Bolthole Index

Greene County, Arkansas

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Greene County, Arkansas

72Index Score / 100
#41 of 75 in Arkansas

Unincorporated Greene County, Arkansas does not require a county residential building permit, but confirm the parcel and project with the County Judge's Office before work begins1. Paragould has its own building-code and zoning program inside city limits23. Septic construction and operation generally require Arkansas Department of Health approval4.

At a glance

Building permit
Not required for a home in unincorporated areas; confirm the parcel with the County Judge's Office1
Zoning
No general zoning in unincorporated areas; Paragould administers city zoning52
Septic permits
Arkansas Department of Health approval is generally required before construction or operation4
Owner-builder
Building your own residence is exempt from Arkansas residential-contractor licensing, but this doesn't waive any local permit that might apply67
Sewer connection rule
If a sanitary sewer is within 300 feet and reachable without crossing another's property, statewide rule requires connecting instead of using septic8
Well permit
A licensed Arkansas Water Well Contractor must do the work; a $145 rig-permit fee applies per permit year9
Floodplain development
County controls apply in Special Flood Hazard Areas; confirm the approval path before work10
Septic soil difficulty
Only 1.7% of county soils are free of severe limits for a conventional drain field11

Who to call

Building permits

Greene County Judge's Office

County administration and the first county contact for confirming whether an unincorporated parcel needs a county approval when no building office is published

870-239-6300

320 West Court St Paragould, AR 72450

Septic permits

Arkansas Department of Health, Onsite Wastewater Program (Environmental Health)

Statewide onsite wastewater (septic) policy and permit-application review, in cooperation with the Environmental Health Specialist at the Greene County Health Unit who handles local applications and site visits

501-661-2171

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

Zoning

City of Paragould Planning and Development Office (city limits only)

Zoning, subdivisions, manufactured homes, signs, and land-use ordinance enforcement inside the Paragould city limits; has no authority over unincorporated Greene County land

870-239-7513

[email protected]

301 West Court Street, Paragould, AR 72450

Roads & driveways

Greene County Road Department

County road maintenance, construction, and road closure/concern reports for Greene County; the page does not publish a driveway-access permit process, so ask this office directly if your driveway connects to a county road

870-239-6314

4600 Fairview Rd., Paragould, AR 72450

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 Greene County, Arkansas?

Unincorporated Greene County, Arkansas does not require a county residential building permit1. Because Greene County does not publish a residential permit or inspection process, confirm the parcel location and project with the Greene County Judge's Office before starting work12. The Arkansas Fire Prevention Code remains the statewide construction standard even where a local government has no permit or inspection program1314. Inside Paragould, the city has adopted building codes that include the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code plus plumbing, mechanical, fuel-gas, electrical and energy codes3.

Who is the Greene County building department?

Greene County does not publish a dedicated building-department contact, so the Greene County Judge's Office is the practical first call for an unincorporated parcel112. Give that office the parcel location and a short project description, and ask whether floodplain review or another county approval applies. For land inside Paragould, contact the city's Planning and Development Office; that office administers land-use ordinances covering zoning, subdivisions, manufactured homes and signs15. For access from a county road, the Greene County Road Department handles road construction, repair and maintenance, although no county driveway-permit process was confirmed16. Access from an Arkansas state highway requires an Arkansas Department of Transportation permit before work starts in the highway right-of-way17.

Does Greene County have zoning?

Unincorporated Greene County has no general county zoning5. We could not confirm a current county zoning map or district schedule, so ask the Greene County Judge's Office to verify the parcel before relying on that classification12. Paragould is different: its Planning and Development Office administers ordinances addressing zoning, subdivisions, manufactured homes and signs inside the city215. We also could not confirm unincorporated-area standards for minimum lot size, setbacks, lot coverage, building height or minimum dwelling size. Ask the County Judge's Office about those points for the specific tract rather than treating the lack of general zoning as permission for every use12.

How do septic permits work in Greene County?

An onsite wastewater system in Greene County generally needs Arkansas Department of Health or authorized-agent approval before construction and a permit for operation before use4. The system must be inspected and approved before operation18. Only 1.7% of Greene County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so obtain a site evaluation before fixing a house location or budget11. A narrow acreage exception applies when the tract is at least 10 acres and every field or sewage-disposal line is at least 200 feet from the property line; do not treat that exception as a general waiver of other health, nuisance, sewer or local requirements19. If an available sanitary sewer is within 300 feet of the point where the sewer exits the building and connection does not cross another person's property, connection is required instead of onsite disposal8.

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

We could not confirm whether unincorporated Greene County permits or prohibits living in an RV, camping temporarily, placing a tiny home, or occupying a manufactured home on private land5. Ask the Greene County Judge's Office about the specific parcel before buying or moving a unit onsite12. Septic and sanitation rules still apply to an occupied dwelling: a system generally needs approval before construction and operation, while an available sewer within 300 feet may have to be used48. Inside Paragould, the city's Planning and Development Office administers land-use rules that expressly address manufactured homes, so city staff should answer siting and occupancy questions for parcels within city limits15. State rules for parks and campgrounds do not answer whether residential RV use is allowed on a private rural tract.

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

  1. Confirm whether the parcel is inside Paragould or in unincorporated Greene County; city land goes to Planning and Development15.
  2. For unincorporated land, give the Greene County Judge's Office the parcel and project details and ask it to confirm county approvals, including floodplain review1210.
  3. Check road ownership; ask the Road Department about county-road access, or obtain the required state permit for a state-highway driveway1617.
  4. Evaluate wastewater early because only 1.7% of county soils avoid severe conventional-drain-field limits11. Obtain onsite wastewater approvals unless the project squarely meets the acreage exception419.
  5. Use a properly licensed Arkansas Water Well Contractor for covered well work9. If acting as your own contractor, remember that Arkansas's owner-builder exemption concerns licensing and does not waive other requirements7.

What to check before you buy land in Greene County

Start with wastewater feasibility: only 1.7% of Greene County soils avoid severe limits for a conventional drain field11. Check the flood map and ask the county about review before grading, filling, placing a manufactured structure or installing water or sewer in a Special Flood Hazard Area, because Greene County's flood controls cover those activities10. Verify whether the tract is inside Paragould, where city land-use rules apply2. Confirm legal road access and whether the connection is to a county road or state highway1617. For a proposed well, get a quote from a properly licensed Arkansas Water Well Contractor9. The county's effective property-tax rate is about 0.5%, and the median annual bill is about $792, but verify the parcel's assessment and exemptions with the county before closing2021.

Watch-outs

  • Unincorporated Greene County has no general zoning, but we could not confirm standards for minimum lot size, setbacks or building height; ask the County Judge's Office512.
  • We could not confirm Greene County rules for RV, tiny-home, temporary-camping or manufactured-home occupancy on unincorporated land; ask the County Judge's Office before placing or occupying a unit512.
  • The Greene County Road Department's own page doesn't publish a driveway-access permit process for connecting a new driveway to a county road, so confirm requirements with that office before building access16.

Sources

  1. Greene County AR – Official County Website (Departments) (2026 county census)
  2. Planning and Development, quoted and re-checked
  3. City Inspector, quoted and re-checked
  4. 14 CAR § 21-301. Generally, quoted and re-checked
  5. Greene County AR – Official County Website (2026 county census)
  6. Arkansas Residential Contractor Rules (2026 county census)
  7. Arkansas Residential Contractor Rules, quoted and re-checked
  8. Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024), quoted and re-checked
  9. Arkansas Water Well Construction Commission Rules, quoted and re-checked
  10. Greene County Code of Ordinances, quoted and re-checked
  11. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  12. Greene County Judge's Office (greenecounty.arkansas.gov)
  13. Rules by Subject Matter Interim Committee Recommendations, quoted and re-checked
  14. Home Improvement Contractor License Application (Arkansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. City of Paragould Planning and Development Office (city limits only) (paragouldcityar.gov)
  16. Greene County Road Department (greenecounty.arkansas.gov)
  17. Regulations: Rules for Access Driveways to State Highways (Arkansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024), quoted and re-checked
  19. Arkansas Sewage Disposal Systems Act, Act 402, quoted and re-checked
  20. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  21. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

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.

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County locator

Greene County in Arkansas

72
County map
Greene County highlighted among the Arkansas counties · colored by Index score

How Greene County scores

Seclusion50100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency66100% ev.
Admin Boringness85100% ev.
Durability55100% ev.
Property Autonomy47100% ev.
Carry Cost82100% 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 →

$197kTypical home
0.5%Property tax
$4,818Land / acre
50.4"Annual rain
6.9% of yrsSevere drought
20.5 / yr (+17.5)Mid-century 100°F days
16.6 daysMid-century dry spell
2.28" (+6.9%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.65×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,637Home insurance / yr
0.1% / yrInsurance growth
0.65%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
41,701People within 30 min
1,760,603People within 2 hr
48,729Radius comparison (15 mi)
81People / sq mi
0.4%Federal land
91.7%Land at 15% slope or less
1.7%Septic soil without severe limits
6,034 acWorkable land screen
29.2%Wooded land
51.6 tonsBiomass / forest ac
59.7°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Greene County

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

Greene County rules

  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Floodplain development within Special Flood Hazard Areas in the jurisdiction of Greene County, Arkansas.

    • The ordinance applies to all Special Flood Hazard Areas within the jurisdiction of Greene County; the source does not further distinguish incorporated municipalities from unincorporated areas.
    • The ordinance restricts or prohibits structures or uses that adversely impact health, safety, or property during flooding events.
    • The ordinance requires flood-damage protection for vulnerable structures or uses at initial construction, after substantial improvement, or after substantial damage.
    • Covered development includes structural development, placement of manufactured structures, clearing, grading, mining, drilling, dredging, placement of fill, excavating, watercourse alteration, drainage improvements, roadway or bridge construction, individual water or sewer installations, and other activities that may increase flood damage.
    • The county adopted by reference the Flood Damage Prevention Code for Greene County Arkansas dated May 16, 2013, including Articles 1, 2, and 3; the referenced code is available for inspection and copying at the County Clerk's office.
    • Where this ordinance conflicts or overlaps with another ordinance, easement, covenant, or deed restriction, the more stringent restriction applies.
    • The codified ordinance identifies the Greene County Flood Insurance Study and effective Flood Insurance Rate Map as dated September 15, 2022.
    • The codified ordinance lists Ordinance 2022-012 as passed July 18, 2022 and states that the emergency ordinance is effective immediately after passage and approval.
    • The opened county codification establishes floodplain-development controls and incorporates a detailed code by reference, but does not itself state in the quoted provisions that a separate floodplain development permit is required; the exact permit clause in the referenced May 16, 2013 code was not located in the county publication.
    “The Ordinance shall apply to all Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) within the jurisdiction of Greene County.”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    The county maintains no planning/zoning department and has not adopted a general residential zoning ordinance for unincorporated areas; land-use regulation is handled by municipalities such as Paragould.

    Greene County AR – Official County Website ↗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.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    Arkansas residential-contractor licensing for an owner constructing the owner's residence or acting as the owner's own home-improvement contractor on the owner's property, including in Greene County.

    • This is an exemption from Arkansas residential-contractor licensing requirements, not a finding that local building permits or inspections are waived.
    • The personal-residence exemption does not apply if the person builds more than one residence during any calendar year.
    • The single-family-residence exemption applies when the owner acts as the owner's own home-improvement contractor on the owner's own property.

    maximum residences constructed under personal-residence exemption: <= 1 residence per calendar year (The exemption does not apply if more than one residence is built during a calendar year.)

    “(2) The owner of a single family residence acting as his or her own home improvement contractor on his or her own property;”
    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;”
  • 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.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Statewide Arkansas Fire Prevention Code and building-code framework applicable in Greene County, Arkansas.
      “The Arkansas Fire Prevention Code is used by State, County, and Municipal fire and building code officials across Arkansas to ensure the safety of individuals using and occupying all types of buildings and structures. Adopting a statewide fire and building code provides for consistency and uniformity.”
    • 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.”
    • 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.”
  • 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.”
  • 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.”
    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.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Subdivision lots in Greene County proposed to use onsite wastewater systems, under Arkansas Department of Health rules.

    • The lot must accommodate primary and secondary absorption areas and comply with applicable setback requirements.
    • For drip dispersal design used to determine minimum lot size, lots must be 0.5 acres or larger.
    • Other minimum-lot-size determinations depend on soil conditions and the approved wastewater design.

    minimum lot size for drip dispersal design: >= 0.5 acres (Applies when drip dispersal design is used in determining minimum lot size for subdivisions.)

    “Lots using drip dispersal design for minimum lot size shall be five-tenths (0.5) of an acre or larger.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Onsite wastewater subdivision layouts and wells in Greene County.

    • The rule concerns well and onsite wastewater-system setbacks, not general building setbacks.
    • For individual water wells, the well must be at least 50 feet from any lot line and at least 100 feet from onsite wastewater systems on the same or adjacent lots.
    • Primary and secondary absorption areas must comply with Section 6.2 setback requirements.

    well to lot line setback: >= 50 feet (Applies when an individual water well supply and onsite wastewater system are proposed.) · well to onsite wastewater system setback: >= 100 feet (Applies to systems on the same lot and adjacent lots.)

    “Fifty feet (50’) from any lot line; and [...] One hundred feet (100’) from any part of the onsite wastewater system proposed on the same lot and onsite wastewater systems proposed on any adjacent lots.”
  • 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.”
  • 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”
    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;”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Manufactured-home residential occupancy or placement in Arkansas parks with three or more paid spaces, including qualifying parks in Greene County

    • 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.
    • Such property is considered a mobile-home or recreational-vehicle park and must comply with the Arkansas Department of Health rules.
    • The owner or operator is responsible for compliance.
    • Waivers or exceptions are considered case by case at the Department of Health's discretion.
    • Construction, alteration, repair, or extension of the park may not begin until plans are submitted and Department approval is received.
    • Detailed plans must include the park layout, sewage system, water source and distribution system, buildings, parking areas, dump stations, and topographical features.
    • The rule history states Ark. R. 2026-95, effective August 15, 2026.

    minimum regulated spaces: >= 3 spaces (spaces occupied or intended for occupancy by RVs, tiny houses on wheels, or mobile homes) · service condition: placement or maintenance services, or both, provided for a fee (applies to new or existing property) · effective date: 2026-08-15 (Ark. R. 2026-95)

    “Any parcel of land in which three (3) or more spaces are occupied or intended for occupancy”
  • Who permits septicState

    Onsite wastewater systems in Greene County, including construction, operation, inspection, and approval.

    • The Arkansas Department of Health or its Authorized Agent administers the permitting and approval process.
    • For a city or county with an Authorized Agent, applications are made to that Authorized Agent; otherwise applications are made to the Department.
    “A completed Onsite Wastewater System Permit Application and detailed plans and specifications following the requirements found in Appendix F for the collection, treatment and/or renovation facilities for all wastes of a domestic nature, containing a predominance of human excreta and exclusive of industrial wastes shall be submitted to and receive the approval of the Arkansas Department of Health or its Authorized Agent, prior to construction of a building or residence.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Onsite wastewater systems serving domestic buildings or residences in Greene County, including construction, installation, alteration, repair, extension, and operation.

    • A completed permit application and detailed plans and specifications must be approved by the Arkansas Department of Health or its authorized agent before construction of a building or residence.
    • Construction, alteration, repair, or extension requires a valid Permit for Construction before work begins.
    • Operation requires inspection and approval plus a Permit for Operation before the system is used.
    • All premises must connect to an available sanitary sewer within 300 feet when connection can be made without crossing another person's property; onsite wastewater systems may not be used in that circumstance.
    • Lots, tracts, or parcels must have suitable primary and secondary absorption areas sized according to natural soil data; subsurface renovation cannot be approved where soils are unsuitable.
    • For cities or counties with authorized agents, the authorized agent acts for the Department; otherwise applications are made to the Department.
    • Installers must give the authorized agent at least 24 hours' notice before beginning work. Emergency repairs may begin without prior notice if a permit is obtained within 10 working days.
    • Permit review fees apply and are payable to the Department before issuance of Part 1; construction must begin within one year of issuance or the permit must be revalidated.
    • Individual permit-review fees are $30 for structures up to 1,500 square feet, $45 for more than 1,500 and up to 2,000 square feet, $90 for more than 2,000 and up to 3,000 square feet, $120 for more than 3,000 and up to 4,000 square feet, and $150 for more than 4,000 square feet; alteration, repair, or extension review is $30.
    • A permit may be refused where a public sewer is reasonably available or economically feasible, where issuance conflicts with applicable laws or rules, or where issuance conflicts with the public policy declared in Act 402, subject to the emergency-repair exception.

    sanitary sewer connection distance: <= 300 feet (Connection is required only when sewer is available and can be made without crossing another person's property.) · installer advance notice: >= 24 hours (Emergency repairs may proceed without prior notice if a permit is obtained within 10 working days.) · permit construction start deadline: 1 year (Permit must be revalidated if construction has not begun.)

    “Permits for construction and operation of onsite wastewater systems shall be obtained in accordance with this part prior to the construction, installation, or modification of the onsite wastewater system.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — An individual sewage disposal system or alternate or experimental system on qualifying property in Greene County.
      “The requirements of this chapter shall not apply to any individual sewage disposal system or alternate and experimental system which is situated on a tract of land ten (10) acres or larger, in which the field line or sewage disposal line is no closer than two hundred feet (200') to the property line.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Operation of onsite wastewater systems in Greene County.

    • The system must be inspected and approved before operation.
    • The owner or occupant must provide reasonable-time access for the installation inspection.
    • The installer must submit required documentation to the local health unit within five days.
    • The inspection may be made by the Authorized Agent or, with approval, by the Designated Representative.

    installer documentation submission deadline: 5 days

    “It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, corporation, association, municipality or governmental agency to begin operation of any onsite wastewater system until such system has been inspected and approved by the Department or its Authorized Agent and the owner has first obtained a Permit for Operation issued by the Department or its Authorized Agent.”
  • Off-grid 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”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Privies, onsite wastewater systems, and other receptacles for human excreta on premises in Greene County.
      “No privies, onsite wastewater systems or other receptacles for human excreta shall be constructed, maintained, or used on the premises.”
  • Well permitLimited

    Water-well construction, repair, and pump installation in Greene County.

    • Water wells subject to the rules must be constructed by properly licensed persons unless exempt under Act 641 of 1969.
    • A contractor engaged in well construction or pump installation must hold or be employed by a licensed Arkansas Water Well Contractor and must hold the proper licenses, certificates, and permits for the type of construction.
    • Certain engineers and geologists may obtain exemptions from certification, bonding, and testing requirements upon application.
    • The rules include a $145 rig-permit fee per permit year.

    rig permit fee: 145 USD (Per permit year.)

    “Any person who contracts for or is engaged in well construction or pump installation shall hold or be employed by a person holding an Arkansas Water Well Contractor License. The Water Well Contractor shall hold the proper license, certificates, and permits for the type of construction engaged”
    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.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupSewer (with conditions)

    Premises in Greene County where a sanitary sewer is within 300 feet from the point where the sewer exits a building and is available without crossing another person's property.

    • Connection is required only when the sewer is available to the premises and connection can be made without crossing another person's property.
    • No privy, onsite wastewater system, or other receptacle for human excreta may be constructed, maintained, or used on premises meeting those conditions.
    • Plumbing must comply with the Arkansas State Plumbing Code.

    distance from building sewer exit: <= 300 feet (Sewer must also be available and connection must not require crossing another person's property.)

    “All premises shall be connected to a sanitary sewer when within 300 feet from the point where the sewer exits a building on the property owner’s property and available to said premises when connection can be made without crossing another person's property.”
    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.”
  • 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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — State electrical licensing and Arkansas Electrical Code Authority Act requirements for construction, installation, maintenance, repair, or renovation of a nonresidential farm building or structure, including in Greene County.
      “(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; [...] (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; and”
    • 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;”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Arkansas subdivisions, including subdivisions in Greene County, that propose standard onsite wastewater systems for all or part of their lots or tracts.

    • All subdivision plans using standard onsite wastewater systems for all or part of the lots or tracts must be submitted to the Arkansas Department of Health for review and approval.
    • Unsuitable lots or parcels must be incorporated into surrounding lots or parcels.
    • Green or community spaces must be identified clearly and will not receive lot numbers or count in subdivision approval.
    • Submission is made to the local health unit and must include soil-pit data, percolation-test data if applicable, test locations, topography, and other information required for review.
    • The plan-review fee is $100 minimum for one lot, $25 for each following lot, capped at $1,500.
    • Plans must include the listed map, legal-description, lot-layout, absorption-area, contour, well, feature, three-bedroom-design, engineering, party-address, copy-count, and FEMA flood-zone materials.
    • Construction on any lot may not begin until the Department gives final approval for onsite-wastewater utilization within the subdivision.
    • Surface-discharging systems in subdivisions for new construction require all DEQ and Department of Health requirements to be met before they are allowed.

    plan review fee for one lot: >= 100 USD (minimum) · fee for each following lot: 25 USD (after the first lot) · maximum plan review fee: <= 1500 USD · contour interval: 5 to 20 feet · required plan copies: 3 copies

    “submitted to the Arkansas Department of Health”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivisions in Greene County that propose standard onsite wastewater systems for any lots or tracts.
      “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”
    • 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 [...]”
  • 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.”
  • 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%”
  • 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”
  • Campground & park staysLimited

    Temporary camping at Arkansas state-park campsites, including state parks located in Greene County

    • Campsite occupancy is limited to eight persons excluding day-use guests and one camping unit of no more than two structures.
    • The camping unit must fit the designated campsite capacity, and two or more camping units may not occupy one campsite.
    • Tents must be pitched on tent pads, or on the ground if no pad is available; trenching is prohibited; tent pegs may not be driven into asphalt, paved surfaces, or parking areas.
    • Campers must complete office registration and pay the camping fee before being considered registered.
    • A minimum of one adult age eighteen or older must register for and occupy the campsite throughout the registration period, subject to stated supervised-group exceptions.
    • The standard limit is fourteen days in the same park within a thirty-day period.
    • A seven-day extension may be granted by the Park Superintendent from April through October when campgrounds are not at capacity.
    • Additional extensions require State Parks Division Director approval for health problems, relocation, or job reassignment.
    • Longer extensions may be granted by Park Superintendents from November through March.
    • Moving between campsites in the same park to evade the limits is prohibited, and the rule states that semi-permanent or permanent residence is not permitted in a state park.
    • Camping areas are fee areas for registered campers only; use by unregistered picnickers or others is prohibited.

    maximum campsite occupancy: 8 persons (excluding day-use guests) · standard camping period: per 14 days per 30-day period (same park) · seasonal extension: 7 days (Park Superintendent may grant from April through October when campgrounds are not at capacity)

    “Campers may not occupy campsites within the same park”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic

Inside cities and towns in Greene County

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

  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Building construction within the incorporated City of Paragould.

    • The City Inspector page lists the codes adopted for use by Paragould and identifies the page as updated 09/29/2022.
    • The listed codes include the 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code Volumes I, II, and III, plus plumbing, mechanical, fuel gas, electrical, and energy codes.
    “The following is a list of codes adopted for use by the city of Paragould. (updated 09/29/2022)”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Land-use and zoning regulation within the incorporated City of Paragould, Greene County, Arkansas.

    • Applies within the City of Paragould; it does not establish a countywide or unincorporated-county rule.
    • Specific uses, districts, permits, variances, and other conditions are governed by the Paragould Zoning Code and related ordinances.
    “It administers and enforces ordinances relating to land use and development. It addresses issues such as zoning, subdivisions, manufactured homes, and signs.”

Still unanswered

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

  • Zoning districts — Published zoning districts or zoning maps for Greene County, especially unincorporated areas.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in unincorporated Greene County.
  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage in unincorporated Greene County.
  • Building height — Building height in unincorporated Greene County.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land in unincorporated Greene County, Arkansas
2 more unanswered
  • 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 Greene County, Arkansas

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

Greene County scores 72/100 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 Greene County, Arkansas?

Greene 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 (Greene 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 Greene County?

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

Land in Greene County runs about $4,818 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Greene County?

Greene County gets about 50.4" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 6.9% of years.

How remote is Greene County?

A representative private-land location has about 41,701 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,760,603 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.

Off-grid gear

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

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How Greene compares in Arkansas

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