White County, AR Building Permits, Zoning & Septic Rules

Unincorporated White County, Arkansas appears not to require a local building permit, but the county does not publish a clear permit statement, so confirm the parcel with the County Judge's office before building¹². Arkansas's statewide building code still applies as a minimum standard³. Septic systems require state approval through the Arkansas Department of Health⁴⁵.

At a glance

Building permit: Appears not required in unincorporated areas; confirm with the County Judge's office¹²
Zoning: No countywide zoning ordinance was confirmed; ask the County Judge's office about the parcel⁶²
State building code: Applies as a minimum standard statewide, even without a local permit³
Septic: State-permitted by the Arkansas Department of Health; fee $30-$150 by structure size⁴⁷
Owner-builder exemption: Yes, build your own home without a contractor license (max 1 per calendar year)⁸⁹
Private domestic well permit: No state permit found; only public/semi-public wells need Health Department approval¹⁰
Driveway onto a state highway: Requires a permit from the ARDOT District Engineer¹¹

Who to call

Septic permits

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

Statewide onsite wastewater (septic) policy; White County permit applications are reviewed in cooperation with the program's local Environmental Health Specialist

501-661-2171

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

Roads & driveways

White County Judge (county government, including the Road Department)

County government's general contact point; oversees the Road Department and other county offices for White County

501.279.6200

White County Courthouse, 300 North Spruce, Searcy, AR 72143

Floodplain permits

White County Office of Emergency Management (Certified Floodplain Manager)

Flood mitigation and Certified Floodplain Manager duties for White County

501.279.6277

[email protected]

2301 Eastline Road, Searcy, AR 72143

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 28, 2026.

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

Unincorporated White County appears not to require a local building permit¹. White County does not publish an affirmative permit statement or a building-department contact, so confirm the parcel with the County Judge's office before ordering materials or starting work¹². Arkansas's statewide building code, the 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, remains the mandatory minimum even in places without local permits or inspections³. An owner may build their own single-family residence without an Arkansas contractor's license if the owner builds no more than one residence in a calendar year⁸⁹. That exemption concerns contractor licensing; it does not waive any building-code, land-use, wastewater, or other requirement that applies to the project⁹.

Who handles permits in White County, and how do you reach them?

White County has no listed building or planning department; the County Judge's office is the county's general contact point and oversees county departments, including roads². Septic systems go through a different office entirely: the Arkansas Department of Health's Environmental Health program sets statewide policy and works with a local Environmental Health Specialist to review White County's onsite wastewater permit applications¹²⁵. White County's Office of Emergency Management also serves as the county's Certified Floodplain Manager contact for flood-related questions¹³. If a driveway will connect to a state highway rather than a county road, that permit comes from the Arkansas Department of Transportation's District Engineer, not the county¹¹.

Does White County have zoning?

White County appears not to have countywide zoning, but the county does not publish an affirmative statement that unincorporated land is unzoned⁶. Ask the County Judge's office about the specific parcel before relying on an RV, tiny-home, setback, building-height, or minimum-home-size plan⁶². Land inside a city can be subject to municipal rules even when the surrounding unincorporated county has no confirmed zoning program⁶. We could not confirm a general county minimum lot size for ordinary residential land. A parcel using both a private well and septic must, however, be large enough to place the well at least 50 feet from every lot line and at least 100 feet from onsite wastewater systems on the same or adjacent lots¹⁴.

How do septic permits work in White County?

The Arkansas Department of Health, not White County government, permits every onsite wastewater (septic) system in the county, working through a local Environmental Health Specialist⁴⁵¹². Construction, alteration, repair, or extension of a system is unlawful without a Permit for Construction first, and the system can't be used until a separate Permit for Operation is issued after inspection¹⁵¹⁶. The individual permit review fee depends on the home's size: $30 for 1,500 square feet or less, $45 up to 2,000 square feet, $90 up to 3,000 square feet, $120 up to 4,000 square feet, and $150 above that, with repairs flat at $30⁷. Only about 1.8% of White County's soils are free of severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, among the toughest ratios in the state, so budget for site work and possibly an engineered system¹⁷. If a public sewer is available within 300 feet of the building and reachable without crossing another property, Arkansas requires connecting to it instead of installing a septic system¹⁸¹⁹.

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

We could not confirm whether White County allows long-term RV or tiny-home occupancy on private land. The county publishes no clear countywide rule answering either question, so ask the County Judge's office about the parcel and proposed use before buying or moving a unit onto the land⁶². A lack of a confirmed zoning or building-permit process does not by itself make long-term occupancy legal⁶¹. Any occupied site still needs lawful wastewater service: construction, alteration, repair, or extension of an onsite wastewater system requires a Permit for Construction, and the system cannot be used before inspection and a Permit for Operation¹⁵¹⁶. An owner may build their own residence without a state contractor's license if they build no more than one residence in a calendar year⁹.

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

Call the County Judge's office to confirm the local building-permit and land-use answer for the parcel²¹⁶.
Build to the 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code's Residential Code even without a local permit; it is the statewide minimum standard³.
Apply for a septic Permit for Construction from the Arkansas Department of Health before work begins, and pay the size-based fee, from $30 through $150 depending on square footage¹⁵⁷¹².
Give the Authorized Agent at least 24 hours' notice before septic installation starts; an emergency repair may proceed first but requires a permit within 10 working days²⁰.
Have the septic system inspected and obtain a Permit for Operation before using it; construction must begin within one year of permit issuance or the permit must be revalidated¹⁶²⁰.
If the driveway connects to a state highway, obtain an access driveway permit through the Arkansas Department of Transportation's District Engineer before starting that work¹¹.

What to check before you buy land in White County

White County is moderately rural at about 75.9 people per square mile, and the nearest city of 100,000 or more is about 51 miles from the county's center²¹²². About 91.2% of the county's land has a slope of 15% or less, while 50.7% is wooded²³²⁴. Only about 1.8% of White County soils are rated without severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so make the soil and system evaluation a purchase contingency¹⁷. If the parcel needs both a private well and septic, the well must sit at least 50 feet from every lot line and at least 100 feet from onsite wastewater systems on the same or adjacent lots¹⁴. Farmland averages about $3,384 an acre, the typical home value is about $211,331, the effective property-tax rate is about 0.5%, and the median annual property-tax bill is about $761²⁵²⁶²⁷²⁸.

Watch-outs

White County does not publish a clear statement confirming the building-permit or zoning rules for unincorporated parcels; ask the County Judge's office before designing or buying¹⁶².
No official source confirmed whether long-term RV or tiny-home occupancy is allowed on private land in White County; ask the county directly rather than assuming it's unrestricted⁶.
Arkansas's statewide building code applies as a minimum standard even where White County requires no local permit, so build to code even without an inspector checking³.
If a public sewer sits within 300 feet of the building and can be reached without crossing another property, Arkansas requires connecting to it instead of installing a septic system¹⁸.

Sources

Written September 28, 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 White County scores

Seclusion70100% ev.

Self-Sufficiency71100% ev.

Admin Boringness77100% ev.

Durability49100% ev.

Property Autonomy47100% ev.

Carry Cost84100% 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 →

$211kTypical home

0.5%Property tax

$3,384Land / acre

51.4"Annual rain

6% of yrsSevere drought

23.3 / yr (+18.3)Mid-century 100°F days

17.3 daysMid-century dry spell

2.52" (+9.6%)Mid-century 1-day rain

1.48×Wildfire change factor

100%Forward climate coverage

$1,691Home insurance / yr

0.9% / yrInsurance growth

0.54%Nonrenewal rate

county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis

8,358People within 30 min

1,563,185People within 2 hr

56,194Radius comparison (15 mi)

75.9People / sq mi

4.9%Federal land

91.2%Land at 15% slope or less

1.8%Septic soil without severe limits

11,525 acWorkable land screen

50.7%Wooded land

61.5 tonsBiomass / forest ac

61.1°FAvg temp

Answers from the rulebook for White County

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

White County rules

County-wide zoningAbsent
No county planning or zoning department is listed on the official White County site; zoning is handled at the municipal level.
White County (AR) Government ↗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 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
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 — Building-code requirements applicable in White County, including rural and unincorporated areas, under the Arkansas statewide building-code framework.
  “Arkansas Building Codes are mandatory statewide minimums. They apply statewide even in areas when no permit or inspections are required.”
  Current Applicable State Codes in Arkansas ↗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
Minimum lot sizeSpecified
Lots in subdivisions or other tracts proposing an individual water well and an onsite wastewater system.
- The lot size must permit the well to be at least 50 feet from every lot line.
- The well must be at least 100 feet from any part of the proposed onsite wastewater system on the same lot and from onsite wastewater systems proposed on adjacent lots.
- Both primary and secondary onsite wastewater systems must comply with the rule's setback requirements.
- This is a statewide onsite-wastewater constraint, not a general minimum acreage requirement.
well distance from lot line: >= 50 feet · well distance from onsite wastewater system: >= 100 feet (Applies to systems on the same lot and proposed systems on adjacent lots)
“If an individual water well supply and an onsite wastewater system are proposed, the lot size shall be such that the well shall be located at least 50 feet from any lot line, and at least 100 feet from any part of the onsite wastewater system proposed on the same lot and onsite wastewater systems proposed on any adjacent lots. Wells should be located up slope from wastewater systems if possible. Both primary and secondary onsite wastewater systems shall conform to all set back requirements established under Section 6.2 of this rule.”
Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
SetbacksSpecified
Facilities used for collection, treatment, and renovation of onsite wastewater systems statewide, including applicable systems in White County.
- The listed distances are minimum horizontal distances and greater distances may be required where local conditions demand.
- Waivers require Department approval; waivers affecting public water supplies require Engineering approval.
- The rule contains separate distances for public-water-supply bodies of water, public springs, domestic water supplies, streams or lakes, ponds, dwellings or buildings, property lines, water service lines, and sinkholes.
distance from qualifying body of water near public water supply intake: >= 300 feet (When within one quarter mile of a public water supply intake) · distance from spring used as public water supply: >= 300 feet · distance from domestic water supply: >= 100 feet · distance from stream or lake: >= 100 feet · distance from pond on same property: >= 50 feet (If in the pond watershed) · distance from pond on adjacent property: >= 100 feet (If in the pond watershed; in no case may the minimum separation from any pond be less than 50 feet) · distance from dwelling or building: >= 10 feet · distance from property line: >= 10 feet · distance from water service line: >= 10 feet · distance from sinkhole: >= 100 feet
“Minimum horizontal distances shall be used only where ideal conditions indicate them to be sufficient and greater distances shall be required where local conditions demand, as found in Section 6.2. Waivers except with public water supplies involved shall be submitted to and approved by the Department. Waivers affecting public water supplies shall be submitted to and approved by Engineering.”
Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 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 White County, including construction, alteration, repair, extension, and operation.
- Arkansas Department of Health or its Authorized Agent administers the permitting and approval requirements.
- If an Authorized Agent has not been designated for a county, applications are made to the Department.
subsurface treatment review threshold: < 5000 gallons per day · surface-discharging design review threshold: < 2000 gallons per day
“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 11, 2026
Septic permitRequired
Construction, alteration, repair, or extension of an onsite wastewater system in White County.
- A valid Permit for Construction must be obtained before work begins.
- Emergency repairs may begin without prior notification, but a permit must be obtained within ten working days.
- A permit may be refused where public sewer is reasonably available or economically feasible, subject to the rule's stated exception for emergency repairs.
construction-start deadline after permit issuance: 1 year (Permit must be revalidated by the original submitting Designated Representative or the Department’s Authorized Agent if construction has not begun.) · emergency repair permit deadline: 10 working days (After repairs are made.)
“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
Septic inspectionRequired
Operation of an onsite wastewater system in White County.
- The system must be inspected and approved before operation.
- A Permit for Operation must be issued before the system is used.
- The installation inspection may occur during any phase of installation and may be made by the Authorized Agent or, with approval, the Designated Representative.
installer documentation submission deadline: 5 days (Submit to the local health unit after installation pursuant to the approved permit.)
“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 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
Public and semi-public water-system wells in White County.
- Written Department of Health approval is required before construction.
- The source does not establish a permit requirement specifically for ordinary private domestic wells.
- Water-well construction and pump installation must be performed by or under an Arkansas Water Well Contractor License holder.
“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.”
17 CAR § 11-607. Public and semi-public wells ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — Wells serving public and semi-public water systems in Arkansas.
  “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
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Sewer (with conditions) — Use of onsite wastewater systems where a public sewer system is available in White County.
  “Except as provided in Section 3.4, a Permit for the construction, alteration, repair, extension, or operation of an onsite wastewater system or alternate/experimental system shall be refused where public sewer systems are reasonably available or economically feasible”
  Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 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
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Available — Construction, installation, maintenance, repair, or renovation of a nonresidential farm building or structure statewide, including in White County.
  “The licensing requirements of Arkansas Code § 17-28-101 et seq. shall not apply to the following: [...] (4) The construction, installation, maintenance, repair, or renovation of any nonresidential farm building or structure;”
  17 CAR § 210-602. Construction and exemptions ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
- 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 plans statewide that propose standard onsite wastewater systems for all or part of the lots or tracts, including applicable subdivisions in White County.
- The overall subdivision plan must be submitted to the Arkansas Department of Health for review and approval.
- Unsuitable lots or parcels must be incorporated into surrounding lots or parcels.
- Submission is made to the local health unit and must include soil pits, percolation tests when applicable, test locations, topography, and other information required for review.
- The plan review fee is at least $100 for one lot, $25 for each following lot, with a maximum of $1,500.
- Subdivision plans must include the listed vicinity map/legal description, lot and infrastructure layout, absorption-area information, contour lines, well locations where applicable, licensed-engineer water-system specifications where applicable, recipient addresses, three plan copies, and FEMA flood-zone determination.
minimum plan review fee: >= 100 USD (For one lot) · additional-lot plan review fee: per 25 USD (Each following lot) · maximum plan review fee: <= 1500 USD
“All subdivision plans, which are proposed to utilize standard onsite wastewater systems as a method of wastewater treatment for all or part of the lots or tracts in said subdivision, shall be submitted to the Arkansas Department of Health for review and approval of the overall plan for the utilization of onsite wastewater systems.”
Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 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)
Arkansas Department of Health onsite wastewater permit applications for property in White County, Arkansas.
- Plan review fees are collected when plans are submitted and prior to review.
- Individual sewage disposal permit fees vary by structure size.
- Structures of 1,500 square feet or less are charged $30.00; more than 1,500 and up to 2,000 square feet are charged $45.00; more than 2,000 and up to 3,000 square feet are charged $90.00; more than 3,000 and up to 4,000 square feet are charged $120.00; more than 4,000 square feet are charged $150.00.
- Repairs, alterations, or extensions are charged $30.00.
- Subdivision plan review is $100.00 for the first lot and $25.00 for each additional lot, with a maximum fee of $1,500.00.
- Trailer park plan review is $25.00 for 2-25 spaces, $50.00 for 26-50 spaces, $75.00 for 51-75 spaces, and $100.00 for 76 or more spaces.
individual permit review fee for structure <= 1500 sq. ft.: 30 USD · individual permit review fee for structure >1500 and <=2000 sq. ft.: 45 USD · individual permit review fee for structure >2000 and <=3000 sq. ft.: 90 USD · individual permit review fee for structure >3000 and <=4000 sq. ft.: 120 USD · individual permit review fee for structure >4000 sq. ft.: 150 USD · repair, alteration, or extension review fee: 30 USD · subdivision plan review fee for first lot: 100 USD · subdivision plan review fee for each additional lot: per 25 USD (maximum subdivision plan review fee is $1,500.00)
“Individual Sewage Disposal Permit Fees are determined by structure size: Structures 1500 sq. feet or less $30.00”
Onsite Wastewater Fee Schedule ↗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)
Arkansas Department of Health onsite wastewater construction, inspection, and operation permitting for systems serving property in White County, Arkansas.
- A completed permit application and detailed plans must be submitted and approved before construction of a building or residence.
- Construction, alteration, repair, or extension may not begin until the owner obtains a valid Permit for Construction from the Department or its Authorized Agent.
- The installer must notify the Authorized Agent at least 24 hours before planned work; emergency repairs may proceed without prior notification if a permit is obtained within ten working days.
- If no Authorized Agent has been designated for the city or county, applications must be made to the Arkansas Department of Health.
- The review fee must be paid before issuance of Part I and is not refundable if the applicant does not proceed.
- Construction must begin within one year of issuance or the permit must be revalidated.
- The system may not be operated until it has been inspected and approved and a Permit for Operation has been issued.
- A permit may be refused where public sewer is reasonably available or economically feasible, where issuance conflicts with applicable laws or rules, or where issuance conflicts with the public policy declared in Act 402 of 1977; emergency repairs may be undertaken without prior issuance if a permit is obtained within ten working days after repairs are made.
advance installer notification: >= 24 hours (emergency repairs may be undertaken without prior notification if a permit is obtained within ten working days) · construction permit validity before revalidation: 1 year (construction must begin within one year of issuance) · emergency repair post-work permit deadline: 10 working days
“The system shall not be used until the Permit for Operation is issued.”
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

Still unanswered

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

Local zoning — Municipal and other local zoning within White County, aggregated at county level; the county page does not identify the applicable municipal or local zoning ordinances.
Zoning districts — Zoning districts published or administered by White County, Arkansas.
Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in White County, including unincorporated areas.
Lot coverage — Lot coverage limits in White County, including unincorporated areas.
Building height — Building height limits in White County, including unincorporated areas.

2 more unanswered

Accessory dwellings
Short-term rentals

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

Living off-grid in White County, Arkansas

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

White County scores 77/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and low administrative friction for a quiet rural property.

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

White 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 (administered via county Environmental Health Specialists). 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 White County?

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

Land in White County runs about $3,384 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in White County?

White County gets about 51.4" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 6% of years.

How remote is White County?

A representative private-land location has about 8,358 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,563,185 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 septic rules in White County, Arkansas

At a glance

Who to call

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

Who handles permits in White County, and how do you reach them?

Does White County have zoning?

How do septic permits work in White County?

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

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

What to check before you buy land in White County

Watch-outs

Sources

White County in Arkansas

How White County scores

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Parcel due diligence

Answers from the rulebook for White County

White County rules

Arkansas rules that apply here

Still unanswered

Living off-grid in White County, Arkansas

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

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

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

How much does land cost in White County, Arkansas?

What is the water situation in White County?

How remote is White County?

How White compares in Arkansas