Building permits, zoning and land rules in Nevada County, Arkansas
77Index Score / 100 #25 of 75 in Arkansas
Unincorporated Nevada County, Arkansas does not require a county building permit; the county's official state directory lists only an Assessor and a Collector's office, no building department1. Nevada County has not adopted a zoning ordinance2. The Arkansas Fire Prevention Code still applies as a statewide compliance standard even in areas with no local building permit3. Septic systems go through the Arkansas Department of Health, not a county office4.
At a glance
Building permit
Not required in unincorporated Nevada County; no county building department1
Property records and parcel identification for Nevada County; the county's official state directory lists no separate building, planning, zoning or floodplain office
Statewide onsite wastewater (septic) permitting policy, working through Environmental Health Specialists in each county health department, including Nevada County
4815 W. Markham Street, Slot 46, Little Rock, AR 72205
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 Nevada County, Arkansas?
No county building permit is required for construction in unincorporated Nevada County: the county's official state-run directory lists only an Assessor and a Collector's office, with no building or permitting department1. That does not mean no code applies. The Arkansas Fire Prevention Code is the fire and building code for all jurisdictions in the state, and Arkansas Building Code requirements apply statewide "even in areas when no permit or inspections are required"3. Arkansas counties and municipalities are allowed to adopt and enforce only the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, 2021 Edition, or more stringent versions of it, if they choose to regulate construction locally11. No official Nevada County page could be found stating whether the county itself enforces any of this locally, so a definitive answer on local inspections and certificates of occupancy is unconfirmed — ask the county directly before you assume there is no oversight at all.
Who would you contact about permits, inspections or property records in Nevada County?
Nevada County's official listing on the state's county directory shows only two offices: the Assessor and the Collector, with no building, planning, zoning or floodplain department12. The Assessor's office is the place to start for parcel identification and property records tied to a piece of land12. Because no dedicated permitting office was found on any official source checked, a construction question that isn't covered by the exemptions in this guide — inspections, certificates of occupancy, or a local permit fee — should go to the county government directly rather than assuming a state agency handles it.
Does Nevada County have zoning?
Nevada County has not adopted a county zoning ordinance, and no county planning or zoning department is listed on the county's official state directory page2. County zoning is optional under Arkansas law, and Nevada County simply has not adopted it. That said, specific questions — a minimum dwelling size, lot coverage, building height, or where a zoning district map exists — were not independently confirmed on any official page, so treat "no zoning ordinance" as the county-level answer and confirm anything more specific before you rely on it. Zoning inside a municipality is a separate question: an annexed tract in the City of Prescott, for example, is classified Commercial Use District C-2 under the city's own zoning ordinance13. If your parcel is inside or near a town like Prescott, the town's own zoning — not the county's lack of zoning — is what governs.
How do septic permits work in Nevada County?
Septic systems in Nevada County are permitted through the Arkansas Department of Health, which administers a statewide onsite wastewater program and supports the Environmental Health Specialist assigned to each county health department14. Where a city or county has a designated authorized agent, that agent acts for the Department of Health; where none is designated, applications go straight to the Department5. You need an approved construction permit before building a system and a separate operation permit, issued only after inspection, before you can use it; the installer has 5 days after installation to submit required documentation to the local health unit1516. Soils are a real constraint here: only about 6.7% of Nevada County's soils carry no severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so a site evaluation early in your planning is worth the time, and budget for the possibility of an engineered or alternative system17. If a sanitary sewer line is within 300 feet of where your building's sewer line would exit and you can reach it without crossing someone else's property, state rule requires connecting to the sewer instead of installing a septic system9. If you're creating a new subdivision rather than buying an existing lot, no construction can start on any lot until the Department of Health gives final approval for the subdivision's onsite wastewater systems18.
Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Nevada County?
Nevada County has no zoning ordinance, but whether that specifically settles RV or tiny-home occupancy on your own land has not been confirmed on an official Nevada County source — it's an open question, not a confirmed "yes." What is confirmed statewide is a different rule: any Arkansas parcel with three or more spaces occupied or intended for occupancy by recreational vehicles, tiny houses on wheels, or mobile homes, where placement or maintenance services are provided for a fee, is regulated as a park and needs Arkansas Department of Health approval before construction, alteration or extension819. A single RV or tiny home on your own land, for your own use, is not that — but since no county zoning or planning office exists to confirm the individual-use answer, ask Nevada County directly before you commit to living in one long-term.
Building a home in Nevada County: the steps, in order
If you're building your own residence, confirm you qualify for Arkansas's owner-builder exemption from contractor licensing, which applies as long as you don't build more than one residence in a calendar year7.
Have your soil evaluated and apply for a septic construction permit through the Arkansas Department of Health's local Environmental Health Specialist before building begins14.
If a sanitary sewer is within 300 feet and reachable without crossing another property, plan to connect to it instead of a septic system9.
If you're buying a lot in a platted subdivision, confirm the Department of Health has already given final approval for the subdivision's onsite wastewater systems before construction starts18.
Build to the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code's minimum standards, which apply even though no local building permit is confirmed for Nevada County11.
If your driveway will connect to a state highway, get an ARDOT access driveway permit before any work begins on the right-of-way10.
Confirm with the county whether your parcel sits inside a municipality like Prescott, where separate town zoning can apply on top of the county's lack of a zoning ordinance13.
What to check before you buy land in Nevada County
Nevada County farmland runs about $2,507 an acre, and the typical home value is around $85,700, among the more affordable land in the region2021. Annual precipitation is high at roughly 54.2 inches, and severe drought hit only about 11% of years, so water availability is generally favorable2223. The land is mostly gentle, with 92.6% at 15% slope or less, but heavily wooded at 81.6%, which affects both clearing costs and septic drain-field siting given the soil limitations noted above2425. There's no federal land in the county limiting access26. It's genuinely rural: population density is about 13.1 people per square mile, and the nearest metro area is roughly 85 miles away2728. Property taxes are low, with an effective rate near 0.5% and a median annual bill around $4622930. Before you close, confirm septic feasibility with the state's Environmental Health Specialist given the soil constraints14, and verify with the county whether the parcel is inside any municipality, since town zoning — not the county's lack of it — would then apply13.
Watch-outs
No official Nevada County page confirming local building permits, inspections or certificates of occupancy was found; the county's official state directory listing shows only an Assessor and a Collector's office121.
Nevada County's zoning status is confirmed as "no ordinance adopted," but topic-by-topic questions like minimum dwelling size, lot coverage, building height and temporary camping were not independently confirmed on an official source; don't assume an answer without asking2.
A state rule regulating RV and mobile-home "parks" of three or more paid spaces is not the same question as a single RV or tiny home on your own land; don't read one as answering the other8.
Only about 6.7% of Nevada County's soils carry no severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, among the more limited soils this guide series has seen; budget for a site evaluation and possibly an engineered system17.
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.
Nevada County highlighted among the Arkansas counties · colored by Index score
How Nevada County scores
Seclusion68100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency64100% ev.
Admin Boringness85100% ev.
Durability52100% ev.
Property Autonomy47100% ev.
Carry Cost8696% 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 →
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.”
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) — Building-code requirements applicable statewide in Nevada County through the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code.
“The Arkansas Fire Prevention Code applies statewide and is the fire and building code for all jurisdictions within Arkansas.”
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.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Parcels in Arkansas, including Nevada County, with three or more recreational-vehicle spaces occupied or intended for occupancy where placement or maintenance services are provided for a fee.
“(3) or more spaces are occupied or intended for occupancy by recreational vehicles, tiny houses on wheels, or mobile homes [...] 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”
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
Limited — Parcels in Arkansas, including Nevada County, with three or more fee-based spaces occupied or intended for occupancy by tiny houses on wheels.
“(3) or more spaces are occupied or intended for occupancy by recreational vehicles, tiny houses on wheels, or mobile homes [...] In compliance with this part.”
Limited — Occupancy of tiny houses on wheels in Arkansas mobile-home or recreational-vehicle parks regulated by the Arkansas Department of Health under 20 CAR Part 138.
““Tiny house on wheels” means a structure intended as a habitable dwelling for one (1) or more individuals which, for the purposes of this part, shall be considered a: (A) Mobile home, if plumbed and inspected in accordance with the 2018 Arkansas Plumbing Code, 17 CAR pt. 65; or (B) Recreational vehicle, if not plumbed and inspected in accordance with the 2018 Arkansas Plumbing Code;”
Manufactured homesLimited
Parcels in Arkansas, including Nevada County, with three or more fee-based spaces occupied or intended for occupancy by mobile homes.
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 may not begin without submitting and receiving Department of Health 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 history states Ark. R. 2026-95, effective August 15, 2026.
minimum spaces triggering park regulation: >= 3 spaces (Spaces must be occupied or intended for occupancy by recreational vehicles, tiny houses on wheels, or mobile homes, with placement or maintenance services provided for a fee.)
“(3) or more spaces are occupied or intended for occupancy by recreational vehicles, tiny houses on wheels, or mobile homes [...] In compliance with this part.”
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 Nevada County.
The statute applies to municipalities, not directly to unincorporated county land.
The accessory dwelling unit must be self-contained and independently accessed, with cooking, sleeping, and sanitation facilities, and must comply with or be exempt from applicable regulatory requirements.
A detached or attached accessory dwelling unit may not exceed 75 percent of the gross floor area of the single-family dwelling or 1,000 square feet, whichever is less.
Applicable fire, local ordinance, zoning, design, and other state or local regulatory requirements remain applicable.
A municipality may require a review application fee not exceeding $250, in addition to usual building fees.
The section does not prohibit municipal regulation of short-term rentals.
The statute provides that 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 ADUs are also permitted by the statute.) · maximum application fee: <= 250 USD (Usual building fees may be charged in addition.)
“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”
Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)
Onsite wastewater systems in Nevada County and elsewhere in Arkansas.
The Arkansas Department of Health administers the statewide rule framework.
For cities or counties with authorized agents, the authorized agent acts as the Department of Health's agent.
If an authorized agent has not been designated for a city or county, applications must be made to the Department of Health.
“authorized agent shall be the authorized agent of the department.”
Septic permitRequired
Construction, alteration, repair, extension, or operation of onsite wastewater systems in Nevada County.
A completed permit application and detailed plans must be approved before construction of a building or residence.
A valid construction permit is required before construction, alteration, repair, or extension of an onsite wastewater system.
A permit for operation is required before the system is operated.
A permit may be refused where public sewer is reasonably available or economically feasible, except as provided in 14 CAR § 21-204; emergency repairs may proceed without prior issuance if a permit is obtained within ten working days.
If no county authorized agent is designated, the application is made to the Department of Health.
installer notice before work: 24 hours (Emergency repairs may proceed without prior notification if a permit is obtained within ten working days.)
“Part I of the permit is the permit for construction.”
Septic inspectionRequired
Installation and operation of onsite wastewater systems in Nevada County.
The installer must notify the authorized agent or designated representative when installation is ready for inspection.
The owner or occupant must provide reasonable-time access for inspection.
Within five days, the installer must submit required documentation to the local health unit.
Inspection may be performed by the authorized agent or, with approval, the designated representative.
The system may not be used until the operation permit is issued after inspection approval.
installer documentation deadline: 5 days
“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”
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 hookupSewer (with conditions)
Homes and premises where a sanitary sewer is within 300 feet from the point where the sewer exits the building and available without crossing another person's property.
When the stated distance and availability conditions are met, connection to the sanitary sewer is required.
Privies, onsite wastewater systems, and other receptacles for human excreta may not be constructed, maintained, or used on the premises under that condition.
sewer distance from building sewer-exit point: <= 300 feet (sewer must be available without crossing another person's property)
“All premises shall be connected to a sanitary sewer when within three hundred feet (300’) from the point where the sewer exits a building on the property owner’s property and available to said premises when connection can be made without crossing another person's property.”
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 [...]”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision development in Nevada County involving onsite wastewater systems.
“Construction of any type shall not begin upon any lot in the subdivision until final approval [...] has been made by the Department of Health.”
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%”
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
Arkansas state department development projects located within a hundred-year floodplain or a Building Authority Division-designated flood hazard area.
The application is submitted on a Design Review Section-approved form.
The application must identify the site, development type, base flood elevation, lowest-floor elevation, attachments, and applicant contact and signature information.
Supporting materials may include FEMA maps, other regulatory permits, elevation certificates, no-rise certification, flood-proofing certification, utility or onsite-waste-disposal certification, and watercourse-alteration notification.
The Design Review Section reviews and approves or disapproves the application; additional information may be requested.
If approved, the floodplain administrator issues a design-phase development permit; the permit must be posted during construction, followed by compliance review before final acceptance.
permit application timing: before development of covered property · appeal or review completion point: prior to final acceptance
“the department shall submit an application for a development permit”
Campground & park staysLimited
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.”
Inside cities and towns in Nevada County
Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.
Local zoningPresent (with conditions)
The annexed tract described in City of Prescott Ordinance No. 1 of 2000, within Nevada County, Arkansas.
The cited classification applies to the described tract after annexation into the City of Prescott.
The tract is classified as Commercial Use District C-2 under Article 4-2 of the City of Prescott Zoning Ordinance.
This source establishes municipal zoning for the cited Prescott tract, not countywide zoning or zoning in unincorporated Nevada County.
zoning district: C-2 (Commercial Use District; Highway commercial)
“estate being annexed t" m" CitV of Piescott shall be classified as Commercial Use District C-2”
Still unanswered
We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.
Zoning districts — Zoning districts or zoning-district publication for Nevada County, Arkansas.
Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in Nevada County, including unincorporated areas.
Lot coverage — Lot coverage in Nevada County, including unincorporated areas.
Building height — Building height in Nevada County, including unincorporated areas.
Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land in Nevada County, Arkansas.
1 more unanswered
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 Nevada County, Arkansas
Is Nevada County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?
Nevada County scores 77/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and low administrative friction for a quiet rural property.
Do you need a building permit in Nevada County, Arkansas?
Nevada 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 Nevada County?
Living in an RV on your own land in Nevada 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 Nevada County, Arkansas?
Land in Nevada County runs about $2,507 per acre, based on the latest county data.
What is the water situation in Nevada County?
Nevada County gets about 54.2" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 11% of years.
How remote is Nevada County?
A representative private-land location has about 12,628 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,541,127 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 Nevada County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:
