Bolthole Index

Washington County, Arkansas

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Washington County, Arkansas

59Index Score / 100
#72 of 75 in Arkansas

Unincorporated Washington County, Arkansas does not require a traditional building permit for a single-family home or personal accessory building, but Arkansas construction standards still apply1. County zoning, septic approval, floodplain review and possible driveway permits can still shape the project2345. Start with Washington County Planning before choosing a house site6.

At a glance

Building permit
No traditional permit for a single-family home or personal accessory building in unincorporated areas1
Zoning
Yes; minimum lot size, residence count and use restrictions apply2
Septic permit
Required before construction, installation or modification3
Owner-builder
Available because no county building permit is required; state trade licensing may still apply7
RV living
Private-land residential occupancy was not confirmed; ask County Planning8
Tiny home
No complete county occupancy rule was confirmed; zoning and septic rules still matter83
Residential setbacks
25 ft from county road right-of-way, 10 ft side and 20 ft rear9

Who to call

Planning & zoning

Washington County Planning

Zoning, development applications, lot splits, floodplain permits, address applications and guidance for unincorporated Washington County

(479) 444-1724

[email protected]

2615 S. Brink Drive, Fayetteville, AR 72701

Septic permits

Washington County Health Department

Local health-department contact for septic questions and Designated Representative referrals

479-521-8181 ext. 2115

Roads & driveways

Washington County Road Department

Culvert-permit information for driveway access

479-444-1610

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 27, 2026.

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

Unincorporated Washington County does not require a traditional building permit for a single-family home or personal accessory building1. The county Planning page also says it does not require building inspections for agricultural buildings, single-family homes or residential accessory structures, and a certificate of occupancy is issued only when requested6. That answer changes inside city limits, where municipal permitting may apply1.

No traditional building permit does not mean no standards or approvals. Arkansas construction standards apply statewide even where a permit or inspection is not required10. County zoning, floodplain, subdivision, septic and access rules can independently require review before work begins241135. Ask Planning to screen the parcel and proposed use before finalizing a site plan6.

Who handles building and land permits in Washington County?

Washington County Planning is the first stop for an unincorporated parcel: the office handles zoning and development applications, lot splits, floodplain permits and address applications6. The office is at 2615 S. Brink Drive, Fayetteville, AR 72701; call (479) 444-1724 or email [email protected]6. Planning accepts project fees in person or by mail when an application is submitted6.

For onsite wastewater questions, call the Washington County Health Department at 479-521-8181 ext. 2115; the county directs owners to local Designated Representatives for soil work and existing-system inspections12. The Arkansas Department of Health or its Authorized Agent approves onsite wastewater plans and permits13. For a culvert serving a driveway, contact the Washington County Road Department at 479-444-161014. Planning also serves as the county floodplain administration office for development in mapped flood zones4.

Does Washington County, Arkansas have zoning?

Unincorporated Washington County has zoning restrictions covering minimum lot size, the number of residences and land use2. The county's residence guide says Planning staff determine whether a proposed home meets the zoning code, so do not infer a parcel's buildability from acreage alone15. A split or subdivision can trigger additional county review, and Washington County Planning regulates property divisions11.

Residential construction must stay 25 feet from the county road right-of-way, 10 feet from side property lines and 20 feet from the rear property line9. Those distances should be plotted from verified boundaries and the actual right-of-way, not from the pavement edge. A parcel in Floodzone A or AE faces additional permits and restrictions through Planning4. City rules may replace or add to these county rules inside municipal limits, so establish jurisdiction before relying on the unincorporated-county answer2.

How do septic permits work in Washington County?

An onsite wastewater permit must be obtained before a system is constructed, installed or modified in Washington County3. The Arkansas Department of Health governs the system, while applications and inspections may run through the local health unit or an authorized agent13. Call the Washington County Health Department at 479-521-8181 ext. 2115 for the local route and a Designated Representative12.

The system cannot begin operating until it has been inspected and approved and the owner has a Permit for Operation16. Only about 8.6% of Washington County soils avoid a USDA rating of “very limited” for a conventional septic drain field, so a site evaluation can materially change the usable house site and budget17. Public sewer also matters: Arkansas requires a connection when an available sanitary sewer is within 300 feet of the point where sewer exits the building and can be reached without crossing another person's land18.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Washington County?

We could not confirm a complete Washington County rule allowing or prohibiting long-term RV living, temporary camping or a single tiny home on private land. Because unincorporated parcels remain subject to zoning, residence-count and land-use restrictions, ask Washington County Planning about the exact parcel and intended occupancy before buying or moving a unit onsite26.

Arkansas's health rules do answer a narrower question: a parcel with 3 or more paid spaces intended for recreational vehicles, tiny houses on wheels or mobile homes is treated as a regulated park when placement or maintenance services are provided for a fee19. Under those park rules, a tiny house on wheels is treated as a mobile home if plumbed and inspected under the Arkansas Plumbing Code, and as a recreational vehicle if it is not20. Those park provisions do not decide whether one RV or tiny home may be occupied on a private parcel21.

What are the steps to build a home in Washington County?

  1. Confirm that the parcel is outside city limits, then ask Washington County Planning to review zoning, minimum lot size, residence count and the proposed use215.
  2. Check the survey, setbacks and any proposed property split before fixing the house location911.
  3. Check for Floodzone A or AE and obtain any required floodplain approval from Planning4.
  4. Arrange the septic site work and obtain Arkansas Department of Health or Authorized Agent approval before onsite wastewater construction133.
  5. Confirm legal access; a driveway connecting to a county road or state highway may need a permit5.
  6. Build to applicable Arkansas standards even though the county does not require the traditional residential building permit110.
  7. Obtain septic inspection and the Permit for Operation before using the system16.

What should you check before buying land in Washington County?

Start with wastewater feasibility: only about 8.6% of Washington County soils avoid a “very limited” rating for conventional drain fields17. About 61.8% of the land has a slope of 15% or less, while about 56.8% is wooded, so the specific homesite and access route matter more than a parcel-wide average2223. Verify floodplain status with Planning because development in Floodzone A or AE carries added restrictions and permits4.

Confirm legal road access and whether a county-road or state-highway driveway permit is needed5. If a sanitary sewer is available within 300 feet under the state's access conditions, connection is required rather than a private onsite system18. For carrying costs, the effective property-tax rate is about 0.6%, the median annual property-tax bill is about $1,465, and the typical home value is about $356,013242526.

Watch-outs

  • No traditional county residential building permit does not waive zoning, septic, floodplain, subdivision or driveway requirements1234115.
  • We could not confirm a complete private-land rule for RV residence, temporary camping or a single tiny home; ask Washington County Planning before relying on one for housing86.
  • A conventional septic layout may be difficult because only about 8.6% of county soils avoid a “very limited” USDA drain-field rating17.

Sources

  1. Building a residence in the county?, quoted and re-checked
  2. Building a residence in the county?, quoted and re-checked
  3. Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024), quoted and re-checked
  4. Building a residence in the county?, quoted and re-checked
  5. Building a residence in the county?, quoted and re-checked
  6. Washington County Planning (washingtoncountyar.gov)
  7. Arkansas law on county zoning and building authority
  8. Building a residence in the county? (2026 county census)
  9. Building a residence in the county?, quoted and re-checked
  10. Home Improvement Contractor License Application (Arkansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. Building a residence in the county?, quoted and re-checked
  12. Washington County Health Department (washingtoncountyar.gov)
  13. Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024), quoted and re-checked
  14. Washington County Road Department (washingtoncountyar.gov)
  15. Building a residence in the county?, quoted and re-checked
  16. Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024), quoted and re-checked
  17. Share of soils without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field (USDA SSURGO): Bolthole Index county data
  18. 14 CAR § 21-301. Generally (Arkansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. 20 CAR § 138-102. Compliance (Arkansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  20. 20 CAR § 138-101. Definitions (Arkansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  21. 20 CAR § 138-102. Compliance (Arkansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  22. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  23. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  24. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  25. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  26. Typical home value (Zillow): Bolthole Index county data

Written September 27, 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.

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County locator

Washington County in Arkansas

59
County map
Washington County highlighted among the Arkansas counties · colored by Index score

How Washington County scores

Seclusion33100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency67100% ev.
Admin Boringness61100% ev.
Durability53100% ev.
Property Autonomy47100% ev.
Carry Cost68100% 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 →

$356kTypical home
0.6%Property tax
$7,460Land / acre
49.2"Annual rain
9.5% of yrsSevere drought
11.6 / yr (+9.7)Mid-century 100°F days
17.7 daysMid-century dry spell
2.42" (+4.3%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.55×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,855Home insurance / yr
1.7% / yrInsurance growth
0.69%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
221,863People within 30 min
2,096,079People within 2 hr
121,193Radius comparison (15 mi)
277.8People / sq mi
4.3%Federal land
61.8%Land at 15% slope or less
8.6%Septic soil without severe limits
51,448 acWorkable land screen
56.8%Wooded land
45.6 tonsBiomass / forest ac
57.9°FAvg temp

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Answers from the rulebook for Washington County

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

Washington County rules

  • Building permitNot required (with conditions)

    Traditional building permits for single-family homes and personal accessory buildings in unincorporated Washington County.

    • Municipal permitting may apply inside city limits.
    • The county guidance states that Arkansas State Code must be met.
    • Zoning, floodplain, subdivision, utility, driveway, and septic requirements may still apply.
    “Please note that while traditional building permits for single-family homes or personal accessory buildings are not required in Washington County Arkansas State Code must be met.”
  • Owner-builder exemption · follows from the permit answerNot needed

    Unincorporated Washington County: no county building permit is required, so there is no permit to be exempt from and you may build your own home. State licensing for electrical, plumbing and HVAC work may still apply.

    • Municipal permitting may apply inside city limits.
    • The county guidance states that Arkansas State Code must be met.
    “Please note that while traditional building permits for single-family homes or personal accessory buildings are not required in Washington County Arkansas State Code must be met.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County zoning restrictions applicable to unincorporated Washington County.

    • The official county guidance states that zoning restrictions apply, including minimum lot size, residence count, and use restrictions.
    • Municipal rules may apply inside city limits.
    “Washington County has zoning restrictions regarding minimum lot size. Planning staff will assist you to determine if your proposed residence meets zoning code.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Residential development in unincorporated Washington County.

    • The county guidance confirms a zoning restriction regarding minimum lot size but does not state the numeric minimum in the opened document.
    • Planning staff determine whether a proposed residence meets the zoning code.
    “How large is the property? Washington County has zoning restrictions regarding minimum lot size. Planning staff will assist you to determine if your proposed residence meets zoning code.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Residential construction in unincorporated Washington County.

    • Building within the stated setbacks is not allowed.

    county road right-of-way setback: 25 feet · side property line setback: 10 feet · rear property line setback: 20 feet

    “Washington County has property line setbacks (building within the setbacks is not allowed): 25 feet from the County Road Right-of-Way(s) (also designated as a utility easement). 10 feet from the side property line(s). 20 feet from the rear property line(s).”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Splitting property and subdivision-related development in unincorporated Washington County.

    • Additional requirements may apply when a property is within a subdivision.
    • The county guidance states that Washington County Planning regulates any splitting of property.
    “Are you planning on splitting the property? Washington County Planning regulates any splitting of property.”
  • Driveway accessLimited

    Driveway access connecting to a Washington County road or Arkansas state highway.

    • Driveway permits may be required when connecting to a Washington County Road or Arkansas State Highway.
    • No structures are allowed in the right-of-way.
    • Backing onto County Roads is not allowed.
    • The county guidance directs applicants to contact the County Road Department or AHTD if unsure of the right-of-way.
    “No Structures are allowed in the Right-of-Way (ROW) and Driveway Permits may be required if you are connecting to a Washington County Road or Arkansas State Highway”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Residential construction and development in Floodzone A or AE in unincorporated Washington County.

    • Certain permits and restrictions apply in Floodzone A or AE.
    • The county guidance identifies the Washington County Planning office as the floodplain administration office.
    “The Washington County Planning office serves as the Floodplain Administration office for the county. Certain permits and restrictions apply if you plan to build within Floodzone A or AE.”

Arkansas rules that apply here

  • 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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — New structures and applicable alterations, additions, changes in use, and changes in structures throughout Arkansas, under the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, including Volume II for building-code requirements and Volume III for residential-code requirements.
      “Each district, county, municipality, or other political subdivision of this state shall only adopt and enforce the provisions of the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, 2021 Edition. [...] The design and construction of new structures shall comply with the International Building Code Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, Volume II, and any alterations, additions, changes in use or changes in structures required by this code, which are within the scope of the International Building Code, Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, Volume II, shall be made in accordance therewith.”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — State projects in Arkansas subject to the Building Authority Division design-review rules.
      “The adopted building code for state projects is the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, 12 CAR pt. 15, as adopted by the Division of Arkansas State Police, State Fire Marshal’s office. Arkansas laws and this subchapter shall have precedence over the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code where they exceed the requirements of the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code. All project designs shall comply with all Arkansas laws and the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code. Other codes, rules, or standards may be applicable to a specific project. It is the department’s and design professional’s responsibility to determine all applicable codes for each specific project.”
  • InspectionsLimited

    Construction subject to Arkansas Building Code compliance and any applicable inspection regime.

    • The official statewide source expressly recognizes areas where inspections are not required.
    • Where an inspection is required, the applicable inspection authority and process are not specified by this statewide source.
    “areas when no permit or inspections are required.”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Open-enrollment public charter schools commencing student operations in a new or renovated facility anywhere in Arkansas.

    • Before commencing operations with students, the school must obtain one of three alternative approvals for the new construction or renovation.
    • The alternatives are: a certificate of occupancy issued by a local code official and approved by the state fire marshal; a certificate of occupancy or other approval of the state fire marshal; or a certificate of substantial completion issued by a licensed architect.
    • A certificate of occupancy is therefore not independently mandatory when one of the two listed alternative approvals is obtained.
    “An open-enrollment public charter school shall not commence operations with students in any new or renovated facility unless the school has obtained for the new construction or renovation: (1) A certificate of occupancy issued by a local code official, approved by the state fire marshal; (2) A certificate of occupancy or other approval of the state fire marshal; or (3) A certificate of substantial completion issued by a licensed architect.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — State of Arkansas construction projects administered by a state owner or agency.
      “Certificates of Occupancy are not issued by any one State Agency for State projects. The responsibility therefore rests with the Owner/Agency of the project.”
  • 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.”
  • Tiny homesLimited

    Occupancy of tiny houses on wheels in Arkansas parcels operating as mobile-home or recreational-vehicle parks with three or more paid spaces.

    • The rule expressly includes tiny houses on wheels among spaces triggering mobile-home or recreational-vehicle-park regulation.
    • Placement or maintenance services, or both, must be provided for a fee.
    • The parcel is considered a mobile home or recreational vehicle park and must comply with 20 CAR Part 138.
    • The owner or operator is responsible for compliance.
    • Waivers or exceptions are considered case by case at the discretion of the Arkansas Department of Health.
    • Construction, alteration, repair, or extension of the park requires prior submission and Department approval.
    • Detailed plans and specifications must include the park layout, sewage system, water source and distribution system, buildings, parking areas, dump stations, and topographical features.
    • The rule does not establish a general statewide authorization or prohibition for a single tiny house on wheels outside a qualifying park.

    minimum qualifying spaces: >= 3 spaces (the spaces must be occupied or intended for occupancy by recreational vehicles, tiny houses on wheels, or mobile homes)

    “three (3) or more spaces are occupied or intended for occupancy by recreational vehicles, tiny houses on wheels, or mobile homes”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Occupancy of tiny houses on wheels in Arkansas mobile-home or recreational-vehicle parks regulated by the Arkansas Department of Health under 20 CAR Part 138.
      ““Tiny house on wheels” means a structure intended as a habitable dwelling for one (1) or more individuals which, for the purposes of this part, shall be considered a: (A) Mobile home, if plumbed and inspected in accordance with the 2018 Arkansas Plumbing Code, 17 CAR pt. 65; or (B) Recreational vehicle, if not plumbed and inspected in accordance with the 2018 Arkansas Plumbing Code;”
  • Who permits septicState (with conditions)

    Onsite wastewater systems serving Washington County properties.

    • The Arkansas Department of Health rules govern permits and construction/operation requirements.
    • Applications and inspections may be handled through the local health unit or authorized agents.
    “A completed Onsite Wastewater System Permit Application and detailed plans and specifications following the requirements found in Appendix F for the collection, treatment and/or renovation facilities for all wastes of a domestic nature, containing a predominance of human excreta and exclusive of industrial wastes shall be submitted to and receive the approval of the Arkansas Department of Health or its Authorized Agent, prior to construction of a building or residence.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction, installation, modification, and operation of onsite wastewater systems serving Washington County properties.

    • The permit must be obtained before construction, installation, or modification.
    • The rule includes exceptions and refusal criteria elsewhere in the rule, including where public sewer is reasonably available or economically feasible.
    “Permits for construction and operation of onsite wastewater systems shall be obtained in accordance with the RULES PERTAINING TO ONSITE WASTEWATER SYSTEMS prior to the construction, installation or modification of the Onsite Wastewater System.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Installation inspection of onsite wastewater systems serving Washington County properties.

    • The installer must notify the Authorized Agent or Designated Representative when installation is ready.
    • The owner or occupant must provide reasonable access.
    • Required documentation must be submitted to the local health unit within five days.
    • Inspection may be performed by the Authorized Agent or, with approval, a Designated Representative.

    documentation submission deadline: 5 days (after installation)

    “It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, corporation, association, municipality or governmental agency to begin operation of any onsite wastewater system until such system has been inspected and approved by the Department or its Authorized Agent and the owner has first obtained a Permit for Operation issued by the Department or its Authorized Agent.”
  • Off-grid sanitationAllowed (with conditions)

    Use of composting or incinerating toilets as components of an Arkansas onsite wastewater system.

    • Only pre-manufactured composting or incinerating toilets authorized by the Department may be used.
    • The devices must be evaluated by an ANSI-approved laboratory under NSF Standard 41.
    • Wastewater other than urine and feces must be renovated or disposed of under Sections 8 or 9 of the rule.
    • Stabilized compost must be buried onsite or deposited in an approved sanitary landfill.
    • The system remains subject to applicable onsite wastewater permitting and approval requirements.
    “Only pre-manufactured composting or incinerating toilets authorized by the Department”
  • Well permitLimited

    Wells serving public and semi-public water systems in Arkansas.

    • Written approval from the Arkansas Department of Health is required before construction begins.
    • If the well's public or semi-public status is uncertain, the well contractor must obtain a written determination from the Department of Health before construction.
    • This claim does not establish a general construction-permit requirement for private domestic wells.
    “Wells for public and semi-public water systems shall be located, designed, and constructed in accordance with the respective rules of the Department of Health and shall have written approval from the department prior to the start of construction. If uncertain that a well is public or semi-public, the well contractor shall obtain a written determination from the department prior to construction.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupSewer (with conditions)

    Homes and premises where a sanitary sewer is within 300 feet from the point where the sewer exits the building and available without crossing another person's property.

    • When the stated distance and availability conditions are met, connection to the sanitary sewer is required.
    • Privies, onsite wastewater systems, and other receptacles for human excreta may not be constructed, maintained, or used on the premises under that condition.

    sewer distance from building sewer-exit point: <= 300 feet (sewer must be available without crossing another person's property)

    “All premises shall be connected to a sanitary sewer when within three hundred feet (300’) from the point where the sewer exits a building on the property owner’s property and available to said premises when connection can be made without crossing another person's property.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

    State and local sales-tax exemption for electricity, natural gas, and liquefied petroleum gas used by qualifying agricultural structures and qualifying aquaculture or horticulture equipment in Arkansas.

    • The utility must be separately metered and used only for the exempt purpose.
    • Multiple-use meters serving eligible and noneligible structures, facilities, or equipment do not qualify.
    • The farmer must obtain a certificate from the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration before the exemption is allowed and provide it to the utility supplier.
    • Qualifying agricultural structures include commercial poultry or livestock facilities, cattle or dairy facilities, and greenhouses used for commercial production.
    • Qualifying aquaculture or horticulture equipment includes specified cooling, collection, irrigation, pond-pumping, pond-aeration, and holding or sorting-tank equipment used in commercial operations.

    exemption start date: 2014-01-01 · eligible utilities: electricity, natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas (Must be separately metered and used only for the exempt purpose) · DFA certificate: true (Required before the exemption is allowed) · water exemption for commercial poultry farming start date: 2021-10-01 (Water must be used exclusively for poultry farming and separately metered)

    “Act 1441 of 2013 provides an exemption from state and local sales taxes for electricity, natural gas, and liquefied petroleum gas used by qualifying agricultural structures and qualifying aquaculture and horticulture equipment beginning January 1, 2014. The eligible utility must be separately metered and used only for the purpose of the exemption.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — Construction, installation, maintenance, repair, or renovation of a nonresidential farm building or structure in Arkansas, as an exemption from the Arkansas Electrical Code Authority Act requirements.
      “(b) The requirements of the Arkansas Electrical Code Authority Act, Arkansas Code § 20-31-101 et seq., shall not apply to the following: [...] (2) Any construction, installation, maintenance, repair, or renovation of any nonresidential farm building or structure;”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Basic design-service fees for Arkansas state department projects governed by the Building Authority Division.

    • The schedule is based on total final construction cost, including adjustments by change order or negotiations.
    • For projects less than $50,000 or more than $50,000,000, fees may be negotiated subject to Building Authority Division approval.
    • Specified modifiers apply, including deductions for simple projects and additions for complex projects or projects requiring intensified observation.

    basic fee for construction cost $50,001 to $75,000: 9.25 percent of total final construction cost · basic fee for construction cost $75,001 to $100,000: 9 percent of total final construction cost · basic fee for construction cost $100,001 to $200,000: 8.75 percent of total final construction cost · basic fee for construction cost $1,000,001 to $20,000,000: 6.5 percent of total final construction cost · basic fee for construction cost $42,500,001 to $50,000,000: 4 percent of total final construction cost · fee modifier for simple projects: 1 percentage points minimum deduction · fee modifier for complex projects: 1.5 percentage points maximum addition

    “$50,001 to $75,000 | 9.25%”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Arkansas state department development projects located within a hundred-year floodplain or a Building Authority Division-designated flood hazard area.

    • The application is submitted on a Design Review Section-approved form.
    • The application must identify the site, development type, base flood elevation, lowest-floor elevation, attachments, and applicant contact and signature information.
    • Supporting materials may include FEMA maps, other regulatory permits, elevation certificates, no-rise certification, flood-proofing certification, utility or onsite-waste-disposal certification, and watercourse-alteration notification.
    • The Design Review Section reviews and approves or disapproves the application; additional information may be requested.
    • If approved, the floodplain administrator issues a design-phase development permit; the permit must be posted during construction, followed by compliance review before final acceptance.

    permit application timing: before development of covered property · appeal or review completion point: prior to final acceptance

    “the department shall submit an application for a development permit”
  • Campground & park staysLimited

    Camping at Arkansas state-park campsites.

    • Campsites are limited to eight persons, excluding day-use guests, and one camping unit consisting of no more than two structures.
    • Registration at the park office and payment of the camping fee are required before campers are considered registered.
    • At least one adult age eighteen or older must register for and occupy the campsite during the entire registration period, with exceptions for scout troops, camping groups, or multiple family groups when sufficient adult supervision is provided.
    • Registration must occur at the park office on the day of arrival, and campers must occupy the site by the time the visitor information center closes.
    • Campsite occupancy is limited to fourteen days within a thirty-day period in the same park.
    • A seven-day extension may be granted by the Park Superintendent from April through October when campgrounds are not at capacity.
    • Additional extensions require approval by the Director of the State Parks Division for health problems, relocation, or job reassignment; longer extensions may be granted by Park Superintendents from November through March.
    • Campers may not move between campsites in the same park to evade the limits, because permanent or semi-permanent residence is not permitted in a state park.
    • All vehicles and trailers must be parked on hard surfaces or designated sites.
    • State park camping areas are fee areas for registered campers only.
    • The rule addresses state-park campsites and does not establish a statewide rule for camping on private land or land outside state parks.

    maximum persons per campsite: 8 persons (excluding day-use guests) · maximum camping units per campsite: 1 unit (the unit may consist of no more than two structures) · maximum occupancy: <= 14 days per 30-day period (seven-day extensions and other stated extensions may apply)

    “Campers may not occupy campsites within the same park in excess of fourteen (14) days within a thirty-day period.”

Still unanswered

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

  • Zoning districts — Published zoning districts in unincorporated Washington County.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in unincorporated Washington County.
  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage in unincorporated Washington County.
  • Building height — Building height in unincorporated Washington County.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land in unincorporated Washington 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 Washington County, Arkansas

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

Washington County scores 59/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and strong self-sufficiency basics: 49.2″/yr rainfall plus 56.8% wooded land. Watch-outs: about 221,863 people within a 30-minute drive.

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

Washington County does not require a county building permit for a home in unincorporated areas, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Arkansas Department of Health. 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 Washington County?

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

Land in Washington County runs about $7,460 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Washington County?

Washington County gets about 49.2" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 9.5% of years.

How remote is Washington County?

A representative private-land location has about 221,863 people within a 30-minute drive and 2,096,079 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.

Off-grid gear

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

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How Washington compares in Arkansas

Compare side-by-side →See all 75 Arkansas counties ranked →