Scott County, AR Building Permits, Zoning & Septic Rules

Unincorporated Scott County, Arkansas does not require a building permit for a home, and the county has no zoning department or countywide zoning ordinance¹². Septic permits go through the Arkansas Department of Health, not the county³. Building your own home also gets you Arkansas's owner-builder exemption from contractor licensing, as long as you don't build more than one house a year⁴. Before you get excited about cheap land here, know that about 65% of Scott County is federal land, mostly Ouachita National Forest, so confirm a parcel is actually private before you make an offer⁵.

At a glance

Building permit: Not required in unincorporated Scott County¹
Zoning: No county zoning department or ordinance²
Septic permits: Arkansas Department of Health, Onsite Wastewater Program³
Owner-builder: Exempt from contractor licensing, up to one home per year⁶⁴
Federal land share: About 65% of the county, mostly national forest⁵
Effective property tax rate: About 0.4%⁷
Population density: About 11 people per square mile⁸

Who to call

Also useful

Scott County Judge's Office

Chief executive of Scott County government. Arkansas law makes the county judge responsible for operating the county road system and administering county ordinances; there is no separate county building or zoning department.

(479) 637-2155

Septic permits

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

Septic (onsite wastewater) permits for Scott County, working through an environmental health specialist assigned to the local county health department under Arkansas's statewide Onsite Wastewater Program.

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 September 24, 2026.

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

Unincorporated Scott County does not require a building permit to construct a home, barn or other structure¹. The county's own directory lists offices only for the assessor, collector, clerk, treasurer, sheriff and county judge, with no building or codes department among them¹. Arkansas law lets counties adopt a local building-permit program if they choose, but Scott County has not⁹. That doesn't mean construction goes unregulated: the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, including the residential code, still applies statewide as a compliance standard even where no local permit or inspection is required¹⁰. If you build inside Waldron or Mansfield, the county's two incorporated cities, check with that city instead, since a municipal permit or zoning ordinance can apply even though the surrounding unincorporated county has none².

Who handles permitting and county government in Scott County?

Scott County has no separate building or zoning department, so there's no dedicated permit office for unincorporated land¹. The Scott County Judge is the county's chief executive and, by state law, operates the county road system and administers the ordinances the quorum court passes¹¹. Call that office for anything county-related this guide can't confirm online, including road-access questions on county roads¹¹. For a septic permit, contact the Arkansas Department of Health's Onsite Wastewater Program, which sets statewide policy and works with an environmental health specialist assigned to Scott County's local health department¹². If your driveway will connect to a state highway rather than a county road, you'll instead need a permit from the Arkansas Department of Transportation¹³.

Does Scott County have zoning?

Scott County has no zoning department and no countywide zoning ordinance that this guide could confirm, so unincorporated land in the county has no county-set minimum home size, no county setback rule and no district-based restriction this guide could verify on RVs or tiny homes². Arkansas law lets counties adopt zoning if they choose to, so this could change; confirm current status with the County Judge's office before you rely on it for a long-term plan²¹¹. Waldron, the county seat, and Mansfield are Scott County's incorporated cities, and either one may have its own municipal zoning separate from the unincorporated county². If a parcel you're considering sits inside either city's limits, plan on dealing with that city's rules instead of the county's.

How do septic permits work in Scott County?

Every septic system in Scott County is permitted by the Arkansas Department of Health, not the county, through the same statewide Onsite Wastewater Program used in every Arkansas county³¹⁴. You need a Permit for Construction before you build, alter, repair or extend a system, and a separate Permit for Operation before you use it¹⁵. Review fees run from $30 for a structure of 1,500 square feet or less up to $150 for anything over 4,000 square feet, and altering or repairing an existing system costs a flat $30 to review¹⁶. Construction must start within one year of getting your permit or it has to be revalidated¹⁵. Soil here makes this worth planning around early: only about 5.7% of Scott County's soils are free of severe limits for a conventional drain field, among the toughest conditions this guide covers, so get a site evaluation before you commit to a lot¹⁷.

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

No official Scott County rule confirms or restricts living in an RV or tiny home on your own unincorporated land, and the county has no zoning ordinance that would set that limit². Arkansas regulates commercial recreational-vehicle parks, but only ones with three or more RV, tiny-house-on-wheels or mobile-home spaces offered for a fee, which is a different situation from one family living in an RV on land they own¹⁸. A tiny house on wheels is treated as a mobile home under Arkansas plumbing rules if it's plumbed and inspected to the 2018 Arkansas Plumbing Code, and as a recreational vehicle if it isn't, but that classification governs regulated parks, not a single home on private land¹⁹. Because Scott County has no building permit requirement and no zoning for unincorporated land, there's no county permit process standing in your way, but there's also no official confirmation that long-term RV or tiny-home occupancy is explicitly allowed¹². Call the Scott County Judge's office to ask about any current local expectations before you move onto raw land¹¹.

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

Confirm your parcel is actually private land, not the Ouachita National Forest; about 65% of Scott County is federal land, so verify boundaries with a survey and the county assessor's parcel records before you buy⁵.
Confirm your parcel is outside Waldron and Mansfield city limits; either city may apply its own zoning and permit rules that override the unincorporated county rules described here².
Get a soil evaluation and septic Permit for Construction from the Arkansas Department of Health before you finalize your building site, since only about 5.7% of Scott County's soils are free of severe septic limitations¹⁷¹⁵.
Because Scott County has no building permit or inspection program for unincorporated land, you won't file plans with a county building department, but you're still responsible for meeting the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code as a statewide compliance standard¹¹⁰.
If you're acting as your own contractor, keep your project inside the state's owner-builder exemption, which covers one residence per calendar year⁴.
If your driveway will connect to a state highway, apply for an access driveway permit from the Arkansas Department of Transportation before construction; commercial-style approaches generally require at least a $1,000 deposit or bond¹³.
Call the Scott County Judge's office to confirm there's no current local requirement this guide couldn't verify, especially around county road access¹¹.

What to check before you buy land in Scott County

Verify how much of the parcel is actually private before you get attached to a listing: about 65% of Scott County is federal land, overwhelmingly U.S. Forest Service land in the Ouachita National Forest, and boundaries next to public land can be easy to misjudge without a survey⁵. Get a septic site evaluation early: only about 5.7% of the county's soils are free of severe limits for a conventional drain field, while about 60% of the county's land sits at a gentle enough slope, 15% or less, to make building and a drain field easier, and the two factors don't always line up on the same parcel¹⁷²⁰. The county is heavily wooded, at about 85% forest cover, so factor in clearing costs on top of any timber value²¹. Scott County sits about 87 miles from the nearest metro area with a population density of roughly 11 people per square mile, among the most rural counties this guide covers, so expect limited utilities, cell service and emergency response²²⁸. Typical property taxes run about $456 a year on an effective rate near 0.4%, among the lowest in the state, and the typical home value is around $164,000²³⁷²⁴.

Watch-outs

Scott County's own website (scottcountyar.com) lists office names and links but rarely a phone number beyond the County Judge; call the courthouse in Waldron directly for anything this guide can't confirm¹¹.
Roughly two-thirds of Scott County is federal Ouachita National Forest land; before you buy, confirm the exact parcel you're looking at is privately owned and get a boundary survey⁵.
Whether Waldron or Mansfield currently enforce a zoning ordinance is not stated on an official page this guide could load; confirm with that city directly if your parcel is inside its limits².

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 Scott County scores

Seclusion85100% ev.

Self-Sufficiency47100% ev.

Admin Boringness85100% ev.

Durability39100% ev.

Property Autonomy47100% ev.

Carry Cost8696% ev.

Evidence strength: 100%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$164kTypical home

0.4%Property tax

$3,109Land / acre

54.1"Annual rain

11.9% of yrsSevere drought

24.7 / yr (+18)Mid-century 100°F days

17.9 daysMid-century dry spell

2.7" (+6.5%)Mid-century 1-day rain

1.44×Wildfire change factor

100%Forward climate coverage

$1,481Home insurance / yr

1.1% / yrInsurance growth

0.36%Nonrenewal rate

single ZIP shrunk to state medianInsurance basis

4,926People within 30 min

538,270People within 2 hr

12,720Radius comparison (15 mi)

11People / sq mi

64.7%Federal land

60.2%Land at 15% slope or less

5.7%Septic soil without severe limits

31,488 acWorkable land screen

85.1%Wooded land

50.2 tonsBiomass / forest ac

60.4°FAvg temp

Answers from the rulebook for Scott County

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

Scott County rules

County-wide zoningAbsent
No county planning or zoning department is listed for Scott County; county zoning is optional in Arkansas and not adopted here, so land-use control is municipal only.
Arkansas.gov - Scott County ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Arkansas rules that apply here

Building permitLimited
Construction subject to the Arkansas Building Code statewide minimums, including rural and unincorporated areas.
- Arkansas Building Code requirements apply statewide even where no permit is required.
- The source does not establish a universal statewide building-permit requirement; applicable permit requirements may depend on the responsible local or other code authority.
“They apply statewide even in areas when no permit or inspections are required.”
Home Improvement Contractor License Application ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)
Arkansas residential-contractor licensing for an owner acting as the contractor in construction of the owner’s residence or as the owner’s own home-improvement contractor on the owner’s property; applicable in Scott County because the rule is statewide.
- The owner constructing his or her residence is exempt unless he or she builds more than one residence during any calendar year.
- The owner of a single-family residence acting as his or her own home-improvement contractor must be working on his or her own property.
- The exemption concerns contractor licensing and does not establish exemption from any applicable building code, permit, inspection, septic, zoning, or other local or state requirement.
- The statute also lists exemptions for subcontractors working for a properly licensed contractor and contractors licensed by another Arkansas licensing agency or board when performing work within that license’s scope.
- A separate exemption applies to projects costing no more than $2,000, but it does not apply when construction work is divided into separate contracts of amounts less than $2,000.
maximum residences constructed by owner under residence exemption: <= 1 residence per calendar year (The exemption does not apply if the owner builds more than one residence during any calendar year.) · small-project licensing exemption threshold: <= 2000 USD (Does not apply when the work necessary to complete the project is divided into separate contracts of amounts less than $2,000.)
“The owner of a single family residence acting as his or her own home improvement contractor on his or her own property;”
Home Improvement New Application ↗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
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Adopted (with conditions) — Construction, alteration, and related building-code compliance in Scott County as part of Arkansas statewide coverage.
  “The International Fire Code, 2012 2021 Edition, the International Building Code, 2012 2021 Edition, and the International Residential Code, 2012 2021Edition, as published by the International Code Council and the rules, as amended, and adopted by the Arkansas State Fire Marshal, shall constitute the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, 2012 2021 Edition. These Rules shall be effective January 1, 2023.”
  Arkansas Fire Prevention Code Rules, 2021 Edition ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
- Adopted (with conditions) — New structures and applicable alterations, additions, changes in use, and changes in structures throughout Arkansas, under the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, including Volume II for building-code requirements and Volume III for residential-code requirements.
  “Each district, county, municipality, or other political subdivision of this state shall only adopt and enforce the provisions of the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, 2021 Edition. [...] The design and construction of new structures shall comply with the International Building Code Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, Volume II, and any alterations, additions, changes in use or changes in structures required by this code, which are within the scope of the International Building Code, Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, Volume II, shall be made in accordance therewith.”
  2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
- Adopted (with conditions) — State projects in Arkansas subject to the Building Authority Division design-review rules.
  “The adopted building code for state projects is the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, 12 CAR pt. 15, as adopted by the Division of Arkansas State Police, State Fire Marshal’s office. Arkansas laws and this subchapter shall have precedence over the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code where they exceed the requirements of the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code. All project designs shall comply with all Arkansas laws and the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code. Other codes, rules, or standards may be applicable to a specific project. It is the department’s and design professional’s responsibility to determine all applicable codes for each specific project.”
  22 CAR § 111-407. Building codes adopted ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 2026
InspectionsLimited
Construction subject to Arkansas Building Code compliance and any applicable inspection regime.
- The official statewide source expressly recognizes areas where inspections are not required.
- Where an inspection is required, the applicable inspection authority and process are not specified by this statewide source.
“areas when no permit or inspections are required.”
Home Improvement Contractor License Application ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
Certificate of occupancyLimited
Open-enrollment public charter schools commencing student operations in a new or renovated facility anywhere in Arkansas.
- Before commencing operations with students, the school must obtain one of three alternative approvals for the new construction or renovation.
- The alternatives are: a certificate of occupancy issued by a local code official and approved by the state fire marshal; a certificate of occupancy or other approval of the state fire marshal; or a certificate of substantial completion issued by a licensed architect.
- A certificate of occupancy is therefore not independently mandatory when one of the two listed alternative approvals is obtained.
“An open-enrollment public charter school shall not commence operations with students in any new or renovated facility unless the school has obtained for the new construction or renovation: (1) A certificate of occupancy issued by a local code official, approved by the state fire marshal; (2) A certificate of occupancy or other approval of the state fire marshal; or (3) A certificate of substantial completion issued by a licensed architect.”
6 CAR § 31-425. Charter school facilities ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — State of Arkansas construction projects administered by a state owner or agency.
  “Certificates of Occupancy are not issued by any one State Agency for State projects. The responsibility therefore rests with the Owner/Agency of the project.”
  DBA Project Closeout Guide ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
Living in an RVLimited
Occupancy of recreational vehicles in Arkansas recreational-vehicle parks regulated by the Arkansas Department of Health under 20 CAR Part 138.
- The rule applies when three or more spaces are occupied or intended for occupancy by recreational vehicles, tiny houses on wheels, or mobile homes and placement or maintenance services, or both, are provided for a fee, whether new or existing.
- The parcel is considered a mobile home or recreational vehicle park and must comply with 20 CAR Part 138.
- The owner or operator is responsible for compliance.
- Waivers or exceptions are considered case by case and approval is at the Department of Health's discretion.
- Construction, alteration, repair, or extension of a mobile-home or recreational-vehicle park requires prior submission and department approval.
- Detailed plans must include the park layout, sewage system, water source and distribution system, buildings, parking areas, dump stations, and topographical features.
minimum spaces triggering park regulation: >= 3 spaces (Placement or maintenance services, or both, must be provided for a fee.)
“Any parcel of land in which three (3) or more spaces are occupied or intended for occupancy by recreational vehicles, tiny houses on wheels, or mobile homes, where placement or maintenance services, or both, are provided for a fee, whether new or existing, shall be: (1) Considered a mobile home or recreational vehicle park; and (2) In compliance with this part.”
20 CAR § 138-102. Compliance ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
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
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Limited — Tiny houses on wheels in Arkansas mobile-home or recreational-vehicle parks, including any such park in Scott County.
  “intended as a habitable dwelling for one (1) or more individuals”
  20 CAR § 138-101. Definitions ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
- 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 Scott County, including unincorporated areas, under Arkansas statewide rules.
- The Arkansas Department of Health administers the program through its Department or Authorized Agent; the cited rule does not identify Scott County as a separate permitting authority.
“2.8. Department. The Arkansas Department of Health. 2.9. Designated Representative (DR). A person certified by the Department to make percolation tests, system designs, and inspections subject to the Authorized Agent's final approval.”
Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
Septic permitRequired
Construction, alteration, repair, or extension of onsite wastewater systems in Scott County.
- A valid Permit for Construction must be obtained before construction, alteration, repair, or extension.
- A Permit for Operation must be obtained before operation.
- The permit is issued by the Arkansas Department of Health or its Authorized Agent.
- Construction must begin within one year of issuance or the permit must be revalidated.
- Review fees apply: $30 for structures of 1,500 square feet or less; $45 for more than 1,500 and up to 2,000 square feet; $90 for more than 2,000 and up to 3,000 square feet; $120 for more than 3,000 and up to 4,000 square feet; $150 for more than 4,000 square feet; and $30 for alteration, repair, or extension of an individual sewage disposal system.
- A permit may be refused where public sewer systems are reasonably available or economically feasible.
- Emergency repairs may be undertaken without prior issuance of a permit, provided a permit is subsequently obtained within 10 working days after repairs are made.
construction permit timing: before construction, alteration, repair, or extension · permit review fee for structure <= 1500 square feet: 30 USD · permit review fee for structure >1500 and <=2000 square feet: 45 USD · permit review fee for structure >2000 and <=3000 square feet: 90 USD · permit review fee for structure >3000 and <=4000 square feet: 120 USD · permit review fee for structure >4000 square feet: 150 USD · permit review fee for alteration, repair, or extension: 30 USD · construction commencement deadline: 1 year (unless revalidated)
“It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, corporation, association, municipality, or governmental agency to begin construction, alteration, repair, or extension of any onsite wastewater system, owned by any other person, firm, corporation, association, municipality or governmental agency until the owner first obtains a valid Permit for Construction issued by the Department or its Authorized Agent.”
Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗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
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
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Conditional — Construction, installation, maintenance, repair, or renovation of a nonresidential farm building or structure in Arkansas, as an exemption from the Arkansas Electrical Code Authority Act requirements.
  “(b) The requirements of the Arkansas Electrical Code Authority Act, Arkansas Code § 20-31-101 et seq., shall not apply to the following: [...] (2) Any construction, installation, maintenance, repair, or renovation of any nonresidential farm building or structure;”
  17 CAR § 210-602. Construction and exemptions ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Subdivision plats that are boundary surveys creating parcels in Arkansas.
- The plat must be filed with the State Surveyor's office after any recording requirements imposed by city or county government.
- Filing is not required, but may be submitted, for survey plats of subdivided property located in a municipality where the property has previously been surveyed and a plat filed.
plat distribution deadline: 30 days after completion
“Subdivision plats [...] are to be filed with the State Surveyor’s office [...] Filing is not required [...] for survey plats [...] located in a municipality [...]”
15 CAR § 281-301. Publication of results ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
Driveway accessRequired
Construction, reconstruction, modification, or relocation of access driveways on Arkansas State Highway right-of-way, including residential, commercial, and temporary access driveways.
- No work may begin on State Highway right-of-way until the engineer issues the permit.
- Applications are made to the District Engineer and include a work description, location, applicant contact information, and required drawings or deposit/bond.
- An Access Management Agreement may require approval or a permit from the relevant jurisdiction; failure to provide it may be grounds for denial.
- Commercial driveway permits generally require a minimum $1,000 deposit or bond per driveway, with governmental-entity waiver possible.
- Temporary driveway access is limited to 120 days initially, extendable at 60-day intervals up to 240 days.
commercial driveway deposit or bond: >= 1000 USD per driveway minimum (May be waived for governmental entities.) · temporary driveway initial duration: <= 120 days maximum (May be extended at 60-day intervals up to 240 total days.) · frontage limit: 50 feet or less (Limited to one driveway.) · rural setback inside adjoining property frontage: >= 10 feet minimum (Urban minimum is 5 feet; Section 6.9 exceptions may apply.)
“A permit shall be obtained from the Department for all access driveways on State Highways.”
Regulations: Rules for Access Driveways to State Highways ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Building in a floodplainRequired
Development by an Arkansas state department on property within the boundaries of the hundred-year floodplain or a Building Authority Division designated flood hazard area.
- The rule applies to a state department proposing the development, not generally to all private or local development statewide.
- The department must submit an application on a form approved by the Design Review Section.
- The application must include the application number, date, department or property owner, site address or legal description, development type, brief description, base flood elevation, lowest-floor elevation, attachment acknowledgment, and applicant contact/signature information.
- Supporting attachments should include the FEMA map, copies of other regulatory permits such as Clean Water Act sections 401 and 404 permits, elevation certificates, a certification of no increase in base flood elevation or no-rise certificate, a flood-proofing certificate, certifications for water supply, sanitary sewer, and on-site waste disposal systems, and notification of watercourse alteration or relocation.
- The Design Review Section reviews and approves or disapproves the application; if approved, the floodplain administrator issues a development permit for the design phase.
- The permit must be posted during construction; the site is reviewed before final acceptance; and noncompliant work requires correction or may be designated a nonconforming use site.
- For riverine watercourse alteration or relocation, the department must notify the division, adjacent communities, and the state NFIP Coordinator at the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission before the alteration or relocation, submit copies to the Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration, maintain flood-carrying capacity, and provide an engineering study of before-and-after conditions prepared by a registered professional engineer.
- For structures and equipment pads under the state rule, elevation requirements vary by FEMA-map and base-flood-elevation availability: two feet above adjacent grade where no FEMA map exists; two feet above the Building Authority Division base flood elevation where no nearby FEMA base flood elevation data exists; and one foot above the accepted or mapped base flood elevation in the circumstances specified by 22 CAR § 111-708.
minimum elevation where no FEMA map exists and site is flood-prone: 2 feet above adjacent grade · minimum elevation where FEMA map exists but no base flood elevation data is provided within 500 feet: 2 feet above the Building Authority Division-established base flood elevation · minimum elevation where FEMA map exists, no site base flood elevation is provided, and a base flood elevation is available within 500 feet or from another authoritative source: 1 foot above the base flood elevation accepted by the division · minimum elevation where FEMA map provides a base flood elevation at the site: 1 foot above the elevation shown on the map in the flood insurance study, if available, or as interpolated between map elevations
“When a department proposes to develop property within the boundaries of the hundred-year floodplain or a Building Authority Division designated flood hazard area, the department shall submit an application for a development permit on a form approved by the Design Review Section.”
22 CAR § 111-705. Permits ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Permit feesPublished (with conditions)
Individual onsite wastewater permit reviews and subdivision plan reviews applicable to property in Scott County, Arkansas.
- Fees are payable to the Arkansas Department of Health.
- The review fee must be paid before issuance of Part 1 of the permit application.
- There is no refund if the applicant does not proceed.
- Construction must begin within one year of issuance or the permit must be re-validated.
- For individual applications, the fee is $30 for structures of 1,500 square feet or less; $45 for structures over 1,500 and up to 2,000 square feet; $90 for structures over 2,000 and up to 3,000 square feet; $120 for structures over 3,000 and up to 4,000 square feet; $150 for structures over 4,000 square feet; and $30 for alteration, repair, or extension.
- Auxiliary areas such as garages, carports, and porches are excluded when calculating residential square footage.
- Subdivision plan review is at least $100 for one lot plus $25 for each additional lot, capped at $1,500.
individual permit review fee, structure 1500 sq ft or less: 30 USD · individual permit review fee, structure over 1500 and up to 2000 sq ft: 45 USD · individual permit review fee, structure over 2000 and up to 3000 sq ft: 90 USD · individual permit review fee, structure over 3000 and up to 4000 sq ft: 120 USD · individual permit review fee, structure over 4000 sq ft: 150 USD · alteration, repair, or extension review fee: 30 USD · subdivision plan review fee, first lot: >= 100 USD (plus $25 for each following lot; maximum $1,500) · subdivision plan review fee, additional lot: per 25 USD (maximum total fee $1,500)
“For structures one thousand five hundred square feet (1,500 sq. ft.) or less, the fee to review a permit application is thirty dollars ($30.00);”
Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Published (with conditions) — Basic design-service fees for Arkansas state department projects governed by the Building Authority Division.
  “$50,001 to $75,000 | 9.25%”
  22 CAR § 111-212. Design services fee schedule ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
Onsite wastewater construction, operation, alteration, repair, and extension permitting for property in Scott County, Arkansas.
- A completed permit application and detailed plans must be approved by the Arkansas Department of Health or its Authorized Agent before construction of a building or residence.
- A valid Permit for Construction is required before construction, alteration, repair, or extension of an onsite wastewater system.
- The system must be inspected and approved and a Permit for Operation obtained before operation or use.
- The installer must notify the Authorized Agent at least 24 hours before work begins; emergency repairs may proceed without prior notice if a permit is obtained within ten working days.
- If no Authorized Agent has been designated for the county, applications must be made to the Department.
- Part I is the construction permit and must include percolation-test results, soil determination results, lot dimensions, system design, and system layout.
- Part II is the installation inspection; the installer must submit required documentation to the local health unit within five days after installation.
- Part III is the operation permit.
- Permits may be refused where public sewer is reasonably available or economically feasible, subject to the stated emergency-repair exception.
advance installer notice: >= 24 hours (emergency repairs may proceed without prior notice if a permit is obtained within ten working days) · post-installation documentation submission: <= 5 days · construction start after permit issuance: <= 1 year (otherwise re-validation is required)
“Part I of the Permit is the Permit for Construction.”
Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Published (with conditions) — Arkansas state department development projects located within a hundred-year floodplain or a Building Authority Division-designated flood hazard area.
  “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
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Limited — RV occupancy in Arkansas recreational vehicle parks, including any such park in Scott County.
  “three (3) or more spaces are occupied or intended for occupancy by recreational vehicles”
  20 CAR § 138-101. Definitions ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
- Limited — Temporary camping in Arkansas recreational vehicle parks, including any such park in Scott County.
  “transient dwelling purposes, typically by night or week”
  20 CAR § 138-101. Definitions ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026

Still unanswered

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

Local zoning — Aggregate local zoning controls across Scott County municipalities and unincorporated areas.
Zoning districts — Published zoning districts applicable countywide or in unincorporated Scott County, Arkansas.
Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in unincorporated Scott County, Arkansas.
Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size in unincorporated Scott County, Arkansas.
Setbacks — Setback requirements in unincorporated Scott 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 Scott County, Arkansas

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

Scott County scores 69/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and sparse surroundings — about 4,926 people within a 30-minute drive. Watch-outs: elevated mid-century heat, water, rain, or wildfire exposure.

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

Scott 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 Scott County?

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

Land in Scott County runs about $3,109 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Scott County?

Scott County gets about 54.1" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 11.9% of years.

How remote is Scott County?

A representative private-land location has about 4,926 people within a 30-minute drive and 538,270 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

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

At a glance

Who to call

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

Who handles permitting and county government in Scott County?

Does Scott County have zoning?

How do septic permits work in Scott County?

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

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

What to check before you buy land in Scott County

Watch-outs

Sources

Scott County in Arkansas

How Scott County scores

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Parcel due diligence

Answers from the rulebook for Scott County

Scott County rules

Arkansas rules that apply here

Still unanswered

Living off-grid in Scott County, Arkansas

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

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

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

How much does land cost in Scott County, Arkansas?

What is the water situation in Scott County?

How remote is Scott County?

How Scott compares in Arkansas