Stone County, AR Building Permits, Zoning & Septic Rules

Unincorporated Stone County, Arkansas has no confirmed county residential building-permit process, so ask the County Judge's Office before starting work¹². Inside Mountain View, erecting, moving, adding to or structurally altering a building requires a permit³. Arkansas building-code minimums still apply statewide, and septic systems require state review, inspection and approval⁴⁵.

At a glance

Building permit: Unconfirmed in unincorporated Stone County; required inside Mountain View¹²³
Building code: Arkansas building-code minimums apply even where permits or inspections are not required⁴
Zoning: Unconfirmed in unincorporated Stone County; adopted inside Mountain View⁶²⁷
Septic permits: State construction approval, inspection and a Permit for Operation are required⁵⁸
RV living: A single RV on private land is unconfirmed; paid parks with 3 or more spaces fall under state health rules⁹
Tiny home: County occupancy rules are unconfirmed; qualifying paid parks fall under state health rules¹⁰
Owner-builder: State contractor licensing exempts a person building their own residence if they build no more than 1 residence that year; local rules still apply¹¹
Private well permit: A separate Stone County permit for a private domestic well could not be confirmed¹²

Who to call

Also useful

Stone County Judge's Office

County administration, county roads and ordinances; the starting point for parcel-specific questions when no building or planning office is confirmed

(870) 269-3351

[email protected]

107 W. Main St, Suite C, Mountain View, AR 72560

Septic permits

Arkansas Department of Health, Onsite Wastewater Program

Onsite wastewater policy and permit-application review in cooperation with the local Environmental Health Specialist

501-6612171

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

Online permits →

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 29, 2026.

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

A general residential building-permit requirement for unincorporated Stone County could not be confirmed, and Arkansas does not impose one universal permit process for every rural location¹¹³. Ask the Stone County Judge's Office for a parcel-specific answer before starting work because that office administers county ordinances². Inside Mountain View, a permit is required to erect, move, add to or structurally alter a building or other structure³. Arkansas building-code minimums apply statewide even where permits or inspections are not required⁴. An owner building their own residence is exempt from state contractor licensing unless they build more than 1 residence during the calendar year, but that exemption does not waive permits, inspections, zoning or building-code requirements¹¹.

Who handles building questions in Stone County, Arkansas?

Stone County has no confirmed county building or planning department, so begin with the Stone County Judge's Office at 107 W. Main St, Suite C, Mountain View, AR 72560; the phone is (870) 269-3351 and the email is [email protected]¹⁶². The County Judge administers Quorum Court ordinances and operates the county-road system². Ask whether the parcel is unincorporated and whether a county permit, inspection, floodplain review or driveway approval applies². A parcel inside Mountain View follows the city's permit process: the application must include a duplicate scaled plan showing lot dimensions, building size and placement¹⁴. A driveway entering a state highway needs an Arkansas Department of Transportation permit before work begins in the right-of-way¹⁵.

Does Stone County, Arkansas have zoning?

County zoning in unincorporated Stone County could not be confirmed from a current authoritative source⁶. Ask the Stone County Judge's Office whether zoning, subdivision, floodplain or other land-use ordinances apply to the parcel because that office administers Quorum Court ordinances². Mountain View is different: its zoning code applies throughout the corporate limits, with published districts and an official zoning map available for inspection⁷¹⁶. Mountain View's R-1 district requires at least 8,000 square feet for a single-family lot and 10,000 square feet for a two-family lot¹⁷. R-1 lot coverage is capped at 35% for corner lots and 40% for interior lots¹⁸. New Mountain View subdivision plats must meet the applicable district's minimum lot dimensions and area before Planning Commission consideration¹⁹.

How do septic permits work in Stone County, Arkansas?

Stone County onsite wastewater applications go through the Arkansas Department of Health or its Authorized Agent²⁰. The permit has a construction stage completed by a Designated Representative, an installation-inspection stage, and a Permit for Operation issued after approval; the system cannot be used before that final permit is issued⁵⁸. Construction must begin within 1 year or the permit must be revalidated⁵. Individual residential application-review fees range from $30 for structures up to 1,500 square feet to $150 for structures over 4,000 square feet; garages, carports and porches are excluded from the residential area calculation²¹. Only 9.2% of Stone County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, so make the site evaluation an early contingency²². If an available sanitary sewer is within 300 feet of the building's sewer exit and connection does not cross another person's property, connection is required instead of septic or a privy²³.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Stone County, Arkansas?

Stone County rules for living in a single RV or tiny home on private land could not be confirmed, so ask the County Judge's Office about parcel-specific land-use restrictions and the Onsite Wastewater Program about sanitation⁶²²⁴. Arkansas regulates a parcel as a mobile-home or recreational-vehicle park when 3 or more spaces are occupied or intended for RVs, tiny houses on wheels or mobile homes and placement or maintenance services are provided for a fee⁹. Within those qualifying parks, a tiny house on wheels is treated as a mobile home if plumbed and inspected under the Arkansas Plumbing Code, and as an RV if it is not²⁵. Arkansas allows only department-authorized pre-manufactured composting or incinerating toilets, with remaining wastewater still subject to approved disposal and onsite-wastewater requirements²⁶.

What are the steps to build a home in Stone County, Arkansas?

Confirm whether the parcel is inside Mountain View or unincorporated Stone County; for rural parcels, ask the County Judge's Office which building, zoning, floodplain, subdivision and driveway rules apply²¹⁶.

For a Mountain View parcel, submit the required building-permit application with a duplicate scaled site plan³¹⁴.

Determine whether an available sanitary sewer is within 300 feet of the building's sewer exit and reachable without crossing another person's property, because those conditions require connection²³.

If septic is needed, obtain construction approval before installation, then pass inspection and receive the Permit for Operation before use⁵⁸.

Design to Arkansas building-code minimums even if no local permit or inspection is required⁴.

In Mountain View, obtain the Certificate of Occupancy before occupancy, use or utility connection²⁷¹⁴.

What should you check before buying land in Stone County?

Put septic feasibility near the top of the contract contingencies: only 9.2% of Stone County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional drain field²². Terrain and clearing also deserve a site visit because 53% of county land has a slope of 15% or less and 80.1% is forested²⁸²⁹. Ask the County Judge's Office about county-road access, applicable ordinances and the correct floodplain contact before closing². A private domestic-well permit requirement for Stone County could not be confirmed; the state approval claim available here covers public and semi-public wells rather than establishing a rule for every private well¹². Stone County's effective property-tax rate is about 0.4%, with a median annual bill near $528, but verify the parcel's assessment and exemptions with the county before relying on an estimate³⁰³¹.

Watch-outs

Unincorporated Stone County's residential permit, inspection and certificate-of-occupancy requirements remain unconfirmed, but Mountain View requires a building permit and a Certificate of Occupancy¹³²⁷.
Unincorporated Stone County zoning and dimensional rules remain unconfirmed, while Mountain View has municipal zoning, district-specific lot sizes and coverage limits⁶⁷¹⁷¹⁸.
A septic system cannot be used until it has passed inspection and the Arkansas Department of Health or its Authorized Agent has issued the Permit for Operation⁸.

Sources

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.

How Stone County scores

Seclusion85100% ev.

Self-Sufficiency58100% ev.

Admin Boringness6677% ev.

Durability44100% ev.

Property Autonomy47100% ev.

Carry Cost87100% ev.

Evidence strength: 96%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$202kTypical home

0.4%Property tax

$2,891Land / acre

51.1"Annual rain

9.1% of yrsSevere drought

17.8 / yr (+14.2)Mid-century 100°F days

17.4 daysMid-century dry spell

2.51" (+9.2%)Mid-century 1-day rain

1.55×Wildfire change factor

100%Forward climate coverage

$1,506Home insurance / yr

0.3% / yrInsurance growth

0.11%Nonrenewal rate

county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis

5,928People within 30 min

487,277People within 2 hr

15,254Radius comparison (15 mi)

20.9People / sq mi

4.9%Federal land

53%Land at 15% slope or less

9.2%Septic soil without severe limits

33,953 acWorkable land screen

80.1%Wooded land

45.3 tonsBiomass / forest ac

58.5°FAvg temp

Answers from the rulebook for Stone County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and 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 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;”
Arkansas Residential Contractors Committee Rules and Statutes ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Available (with conditions) — Arkansas residential builder and home-improvement contractor licensing, including Stone County.
  “The following are exemptions to the residential builder and home improvement licensing requirements: (1) owners are exempt from licensure when acting as the contractor in the construction of his or her residence unless he or she builds more than one residence during any calendar year (2) owners acting as his or her own home improvement contractor on his or her own property”
  Home Improvement Specialty New Application ↗Re-checked Sep 29, 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 — Arkansas Building Codes, including Stone County and rural or unincorporated areas.
  “Arkansas Building Codes are mandatory statewide minimums. They apply statewide even in areas when no permit or inspections are required.”
  Home Improvement Specialty New Application ↗Re-checked Sep 29, 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
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — Occupancy of tiny houses on wheels in Arkansas mobile-home or recreational-vehicle parks regulated by the Arkansas Department of Health under 20 CAR Part 138.
  ““Tiny house on wheels” means a structure intended as a habitable dwelling for one (1) or more individuals which, for the purposes of this part, shall be considered a: (A) Mobile home, if plumbed and inspected in accordance with the 2018 Arkansas Plumbing Code, 17 CAR pt. 65; or (B) Recreational vehicle, if not plumbed and inspected in accordance with the 2018 Arkansas Plumbing Code;”
  20 CAR § 138-101. Definitions ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Who permits septicState
Onsite wastewater systems in Stone County and statewide Arkansas.
- For counties or cities with an Authorized Agent, applications go to the Authorized Agent of the Arkansas Department of Health; otherwise applications go 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.”
Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Septic inspectionRequired
Onsite wastewater systems in Stone County.
- The system may not be operated until inspected and approved and a Permit for Operation is issued.
- Installation inspections may occur during any phase of installation.
- Emergency repairs have the stated ten-working-day permit exception.
“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.”
Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 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
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — Off-grid sanitation and onsite wastewater systems in Stone County.
  “All premises shall be connected to a sanitary sewer when within 300 feet 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. No privies, onsite wastewater systems or other receptacles for human excreta shall be constructed, maintained, or used on the premises.”
  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 hookupConditional
Sanitary sewer connection for premises in Stone County.
- Connection is required when the sewer is within 300 feet from the point where it exits a building and is available to the premises.
- Connection must be feasible without crossing another person's property.
- When those conditions apply, privies, onsite wastewater systems, and other receptacles for human excreta may not be constructed, maintained, or used.
sewer distance: <= 300 feet (Only when the sewer is available and connection can be made without crossing another person's property.)
“All premises shall be connected to a sanitary sewer when within 300 feet 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.”
Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Sewer (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.
  “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 landLimited
Subdivision plans in Stone County that propose standard onsite wastewater systems for some or all lots or tracts.
- Plans must be submitted to the Arkansas Department of Health for review and approval.
- Submission is made to the local health unit and includes soil-pit, percolation-test, test-location, topography, and other requested information.
- The plan-review fee is at least $100 for one lot, $25 for each following lot, capped at $1,500.
minimum plan review fee: >= 100 USD (For one lot.) · additional lot review fee: per 25 USD (Each following lot; total fee capped at $1,500.)
“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.”
Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
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 [...]”
  15 CAR § 281-301. Publication of results ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
Driveway accessRequired
Construction, reconstruction, modification, or relocation of access driveways on Arkansas State Highway right-of-way, including residential, commercial, and temporary access driveways.
- No work may begin on State Highway right-of-way until the engineer issues the permit.
- Applications are made to the District Engineer and include a work description, location, applicant contact information, and required drawings or deposit/bond.
- An Access Management Agreement may require approval or a permit from the relevant jurisdiction; failure to provide it may be grounds for denial.
- Commercial driveway permits generally require a minimum $1,000 deposit or bond per driveway, with governmental-entity waiver possible.
- Temporary driveway access is limited to 120 days initially, extendable at 60-day intervals up to 240 days.
commercial driveway deposit or bond: >= 1000 USD per driveway minimum (May be waived for governmental entities.) · temporary driveway initial duration: <= 120 days maximum (May be extended at 60-day intervals up to 240 total days.) · frontage limit: 50 feet or less (Limited to one driveway.) · rural setback inside adjoining property frontage: >= 10 feet minimum (Urban minimum is 5 feet; Section 6.9 exceptions may apply.)
“A permit shall be obtained from the Department for all access driveways on State Highways.”
Regulations: Rules for Access Driveways to State Highways ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Building in a floodplainRequired
Development by an Arkansas state department on property within the boundaries of the hundred-year floodplain or a Building Authority Division designated flood hazard area.
- The rule applies to a state department proposing the development, not generally to all private or local development statewide.
- The department must submit an application on a form approved by the Design Review Section.
- The application must include the application number, date, department or property owner, site address or legal description, development type, brief description, base flood elevation, lowest-floor elevation, attachment acknowledgment, and applicant contact/signature information.
- Supporting attachments should include the FEMA map, copies of other regulatory permits such as Clean Water Act sections 401 and 404 permits, elevation certificates, a certification of no increase in base flood elevation or no-rise certificate, a flood-proofing certificate, certifications for water supply, sanitary sewer, and on-site waste disposal systems, and notification of watercourse alteration or relocation.
- The Design Review Section reviews and approves or disapproves the application; if approved, the floodplain administrator issues a development permit for the design phase.
- The permit must be posted during construction; the site is reviewed before final acceptance; and noncompliant work requires correction or may be designated a nonconforming use site.
- For riverine watercourse alteration or relocation, the department must notify the division, adjacent communities, and the state NFIP Coordinator at the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission before the alteration or relocation, submit copies to the Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration, maintain flood-carrying capacity, and provide an engineering study of before-and-after conditions prepared by a registered professional engineer.
- For structures and equipment pads under the state rule, elevation requirements vary by FEMA-map and base-flood-elevation availability: two feet above adjacent grade where no FEMA map exists; two feet above the Building Authority Division base flood elevation where no nearby FEMA base flood elevation data exists; and one foot above the accepted or mapped base flood elevation in the circumstances specified by 22 CAR § 111-708.
minimum elevation where no FEMA map exists and site is flood-prone: 2 feet above adjacent grade · minimum elevation where FEMA map exists but no base flood elevation data is provided within 500 feet: 2 feet above the Building Authority Division-established base flood elevation · minimum elevation where FEMA map exists, no site base flood elevation is provided, and a base flood elevation is available within 500 feet or from another authoritative source: 1 foot above the base flood elevation accepted by the division · minimum elevation where FEMA map provides a base flood elevation at the site: 1 foot above the elevation shown on the map in the flood insurance study, if available, or as interpolated between map elevations
“When a department proposes to develop property within the boundaries of the hundred-year floodplain or a Building Authority Division designated flood hazard area, the department shall submit an application for a development permit on a form approved by the Design Review Section.”
22 CAR § 111-705. Permits ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Permit feesPublished (with conditions)
Basic design-service fees for Arkansas state department projects governed by the Building Authority Division.
- The schedule is based on total final construction cost, including adjustments by change order or negotiations.
- For projects less than $50,000 or more than $50,000,000, fees may be negotiated subject to Building Authority Division approval.
- Specified modifiers apply, including deductions for simple projects and additions for complex projects or projects requiring intensified observation.
basic fee for construction cost $50,001 to $75,000: 9.25 percent of total final construction cost · basic fee for construction cost $75,001 to $100,000: 9 percent of total final construction cost · basic fee for construction cost $100,001 to $200,000: 8.75 percent of total final construction cost · basic fee for construction cost $1,000,001 to $20,000,000: 6.5 percent of total final construction cost · basic fee for construction cost $42,500,001 to $50,000,000: 4 percent of total final construction cost · fee modifier for simple projects: 1 percentage points minimum deduction · fee modifier for complex projects: 1.5 percentage points maximum addition
“$50,001 to $75,000 | 9.25%”
22 CAR § 111-212. Design services fee schedule ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Published (with conditions) — Arkansas Department of Health review fees for individual onsite wastewater permit applications applicable in Stone County.
  “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); [...] For the alteration, repair, or extension of any individual sewage disposal system, the fee to review a permit application is thirty dollars ($30.00).”
  Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
Arkansas state department development projects located within a hundred-year floodplain or a Building Authority Division-designated flood hazard area.
- The application is submitted on a Design Review Section-approved form.
- The application must identify the site, development type, base flood elevation, lowest-floor elevation, attachments, and applicant contact and signature information.
- Supporting materials may include FEMA maps, other regulatory permits, elevation certificates, no-rise certification, flood-proofing certification, utility or onsite-waste-disposal certification, and watercourse-alteration notification.
- The Design Review Section reviews and approves or disapproves the application; additional information may be requested.
- If approved, the floodplain administrator issues a design-phase development permit; the permit must be posted during construction, followed by compliance review before final acceptance.
permit application timing: before development of covered property · appeal or review completion point: prior to final acceptance
“the department shall submit an application for a development permit”
22 CAR § 111-705. Permits ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Partial — Onsite wastewater permit process in Stone County.
  “Part I of the Permit is the Permit for Construction. [...] Part II of the Permit Application is the installation inspection. [...] Part III of the Permit is the Permit for Operation. After approval of the inspection, the Authorized Agent will approve and issue a Permit for Operation. The system shall not be used until the Permit for Operation is issued.”
  Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 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

Inside cities and towns in Stone County

Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.

Building permitRequired
Buildings and structures within Mountain View corporate limits.
- The permit must conform to the Mountain View zoning regulations.
- Building permit applications must include a duplicate, scaled plan showing lot dimensions, building size, and location.
“No building or other structure shall be erected, moved, added to, or structurally altered without a permit therefor, issued by the enforcement officer.”
Mountain View Zoning Code ↗Re-checked Sep 29, 2026
Certificate of occupancyRequired
Buildings and proposed uses within Mountain View corporate limits.
- The certificate is issued after satisfactory completion of construction, reconstruction, or moving.
- Utility service may not be connected before issuance.
- The certificate may be revoked for nonconformity.
“No building may be occupied nor any use initiated until a properly executed Certificate of Occupancy has been issued by the enforcement officer.”
Mountain View Zoning Code ↗Re-checked Sep 29, 2026
Local zoningPresent
Land within the corporate limits of Mountain View, Stone County.
“These regulations apply to all land within the corporate limits of Mountain View, Arkansas, as now or hereafter set, as portrayed on the Official Zoning Map.”
Mountain View Zoning Code ↗Re-checked Sep 29, 2026
Zoning districtsPublished
Mountain View corporate limits.
- The official zoning map is maintained by the enforcement officer and available for public inspection during normal business hours.
“14.03.01. Zoning Districts Established [...] 14.03.10. General Industrial District [I]”
Mountain View Zoning Code ↗Re-checked Sep 29, 2026
Minimum lot sizeSpecified
Residential and other uses in Mountain View zoning districts.
- Minimum lot area varies by zoning district and use.
- For R-1, single-family lots require 8,000 square feet and two-family lots require 10,000 square feet.
R-1 single-family minimum lot area: >= 8000 square feet · R-1 two-family minimum lot area: >= 10000 square feet
“MINIMUM LOT AREA: 1. Single-family - 8,000 square feet 2. Two-family - 10,000 square feet”
Mountain View Zoning Code ↗Re-checked Sep 29, 2026
Lot coverageSpecified
Lots in Mountain View zoning districts.
- Coverage varies by district, lot type, and use.
- For R-1, corner lots are limited to 35% coverage and interior lots to 40%; nonresidential uses are limited to 50%.
R-1 corner-lot maximum coverage: <= 35 percent · R-1 interior-lot maximum coverage: <= 40 percent
“MAXIMUM LOT 1. Corner lots - 35% COVERAGE: 2. Interior lots - 40% 3. Non-residential uses shall not cover more than fifty percent (50%) of the lot area.”
Mountain View Zoning Code ↗Re-checked Sep 29, 2026
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
New subdivision plats within Mountain View corporate limits.
- The Planning Commission will not consider a proposed plat unless lots meet or exceed the minimum size and area requirements of the applicable zoning district.
“No proposed plat of any new subdivision of land within Mountain View's corporate limits shall hereafter be considered for approval by the Planning Commission unless the lots within such plat equal or exceed the minimum size and area requirements specified in the applicable land use zoning district of these regulations.”
Mountain View Zoning Code ↗Re-checked Sep 29, 2026
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
Mountain View zoning/building permit process.
- Applications require a duplicate, scaled plan showing lot dimensions, building size, and location.
- A Certificate of Occupancy is required before occupancy or initiating a use.
- Utility service may not be connected before the Certificate of Occupancy.
“All applications for building permits shall be accompanied by a plan in duplicate, drawn to scale, showing the actual dimensions of the lot to be built upon, the size of the building to be erected and its location on the lot, and such other information as may be necessary to provide for the enforcement of these regulations.”
Mountain View Zoning Code ↗Re-checked Sep 29, 2026

Still unanswered

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

County-wide zoning — Countywide zoning in Stone County, including unincorporated areas.
Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in Stone County.
Setbacks — Land-use setbacks in Stone County.
Building height — Building-height limits in Stone County.
Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land in Stone County.

3 more unanswered

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 Stone County, Arkansas

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

Stone County scores 72/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and sparse surroundings — about 5,928 people within a 30-minute drive.

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

Stone County requires a building permit only in limited cases (such as floodplains or specific zones). Onsite septic is permitted by Arkansas Department of Health, Onsite Wastewater Program (Stone County Local Health Unit). Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

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

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

Land in Stone County runs about $2,891 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Stone County?

Stone County gets about 51.1" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 9.1% of years.

How remote is Stone County?

A representative private-land location has about 5,928 people within a 30-minute drive and 487,277 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 Stone County, Arkansas

At a glance

Who to call

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

Who handles building questions in Stone County, Arkansas?

Does Stone County, Arkansas have zoning?

How do septic permits work in Stone County, Arkansas?

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Stone County, Arkansas?

What are the steps to build a home in Stone County, Arkansas?

What should you check before buying land in Stone County?

Watch-outs

Sources

Stone County in Arkansas

How Stone County scores

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Parcel due diligence

Answers from the rulebook for Stone County

Arkansas rules that apply here

Inside cities and towns in Stone County

Still unanswered

Living off-grid in Stone County, Arkansas

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

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

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

How much does land cost in Stone County, Arkansas?

What is the water situation in Stone County?

How remote is Stone County?

How Stone compares in Arkansas