Bolthole Index

Greene County, Arkansas

Zoning, building permits and septic rules in Paragould, Arkansas

Paragould, Arkansas (Greene County) administers its own zoning, and its City Inspector's office reviews plans for residential building permits inside city limits.12 Septic permits inside the city are issued by the City of Paragould, with the Paragould Light and Water Commission inspecting the installation.3 None of these city rules apply on unincorporated Greene County land outside the city limits.1

At a glance

Building permit
Required inside city limits; applications go to the City Inspector's office2
Zoning
City zoning code with mapped districts, inside city limits only14
Septic
City permit plus Arkansas Department of Health approval; Light and Water Commission inspects3
Minimum home size
None in the AG and RE districts56
Accessory dwelling
Allowed where the zoning district permits it, one per principal dwelling7
Manufactured home
Allowed only where the zoning district permits, with skirting and siding conditions8
Owner-builder
State contractor-licensing exemption exists; city permit exemption not confirmed9

Who to call

Building permits

City of Paragould City Inspector's Office

Plan review and building permits for residential and commercial construction inside Paragould city limits

870-239-7513

301 W Court Street, Paragould, AR 72450

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

301 West Court Street, 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

Also useful

Greene County Judge's Office

County administration and the first county contact for land outside Paragould city limits

870-239-6300

320 West Court St Paragould, AR 72450

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

Off-grid gear

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

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Do you need a building permit in Paragould, Arkansas?

Yes, for construction inside Paragould city limits. The City Inspector's office handles applications, and building permits cover new construction, additions, remodels, electrical, plumbing and HVAC work.2 Every application must come with a plan showing the actual dimensions of the lot, and structural work must begin within six months of permit issuance, subject to a hardship extension.2

The city has adopted the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code for residential construction, including one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses of not more than three stories.10 The city's fee schedule is set by the Mayor and City Council and kept in the Planning Director's office, and no action is taken on an application until the fees are paid in full.11

We could not confirm whether Paragould offers any owner-builder exemption from its own permit and inspection rules. Arkansas does exempt an owner from residential-contractor licensing when building their own home, but that exemption does not remove separate city, health or septic permits.9 Ask the City Inspector's office before you start.

Who issues building permits in Paragould, and how do you reach them?

The City Inspector's office issues residential building permits inside Paragould and reviews plans against the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code.12 The office is at 301 W Court Street and can be reached at 870-239-751312.

Zoning is a separate step handled by the Planning and Development Office at the same Court Street address, which administers land-use ordinances for zoning, subdivisions and manufactured homes.13 Zoning approval and building permits are different approvals, so a lot that passes one still needs the other.

Septic permits do not come from either office alone: the City of Paragould issues the local private-wastewater permit, and the Arkansas Department of Health reviews the state permit application.314 Plan to contact all three.

Does Paragould have zoning, and what does it mean for lot size and setbacks?

Yes. The city has been divided into zone districts and administers its own zoning ordinance, which applies only inside the corporate boundaries.1 The published code lists agricultural (AG), residential estate (RE), R-12, R-10 and R-8 residential districts, multi-family, commercial, downtown, industrial and other districts, and the official zoning map at Paragould City Hall is the final authority on boundaries.4 Check the map for the specific parcel before you buy.

Dimensional rules differ by district. In the AG district the minimum lot is 30,000 square feet, with 70 feet of frontage, and setbacks are 40 feet front, 10 feet side and 15 feet rear.1516 In the RE district the minimum lot is 12,000 square feet, with 40 feet of frontage, and setbacks are 25 feet front, 10 feet side, 30 feet on a street side and 20 feet rear.1718 Neither the AG nor the RE district sets a minimum dwelling size.56

Manufactured homes are allowed only where a district permits them, and the space under the floor must be covered or screened with matching or city-approved material.8

How do septic permits work in Paragould, Arkansas?

Inside Paragould, anyone building a private wastewater system must first get a permit from the City of Paragould, and the application must include construction permits approved by the Arkansas Department of Health or the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality.3 The Paragould Light and Water Commission inspects the installation, and the permit takes effect only after satisfactory completion.19 Statewide, an onsite wastewater system also needs an Arkansas Department of Health permit before construction and an approval before it operates.2021

Public sewer comes first when it is close. A property abutting a street or right-of-way with an accessible city sanitary sewer must connect within 90 days after official notice when the sewer is within 300 feet of the property line, and a private system is allowed only where no public sewer is available.2223

Soils matter in Greene County: only about 1.7% of county soils rate as not very limited for a conventional drain field, so expect a site evaluation and possibly an engineered system if you are off the sewer.24

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

We could not confirm a general rule for temporary camping on private land inside Paragould city limits, and we found no official city definition of tiny-home occupancy. Ask the Planning and Development Office at 870-239-7513 before parking a camper or placing a tiny home on a lot.13

Arkansas's published RV and tiny-house rules apply to licensed mobile-home and RV parks with three or more paid spaces, not to a single private lot, so they do not answer the question for an individual parcel.25

What the city code does address is the accessory dwelling unit, allowed where the district permits it on a lot with a detached single-family house. An ADU can be attached, detached or internal, may not exceed 75 percent of the main dwelling's floor area or 1,000 square feet, whichever is less, houses no more than two people, and is limited to one per principal dwelling.7

Building a home in Paragould: the steps, in order

  1. Look up the parcel on the official zoning map at City Hall and confirm the district and its lot-size and setback rules.4
  2. Check whether a public sewer is within 300 feet of the property line; if so, plan to connect.22
  3. If no sewer is available, apply for the City of Paragould private-wastewater permit with Arkansas Department of Health approval.3
  4. Submit your building permit application with a lot plan to the City Inspector's office.2
  5. Pay the fees from the city's schedule; nothing moves until they are paid.11
  6. Notify the Light and Water Commission when septic work is ready for final inspection and before any underground portion is covered; inspection is due within 48 hours of notice.19
  7. Start structural work within six months of the permit date.2

What stays with Greene County, and what to check before you buy in Paragould

City zoning and city building permits stop at the city limits; on unincorporated land outside Paragould, Greene County appears to have no general zoning ordinance, so confirm which side of the line a parcel sits on.26 Greene County's floodplain ordinance covers Special Flood Hazard Areas within the county's jurisdiction.27 We could not confirm the exact floodplain permit rule inside Paragould, so ask the City Inspector's office if a lot is near a mapped flood zone.

A driveway onto a state highway needs a state permit.28 We could not confirm a private-well permit rule inside the city. Greene County's effective property tax rate is 0.5%.29

Watch-outs

  • Zoning and building permits are separate approvals in Paragould, and neither replaces the city septic permit or the Arkansas Department of Health approval.3
  • The RE district table lists both a lot coverage of 0.5 and a maximum lot coverage of 0.4, so confirm the applicable figure with the Planning Director.30
  • We could not confirm owner-builder, tiny-home, temporary-camping, well-permit or short-term-rental rules inside Paragould; call the Planning and Development Office at 870-239-7513.13

Sources

  1. Planning and Development (Paragould), quoted and re-checked
  2. Permits (Paragould), quoted and re-checked
  3. Sec. 42-193. Private sewage disposal (Paragould), quoted and re-checked
  4. City of Paragould Zoning Code (Paragould), quoted and re-checked
  5. City of Paragould Zoning Code, AG district (Paragould), quoted and re-checked
  6. City of Paragould Zoning Code, RE district (Paragould), quoted and re-checked
  7. City of Paragould Zoning Code, accessory dwellings (Paragould), quoted and re-checked
  8. City of Paragould Zoning Code, manufactured homes (Paragould), quoted and re-checked
  9. Arkansas Residential Contractors Law and Rules, quoted and re-checked
  10. Sec. 10-49. Residential code adopted (Paragould), quoted and re-checked
  11. City of Paragould Zoning Code, fees (Paragould), quoted and re-checked
  12. City of Paragould City Inspector's Office (paragouldcityar.gov)
  13. City of Paragould Planning and Development Office (city limits only) (paragouldcityar.gov)
  14. Arkansas Department of Health, Onsite Wastewater Program (Environmental Health) (healthy.arkansas.gov)
  15. City of Paragould Zoning Code, AG district (Paragould), quoted and re-checked
  16. City of Paragould Zoning Code, AG district (Paragould), quoted and re-checked
  17. City of Paragould Zoning Code, RE district (Paragould), quoted and re-checked
  18. City of Paragould Zoning Code, RE district (Paragould), quoted and re-checked
  19. Sec. 42-193. Private sewage disposal (Paragould), quoted and re-checked
  20. codeofarrules.arkansas.gov, quoted and re-checked
  21. Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024), quoted and re-checked
  22. Sec. 42-192. Use of public sewers (Paragould), quoted and re-checked
  23. Sec. 42-192. Use of public sewers (Paragould), quoted and re-checked
  24. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  25. 20 CAR § 138-102. Compliance (Arkansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  26. Greene County AR – Official County Website (2026 county census)
  27. Greene County Code of Ordinances, quoted and re-checked
  28. Regulations: Rules for Access Driveways to State Highways (Arkansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  29. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  30. City of Paragould Zoning Code, RE district (Paragould), quoted and re-checked

Written October 10, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

Answers from the rulebook for Paragould

Paragould’s own rules

  • Building code adoptedAdopted

    Residential construction inside Paragould city limits, including one- and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories.

    • The city code adopts Arkansas Fire Prevention Code 2021 Volume III for the specified residential buildings.
    • The City Inspector page also lists 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code Volumes I, II, and III, 2018 Arkansas Plumbing Code, 2021 International Mechanical Code, 2018 Arkansas Fuel Gas Code, 2020 National Electric Code, and 2014 Arkansas Energy Code.
    “the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, 2021 edition, Volume III, is hereby adopted as the code of the city”
  • Local zoningPresent

    Land inside Paragould city limits; the city administers its own land-use and zoning ordinances.

    • Zoning jurisdiction is limited to the corporate boundaries.
    “the city has been divided into zone districts”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Paragould city zoning districts inside the corporate boundaries.

    • The official zoning map is part of the zoning ordinance.
    • The published 2026 code lists AG, RE, R-12, R-10, R-8, MR-1, MR-2, HC, CC, NC, OP, DTC, TND, PUD, FLO, M-1, and M-2 districts.
    “the Official Zoning Map shall be located in the Paragould City Hall and shall be the final authority on boundaries and districts.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Manufactured homes inside Paragould city limits where permitted by the applicable zoning district.

    • The space between the floor and adjacent grade must be covered or screened with matching or City-approved material.
    • Exterior siding must be approved.
    • The city code separately requires compliance with applicable state manufactured-home requirements.
    “Where permitted, manufactured homes shall be subject to the following conditions”
  • Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)

    Accessory dwelling units where permitted on lots with detached single-family dwellings inside Paragould city limits.

    • An ADU may be attached, detached, or internal.
    • A detached or attached ADU may not exceed 75 percent of the principal dwelling's gross floor area or 1,000 square feet, whichever is less.
    • It must contain kitchen and bathroom facilities.
    • No more than two persons may reside in it.
    • Only one ADU is allowed per principal dwelling.
    • It must meet applicable setbacks, use, design, landscaping, building, and fire-code standards.
    • An alley-accessed ADU may be 15 feet from the rear property line.
    • It may not be separately metered unless required by the electric utility provider.

    maximum ADU size: 75% of principal dwelling gross floor area or 1,000 square feet, whichever is less · maximum ADU occupants: <= 2 persons · maximum ADUs per principal dwelling: <= 1

    “The accessory dwelling may be accessory only to a detached single-family dwelling and not more than one such dwelling shall be allowed per principal dwelling.”
  • Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)

    Private wastewater systems inside Paragould city limits.

    • The City of Paragould issues the local private-wastewater permit and the Paragould Light and Water Commission inspects the installation.
    • Applications must include construction permits approved by the Arkansas Department of Health and/or Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality.
    • The health officer may impose additional requirements.
    “all persons shall first obtain a permit for such construction from the City of Paragould”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Private wastewater disposal systems inside Paragould city limits.

    • The Paragould Light and Water Commission may inspect at any stage.
    • The applicant must notify the Commission when the work is ready for final inspection and before underground portions are covered.
    • Inspection must be made within 48 hours after notice.
    • The permit becomes effective only after satisfactory completion.

    inspection timing after notice: <= 48 hours (Final inspection)

    “The inspection shall be made within 48 hours of the receipt of notice by the commission.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Private sewage disposal systems inside Paragould city limits where public sanitary sewer is unavailable.

    • Private systems require a City permit and Commission inspection.
    • Private sewage disposal cannot be used where an accessible public sewer is available without connection.
    • No septic tank or cesspool may discharge to a natural outlet.
    • Additional health-officer requirements may apply.
    “Where a public sanitary sewer is not available under the provisions of section 42-192 above, the building sewer shall be connected to a private sewage disposal system”
  • Mandatory utility hookupSewer (with conditions)

    Properties inside Paragould city limits abutting a street, alley, or right-of-way containing an accessible City public sanitary sewer.

    • Connection is required within 90 days after official notice.
    • The accessible public sewer must be within 300 feet of the property line.
    • A valid NPDES permit is an exception.
    • If no public sewer is available, a permitted private sewage disposal system may be used.
    • Water-connection requirements were not established by the sources reviewed.

    public sewer distance from property line: <= 300 feet (Accessible public sanitary sewer) · connection deadline after official notice: <= 90 days (Where the sewer is accessible and within 300 feet)

    “within 90 days after date of official notice to do so, provided that said accessible public sewer is within 300 feet of the property line.”
  • Permit feesVariable (with conditions)

    Building, zoning, planning, conditional-use, variance, site-plan, and related applications inside Paragould city limits.

    • The Mayor and City Council establish the fee schedule.
    • The schedule is maintained in the Director's office and may be amended.
    • No action is taken on an application or appeal until applicable fees are paid in full.
    “The Mayor and the City Council shall establish a schedule of fees, charges, and expenses”
  • Permit processPartial

    Residential and commercial construction permitting inside Paragould city limits.

    • Applications are handled by the City Inspector's office.
    • Building permits cover new construction, additions, remodels, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC projects.
    • Zoning-code applications require lot dimensions, building size and location, floor plan, use, and other enforcement information.
    • Structural work must begin within six months of permit issuance, subject to a hardship extension.
    “All applications for building permits shall be accompanied by a plan showing the actual dimensions of the lot to be built upon”

Rules another office applies inside Paragould

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

  • Minimum dwelling sizeNone

    Single-family dwellings in the Paragould AG Agricultural district.

    • The AG district table states the minimum dwelling size as n/a.
    “Minimum Dwelling Size n/a 3. Site Specific Design Standards”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Lots in the Paragould AG Agricultural district.

    • The AG district table also specifies 70 feet minimum frontage and 80 feet lot width at the building line.

    minimum lot size: >= 30000 square feet

    “Minimum Lot Size 30,000 (sf) Minimum Lot Frontage 70’ Lot width at the building line 80’”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Lots in the Paragould RE Residential Estate district.
      “Minimum Lot Size 12,000 (sf) Minimum Lot Frontage 40’ Lot width at the building line 80’”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Single-family development in the Paragould RE Residential Estate district.

    • The RE district table specifies the minimum front, side, street-side, and rear yards.

    front setback: >= 25 feet · side setback: >= 10 feet · street-side setback: >= 30 feet · rear setback: >= 20 feet

    “Front Yard (min/max) 25’/none Side Yard 10’ Side yard at street 30' Rear Yard 20’”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Lot coverageSpecified

    Development in the Paragould RE Residential Estate district.

    • The district table displays both 'Lot Coverage 0.5' and 'Maximum Lot Coverage 0.4'; the applicable interpretation should be confirmed with the Planning Director.

    listed lot coverage: 0.5 ratio (The same table also states maximum lot coverage 0.4)

    “Lot Coverage 0.5 Maximum Lot Coverage 0.4”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Structures in the Paragould RE Residential Estate district.

    • The RE district table refers to exceptions to height limitations.

    maximum structure height: <= 36 feet (See exceptions to height limitations)

    “Maximum Structure Height 2 36’ Minimum Dwelling Size n/a 3. Site Specific Design Standards”

Still unanswered

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

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builders seeking exemption from Paragould building-permit, inspection, or code requirements.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land inside Paragould city limits.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy inside Paragould city limits.
  • Well permit — Private water wells inside Paragould city limits.
  • Agricultural exemption — Agricultural construction or agricultural exemptions from Paragould permits inside city limits.
2 more unanswered
  • Building in a floodplain
  • 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.

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

← All of Greene County: county rules, score and offices