Garland County, AR Building Permits, Zoning & Septic

Unincorporated Garland County, Arkansas generally does not issue a conventional building permit, but development must go through the Floodplain Administrator for a conditional permit or an exemption when the site does not affect a flood hazard area¹². The county says it has no zoning program, while septic permits go through the Arkansas Department of Health via the local Health Department Inspections Division¹³⁴.

At a glance

Building permit: No general county permit; obtain a conditional development permit or floodplain exemption before development¹²
Zoning: None; Garland County has no zoning program¹
Septic permits: Required before construction and before operation; handled by the Arkansas Department of Health through the local health unit⁵⁶⁴
Owner-builder exemption: Yes, statewide; you may build your own single residence without a contractor license, once per calendar year⁷
RV or tiny-home living: A general private-land rule could not be confirmed; ask the County Judge's Office and check private covenants¹
Road/driveway permits: County road cuts and culverts go through the Road Department; state-highway driveways go through ARDOT⁸⁹
Septic soil suitability: Only 1.9% of county soils are free of severe limits for a conventional drain field¹⁰
Property tax: Effective rate around 0.5%, median bill near $915/year¹¹¹²

Who to call

Planning & zoning

Office of the Garland County Judge

Countywide planning, zoning and permitting policy for unincorporated Garland County; issues permits for work (cables, trenching, boring) within county road rights-of-way; general county administration

501/622-3600

501 Ouachita, Room 210, Garland County Courthouse, Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas 71901

Floodplain permits

Garland County Department of Emergency Management / Floodplain Administrator

Floodplain development permits and exemptions for new construction or significant remodeling; addressing for new or unaddressed structures

(501) 767-3911

401 Mid America Blvd., Hot Springs, AR

Septic permits

Garland County Health Department Inspections Division

Septic (onsite wastewater) system permits and inquiries for Garland County, on behalf of the Arkansas Department of Health Onsite Wastewater Program

(501) 624-3394

Roads & driveways

Garland County Road Department

Driveway and culvert permits for cuts into county road rights-of-way

(501) 767-9174

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 28, 2026.

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

Garland County generally does not issue a conventional building permit, but that is not a permit-free answer: individuals and developers must apply through the Floodplain Administrator for a conditional development permit¹². When the development or property does not affect a flood hazard area, the Floodplain Administrator may issue an exemption from the county's flood-management requirements¹³. Arkansas's statewide building code still applies to covered new structures and alterations even where local permitting or inspection is limited¹⁴¹⁵. Garland County does not issue certificates of occupancy in unincorporated areas, although incorporated municipalities may have their own rules¹⁶. Property inside Hot Springs or its one-mile extraterritorial jurisdiction may also need city permits¹.

Who handles building, zoning and permits in Garland County, and how do you reach them?

Garland County has no general building-department counter, so start with the office that controls the specific approval¹. For general permitting questions and work within a county-road right-of-way, contact the Office of the Garland County Judge at 501 Ouachita, Room 210, Garland County Courthouse, Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas 71901, phone 501/622-3600¹. Conditional development permits, floodplain exemptions and new addresses run through the Department of Emergency Management / Floodplain Administrator at 401 Mid America Blvd., Hot Springs, AR, phone (501) 767-3911¹⁷. Septic questions go to the Health Department Inspections Division at (501) 624-3394⁴. For a driveway or culvert on a county road, call the Road Department at (501) 767-9174; work on state-highway right-of-way requires an ARDOT permit⁸⁹.

Does Garland County have zoning?

Garland County's county-judge guidance says the county has no zoning program¹. The same guidance says Garland County does not restrict manufactured-home placement on unplatted parcels, but that statement does not answer RV living, tiny houses, minimum dwelling size, setbacks or lot coverage¹. We could not confirm countywide rules for those subjects, so ask the County Judge's Office about the parcel and proposed use before buying¹. A bill of assurance or restrictive covenant can still limit construction or land use, and the county directs buyers to the Circuit Clerk to search for those restrictions¹. Land inside Hot Springs or its one-mile extraterritorial jurisdiction may be subject to city permits and land-use rules¹.

How do septic permits work in Garland County?

The Arkansas Department of Health or its Authorized Agent handles onsite-wastewater approval in Garland County, with local questions directed to the Health Department Inspections Division at (501) 624-3394⁵⁴. A construction permit is required before installing, altering, repairing or extending a system, and the system cannot be used until it is inspected, approved and issued an operation permit⁶¹⁸. Only 1.9% of Garland County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so make the site evaluation an early purchase contingency rather than assuming a standard layout will work¹⁰. If a sanitary sewer is within 300 feet of the building's sewer-exit point and can be reached without crossing another person's property, Arkansas requires connection instead of an onsite system¹⁹.

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

We could not confirm a Garland County rule that generally allows or prohibits living in one RV or tiny home on private land, so ask the County Judge's Office about the exact parcel and use¹. Garland County's statement that it has no zoning program and does not restrict manufactured homes on unplatted parcels is helpful, but a manufactured home is not automatically the same legal category as an RV or tiny house on wheels¹. Arkansas separately regulates a parcel as a mobile-home or recreational-vehicle park when at least 3 paid spaces are occupied or intended for RVs, tiny houses on wheels or mobile homes and placement or maintenance services are provided²⁰. Private bills of assurance and restrictive covenants can also limit the use even where county zoning does not, so search the parcel records with the Circuit Clerk¹.

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

Ask the Floodplain Administrator for the conditional development permit or an exemption based on the project's effect on a flood hazard area².
Search the Circuit Clerk's records for a bill of assurance or restrictive covenant, and confirm Hot Springs jurisdiction if the parcel is near the city¹.
Get an onsite-wastewater evaluation and construction permit before installation; difficult soils can determine the usable house site⁶¹⁰.
Secure county-road or state-highway access approval before cutting a right-of-way⁸⁹.
Build to applicable Arkansas code requirements even though Garland County generally does not issue a conventional building permit¹¹⁴.
Arrange the septic inspection and operation permit before using the system¹⁸. An owner may construct the owner's own residence without a residential-contractor license if the owner does not build more than 1 residence in the calendar year, but that exemption does not waive other approvals²¹.

What to check before you buy land in Garland County

Ask the Floodplain Administrator whether the proposed building area affects a flood hazard area and what proof is needed for an exemption¹³. Search for recorded private restrictions and verify whether Hot Springs jurisdiction reaches the parcel¹. Treat septic suitability as a purchase contingency: only 1.9% of Garland County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field¹⁰. Terrain and clearing can compound that constraint because 44.8% of county land has a slope of 15% or less and 80.6% is wooded²²²³. Confirm legal access and whether the entrance meets a county road or state highway before choosing a homesite⁸⁹. For budgeting context, the typical home value is about $249,604, farmland value is about $7,941 per acre, the effective property-tax rate is about 0.5%, and the median annual property-tax bill is about $915²⁴²⁵¹¹¹².

Watch-outs

Garland County's guidance says the county is not responsible for private restrictive covenants, so search for a bill of assurance before relying on the absence of county zoning¹.
Only 1.9% of Garland County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, so get a site evaluation before committing to a homesite or system design¹⁰.
We could not confirm a general Garland County rule for RV living, tiny-home occupancy, private-well permits, minimum dwelling size or setbacks; ask the County Judge's Office and Health Department Inspections Division about the specific parcel and proposal¹⁴.

Sources

Written September 28, 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 Garland County scores

Seclusion46100% ev.

Self-Sufficiency57100% ev.

Admin Boringness6677% ev.

Durability46100% ev.

Property Autonomy47100% ev.

Carry Cost70100% 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 →

$250kTypical home

0.5%Property tax

$7,941Land / acre

55.2"Annual rain

12.1% of yrsSevere drought

25.3 / yr (+19.6)Mid-century 100°F days

17.3 daysMid-century dry spell

2.83" (+7.2%)Mid-century 1-day rain

1.44×Wildfire change factor

100%Forward climate coverage

$1,904Home insurance / yr

0.8% / yrInsurance growth

0.64%Nonrenewal rate

county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis

91,530People within 30 min

1,496,825People within 2 hr

93,011Radius comparison (15 mi)

147.3People / sq mi

34.6%Federal land

44.8%Land at 15% slope or less

1.9%Septic soil without severe limits

7,615 acWorkable land screen

80.6%Wooded land

41.8 tonsBiomass / forest ac

61.2°FAvg temp

Answers from the rulebook for Garland County

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

Garland County rules

Building permitLimited
Construction and development permits administered by the Garland County Floodplain Administrator.
- The county page states that individuals and developers must apply through the Office of Emergency Management, Floodplain Administrator.
- If construction is outside a flood hazard area, the Floodplain Administrator may issue an exemption certificate.
- The cited requirement is a floodplain/development permit requirement and does not establish a general building permit requirement for every project.
“The county now requires individuals and developers to apply for construction permits through the Office of Emergency Management, Floodplain Administrator. However, if the construction is outside a flood hazard area, the Floodplain Administrator may issue an exemption certificate, and the property to be developed may not be required to meet the permitting requirements of the county’s flood management regulations.”
Floodplain ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Certificate of occupancyNot required
Certificates of occupancy issued by Garland County for unincorporated areas.
- This statement concerns Garland County; incorporated municipalities may have their own certificate-of-occupancy rules.
“The county does not issue any type of Certificate of Occupancy. However, the Quorum Court has adopted several ordinances related to development issues in the Unincorporated areas.”
Garland County Addressing ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Manufactured homesLimited
Manufactured homes in Garland County flood-hazard areas.
- Manufactured homes must meet the same standards as other residential buildings for first-floor elevation, flood-damage-resistant materials below the flood-protection level, and utility elevation or protection.
- Manufactured homes must be elevated on a permanent foundation and securely anchored to resist flotation, collapse, and lateral movement.
- The cited restrictions apply in the floodplain and do not establish a countywide manufactured-home land-use rule.
“Manufactured homes must meet the same standards as any other residential building for the elevation of the first floor, use of flood damage-resistant materials below the flood protection level, and elevation or protection of utilities. Manufactured homes must be elevated on a permanent foundation and be securely anchored to an adequately anchored foundation system to resist flotation, collapse, and lateral movement.”
Floodplain ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Building in a floodplainLimited
Development in Garland County Special Flood Hazard Areas.
- A permit is not required where the actual construction location does not contact the Special Flood Hazard Area, but the property owner must provide proof to the Floodplain Manager.
- For development in flood hazard areas, construction materials and methods must minimize flood damage.
- The ordinance was declared effective upon passage; the source does not provide a legible passage date.
“A permit shall not be required for development where the actual construction location does not contact the Special Flood Hazard Area. It shall be the burden of the property owner to provide proof to the Floodplain Manager that the construction does not contact the SFHA.”
Floodplain ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — Individuals and developers undertaking construction or development in unincorporated Garland County, including property inside or outside a flood hazard area.
  “The county now requires individuals and developers to apply for construction permits [...] if the construction is outside a flood hazard area [...] may issue an exemption”
  Floodplain | Garland County, AR ↗Re-checked Sep 24, 2026
Permit processPartial
Garland County floodplain construction-permit process.
- Applications are made through the Office of Emergency Management, Floodplain Administrator.
- Questions about the application process are directed to the Floodplain Administrator's Office at 501-767-3911.
- Outside a flood hazard area, an exemption certificate may be issued.
- The source does not establish a general countywide building-permit process.
“Questions concerning the flood permit application process should be directed to the Floodplain Administrator's Office at 501-767-3911.”
Floodplain ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026

Arkansas rules that apply here

Owner-builder exemptionAvailable
Arkansas residential-contractor licensing for an owner constructing the owner's residence.
- The exemption concerns residential contractor licensing, not exemption from county floodplain, septic, utility, or other permits.
- The person must be constructing his or her residence.
- The exemption does not apply if the person builds more than one residence during a calendar year.
maximum residences per calendar year: 1 residence (Exemption is unavailable when the person builds more than one residence during any calendar year.)
“The following shall be exempted from the licensing requirements of this subchapter: (1) A person who acts as a residential building contractor in the construction of his or her residence unless he or she builds more than one (1) residence during any calendar year;”
Arkansas Residential Contractor Rules ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Available (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.
  “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
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 in Garland County.
- The Arkansas Department of Health or its Authorized Agent administers the cited permitting and approval functions.
- For a city or county with an Authorized Agent, applications are made to that Authorized Agent; otherwise applications are made to the Department.
“For those cities or counties with Authorized Agents, the Authorized Agent shall be the Authorized Agent of the Department. In the event that an Authorized Agent has not been designated for a city or county, applications for onsite wastewater systems shall be made to the Department.”
Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Septic permitRequired
Construction, alteration, repair, extension, and operation of onsite wastewater systems in Garland County.
- A construction permit is required before construction, alteration, repair, or extension.
- An operation permit is required before use.
- Emergency repairs may begin without prior notification or permit only if the required permit is obtained within ten working days.
- A permit may be refused where public sewer is reasonably available or economically feasible, subject to Section 3.4.
emergency repair permit deadline: <= 10 working days (Permit must be obtained after emergency repairs.)
“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.”
Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Septic inspectionRequired
Installation inspection and approval of onsite wastewater systems in Garland County.
- The system may not be operated until inspected and approved and a Permit for Operation is issued.
- The installer must notify the Authorized Agent or Designated Representative when the installation is ready for inspection.
- The installer must submit required documentation to the local health unit within five days.
installer documentation deadline: <= 5 days
“It shall be the duty of the installer to notify the Authorized Agent or Designated Representative, when the installation is ready for inspection. It shall be the duty of the owner or occupant of the property to give the Department, its Authorized Agent, or Designated Representative, free access to the property at reasonable times for the purpose of making the installation inspection. Within five (5) days, the installer shall submit the required documentation to the local health unit that the system has been installed pursuant to the approved permit.”
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 — Off-grid sanitation using onsite wastewater systems in Garland County.
  “The system shall not be used until the Permit for Operation is issued. The Authorized Agent will retain the original and return the remaining copies to the owner. Except as provided in Section 3.4, 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”
  Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Well permitLimited
Wells serving public and semi-public water systems in Arkansas.
- Written approval from the Arkansas Department of Health is required before construction begins.
- If the well's public or semi-public status is uncertain, the well contractor must obtain a written determination from the Department of Health before construction.
- This claim does not establish a general construction-permit requirement for private domestic wells.
“Wells for public and semi-public water systems shall be located, designed, and constructed in accordance with the respective rules of the Department of Health and shall have written approval from the department prior to the start of construction. If uncertain that a well is public or semi-public, the well contractor shall obtain a written determination from the department prior to construction.”
17 CAR § 11-607. Public and semi-public wells ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Mandatory utility hookupSewer (with conditions)
Homes and premises where a sanitary sewer is within 300 feet from the point where the sewer exits the building and available without crossing another person's property.
- When the stated distance and availability conditions are met, connection to the sanitary sewer is required.
- Privies, onsite wastewater systems, and other receptacles for human excreta may not be constructed, maintained, or used on the premises under that condition.
sewer distance from building sewer-exit point: <= 300 feet (sewer must be available without crossing another person's property)
“All premises shall be connected to a sanitary sewer when within three hundred feet (300’) from the point where the sewer exits a building on the property owner’s property and available to said premises when connection can be made without crossing another person's property.”
14 CAR § 21-301. Generally ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Conditional — Onsite wastewater systems where public sewer service is available or economically feasible.
  “All premises shall be connected to a sanitary sewer when within 300 feet from the point where the sewer exits a building on the property owner’s property and available to said premises when connection can be made without crossing another person's property.”
  Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Agricultural exemptionConditional
State and local sales-tax exemption for electricity, natural gas, and liquefied petroleum gas used by qualifying agricultural structures and qualifying aquaculture or horticulture equipment in Arkansas.
- The utility must be separately metered and used only for the exempt purpose.
- Multiple-use meters serving eligible and noneligible structures, facilities, or equipment do not qualify.
- The farmer must obtain a certificate from the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration before the exemption is allowed and provide it to the utility supplier.
- Qualifying agricultural structures include commercial poultry or livestock facilities, cattle or dairy facilities, and greenhouses used for commercial production.
- Qualifying aquaculture or horticulture equipment includes specified cooling, collection, irrigation, pond-pumping, pond-aeration, and holding or sorting-tank equipment used in commercial operations.
exemption start date: 2014-01-01 · eligible utilities: electricity, natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (Must be separately metered and used only for the exempt purpose) · DFA certificate: true (Required before the exemption is allowed) · water exemption for commercial poultry farming start date: 2021-10-01 (Water must be used exclusively for poultry farming and separately metered)
“Act 1441 of 2013 provides an exemption from state and local sales taxes for electricity, natural gas, and liquefied petroleum gas used by qualifying agricultural structures and qualifying aquaculture and horticulture equipment beginning January 1, 2014. The eligible utility must be separately metered and used only for the purpose of the exemption.”
Farm Utility Exemption Notice and Agricultural, Aquaculture and Horticulture Utility Exemption Application ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Conditional — Construction, installation, maintenance, repair, or renovation of a nonresidential farm building or structure in Arkansas, as an exemption from the Arkansas Electrical Code Authority Act requirements.
  “(b) The requirements of the Arkansas Electrical Code Authority Act, Arkansas Code § 20-31-101 et seq., shall not apply to the following: [...] (2) Any construction, installation, maintenance, repair, or renovation of any nonresidential farm building or structure;”
  17 CAR § 210-602. Construction and exemptions ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Subdividing landLimited
Subdivision plans in Garland County that propose standard onsite wastewater systems for all or part of the lots or tracts.
- Plans must be submitted to the Arkansas Department of Health for review and approval of the overall onsite-wastewater plan.
- Unsuitable lots or parcels must be incorporated into surrounding lots or parcels.
- Green or community space must be identified and is not assigned a lot number or considered in approval.
- The cited source addresses onsite-wastewater subdivision review, not all subdivision or platting requirements.
subdivision plan review fee minimum: >= 100 USD (One lot; $25 for each following lot, maximum $1,500.)
“All subdivision plans, which are proposed to utilize standard onsite wastewater systems as a method of wastewater treatment for all or part of the lots or tracts in said subdivision, shall be submitted to the Arkansas Department of Health for review and approval of the overall plan for the utilization of onsite wastewater systems.”
Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision plats that are boundary surveys creating parcels in Arkansas.
  “Subdivision plats [...] are to be filed with the State Surveyor’s office [...] Filing is not required [...] for survey plats [...] located in a municipality [...]”
  15 CAR § 281-301. Publication of results ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
Driveway accessRequired
Construction, reconstruction, modification, or relocation of access driveways on Arkansas State Highway right-of-way, including residential, commercial, and temporary access driveways.
- No work may begin on State Highway right-of-way until the engineer issues the permit.
- Applications are made to the District Engineer and include a work description, location, applicant contact information, and required drawings or deposit/bond.
- An Access Management Agreement may require approval or a permit from the relevant jurisdiction; failure to provide it may be grounds for denial.
- Commercial driveway permits generally require a minimum $1,000 deposit or bond per driveway, with governmental-entity waiver possible.
- Temporary driveway access is limited to 120 days initially, extendable at 60-day intervals up to 240 days.
commercial driveway deposit or bond: >= 1000 USD per driveway minimum (May be waived for governmental entities.) · temporary driveway initial duration: <= 120 days maximum (May be extended at 60-day intervals up to 240 total days.) · frontage limit: 50 feet or less (Limited to one driveway.) · rural setback inside adjoining property frontage: >= 10 feet minimum (Urban minimum is 5 feet; Section 6.9 exceptions may apply.)
“A permit shall be obtained from the Department for all access driveways on State Highways.”
Regulations: Rules for Access Driveways to State Highways ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Permit feesPublished (with conditions)
Basic design-service fees for Arkansas state department projects governed by the Building Authority Division.
- The schedule is based on total final construction cost, including adjustments by change order or negotiations.
- For projects less than $50,000 or more than $50,000,000, fees may be negotiated subject to Building Authority Division approval.
- Specified modifiers apply, including deductions for simple projects and additions for complex projects or projects requiring intensified observation.
basic fee for construction cost $50,001 to $75,000: 9.25 percent of total final construction cost · basic fee for construction cost $75,001 to $100,000: 9 percent of total final construction cost · basic fee for construction cost $100,001 to $200,000: 8.75 percent of total final construction cost · basic fee for construction cost $1,000,001 to $20,000,000: 6.5 percent of total final construction cost · basic fee for construction cost $42,500,001 to $50,000,000: 4 percent of total final construction cost · fee modifier for simple projects: 1 percentage points minimum deduction · fee modifier for complex projects: 1.5 percentage points maximum addition
“$50,001 to $75,000 | 9.25%”
22 CAR § 111-212. Design services fee schedule ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Published (with conditions) — Arkansas onsite wastewater permit review fees applicable in Garland County.
  “For structures one thousand five hundred square feet (1,500 sq. ft.) or less, the fee to review a permit application is thirty dollars ($30.00);”
  Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 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 regulation in Garland County.
Local zoning — Local zoning across Garland County municipalities and unincorporated areas.
Zoning districts — Published zoning districts in Garland County.
Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in Garland County.
Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size in Garland County.

6 more unanswered

Setbacks
Lot coverage
Building height
Camping on your land
Accessory dwellings
Short-term rentals

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in Garland County, Arkansas

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

Garland County scores 62/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid 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 Garland County, Arkansas?

Garland County requires a building permit only in limited cases (such as floodplains or specific zones). Onsite septic is permitted by Arkansas Department of Health, Onsite Wastewater Program (via local 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 Garland County?

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

Land in Garland County runs about $7,941 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Garland County?

Garland County gets about 55.2" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 12.1% of years.

How remote is Garland County?

A representative private-land location has about 91,530 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,496,825 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 Garland County, Arkansas

At a glance

Who to call

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

Who handles building, zoning and permits in Garland County, and how do you reach them?

Does Garland County have zoning?

How do septic permits work in Garland County?

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

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

What to check before you buy land in Garland County

Watch-outs

Sources

Garland County in Arkansas

How Garland County scores

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Parcel due diligence

Answers from the rulebook for Garland County

Garland County rules

Arkansas rules that apply here

Still unanswered

Living off-grid in Garland County, Arkansas

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

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

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

How much does land cost in Garland County, Arkansas?

What is the water situation in Garland County?

How remote is Garland County?

How Garland compares in Arkansas