Bolthole Index

Izard County, Arkansas

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

76Index Score / 100
#27 of 75 in Arkansas

Izard County, Arkansas has no confirmed countywide building-permit requirement, so ask the County Judge's Office about your parcel before starting work.1 Arkansas building-code minimums still apply in rural and unincorporated areas even where permits or inspections are not required.2 Septic construction and operation require state approval.3

At a glance

Building permit
No Izard County requirement was confirmed; ask the County Judge's Office before building1
Building code
Arkansas building-code minimums apply statewide, including rural and unincorporated areas2
Zoning
Countywide zoning could not be confirmed; municipal rules may differ4
Septic permit
Required through the Arkansas Department of Health or its Authorized Agent53
RV or tiny home
Rules for one private parcel could not be confirmed; paid multi-space parks are state-regulated67
Owner-builder
A state contractor-license exemption is available for an owner building the owner's residence, subject to its limits8
State-highway driveway
An Arkansas Department of Transportation permit is required9

Who to call

Also useful

Izard County Government

General county-government contact and the starting point for identifying any current building, zoning or land-use authority for an unincorporated parcel

870-368-4328

Main and Lunen Street Melbourne, AR 72556

Septic permits

Arkansas Department of Health Izard County Health Unit

Local Arkansas Department of Health contact for reaching the environmental-health staff or Designated Representative responsible for onsite-wastewater applications

870-368-7790

149 Haley St, Melbourne, AR 72556

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 27, 2026.

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

We could not confirm a general Izard County building-permit requirement or inspection schedule for unincorporated property.1 Call the Izard County Judge's Office before ordering materials or clearing a house site, because the office can identify any authority that applies to the parcel.10

A missing local permit does not mean construction is code-free. Arkansas building-code minimums apply statewide, including in rural and unincorporated areas where a permit or inspection may not be required.2 The statewide code governs new structures and applicable alterations, additions and changes in use, while a local government may enforce provisions of the state code.11 Ask the county and any municipality with jurisdiction which reviews apply before work begins.

Who handles Izard County building permits and land-use questions?

Izard County's official directory does not list a dedicated building or planning office, and the available material does not establish who issues a building permit for every unincorporated parcel.1 The practical first call is the official Izard County government number shown above.10 Ask specifically whether the site is inside a municipality, a floodplain or another special jurisdiction, and request the office responsible for a written parcel determination.

No general Izard County driveway-access rule was confirmed, so ask the county which office reviews access from a county-maintained road.10 A new or changed driveway on an Arkansas state highway requires a state transportation permit before work begins on the highway right-of-way.9 These are separate questions: confirmation about a building permit does not resolve road access, septic approval or floodplain review.

Does Izard County have zoning?

We could not confirm a current countywide zoning ordinance for unincorporated Izard County.4 Do not translate that gap into a promise that a parcel is unrestricted. Ask the County Judge's Office whether the tract is governed by a county ordinance, and ask the relevant city before buying land inside municipal limits.10

The same unanswered status applies to general minimum lot size, dwelling size, building setbacks, height and lot coverage in Izard County.4 Restrictions may also come from a deed or private covenant, which is separate from county zoning. If the seller advertises unrestricted land, request the recorded instruments and a written answer from the public office with jurisdiction. For a proposed subdivision, Arkansas requires qualifying subdivision plats to be filed with the State Surveyor after applicable city or county recording requirements.12

How do septic permits work in Izard County?

The Arkansas Department of Health or its Authorized Agent approves onsite-wastewater applications in Izard County.5 Start with the Izard County Health Unit and ask for the environmental-health contact or Designated Representative serving the property.13 A construction permit comes before installation, an inspection follows installation, and the system cannot be used until the operating permit is issued.14

A sanitary-sewer connection is required when an available sewer is within 300 feet of the point where the sewer exits the building and connection does not cross another person's property.15 Only about 28.4% of Izard County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, so make soil suitability and system layout an early feasibility item.16 State-authorized composting or incinerating toilets may be components of an approved onsite-wastewater system, but other wastewater still requires compliant treatment or disposal.17

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

We could not confirm an Izard County rule that generally allows or prohibits long-term RV living, private-land camping or occupancy of a single tiny home.4 Ask the County Judge's Office and any municipality with jurisdiction before treating either use as legal.10 Septic approval remains a separate requirement when an onsite-wastewater system will serve the site.3

Arkansas does regulate a different situation: land with 3 or more paid spaces intended for RVs, tiny houses on wheels or mobile homes is treated as a regulated park.6 Within that park framework, a tiny house on wheels is treated as a mobile home when plumbed and inspected under the Arkansas Plumbing Code and as an RV when it is not.18 That park rule does not answer whether one RV or tiny home may be occupied on one private Izard County parcel.

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

  1. Confirm whether the parcel is unincorporated and ask Izard County which building, zoning and floodplain authorities apply.10
  2. Ask the county who reviews access from a county road, or obtain the required state permit for a driveway on a state highway.109
  3. Contact the Izard County Health Unit for the local onsite-wastewater contact and complete septic design and construction approval before installation.133
  4. Design the house to Arkansas statewide building-code minimums even if no local permit or inspection is required.2
  5. If acting as your own contractor, confirm the state licensing exemption: it covers an owner building the owner's residence but does not erase code or permit duties.8
  6. Arrange septic inspection and wait for the operating permit before using the system.19

What should you check before buying land in Izard County?

Make a contract contingent on written answers about jurisdiction, legal access, septic feasibility, water and floodplain status. Countywide zoning, a private-well permit rule and a general county driveway rule could not be confirmed, so direct those questions to Izard County and the health unit before closing.41013

Terrain and soils deserve a site visit: about 74.1% of the county is at a slope of 15% or less, while only about 28.4% of soils avoid severe conventional-drain-field limitations.2016 Izard County's effective property-tax rate is about 0.6%, and the median annual property-tax bill is about $714.2122 The nearest city of 100,000 or more is about 97 miles from the county center, which makes contractor availability and material delivery worth pricing early.23

Watch-outs

  • A seller's claim that land is unrestricted does not establish Izard County zoning, setback, RV or tiny-home rules; ask the County Judge's Office for the authority governing the parcel.410
  • Septic construction needs approval before installation, and the system cannot be used until its operating permit is issued.319
  • A state-highway driveway requires an Arkansas Department of Transportation permit; ask Izard County who handles access from a county-maintained road.910

Sources

  1. Home Improvement Contractor License Application (2026 county census)
  2. Arkansas Residential and Home Improvement Contractor Information, quoted and re-checked
  3. Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024), quoted and re-checked
  4. (2026 county census)
  5. Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024), quoted and re-checked
  6. 20 CAR § 138-102. Compliance (Arkansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  7. 20 CAR § 138-102. Compliance (Arkansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  8. Arkansas Residential Contractors Committee Rules and Statutes (Arkansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  9. Regulations: Rules for Access Driveways to State Highways (Arkansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  10. Izard County Government (portal.arkansas.gov)
  11. 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code (Arkansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. 15 CAR § 281-301. Publication of results (Arkansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. Arkansas Department of Health Izard County Health Unit (healthy.arkansas.gov)
  14. 14 CAR § 21-303. Permit Procedure, quoted and re-checked
  15. Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024), quoted and re-checked
  16. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  17. Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) (Arkansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. 20 CAR § 138-101. Definitions (Arkansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. 14 CAR § 21-303. Permit Procedure, quoted and re-checked
  20. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  21. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  22. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  23. Distance to the nearest metro area: Bolthole Index county data

Written September 27, 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

Izard County in Arkansas

76
County map
Izard County highlighted among the Arkansas counties · colored by Index score

How Izard County scores

Seclusion81100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency69100% ev.
Admin Boringness6677% ev.
Durability46100% ev.
Property Autonomy47100% ev.
Carry Cost87100% 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 →

$179kTypical home
0.6%Property tax
$2,778Land / acre
49.6"Annual rain
8.2% of yrsSevere drought
21.4 / yr (+16.7)Mid-century 100°F days
17.9 daysMid-century dry spell
2.36" (+7.2%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.58×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,523Home insurance / yr
0.7% / yrInsurance growth
0.85%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
8,739People within 30 min
464,436People within 2 hr
16,829Radius comparison (15 mi)
24.4People / sq mi
0%Federal land
74.1%Land at 15% slope or less
28.4%Septic soil without severe limits
104,766 acWorkable land screen
68.6%Wooded land
43.9 tonsBiomass / forest ac
58.3°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Izard County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and 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 exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Arkansas residential contractor licensing for an individual constructing the individual’s own residence or an owner of a single-family residence acting as the owner’s own home-improvement contractor on the owner’s property.

    • A person constructing the person’s own residence is exempt unless the person builds more than one residence during a calendar year.
    • An owner of a single-family residence may act as the owner’s own home-improvement contractor on the owner’s own property.
    • The exemption concerns contractor licensing and does not by itself eliminate applicable building-code, permit, inspection, zoning, or other requirements.

    maximum own residences constructed per calendar year before the stated exemption no longer applies: <= 1 residence (The statute states the exemption does not apply if the person builds more than one residence during a calendar year.)

    “construction of his or her residence unless he or she builds more than one (1) residence during any calendar year;”
  • 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) — Arkansas Building Codes in Izard County, including rural and unincorporated areas.
      “Arkansas Building Codes are mandatory statewide minimums. They apply statewide even in areas when no permit or inspections are required.”
    • 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.”
  • 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;”
  • Who permits septicState

    Onsite wastewater systems in Izard County.

    • Applications may be handled by an Authorized Agent where one has been designated; otherwise applications go to the Arkansas Department of Health.
    “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

    Construction, alteration, repair, extension, and operation of onsite wastewater systems in Izard County.

    • A permit is required before construction and operation.
    • A permit may be refused where public sewer is reasonably available or economically feasible.
    • Emergency repairs may proceed without prior issuance if a permit is obtained within ten working days.
    • The rule contains an exemption under 14 CAR § 21-204, but that exemption was not separately reviewed.

    emergency repair permit deadline: <= 10 working days (Permit may be obtained after emergency repairs.)

    “Permits for construction and operation of onsite wastewater systems shall be obtained in accordance with the RULES PERTAINING TO ONSITE WASTEWATER SYSTEMS prior to the construction, installation or modification of the Onsite Wastewater System.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Installation inspection and approval before operation of onsite wastewater systems in Izard County.

    • The installer must notify the Authorized Agent or Designated Representative when ready for inspection.
    • The owner or occupant must provide reasonable access.
    • The installer must submit required documentation to the local health unit within five days.
    • The system cannot be used until the Permit for Operation is issued.

    documentation submission deadline: <= 5 days

    “After approval of the inspection, the authorized agent will approve and issue a permit for operation. The system shall not be used until the permit for operation is issued.”
  • 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 and onsite wastewater systems on premises in Izard County.
      “No privies, onsite wastewater systems or other receptacles for human excreta shall be constructed, maintained, or used on the premises.”
  • 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.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Premises in Izard County served by a sanitary sewer available without crossing another person's property.

    • Connection is required when the premises are within 300 feet from the point where the sewer exits the building on the owner's property and the sewer is available.
    • No privy, onsite wastewater system, or other receptacle for human excreta may be constructed, maintained, or used in that circumstance.
    • Plumbing must comply with the Arkansas State Plumbing Code.

    sewer distance threshold: <= 300 feet (Connection requirement applies only when connection can be made without 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.”
    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;”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision plats that are boundary surveys creating parcels in Arkansas.

    • The plat must be filed with the State Surveyor's office after any recording requirements imposed by city or county government.
    • Filing is not required, but may be submitted, for survey plats of subdivided property located in a municipality where the property has previously been surveyed and a plat filed.

    plat distribution deadline: 30 days after completion

    “Subdivision plats [...] are to be filed with the State Surveyor’s office [...] Filing is not required [...] for survey plats [...] located in a municipality [...]”
  • 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.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development by an Arkansas state department on property within the boundaries of the hundred-year floodplain or a Building Authority Division designated flood hazard area.

    • The rule applies to a state department proposing the development, not generally to all private or local development statewide.
    • The department must submit an application on a form approved by the Design Review Section.
    • The application must include the application number, date, department or property owner, site address or legal description, development type, brief description, base flood elevation, lowest-floor elevation, attachment acknowledgment, and applicant contact/signature information.
    • Supporting attachments should include the FEMA map, copies of other regulatory permits such as Clean Water Act sections 401 and 404 permits, elevation certificates, a certification of no increase in base flood elevation or no-rise certificate, a flood-proofing certificate, certifications for water supply, sanitary sewer, and on-site waste disposal systems, and notification of watercourse alteration or relocation.
    • The Design Review Section reviews and approves or disapproves the application; if approved, the floodplain administrator issues a development permit for the design phase.
    • The permit must be posted during construction; the site is reviewed before final acceptance; and noncompliant work requires correction or may be designated a nonconforming use site.
    • For riverine watercourse alteration or relocation, the department must notify the division, adjacent communities, and the state NFIP Coordinator at the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission before the alteration or relocation, submit copies to the Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration, maintain flood-carrying capacity, and provide an engineering study of before-and-after conditions prepared by a registered professional engineer.
    • For structures and equipment pads under the state rule, elevation requirements vary by FEMA-map and base-flood-elevation availability: two feet above adjacent grade where no FEMA map exists; two feet above the Building Authority Division base flood elevation where no nearby FEMA base flood elevation data exists; and one foot above the accepted or mapped base flood elevation in the circumstances specified by 22 CAR § 111-708.

    minimum elevation where no FEMA map exists and site is flood-prone: 2 feet above adjacent grade · minimum elevation where FEMA map exists but no base flood elevation data is provided within 500 feet: 2 feet above the Building Authority Division-established base flood elevation · minimum elevation where FEMA map exists, no site base flood elevation is provided, and a base flood elevation is available within 500 feet or from another authoritative source: 1 foot above the base flood elevation accepted by the division · minimum elevation where FEMA map provides a base flood elevation at the site: 1 foot above the elevation shown on the map in the flood insurance study, if available, or as interpolated between map elevations

    “When a department proposes to develop property within the boundaries of the hundred-year floodplain or a Building Authority Division designated flood hazard area, the department shall submit an application for a development permit on a form approved by the Design Review Section.”
  • 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%”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Arkansas Department of Health individual onsite wastewater permit review fees applicable in Izard 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);”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Onsite wastewater permit process applicable in Izard County.

    • Part I is the construction permit and must be completed by a Designated Representative and approved before construction.
    • Part II is the installation inspection.
    • Part III is the operating permit, and the system cannot be used before issuance.
    • Changes require prior approval.
    • Emergency repairs have a ten-working-day post-repair permit deadline.

    installer documentation deadline: <= 5 days · emergency repair permit deadline: <= 10 working days

    “Part I of the permit is the permit for construction.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Arkansas state department development projects located within a hundred-year floodplain or a Building Authority Division-designated flood hazard area.
      “the department shall submit an application for a development permit”
  • 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.”

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 authority in Izard County, including unincorporated areas.
  • Local zoning — Local zoning within Izard County, including municipalities and unincorporated areas.
  • Zoning districts — Published zoning districts and maps in Izard County.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in Izard County.
  • Minimum lot size — General minimum lot size for development in Izard County.
7 more unanswered
  • Setbacks
  • Lot coverage
  • Building height
  • Camping on your land
  • Manufactured homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Short-term rentals

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

Living off-grid in Izard County, Arkansas

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

Izard County scores 76/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and sparse surroundings — about 8,739 people within a 30-minute drive.

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

Izard 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. 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 Izard County?

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

Land in Izard County runs about $2,778 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Izard County?

Izard County gets about 49.6" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 8.2% of years.

How remote is Izard County?

A representative private-land location has about 8,739 people within a 30-minute drive and 464,436 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 Izard County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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How Izard compares in Arkansas

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