Bolthole Index

Pope County, Arkansas

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Russellville, Arkansas

Building work inside Russellville, Arkansas city limits requires a city building permit, and no work may start until it is issued1. The city also administers its own zoning, rezoning and site-plan review2. Septic permits for property in Russellville come from the Arkansas Department of Health through the county health unit, not the city3. Russellville is in Pope County.

At a glance

Building permit
Required inside Russellville city limits; no work may start until it is issued1
Zoning
Russellville adopts and administers its own zoning, with residential, agricultural, commercial, industrial and mixed-use districts24
Septic
Arkansas Department of Health permit via the county health unit's Onsite Environmental Specialist53
Manufactured homes
Prohibited in every district except A-1, R-3, R-4 and R-E (with a night-watchman exception in industrial districts)6
RV and tiny home living
Not confirmed for private land; ask the City Planner. City parks require a Camping Permit7
Owner-builder
Arkansas exempts a person building their own residence from residential contractor licensing, unless they build more than one residence in a calendar year; a city permit is still required81
Certificate of occupancy
Required before a development is used or occupied9
Property tax (Pope County)
About 0.6% effective rate10

Who to call

Building permits

City of Russellville Permitting (Community Development)

Residential and commercial building permit applications, plan review questions and inspection scheduling inside Russellville city limits

479-968-1002

220 N. Knoxville Ave. Russellville, AR 72801

Zoning

City of Russellville Planning & Zoning

Zoning, rezoning, site-plan review, special use permits and annexations inside Russellville city limits

479-968-1002

220 N. Knoxville Ave. Russellville, AR 72801

Septic permits

Arkansas Department of Health - Onsite Wastewater Program

Statewide septic policy and permit review; ask for the Onsite Environmental Specialist at the Pope County health unit

501-661-2171

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 October 16, 2026.

Off-grid gear

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

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Do you need a building permit in Russellville, Arkansas?

Yes. Building work and development inside Russellville city limits requires a city building permit, and no work may start until the permit is issued1. New and existing residential and commercial projects are inspected during construction and again at final completion for the Certificate of Occupancy11. Development may not be used or occupied until the Office of Community Development issues that certificate9.

The city's permit application also warns that other local, state and federal permits may be required1. Arkansas's statewide minimum codes apply as well, and Russellville lists the 2021 IFC, IBC and IRC with Arkansas amendments on its codes page12.

This answer is for land inside city limits. Land outside Russellville but in Pope County is a different question: see the Pope County page.

Who issues building permits in Russellville, and how do you apply?

The City of Russellville issues its own building permits. Applicants have three options: apply online through the EnerGov Citizen Self Service portal, download a residential or commercial application, or call the Permitting Clerk desk at 479-968-100213. The city encourages pre-application meetings, and inspections should be scheduled 24 hours in advance, though inspectors are often available within a few hours14.

The permitting office is at 220 N. Knoxville Ave., Russellville, AR 7280113. Not sure whether a project needs a permit? The city's own advice is to talk to a permitting clerk or building representative before starting14.

Does Russellville have zoning, and what does it mean for homes, RVs and tiny homes?

Yes. Russellville administers zoning, rezoning, site-plan review and special use permits for land inside city limits2. The city is divided into districts that include estate residential (R-E), single-family residential (R-1), mobile home park or subdivision (R-4) and mixed use4. Specific uses depend on the district and may need site-plan or special-use approval2.

Manufactured homes: placing an individual manufactured home on a lot is prohibited in every district except A-1, R-3, R-4 and R-E, apart from a night watchman's residence in M-1 or M-2 industrial districts6. Short-term rentals are permitted in residential units with adequate parking, an annual business license and collected taxes15.

We could not confirm a rule on long-term RV living on private land or on tiny homes in Russellville; the zoning code addresses RV parks and city-park camping only. Ask the City Planner at 479-968-1002 before buying16. Camping in a city park requires a Camping Permit from the Parks and Recreation Director7.

How do septic permits work in Russellville?

Septic permits inside Russellville come from the state, not the city. Call the health unit in the county where the property is located and ask for the Onsite Environmental Specialist5. Soil testing and system design must be done by private individuals the health unit identifies as licensed5. The Arkansas Department of Health's Onsite Wastewater Program in Little Rock can be reached at 501-661-217117.

Russellville's property maintenance code allows an approved private sewage-disposal system as an alternative to public sewer18. Arkansas law requires connection to a sanitary sewer when one is within 300 feet of where the sewer exits the building and is available19, so a lot near a city sewer line may not qualify for septic. Pope County soils also matter: only about 7% of county soils are rated not limited for a conventional drain field, so plan on a site evaluation and possibly an engineered system20.

Building a home in Russellville: the steps, in order

  1. Confirm the zoning district and whether your use needs site-plan or special-use approval with the City Planner2.
  2. Check whether public sewer reaches the lot; if not, call the Pope County health unit's Onsite Environmental Specialist about a septic permit3.
  3. Apply for the city building permit online, by downloaded application or through the Permitting Clerk at 479-968-100213.
  4. Do not start work until the permit is issued1.
  5. Schedule inspections 24 hours ahead during construction14.
  6. Get the final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy before anyone moves in9.

Arkansas exempts a person building their own residence from residential contractor licensing, unless they build more than one residence in a calendar year8. We did not find a city owner-builder exemption from the building permit, so assume the permit is still required.

What stays with Pope County, and what to check before you buy

Septic and wells do not move to the city. Septic goes through the Arkansas Department of Health and the county health unit3. We could not confirm whether Russellville requires a permit for a private well, so ask the City Planner and the health unit. We also could not confirm floodplain permit standards; the city lists a Floodplain Development Form and a Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance, so ask before buying near a creek or low ground. Land outside city limits falls under the Pope County page.

County figures: Pope County's effective property tax rate is about 0.6%, with a median property tax bill of about $918 per year1021. Subdividing land inside Russellville is regulated: land may not be subdivided until adequate public facilities exist and drainage, water and sewerage are provided for22.

Watch-outs

  • We could not confirm any rule on long-term RV living or tiny homes on private land inside Russellville; ask the City Planner before buying16.
  • Manufactured homes are prohibited in most Russellville zoning districts, so check the district before planning one6.
  • A city building permit does not replace septic approval; septic comes from the Arkansas Department of Health3.
  • We did not confirm whether a private well needs a permit inside Russellville, though the city code allows an approved private water system23; ask the county health unit.

Sources

  1. Building Permits (Russellville), quoted and re-checked
  2. Planning & Zoning (Russellville), quoted and re-checked
  3. Onsite Wastewater FAQs (Russellville), quoted and re-checked
  4. Planning & Zoning (Russellville), quoted and re-checked
  5. Onsite Wastewater FAQs (Russellville), quoted and re-checked
  6. Russellville Zoning Code 2026 (Russellville), quoted and re-checked
  7. Russellville Zoning Code 2026 (Russellville), quoted and re-checked
  8. Arkansas Residential Contractors Committee Rules and Statutes (2026 county census)
  9. Building Permit Application (Russellville), quoted and re-checked
  10. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  11. Fire, Building & Safety (Russellville), quoted and re-checked
  12. Codes and Ordinances (Russellville), quoted and re-checked
  13. City of Russellville Permitting (Community Development) (russellvillear.gov)
  14. Building Permits (Russellville), quoted and re-checked
  15. Russellville Zoning Code 2026, Short Term Rentals (Russellville), quoted and re-checked
  16. City of Russellville Planning & Zoning (russellvillear.gov)
  17. Arkansas Department of Health - Onsite Wastewater Program (healthy.arkansas.gov)
  18. Property Maintenance Code Book (Russellville), quoted and re-checked
  19. codeofarrules.arkansas.gov (Arkansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  20. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  21. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  22. Land Subdivision and Development Code (Russellville), quoted and re-checked
  23. russellvillear.gov (Russellville), quoted and re-checked

Written October 16, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

Answers from the rulebook for Russellville

Russellville’s own rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Building work and development inside Russellville city limits.

    • No work may start until the permit is issued.
    • The application states that other local, state, and federal permits may also be required.
    “No work may start until permit is issued.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Residential and commercial construction inside Russellville city limits under the city-adopted Arkansas Fire Prevention Code and referenced state codes.

    • The city page lists 2021 IFC, IBC, and IRC with Arkansas amendments, plus other referenced codes.
    “The 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code shall be effective January 1, 2023.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    New and existing commercial and residential projects inside Russellville city limits during construction and at final completion.

    • Inspections include building, trade, and fire-protection systems.
    • Final inspection is tied to the Certificate of Occupancy.
    “The Division performs inspections on new and existing commercial and residential projects during the construction phases and at the final completion for Certificate of Occupancy.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Development subject to the Russellville building-permit process inside city limits.

    • Development may not be used or occupied until the Office of Community Development issues a Certificate of Occupancy.
    “Development shall not be used or occupied until a Certificate of Occupancy is issued by the Office of Community Development.”
  • Local zoningPresent

    Land inside Russellville city limits; Russellville administers zoning, rezoning, site-plan review, and special-use permits.

    • Specific uses remain subject to the applicable zoning district and any required site-plan or special-use approval.
    “This division is also responsible for performing advanced and current planning functions such as: Annexations; Large Scale Development Review; Rezoning; Site Plan Review; Special Use Permits.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Russellville city limits; the zoning code identifies residential, agricultural, commercial, industrial, mixed-use, conservation, and other districts, with a separate official zoning map referenced by the city.

    • District-specific use and dimensional rules apply.
    • The city planning page links the zoning code and land-subdivision code.
    “for the purpose of this zoning code, the city is hereby divided into land use zoning districts, as follows: r-e estate residential r-1 single-family residential r-2s medium density single family r-2 medium density residential w-n walkable neighborhood r-3 medium/high density residential r-4 mobile home park or subdivision r-o residential office mu-1 mixed use”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Overnight camping in Russellville city parks.

    • Camping in a city park requires a Camping Permit approved by the Parks and Recreation Director.
    • Approved groups and tournament or special-event participants may camp at designated sites under the stated conditions.
    “No person in a park shall set up or use tents, shacks, or any other temporary shelter for the purpose of overnight camping, nor shall any person bring in or leave in a city park after closing hours any structure or vehicle to be used or that could be used for such purpose, such as a house trailer, camp trailer, camp wagon or the like without a Camping Permit approved by the Parks and Recreation Director.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Placement of individual manufactured homes inside Russellville city limits.

    • Placement is prohibited in districts other than A-1, R-3, R-4, or R-E, except for a night watchman’s residence on M-1 or M-2 industrial property.
    • Additional district-specific installation, anchoring, foundation, subdivision, and site requirements apply.
    “The placement of an individual manufactured home on a lot in any district except the A-1 District, R-3 District, R-4 District or the RE District shall be prohibited, except to provide residency for a night watchman on property located in an M-1 or M-2 Industrial District.”
  • Off-grid sanitationAllowed (with conditions)

    Private water and private sewage disposal systems serving structures inside Russellville city limits.

    • The private systems must be approved.
    • The city code allows private alternatives to public water and sewer connections for plumbing fixtures.
    “every sink, lavatory, bathtub or shower, drinking fountain, water closet or other plumbing fixture shall be properly connected to either a public water system or to an approved private water system.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Plumbing fixtures in structures inside Russellville city limits.

    • Fixtures may connect to either a public water system or an approved private water system.
    • Fixtures may connect to either a public sewer system or an approved private sewage-disposal system.
    “every sink, lavatory, bathtub or shower, drinking fountain, water closet or other plumbing fixture shall be properly connected to either a public water system or to an approved private water system.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision of land and subsequent development inside Russellville city limits.

    • Land may not be subdivided until adequate public facilities and improvements exist and proper provision has been made for drainage, water, sewerage, and listed capital improvements.
    “land shall not be subdivided until adequate public facilities and improvements exist and proper provision has been made for drainage, water, sewerage, and capital improvements such as schools, parks, recreational facilities, transportation facilities, and improvements.”
  • Short-term rentalsAllowed (with conditions)

    Short-term rentals in residential units inside Russellville city limits.

    • Adequate parking must exist under the applicable zoning district's Article 6 standards.
    • An annual municipal business license is required.
    • The applicant must provide a signed affidavit confirming adherence to state and local property-maintenance regulations.
    • Applicable taxes, including the A & P tax, must be collected and paid to the city.
    “short-term rentals are permitted in all residential units, provided that adequate parking exists, in accordance with the parking standards (Article 6) applicable to the zoning district in which the short-term rental is located.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Residential and commercial building permits inside Russellville city limits.

    • Applications may be submitted online through EnerGov, by downloadable residential or commercial application, or by contacting the permitting clerk.
    • The city encourages pre-application meetings.
    • Inspections should be scheduled 24 hours in advance.

    inspection notice: >= 24 hours (The city says inspectors are often available within a few hours, but advance notice ensures the construction timeline.)

    “There are 3 options in obtaining a building permit: Online - Use the EnerGov (CSS) Citizen Self Service by logging on to the website. Download - A Residential Building Permit Application or Commercial Building Permit Application here. Call - The Permitting Clerk desk can be reached at 479-968-1002”

Rules another office applies inside Russellville

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

  • Who permits septicState (with conditions)

    Onsite wastewater permitting for property inside Russellville city limits; Arkansas Department of Health directs applicants through the county health unit and its Onsite Environmental Specialist.

    • The health unit is in the county where the property is located.
    • Private individuals licensed to perform soil tests and design sewage systems are involved.
    “Call the health unit in the county where the property is located and ask for the Onsite Environmental Specialist.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    A septic system serving property inside Russellville city limits where onsite wastewater is used.

    • Applicants must contact the county health unit and Onsite Environmental Specialist for the permit process.
    • Soil testing and sewage-system design must be performed by licensed private individuals identified by the health unit.
    “How do I get a permit for a septic system? Call the health unit in the county where the property is located and ask for the Onsite Environmental Specialist.”

Still unanswered

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

  • Owner-builder exemption — Owner-builder work inside Russellville city limits.
  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage inside Russellville city limits, including R-1 and A-1 districts.
  • Living in an RV — Long-term or permanent recreational-vehicle occupancy on private land inside Russellville city limits.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy inside Russellville city limits.
  • Septic inspection — Septic-system inspection requirements inside Russellville city limits.
3 more unanswered
  • Well permit
  • Agricultural exemption
  • Building in a floodplain

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

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

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