Building permits, zoning and land rules in Randolph County, Arkansas
77Index Score / 100 #21 of 75 in Arkansas
Unincorporated Randolph County, Arkansas has no county building-permit office and no countywide zoning ordinance12. State building standards still apply where no local permit or inspection is required3. Septic systems go through the Arkansas Department of Health's Onsite Wastewater Program, administered locally by the Randolph County Local Health Unit in Pocahontas4. Inside Pocahontas, the city requires building permits and administers its own zoning ordinance and district map56.
At a glance
Building permit
Not required in unincorporated areas; the county has no permit office1
Zoning
No countywide zoning documented; Pocahontas has city zoning26
Septic
State Department of Health permit, issued through the county Local Health Unit4
Septic soils
Only 10.1% of county soils are free of severe limits for a conventional drain field7
Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 29, 2026.
Do you need a building permit in Randolph County, Arkansas?
Unincorporated Randolph County has no county building-permit office1. The Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, including its residential-code volume, applies statewide even where no permit or inspection is required312. Arkansas also requires a city or county that issues permits for new construction to adopt the Arkansas Energy Code; that rule does not establish a Randolph County permit program or adoption of every state code volume13. Inside Pocahontas, the city requires a permit and inspection to erect, alter or enlarge residential or commercial structures; a homeowner may do the work on a primary residence without a contractor license, but the permit and inspections are still required5. Pocahontas calculates the permit fee from construction cost after approving the application and doubles the fee when work starts before permit issuance14.
Who handles septic permits in Randolph County, and how do you reach them?
Every onsite wastewater (septic) system in Randolph County is permitted through the Arkansas Department of Health, acting through the Randolph County Local Health Unit in Pocahontas, at (870) 892-5239, 407 Camp Road, Pocahontas, AR 72455154. Randolph County itself has no separate building or zoning department; for anything the Local Health Unit doesn't cover, the county's general government office is a starting point at 870-892-5264, 107 West Broadway, Pocahontas, AR 7245516. If your land is inside the City of Pocahontas, building permits go through the city's own Code Enforcement office, not the county5.
Does Randolph County have zoning?
No countywide zoning ordinance is documented for Randolph County2. That does not settle every land-use question: we could not confirm unincorporated-county rules for minimum dwelling size, setbacks, lot coverage or building height, so ask Randolph County government about the parcel before designing a project16. Arkansas's mobile-home and RV park rules reach parcels with three or more rented RV, tiny-house-on-wheels or mobile-home spaces operated for a fee; that commercial-park rule does not answer whether one family may live in an RV or tiny home on its own land10. Within Pocahontas city limits, the city's adopted zoning ordinance and zoning district map control, so permitted uses and dimensional rules depend on the property's city zoning district6. Pocahontas also administers its own flood-hazard rules17.
How do septic permits work in Randolph County?
Septic systems, called onsite wastewater systems in Arkansas rules, need a permit from the Department of Health or its Authorized Agent before construction, and the system must be inspected and approved — with a Permit for Operation issued — before it can be used1819. Soils make this the central planning question for the county: only 10.1% of Randolph County's land is free of severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so expect many sites to need engineered designs and a careful site evaluation7. Where the site plan uses drip dispersal, state rules set a 0.5-acre minimum lot size, though most sites are sized case-by-case around soil-pit and percolation-test results, not a single statewide number8. If you're buying into a subdivision that proposes shared onsite systems, the whole subdivision plan needs Department of Health approval, with review fees starting at $100 for one lot and capped at $1,50020. Holding tanks are not approved for full- or part-time residences anywhere in the state, so that's not a workaround if your site can't support a drain field21.
Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Randolph County?
This isn't clearly answered on Randolph County's own pages, and that's worth saying plainly rather than guessing. The only confirmed state rule on this subject reaches recreational-vehicle parks — a parcel with three or more rented RV or mobile-home spaces — which is a commercial-park rule, not a statement about whether you can live in your own RV or tiny home on your own unincorporated land10. No official Randolph County source states a countywide answer either way for single-parcel RV, tiny-home or manufactured-home occupancy. Whatever you live in, you'll still need a compliant septic permit for wastewater if you're not on a public sewer connection18. If your land is inside the City of Pocahontas, ask the city directly, since its zoning and code-enforcement rules are separate from the county's5.
Building a home in Randolph County: the steps, in order
Confirm with Randolph County government whether your parcel is unincorporated or inside the City of Pocahontas, since the rules differ substantially16.
If you're inside Pocahontas, apply for a city building permit before starting work, and budget for a fee based on construction cost514.
Apply to the Randolph County Local Health Unit for a septic permit before installing any onsite wastewater system, and expect a site evaluation given how limited the county's soils are157.
If you're subdividing or buying into a subdivision using shared onsite systems, confirm the subdivision plan has Department of Health approval20.
Don't begin using any septic system until the Health Unit has inspected it and issued a Permit for Operation19.
If your access is onto a state highway, apply to the Arkansas Department of Transportation District Engineer for an access driveway permit before construction begins22.
What to check before you buy land in Randolph County
Soils and septic: with only 10.1% of the county's soils free of severe septic limitations, get a site evaluation before you commit to a specific parcel, and ask whether drip dispersal (0.5-acre minimum) is realistic there78. Terrain and water: 83% of the county sits at 15% slope or gentler and the county gets 50 inches of rain a year with severe drought in only 8% of recent years, a relatively favorable water picture for this region232425. Jurisdiction: confirm whether the parcel is unincorporated or inside the City of Pocahontas, since building permits, zoning and floodplain rules all change at that line517. Setting and taxes: Randolph County has about 18,907 people at 29 people per square mile, roughly 102 miles from the nearest metro area, with a 0.4% effective property tax rate and a $519 median tax bill2627281129.
Watch-outs
Whether unincorporated Randolph County has any rule for minimum dwelling size, setbacks, lot coverage or building height isn't stated on the county's official pages; confirm directly with the county before you build16.
No official source confirms a countywide answer for single-parcel RV, tiny-home or manufactured-home occupancy; the only confirmed state rule covers commercial RV/mobile-home parks with three or more rented spaces10.
Rules change at the Pocahontas city line: the city requires building permits and inspections, and its zoning ordinance and district map control within city limits56.
Written September 29, 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.
Randolph County highlighted among the Arkansas counties · colored by Index score
How Randolph County scores
Seclusion72100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency71100% ev.
Admin Boringness85100% ev.
Durability45100% ev.
Property Autonomy47100% ev.
Carry Cost82100% 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 →
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Answers from the rulebook for Randolph County
What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.
Randolph County rules
County-wide zoningAbsent
No countywide zoning ordinance or planning/zoning office is documented for Randolph County; Arkansas counties generally do not zone unincorporated rural land absent adoption.
Construction, alteration, repair, relocation, demolition, occupancy changes, and regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing work subject to the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code in Randolph County.
A permit is required where required by the applicable building official or jurisdiction.
If no building official is appointed, the owner, authorized agent, or contractor must apply to the State Fire Marshal.
This statewide rule does not establish that Randolph County itself operates a county building-permit program.
“shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit, where required. If there is no building official appointed”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Construction subject to the Arkansas Building Code statewide minimums, including rural and unincorporated areas.
“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
Arkansas Energy Code adoption by Arkansas cities and counties that issue building permits for new building construction, including any applicable authority in Randolph County.
Only cities or counties that issue building permits for new building construction are identified as applicable cities or counties.
Applicable cities or counties were required to adopt the Arkansas Energy Code before 12/31/2014.
Upon adoption, the authority must submit a copy of the adoption ordinance to the Arkansas Economic Development Commission - Energy Office.
If the applicable city or county had not adopted by 12/31/2014, the mayor or county judge was required to submit a letter within 60 days explaining noncompliance.
The source establishes the Energy Code requirement and does not by itself establish adoption of every Arkansas building-code volume by Randolph County.
“111.1 Adoption. Arkansas Code § 15-10-205(b)(3)(B) requires that any city or county in Arkansas which issues building permits for new building construction (referred to herein as “applicable cities or counties”) shall adopt the Arkansas Energy Code as amended.”
3 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.”
Partial — 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.”
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.”
Minimum lot sizeSpecified
Lots in Arkansas subdivisions using onsite wastewater systems, including applicable lots in Randolph County.
Primary and secondary absorption areas must be suitable and sized according to natural soil data.
For lots less than three acres proposed for subdivision development, specified soil-depth thresholds apply.
Drip dispersal may be used for determining minimum lot size only when the rule's criteria are met.
Lots using drip dispersal design for minimum lot size shall be five-tenths (0.5) of an acre or larger.
The rule does not establish one universal minimum lot size for every site; suitability is site- and system-dependent.
minimum lot size for drip dispersal design: >= 0.5 acre (Only when the criteria in 14 CAR § 21-405(a)(6)(A) are met) · soil depth to brief seasonal water table for lots under 3 acres: >= 13 inches · soil depth to adjusted moderate seasonal water table for lots under 3 acres: >= 18 inches · soil depth to adjusted long seasonal water table for lots under 3 acres: >= 24 inches
“Lots using drip dispersal design for minimum lot size shall be five-tenths (0.5) of an acre or larger.”
Living in an RVLimited
Recreational-vehicle occupancy in an Arkansas recreational-vehicle park, including a qualifying park in Randolph County.
The rule applies to parcels with three or more recreational-vehicle spaces occupied or intended for occupancy where placement or maintenance services are provided for a fee.
The parcel is treated as a recreational-vehicle park and must comply with the regulations.
Park plans must be approved by the Department of Health.
The rules describe recreational vehicles as temporary dwellings and recreational-vehicle parks as serving transient dwelling purposes, typically by night or week.
Waivers or exceptions may be considered case-by-case at the Department's discretion.
Construction, alteration, repair, or extension of a park requires Department approval before work begins.
Recreational vehicles may not be permanently connected to recreational-vehicle spaces and must be quickly and easily moved when a flood event is imminent.
minimum spaces: >= 3 spaces (occupied or intended for occupancy) · service fee: required (placement and/or maintenance services provided for a fee) · recreational-vehicle separation: >= 10 feet (in the park) · public sewer accessibility threshold: <= 300 feet (all sewage must be disposed of in a public sewer system where one is accessible within this distance)
“Any parcel of land in which three or more spaces are occupied or intended for occupancy by recreational vehicles or mobile homes, where placement and/or maintenance services are provided for a fee, whether new or existing, shall be considered a mobile home or recreational vehicle park and shall be in compliance with these Regulations.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Occupancy of recreational vehicles in Arkansas recreational-vehicle parks regulated by the Arkansas Department of Health under 20 CAR Part 138.
“Any parcel of land in which three (3) or more spaces are occupied or intended for occupancy by recreational vehicles, tiny houses on wheels, or mobile homes, where placement or maintenance services, or both, are provided for a fee, whether new or existing, shall be: (1) Considered a mobile home or recreational vehicle park; and (2) In compliance with this part.”
Tiny homesLimited
Occupancy of tiny houses on wheels in Arkansas parcels operating as mobile-home or recreational-vehicle parks with three or more paid spaces.
The rule expressly includes tiny houses on wheels among spaces triggering mobile-home or recreational-vehicle-park regulation.
Placement or maintenance services, or both, must be provided for a fee.
The parcel is considered a mobile home or recreational vehicle park and must comply with 20 CAR Part 138.
The owner or operator is responsible for compliance.
Waivers or exceptions are considered case by case at the discretion of the Arkansas Department of Health.
Construction, alteration, repair, or extension of the park requires prior submission and Department approval.
Detailed plans and specifications must include the park layout, sewage system, water source and distribution system, buildings, parking areas, dump stations, and topographical features.
The rule does not establish a general statewide authorization or prohibition for a single tiny house on wheels outside a qualifying park.
minimum qualifying spaces: >= 3 spaces (the spaces must be occupied or intended for occupancy by recreational vehicles, tiny houses on wheels, or mobile homes)
“three (3) or more spaces are occupied or intended for occupancy by recreational vehicles, tiny houses on wheels, or mobile homes”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Occupancy of tiny houses on wheels in Arkansas mobile-home or recreational-vehicle parks regulated by the Arkansas Department of Health under 20 CAR Part 138.
““Tiny house on wheels” means a structure intended as a habitable dwelling for one (1) or more individuals which, for the purposes of this part, shall be considered a: (A) Mobile home, if plumbed and inspected in accordance with the 2018 Arkansas Plumbing Code, 17 CAR pt. 65; or (B) Recreational vehicle, if not plumbed and inspected in accordance with the 2018 Arkansas Plumbing Code;”
Who permits septicState
Onsite wastewater systems in Randolph County, including construction, alteration, repair, extension, operation, inspection, and permitting.
The Arkansas Department of Health or its Authorized Agent administers the permit and approval process.
For cities or counties with Authorized Agents, the Authorized Agent acts for the Department; otherwise applications are made to the Department.
“For those cities or counties with Authorized Agents, the Authorized Agent shall be the Authorized Agent of the Department. In the event that an Authorized Agent has not been designated for a city or county, applications for onsite wastewater systems shall be made to the Department.”
Septic inspectionRequired
Operation and installation of onsite wastewater systems in Randolph County.
The system must be inspected and approved before operation.
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.
Within five days, the installer must submit required documentation to the local health unit.
After inspection approval, the Authorized Agent issues the Permit for Operation; the system may not be used before that permit is issued.
installer documentation submission deadline: 5 days
“It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, corporation, association, municipality or governmental agency to begin operation of any onsite wastewater system until such system has been inspected and approved by the Department or its Authorized Agent and the owner has first obtained a Permit for Operation issued by the Department or its Authorized Agent.”
Off-grid sanitationAllowed (with conditions)
Use of composting or incinerating toilets as components of an Arkansas onsite wastewater system.
Only pre-manufactured composting or incinerating toilets authorized by the Department may be used.
The devices must be evaluated by an ANSI-approved laboratory under NSF Standard 41.
Wastewater other than urine and feces must be renovated or disposed of under Sections 8 or 9 of the rule.
Stabilized compost must be buried onsite or deposited in an approved sanitary landfill.
The system remains subject to applicable onsite wastewater permitting and approval requirements.
“Only pre-manufactured composting or incinerating toilets authorized by the Department”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Limited — Onsite wastewater and holding-tank sanitation serving residences or other property in Randolph County.
“Holding tanks shall be approved only for domestic waste from commercial establishments, excluding grocery stores and / or food service establishments. 9.9.3 Holding tanks shall not be approved for residencies, full or part time.”
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 plans in Arkansas that propose standard onsite wastewater systems for all or part of the lots or tracts, including applicable subdivisions in Randolph County.
All subdivision plans proposing standard onsite wastewater systems for all or part of the lots or tracts must be submitted to the Arkansas Department of Health for review and approval.
Lots unsuitable for standard onsite systems must be incorporated into surrounding lots or parcels.
Submission is made to the local health unit and must include soil-pit, percolation-test, test-location, topography, and other required information.
The plan review fee is at least $100 for one lot, $25 for each following lot, and capped at $1,500.
Construction of a building on a subdivision lot cannot begin until final Department of Health approval of onsite wastewater utilization.
minimum subdivision plan review fee: 100 USD (For one lot) · additional subdivision plan review fee: per 25 USD per lot (For each following lot) · maximum subdivision plan review fee: 1500 USD
“All subdivision plans, which are proposed to utilize standard onsite wastewater systems as a method of wastewater treatment for all or part of the lots or tracts in said subdivision, shall be submitted to the Arkansas Department of Health for review and approval of the overall plan for the utilization of onsite wastewater systems.”
One more reviewed finding on this topic
Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision plats that are boundary surveys creating parcels in Arkansas.
“Subdivision plats [...] are to be filed with the State Surveyor’s office [...] Filing is not required [...] for survey plats [...] located in a municipality [...]”
Driveway accessRequired
Construction, reconstruction, modification, or relocation of access driveways on Arkansas State Highway right-of-way, including residential, commercial, and temporary access driveways.
No work may begin on State Highway right-of-way until the engineer issues the permit.
Applications are made to the District Engineer and include a work description, location, applicant contact information, and required drawings or deposit/bond.
An Access Management Agreement may require approval or a permit from the relevant jurisdiction; failure to provide it may be grounds for denial.
Commercial driveway permits generally require a minimum $1,000 deposit or bond per driveway, with governmental-entity waiver possible.
Temporary driveway access is limited to 120 days initially, extendable at 60-day intervals up to 240 days.
commercial driveway deposit or bond: >= 1000 USD per driveway minimum (May be waived for governmental entities.) · temporary driveway initial duration: <= 120 days maximum (May be extended at 60-day intervals up to 240 total days.) · frontage limit: 50 feet or less (Limited to one driveway.) · rural setback inside adjoining property frontage: >= 10 feet minimum (Urban minimum is 5 feet; Section 6.9 exceptions may apply.)
“A permit shall be obtained from the Department for all access driveways on State Highways.”
Building in a floodplainRequired
Development by an Arkansas state department on property within the boundaries of the hundred-year floodplain or a Building Authority Division designated flood hazard area.
The rule applies to a state department proposing the development, not generally to all private or local development statewide.
The department must submit an application on a form approved by the Design Review Section.
The application must include the application number, date, department or property owner, site address or legal description, development type, brief description, base flood elevation, lowest-floor elevation, attachment acknowledgment, and applicant contact/signature information.
Supporting attachments should include the FEMA map, copies of other regulatory permits such as Clean Water Act sections 401 and 404 permits, elevation certificates, a certification of no increase in base flood elevation or no-rise certificate, a flood-proofing certificate, certifications for water supply, sanitary sewer, and on-site waste disposal systems, and notification of watercourse alteration or relocation.
The Design Review Section reviews and approves or disapproves the application; if approved, the floodplain administrator issues a development permit for the design phase.
The permit must be posted during construction; the site is reviewed before final acceptance; and noncompliant work requires correction or may be designated a nonconforming use site.
For riverine watercourse alteration or relocation, the department must notify the division, adjacent communities, and the state NFIP Coordinator at the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission before the alteration or relocation, submit copies to the Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration, maintain flood-carrying capacity, and provide an engineering study of before-and-after conditions prepared by a registered professional engineer.
For structures and equipment pads under the state rule, elevation requirements vary by FEMA-map and base-flood-elevation availability: two feet above adjacent grade where no FEMA map exists; two feet above the Building Authority Division base flood elevation where no nearby FEMA base flood elevation data exists; and one foot above the accepted or mapped base flood elevation in the circumstances specified by 22 CAR § 111-708.
minimum elevation where no FEMA map exists and site is flood-prone: 2 feet above adjacent grade · minimum elevation where FEMA map exists but no base flood elevation data is provided within 500 feet: 2 feet above the Building Authority Division-established base flood elevation · minimum elevation where FEMA map exists, no site base flood elevation is provided, and a base flood elevation is available within 500 feet or from another authoritative source: 1 foot above the base flood elevation accepted by the division · minimum elevation where FEMA map provides a base flood elevation at the site: 1 foot above the elevation shown on the map in the flood insurance study, if available, or as interpolated between map elevations
“When a department proposes to develop property within the boundaries of the hundred-year floodplain or a Building Authority Division designated flood hazard area, the department shall submit an application for a development permit on a form approved by the Design Review Section.”
Permit feesPublished (with conditions)
Basic design-service fees for Arkansas state department projects governed by the Building Authority Division.
The schedule is based on total final construction cost, including adjustments by change order or negotiations.
For projects less than $50,000 or more than $50,000,000, fees may be negotiated subject to Building Authority Division approval.
Specified modifiers apply, including deductions for simple projects and additions for complex projects or projects requiring intensified observation.
basic fee for construction cost $50,001 to $75,000: 9.25 percent of total final construction cost · basic fee for construction cost $75,001 to $100,000: 9 percent of total final construction cost · basic fee for construction cost $100,001 to $200,000: 8.75 percent of total final construction cost · basic fee for construction cost $1,000,001 to $20,000,000: 6.5 percent of total final construction cost · basic fee for construction cost $42,500,001 to $50,000,000: 4 percent of total final construction cost · fee modifier for simple projects: 1 percentage points minimum deduction · fee modifier for complex projects: 1.5 percentage points maximum addition
“$50,001 to $75,000 | 9.25%”
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 Randolph County
Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.
Local zoningPresent (with conditions)
Zoning within the corporate limits of the City of Pocahontas, Randolph County, Arkansas.
The cited zoning provisions expressly apply within the limits of the City of Pocahontas.
The city adopts and administers a zoning ordinance and zoning district map; specific uses and dimensional controls depend on the applicable district and ordinance provisions.
“The city of Pocahontas, Arkansas, hereby approves and adopts by reference Zoning Ordinance No. 387 and subsequent amendment, after public hearing duly held thereon, following notice of such hearing as required by law, said ordinance consisting of the text and zoning district map, of which ordinance not less than three (3) copies have been and are now filed in the office of the Recorder/Treasurer and from the date on which the ordinance shall take effect the provisions thereof shall be controlling within the limits of said city.”
Building in a floodplainLimited
Construction in flood hazard areas within the City of Pocahontas.
No new building of any type is permitted in the regulatory floodway, as determined by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, if it may cause damaging increases in flood heights or other nuisances.
Construction in the floodplain is allowed only if it meets the City's Flood Damage Prevention Code.
“No new buildings of any type shall be permitted”
Permit feesVariable (with conditions)
Building permits within the City of Pocahontas, Randolph County, Arkansas.
The applicant is notified of the fee only after approval.
Permits may be picked up at City Hall and paid in cash or check.
Work completed before permit issuance results in double permit fees.
The double-fee penalty is waived in emergency cases involving damaged meters or services from accidents, storms, or similar emergencies.
“The fee shall be based upon the cost of the building or structure”
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
Residential and commercial construction, alteration, enlargement, and regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing work within the City of Pocahontas.
Building permits and inspections are required for the listed work.
Contractors must provide proof of licensing; homeowners may perform work on a primary residence without a license, but permits and inspections remain required.
Applications require a plot plan in two copies showing building size and location, setbacks, off-street parking, and other requested information.
Work may not begin until the permit is paid for and approved.
Inspections must occur before walls, ceilings, or floors are covered; final inspection is required before occupancy.
Commercial or industrial permits require a Certificate of Occupancy application before final inspections, and public occupancy is prohibited until approval.
inspection timing: following business day
“Building permits and inspections are required to erect, alter, or enlarge any structure on your residential or commercial property.”
Still unanswered
We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.
Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size requirements in Randolph County, including unincorporated areas.
Lot coverage — Lot coverage requirements in Randolph County, including unincorporated areas.
Building height — Building height requirements in Randolph County, including unincorporated areas.
Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land outside a regulated recreational-vehicle park in Randolph County.
Manufactured homes — Manufactured-home occupancy or placement on an individual private parcel in Randolph County.
2 more unanswered
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 Randolph County, Arkansas
Is Randolph County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?
Randolph 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 Randolph County, Arkansas?
Randolph 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 Randolph County?
Living in an RV on your own land in Randolph County is limited to specific cases: Statewide rule. Recreational-vehicle occupancy in an Arkansas recreational-vehicle park, including a qualifying park in Randolph County. The rule applies to parcels with three or more recreational-vehicle spaces occupied or intended for occupancy where placement or maintenance services are provided for a fee. The parcel is treated as a recreational-vehicle park and must comply with the regulations. A tiny home is limited to specific cases. Confirm with the county before relying on it.
How much does land cost in Randolph County, Arkansas?
Land in Randolph County runs about $4,053 per acre, based on the latest county data.
What is the water situation in Randolph County?
Randolph County gets about 50" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 8% of years.
How remote is Randolph County?
A typical private-land location has about 18,196 people within 15 miles and 2,422,535 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.
Off-grid gear
Going off-grid in Randolph County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:
