Woodruff County, AR: No Building Permit, No Zoning

Unincorporated Woodruff County, Arkansas appears not to require a county building permit for an ordinary home, although the courthouse is the right place to confirm that for a specific parcel¹. Arkansas's permit framework says an application goes to the State Fire Marshal if no building official is appointed, but it does not establish that Woodruff County requires a residential permit². Septic systems require state construction approval, inspection and an operation permit^3,4.

At a glance

Building permit: Appears not required for an ordinary home in unincorporated areas; confirm with the courthouse¹
Zoning: Appears to have no county zoning; parcel-specific use rules still need confirmation¹
Septic permit: Required through the Arkansas Department of Health^3,5
Owner-builder: You may build your own residence under a conditional state contractor-licensing exemption^6,7
RV / tiny home living: Private single-unit occupancy is unconfirmed; paid parks can trigger state health rules^1,8,9
Septic soils: About 0.6% of land is rated without severe limits for a conventional drainfield¹⁰
Water wells: Licensed contractors and permitted rigs are required; a separate permit for every domestic well is not established¹¹

Who to call

Also useful

Woodruff County Courthouse

General county contact for confirming parcel-specific building, zoning, subdivision and floodplain questions

870-347-5206

500 North 3rd Street, Augusta, AR 72006

Septic permits

Arkansas Department of Health Woodruff County Health Unit

Local health-unit contact for reaching the Environmental Health Specialist who reviews onsite wastewater applications

870-347-5061

623 N 9th St, Augusta, AR 72006

One more officeSeptic permits

Septic permits

Arkansas Department of Health Onsite Wastewater Program

Statewide onsite wastewater policy, forms, permit portal and assistance to county health-department Environmental Health Specialists

501-6612171

adh.ehs@arkansas.gov

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 October 5, 2026.

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

Unincorporated Woodruff County appears not to require a county building permit for an ordinary home.

Unincorporated Woodruff County appears not to require a county building permit for an ordinary home¹. Confirm that conclusion with the Woodruff County Courthouse for the parcel, because no county-specific published permit rule or inspection schedule could be confirmed¹. The Arkansas Fire Prevention Code says permit applications go to the building official where a permit is required and to the State Fire Marshal if no building official is appointed, but that framework does not itself establish a Woodruff County residential permit requirement². Arkansas expressly adopts the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code for state projects; that narrower rule does not establish county enforcement for private homes¹². Nonresidential farm buildings have a state exemption from Arkansas electrical licensing and the Arkansas Electrical Code Authority Act, effective September 3, 2026; the exemption does not cover every other possible permit or rule¹³.

Who handles building and land permits in Woodruff County?

Woodruff County does not publish a dedicated building or zoning contact on the state county page, so start with the Woodruff County Courthouse at 500 North 3rd Street in Augusta or 870-347-5206.

Woodruff County does not publish a dedicated building or zoning contact on the state county page, so start with the Woodruff County Courthouse at 500 North 3rd Street in Augusta or 870-347-5206¹. Ask whether the parcel is unincorporated and whether any building, inspection, floodplain or subdivision approval applies before work begins¹. Septic applications follow a separate state process: the Arkansas Department of Health Onsite Wastewater Program works with Environmental Health Specialists in county health departments³. The local contact is the Woodruff County Health Unit at 623 N 9th St in Augusta, 870-347-5061¹⁴.

Does Woodruff County have zoning?

Woodruff County appears to have no county zoning in its unincorporated area.

Woodruff County appears to have no county zoning in its unincorporated area¹. That does not make every parcel unrestricted: county-specific setbacks, building height, lot coverage and floodplain development requirements could not be confirmed¹. Arkansas municipalities must generally allow at least one accessory dwelling unit on a parcel with a single-family home, subject to size, code, utility and local requirements, but that state rule does not establish an accessory-dwelling rule for unincorporated Woodruff County¹⁵. State wastewater rules can also shape lot layout. For predominantly residential subdivisions using onsite wastewater, Arkansas regulates developments of at least 3 lots when any lot is under 3 acres, absent a local ordinance, and requires health-department approval before construction begins¹⁶. Ask the courthouse about parcel-specific land rules and the health unit about wastewater feasibility^1,14.

How do septic permits work in Woodruff County?

Onsite wastewater authority in Woodruff County rests with the Arkansas Department of Health, with applications handled by the department or a designated authorized agent.

Onsite wastewater authority in Woodruff County rests with the Arkansas Department of Health, with applications handled by the department or a designated authorized agent⁴. Start with the Woodruff County Health Unit and its Environmental Health Specialist^3,14. Obtain a construction permit before building or changing the system; before use, the system must be inspected and approved and the owner must obtain an operation permit⁴. Only about 0.6% of Woodruff County land is rated without severe limits for a conventional drainfield, so make the site evaluation an early contingency¹⁰. A public-sewer connection is required when access is within 300 feet of the building's sewer exit on the owner's property or an adjacent street or alley¹⁷.

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

Woodruff County's rules for living in a single RV or tiny home on private land could not be confirmed, so ask the courthouse about the parcel and proposed use before buying.

Woodruff County's rules for living in a single RV or tiny home on private land could not be confirmed, so ask the courthouse about the parcel and proposed use before buying¹. Arkansas separately regulates a parcel as a mobile-home or recreational-vehicle park when at least 3 spaces are intended for RVs, tiny houses on wheels or mobile homes and placement or maintenance services are provided for a fee⁸. Under those park rules, a tiny house on wheels is treated as a mobile home if plumbed and inspected under the applicable Arkansas Plumbing Code, and as an RV if it is not⁹. Off-grid sanitation is not a workaround where an available sanitary sewer is within 300 feet and connection does not cross another person's property: privies and onsite wastewater systems are barred under that condition⁵.

Building a home in Woodruff County: the steps in order

Confirm that the parcel is outside city limits, then ask the Woodruff County Courthouse whether building, inspection, zoning, subdivision or floodplain approval applies.

Confirm that the parcel is outside city limits, then ask the Woodruff County Courthouse whether building, inspection, zoning, subdivision or floodplain approval applies¹.
If a permit is required and no building official is appointed, ask the State Fire Marshal how to apply².
Contact the Woodruff County Health Unit before fixing the house site and determine whether public sewer connection is required or onsite wastewater is feasible^14,17.
Obtain the septic construction permit, then secure inspection, approval and the operation permit before using the system⁴.
Obtain an Arkansas Department of Transportation permit before constructing or modifying a noncommercial driveway on a state highway¹⁸.
An owner building a personal residence may use Arkansas's contractor-licensing exemption unless that person builds more than one residence in a calendar year; other applicable requirements remain⁶.

What should you check before buying land in Woodruff County?

Make wastewater feasibility the first contingency: only about 0.6% of Woodruff County land is rated without severe limits for a conventional septic drainfield.

Make wastewater feasibility the first contingency: only about 0.6% of Woodruff County land is rated without severe limits for a conventional septic drainfield¹⁰. For a well, use a licensed Arkansas water-well contractor; contractors need the proper credentials and each rig needs its own permit, but the cited rule does not establish a separate permit for every domestic well¹¹. Confirm legal access and whether a planned entrance meets a state highway, because a noncommercial driveway adjoining a state highway requires an Arkansas Department of Transportation permit¹⁸. Ask the courthouse about floodplain, setback and use requirements for the exact parcel¹. The effective property-tax rate is about 0.6%, and the median annual bill is about $558¹⁰.

Watch-outs

A missing department listing is not proof that no parcel-specific approval applies; confirm building, inspection, subdivision and floodplain questions with the Woodruff County Courthouse¹.
The Arkansas owner-builder exemption addresses contractor licensing and does not remove applicable code, permit, inspection, septic or municipal requirements^6,7.
If public-sewer access is within 300 feet of the building's sewer exit on the owner's property or an adjacent street or alley, Arkansas requires the home or business to connect¹⁷.

Sources

18 official pages, each quoted and re-checked · written October 5, 2026

Written October 5, 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.

Off-grid gear

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

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like all 5 of the neighbors with published rules, Woodruff County has no countywide zoning.

Rule	Woodruff County	Cross County	St. Francis County	White County	Jackson County	Prairie County	Monroe County
Building permit	Not required	Limited	Not required	Not required	Not required	Limited	Not required
County zoning	No	Not published	No	No	No	No	No
Septic permits	AR Dept. of Health	AR Dept. of Health	AR Dept. of Health	AR Dept. of Health	AR Dept. of Health	AR Dept. of Health	ADH

Cities and towns in Woodruff County

Inside a city or town, that city usually issues building permits and sets zoning; the county’s rules above cover unincorporated land. Septic, wells and floodplain rules usually stay with the county or state everywhere.

Not yet covered: Augusta · Cotton Plant · Town of Hunter

Answers from the rulebook for Woodruff County

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

Woodruff County rules

County-wide zoningAbsent
No county planning board or zoning department is listed for Woodruff County on the state's official county portal; Arkansas counties zone unincorporated land only by adopting an ordinance under A.C.A. 14-17, which Woodruff has not published.
Arkansas.gov - Woodruff County ↗From the county’s own site, awaiting a second reviewer

Arkansas rules that apply here

Building permitLimited
Construction subject to the Arkansas Energy Code for New Building Construction Supplements and Amendments.
- The source does not impose a single statewide building-permit requirement for all private residential and commercial construction.
- Local governments may establish prior plan approval, building-permit requirements, and construction inspections.
- Counties, cities, or municipalities that issue building permits for new building construction are required to adopt the Arkansas Energy Code for new construction, additions, and renovations.
- The cited document is the 2014 Arkansas Energy Code; current Arkansas Fire Prevention Code applicability should be confirmed separately.
“A local government may exercise other administrative and enforcement procedures that it deems necessary to affect the purposes of this Code, including, but not limited to, prior plan approval, building permit requirements, and inspections during the course of construction.”
2014 Arkansas Energy Code for New Building Construction Supplements and Amendments ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Limited — Construction, alteration, repair, movement, demolition, occupancy changes, and regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing work covered by the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code.
  “Any owner or owner’s authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be performed, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit, where required. If there is no building official appointed, the owner, authorized agent or contractor shall make application to the State Fire Marshal.”
  Arkansas Fire Prevention Code ↗Re-checked Oct 4, 2026
- Limited — Construction subject to the Arkansas Building Code statewide minimums, including rural and unincorporated areas.
  “They apply statewide even in areas when no permit or inspections are required.”
  Home Improvement Contractor License Application ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)
Residential-contractor licensing for an owner constructing the owner's own residence or acting as the owner's own home-improvement contractor on the owner's own property in Woodruff County and elsewhere in Arkansas.
- A person constructing his or her own residence is exempt unless the person builds more than one residence during a calendar year.
- The owner of a single-family residence may act as his or her own home-improvement contractor on his or her own property.
- A residential building contractor or home-improvement contractor project costing no more than $2,000 is exempt.
- The $2,000 exemption does not apply when work necessary to complete the project is divided into separate contracts of less than $2,000.
- The definition of own residence includes the personal residence, principal place of abode, domicile, or a residence constructed for occupancy by the property owner.
- This is an exemption from state residential-contractor licensing requirements; it does not establish exemption from any separate building permit, inspection, septic, municipal, or other applicable requirement.
maximum residences constructed by an exempt person: <= 1 residence per calendar year (The exemption does not apply if the person builds more than one residence during any calendar year.) · project cost exemption threshold: <= 2000 USD (Does not apply when construction work necessary to complete the project is divided into separate contracts of amounts less than $2,000.)
“The following shall be exempted from the licensing requirements of this subchapter: (1) A person who acts as a residential building contractor in the construction of his or her residence unless he or she builds more than one (1) residence during any calendar year; (2) The owner of a single family residence acting as his or her own home improvement contractor on his or her own property; (3)(A) A person or entity acting as a residential building contractor or a home improvement contractor on any project, when the cost of the work done or to be done does not exceed two thousand dollars ($2,000). (B) Subdivision (3)(A) of this section shall not apply to a project in which the construction work necessary to complete the project is divided into separate contracts of amounts less than two thousand dollars ($2,000);”
Arkansas Residential Contractors Licensing Law ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Conditional — A person acting as a residential building contractor in constructing the person's own residence, including construction in Woodruff County, Arkansas; and an owner of a single-family residence acting as the owner's own home-improvement contractor on the owner's own property.
  “The following shall be exempted from the licensing requirements of this subchapter: (1) A person who acts as a residential building contractor in the construction of his or her residence unless he or she builds more than one (1) residence during any calendar year; (2) The owner of a single family residence acting as his or her own home improvement contractor on his or her own property;”
  arkleg.state.ar.us ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
- Available (with conditions) — Arkansas residential contractor licensing for an individual constructing the individual’s own residence or an owner of a single-family residence acting as the owner’s own home-improvement contractor on the owner’s property.
  “construction of his or her residence unless he or she builds more than one (1) residence during any calendar year;”
  Arkansas Residential Contractors Committee Rules and Statutes ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
Building code adoptedPartial
Statewide Arkansas building-code adoption relevant to projects in Woodruff County, specifically the adopted code for state projects.
- The cited rule expressly addresses state projects.
- Arkansas laws and the cited subchapter take precedence where they exceed the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code.
- Other codes, rules, or standards may apply to a specific project, and the department and design professional must determine all applicable codes.
- The source does not establish that Woodruff County has adopted a county building-code enforcement program.
code: Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, 12 CAR pt. 15 (Arkansas laws and the cited subchapter take precedence where they exceed the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code)
“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 Oct 3, 2026
5 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Adopted (with conditions) — State projects in Arkansas, including any state project located in Woodruff County.
  “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 11, 2026
- Adopted (with conditions) — Building-code compliance in Woodruff County under the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, including its Building Code and Residential Code volumes.
  “The Arkansas Fire Prevention Code applies statewide and is the fire and building code for all jurisdictions within Arkansas.”
  2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code ↗Re-checked Oct 6, 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
- Partial — State projects in Arkansas.
  “The adopted building code for state projects is the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, 12 CAR pt. 15, as adopted by the Division of Arkansas State Police, State Fire Marshal’s office.”
  22 CAR § 111-407. Building codes adopted ↗Re-checked Sep 21, 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
InspectionsRequired
Construction or work that must comply with the Arkansas Energy Code for New Building Construction Supplements and Amendments.
- Inspection is required for construction or work that must comply with the cited Code.
- Inspection may be performed by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission Energy Office, its agent, or the code official.
- Code officials within a county or municipality that has adopted the Code and normally conducts final inspections shall perform final inspection and approval when the building is completed and ready for occupancy.
- The local government may conduct additional inspections during construction.
“Construction or work that must comply with this Code shall be subject to inspection by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission - Energy Office or its agent, or by the code official.”
2014 Arkansas Energy Code for New Building Construction Supplements and Amendments ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — Construction subject to Arkansas Building Code compliance and any applicable inspection regime.
  “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
2 more reviewed findings 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
- Limited — Buildings subject to the Arkansas Energy Code when located in a county or municipality that has adopted the Code and conducts final inspections as part of normal operations.
  “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.”
  2014 Arkansas Energy Code for New Building Construction Supplements and Amendments ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
Minimum lot sizeSpecified
Residential subdivision development involving onsite wastewater systems in Arkansas, including applicable development in Woodruff County.
- The rule applies to lots proposed for subdivision development that are less than three acres.
- Undisturbed soil must have a minimum depth of 13 inches to a brief seasonal water table, 18 inches to an adjusted moderate seasonal water table, or 24 inches to an adjusted long seasonal water table.
- Interceptor drains may be used to determine minimum lot size when specified soil conditions exist; lots less than three acres requiring interceptor drains must include a complete permit submittal establishing primary and secondary absorption-area siting.
- Drip dispersal design may be used to determine minimum lot size only when the cited bedrock-depth, contour-flagging, and legal-description criteria are met.
- Submission must be made to the local health unit using an approved method.
- Construction of any type may not begin on a subdivision lot until the Department of Health gives final approval for onsite wastewater-system utilization in the subdivision.
minimum lot size for lots using drip dispersal design: >= 0.5 acre (Only when the criteria in 14 CAR § 21-405(a)(6)(A) are met.) · soil depth to brief seasonal water table: >= 13 inches (For lots less than three acres proposed for subdivision development.) · soil depth to adjusted moderate seasonal water table: >= 18 inches (For lots less than three acres proposed for subdivision development.) · soil depth to adjusted long seasonal water table: >= 24 inches (For lots less than three acres proposed for subdivision development.)
“Drip dispersal design may be used in determining minimum lot size for subdivisions when the following criteria are met: [...] Lots using drip dispersal design for minimum lot size shall be five-tenths (0.5) of an acre or larger.”
14 CAR § 21-405. Subdivisions ↗Re-checked Oct 3, 2026
Lot coverageDistrict specific (with conditions)
State delegation to county planning boards for zoning ordinances covering all or part of a county's unincorporated area; this is not a statewide lot-coverage percentage.
- A county planning board may prepare a zoning ordinance only for all or part of the unincorporated area of the county.
- The ordinance must include both a map and a text.
- Lot coverage is a subject the zoning ordinance may regulate; the enactment does not require a county to adopt such a rule.
- The ordinance must designate districts or zones, and regulations within each district or zone must be uniform throughout that district or zone.
“The county planning board shall have authority to prepare, or to cause to be prepared, a zoning ordinance for all or part of the unincorporated area of the county, which ordinance shall include both a map and a text. [...] The zoning ordinance may regulate: [...] (C) lot Lot coverage;”
arkleg.state.ar.us ↗Re-checked Nov 4, 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
Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)
At least one accessory dwelling unit by right on a lot or parcel containing a single-family dwelling within an Arkansas municipality, subject to the statute's regulatory requirements.
- The rule is directed to municipalities and does not establish a Woodruff County countywide or unincorporated-area zoning ordinance.
- The accessory dwelling unit must be self-contained and independently accessed, include cooking, sleeping, and sanitation facilities, and comply with or be exempt from applicable regulatory requirements.
- A detached or attached accessory dwelling unit may not exceed 75% of the single-family dwelling's gross floor area or 1,000 square feet, whichever is less.
- Applicable regulatory requirements include the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, locally adopted ordinances and amendments, applicable zoning ordinances and conditions, design standards, and other applicable state and local laws.
- Municipalities may regulate short-term rentals.
- Municipalities may require a municipal water and sewer will-serve letter or Department of Health approval where municipal water or sewer is unavailable.
- A municipality may require an accessory-dwelling-unit application fee up to $250, in addition to usual building fees.
- The statute was approved March 18, 2025; policies, regulations, or ordinances in effect on or after January 1, 2026 that conflict with the section are invalid to the extent of the conflict.
maximum detached or attached ADU size: <= 75 percent of primary dwelling gross floor area (or 1,000 square feet, whichever is less) · maximum application fee: <= 250 USD per accessory dwelling unit (usual building fees may also apply)
“Except as provided in this section, a municipality shall not adopt a policy, regulation, or ordinance that restricts, prohibits, or otherwise regulates the use of at least one (1) accessory dwelling unit by right on a lot or parcel that contains a single-family dwelling.”
arkleg.state.ar.us ↗Re-checked Oct 4, 2026
Who permits septicState (with conditions)
Individual sewage disposal (septic) systems and alternate/experimental systems in Arkansas, administered by the Arkansas Department of Health (Division of Environmental Health Protection) and its authorized agents (the environmental health specialist assigned to each county)
- The chapter (and so the Department's permit requirement) does not apply to an individual or alternate/experimental system on a tract of ten (10) acres or larger whose field line or sewage disposal line is no closer than 200 feet to the property line (§ 14-236-104(c)).
- Systems in existence on July 1, 1977, and certain systems installed after that date in subdivisions platted before July 1, 1977, are not required to meet more stringent specifications than the standards then applicable (§ 14-236-104(a)).
- Permit requirement (§ 14-236-112) covers systems installed after July 1, 1977; emergency repairs may proceed if a permit is obtained within ten working days.
- A municipality's law or regulation setting standards that give greater protection to public health or safety prevails within that municipality (§ 14-236-105).
- Surface-discharging systems may also need ADEQ authorization; not verified from an official page in this job.
- The statute text is from the Department of Health's 2014 compilation of the Act; check the current Arkansas Code for later amendments.
acreage exemption threshold: >= 10 acres (field line or sewage disposal line no closer than 200 feet to the property line) · minimum field line distance to property line for exemption: >= 200 feet
“the division of environmental health protection of the department of health or its authorized agents shall have general supervision and authority over the location, design, construction, installation, and operation of individual sewage disposal systems”
Arkansas Sewage Disposal Systems Act, A.C.A. § 14-236-101 et seq. (Arkansas Department of Health compilation, 2014 language update) ↗Re-checked Nov 6, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- State — Onsite wastewater systems in Woodruff County and throughout Arkansas, including permitting and authorized-agent administration.
  “applications for onsite wastewater systems shall be made to the Department.”
  Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Oct 3, 2026
Septic permitRequired
Construction, alteration, repair, extension, or operation of onsite wastewater systems statewide in Arkansas.
- A completed permit application and detailed plans must be approved before construction of a building or residence.
- Construction, installation, or modification requires permits for construction and operation before work begins.
- A permit may be refused where public sewer is reasonably available or economically feasible, subject to the emergency-repair exception.
- Emergency repairs may proceed without prior permit only if a permit is obtained within 10 working days.
- Applications are made to the Department or its Authorized Agent; where no local Authorized Agent is designated, applications are made to the Department.
- Construction must begin within one year after issuance or the permit must be revalidated.
- The rule is effective September 5, 2024.
public sewer connection distance: <= 300 feet (when available and connection can be made without crossing another person's property) · emergency repair permit deadline: 10 working days (after repairs are made) · permit review fee for structures 1,500 square feet or less: 30 USD · permit review fee for structures over 1,500 and up to 2,000 square feet: 45 USD · permit review fee for structures over 2,000 and up to 3,000 square feet: 90 USD · permit review fee for structures over 3,000 and up to 4,000 square feet: 120 USD · permit review fee for structures over 4,000 square feet: 150 USD · alteration, repair, or extension permit review fee: 30 USD
“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. [...] Permit requirement. 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 26, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Required — Construction, alteration, repair, extension, installation, and operation of onsite wastewater systems in Woodruff County.
  “Permit requirement. 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 onsite wastewater systems statewide in Arkansas after installation or construction.
- The system must be inspected and approved by the Arkansas Department of Health or its Authorized Agent before operation.
- The owner must obtain a Permit for Operation before the system is used.
- The installer must notify the Authorized Agent or Designated Representative when the installation is ready for inspection.
- The owner or occupant must provide free access at reasonable times for inspection.
- The installer must submit required installation documentation to the local health unit within five days.
- The inspection may be performed by the Authorized Agent or, with the Authorized Agent's approval, by the Designated Representative.
installer documentation deadline: 5 days (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. [...] Within five (5) days, the installer shall submit the required documentation to the local health unit that the system has been installed pursuant to the approved permit. [...] 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
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Required — Operation of onsite wastewater systems in Woodruff County and throughout Arkansas.
  “until such system has been inspected and approved by the Department or its Authorized Agent”
  Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) ↗Re-checked Oct 3, 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 — Privies, onsite wastewater systems, and other receptacles for human excreta on premises in Woodruff County meeting the rule's sanitary-sewer availability condition.
  “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 11, 2026
Well permitLimited
Water-well construction and pump installation performed in Woodruff County and throughout Arkansas.
- Persons contracting for or engaged in well construction or pump installation must hold or work for a person holding an Arkansas Water Well Contractor License.
- The contractor must hold the proper license, certificates, and permits for the type of construction engaged.
- A contractor operating a water-well rig must follow Arkansas Natural Resources Commission rig-permitting requirements.
- Each rig requires a separate permit per permit year, and rig permits are not transferable.
- These cited provisions establish contractor and rig-permit requirements; they do not establish a universal separate permit requirement for every individual domestic well.
rig permits per contractor-owned and operated rig: per 1 permit per permit year per rig (Rig permits are not transferable.)
“Each rig owned and operated by a contractor shall have a separate permit per permit year. Rig permits are not transferable.”
17 CAR § 11-306. Water well contractor licenses ↗Re-checked Oct 3, 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 businesses in Woodruff County and throughout Arkansas where the sewer exits the building within 300 feet of access to a public sewer on the owner’s property or an adjacent street or alley.
- Connection is required when the stated 300-foot proximity condition is met.
- The cited rule does not require a water connection.
- Plumbing fixtures must comply with the Arkansas Plumbing Code, 17 CAR pt. 65.
- Individual sewage disposal or treatment systems remain subject to the applicable onsite wastewater rules where public sewer connection is not required or available.
distance from building sewer exit to public sewer access: <= 300 feet (Access must be located on the owner’s property or an adjacent street or alley.)
“Connection to a public sewer system is required of all homes and businesses when [...] located within three hundred feet (300’) of access to the public sewer”
20 CAR § 131-106. Treatment and disposal of human waste ↗Re-checked Oct 3, 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.”
  codeofarrules.arkansas.gov ↗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
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Available — Construction, installation, maintenance, repair, or renovation of a nonresidential farm building or structure in Woodruff County, including the exemption from the Arkansas electrical licensing requirements and from the Arkansas Electrical Code Authority Act.
  “(2) Any construction, installation, maintenance, repair, or renovation of any nonresidential farm building or structure; and”
  17 CAR § 210-602. Construction and exemptions ↗Re-checked Oct 3, 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)
Predominantly residential subdivisions in Arkansas, including applicable subdivisions in Woodruff County, when onsite wastewater systems are involved.
- In the absence of local ordinances, the state rule defines a subdivision as land divided or proposed to be divided for predominantly residential purposes into three or more lots or parcels, any of which contains less than three acres, as part of a uniform plan of development.
- Primary and secondary absorption areas must be sized according to natural soil conditions and applicable loading rates.
- Subdivision submissions must be made to the local health unit using an approved method.
- Construction of any type may not begin on a subdivision lot until final Department of Health approval of the onsite wastewater-system submission.
- A property owners association may receive delegated authority only at the Department's discretion and remains subject to the applicable rules, permit forms, and final permit approval requirements.
residential lots or parcels triggering state subdivision definition absent local ordinances: >= 3 lots or parcels (Predominantly residential uniform-plan development with any unit under three acres.)
“Primary and secondary absorption areas in a subdivision shall be sized according to natural soil conditions for standard onsite wastewater systems using loading rates found in Table 1. [...] Construction of any type shall not begin upon any lot in the subdivision until final approval of the submission for utilization of onsite wastewater systems within the subdivision has been made by the Department of Health.”
codeofarrules.arkansas.gov ↗Re-checked Oct 3, 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 [...]”
  codeofarrules.arkansas.gov ↗Re-checked Sep 8, 2026
Driveway accessRequired
Noncommercial access driveways adjoining Arkansas state highways, including applicable locations in Woodruff County.
- Within incorporated cities, the applicant must satisfy city requirements and obtain an Arkansas Department of Transportation permit.
- The city's requirements must meet or exceed the requirements of this part.
- No work may be undertaken on state highway right-of-way until the engineer issues the permit.
- The permittee must protect highway traffic with proper traffic-control devices and hold harmless the State Highway Commission, the department, and its agents, officers, and employees from damages, expenses, claims, or liability arising from the driveway work or existence.
- Permits are only for constructing or modifying access to property, not parking, servicing, or loading and unloading vehicles on state highway right-of-way.
- Noncommercial driveway permits do not require a bond, but a bond may be required when more than one noncommercial driveway is requested.
- Noncommercial driveway permits expire one year after issuance; if work has not begun, the permit may be revoked and any bond returned.
- If work is incomplete or noncompliant at expiration, the permittee receives certified-mail notice and the permit may be revoked if the driveway does not comply within 30 days.
- The engineer may grant written extensions of up to six months for good cause.
permit expiration: 1 year from date of issue (If no work has begun at expiration, the permit may be revoked.) · noncompliance cure period: 30 days (If the driveway does not comply, the permit will be revoked.) · written extension: <= 6 months maximum (Requires good cause as determined by the engineer.)
“A permit shall be obtained from the Arkansas Department of Transportation for all noncommercial access driveways on state highways.”
codeofarrules.arkansas.gov ↗Re-checked Sep 11, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Required — Construction, reconstruction, modification, or relocation of access driveways on Arkansas State Highway right-of-way, including residential, commercial, and temporary access driveways.
  “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
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
Campground & park staysLimited
Camping at Arkansas state-park campsites.
- Campsites are limited to eight persons, excluding day-use guests, and one camping unit consisting of no more than two structures.
- Registration at the park office and payment of the camping fee are required before campers are considered registered.
- At least one adult age eighteen or older must register for and occupy the campsite during the entire registration period, with exceptions for scout troops, camping groups, or multiple family groups when sufficient adult supervision is provided.
- Registration must occur at the park office on the day of arrival, and campers must occupy the site by the time the visitor information center closes.
- Campsite occupancy is limited to fourteen days within a thirty-day period in the same park.
- A seven-day extension may be granted by the Park Superintendent from April through October when campgrounds are not at capacity.
- Additional extensions require approval by the Director of the State Parks Division for health problems, relocation, or job reassignment; longer extensions may be granted by Park Superintendents from November through March.
- Campers may not move between campsites in the same park to evade the limits, because permanent or semi-permanent residence is not permitted in a state park.
- All vehicles and trailers must be parked on hard surfaces or designated sites.
- State park camping areas are fee areas for registered campers only.
- The rule addresses state-park campsites and does not establish a statewide rule for camping on private land or land outside state parks.
maximum persons per campsite: 8 persons (excluding day-use guests) · maximum camping units per campsite: 1 unit (the unit may consist of no more than two structures) · maximum occupancy: <= 14 days per 30-day period (seven-day extensions and other stated extensions may apply)
“Campers may not occupy campsites within the same park in excess of fourteen (14) days within a thirty-day period.”
22 CAR § 50-108. Camping rules, fee collection, registration, and reservations ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Limited — Temporary overnight occupancy in recreational vehicles at recreational vehicle parks in Arkansas, as to the park's sewage-disposal infrastructure.
  “Each recreational vehicle park shall provide a sanitary station [...]”
  20 CAR § 138-105. Sewage disposal ↗Re-checked Nov 4, 2026
- Limited — Manufactured-home occupancy in Arkansas mobile home parks, as to the park's sewage-disposal infrastructure.
  “Each mobile home space shall be provided with at least a four-inch (4”) diameter sewer riser pipe.”
  20 CAR § 138-105. Sewage disposal ↗Re-checked Nov 4, 2026
county zoning authorityGeneral
Arkansas counties may establish zoning ordinances for all or part of their unincorporated areas through a county planning board.
- The county planning board may prepare or cause preparation of the ordinance.
- The ordinance must include both a map and text.
- Permitted subjects include building location, height, bulk, stories, size, open space, lot coverage, population density and distribution, and uses of land, buildings, and structures.
- The ordinance may require off-street parking and loading.
- The ordinance may provide for compatible-use districts, large-scale unified development, elimination of nonconforming uses, and other matters necessary to county health, safety, and general welfare.
- The ordinance must designate districts or zones for all or part of the unincorporated area.
- Regulations must be uniform throughout each district or zone.
- The ordinance must allow and regulate home-based work as provided in Arkansas Code § 14-1-104.
“The county planning board shall have authority to prepare, or to cause to be prepared, a zoning ordinance for all or part of the unincorporated area of the county, which ordinance shall include both a map and a text.”
House Bill 2452 — County planning boards and zoning boards of adjustment ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- General — Arkansas county planning boards adopting zoning ordinances for all or part of a county's unincorporated area.
  “The county planning board shall have authority to prepare, or to cause to be prepared, a zoning ordinance for all or part of the unincorporated area of the county, which ordinance shall include both a map and a text.”
  arkleg.state.ar.us ↗Re-checked Oct 1, 2026

Still unanswered

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

Local zoning — Zoning administered by incorporated municipalities and townships within Woodruff County, including Augusta, Patterson, McCrory, Hunter, Cotton Plant, and other townships.
Zoning districts — Published zoning districts in Woodruff County, including unincorporated areas.
Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in unincorporated Woodruff County.
Setbacks — Required setbacks in unincorporated Woodruff County.
Building height — Building-height limits in unincorporated Woodruff County.

3 more unanswered

Camping on your land
Manufactured homes
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 Woodruff County, Arkansas

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

Woodruff County scores 67/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and manageable long-term carry cost.

How much does land cost in Woodruff County, Arkansas?

Land in Woodruff County runs about $3,916 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Woodruff County?

Woodruff County gets about 50.4" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 7.4% of years.

How remote is Woodruff County?

A representative private-land location has about 6,993 people within a 30-minute drive and 2,756,081 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 Woodruff County, Arkansas