Johnson County, AR Building Permits, Zoning & Septic Rules

Unincorporated Johnson County, Arkansas does not appear to require a county building permit: the county lists no building or inspection department online¹. No official source confirms a countywide zoning ordinance for unincorporated land either². Septic (onsite wastewater) permits go through the Arkansas Department of Health, applied for at the Johnson County Local Health Unit in Clarksville³⁴. About 48% of the county is federal forest land, and with thin county rulemaking published online, this guide leans on verified state rules and tells you where to call to confirm the rest⁵⁶.

At a glance

Building permit: Not required in unincorporated Johnson County; no county building or inspection department found¹
Zoning: No confirmed countywide zoning ordinance for unincorporated land²
Septic permit: Issued by the state (Arkansas Department of Health) through the Johnson County Local Health Unit in Clarksville³
Well permit: State approval required for public/semi-public wells; no separate rule found for an ordinary private domestic well⁷
Owner-builder exemption: Yes: build your own single residence without a contractor license, one per calendar year⁸⁹
RV / mobile home / tiny home parks: State rule regulates parks of 3 or more spaces; a single unit on your own lot is not addressed¹⁰
Driveway on a state highway: Requires an Arkansas DOT permit; no confirmed county driveway rule was found¹¹
Federal land: About 48% of the county is federal land (Ozark-St. Francis National Forest)⁵

Who to call

Also useful

Johnson County Government (Clarksville)

General Johnson County government contact; the starting point for a rural building, road or land-use question not covered by the state, since no separate county building, planning or road department could be found online

479-754-2175

215 West Main Street, Clarksville, AR 72830

Septic permits

Johnson County Local Health Unit (Arkansas Department of Health), Clarksville

Onsite wastewater (septic) permit applications for Johnson County, through the Onsite Environmental Specialist

(479) 754-2949

#6 Professional Park Drive, Clarksville, AR 72830

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 24, 2026.

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

Unincorporated Johnson County does not appear to require a county building permit: the county lists no building or inspection department online¹. The Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, including its residential volume, is a statewide compliance standard for new construction that applies even in places with no local permit program, though it does not by itself create a county building-permit requirement¹². Arkansas counties are legally allowed to adopt their own building-permit programs, but no official Johnson County ordinance or building-permit page could be found confirming that Johnson County has done so¹. Because this finding rests on a general county listing rather than a county ordinance or a working county building-permit page, call the county government office before you assume no inspection will ever be required⁶.

Who handles building, zoning and permitting in Johnson County?

Johnson County itself has no dedicated building, zoning or planning department in the sources available for this guide¹². The county's general government office is at the Johnson County Courthouse in Clarksville, and it's the place to start for a rural building, road or land-use question that isn't covered by the state⁶. Septic permitting is handled by the state instead: the Arkansas Department of Health's Johnson County Local Health Unit in Clarksville approves onsite wastewater systems for the county, directly or through a locally assigned Designated Representative⁴¹³. If your property is inside or near Clarksville or another Johnson County city, contact that city directly, since municipal building and zoning rules can apply even though the county itself has none on file¹.

Does Johnson County have zoning?

No official Johnson County government source confirming a current countywide zoning ordinance could be found for unincorporated land². Arkansas counties are not automatically zoned, and where land-use rules exist in this county they are more likely to come from an incorporated city, such as Clarksville, applying inside its own limits². Because no county zoning ordinance, zoning-district map or setback schedule was found, treat minimum lot size, setbacks, building height and lot coverage on unincorporated Johnson County land as unconfirmed rather than unrestricted, and confirm directly with the county before you rely on any of them².

How do septic and well permits work in Johnson County?

Onsite wastewater (septic) systems in Johnson County are permitted under state, not county, authority: the Arkansas Department of Health or its authorized local agent approves the system, and where no authorized agent has been designated for a county, applications go directly to the Department³¹³. A valid construction permit is required before construction, alteration, repair or extension of a system begins, and a separate permit for operation is required before the system can be used¹⁴. Only 15.9% of Johnson County's soils are rated free of severe limits for a conventional septic drain field, so expect many sites to need an engineered or alternative system rather than a standard field¹⁵. If a public sewer line is within 300 feet of where your building's sewer exits, Arkansas requires connecting to it instead of installing a new septic system¹⁶. A well serving a public or semi-public water system needs written Arkansas Department of Health approval before construction begins, though this does not establish a permit requirement for an ordinary private domestic well⁷. To apply for a septic permit, contact the Johnson County Local Health Unit in Clarksville⁴.

Can you live in an RV, mobile home or tiny home on your land in Johnson County?

Arkansas state rules regulate mobile-home and recreational-vehicle parks, not a single RV, mobile home or tiny house on its own lot: once three or more spaces on one parcel are occupied or intended for occupancy by RVs, tiny houses on wheels, or mobile homes for a fee, the parcel is treated as a mobile-home or recreational-vehicle park and needs Department of Health plan approval before any work begins¹⁰¹⁷. A tiny house on wheels is classified under this state rule as a mobile home if it is plumbed and inspected under the Arkansas Plumbing Code, and as a recreational vehicle if it is not¹⁸. None of this settles whether you may live in a single RV, mobile home or tiny home on your own unincorporated lot in Johnson County outside a regulated park; no official Johnson County source addressing that question was found for this guide, so it remains unconfirmed². Call the county government office before you buy land planning to live in an RV, mobile home or tiny home⁶.

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

First, call the Johnson County government office to confirm there is no local building-permit or zoning requirement for your specific project, since county rules can change and this guide's finding relies on a general listing rather than a county ordinance⁶¹. Second, design and build to Arkansas's statewide Fire Prevention Code, including its residential-code volume, since it applies even where no local permit or inspection exists¹². Third, order a septic site evaluation early, since only 15.9% of the county's soils are free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field¹⁵. Fourth, apply for your septic construction permit through the Johnson County Local Health Unit before building⁴¹⁴. Fifth, if your driveway will connect to a state highway, apply to the Arkansas Department of Transportation district office for an access driveway permit before construction¹¹. Sixth, if you are building your own home, remember Arkansas exempts you from residential-contractor licensing as long as you do not build more than one residence in a calendar year⁹. Seventh, if a sanitary sewer already runs within 300 feet of your building's sewer exit, connect to it instead of installing a new septic system¹⁶.

What to check before you buy land in Johnson County

Soils: only 15.9% of Johnson County's soils are rated free of severe limits for a conventional septic drain field, so get a site evaluation from the Johnson County Local Health Unit before you count on a standard system¹⁵⁴. Federal land: about 48.3% of the county is federal land, mostly the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest, which limits how much private rural acreage is actually available and can affect access and neighboring land use⁵. Terrain and cover: 60.4% of the county sits at 15% slope or less, and 74.6% is wooded, so expect real clearing costs on a heavily timbered lot¹⁹²⁰. Access: a driveway onto a state highway needs a permit from the Arkansas Department of Transportation before any work begins, and no comprehensive county driveway rule was found, so ask the county government office directly about a driveway onto a county road¹¹⁶. Water and sewer: if a public sewer line is within 300 feet of where your sewer would exit a building, connecting to it is required instead of installing a septic system¹⁶. Zoning and permits: because no confirmed countywide zoning ordinance or building-permit program was found, verify current rules directly with Johnson County and with any nearby city before you finalize a purchase²¹. Taxes: Johnson County's effective property tax rate runs about 0.6%, with a median annual property tax bill around $706²¹²². Market: the typical home value is about $189,171 and farmland runs roughly $3,931 an acre²³²⁴.

Watch-outs

Johnson County has no confirmed countywide zoning ordinance, building-permit program, or building department; that finding rests on a general county listing rather than a county ordinance, so call the county government office to confirm before you build¹².
State rules only regulate mobile-home and RV parks of three or more spaces; whether a single RV, mobile home or tiny home may be lived in on an individual Johnson County lot is not established by any official source found for this guide¹⁰.
About 48% of Johnson County is federal land in the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest, which can affect access to and around a private parcel; check federal boundaries before you buy⁵.

Sources

Written September 24, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

How Johnson County scores

Seclusion44100% ev.

Self-Sufficiency60100% ev.

Admin Boringness85100% ev.

Durability50100% ev.

Property Autonomy47100% ev.

Carry Cost83100% 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 →

$189kTypical home

0.6%Property tax

$3,931Land / acre

53.5"Annual rain

9.1% of yrsSevere drought

18.5 / yr (+14.4)Mid-century 100°F days

18 daysMid-century dry spell

2.55" (+5.2%)Mid-century 1-day rain

1.49×Wildfire change factor

100%Forward climate coverage

$1,678Home insurance / yr

1.6% / yrInsurance growth

0.56%Nonrenewal rate

county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis

61,969People within 30 min

2,131,782People within 2 hr

36,429Radius comparison (15 mi)

39.5People / sq mi

48.3%Federal land

60.4%Land at 15% slope or less

15.9%Septic soil without severe limits

61,960 acWorkable land screen

74.6%Wooded land

56.4 tonsBiomass / forest ac

59.2°FAvg temp

Answers from the rulebook for Johnson County

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

Johnson County rules

County-wide zoningAbsent
The county government lists no planning or zoning department; unincorporated Johnson County has no county-wide zoning.
Johnson County AR (county departments) ↗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.”
Home Improvement Contractor License Application ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)
Arkansas residential contractor licensing for an individual constructing the individual’s own residence or an owner of a single-family residence acting as the owner’s own home-improvement contractor on the owner’s property.
- A person constructing the person’s own residence is exempt unless the person builds more than one residence during a calendar year.
- An owner of a single-family residence may act as the owner’s own home-improvement contractor on the owner’s own property.
- The exemption concerns contractor licensing and does not by itself eliminate applicable building-code, permit, inspection, zoning, or other requirements.
maximum own residences constructed per calendar year before the stated exemption no longer applies: <= 1 residence (The statute states the exemption does not apply if the person builds more than one residence during a calendar year.)
“construction of his or her residence unless he or she builds more than one (1) residence during any calendar year;”
Arkansas Residential Contractors Committee Rules and Statutes ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
Building code adoptedPartial
State projects in Arkansas.
- The adopted building code for state projects is the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, 12 CAR pt. 15, as adopted by the Division of Arkansas State Police, State Fire Marshal’s office.
- Arkansas laws and the applicable subchapter take precedence over the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code where they exceed its requirements.
- All project designs must comply with all Arkansas laws and the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code.
- Other codes, rules, or standards may apply to a specific project.
- The department and design professional are responsible for determining all applicable codes for each specific project.
“The adopted building code for state projects is the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, 12 CAR pt. 15, as adopted by the Division of Arkansas State Police, State Fire Marshal’s office.”
22 CAR § 111-407. Building codes adopted ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Adopted (with conditions) — New structures and applicable alterations, additions, changes in use, and changes in structures throughout Arkansas, under the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, including Volume II for building-code requirements and Volume III for residential-code requirements.
  “Each district, county, municipality, or other political subdivision of this state shall only adopt and enforce the provisions of the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, 2021 Edition. [...] The design and construction of new structures shall comply with the International Building Code Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, Volume II, and any alterations, additions, changes in use or changes in structures required by this code, which are within the scope of the International Building Code, Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, Volume II, shall be made in accordance therewith.”
  2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
- Adopted (with conditions) — State projects in Arkansas subject to the Building Authority Division design-review rules.
  “The adopted building code for state projects is the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, 12 CAR pt. 15, as adopted by the Division of Arkansas State Police, State Fire Marshal’s office. Arkansas laws and this subchapter shall have precedence over the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code where they exceed the requirements of the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code. All project designs shall comply with all Arkansas laws and the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code. Other codes, rules, or standards may be applicable to a specific project. It is the department’s and design professional’s responsibility to determine all applicable codes for each specific project.”
  22 CAR § 111-407. Building codes adopted ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
InspectionsLimited
Construction subject to Arkansas Building Code compliance and any applicable inspection regime.
- The official statewide source expressly recognizes areas where inspections are not required.
- Where an inspection is required, the applicable inspection authority and process are not specified by this statewide source.
“areas when no permit or inspections are required.”
Home Improvement Contractor License Application ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
Certificate of occupancyLimited
Open-enrollment public charter schools commencing student operations in a new or renovated facility anywhere in Arkansas.
- Before commencing operations with students, the school must obtain one of three alternative approvals for the new construction or renovation.
- The alternatives are: a certificate of occupancy issued by a local code official and approved by the state fire marshal; a certificate of occupancy or other approval of the state fire marshal; or a certificate of substantial completion issued by a licensed architect.
- A certificate of occupancy is therefore not independently mandatory when one of the two listed alternative approvals is obtained.
“An open-enrollment public charter school shall not commence operations with students in any new or renovated facility unless the school has obtained for the new construction or renovation: (1) A certificate of occupancy issued by a local code official, approved by the state fire marshal; (2) A certificate of occupancy or other approval of the state fire marshal; or (3) A certificate of substantial completion issued by a licensed architect.”
6 CAR § 31-425. Charter school facilities ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — State of Arkansas construction projects administered by a state owner or agency.
  “Certificates of Occupancy are not issued by any one State Agency for State projects. The responsibility therefore rests with the Owner/Agency of the project.”
  DBA Project Closeout Guide ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
Living in an RVLimited
Occupancy of recreational vehicles in Arkansas recreational-vehicle parks regulated by the Arkansas Department of Health under 20 CAR Part 138.
- The rule applies when three or more spaces are occupied or intended for occupancy by recreational vehicles, tiny houses on wheels, or mobile homes and placement or maintenance services, or both, are provided for a fee, whether new or existing.
- The parcel is considered a mobile home or recreational vehicle park and must comply with 20 CAR Part 138.
- The owner or operator is responsible for compliance.
- Waivers or exceptions are considered case by case and approval is at the Department of Health's discretion.
- Construction, alteration, repair, or extension of a mobile-home or recreational-vehicle park requires prior submission and department approval.
- Detailed plans must include the park layout, sewage system, water source and distribution system, buildings, parking areas, dump stations, and topographical features.
minimum spaces triggering park regulation: >= 3 spaces (Placement or maintenance services, or both, must be provided for a fee.)
“Any parcel of land in which three (3) or more spaces are occupied or intended for occupancy by recreational vehicles, tiny houses on wheels, or mobile homes, where placement or maintenance services, or both, are provided for a fee, whether new or existing, shall be: (1) Considered a mobile home or recreational vehicle park; and (2) In compliance with this part.”
20 CAR § 138-102. Compliance ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — Three or more recreational-vehicle spaces on a parcel where placement or maintenance services, or both, are provided for a fee, including a parcel operated as a recreational-vehicle park in or affecting Johnson County.
  “Any parcel of land in which three (3) or more spaces are occupied or intended for occupancy by recreational vehicles, tiny houses on wheels, or mobile homes, where placement or maintenance services, or both, are provided for a fee, whether new or existing, shall be: (1) Considered a mobile home or recreational vehicle park; and (2) In compliance with this part.”
  20 CAR § 138-102. Compliance ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Tiny homesLimited
Occupancy of tiny houses on wheels in Arkansas parcels operating as mobile-home or recreational-vehicle parks with three or more paid spaces.
- The rule expressly includes tiny houses on wheels among spaces triggering mobile-home or recreational-vehicle-park regulation.
- Placement or maintenance services, or both, must be provided for a fee.
- The parcel is considered a mobile home or recreational vehicle park and must comply with 20 CAR Part 138.
- The owner or operator is responsible for compliance.
- Waivers or exceptions are considered case by case at the discretion of the Arkansas Department of Health.
- Construction, alteration, repair, or extension of the park requires prior submission and Department approval.
- Detailed plans and specifications must include the park layout, sewage system, water source and distribution system, buildings, parking areas, dump stations, and topographical features.
- The rule does not establish a general statewide authorization or prohibition for a single tiny house on wheels outside a qualifying park.
minimum qualifying spaces: >= 3 spaces (the spaces must be occupied or intended for occupancy by recreational vehicles, tiny houses on wheels, or mobile homes)
“three (3) or more spaces are occupied or intended for occupancy by recreational vehicles, tiny houses on wheels, or mobile homes”
20 CAR § 138-102. Compliance ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — Occupancy of tiny houses on wheels in Arkansas mobile-home or recreational-vehicle parks regulated by the Arkansas Department of Health under 20 CAR Part 138.
  ““Tiny house on wheels” means a structure intended as a habitable dwelling for one (1) or more individuals which, for the purposes of this part, shall be considered a: (A) Mobile home, if plumbed and inspected in accordance with the 2018 Arkansas Plumbing Code, 17 CAR pt. 65; or (B) Recreational vehicle, if not plumbed and inspected in accordance with the 2018 Arkansas Plumbing Code;”
  20 CAR § 138-101. Definitions ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)
At least one accessory dwelling unit on a lot or parcel containing a single-family dwelling within an Arkansas municipality, including municipalities in or adjoining Johnson County; this Act does not by its text establish a county-administered rule for unincorporated Johnson County.
- The accessory dwelling unit must be self-contained and independently accessed, located on the same parcel as a larger single-family dwelling, and include cooking, sleeping, and sanitation facilities.
- The municipality may enforce applicable regulatory requirements, including the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, locally adopted ordinances, applicable zoning ordinances and conditions, design standards, and other applicable state and local laws.
- A detached or attached accessory dwelling unit may not exceed 75% of the primary dwelling's gross floor area or 1,000 square feet, whichever is less.
- A municipality may require an application-review fee up to $250 per accessory dwelling unit, in addition to usual building fees.
- A municipality may require municipal water and sewer will-serve letters, or Department of Health approval where municipal water or sewer is unavailable.
- The Act does not prohibit municipal regulation of short-term rentals.
- Conflicting policies, regulations, or ordinances in effect on or after January 1, 2026, are invalid to the extent of the conflict.
maximum detached or attached ADU size: 75% of primary dwelling gross floor area or 1,000 sq. ft., whichever is less (internal accessory dwelling units are also allowed) · maximum application-review fee: <= 250 USD per accessory dwelling unit (usual building fees may also be required)
“Except as provided in this section, a municipality shall not adopt a policy, regulation, or ordinance that restricts, prohibits, or otherwise regulates the use of at least one (1) accessory dwelling unit by right on a lot or parcel that contains a single-family dwelling.”
Act 313 of the Regular Session, 2025 ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Who permits septicState
Onsite wastewater systems in Johnson County, including systems in unincorporated areas, are administered under Arkansas Department of Health rules by the department or its authorized agent.
- For cities or counties with authorized agents, the authorized agent acts as the department's authorized agent.
- If no authorized agent has been designated for a city or county, applications are made to the department.
“For those cities or counties with authorized agents, the authorized agent shall be the authorized agent of the department. In the event that an authorized agent has not been designated for a city or county, applications for onsite wastewater systems shall be made to the department.”
14 CAR § 21-301. Generally ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Septic permitRequired
Construction, alteration, repair, or extension of an onsite wastewater system serving a building or residence in Johnson County.
- A valid construction permit must be obtained before construction, alteration, repair, or extension.
- Permits for construction and operation must be obtained before construction, installation, or modification.
- Emergency repairs may proceed without prior notification only if a permit is obtained within ten working days.
- A completed permit application and detailed plans and specifications must be submitted and approved before construction of a building or residence.
- If no local authorized agent is designated, the application is made to the Arkansas Department of Health.
“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.”
14 CAR § 21-301. Generally ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Off-grid sanitationAllowed (with conditions)
Use of composting or incinerating toilets as components of an Arkansas onsite wastewater system.
- Only pre-manufactured composting or incinerating toilets authorized by the Department may be used.
- The devices must be evaluated by an ANSI-approved laboratory under NSF Standard 41.
- Wastewater other than urine and feces must be renovated or disposed of under Sections 8 or 9 of the rule.
- Stabilized compost must be buried onsite or deposited in an approved sanitary landfill.
- The system remains subject to applicable onsite wastewater permitting and approval requirements.
“Only pre-manufactured composting or incinerating toilets authorized by the Department”
Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — Composting or incinerating toilets and other non-sewer sanitation systems in Johnson County.
  “Only pre-manufactured composting or incinerating toilets authorized by the Department shall be utilized in the onsite wastewater system. Under NSF standard 41, composting and incinerating devices shall be evaluated by an ANSI approved laboratory.”
  Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Well permitLimited
Wells serving public and semi-public water systems in Arkansas.
- Written approval from the Arkansas Department of Health is required before construction begins.
- If the well's public or semi-public status is uncertain, the well contractor must obtain a written determination from the Department of Health before construction.
- This claim does not establish a general construction-permit requirement for private domestic wells.
“Wells for public and semi-public water systems shall be located, designed, and constructed in accordance with the respective rules of the Department of Health and shall have written approval from the department prior to the start of construction. If uncertain that a well is public or semi-public, the well contractor shall obtain a written determination from the department prior to construction.”
17 CAR § 11-607. Public and semi-public wells ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Mandatory utility hookupSewer (with conditions)
Homes and businesses in Johnson County where the sewer exit point is within 300 feet of access to a public sewer on the owner's property or an adjacent street or alley.
- Connection is required only when the point where the sewer exits the building is within 300 feet of access to the public sewer.
- The cited rule addresses public sewer connection; it does not establish a countywide water-connection requirement.
distance to public sewer access: <= 300 feet
“Connection to a public sewer system is required of all homes and businesses when the point where the sewer exits the building is located within three hundred feet (300’) of access to the public sewer located on the owner’s property or an adjacent street or alley (Arkansas Code § 14-235-304).”
20 CAR § 131-106. Treatment and disposal of human waste ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Sewer (with conditions) — Homes and premises where a sanitary sewer is within 300 feet from the point where the sewer exits the building and available without crossing another person's property.
  “All premises shall be connected to a sanitary sewer when within three hundred feet (300’) from the point where the sewer exits a building on the property owner’s property and available to said premises when connection can be made without crossing another person's property.”
  14 CAR § 21-301. Generally ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
Agricultural exemptionConditional
State and local sales-tax exemption for electricity, natural gas, and liquefied petroleum gas used by qualifying agricultural structures and qualifying aquaculture or horticulture equipment in Arkansas.
- The utility must be separately metered and used only for the exempt purpose.
- Multiple-use meters serving eligible and noneligible structures, facilities, or equipment do not qualify.
- The farmer must obtain a certificate from the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration before the exemption is allowed and provide it to the utility supplier.
- Qualifying agricultural structures include commercial poultry or livestock facilities, cattle or dairy facilities, and greenhouses used for commercial production.
- Qualifying aquaculture or horticulture equipment includes specified cooling, collection, irrigation, pond-pumping, pond-aeration, and holding or sorting-tank equipment used in commercial operations.
exemption start date: 2014-01-01 · eligible utilities: electricity, natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (Must be separately metered and used only for the exempt purpose) · DFA certificate: true (Required before the exemption is allowed) · water exemption for commercial poultry farming start date: 2021-10-01 (Water must be used exclusively for poultry farming and separately metered)
“Act 1441 of 2013 provides an exemption from state and local sales taxes for electricity, natural gas, and liquefied petroleum gas used by qualifying agricultural structures and qualifying aquaculture and horticulture equipment beginning January 1, 2014. The eligible utility must be separately metered and used only for the purpose of the exemption.”
Farm Utility Exemption Notice and Agricultural, Aquaculture and Horticulture Utility Exemption Application ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Conditional — Construction, installation, maintenance, repair, or renovation of a nonresidential farm building or structure in Arkansas, as an exemption from the Arkansas Electrical Code Authority Act requirements.
  “(b) The requirements of the Arkansas Electrical Code Authority Act, Arkansas Code § 20-31-101 et seq., shall not apply to the following: [...] (2) Any construction, installation, maintenance, repair, or renovation of any nonresidential farm building or structure;”
  17 CAR § 210-602. Construction and exemptions ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Subdivision plats that are boundary surveys creating parcels in Arkansas.
- The plat must be filed with the State Surveyor's office after any recording requirements imposed by city or county government.
- Filing is not required, but may be submitted, for survey plats of subdivided property located in a municipality where the property has previously been surveyed and a plat filed.
plat distribution deadline: 30 days after completion
“Subdivision plats [...] are to be filed with the State Surveyor’s office [...] Filing is not required [...] for survey plats [...] located in a municipality [...]”
15 CAR § 281-301. Publication of results ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
Driveway accessRequired
Construction, reconstruction, modification, or relocation of access driveways on Arkansas State Highway right-of-way, including residential, commercial, and temporary access driveways.
- No work may begin on State Highway right-of-way until the engineer issues the permit.
- Applications are made to the District Engineer and include a work description, location, applicant contact information, and required drawings or deposit/bond.
- An Access Management Agreement may require approval or a permit from the relevant jurisdiction; failure to provide it may be grounds for denial.
- Commercial driveway permits generally require a minimum $1,000 deposit or bond per driveway, with governmental-entity waiver possible.
- Temporary driveway access is limited to 120 days initially, extendable at 60-day intervals up to 240 days.
commercial driveway deposit or bond: >= 1000 USD per driveway minimum (May be waived for governmental entities.) · temporary driveway initial duration: <= 120 days maximum (May be extended at 60-day intervals up to 240 total days.) · frontage limit: 50 feet or less (Limited to one driveway.) · rural setback inside adjoining property frontage: >= 10 feet minimum (Urban minimum is 5 feet; Section 6.9 exceptions may apply.)
“A permit shall be obtained from the Department for all access driveways on State Highways.”
Regulations: Rules for Access Driveways to State Highways ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
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.”
22 CAR § 111-705. Permits ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Permit feesPublished (with conditions)
Basic design-service fees for Arkansas state department projects governed by the Building Authority Division.
- The schedule is based on total final construction cost, including adjustments by change order or negotiations.
- For projects less than $50,000 or more than $50,000,000, fees may be negotiated subject to Building Authority Division approval.
- Specified modifiers apply, including deductions for simple projects and additions for complex projects or projects requiring intensified observation.
basic fee for construction cost $50,001 to $75,000: 9.25 percent of total final construction cost · basic fee for construction cost $75,001 to $100,000: 9 percent of total final construction cost · basic fee for construction cost $100,001 to $200,000: 8.75 percent of total final construction cost · basic fee for construction cost $1,000,001 to $20,000,000: 6.5 percent of total final construction cost · basic fee for construction cost $42,500,001 to $50,000,000: 4 percent of total final construction cost · fee modifier for simple projects: 1 percentage points minimum deduction · fee modifier for complex projects: 1.5 percentage points maximum addition
“$50,001 to $75,000 | 9.25%”
22 CAR § 111-212. Design services fee schedule ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
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”
22 CAR § 111-705. Permits ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Campground & park staysLimited
Camping at Arkansas state-park campsites.
- Campsites are limited to eight persons, excluding day-use guests, and one camping unit consisting of no more than two structures.
- Registration at the park office and payment of the camping fee are required before campers are considered registered.
- At least one adult age eighteen or older must register for and occupy the campsite during the entire registration period, with exceptions for scout troops, camping groups, or multiple family groups when sufficient adult supervision is provided.
- Registration must occur at the park office on the day of arrival, and campers must occupy the site by the time the visitor information center closes.
- Campsite occupancy is limited to fourteen days within a thirty-day period in the same park.
- A seven-day extension may be granted by the Park Superintendent from April through October when campgrounds are not at capacity.
- Additional extensions require approval by the Director of the State Parks Division for health problems, relocation, or job reassignment; longer extensions may be granted by Park Superintendents from November through March.
- Campers may not move between campsites in the same park to evade the limits, because permanent or semi-permanent residence is not permitted in a state park.
- All vehicles and trailers must be parked on hard surfaces or designated sites.
- State park camping areas are fee areas for registered campers only.
- The rule addresses state-park campsites and does not establish a statewide rule for camping on private land or land outside state parks.
maximum persons per campsite: 8 persons (excluding day-use guests) · maximum camping units per campsite: 1 unit (the unit may consist of no more than two structures) · maximum occupancy: <= 14 days per 30-day period (seven-day extensions and other stated extensions may apply)
“Campers may not occupy campsites within the same park in excess of fourteen (14) days within a thirty-day period.”
22 CAR § 50-108. Camping rules, fee collection, registration, and reservations ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Limited — Campsites governed by Arkansas state camping rules, not general private-land camping in Johnson County.
  “Campsites are limited to occupancy by eight (8) persons, excluding day use guests, and one (1) camping unit, which may consist of no more than two (2) structures”
  22 CAR § 50-108. Camping rules, fee collection, registration, and reservations ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
- Limited — Tiny houses on wheels located in a parcel with three or more fee-based spaces, or proposed as part of a mobile-home or recreational-vehicle park, including such a park in Johnson County.
  ““Tiny house on wheels” means a structure intended as a habitable dwelling for one (1) or more individuals which, for the purposes of this part, shall be considered a: (A) Mobile home, if plumbed and inspected in accordance with the 2018 Arkansas Plumbing Code, 17 CAR pt. 65; or (B) Recreational vehicle, if not plumbed and inspected in accordance with the 2018 Arkansas Plumbing Code;”
  20 CAR § 138-101. Definitions ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
- Limited — Mobile/manufactured-home occupancy in a parcel with three or more fee-based spaces, including a mobile-home park in Johnson County.
  ““Mobile home” means a transportable, single-family dwelling unit suitable for year-round occupancy and containing the same water supply, waste disposal, and electrical conveniences as immobile housing;”
  20 CAR § 138-101. Definitions ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026

Still unanswered

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

Local zoning — Aggregate local zoning controls within Johnson County, including incorporated municipalities and unincorporated areas.
Zoning districts — Publication or availability of zoning districts governing property in Johnson County, including unincorporated areas.
Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in unincorporated Johnson County, Arkansas.
Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size in unincorporated Johnson County, Arkansas, apart from any separate septic-system rule.
Setbacks — Building setbacks in unincorporated Johnson County, Arkansas.

5 more unanswered

Lot coverage
Building height
Camping on your land
Manufactured homes
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 Johnson County, Arkansas

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

Johnson County scores 67/100 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 Johnson County, Arkansas?

Johnson 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 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 Johnson County?

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

Land in Johnson County runs about $3,931 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Johnson County?

Johnson County gets about 53.5" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 9.1% of years.

How remote is Johnson County?

A representative private-land location has about 61,969 people within a 30-minute drive and 2,131,782 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Johnson County, Arkansas

At a glance

Who to call

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

Who handles building, zoning and permitting in Johnson County?

Does Johnson County have zoning?

How do septic and well permits work in Johnson County?

Can you live in an RV, mobile home or tiny home on your land in Johnson County?

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

What to check before you buy land in Johnson County

Watch-outs

Sources

Johnson County in Arkansas

How Johnson County scores

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Parcel due diligence

Answers from the rulebook for Johnson County

Johnson County rules

Arkansas rules that apply here

Still unanswered

Living off-grid in Johnson County, Arkansas

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

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

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

How much does land cost in Johnson County, Arkansas?

What is the water situation in Johnson County?

How remote is Johnson County?

How Johnson compares in Arkansas