Bolthole Index

Cleburne County, Arkansas

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Cleburne County, Arkansas

71Index Score / 100
#48 of 75 in Arkansas

Unincorporated Cleburne County, Arkansas has county zoning, but we could not confirm a county residential building-permit or inspection process12. Arkansas building-code requirements still apply even where permits or inspections are not required3. Septic permits come from the Arkansas Department of Health or its Authorized Agent, not from a city or the county4. Ask the Cleburne County Judge's Office which zoning and construction approvals apply to the parcel5.

At a glance

Building permit
County residential requirement not confirmed; statewide code still applies23
Zoning
County zoning ordinance applies in unincorporated areas1
Septic permit
Handled by the Arkansas Department of Health or its Authorized Agent4
Owner-builder
State contractor-license exemption is available for an owner building one residence in a calendar year6
RV or tiny home
Private-land occupancy is not confirmed; ask the County Judge's Office5
Minimum size and setbacks
County ordinance details were not confirmed; ask for the parcel's zoning district15
Private well
A county private-well permit requirement was not confirmed7

Who to call

Zoning

Cleburne County Judge's Office

First contact for the county zoning ordinance and questions about construction approvals on unincorporated land

501-362-8141

300 West Main Street, Heber Springs, AR 72543

Septic permits

Arkansas Department of Health - Environmental Health

Statewide onsite wastewater policy and permit review with county Environmental Health Specialists

501-661-2171

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

Online permits →

Roads & driveways

Cleburne County Road Department

County-road culvert requests and questions about construction upon county roads

(501) 362-3880

countyroaddepart@gmail.com

44 Sartain Road, Quitman, AR 72131

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

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

We could not confirm a residential building-permit requirement or inspection procedure for unincorporated Cleburne County, Arkansas2. That uncertainty does not remove the construction standard: the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code is the fire and building code for jurisdictions statewide, and Arkansas recognizes that its requirements can apply even where permits or inspections are not required839. Start with the Cleburne County Judge's Office before ordering plans or materials and ask what approval applies to the parcel and proposed use5. If the property lies inside an incorporated city, ask that city instead because the county zoning finding addresses unincorporated land. Permit fees and any certificate-of-occupancy process also remain unconfirmed, so request the current forms, fee schedule and inspection sequence directly from the responsible office before construction begins.

Who handles building and zoning questions in Cleburne County?

Cleburne County does not identify a separate building department on the official zoning page, so the practical first call for unincorporated land is the Cleburne County Judge's Office at 501-362-8141, 300 West Main Street in Heber Springs5. The county page publishes the zoning ordinance and also directs readers to its ordinance concerning construction upon county roads5. For a driveway or culvert on a county road, contact the Cleburne County Road Department at (501) 362-3880; the department says county-road residents needing a new or replacement culvert may call or submit its request form, after which county staff determine the needed culvert size10. If access connects directly to an Arkansas state highway, a state highway driveway permit is required before work begins on the right-of-way11. These are separate questions: zoning approval, building-code compliance, septic approval and road access can involve different authorities.

Does Cleburne County have zoning?

Yes. Cleburne County publishes an adopted zoning ordinance governing unincorporated areas1. That means a rural parcel should not be treated as unrestricted simply because a residential building-permit process could not be confirmed. Ask the Cleburne County Judge's Office for the parcel's zoning district and the current rules for allowed uses, setbacks, minimum lot size, building height and minimum dwelling size before choosing a house location5. We could not confirm those dimensional standards from the available official material. We also could not confirm county rules for accessory dwellings, manufactured homes, short-term rentals or agricultural exemptions. Arkansas lets a county planning board adopt zoning for all or part of the unincorporated area, with a map and text, so the ordinance's reach is set parcel by parcel12. Incorporated cities may apply their own land-use rules, and we could not confirm those city rules; even inside a city, septic approval stays with the Arkansas Department of Health or its Authorized Agent4. A survey and a written zoning answer are especially useful before closing when the planned use involves multiple dwellings, a home business, an RV, a tiny home or a land division.

How do septic permits work in Cleburne County?

Onsite wastewater review in Cleburne County runs through the Arkansas Department of Health or its Authorized Agent; if no Authorized Agent has been designated, the application goes to the Department4. The Department's Onsite Wastewater Program works with county Environmental Health Specialists to review permit applications13. Arkansas requires an onsite wastewater permit application and detailed plans to be approved before a building or residence is constructed, so apply for the septic permit before starting the house14. A system cannot begin operation until it has been inspected and approved and the owner has obtained a Permit for Operation15. Site feasibility deserves early attention because only 2.8% of Cleburne County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field16. If sanitary sewer is within 300 feet of the building's sewer-exit point and connection is available without crossing another person's property, Arkansas requires the premises to connect17. Authorized composting or incinerating toilets can be components of an onsite system, but other wastewater still needs compliant treatment or disposal18.

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

We could not confirm whether Cleburne County allows full-time or temporary occupancy of a single RV or tiny home on private land. Ask the Cleburne County Judge's Office how the parcel's zoning district treats the proposed unit and whether occupancy during construction is allowed5. Arkansas's health rule answers a narrower question: land with 3 or more paid spaces intended for RVs, tiny houses on wheels or mobile homes is treated as a regulated park19. A tiny house on wheels in such a park is treated as a mobile home when plumbed and inspected under the Arkansas Plumbing Code, or as an RV when it is not20. Those park rules do not establish permission for one unit on a private parcel. A foundation-built tiny home also remains subject to county zoning and statewide building-code requirements121.

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

  1. Ask the Cleburne County Judge's Office to identify the parcel's zoning district and confirm the building, inspection and occupancy approvals required for the proposed home52.
  1. Order a survey and place the house only after confirming zoning setbacks, access and easements; the county has zoning, but its dimensional standards were not confirmed1.
  1. Arrange the septic site evaluation and application with the Arkansas Department of Health or its Authorized Agent before finalizing the site plan134.
  1. Contact the County Road Department about a county-road culvert, or obtain the required state permit if the driveway enters a state highway1011.
  1. Build to the statewide Arkansas code standard even if the responsible office says no local permit or inspection is required3.
  1. If acting as your own contractor, confirm the state licensing exemption: it covers an owner constructing the owner's residence but not more than 1 residence in a calendar year6.
  1. Obtain septic inspection and a Permit for Operation before using the system15.

What should you check before buying land in Cleburne County?

Make septic feasibility a purchase contingency: just 2.8% of Cleburne County soils avoid severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so a favorable parcel-specific evaluation matters more than the county average16. Check the zoning district, allowed use, setbacks and flood status with the Cleburne County Judge's Office, because county zoning applies to unincorporated land but the detailed dimensional and floodplain requirements were not confirmed15. Confirm legal road frontage and whether the entrance needs a county culvert or a state-highway permit1011. Cleburne County is 67.4% wooded and 78.7% of its land has slopes of 15% or less, but parcel terrain can still change driveway and septic costs2223. The county's effective property-tax rate is about 0.5%, with a median annual bill of about $8142425. Private domestic-well permitting remains unconfirmed; the cited state approval rule covers public and semi-public wells, not ordinary private domestic wells7.

Watch-outs

  • Cleburne County zoning is confirmed, but residential building permits, inspections, fees and certificates of occupancy are not; ask the County Judge's Office for the current process before committing to a design125.
  • Conventional septic suitability is unusually constrained: only 2.8% of county soils are rated without severe drain-field limits, so obtain a parcel-specific evaluation early16.
  • Arkansas rules for paid RV and tiny-house parks do not answer whether one RV or tiny home may be occupied on private land in Cleburne County19.
  • A county-road culvert request and a state-highway driveway permit follow different processes; identify who owns the road before planning the entrance1011.

Sources

  1. Cleburne County, AR - Zoning Ordinance (2026 county census)
  2. 2014 Arkansas Energy Code for New Building Construction Supplements and Amendments (2026 county census)
  3. Home Improvement Contractor License Application (Arkansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  4. Onsite Wastewater, quoted and re-checked
  5. Cleburne County Judge's Office (cleburnecountyar.com)
  6. Arkansas Residential Contractors Committee Rules and Statutes (Arkansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  7. 17 CAR § 11-607. Public and semi-public wells (Arkansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  8. 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, quoted and re-checked
  9. Home Improvement Contractor License Application (Arkansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  10. Cleburne County Road Department (cleburnecountyar.com)
  11. Regulations: Rules for Access Driveways to State Highways (Arkansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. House Bill 2452 — County planning boards and zoning boards of adjustment (Arkansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  13. Arkansas Department of Health - Environmental Health (healthy.arkansas.gov)
  14. Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) (Arkansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024), quoted and re-checked
  16. 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
  17. codeofarrules.arkansas.gov (Arkansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  18. Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) (Arkansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  19. 20 CAR § 138-102. Compliance (Arkansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  20. 20 CAR § 138-101. Definitions (Arkansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  21. 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code (Arkansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  22. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  23. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  24. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  25. Median property tax bill: 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.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Unlike 4 of its 6 neighbors, Cleburne County requires a building permit only in limited cases.

RuleCleburne CountyStone CountyIndependence CountyWhite CountyVan Buren CountyIzard CountyFaulkner County
Building permitLimitedLimitedNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredLimitedNot required
County zoningYesNot publishedNoNoNoNot publishedNot published
Septic permitsAR Dept. of HealthAR Dept. of HealthAR Dept. of HealthAR Dept. of HealthAR Dept. of HealthAR Dept. of HealthAR Dept. of Health

County locator

Cleburne County in Arkansas

71
County map
Cleburne County highlighted among the Arkansas counties · colored by Index score

How Cleburne County scores

Seclusion74100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency66100% ev.
Admin Boringness61100% ev.
Durability44100% ev.
Property Autonomy47100% ev.
Carry Cost82100% 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 →

$265kTypical home
0.5%Property tax
$3,631Land / acre
52.5"Annual rain
7.4% of yrsSevere drought
18.1 / yr (+14.5)Mid-century 100°F days
17.4 daysMid-century dry spell
2.42" (+7.6%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.51×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,823Home insurance / yr
0% / yrInsurance growth
0.47%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
11,063People within 30 min
1,042,448People within 2 hr
29,934Radius comparison (15 mi)
45.9People / sq mi
8.8%Federal land
78.7%Land at 15% slope or less
2.8%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
8,504 acWorkable land screen
67.4%Wooded land
49.4 tonsBiomass / forest ac
59.7°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Cleburne 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 researched: Town of Concord · Greers Ferry · Town of Higden · Quitman

Answers from the rulebook for Cleburne County

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

Cleburne County rules

  • County-wide zoningPresent

    The official county website publishes an adopted county Zoning Ordinance (plus floodplain ordinance) governing unincorporated areas.

    Cleburne County, AR - Zoning Ordinance ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • 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.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Residential builder and home-improvement contractor licensing for owner-builders in Cleburne County.

    • The owner exemption applies when acting as contractor in construction of the owner's residence unless the owner builds more than one residence during a calendar year.
    • Owners acting as their own home-improvement contractor on their own property are exempt from the listed licensing requirements.
    • The source concerns contractor licensing and does not establish exemption from permits, inspections, zoning, septic, or other applicable rules.

    maximum owner-built residences: <= 1 residence per calendar year (Exemption does not apply if the owner builds more than one residence during any calendar year)

    “The following are exemptions to the residential builder and home improvement licensing requirements: (1) owners are exempt from licensure when acting as the contractor in the construction of his or her residence unless he or she builds more than one residence during any calendar year (2) owners acting as his or her own home improvement contractor on his or her own property”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • 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;”
  • 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.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted — Building and fire-code framework applicable statewide in Arkansas, including Cleburne County.
      “The Arkansas Fire Prevention Code applies statewide and is the fire and building code for all jurisdictions within Arkansas.”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — New structures and applicable alterations, additions, changes in use, and changes in structures throughout Arkansas, under the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, including Volume II for building-code requirements and Volume III for residential-code requirements.
      “Each district, county, municipality, or other political subdivision of this state shall only adopt and enforce the provisions of the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, 2021 Edition. [...] The design and construction of new structures shall comply with the International Building Code Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, Volume II, and any alterations, additions, changes in use or changes in structures required by this code, which are within the scope of the International Building Code, Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, Volume II, shall be made in accordance therewith.”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — State projects in Arkansas subject to the Building Authority Division design-review rules.
      “The adopted building code for state projects is the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, 12 CAR pt. 15, as adopted by the Division of Arkansas State Police, State Fire Marshal’s office. Arkansas laws and this subchapter shall have precedence over the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code where they exceed the requirements of the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code. All project designs shall comply with all Arkansas laws and the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code. Other codes, rules, or standards may be applicable to a specific project. It is the department’s and design professional’s responsibility to determine all applicable codes for each specific project.”
  • 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • 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.”
    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.”
    • 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.”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Occupancy of recreational vehicles in Arkansas recreational-vehicle parks regulated by the Arkansas Department of Health under 20 CAR Part 138.

    • The rule applies when three or more spaces are occupied or intended for occupancy by recreational vehicles, tiny houses on wheels, or mobile homes and placement or maintenance services, or both, are provided for a fee, whether new or existing.
    • The parcel is considered a mobile home or recreational vehicle park and must comply with 20 CAR Part 138.
    • The owner or operator is responsible for compliance.
    • Waivers or exceptions are considered case by case and approval is at the Department of Health's discretion.
    • Construction, alteration, repair, or extension of a mobile-home or recreational-vehicle park requires prior submission and department approval.
    • Detailed plans must include the park layout, sewage system, water source and distribution system, buildings, parking areas, dump stations, and topographical features.

    minimum spaces triggering park regulation: >= 3 spaces (Placement or maintenance services, or both, must be provided for a fee.)

    “Any parcel of land in which three (3) or more spaces are occupied or intended for occupancy by recreational vehicles, tiny houses on wheels, or mobile homes, where placement or maintenance services, or both, are provided for a fee, whether new or existing, shall be: (1) Considered a mobile home or recreational vehicle park; and (2) In compliance with this part.”
  • Tiny homesLimited

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

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

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

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

    Onsite wastewater systems in Cleburne County under Arkansas statewide administration.

    • The Arkansas Department of Health works with Environmental Health Specialists in county health departments.
    • The page describes review of onsite systems under 5,000 gallons per day for subsurface treatment and under 2,000 gallons per day for surface-discharging design.

    subsurface treatment review threshold: < 5000 gallons per day · surface discharge design review threshold: < 2000 gallons per day

    “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, and shall be responsible for the administration of this chapter and of the rules adopted pursuant to this chapter.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • State (with conditions) — Onsite wastewater systems serving property in Cleburne County.
      “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.”
  • 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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Construction, alteration, repair, extension, and operation of onsite wastewater systems in Cleburne County.
      “Permits for construction and operation of onsite wastewater systems shall be obtained in accordance with the RULES PERTAINING TO ONSITE WASTEWATER SYSTEMS prior to the construction, installation or modification of the Onsite Wastewater System.”
    • Required — Construction, alteration, repair, extension, and operation of onsite wastewater systems in Cleburne County under Arkansas statewide rules administered by the Arkansas Department of Health or its authorized agent.
      “(d)(2) Permits for construction and operation of onsite wastewater systems shall be obtained in accordance with this part prior to the construction, installation, or modification of the onsite wastewater system.”
  • 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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Operation and installation inspection of onsite wastewater systems in Cleburne County.
      “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.”
    • Required — Operation of onsite wastewater systems in Cleburne County.
      “It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, corporation, association, municipality or governmental agency to begin operation of any onsite wastewater system until such system has been inspected and approved by the Department or its Authorized Agent and the owner has first obtained a Permit for Operation issued by the Department or its Authorized Agent.”
  • Off-grid sanitationAllowed (with conditions)

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

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

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

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

    Premises in Cleburne County served by a sanitary sewer available within the stated distance.

    • Connection is required when the sewer is within 300 feet from the point where the sewer exits a building on the property owner's property.
    • The sewer must be available to the premises.
    • Connection must be possible without crossing another person's property.
    • No privies, onsite wastewater systems, or other receptacles for human excreta may be constructed, maintained, or used on those premises.
    • Plumbing must comply with the Arkansas State Plumbing Code.

    sewer distance: <= 300 feet (Available to the premises and connection cannot require crossing another person's property.)

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

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

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

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

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

    Subdivisions in Arkansas that propose standard onsite wastewater systems for all or part of their lots or tracts, including applicable subdivisions in Cleburne County.

    • Subdivision plans must be submitted to the Arkansas Department of Health for review and approval of the overall onsite-wastewater utilization plan.
    • Unsuitable lots or parcels must be incorporated into surrounding lots or parcels.
    • Green or community space is not assigned a lot number or considered in subdivision approval.
    • The plan review fee is at least $100 for one lot, $25 for each following lot, and capped at $1,500.

    plan review fee for one lot: >= 100 USD · plan review fee for each following lot: 25 USD · 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.”
    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 [...]”
  • 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.”
  • 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.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Camping at Arkansas state-park campsites.

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

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

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

Still unanswered

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

  • Local zoning — Aggregate local zoning across Cleburne County municipalities and unincorporated areas.
  • Zoning districts — Published zoning districts and district maps for unincorporated Cleburne County.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in unincorporated Cleburne County.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size in unincorporated Cleburne County.
  • Setbacks — Building setbacks in unincorporated Cleburne County.
6 more unanswered
  • Lot coverage
  • Building height
  • Camping on your land
  • Manufactured homes
  • Accessory dwellings
  • Short-term rentals

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

Living off-grid in Cleburne County, Arkansas

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

Cleburne County scores 71/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and sparse surroundings — about 11,063 people within a 30-minute drive.

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

Cleburne County requires a building permit only in limited cases (such as floodplains or specific zones), and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Arkansas Department of Health, Onsite Wastewater Program (via county Environmental Health Specialist). 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 Cleburne County?

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

Land in Cleburne County runs about $3,631 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Cleburne County?

Cleburne County gets about 52.5" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 7.4% of years.

How remote is Cleburne County?

A representative private-land location has about 11,063 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,042,448 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.

How Cleburne compares in Arkansas

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