Perry County, AR Building Permits, Zoning & Septic Rules

Unincorporated Perry County, Arkansas does not require a county building permit for a home, and the county has no planning or zoning department¹². Arkansas' statewide building-code minimums still apply even in places with no local permit or inspection program³. Septic systems go through the Arkansas Department of Health's Onsite Wastewater Program, working with the local environmental specialist at the county health unit⁴. With no building or zoning office to call, start with the County Judge's office⁵.

At a glance

Building permit: Not required for a home in unincorporated Perry County¹
County zoning: No county planning or zoning department²
Septic permits: Arkansas Department of Health, with the local environmental specialist at the county health unit⁴⁶
Owner-builder exemption: Yes, you can build your own single-family home without a contractor license⁷
State highway driveway access: ArDOT permit required before any driveway onto a state highway⁸
Private domestic wells: No statewide permit requirement found; public/semi-public systems need Health Department written approval first⁹

Who to call

Also useful

Perry County Judge's Office

General county administration; the chief executive of Perry County government, since there is no county building or zoning department

(501) 889-5128

[email protected]

P.O. Box 358 • 310 West Main Street, Suite 101, Perryville, AR 72126

Roads & driveways

Perry County Road and Bridge Department

County road and bridge construction and maintenance in Perry County

(501) 889-2471

1711 Aplin Ave., Perryville, AR 72126

Septic permits

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

Statewide onsite wastewater (septic) program that sets policy and works with the environmental specialist at the Perry County Health Unit to review permit applications

(501) 661-2171

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

Online permits →

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 Perry County, Arkansas?

No. Perry County has no county building or zoning department, and unincorporated Perry County does not require a building permit for a home¹. That doesn't mean anything goes: the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, including the residential code, applies statewide as a compliance standard even in areas where no permit or inspection is required¹⁰³. Counties can adopt their own permit programs under Arkansas law, but Perry County is among the many rural Arkansas counties that have not¹. One narrow exception: property inside the service territory of an Arkansas fire department can be subject to fire-safety inspections, but that is a fire-code inspection regime, not a general county building-inspection program¹¹.

Who do you call about building or land-use questions in Perry County?

There is no building department or planning office to call. Perry County's chief executive is the County Judge, who administers county ordinances, has custody of county property and oversees the county road system⁵. For anything not specifically handled by another office, the County Judge's office in Perryville is the first call. The County & Circuit Clerk's office handles deed and plat recording, and the Road and Bridge Department maintains county roads¹². If you're planning a build, call ahead to confirm nothing has changed since this guide was written; small counties can adopt new rules with little public notice.

Does Perry County have zoning?

Perry County has no county planning or zoning department and no countywide zoning ordinance; land-use controls exist only inside incorporated cities such as Perryville, Adona, Bigelow, Casa and Fourche². That means unincorporated Perry County has no county-level zoning districts, use restrictions or setback rules on file. Neither Perry County's own website nor the Association of Arkansas Counties directory states this outright, so this is Bolthole Index's own research finding rather than a quoted county statement; confirm with the County Judge's office before you rely on it for a specific parcel, RV, tiny-home or setback question.

How do septic permits work in Perry County?

Septic (onsite wastewater) permits in Perry County are issued under statewide Arkansas rules by the Department of Health or its authorized agent, not by the county⁴. The Department of Health's Onsite Wastewater Program sets the statewide policy and works with the environmental specialist at the Perry County Health Unit to review permit applications¹³. Once a system is installed, the installer must notify the local health unit for an inspection, and the system can't be used until an operation permit is issued after that inspection¹⁴. Soils matter here: only about 6.9% of Perry County's land has soils without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field¹⁵, so budget time and money for a site evaluation and possibly an engineered or alternative system before you commit to a lot. If a sanitary sewer line is within 300 feet of your building and reachable without crossing another property, state rules require connecting to it instead of using a private system¹⁶.

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

This isn't confirmed. No official Perry County or Arkansas government page directly states whether long-term RV occupancy, temporary camping or tiny-home occupancy is allowed on private land in unincorporated Perry County. Statewide rules that cover campgrounds and RV parks, and Arkansas's accessory-dwelling-unit statute for municipalities, don't answer the question for a private, unincorporated parcel, so don't treat either as a yes or a no. With no county zoning department, there's also no zoning office to ask². The County Judge's office is the practical starting point for this question, since it is the county's general contact for anything not assigned elsewhere⁵.

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

Call the County Judge's office to confirm there's still no local building-permit or zoning requirement for your parcel before you buy or break ground⁵.
Get your septic site evaluated early, since much of the county's soil isn't well suited to a conventional drain field, and apply through the Onsite Wastewater Program with the Perry County Health Unit's environmental specialist¹³¹⁵.
If your driveway will connect to a state highway, apply to the Arkansas Department of Transportation District Engineer for an access-driveway permit before starting any work⁸.
If you're acting as your own contractor on your own single-family home, you likely qualify for Arkansas's owner-builder exemption from residential-contractor licensing⁷.
Record any survey or subdivision plat as required so it reaches the State Surveyor's office¹⁷.
Budget for property taxes at Perry County's roughly 0.5% effective rate¹⁸.

What to check before you buy land in Perry County

Soils and septic: less than 7% of Perry County land is free of severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so get a site evaluation before you assume standard septic will work¹⁵. Terrain: about 65% of the county sits at 15% slope or less, and nearly four-fifths of the land is wooded, which affects clearing and driveway cost¹⁹²⁰. Flooding: no official Perry County floodplain administrator or local floodplain rule was confirmed for this guide; ask the County Judge's office directly if your parcel is anywhere near a creek or the Fourche La Fave or Arkansas River bottoms⁵. Access: a driveway onto a state highway needs an ArDOT permit, and the Road and Bridge Department maintains county roads⁸¹². Taxes and market: the effective property tax rate is about 0.5% with a median annual bill near $672¹⁸²¹, and Perry County sits about 36 miles from the nearest metro area with a population density of about 18.5 people per square mile²²²³.

Watch-outs

Perry County's zoning status here comes from Bolthole Index's own research, not a quoted county statement; no official Perry County or state page directly confirms it, so verify with the County Judge's office before you rely on it².
RV, tiny-home and manufactured-home occupancy rules for private land in unincorporated Perry County were not confirmed on any official county or state page; call the County Judge's office before you place one⁵.
No official Perry County floodplain administrator or local floodplain ordinance was located; confirm flood status and any local floodplain requirements directly with the County Judge's office before you buy near water⁵.

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 Perry County scores

Seclusion74100% ev.

Self-Sufficiency63100% ev.

Admin Boringness85100% ev.

Durability49100% ev.

Property Autonomy47100% ev.

Carry Cost85100% 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 →

$188kTypical home

0.5%Property tax

$3,212Land / acre

52.6"Annual rain

10.1% of yrsSevere drought

25 / yr (+19.1)Mid-century 100°F days

16.7 daysMid-century dry spell

2.47" (+6%)Mid-century 1-day rain

1.42×Wildfire change factor

100%Forward climate coverage

$1,582Home insurance / yr

0.8% / yrInsurance growth

0.9%Nonrenewal rate

county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis

1,110,020People within 2 hr

15,243Radius comparison (15 mi)

18.5People / sq mi

13.5%Federal land

65.2%Land at 15% slope or less

6.9%Septic soil without severe limits

23,740 acWorkable land screen

79.2%Wooded land

35 tonsBiomass / forest ac

61.4°FAvg temp

Answers from the rulebook for Perry County

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

Perry County rules

County-wide zoningAbsent
Perry County has no county planning or zoning department and no county-wide zoning ordinance; land-use controls exist only within incorporated cities.
Perry County - Arkansas.gov ↗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
An owner constructing the owner's own residence or acting as the owner's own home-improvement contractor on the owner's own single-family property in Perry County, subject to the statutory licensing exemptions.
- The residential-building-contractor exemption applies unless the person builds more than one residence during a calendar year.
- The owner exemption applies to the owner of a single-family residence acting as the owner's own home-improvement contractor on the owner's own property.
- The exemption concerns contractor licensing and does not by itself waive any building, fire, septic, or municipal permit requirement.
residences built by person under residence-construction exemption: <= 1 residence per calendar year (The exemption does not apply if the person builds more than one residence during any calendar year.) · project cost exemption: <= 2000 USD (The exemption does not apply when construction work is divided into separate contracts of amounts less than $2,000.)
“The following shall be exempted from the licensing requirements of this subchapter: (1) A person who acts as a residential building contractor in the construction of his or her residence unless he or she builds more than one (1) residence during any calendar year; (2) The owner of a single family residence acting as his or her own home improvement contractor on his or her own property;”
Arkansas Residential Contractors Licensing Law and Rules of the Residential Contractors Committee ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Available (with conditions) — Arkansas residential contractor licensing for an individual constructing the individual’s own residence or an owner of a single-family residence acting as the owner’s own home-improvement contractor on the owner’s property.
  “construction of his or her residence unless he or she builds more than one (1) residence during any calendar year;”
  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
Property within territory served by an Arkansas fire department under the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code; this is not a finding that Perry County conducts countywide residential inspections.
- Inspections are made as often as practicable or as often as directed by the city or county legislative body or other political subdivision fire officials.
- The cited provision concerns fire-safety inspections and does not establish a general county residential building-inspection program.
“Inspections of property in the territory served by the fire department shall be made as often as practicable or as often as the city or county legislative body or other political subdivision fire officials may direct.”
2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code Rules Changes ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — Construction subject to Arkansas Building Code compliance and any applicable inspection regime.
  “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
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
Who permits septicState
Onsite wastewater systems in Perry County, including systems in unincorporated areas, are administered under Arkansas statewide rules by the Arkansas Department of Health or its authorized agent.
- The permit process uses the Department of Health or its authorized agent.
- The cited rule contains an exception for emergency repairs and a cross-reference to 14 CAR § 21-204.
“Approved by the Department of Health or its authorized agent prior to initiating construction.”
14 CAR § 21-303. Permit Procedure ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Septic inspectionRequired
Installation of a permitted onsite wastewater system in Perry County.
- The installer must notify the authorized agent or designated representative when installation is ready for inspection.
- The owner or occupant must provide free access at reasonable times for the installation inspection.
- Within five days, the installer must submit required documentation to the local health unit showing installation under the approved permit.
- Inspection may be performed by the authorized agent or, with approval, by a designated representative.
- The system may not be used until the operation permit is issued after inspection approval.
installer documentation deadline: <= 5 days (Documentation is submitted to the local health unit.)
“Part II of the permit application is the installation inspection.”
14 CAR § 21-303. Permit Procedure ↗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
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
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — Public and semi-public water-system wells in Perry County.
  “Wells for public and semi-public water systems [...] shall have written approval from the department prior to the start of construction.”
  17 CAR § 11-607. Public and semi-public wells ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
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.”
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
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Available (with conditions) — Construction, installation, maintenance, repair, or renovation of nonresidential farm buildings or structures in Perry County, Arkansas, under Arkansas electrical licensing requirements
  “The construction, installation, maintenance, repair, or renovation of any nonresidential farm building or structure;”
  17 CAR § 210-602. Construction and exemptions ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
- 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

Still unanswered

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

Local zoning — Local zoning within Perry County, including incorporated municipalities and unincorporated areas.
Zoning districts — Published zoning districts applicable in Perry County, including unincorporated areas and any county-administered districts.
Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in unincorporated Perry County, Arkansas
Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size in unincorporated Perry County, Arkansas
Setbacks — Setbacks in unincorporated Perry County, Arkansas

6 more unanswered

Lot coverage
Building height
Camping on your land
Manufactured homes
Accessory dwellings
Short-term rentals

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

Living off-grid in Perry County, Arkansas

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

Perry County scores 77/100 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 Perry County, Arkansas?

Perry 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 (Perry County Health Unit). Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

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

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

Land in Perry County runs about $3,212 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Perry County?

Perry County gets about 52.6" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 10.1% of years.

How remote is Perry County?

A typical private-land location has about 15,243 people within 15 miles and 2,296,708 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

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

At a glance

Who to call

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

Who do you call about building or land-use questions in Perry County?

Does Perry County have zoning?

How do septic permits work in Perry County?

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

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

What to check before you buy land in Perry County

Watch-outs

Sources

Perry County in Arkansas

How Perry County scores

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Parcel due diligence

Answers from the rulebook for Perry County

Perry County rules

Arkansas rules that apply here

Still unanswered

Living off-grid in Perry County, Arkansas

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

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

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

How much does land cost in Perry County, Arkansas?

What is the water situation in Perry County?

How remote is Perry County?

How Perry compares in Arkansas