Bolthole Index

Benton County, Arkansas

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Siloam Springs, Arkansas

Siloam Springs, Arkansas requires a city building permit before anyone builds, adds to or alters a building.1 The city also runs its own zoning through its Planning Division, separate from Benton County.2 Septic permits inside the city come from the Arkansas Department of Health, not the city's building office, and a permit can be refused where public sewer is reasonably available.3

At a glance

Building permit
Required from the city before building, adding to or altering a building1
Certificate of occupancy
Required; no structure may be occupied before final inspection4
Zoning
City zoning districts apply inside city limits52
Septic
Arkansas Department of Health permit; may be refused where sewer is available3
Owner-builder
Allowed with insurance proof; one such permit per three years6
RV living
Only temporary stays in the city's RV park district7
Minimum lot (R-2)
7,000 square feet in the R-2 district5

Who to call

Building permits

City of Siloam Springs Building Division

City building permits, plumbing, mechanical and electrical permits, inspections and certificates of occupancy inside Siloam Springs

479-373-6466 ext. 1

410 N Broadway, Siloam Springs, AR 72761

Planning & zoning

City of Siloam Springs Planning Division

City zoning map, rezoning, lot splits, plats, variances and building permit review for zoning inside Siloam Springs

479-373-6466 Ext. 2

410 N Broadway, Siloam Springs, AR 72761

Septic permits

Arkansas Department of Health (Benton County septic and well permitting)

Septic and well permits for Benton County addresses, including inside Siloam Springs

(479) 986-1300

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 10, 2026.

Off-grid gear

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

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Do you need a building permit in Siloam Springs, Arkansas?

Yes. City code says no one may construct or erect any building, or make an addition or alteration to an existing building, without first obtaining a building permit from the building official.1 Foundation ditches may be excavated before the permit issues, and work done without a permit doubles the permit fee.1

No structure may be occupied until a final inspection of gas, plumbing, mechanical, electrical and building work is done and a certificate of occupancy is issued.4 Final inspection requests must be made at least two working days ahead.8

The city's Building Division enforces the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, the Arkansas Plumbing and Energy Codes, the National Electrical Code and other adopted codes.9

Who issues building permits in Siloam Springs, and how do you reach them?

The City of Siloam Springs Building Division issues building permits inside city limits. The office is at 410 N Broadway and the phone is 479-373-6466 ext. 1.10 To request a building, mechanical, plumbing or electrical inspection, call 479-373-1811, and give at least 24 hours' notice.10

The Planning Division, at 479-373-6466 Ext. 2, reviews zoning, lot splits, plats and variances, and checks building permit applications and business licenses.2 Benton County's Building Safety Department covers only unincorporated land and does not serve city addresses.11

Does Siloam Springs have zoning, and what does it mean for lots, RVs and tiny homes?

Yes. Siloam Springs has its own zoning districts and zoning map, and the Planning Division recommends checking the map before applying for any planning permit.2 Rules depend on the district. In the R-2 Residential Medium district, a single-family lot needs at least 7,000 square feet.5

Recreational vehicles are provided for in the city's recreational vehicle park district, which is for temporary habitation and travel, and no permanent residence may be established there.7 We could not confirm a rule for living in an RV on an ordinary residential lot or for tiny homes; ask the Planning Division before you place either.2

By contrast, Benton County's planning office states that unincorporated areas currently have no zoning, so rules differ sharply across the city line.11

How do septic permits work in Siloam Springs?

Septic permits do not come from the city. The Arkansas Department of Health regulates, inspects and issues permits for septic systems and wells in Benton County, and can be reached at (479) 986-1300.12 The state rule requires the permit application to be approved by the Department or its authorized agent before construction begins.3

Inside a city, sewer comes first. The state rule says an onsite wastewater permit shall be refused where public sewer is reasonably available or economically feasible, with exceptions.13 Arkansas also requires connection to a sanitary sewer within 300 feet, available without crossing another person's property.14 Ask the city whether sewer reaches your lot before you plan a septic system. Soils matter too: only 6.1% of Benton County's soils rate as not very limited for a conventional drain field.15

Can you build your own home in Siloam Springs?

Yes, with conditions. A nonprofessional builder acting as general contractor on their own principal dwelling must submit proof of workers' compensation insurance and general liability insurance of at least $100,000 per occurrence, and only one such permit may be granted in three years.6 Arkansas's contractor-license exemption for owners covers licensing only and does not eliminate permit, inspection or zoning requirements.16

Building a home in Siloam Springs: the steps, in order

  1. Check the city zoning map and call the Planning Division at 479-373-6466 Ext. 2 about your parcel's district.2
  2. Ask the city whether public sewer reaches the lot.13
  3. If it does not, apply to the Arkansas Department of Health for a septic permit at (479) 986-1300 before building.12
  4. Apply for your building permit with the Building Division.1
  5. Schedule inspections at least 24 hours ahead on 479-373-1811.10
  6. Get a final inspection and certificate of occupancy before anyone moves in.4

What stays with Benton County, and what to check before you buy near Siloam Springs?

Septic and well permits stay with the Arkansas Department of Health for every Benton County address, city or not.12 If the parcel is outside city limits, Benton County's planning and building offices apply instead, so confirm the parcel is inside Siloam Springs before relying on city rules.11

Benton County's effective property tax rate is 0.6%, and the nearest city of 100,000 or more is about 14 miles away.1718 We could not confirm well permit, short-term rental or building height rules for the city; ask the Planning Division.

Watch-outs

  • A state septic permit can be refused where city sewer is reasonably available, so a lot near a sewer main may not accept a septic system.13
  • Nobody may occupy a new structure until the final inspection and certificate of occupancy are complete, and fines can reach $250 per violation per day.4
  • Rules change at the city line: Benton County's planning office says unincorporated areas have no zoning, which does not apply inside Siloam Springs.11

Sources

  1. Sec. 18-1. Building permits (Siloam Springs), quoted and re-checked
  2. City of Siloam Springs Planning Division (siloamsprings.com)
  3. Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) (Siloam Springs), quoted and re-checked
  4. Building Permit Instruction Packet (Siloam Springs), quoted and re-checked
  5. Siloam Springs Code of Ordinances, § 35-194, R-2 District (Siloam Springs), quoted and re-checked
  6. Sec. 18-1. Building permits (Siloam Springs), quoted and re-checked
  7. Sec. 22-600. Recreational vehicle park district purpose (Siloam Springs), quoted and re-checked
  8. Building Permit Instruction Packet (Siloam Springs), quoted and re-checked
  9. Siloam Springs Code of Ordinances, § 18-3, Manufactured homes (Siloam Springs), quoted and re-checked
  10. City of Siloam Springs Building Division (siloamsprings.com)
  11. County Planning FAQ, quoted and re-checked
  12. Arkansas Department of Health (Benton County septic and well permitting) (bentoncountyar.gov)
  13. Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) (Siloam Springs), quoted and re-checked
  14. codeofarrules.arkansas.gov (Arkansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  16. Arkansas Residential Contractors Committee Rules and Statutes (Arkansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  17. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  18. Straight-line distance from the county center to the nearest city of 100,000+ people: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 10, 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.

Answers from the rulebook for Siloam Springs

Siloam Springs’s own rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction, erection, additions, and alterations of buildings inside Siloam Springs city.

    • Foundation ditches may be excavated before the permit.
    • If work has not commenced within six months, a new permit is required.
    • Work begun before permit issuance incurs double the otherwise applicable permit fee.

    permit lapse if work not commenced: 6 months

    “No person shall construct or erect any building of any type whatsoever, or make any addition or alteration to any existing building of any type without first obtaining a building permit from the building inspector.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction, erection, additions, and alterations to buildings in Siloam Springs.
      “No person shall construct or erect any building of any type whatsoever, or make any addition or alteration to any existing building of any type without first obtaining a building permit from the building inspector.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    Nonprofessional builders constructing their principal dwelling in Siloam Springs.

    • Applicant must provide workers' compensation insurance covering contractors and employees and general liability insurance of at least $100,000 per occurrence.
    • Only one such permit may be granted within three years from the last permit for the same purpose.
    • The requirements are independent of other permit requirements.

    general liability insurance: >= 100000 USD per occurrence · permit frequency: 1 permit per three years (for the applicant's principal dwelling)

    “Applications by nonprofessional builders acting as general contractors for building permits for a dwelling to be used as the applicants principal dwelling and residence shall be accompanied by proof of workers' compensation insurance which shall cover any and all contractors and employees to be hired and general liability insurance for the premises upon which the construction shall occur in an amount not less than $100,000.00 per occurrence.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Manufactured homes placed in Siloam Springs city.

    • The source states that applicable city-adopted building-code standards at the time of placement apply.
    “The City of Siloam Springs Building and Inspections Division operates under the following applicable codes:”
  • InspectionsLimited

    Manufactured homes placed within Siloam Springs corporate limits.

    • Inspection is required before occupancy for compliance with the ordinance, property maintenance code, and other pertinent laws and ordinances.
    “Any manufactured home, regardless of age, placed within the corporate limits shall be inspected prior to occupancy for compliance with this ordinance, the property maintenance code and other pertinent laws and ordinances.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Permitted building work in Siloam Springs.
      “No structure shall be occupied until after a final inspection of gas, plumbing, mechanical, electrical and building has been made and a certificate of occupancy has been obtained.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Occupancy of structures in Siloam Springs after construction or permitted work.

    • No structure may be occupied before final inspection and certificate issuance; violation may result in a fine not exceeding $250 per violation per day.

    fine: <= 250 USD (per violation; each day is a separate offense)

    “No structure shall be occupied until after a final inspection of gas, plumbing, mechanical, electrical and building has been made and a certificate of occupancy has been obtained.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Land inside Siloam Springs city limits.

    • Uses must comply with the Code, any Title 3 permit requirement, and the planned and conditional uses assigned to each zoning district.
    “No person shall cause, or allow on their real property, any use of land within the municipal boundaries of the City of Siloam Springs, except in full compliance with this Code, including without limitation any permit required by Title 3, and including full compliance with the planned uses and conditional uses of each zoning district, which uses are specified by use units as defined below.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Land-use regulation inside Siloam Springs city.

    • Use compliance is governed by planned and conditional uses assigned to city zoning districts.
    “No person shall cause, or allow on their real property, any use of land within the municipal boundaries of the City of Siloam Springs, except in full compliance with this Code, including without limitation any permit required by Title 3, and including full compliance with the planned uses and conditional uses of each zoning district, which uses are specified by use units as defined below.”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    R-2 Residential, Medium District inside Siloam Springs city.

    • Minimum width is 70 feet for front/side-loading or no garage/carport, and 55 feet for rear-loading garages/carports with rear public access.

    minimum lot surface area: >= 7000 square feet

    “Minimum lot surface area: 7,000 square feet.”
  • SetbacksDistrict specific (with conditions)

    R-2 Residential, Medium District inside Siloam Springs city.

    • Front setback may be reduced ten feet for an attached ADU, garage, or carport accessed from a rear alley.
    • Amended setbacks apply to residential units with rear- or side-loading garages.

    front setback: >= 25 feet · side setback except corner: >= 8 feet · rear and corner-side setback: >= 20 feet

    “Setback required: a. Front: 25 feet. b. Sides (except side on corner): Eight feet. c. Rear, side on corner: 20 feet.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

    R-2 Residential, Medium District inside Siloam Springs city.

    • A portion exceeding 30 feet must be set back by the listed setback distances plus one additional foot for each foot over 30 feet.
    • No building may exceed 40 feet.

    base height before additional setback: <= 30 feet · absolute maximum height: <= 40 feet

    “No building shall exceed 30 feet in height, unless each exceeding portion of the building is set back by the above-listed distances, plus an additional one foot for each one foot that its height exceeds 30 feet. b. In no event shall any building exceed 40 feet in height.”
  • Living in an RVTemporary only (with conditions)

    Recreational vehicles and travel trailers in the Siloam Springs recreational vehicle park district.

    • The district is for temporary habitation and travel, vacation, and recreation purposes.
    • No permanent residence may be established in the district.
    • Permanent external appurtenances such as carports may not be attached to a vehicle.
    “The recreational vehicle park district is designed to provide for recreational vehicles and travel trailers suitable for temporary habitation and used for travel, vacation and recreation purposes. No permanent residence may be established in this district.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Temporary only (with conditions) — Recreational vehicle park district occupancy inside Siloam Springs city.
      “The recreational vehicle park district is designed to provide for recreational vehicles and travel trailers suitable for temporary habitation and used for travel, vacation and recreation purposes. No permanent residence may be established in this district.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Camping in a Siloam Springs recreational vehicle park district.

    • The cited rule addresses RV and travel-trailer temporary habitation, travel, vacation, and recreation; it does not establish unrestricted camping on private land.
    “The recreational vehicle park district is designed to provide for recreational vehicles and travel trailers suitable for temporary habitation and used for travel, vacation and recreation purposes.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Camping or temporary habitation in the recreational vehicle park district.
      “The recreational vehicle park district is designed to provide for recreational vehicles and travel trailers suitable for temporary habitation and used for travel, vacation and recreation purposes. No permanent residence may be established in this district.”
  • Manufactured homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Manufactured homes in the M-H District inside Siloam Springs city.

    • Manufactured homes are a planned use in the M-H District.
    • Location or relocation requires a building permit issued by the administrator.
    “No manufactured home shall be located or relocated in the city except as authorized by a building permit issued by the administrator.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    New buildings inside Siloam Springs where city sewer is available or where an approved private sewage disposal system is not authorized.

    • The city property-maintenance code recognizes connection to either public sewer or an approved private sewage disposal system.
    • The Arkansas onsite-wastewater rule states that an onsite permit shall be refused where public sewer is reasonably available or economically feasible, subject to exceptions.
    “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”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Placement of manufactured homes inside Siloam Springs city.

    • The rule is limited to manufactured homes and requires a well-drained site outside designated floodways and free from stagnant water.
    “All manufactured homes shall be located on a well-drained site, outside designated floodways, and free from stagnate pools of water.”

Rules another office applies inside Siloam Springs

Siloam Springs does not set these itself; the county, a health district or the state does, and they apply to every address inside its limits.

  • Who permits septicState (with conditions)

    Onsite wastewater systems inside Siloam Springs city where an onsite system is otherwise permissible.

    • The Arkansas Department of Health may act through its Authorized Agent.
    • A local sewer-availability requirement in the state rule prevents onsite wastewater systems in specified circumstances.
    “A completed Onsite Wastewater System Permit Application and detailed plans and specifications following the requirements found in Appendix F for the collection, treatment and/or renovation facilities for all wastes of a domestic nature, containing a predominance of human excreta and exclusive of industrial wastes shall be submitted to and receive the approval of the Arkansas Department of Health or its Authorized Agent, prior to construction of a building or residence.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Onsite wastewater systems inside Siloam Springs city where such systems are allowed.

    • A valid construction permit is required before construction, alteration, repair, or extension of an onsite wastewater system owned by another person or entity.
    • The state rule is effective September 5, 2024.
    “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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction, alteration, repair, extension, or operation of onsite wastewater systems inside Siloam Springs where public sewer is unavailable or an applicable exception applies.
      “Part I of the Permit Application form shall be completed by a Designated Representative and approved by the Department or its Authorized Agent prior to initiating construction.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Operation of an onsite wastewater system inside Siloam Springs city where such systems are allowed.

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

    Human-waste sanitation at premises inside Siloam Springs city where a sanitary sewer is available under the state rule.

    • Applies where sewer is within 300 feet from the building sewer exit and connection can be made without crossing another person's property.

    sanitary sewer distance: <= 300 feet (Measured from the point where the sewer exits a building on the owner's property.)

    “No privies, onsite wastewater systems or other receptacles for human excreta shall be constructed, maintained, or used on the premises.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Siloam Springs or Benton County directly.

  • Minimum dwelling size — Dwellings inside Siloam Springs city limits.
  • Tiny homes — Tiny-home occupancy inside Siloam Springs city limits.
  • Well permit — Private wells inside Siloam Springs city limits.
  • Agricultural exemption — Agricultural structures or uses inside Siloam Springs city limits.
  • Driveway access — Driveway access and driveway construction inside Siloam Springs.
1 more unanswered
  • 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.

Unanswered questions are usually a sign that Siloam Springs publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Benton County’s page lists the county offices to call.

← All of Benton County: county rules, score and offices