Faulkner County, AR Building Permits, Zoning & Septic

Unincorporated Faulkner County, Arkansas has no general building-permit department, so most new homes, barns and additions do not need a county building permit¹. Development in a FEMA-designated floodplain does require a county floodplain permit before construction, clearing or site work². Septic approval comes from the Arkansas Department of Health or its authorized agent³. Faulkner County's zoning status remains unconfirmed, so ask the County Judge's office before assuming a land-use rule⁴.

At a glance

Building permit: Not required by the county for most construction in unincorporated Faulkner County¹
Floodplain permit: Required before development in a FEMA-designated floodplain outside the five named cities²
Zoning: Not confirmed on the county's official site; call the County Judge's office before assuming a rule⁴
Septic: Approval is administered by the Arkansas Department of Health or its authorized agent³
RV living: Depends on a zoning rule the county's site does not confirm; ask before parking a permanent RV⁴
Tiny home: Same unconfirmed-zoning caveat as RVs; verify with the county before building small⁴
Owner-builder exemption: Allowed for 1 residence per calendar year without a contractor license⁵⁶
Wells: Private domestic wells are not covered by the state's public/semi-public well approval rule⁷

Who to call

Floodplain permits

Faulkner County Office of Emergency Management (OEM/911)

Floodplain development permits for Faulkner County outside the city limits of Conway, Mayflower, Wooster, Vilonia and Greenbrier

501-450-4935

57 Acklin Gap Rd, Conway, AR 72032

Online permits →

Septic permits

Faulkner County Health Unit (Arkansas Department of Health)

Local contact point for the Arkansas Department of Health's onsite wastewater (septic) permitting in Faulkner County

(501) 450-4941

811 North Creek Dr, Conway, AR 72032

Roads & driveways

Faulkner County Road Department

County road maintenance status and the process to get a private road accepted into the county-maintained system

501-450-4930

65 Acklin Gap Rd, Conway, AR 72032

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 Faulkner County, Arkansas?

Unincorporated Faulkner County, Arkansas has no general building-permit department, and most new homes, barns, additions and agricultural buildings do not need a county building permit¹. The Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, including residential-code requirements, still applies statewide as a construction standard even where no local permit or inspection is required⁸⁹¹⁰. A separate county permit is required when the project involves development in a FEMA-designated floodplain outside Conway, Mayflower, Wooster, Vilonia or Greenbrier; the requirement applies before construction, land clearing or site work². Projects inside those cities go to the city rather than Faulkner County OEM/911 for floodplain review².

Who is the Faulkner County building department, and how do you reach them?

Faulkner County does not have a general building-permit department for unincorporated construction¹. Faulkner County OEM/911 is the relevant county office when a project is in a FEMA-designated floodplain outside Conway, Mayflower, Wooster, Vilonia or Greenbrier². Reach OEM/911 at 501-450-4935, 57 Acklin Gap Rd, Conway, AR 72032¹¹. The county's published process is to complete the Floodplain Development Application and return it to OEM/911; that application is not a general building permit¹². For road questions, contact the Faulkner County Road Department at 501-450-4930, 65 Acklin Gap Rd, Conway, AR 72032¹³. The department explains that a county-maintained road is one accepted into the maintenance system by the County Judge, while a private road must meet county specifications before it can be considered for acceptance¹³.

Does Faulkner County have zoning?

Faulkner County's official site does not show a countywide zoning ordinance or a zoning department, and that status could not be confirmed from any official source⁴. That is not the same as saying no zoning rule exists anywhere in the county: incorporated cities such as Conway, Mayflower, Wooster, Vilonia and Greenbrier set their own rules inside their limits, and city rules never apply to unincorporated land¹¹. Until the county confirms a zoning rule (or the absence of one) in writing, do not assume a specific setback, lot-size or use restriction for an unincorporated Faulkner County parcel; call the County Judge's office first⁴. This unresolved status also means Faulkner County cannot yet be counted among the counties known for having no zoning or no building codes⁴.

How do septic permits work in Faulkner County?

The Arkansas Department of Health or its authorized agent administers onsite-wastewater permitting and approval for Faulkner County properties³. The Faulkner County Health Unit in Conway is the local contact; reach it at (501) 450-4941, 811 North Creek Dr, Conway, AR 72032¹⁴. Only 2.7% of Faulkner County soils are rated free of severe limits for a conventional septic drain field, so arrange a site evaluation before fixing the house location or assuming a standard field will work¹⁵. If sanitary sewer is within 300 feet of the point where the sewer exits the building and connection is possible without crossing another person's property, the premises must connect to that sewer¹⁶. A privy, septic system or other receptacle for human waste cannot be used instead under those conditions¹⁷.

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

We could not confirm a Faulkner County rule that allows or prohibits long-term RV living or tiny-home occupancy on unincorporated land⁴. The lack of a general county building permit is not blanket permission to occupy either one¹. Ask the County Judge's office about zoning, setbacks and occupancy before buying or placing a unit, and ask the Faulkner County Health Unit how the proposed wastewater arrangement will be approved⁴³¹⁴. A site in a FEMA-designated floodplain also needs county floodplain approval before construction, clearing or site work outside the five named cities². Where qualifying sanitary sewer is available within 300 feet, an RV or tiny home cannot substitute a privy or septic system for the required sewer connection¹⁶¹⁷.

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

Ask the County Judge's office whether any zoning, setback or occupancy rule affects the parcel, because Faulkner County's countywide zoning status is unconfirmed⁴.
Confirm whether the site is in a FEMA-designated floodplain; outside Conway, Mayflower, Wooster, Vilonia and Greenbrier, complete the Floodplain Development Application and return it to OEM/911 before construction, clearing or site work²¹².
Plan wastewater with the Arkansas Department of Health or its authorized agent before fixing the house location³. If qualifying sewer is within 300 feet, connect to it; otherwise, arrange the onsite-system review¹⁶.
Design to the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code even though unincorporated Faulkner County generally has no building permit or inspection¹⁸.
If acting as your own contractor, use the state licensing exemption only for your own residence and no more than 1 residence in the calendar year⁶.
Confirm whether the serving road is county-maintained or private with the Road Department¹³.
For a driveway connecting to a state highway, obtain the required ARDOT access permit before work in the right-of-way¹⁸.

What to check before you buy land in Faulkner County

Water: we could not confirm a general property-owner permit for a private domestic well; the state approval rule in the available material covers public and semi-public wells, so ask the well contractor what applies to the parcel⁷. Wastewater: only 2.7% of Faulkner County soils are rated free of severe limits for a conventional drain field, and qualifying nearby sewer must be used instead of onsite sanitation¹⁵¹⁶. Flood: check the FEMA map before buying because development in a designated floodplain outside the five named cities requires approval from OEM/911². Access: ask the Road Department whether the serving road is county-maintained or private¹³. Taxes: the effective property-tax rate is about 0.6%, and the median annual bill is about $1,201¹⁹²⁰. Terrain: about 88.8% of the county is at a slope of 15% or less, but parcel-level grading, drainage and septic suitability still need site review²¹¹⁵.

Watch-outs

Faulkner County's zoning status is unconfirmed on the county's own site, so do not assume any specific setback, lot-size or RV/tiny-home rule without calling the County Judge's office first⁴.
Development in a FEMA-designated floodplain outside Conway, Mayflower, Wooster, Vilonia and Greenbrier requires county approval before construction, clearing or site work; projects inside those cities go to the city².
Only 2.7% of Faulkner County's soils are rated free of severe limits for a conventional septic drain field, so plan for a site evaluation and likely an engineered system rather than a standard field¹⁵.

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 Faulkner County scores

Seclusion48100% ev.

Self-Sufficiency65100% ev.

Admin Boringness7677% ev.

Durability52100% ev.

Property Autonomy47100% ev.

Carry Cost79100% ev.

Evidence strength: 96%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$259kTypical home

0.6%Property tax

$4,679Land / acre

52.2"Annual rain

7.2% of yrsSevere drought

24.8 / yr (+19.2)Mid-century 100°F days

17.3 daysMid-century dry spell

2.47" (+6.6%)Mid-century 1-day rain

1.45×Wildfire change factor

100%Forward climate coverage

$1,725Home insurance / yr

1% / yrInsurance growth

0.61%Nonrenewal rate

county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis

33,519People within 30 min

1,439,536People within 2 hr

122,195Radius comparison (15 mi)

200.8People / sq mi

3.2%Federal land

88.8%Land at 15% slope or less

2.7%Septic soil without severe limits

10,402 acWorkable land screen

52.4%Wooded land

40.8 tonsBiomass / forest ac

61.2°FAvg temp

Answers from the rulebook for Faulkner County

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

Faulkner County rules

Building in a floodplainRequired
Development in FEMA-designated floodplain areas outside the city limits of Conway, Mayflower, Wooster, Vilonia, and Greenbrier.
- A floodplain permit is required before construction, land clearing, or site work.
- The county OEM/911 manages permitting outside the listed city limits.
- Inside Conway, Mayflower, Wooster, Vilonia, or Greenbrier, the applicant must contact the city directly.
- The county page states that failure to obtain approval can result in fines and/or removal or demolition of non-compliant structures.
- The county page states the updated ordinance was passed March 19, 2019.
ordinance passage date: 2019-03-19
“Faulkner County OEM/911 manages floodplain permitting for all areas outside the city limits of Conway, Mayflower, Wooster, Vilonia, and Greenbrier.”
Floodplain Management - Faulkner County GOV ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Permit processPartial
County floodplain-development permit process outside the city limits of Conway, Mayflower, Wooster, Vilonia, and Greenbrier.
- Complete the Floodplain Development Application and return it to Faulkner County OEM/911.
- The county page identifies the application as the process document but does not establish a general building-permit process.
“Complete the Floodplain Development Application below and return it to our office.”
Floodplain Management - Faulkner County GOV ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026

Arkansas rules that apply here

Building permitLimited
Construction subject to the Arkansas Building Code statewide minimums, including rural and unincorporated areas.
- Arkansas Building Code requirements apply statewide even where no permit is required.
- The source does not establish a universal statewide building-permit requirement; applicable permit requirements may depend on the responsible local or other code authority.
“They apply statewide even in areas when no permit or inspections are required.”
Home Improvement Contractor License Application ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)
Arkansas residential contractor licensing for an individual constructing the individual’s own residence or an owner of a single-family residence acting as the owner’s own home-improvement contractor on the owner’s property.
- A person constructing the person’s own residence is exempt unless the person builds more than one residence during a calendar year.
- An owner of a single-family residence may act as the owner’s own home-improvement contractor on the owner’s own property.
- The exemption concerns contractor licensing and does not by itself eliminate applicable building-code, permit, inspection, zoning, or other requirements.
maximum own residences constructed per calendar year before the stated exemption no longer applies: <= 1 residence (The statute states the exemption does not apply if the person builds more than one residence during a calendar year.)
“construction of his or her residence unless he or she builds more than one (1) residence during any calendar year;”
Arkansas Residential Contractors Committee Rules and Statutes ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
Building code adoptedPartial
State projects in Arkansas.
- The adopted building code for state projects is the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, 12 CAR pt. 15, as adopted by the Division of Arkansas State Police, State Fire Marshal’s office.
- Arkansas laws and the applicable subchapter take precedence over the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code where they exceed its requirements.
- All project designs must comply with all Arkansas laws and the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code.
- Other codes, rules, or standards may apply to a specific project.
- The department and design professional are responsible for determining all applicable codes for each specific project.
“The adopted building code for state projects is the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, 12 CAR pt. 15, as adopted by the Division of Arkansas State Police, State Fire Marshal’s office.”
22 CAR § 111-407. Building codes adopted ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Adopted (with conditions) — New structures and applicable alterations, additions, changes in use, and changes in structures throughout Arkansas, under the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, including Volume II for building-code requirements and Volume III for residential-code requirements.
  “Each district, county, municipality, or other political subdivision of this state shall only adopt and enforce the provisions of the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, 2021 Edition. [...] The design and construction of new structures shall comply with the International Building Code Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, Volume II, and any alterations, additions, changes in use or changes in structures required by this code, which are within the scope of the International Building Code, Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, Volume II, shall be made in accordance therewith.”
  2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
- Adopted (with conditions) — State projects in Arkansas subject to the Building Authority Division design-review rules.
  “The adopted building code for state projects is the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, 12 CAR pt. 15, as adopted by the Division of Arkansas State Police, State Fire Marshal’s office. Arkansas laws and this subchapter shall have precedence over the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code where they exceed the requirements of the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code. All project designs shall comply with all Arkansas laws and the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code. Other codes, rules, or standards may be applicable to a specific project. It is the department’s and design professional’s responsibility to determine all applicable codes for each specific project.”
  22 CAR § 111-407. Building codes adopted ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
InspectionsLimited
Construction subject to Arkansas Building Code compliance and any applicable inspection regime.
- The official statewide source expressly recognizes areas where inspections are not required.
- Where an inspection is required, the applicable inspection authority and process are not specified by this statewide source.
“areas when no permit or inspections are required.”
Home Improvement Contractor License Application ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
Certificate of occupancyLimited
Open-enrollment public charter schools commencing student operations in a new or renovated facility anywhere in Arkansas.
- Before commencing operations with students, the school must obtain one of three alternative approvals for the new construction or renovation.
- The alternatives are: a certificate of occupancy issued by a local code official and approved by the state fire marshal; a certificate of occupancy or other approval of the state fire marshal; or a certificate of substantial completion issued by a licensed architect.
- A certificate of occupancy is therefore not independently mandatory when one of the two listed alternative approvals is obtained.
“An open-enrollment public charter school shall not commence operations with students in any new or renovated facility unless the school has obtained for the new construction or renovation: (1) A certificate of occupancy issued by a local code official, approved by the state fire marshal; (2) A certificate of occupancy or other approval of the state fire marshal; or (3) A certificate of substantial completion issued by a licensed architect.”
6 CAR § 31-425. Charter school facilities ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — State of Arkansas construction projects administered by a state owner or agency.
  “Certificates of Occupancy are not issued by any one State Agency for State projects. The responsibility therefore rests with the Owner/Agency of the project.”
  DBA Project Closeout Guide ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
Living in an RVLimited
Occupancy of recreational vehicles in Arkansas recreational-vehicle parks regulated by the Arkansas Department of Health under 20 CAR Part 138.
- The rule applies when three or more spaces are occupied or intended for occupancy by recreational vehicles, tiny houses on wheels, or mobile homes and placement or maintenance services, or both, are provided for a fee, whether new or existing.
- The parcel is considered a mobile home or recreational vehicle park and must comply with 20 CAR Part 138.
- The owner or operator is responsible for compliance.
- Waivers or exceptions are considered case by case and approval is at the Department of Health's discretion.
- Construction, alteration, repair, or extension of a mobile-home or recreational-vehicle park requires prior submission and department approval.
- Detailed plans must include the park layout, sewage system, water source and distribution system, buildings, parking areas, dump stations, and topographical features.
minimum spaces triggering park regulation: >= 3 spaces (Placement or maintenance services, or both, must be provided for a fee.)
“Any parcel of land in which three (3) or more spaces are occupied or intended for occupancy by recreational vehicles, tiny houses on wheels, or mobile homes, where placement or maintenance services, or both, are provided for a fee, whether new or existing, shall be: (1) Considered a mobile home or recreational vehicle park; and (2) In compliance with this part.”
20 CAR § 138-102. Compliance ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Tiny homesLimited
Occupancy of tiny houses on wheels in Arkansas parcels operating as mobile-home or recreational-vehicle parks with three or more paid spaces.
- The rule expressly includes tiny houses on wheels among spaces triggering mobile-home or recreational-vehicle-park regulation.
- Placement or maintenance services, or both, must be provided for a fee.
- The parcel is considered a mobile home or recreational vehicle park and must comply with 20 CAR Part 138.
- The owner or operator is responsible for compliance.
- Waivers or exceptions are considered case by case at the discretion of the Arkansas Department of Health.
- Construction, alteration, repair, or extension of the park requires prior submission and Department approval.
- Detailed plans and specifications must include the park layout, sewage system, water source and distribution system, buildings, parking areas, dump stations, and topographical features.
- The rule does not establish a general statewide authorization or prohibition for a single tiny house on wheels outside a qualifying park.
minimum qualifying spaces: >= 3 spaces (the spaces must be occupied or intended for occupancy by recreational vehicles, tiny houses on wheels, or mobile homes)
“three (3) or more spaces are occupied or intended for occupancy by recreational vehicles, tiny houses on wheels, or mobile homes”
20 CAR § 138-102. Compliance ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — Occupancy of tiny houses on wheels in Arkansas mobile-home or recreational-vehicle parks regulated by the Arkansas Department of Health under 20 CAR Part 138.
  ““Tiny house on wheels” means a structure intended as a habitable dwelling for one (1) or more individuals which, for the purposes of this part, shall be considered a: (A) Mobile home, if plumbed and inspected in accordance with the 2018 Arkansas Plumbing Code, 17 CAR pt. 65; or (B) Recreational vehicle, if not plumbed and inspected in accordance with the 2018 Arkansas Plumbing Code;”
  20 CAR § 138-101. Definitions ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Who permits septicState (with conditions)
Onsite wastewater systems serving Faulkner County properties.
- The Arkansas Department of Health or its Authorized Agent administers the permitting and approval requirements.
- The cited rule contains an exception framework for public sewer availability and other applicable laws.
“shall have general supervision and authority”
Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Off-grid sanitationAllowed (with conditions)
Use of composting or incinerating toilets as components of an Arkansas onsite wastewater system.
- Only pre-manufactured composting or incinerating toilets authorized by the Department may be used.
- The devices must be evaluated by an ANSI-approved laboratory under NSF Standard 41.
- Wastewater other than urine and feces must be renovated or disposed of under Sections 8 or 9 of the rule.
- Stabilized compost must be buried onsite or deposited in an approved sanitary landfill.
- The system remains subject to applicable onsite wastewater permitting and approval requirements.
“Only pre-manufactured composting or incinerating toilets authorized by the Department”
Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — Privies and onsite wastewater systems for Faulkner County premises where sanitary sewer is available within the stated distance.
  “No privies, onsite wastewater systems or other receptacles for human excreta”
  Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Well permitLimited
Wells serving public and semi-public water systems in Arkansas.
- Written approval from the Arkansas Department of Health is required before construction begins.
- If the well's public or semi-public status is uncertain, the well contractor must obtain a written determination from the Department of Health before construction.
- This claim does not establish a general construction-permit requirement for private domestic wells.
“Wells for public and semi-public water systems shall be located, designed, and constructed in accordance with the respective rules of the Department of Health and shall have written approval from the department prior to the start of construction. If uncertain that a well is public or semi-public, the well contractor shall obtain a written determination from the department prior to construction.”
17 CAR § 11-607. Public and semi-public wells ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Mandatory utility hookupConditional
Sanitary-sewer connection for premises in Faulkner 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 without crossing another person's property.
- The rule states that no privies, onsite wastewater systems, or other receptacles for human excreta may be constructed, maintained, or used in that circumstance.
sewer distance threshold: <= 300 feet (sewer must be available without crossing another person's property)
“All premises shall be connected to a sanitary sewer”
Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- 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.”
  14 CAR § 21-301. Generally ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
Agricultural exemptionConditional
State and local sales-tax exemption for electricity, natural gas, and liquefied petroleum gas used by qualifying agricultural structures and qualifying aquaculture or horticulture equipment in Arkansas.
- The utility must be separately metered and used only for the exempt purpose.
- Multiple-use meters serving eligible and noneligible structures, facilities, or equipment do not qualify.
- The farmer must obtain a certificate from the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration before the exemption is allowed and provide it to the utility supplier.
- Qualifying agricultural structures include commercial poultry or livestock facilities, cattle or dairy facilities, and greenhouses used for commercial production.
- Qualifying aquaculture or horticulture equipment includes specified cooling, collection, irrigation, pond-pumping, pond-aeration, and holding or sorting-tank equipment used in commercial operations.
exemption start date: 2014-01-01 · eligible utilities: electricity, natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (Must be separately metered and used only for the exempt purpose) · DFA certificate: true (Required before the exemption is allowed) · water exemption for commercial poultry farming start date: 2021-10-01 (Water must be used exclusively for poultry farming and separately metered)
“Act 1441 of 2013 provides an exemption from state and local sales taxes for electricity, natural gas, and liquefied petroleum gas used by qualifying agricultural structures and qualifying aquaculture and horticulture equipment beginning January 1, 2014. The eligible utility must be separately metered and used only for the purpose of the exemption.”
Farm Utility Exemption Notice and Agricultural, Aquaculture and Horticulture Utility Exemption Application ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Conditional — Construction, installation, maintenance, repair, or renovation of a nonresidential farm building or structure in Arkansas, as an exemption from the Arkansas Electrical Code Authority Act requirements.
  “(b) The requirements of the Arkansas Electrical Code Authority Act, Arkansas Code § 20-31-101 et seq., shall not apply to the following: [...] (2) Any construction, installation, maintenance, repair, or renovation of any nonresidential farm building or structure;”
  17 CAR § 210-602. Construction and exemptions ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Subdivision plats that are boundary surveys creating parcels in Arkansas.
- The plat must be filed with the State Surveyor's office after any recording requirements imposed by city or county government.
- Filing is not required, but may be submitted, for survey plats of subdivided property located in a municipality where the property has previously been surveyed and a plat filed.
plat distribution deadline: 30 days after completion
“Subdivision plats [...] are to be filed with the State Surveyor’s office [...] Filing is not required [...] for survey plats [...] located in a municipality [...]”
15 CAR § 281-301. Publication of results ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
Driveway accessRequired
Construction, reconstruction, modification, or relocation of access driveways on Arkansas State Highway right-of-way, including residential, commercial, and temporary access driveways.
- No work may begin on State Highway right-of-way until the engineer issues the permit.
- Applications are made to the District Engineer and include a work description, location, applicant contact information, and required drawings or deposit/bond.
- An Access Management Agreement may require approval or a permit from the relevant jurisdiction; failure to provide it may be grounds for denial.
- Commercial driveway permits generally require a minimum $1,000 deposit or bond per driveway, with governmental-entity waiver possible.
- Temporary driveway access is limited to 120 days initially, extendable at 60-day intervals up to 240 days.
commercial driveway deposit or bond: >= 1000 USD per driveway minimum (May be waived for governmental entities.) · temporary driveway initial duration: <= 120 days maximum (May be extended at 60-day intervals up to 240 total days.) · frontage limit: 50 feet or less (Limited to one driveway.) · rural setback inside adjoining property frontage: >= 10 feet minimum (Urban minimum is 5 feet; Section 6.9 exceptions may apply.)
“A permit shall be obtained from the Department for all access driveways on State Highways.”
Regulations: Rules for Access Driveways to State Highways ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
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
Campground & park staysLimited
Camping at Arkansas state-park campsites.
- Campsites are limited to eight persons, excluding day-use guests, and one camping unit consisting of no more than two structures.
- Registration at the park office and payment of the camping fee are required before campers are considered registered.
- At least one adult age eighteen or older must register for and occupy the campsite during the entire registration period, with exceptions for scout troops, camping groups, or multiple family groups when sufficient adult supervision is provided.
- Registration must occur at the park office on the day of arrival, and campers must occupy the site by the time the visitor information center closes.
- Campsite occupancy is limited to fourteen days within a thirty-day period in the same park.
- A seven-day extension may be granted by the Park Superintendent from April through October when campgrounds are not at capacity.
- Additional extensions require approval by the Director of the State Parks Division for health problems, relocation, or job reassignment; longer extensions may be granted by Park Superintendents from November through March.
- Campers may not move between campsites in the same park to evade the limits, because permanent or semi-permanent residence is not permitted in a state park.
- All vehicles and trailers must be parked on hard surfaces or designated sites.
- State park camping areas are fee areas for registered campers only.
- The rule addresses state-park campsites and does not establish a statewide rule for camping on private land or land outside state parks.
maximum persons per campsite: 8 persons (excluding day-use guests) · maximum camping units per campsite: 1 unit (the unit may consist of no more than two structures) · maximum occupancy: <= 14 days per 30-day period (seven-day extensions and other stated extensions may apply)
“Campers may not occupy campsites within the same park in excess of fourteen (14) days within a thirty-day period.”
22 CAR § 50-108. Camping rules, fee collection, registration, and reservations ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026

Still unanswered

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

County-wide zoning — Countywide zoning in Faulkner County.
Local zoning — Local zoning in Faulkner County municipalities and unincorporated areas.
Zoning districts — Published zoning districts in Faulkner County.
Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in Faulkner County.
Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size in Faulkner County.

7 more unanswered

Setbacks
Lot coverage
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 Faulkner County, Arkansas

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

Faulkner County scores 69/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and low administrative friction for a quiet rural property.

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

Faulkner County does not require a county building permit for a home in unincorporated areas. Onsite septic is permitted by Arkansas Department of Health - Onsite Wastewater (Faulkner County Health Unit). 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 Faulkner County?

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

Land in Faulkner County runs about $4,679 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Faulkner County?

Faulkner County gets about 52.2" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 7.2% of years.

How remote is Faulkner County?

A representative private-land location has about 33,519 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,439,536 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 Faulkner County, Arkansas

At a glance

Who to call

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

Who is the Faulkner County building department, and how do you reach them?

Does Faulkner County have zoning?

How do septic permits work in Faulkner County?

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

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

What to check before you buy land in Faulkner County

Watch-outs

Sources

Faulkner County in Arkansas

How Faulkner County scores

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Parcel due diligence

Answers from the rulebook for Faulkner County

Faulkner County rules

Arkansas rules that apply here

Still unanswered

Living off-grid in Faulkner County, Arkansas

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

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

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

How much does land cost in Faulkner County, Arkansas?

What is the water situation in Faulkner County?

How remote is Faulkner County?

How Faulkner compares in Arkansas