Bolthole Index

Grant County, Arkansas

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

81Index Score / 100
#4 of 75 in Arkansas

Unincorporated Grant County, Arkansas requires a county floodplain development permit for construction and other development in floodplain areas, but we could not confirm a general residential building permit elsewhere1. Zoning: we could not confirm a countywide zoning ordinance for unincorporated land, and cities such as Sheridan may set their own2. Septic permits for every address, city or not, come from the Arkansas Department of Health or its authorized agent, not the county34.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for construction and other development in floodplain areas; general permits elsewhere are unconfirmed1
Building code
The 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code includes statewide building and residential codes5
Zoning
Listed as no countywide zoning, but current official materials do not expressly confirm that conclusion2
Septic permits
Construction and operating permits come from the Arkansas Department of Health or its authorized agent34
Floodplain development
County permit required before work in a FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Area6
Owner-builder
Licensing exemption for an owner building one residence in a calendar year; other rules still apply7
RV or tiny home
Single-site occupancy is unconfirmed; qualifying paid parks with three or more spaces are state-regulated89
Well work
Use a licensed Arkansas well contractor; no separate owner-applied private-well permit was confirmed10

Who to call

Septic permits

Arkansas Department of Health Grant County Health Unit

Local contact for Arkansas Department of Health services; the statewide Onsite Wastewater program works with county Environmental Health Specialists on septic applications and site visits

870-942-3157

700 E Center St, Sheridan, AR 72150

Septic permits

Arkansas Department of Health Onsite Wastewater Program

Statewide onsite wastewater policy and permit-application review in cooperation with county Environmental Health Specialists

501-661-2171

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

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 9, 2026.

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

Grant County requires a permit for construction, repairs, additions, digging, fences, fill and tree removal when the project is in a floodplain; the County Floodplain Administrator issues that permit1. For a project in a FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Area, obtain the Floodplain Development Permit before work begins; a Compliance Certificate is required before the development may be used or occupied6. We could not confirm a general residential building-permit requirement outside floodplain areas, so ask the County Judge's Office about the parcel and scope of work before ordering materials. The Arkansas Fire Prevention Code applies statewide and includes building and residential code volumes11. The current state code list identifies the 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, but that does not establish that Grant County runs a general permit or inspection program5.

Who issues building permits in Grant County, Arkansas?

The County Floodplain Administrator issues permits for construction and other development in Grant County floodplain areas1. We could not confirm a separate general building or inspection office for work outside floodplains, so start with the County Judge's Office for a parcel-specific answer. Septic applications go to the Arkansas Department of Health or its authorized agent, with the Grant County Health Unit serving as the local contact41213. A driveway built or changed on state highway right-of-way requires an Arkansas Department of Transportation permit issued through the District Engineer14. We could not confirm whether Grant County requires a driveway-access permit for county-maintained roads; ask the County Judge's Office before changing an entrance. Inside Sheridan and the county's other cities, the city may add its own building and zoning requirements, but septic permits for every address in Grant County still come from the Arkansas Department of Health, not the city415.

Does Grant County, Arkansas have zoning, and who sets it?

Grant County is listed as having no countywide zoning, but the county's current official ordinance and department pages do not expressly establish that unincorporated Grant County has no zoning2. Ask the County Judge's Office whether a parcel is subject to a county land-development ordinance, and ask the relevant city before relying on the county answer for land inside municipal limits. We could not confirm a county minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size, general building setback, lot-coverage limit or building-height limit for unincorporated land. Subdivision plats are not unrestricted: before an unincorporated-area plat can be recorded, the county court must accept roads for perpetual maintenance and any land dedicated for public purposes16. A nonresidential farm building has a state exemption from specified electrical licensing and code-authority requirements, but that exemption does not erase floodplain, septic, zoning or other approvals17.

How do septic permits work in Grant County, Arkansas?

Before building or installing an onsite wastewater system in Grant County, obtain construction approval and a construction permit from the Arkansas Department of Health or its authorized agent; operation also requires inspection, approval and a separate operating permit34. The Grant County Health Unit is the local contact1213. Review fees are $30 for a structure of 1,500 square feet or less, $45 through 2,000 square feet, $90 through 3,000 square feet, $120 through 4,000 square feet, $150 above 4,000 square feet, and $30 for an alteration, repair or extension18. No mapped county soil is rated free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so make the site evaluation an early purchase contingency rather than assuming a standard system will work19. If an available sanitary sewer is within 300 feet of the building's sewer exit and connection does not cross another person's property, connection is required instead of septic20. A tract of 10 acres or larger is exempt from the Arkansas Sewage Disposal Systems Act if the field line sits no closer than 200 feet to the property line, though other state and federal requirements and nuisance rules still apply21. If you plan composting or incinerating toilets, only pre-manufactured units authorized by the Department may be used, and the system stays subject to onsite wastewater permitting22.

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

We could not confirm whether Grant County allows, limits or prohibits living in one RV or tiny home on ordinary private land outside a regulated park; ask the County Judge's Office and the municipality if the parcel lies inside city limits. Arkansas treats a site with three or more paid spaces receiving placement or maintenance services as a regulated mobile-home or recreational-vehicle park23. A regulated RV park is for transient stays, typically by the night or week, and its plans require Arkansas Department of Health approval8. In that setting, a tiny house on wheels is treated as a mobile home when plumbed and inspected under the Arkansas Plumbing Code and as an RV when it is not24. RVs in a regulated park must remain movable and sit at least 15 feet from other RVs and structures25. A manufactured home installed in Arkansas must be anchored under the applicable standard26.

How do you build a home in Grant County, Arkansas, step by step?

  1. Confirm whether the parcel is unincorporated and ask the County Judge's Office whether permits beyond floodplain approval apply; we could not confirm a general residential permit outside floodplain areas.
  1. Check flood status before design; construction and other development in a floodplain require a permit from the County Floodplain Administrator1.
  1. Arrange the septic site evaluation early because no mapped county soil is rated free of severe limits for a conventional drain field19.
  1. Apply through the Grant County Health Unit for the required septic construction approval and permit, and budget the state review fee for the building size31218.
  1. Use a licensed Arkansas well contractor if the parcel needs a private well10.
  1. Obtain ARDOT approval before working on a driveway within state highway right-of-way14.
  1. Follow the statewide Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, then obtain the septic operating permit and any floodplain compliance approval before occupancy536.

What should you check before buying land in Grant County?

Make septic feasibility the first contingency because 0% of mapped Grant County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field19. Check flood status and access next: development in a designated flood hazard area needs county approval, while work on state highway right-of-way needs ARDOT approval614. Confirm whether the deed describes an existing legal parcel or a proposed subdivision because an unincorporated-area plat cannot be recorded until the county court accepts roads and public-purpose dedications16. The land is heavily wooded and mostly gentle, with 86.3% forest cover and 94.7% at a slope of 15% or less, so clearing may matter more than major grading on many parcels2728. The effective property-tax rate is about 0.5%, and the median annual tax bill is about $8402930.

Watch-outs

  • A floodplain permit can expire if work does not begin within six months, and a Compliance Certificate is required before the development may be used or occupied6.
  • Grant County is listed as having no countywide zoning, but current official materials do not expressly confirm that conclusion; ask the County Judge's Office and any municipality with jurisdiction before relying on an unrestricted-use assumption2.
  • No mapped Grant County soil is rated free of severe limits for a conventional septic drain field, so obtain a site evaluation before treating a homesite as buildable19.
  • The septic exemption for tracts of 10 acres or more applies only if the field line stays at least 200 feet from the property line, so measure before assuming a large parcel needs no septic permit21.

Sources

  1. Floodplain | Grant County, AR, quoted and re-checked
  2. Grant County, AR - Officials & Departments (2026 county census)
  3. Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024), quoted and re-checked
  4. Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024), quoted and re-checked
  5. Current Applicable State Codes in Arkansas, quoted and re-checked
  6. Floodplain | Grant County, AR, quoted and re-checked
  7. Rules of the Residential Contractors Committee, quoted and re-checked
  8. 20 CAR § 138-101. Definitions, quoted and re-checked
  9. 20 CAR § 138-101. Definitions, quoted and re-checked
  10. Arkansas Water Well Construction Commission Rules (updated 2020), quoted and re-checked
  11. 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code — Summary Agenda, quoted and re-checked
  12. Arkansas Department of Health Grant County Health Unit (healthy.arkansas.gov)
  13. Arkansas Department of Health Onsite Wastewater Program (healthy.arkansas.gov)
  14. Regulations: Rules for Access Driveways to State Highways (Arkansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. Arkansas Department of Health - Onsite Wastewater (2026 county census)
  16. Act 277 of the Regular Session, quoted and re-checked
  17. 17 CAR § 210-602. Construction and exemptions, quoted and re-checked
  18. Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024), quoted and re-checked
  19. 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
  20. Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024), Section 4.1, quoted and re-checked
  21. Act 402 and Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems, quoted and re-checked
  22. Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024) (Arkansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  23. 20 CAR § 138-102. Compliance (Arkansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  24. 20 CAR § 138-101. Definitions (Arkansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  25. 20 CAR § 138-101. Definitions, quoted and re-checked
  26. 20 CAR § 911-504. Anchoring standards for new homes, used homes, quoted and re-checked
  27. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  28. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  29. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  30. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 9, 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 5 of its 6 neighbors, Grant County requires a building permit only in limited cases.

RuleGrant CountySaline CountyJefferson CountyDallas CountyPulaski CountyHot Spring CountyCleveland County
Building permitLimitedNot requiredLimitedNot requiredRequiredNot requiredNot required
County zoningNoNoNot publishedNoYesNoNo
Septic permitsAR Dept. of HealthAR Dept. of HealthAR Dept. of HealthAR Dept. of HealthADHAR Dept. of HealthAR Dept. of Health

County locator

Grant County in Arkansas

81
County map
Grant County highlighted among the Arkansas counties · colored by Index score

How Grant County scores

Seclusion63100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency69100% ev.
Admin Boringness85100% ev.
Durability65100% 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 →

$222kTypical home
0.5%Property tax
$3,912Land / acre
54.8"Annual rain
10.6% of yrsSevere drought
27.5 / yr (+22.2)Mid-century 100°F days
17.2 daysMid-century dry spell
2.63" (+5.7%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.48×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,725Home insurance / yr
1.5% / yrInsurance growth
1.04%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
10,462People within 30 min
1,399,262People within 2 hr
35,423Radius comparison (15 mi)
29.1People / sq mi
0%Federal land
94.7%Land at 15% slope or less
0%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
0 acWorkable land screen
86.3%Wooded land
47 tonsBiomass / forest ac
62.5°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Grant 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.

Town of Leola · Town of Poyen · Town of Prattsville · Sheridan · Town of Tull

Answers from the rulebook for Grant County

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

Grant County rules

  • Building permitLimited

    Construction, repairs, additions, digging, fences, fill, or tree removal in the Grant County floodplain.

    • The requirement applies to development in the floodplain.
    • A permit is obtained from the County’s Floodplain Administrator.
    • Illegal floodplain development must be reported to the County’s Floodplain Administrator at 870-942-3333.
    • The source does not establish a general countywide residential building permit requirement outside floodplain development.
    “Floodplain Development Permits: Extra requirements are involved when developing in the floodplain. Construction, repairs, additions, digging, fences, fill or tree removal requires a permit from the County’s Floodplain Administrator.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Residential construction and other development in Grant County areas designated as FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas, including new buildings, additions, repairs, grading, fill, and other listed development.
      “Construction, repairs, additions, digging, fences, fill or tree removal requires a permit from the County’s Floodplain Administrator.”
  • InspectionsLimited

    Development subject to Grant County's Floodplain Development Permit in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area.

    • The local Floodplain Administrator performs an inspection after completion, or potentially several inspections during the project.
    • Inspection is required before issuance of the floodplain Certificate of Compliance.
    • The inspection concerns compliance with the local Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance.
    “An inspection must be performed and a Compliance Certificate must be issued before the development can be occupied or used.”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Development in Grant County floodplain areas administered by the County Floodplain Administrator.

    • A Floodplain Development Permit is required for construction, repairs, additions, digging, fences, fill, or tree removal in the floodplain.
    • The permit application states that permits are required only for developments in FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas.
    • No work may begin in floodplain areas designated A, A1-30, AE, AO, AH, or B until a permit is issued.
    • In Zone B or shaded Zone X, a permit is required only if the development is a critical facility; otherwise no permit is required in those zones.
    • If development is in a regulatory floodway, a No-Rise Certificate is necessary before proceeding.
    • The permit expires if no work begins within 6 months of issuance.
    • The permit is not issued until any other necessary local, state, or federal permits have been obtained.
    • The development may not be used or occupied until a Certificate of Compliance is issued.
    • If an addition or alteration equals or exceeds 50% of the structure’s value before the work, the entire structure is treated as substantially improved.

    substantial improvement threshold: >= 50 percent of structure value (Applies to additions or alterations; the entire structure must then be treated as substantially improved.) · permit commencement deadline: 6 months from issuance (The permit expires if no work is commenced.)

    “Construction, repairs, additions, digging, fences, fill or tree removal requires a permit from the County’s Floodplain Administrator.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Development in Grant County areas designated as Special Flood Hazard Areas on FEMA-issued flood maps, including structures and non-structural development.
      “Floodplain Development Permits are ONLY required for developments in areas designated as “Special Flood Hazard Areas” of FEMA-issued flood maps.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Floodplain development permit process administered by Grant County's Floodplain Administrator.

    • A Floodplain Development Permit is required before beginning development in a FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Area.
    • Covered development includes new construction, additions, clearing land, placing fill, grading, mining, dredging, drilling, and similar development; the county page also lists repairs, digging, fences, and tree removal.
    • The applicant submits Section I to the local Floodplain Administrator; the administrator may request additional information, then issues or denies the permit.
    • No work may begin in designated A, A1-30, AE, AO, AH, or B areas until the permit is issued.
    • The development may not be used or occupied until a Certificate of Compliance is issued after inspection.
    • The permit expires if work does not commence within six months of issuance.
    • The permit will not be issued until other necessary local, state, or federal permits are obtained.
    • Permit denials may be appealed under the local Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance.
    “Construction, repairs, additions, digging, fences, fill or tree removal requires a permit from the County’s Floodplain Administrator.”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    Grant County's official department list includes no planning or zoning office and there is no county-wide zoning ordinance; zoning controls exist only within municipalities such as Sheridan.

    Grant County, AR - Officials & Departments ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Arkansas rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable

    Owner-builders constructing their own residence or owners acting as their own home-improvement contractor on their own property in Arkansas, including Grant County

    • The exemption concerns residential builder and home-improvement contractor licensing, not a county building-permit requirement.
    • A person acting as a residential building contractor in construction of their residence is exempt unless they build more than one residence during any calendar year.
    • The owner of a single-family residence may act as their own home-improvement contractor on their own property.
    • The source also lists exemptions for projects costing no more than $2,000, subcontractors working for properly licensed residential contractors, and contractors licensed by another Arkansas licensing agency when working within that license's scope.

    maximum residences constructed by owner-builder under first exemption: <= 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: <= 2000 USD (The source separately states that the exemption does not apply when construction work 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;”
    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 adoptedAdopted

    The Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, 2021 Edition, including its Volume II building-code and Volume III residential-code provisions, statewide in Arkansas, including Grant County.

    • The state source identifies the Arkansas State Fire Marshal’s Office as the adopting and enforcing authority.
    • Each district, county, municipality, or other political subdivision may adopt more stringent provisions, but may only adopt and enforce provisions of the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, 2021 Edition.
    • Appendices B, C, D, E, F, G, and K are adopted by the State of Arkansas; other appendices do not apply unless adopted by local ordinance.
    • The source states that new-structure design and construction within the International Building Code scope must comply with Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, Volume II.
    • The source states that the 2021 rules became effective January 1, 2023.

    effective date: 2023-01-01

    “The Arkansas Fire Prevention Code is the fire prevention code for the State of Arkansas.”
    6 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted — The Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, including its Building Code and Residential Code volumes, applies statewide in Grant County and all other Arkansas jurisdictions.
      “The International Codes were amended and adopted, effective January 1, 2014, by the Arkansas State Police. The Arkansas Fire Prevention Code applies statewide and is the fire and building code for all jurisdictions within Arkansas.”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — The Arkansas state building-code framework applicable to residential construction in Grant County.
      “Current Applicable State Codes in Arkansas (This list contains only the most commonly requested. Other codes may be applicable to a specific project.) Code Type Contact Fire and Building Current Code 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code (Includes: Fire Code, Building Code, Residential Code) (Based on IBC 2021 w\Arkansas Amendments) Arkansas State Fire Marshall”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Building-code requirements applicable in Grant County through Arkansas's statewide building and fire code.
      “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.”
    • 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.”
    • 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.”
  • 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.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Temporary camping in a Grant County recreational-vehicle park regulated under Arkansas Department of Health rules.

    • The regulated RV park has three or more spaces.
    • The spaces are for transient dwelling purposes, typically by night or week, commonly associated with travel to, at, or near an attraction.
    • Plans must be approved by the Arkansas Department of Health.
    • If placement or maintenance services, or both, are provided for a fee, the parcel must comply with 20 CAR Part 138.
    • Park construction, alteration, repair, or extension requires prior Department of Health approval.
    • The rule history states Ark. R. 2026-95, effective August 15, 2026.

    minimum spaces: >= 3 spaces (The definition applies to an RV park for transient dwelling purposes.) · typical temporary stay: night or week

    “three (3) or more spaces are occupied or intended for occupancy by recreational vehicles for transient dwelling purposes, typically by night or week”
  • 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”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Occupancy of tiny houses on wheels in a qualifying Arkansas mobile-home or recreational-vehicle park in Grant County.
      “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”
    • 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

    Administration of onsite wastewater permits affecting Grant County.

    • The Arkansas Department of Health or its Authorized Agent issues construction and operation permits.
    • If no Authorized Agent has been designated for a city or county, applications must be made to the Department.
    • The rule identifies local health units as an application and inspection-related channel, but the Authorized Agent remains an agent of the Department.
    “the Authorized Agent shall be the Authorized Agent of the Department.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • 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.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Construction, alteration, repair, extension, and operation of onsite wastewater systems in Grant County under Arkansas statewide rules.
      “Permits for construction and operation of onsite wastewater systems shall be obtained”
    • Required — Individual onsite wastewater systems in Grant County, including construction, alteration, repair, extension, and operation.
      “It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, corporation, association, municipality, or governmental agency to construct, alter, repair, extend, or operate an individual sewage disposal system or alternate and experimental system installed after July 1, 1977, unless a valid permit has been issued by the Division of Sanitarian Services of the Department of Health or its authorized agent for the specific construction, alteration, repair, extension, or operation proposed, except that emergency repairs may be undertaken without prior issuance of a permit, provided a permit is subsequently obtained within ten (10) working days after the repairs are made.”
    • Limited — Individual or alternate and experimental onsite wastewater systems on qualifying tracts in Grant County.
      “The requirements of this chapter shall not apply to any individual sewage disposal system or alternate and experimental system which is situated on a tract of land ten (10) acres or larger, in which the field line or sewage disposal line is no closer than two hundred feet (200′) to the property line.”
  • 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • 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”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Privies and onsite wastewater systems on premises in Grant County, Arkansas.
      “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. [...] 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.”
  • Well permitLimited

    Construction, alteration, or repair of water wells and installation or repair of pumping equipment in Grant County, Arkansas.

    • Water wells subject to the rules must be constructed by persons holding a valid Arkansas license unless an Act 641 exemption applies.
    • A registered and certified person must be within a two-hour drive during construction, alteration, or repair.
    • The rules identify contractor licenses, registration certificates, and rig permits; the reviewed official rule did not state a separate owner-applied well construction permit.
    • Written Commission permission is required before developing a well in certain geographic locations where safe potable water can be obtained only through a deviation from the rules.

    registration supervision travel radius: <= 2 hours drive · rig permit fee: 145 USD · driller registration certificate fee: 125 USD · pump installer registration certificate fee: 125 USD

    “Water wells subject to these rules and shall be constructed only by persons having a valid license”
    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.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupSewer (with conditions)

    Premises in Grant County, Arkansas, where a sanitary sewer is available within the specified distance and connection can be made without crossing another person's property.

    • Connection to a sanitary sewer is required when the sewer is within 300 feet from the point where the sewer exits a building on the property owner's property, is available to the premises, and connection can be made without crossing another person's property.
    • When the connection rule applies, privies, onsite wastewater systems, and other receptacles for human excreta may not be constructed, maintained, or used on the premises.
    • Plumbing must comply with the Arkansas State Plumbing Code.

    sewer distance from building exit point: <= 300 feet (sewer must also be available and connection must not require crossing another person's property)

    “connected to a sanitary sewer when within 300 feet [...] 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.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Available — Construction, installation, maintenance, repair, or renovation of a nonresidential farm building or structure in Grant County, Arkansas, as to the specified state licensing requirements.
      “(a) The licensing requirements of Arkansas Code § 17-28-101 et seq. shall not apply to the following: [...] (4) The construction, installation, maintenance, repair, or renovation of any nonresidential farm building or structure; [...] (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;”
    • 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)

    Subdivision plats presented for recording in Grant County, including unincorporated areas.

    • For a plat in the unincorporated area, the county court must accept roads for perpetual maintenance and any dedication of land for public purposes before the plat may be presented for recording.
    • Following adoption by the county court of a subdivision, setback, or entry-control ordinance, the plat may not be presented for recording without county planning-board approval.
    • Act 277 was approved March 13, 2023.
    • Act 314 was approved March 18, 2025.
    • Grant County identifies its Circuit/County Clerk as the ex-officio county recorder; the county page lists a $15 first-page recording fee and $5 for each subsequent page for plats and other listed recordable instruments.
    • Municipal subdivision requirements may apply within incorporated municipalities under separate municipal authority.

    recording fee, first page: 15 USD (For plats and other listed recordable instruments under A.C.A. 21-6-403(a)(1)(A).) · recording fee, each subsequent page: 5 USD (For plats and other listed recordable instruments under A.C.A. 21-6-403(a)(1)(A).)

    “A plat in the unincorporated area of the county shall not be presented for recording without the county court's acceptance of: (A) Roads for perpetual maintenance; and (B) Any dedication of land for public purposes.”
    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

    Noncommercial access driveways adjoining Arkansas state highways in Grant County, including driveways serving private property, farms, ranches, churches, schools, noncommercial cemeteries, and other noncommercial public access.

    • The applicant must satisfy any applicable incorporated-city requirements in addition to obtaining the Arkansas Department of Transportation permit.
    • No work may begin on state highway right-of-way until the engineer issues the permit.
    • Applications are made by the owner or authorized representative and are only for constructing or modifying access, not parking, servicing, or loading or unloading vehicles on state highway right-of-way.
    • More than one noncommercial driveway may require a bond; otherwise a bond is not required.
    • The permit expires one year after issuance if work has not begun and may be revoked for noncompliance after notice and thirty days to cure.
    • The request must include a description and location of the work, applicant contact information, necessary drawings, and any required deposit or bond.
    • If an access management agreement applies, the request must include the appropriate jurisdictional approval or permit; failure to provide it may result in denial.

    permit expiration: 1 year from issuance (If no work has begun, the permit may be revoked.) · noncommercial driveway bond: false (A bond may be required when more than one noncommercial driveway is requested.) · minimum culvert diameter: >= 18 inches (For required drainage structures.) · minimum pipe culvert length: >= 20 feet (Pipe must be approved material and may not have hazardous headwalls or other hazards.)

    “A permit shall be obtained from the Arkansas Department of Transportation for all noncommercial access driveways on state highways.”
    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.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Individual onsite wastewater permit-review fees applicable in Grant County through the Arkansas Department of Health.

    • A fee is levied for review of each permit.
    • The fee must be paid before issuance of Part 1 of the permit application.
    • There is no refund due to failure to proceed under the permit application.
    • For individual systems, the fee is $30 for structures of 1,500 square feet or less; $45 for structures more than 1,500 and up to 2,000 square feet; $90 for structures more than 2,000 and up to 3,000 square feet; $120 for structures more than 3,000 and up to 4,000 square feet; $150 for structures more than 4,000 square feet; and $30 for alteration, repair, or extension.
    • Auxiliary areas, including garages, carports, and porches, are excluded from residential square-footage calculations.

    permit review fee for structure 1500 sq ft or less: 30 USD · permit review fee for structure more than 1500 and up to 2000 sq ft: 45 USD · permit review fee for structure more than 2000 and up to 3000 sq ft: 90 USD · permit review fee for structure more than 3000 and up to 4000 sq ft: 120 USD · permit review fee for structure more than 4000 sq ft: 150 USD · permit review fee for alteration, repair, or extension: 30 USD

    “A fee shall be levied for the review of each permit.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Campground & park staysLimited

    Installation and occupancy-related placement of manufactured homes in Grant County, including qualifying mobile-home parks.

    • Anchoring is mandatory for any manufactured home installed in Arkansas.
    • New manufactured homes sold by certified retailers must be anchored according to the manufacturer's instructions.
    • Used manufactured homes must be anchored according to the Arkansas Manufactured Home Commission's specifications.
    • Alternative anchoring systems are allowed only when they meet or exceed the applicable requirements and are certified by a professional engineer, architect, or nationally recognized testing laboratory.
    • For a parcel with three or more mobile homes, tiny homes on wheels, or RVs where placement or maintenance services, or both, are provided for a fee, the parcel is a regulated mobile-home or RV park.
    • The rule history for the park rule states Ark. R. 2026-95, effective August 15, 2026.

    minimum qualifying park spaces: >= 3 spaces (Placement or maintenance services, or both, must be provided for a fee.) · manufactured-home anchoring: mandatory (Alternative systems require certification and must meet or exceed the applicable requirements.)

    “Anchoring is a mandatory requirement for any manufactured home installed in the State of Arkansas.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
  • 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 — Zoning administered by incorporated municipalities within Grant County, Arkansas, aggregated across municipal jurisdictions.
  • Zoning districts — Countywide zoning-district publication for Grant County, Arkansas, including the distinction between unincorporated county land and incorporated municipalities.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum floor area or minimum dwelling size for residential dwellings in unincorporated Grant County, Arkansas.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size for residential property in unincorporated Grant County, Arkansas.
  • Setbacks — Building or land-use setbacks in unincorporated Grant County, Arkansas.
4 more unanswered
  • Lot coverage
  • Building height
  • 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 Grant County, Arkansas

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

Grant County scores 81/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: low administrative friction for a quiet rural property and manageable long-term carry cost.

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

Grant County requires a building permit only in limited cases (such as floodplains or specific zones), and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Arkansas Department of Health, Onsite Wastewater Program (Grant County Health Unit). 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 Grant County?

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

Land in Grant County runs about $3,912 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Grant County?

Grant County gets about 54.8" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 10.6% of years.

How remote is Grant County?

A representative private-land location has about 10,462 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,399,262 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 Grant compares in Arkansas

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