹⁹.
Apply through the Drew County Local Health Unit for onsite wastewater approval before installing septic³¹⁴.
Obtain written Department of Health approval before drilling a public or semi-public well; ask the Local Health Unit about an ordinary domestic well¹⁷¹⁴.
Obtain an Arkansas Department of Transportation permit before building any driveway onto a state highway²⁰.

What to check before you buy land in Drew County

Only 5.2% of Drew County soils avoid severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so make wastewater feasibility a purchase contingency⁶. Drew County receives 54.9 inches of annual precipitation, while 99.7% of its land has a slope of 15% or less; flat ground still needs parcel-specific drainage and flood review²¹²². Ask county government whether the parcel lies in a mapped Special Flood Hazard Area before buying¹¹⁵. Confirm whether the parcel is inside Monticello because municipal zoning and building permits apply there⁵⁴. Verify legal access as well: every driveway connecting to an Arkansas state highway requires an Arkansas Department of Transportation permit before work begins²⁰. Drew County's effective property-tax rate is 0.4%, with a $572 median annual bill²³²⁴.

Watch-outs

Whether unincorporated Drew County has any rule for minimum dwelling size, setbacks, lot coverage or building height isn't stated on the county's official pages; confirm directly with the county before you build¹⁵.
We could not confirm a countywide answer for single-parcel RV, tiny-home or manufactured-home occupancy; the confirmed health rule instead covers parks with at least three spaces and services provided for a fee⁷.
Arkansas's new right-to-ADU law applies only inside municipalities, not unincorporated Drew County¹⁸.

Sources

Written September 29, 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 Drew County scores

Seclusion78100% ev.

Self-Sufficiency66100% ev.

Admin Boringness85100% ev.

Durability64100% ev.

Property Autonomy47100% ev.

Carry Cost84100% 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 →

$158kTypical home

0.4%Property tax

$3,711Land / acre

54.9"Annual rain

11.7% of yrsSevere drought

22.7 / yr (+19.3)Mid-century 100°F days

18 daysMid-century dry spell

2.56" (+4.5%)Mid-century 1-day rain

1.52×Wildfire change factor

100%Forward climate coverage

$1,644Home insurance / yr

1% / yrInsurance growth

0.55%Nonrenewal rate

county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis

11,434People within 30 min

829,060People within 2 hr

19,325Radius comparison (15 mi)

20.4People / sq mi

0.4%Federal land

99.7%Land at 15% slope or less

5.2%Septic soil without severe limits

27,322 acWorkable land screen

74.7%Wooded land

43.8 tonsBiomass / forest ac

63.4°FAvg temp

Answers from the rulebook for Drew County

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

Drew County rules

County-wide zoningAbsent
No county planning or zoning department is listed for Drew County; zoning applies only within incorporated municipalities such as Monticello.
Arkansas.gov - Drew County ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked
Who permits septicArkansas Department of Health - Onsite Wastewater Program (local county health unit Environmental Specialist)
Onsite wastewater/septic systems are permitted by the Arkansas Department of Health; applications are made through the local county health unit's Onsite Environmental Specialist, and where no county Authorized Agent is designated the Department is the permitting authority.
Arkansas Department of Health - Onsite Wastewater FAQs ↗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
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Partial — Licensed healthcare facilities in Arkansas, including facilities located in Drew County.
  “Requirements found only in the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, requirements not addressed by NFPA 101, may be provided at the option of the facility.”
  20 CAR § 43-142. Physical facilities ↗Re-checked Sep 10, 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
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
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — Parcels in Arkansas, including Drew County, with three or more spaces for recreational vehicles where placement or maintenance services are 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 10, 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
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Limited — Arkansas parcels, including Drew County, with three or more spaces for tiny houses on wheels where placement or maintenance services are provided for a fee.
  ““Tiny house on wheels” means a structure intended as a habitable dwelling for one (1) or more individuals which, for the purposes of this part, shall be considered a: (A) Mobile home, if plumbed and inspected in accordance with the 2018 Arkansas Plumbing Code, 17 CAR pt. 65; or (B) Recreational vehicle, if not plumbed and inspected in accordance with the 2018 Arkansas Plumbing Code;”
  20 CAR § 138-101. Definitions ↗Re-checked Sep 10, 2026
- Limited — Tiny houses on wheels regulated under Arkansas Department of Health rules for mobile-home and recreational-vehicle parks; this does not establish a single-parcel Drew County land-use permission.
  ““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 24, 2026
- Limited — Occupancy of tiny houses on wheels in Arkansas mobile-home or recreational-vehicle parks regulated by the Arkansas Department of Health under 20 CAR Part 138.
  ““Tiny house on wheels” means a structure intended as a habitable dwelling for one (1) or more individuals which, for the purposes of this part, shall be considered a: (A) Mobile home, if plumbed and inspected in accordance with the 2018 Arkansas Plumbing Code, 17 CAR pt. 65; or (B) Recreational vehicle, if not plumbed and inspected in accordance with the 2018 Arkansas Plumbing Code;”
  20 CAR § 138-101. Definitions ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Manufactured homesLimited
Arkansas parcels, including Drew County, with three or more spaces for mobile homes where placement or maintenance services are provided for a fee.
- The parcel is considered a mobile home park and must comply with 20 CAR pt. 138.
- Department of Health approval is required before construction, alteration, repair, or extension of the park.
- Plans must include the park layout, sewage system, water source and distribution system, buildings, parking areas, dump stations, and topographical features.
- Mobile homes must generally be separated by 15 feet from each other and other buildings or structures; end-to-end placement may use 10 feet where opposing rear walls are staggered.
spaces: >= 3 spaces · mobile-home separation: 15 feet (10 feet for end-to-end mobile homes where opposing rear walls are staggered.)
“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 10, 2026
Accessory dwellingsAllowed
Accessory dwelling units on lots or parcels containing a single-family dwelling within Arkansas municipalities, including municipalities in Drew County.
- Act 313 addresses municipal regulation; it does not establish a countywide unincorporated-area rule.
- The accessory dwelling unit may be attached, detached, or internal.
- A detached or attached accessory dwelling unit may not exceed 75 percent of the single-family dwelling’s gross floor area or 1,000 square feet, whichever is less.
- Municipalities may regulate short-term rentals.
- A municipality may require a municipal water and sewer will-serve letter, or Department of Health approval where municipal water or sewer is unavailable.
- A policy, regulation, or ordinance in effect on or after January 1, 2026 that conflicts with the section is invalid to the extent of the conflict.
maximum detached or attached ADU size: 75% of primary dwelling gross floor area or 1,000 square feet, whichever is less
“Except as provided in this section, a municipality shall not adopt a policy, regulation, or ordinance that restricts, prohibits, or otherwise regulates the use of at least one (1) accessory dwelling unit by right on a lot or parcel that contains a single-family dwelling.”
Act 313: Accessory dwelling units ↗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
Public and semi-public water wells in Drew County.
- Written approval from the Arkansas Department of Health is required before construction of a public or semi-public well.
- The well must also comply with the applicable Arkansas Department of Health rules.
- The cited rule does not state the same written-approval requirement for ordinary private domestic wells.
“shall have written approval from the ADH prior to the start of construction”
Arkansas Water Well Construction Commission Rules (updated 2020) ↗Re-checked Sep 10, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — Wells serving public and semi-public water systems in Arkansas.
  “Wells for public and semi-public water systems shall be located, designed, and constructed in accordance with the respective rules of the Department of Health and shall have written approval from the department prior to the start of construction. If uncertain that a well is public or semi-public, the well contractor shall obtain a written determination from the department prior to construction.”
  17 CAR § 11-607. Public and semi-public wells ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Mandatory utility hookupSewer (with conditions)
Homes and premises where a sanitary sewer is within 300 feet from the point where the sewer exits the building and available without crossing another person's property.
- When the stated distance and availability conditions are met, connection to the sanitary sewer is required.
- Privies, onsite wastewater systems, and other receptacles for human excreta may not be constructed, maintained, or used on the premises under that condition.
sewer distance from building sewer-exit point: <= 300 feet (sewer must be available without crossing another person's property)
“All premises shall be connected to a sanitary sewer when within three hundred feet (300’) from the point where the sewer exits a building on the property owner’s property and available to said premises when connection can be made without crossing another person's property.”
14 CAR § 21-301. Generally ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
Agricultural exemptionConditional
State and local sales-tax exemption for electricity, natural gas, and liquefied petroleum gas used by qualifying agricultural structures and qualifying aquaculture or horticulture equipment in Arkansas.
- The utility must be separately metered and used only for the exempt purpose.
- Multiple-use meters serving eligible and noneligible structures, facilities, or equipment do not qualify.
- The farmer must obtain a certificate from the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration before the exemption is allowed and provide it to the utility supplier.
- Qualifying agricultural structures include commercial poultry or livestock facilities, cattle or dairy facilities, and greenhouses used for commercial production.
- Qualifying aquaculture or horticulture equipment includes specified cooling, collection, irrigation, pond-pumping, pond-aeration, and holding or sorting-tank equipment used in commercial operations.
exemption start date: 2014-01-01 · eligible utilities: electricity, natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (Must be separately metered and used only for the exempt purpose) · DFA certificate: true (Required before the exemption is allowed) · water exemption for commercial poultry farming start date: 2021-10-01 (Water must be used exclusively for poultry farming and separately metered)
“Act 1441 of 2013 provides an exemption from state and local sales taxes for electricity, natural gas, and liquefied petroleum gas used by qualifying agricultural structures and qualifying aquaculture and horticulture equipment beginning January 1, 2014. The eligible utility must be separately metered and used only for the purpose of the exemption.”
Farm Utility Exemption Notice and Agricultural, Aquaculture and Horticulture Utility Exemption Application ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Available — Construction, installation, maintenance, repair, or renovation of a nonresidential farm building or structure in Drew County, to the extent the activity is governed by the cited Arkansas electrical licensing and Electrical Code Authority Act provisions.
  “(a) The licensing requirements of Arkansas Code § 17-28-101 et seq. shall not apply to the following: [...] (4) The construction, installation, maintenance, repair, or renovation of any nonresidential farm building or structure;”
  17 CAR § 210-602. Construction and exemptions ↗Re-checked Sep 10, 2026
- Conditional — Construction, installation, maintenance, repair, or renovation of a nonresidential farm building or structure in Arkansas, as an exemption from the Arkansas Electrical Code Authority Act requirements.
  “(b) The requirements of the Arkansas Electrical Code Authority Act, Arkansas Code § 20-31-101 et seq., shall not apply to the following: [...] (2) Any construction, installation, maintenance, repair, or renovation of any nonresidential farm building or structure;”
  17 CAR § 210-602. Construction and exemptions ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Subdivision plats that are boundary surveys creating parcels in Arkansas.
- The plat must be filed with the State Surveyor's office after any recording requirements imposed by city or county government.
- Filing is not required, but may be submitted, for survey plats of subdivided property located in a municipality where the property has previously been surveyed and a plat filed.
plat distribution deadline: 30 days after completion
“Subdivision plats [...] are to be filed with the State Surveyor’s office [...] Filing is not required [...] for survey plats [...] located in a municipality [...]”
15 CAR § 281-301. Publication of results ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
Driveway accessRequired
Construction, reconstruction, modification, or relocation of access driveways on Arkansas State Highway right-of-way, including residential, commercial, and temporary access driveways.
- No work may begin on State Highway right-of-way until the engineer issues the permit.
- Applications are made to the District Engineer and include a work description, location, applicant contact information, and required drawings or deposit/bond.
- An Access Management Agreement may require approval or a permit from the relevant jurisdiction; failure to provide it may be grounds for denial.
- Commercial driveway permits generally require a minimum $1,000 deposit or bond per driveway, with governmental-entity waiver possible.
- Temporary driveway access is limited to 120 days initially, extendable at 60-day intervals up to 240 days.
commercial driveway deposit or bond: >= 1000 USD per driveway minimum (May be waived for governmental entities.) · temporary driveway initial duration: <= 120 days maximum (May be extended at 60-day intervals up to 240 total days.) · frontage limit: 50 feet or less (Limited to one driveway.) · rural setback inside adjoining property frontage: >= 10 feet minimum (Urban minimum is 5 feet; Section 6.9 exceptions may apply.)
“A permit shall be obtained from the Department for all access driveways on State Highways.”
Regulations: Rules for Access Driveways to State Highways ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Required — All access driveways on Arkansas state highways, including qualifying locations in Drew County.
  “A permit shall be obtained from the Arkansas Department of Transportation for all access driveways on state highways.”
  27 CAR § 94-301. General ↗Re-checked Sep 10, 2026
Building in a floodplainRequired
Development by an Arkansas state department on property within the boundaries of the hundred-year floodplain or a Building Authority Division designated flood hazard area.
- The rule applies to a state department proposing the development, not generally to all private or local development statewide.
- The department must submit an application on a form approved by the Design Review Section.
- The application must include the application number, date, department or property owner, site address or legal description, development type, brief description, base flood elevation, lowest-floor elevation, attachment acknowledgment, and applicant contact/signature information.
- Supporting attachments should include the FEMA map, copies of other regulatory permits such as Clean Water Act sections 401 and 404 permits, elevation certificates, a certification of no increase in base flood elevation or no-rise certificate, a flood-proofing certificate, certifications for water supply, sanitary sewer, and on-site waste disposal systems, and notification of watercourse alteration or relocation.
- The Design Review Section reviews and approves or disapproves the application; if approved, the floodplain administrator issues a development permit for the design phase.
- The permit must be posted during construction; the site is reviewed before final acceptance; and noncompliant work requires correction or may be designated a nonconforming use site.
- For riverine watercourse alteration or relocation, the department must notify the division, adjacent communities, and the state NFIP Coordinator at the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission before the alteration or relocation, submit copies to the Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration, maintain flood-carrying capacity, and provide an engineering study of before-and-after conditions prepared by a registered professional engineer.
- For structures and equipment pads under the state rule, elevation requirements vary by FEMA-map and base-flood-elevation availability: two feet above adjacent grade where no FEMA map exists; two feet above the Building Authority Division base flood elevation where no nearby FEMA base flood elevation data exists; and one foot above the accepted or mapped base flood elevation in the circumstances specified by 22 CAR § 111-708.
minimum elevation where no FEMA map exists and site is flood-prone: 2 feet above adjacent grade · minimum elevation where FEMA map exists but no base flood elevation data is provided within 500 feet: 2 feet above the Building Authority Division-established base flood elevation · minimum elevation where FEMA map exists, no site base flood elevation is provided, and a base flood elevation is available within 500 feet or from another authoritative source: 1 foot above the base flood elevation accepted by the division · minimum elevation where FEMA map provides a base flood elevation at the site: 1 foot above the elevation shown on the map in the flood insurance study, if available, or as interpolated between map elevations
“When a department proposes to develop property within the boundaries of the hundred-year floodplain or a Building Authority Division designated flood hazard area, the department shall submit an application for a development permit on a form approved by the Design Review Section.”
22 CAR § 111-705. Permits ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Required — Development by an Arkansas state department within a hundred-year floodplain or a Building Authority Division-designated flood hazard area.
  “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 10, 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

Inside cities and towns in Drew County

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

Local zoningPresent (with conditions)
Land within the City of Monticello, Drew County, Arkansas, subject to the city's zoning districts and regulations.
- Applicability depends on the parcel's city zoning district.
- The cited page lists district regulations for agricultural, business, industrial, mixed-use, and residential districts, including residential/single-family-mobile-home zoning.
“Residential/Single-Family Zoning District Regulations”
Zoning Map | City of Monticello ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Permit feesPublished (with conditions)
Building, utility, electrical, HVAC, demolition, placement, occupancy, roofing, mobile-vendor, and road-bore permits administered by the City of Monticello within the city limits.
- Building permit fees are based on estimated construction cost.
- New residential construction has a $15 permit fee, $0.15 per square foot under roof, and $35 per listed inspection.
- Residential remodel has a $15 permit fee, $2.00 per $1,000 of construction cost, and $35 per inspection.
- Commercial construction has a $50 permit fee, $2.00 per $1,000 up to $2,000,000, then $1.00 per $1,000 for the remainder, a state fee of $0.50 per $1,000 up to $2,000,000 capped at $1,000, and $35 per inspection.
- The page separately lists fees for other permit categories.
new residential construction permit fee: 15 USD · new residential construction fee: per 0.15 USD per square foot under roof · residential inspection fee: per 35 USD per inspection (foundation, framing, masonry, final) · commercial construction permit fee: 50 USD · road bore permit fee: per 500 USD per project
“New Residential Construction: $15 Permit Fee $0.15 per square foot under roof $35 per inspection (foundation, framing, masonry, final)”
Licenses and Permits | City of Monticello, AR ↗Re-checked Sep 10, 2026
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
City of Monticello building and utilities permit process within the city limits.
- Submit a Building Permit Application; including building plans may expedite processing.
- The City Inspector conducts a site inspection after receipt of the application.
- Construction may begin after the site is approved by the City Inspector.
- All contractors must submit their license and have a current $10,000 surety bond for the City of Monticello on file to obtain a permit.
- Electrical, gas, and plumbing inspections are required at various stages before the building can be occupied or used.
- For building projects outside the city limits that connect to city water, a pre-annexation agreement must be signed.
contractor surety bond: 10000 USD (current bond for the City of Monticello)
“The building & utilities permit process is initiated by submitting a Building Permit Application (Including building plans with the application, which can expedite the process). Building permit fees are based on the estimated construction cost of the buildings; see the fee schedule below. After the Building Permit Application is received, the City Inspector will conduct a site inspection. Once the site is approved by the City Inspector, construction can begin.”
Licenses and Permits | City of Monticello, AR ↗Re-checked Sep 10, 2026

Still unanswered

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

Zoning districts — Zoning districts across Drew County, including unincorporated areas and incorporated municipalities.
Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size for residences in unincorporated Drew County.
Minimum lot size — Minimum land-development lot size in unincorporated Drew County.
Setbacks — General building or land-development setbacks in unincorporated Drew County.
Lot coverage — Lot-coverage limits in unincorporated Drew County.

3 more unanswered

Building height
Camping on your land
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 Drew County, Arkansas

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

Drew County scores 84/100 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 Drew County, Arkansas?

Drew 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 (local county health unit Environmental Specialist). 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 Drew County?

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

Land in Drew County runs about $3,711 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Drew County?

Drew County gets about 54.9" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 11.7% of years.

How remote is Drew County?

A representative private-land location has about 11,434 people within a 30-minute drive and 829,060 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 Drew County, Arkansas

At a glance

Who to call

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

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

Does Drew County have zoning?

How do septic permits work in Drew County?

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

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

What to check before you buy land in Drew County

Watch-outs

Sources

Drew County in Arkansas

How Drew County scores

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Parcel due diligence

Answers from the rulebook for Drew County

Drew County rules

Arkansas rules that apply here

Inside cities and towns in Drew County

Still unanswered

Living off-grid in Drew County, Arkansas

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

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

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

How much does land cost in Drew County, Arkansas?

What is the water situation in Drew County?

How remote is Drew County?

How Drew compares in Arkansas