Bolthole Index

Lonoke County, Arkansas

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

69Index Score / 100
#58 of 75 in Arkansas

Unincorporated Lonoke County, Arkansas does not require a residential building permit, but Arkansas's statewide building code still applies to what you build12. Lonoke, Cabot and Ward issue their own building permits and zoning inside city limits, and we could not confirm any county zoning for unincorporated land3456. Septic permits for every address come from the Arkansas Department of Health or its Authorized Agent7.

At a glance

Building permit
Not required in unincorporated Lonoke County; Arkansas's statewide building code still applies. Lonoke, Cabot and Ward require permits inside city limits128345
Zoning
Unincorporated-county zoning is unconfirmed; Lonoke, Cabot and Ward each zone inside their own limits9610111213
Septic permits
Arkansas Department of Health Onsite Wastewater Program, administered through an Environmental Health Specialist in the county health department7
Owner-builder
State contractor licensing exemption for an owner building their own residence, limited to one residence per calendar year; permits, codes and inspections are not waived1415
RV / tiny home
Private-parcel occupancy is unconfirmed; City of Lonoke dwellings face local zoning and a 500-square-foot minimum, while qualifying paid parks face state rules161718
Agricultural exemption
Nonresidential farm buildings and structures are exempt from state contractor-licensing and electrical-code requirements while used for that purpose1920
State highway driveway
ARDOT permit required before work; one noncommercial driveway normally needs no bond, while commercial and temporary driveways require at least $1,000 per driveway2122232425
Septic soil difficulty
Only 3.6% of county soils are free of severe limits for a conventional septic drain field26

Who to call

Also useful

Lonoke County Judge's Office / Courthouse

General Lonoke County government contact; the state's official county portal lists no separate county building, permits, planning, or zoning department

501-676-2368

3rd & Center Street, Lonoke, AR 72086

Septic permits

Arkansas Department of Health, Onsite Wastewater Program

Statewide septic (onsite wastewater) policy, working with an Environmental Health Specialist based in the Lonoke County health department to review permit applications for systems under 5,000 gallons per day

501-661-2171

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

Building permits

City of Lonoke Community Development Department

Building permits, signs, storage buildings, fences, additions, remodels, and new construction within the City of Lonoke (not unincorporated Lonoke County)

501-676-4300 ext. 2

107 W. Second St., Lonoke, AR 72086

Online permits →

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 16, 2026.

Off-grid gear

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

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

A residential building permit is not required in unincorporated Lonoke County1. Arkansas Building Codes remain mandatory statewide minimums even where no local permit or inspection is required, so a missing permit office does not mean a missing code2. The statewide code is the 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, which includes the building and residential codes, and counties and cities may only adopt and enforce that edition827. Work subject to the Arkansas Energy Code may be inspected by the Arkansas Energy Office, its agent or a code official; a local final inspection applies where the county or municipality has adopted that code and conducts final inspections in its normal operations28.

Inside the incorporated City of Lonoke the answer changes: the city administers its own building and development codes and requires building permits for signs, storage buildings, fences, additions, remodels and all new residential or commercial construction29330. Cabot requires permits before residential and commercial construction starts, and Ward requires building permits for new construction, additions, remodels, fences and signs45. City building permits do not take over septic: septic permits stay with the Arkansas Department of Health7.

Who issues building permits in Lonoke County, and who do you call?

For unincorporated land, the state's county listing shows no separate building, planning or zoning department, so the contact point for county government is the Lonoke County Judge's Office at the courthouse, 3rd & Center Street, Lonoke, AR 72086, 501-676-2368319. For septic permits, call the Arkansas Department of Health's Onsite Wastewater Program, which works through an Environmental Health Specialist in the Lonoke County health department; the program's Little Rock office is at 4815 West Markham Street, Slot 46, Little Rock, AR 72205, phone 501-661-217132. For building permits inside the City of Lonoke, contact the city's Community Development Department at 107 West Second Street, Lonoke, AR 72086, phone 501-676-4300 ext. 2; applications go through the city's Administration Office3033. For Cabot and Ward, call the city's own permit office rather than the county; the county's portal lists no building department for unincorporated land45. If your driveway connects to a state highway, the Arkansas Department of Transportation's district office issues the driveway permit34.

Does Lonoke County have zoning?

Zoning approval in Lonoke County varies by location, and we could not confirm a county-administered zoning ordinance for land outside incorporated municipalities96. Ask the County Judge's Office about zoning, subdivision rules, setbacks, minimum home size and flood requirements for a specific unincorporated parcel31. The City of Lonoke's zoning applies only within its corporate limits, although its separate development and subdivision provisions can reach property served by city utilities in its planning area35. The City of Lonoke's published districts include residential, manufactured-housing, agricultural, commercial and industrial districts36. The City of Lonoke's planning page lists zoning applications for conditional uses, rezoning and variances10. The City of Cabot also runs its own zoning, with rezoning and variance permits, only within Cabot's corporate limits1112. Ward replaced its early-1990s zoning rules with a Unified Development Ordinance effective January 1, 202613. Arkansas law lets a county planning board zone all or part of its unincorporated area, but we could not confirm that Lonoke County has done so376. Within the City of Lonoke, a single-family dwelling must have at least 500 square feet of living space16. City of Lonoke flood rules require a local floodplain development permit before development in a mapped Special Flood Hazard Area38.

How do septic permits work in Lonoke County?

Before building a residence with an onsite wastewater system in Lonoke County, submit the permit application and detailed plans to the Arkansas Department of Health or its Authorized Agent for approval7. Construction, alteration, repair or extension requires a septic construction permit, and operation requires inspection, approval and a septic operation permit7. The installer must notify the Authorized Agent when the system is ready for inspection and send the required documentation to the local health unit within 5 days; the system may not be used until the Authorized Agent issues the Permit for Operation39. These septic permits apply whether the parcel is in the unincorporated county or inside Lonoke or Cabot7. The state Onsite Wastewater Program works with an Environmental Health Specialist in the county health department32. Soils matter here: only 3.6% of Lonoke County's land is free of severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so budget for a site evaluation and the possibility of an alternative system26. If a sanitary sewer is available within 300 feet of where the sewer exits the building and connection does not cross another person's property, the premises must connect to the sewer rather than use an onsite system40. Arkansas does not approve holding tanks for full-time or part-time residences41. We could not confirm a separate owner-facing permit step for an ordinary private domestic well; ask the Arkansas Department of Health before drilling42.

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

We could not confirm whether unincorporated Lonoke County allows long-term RV, manufactured-home or tiny-home occupancy on an individual private parcel; ask the County Judge's Office before buying or placing a unit31. Inside the City of Lonoke, city zoning approval applies and a single-family dwelling must contain at least 500 square feet of living space, so the city rule can exclude smaller tiny houses even though it does not answer how a unit on wheels is classified1716. Arkansas park rules apply when three or more paid spaces are provided: qualifying RV and tiny-home parks need Department of Health approval before construction or alteration, and RVs cannot be permanently connected4344. Qualifying manufactured-home parks also face state placement and separation rules18. These park rules do not answer occupancy on a single private parcel.

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

  1. Determine whether the parcel is unincorporated or inside a city, because Lonoke, Cabot and Ward administer their own zoning and building permits within city limits61213. Ask the County Judge's Office which zoning, subdivision or flood rules apply to an unincorporated parcel31.
  2. Find out whether an available sanitary sewer is within 300 feet of the building's sewer-exit point and can be reached without crossing another person's property; if so, connection is required40.
  3. If sewer connection is not required, order a septic site evaluation early because only 3.6% of county soils lack severe limits for a conventional drain field26.
  4. Apply for septic construction and operation permits through the Arkansas Department of Health or its Authorized Agent7. Do not plan on a residential holding tank, which Arkansas prohibits for full-time and part-time residences41.
  5. If acting as your own contractor, confirm the licensing exemption: it covers an owner building their own residence or acting as their own home-improvement contractor on their own property, but the owner-builder status does not answer separate permit or code obligations1545.
  6. For state-highway access, send the district engineer the work description, location, contact details, drawings and any required bond; do not begin right-of-way work before permit issuance2221. A single noncommercial driveway normally has no bond, though multiple driveways may require one23.
  7. Build to Arkansas's statewide code even where no local inspection occurs28. Inside the City of Lonoke, apply for the city building permit through the Administration Office; city officials inspect as needed for code compliance, and occupancy or a change in use requires a certificate of occupancy and compliance304647.

What should you check before buying land in Lonoke County?

Water and soils go together here: Lonoke County gets about 51.6 inches of rain a year with only 7.6% of years in severe drought, but just 3.6% of soils are free of severe septic limitations, so a well-planned septic design deserves real budget even in a relatively wet county484926. The land is flat and largely open — 99.5% sits at 15% slope or less, with 28.5% wooded — good for building sites with some natural cover5051. Confirm whether the parcel is unincorporated or within Lonoke, Cabot, Ward or another municipality because local zoning varies and the cited city zoning rules stop at their respective corporate limits6. Check FEMA flood maps and ask the County Judge's Office whether any flood-damage-prevention ordinance reaches your specific unincorporated parcel31. Typical property tax runs low here, about 0.6% effectively, with a median bill near $1,178 a year, against a typical home value around $231,818525354.

Watch-outs

  • No official source confirms whether unincorporated Lonoke County has any zoning, subdivision or building permit ordinance in place; the state's own county portal simply lists no such department, which is different from an official 'no rule' statement — confirm directly with the County Judge's Office9.
  • Arkansas's statewide building code applies to your construction even where no local permit or inspection is required, so 'no permit needed' does not mean 'no code applies'28.
  • A residential holding tank is not an approved substitute for septic or sewer service in Lonoke County, even for a part-time home41.
  • Short-term rentals, accessory dwelling units, and temporary camping on private land in Lonoke County aren't addressed by any official source found for this guide; confirm directly with the county before assuming a use is allowed9.
  • The Ward Unified Development Ordinance applies to land and structures in the city's planning area, not only inside the city limits, so ask the City of Ward whether a parcel near Ward falls under it13.

Sources

  1. Arkansas.gov - Lonoke County (2026 county census)
  2. Home Improvement Specialty New Application — State of Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board, quoted and re-checked
  3. City of Lonoke Community Development, quoted and re-checked
  4. Cabot: Commercial Permits (Lonoke County), quoted and re-checked
  5. Ward: City of Ward Unified Development Ordinance (Lonoke County), quoted and re-checked
  6. Section 1.3 — Jurisdiction, City of Cabot Unified Development Code, quoted and re-checked
  7. Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024), quoted and re-checked
  8. Current Applicable State Codes in Arkansas, quoted and re-checked
  9. Arkansas.gov - Lonoke County (2026 county census)
  10. Lonoke Unified Development Code, quoted and re-checked
  11. Planning | Cabot, AR, quoted and re-checked
  12. Cabot: Planning (Lonoke County), quoted and re-checked
  13. Ward: Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) (Lonoke County), quoted and re-checked
  14. Residential Contractor Law revised July 2025 (2026 county census)
  15. State of Arkansas Home Improvement New Application, quoted and re-checked
  16. Lonoke Unified Development Code, quoted and re-checked
  17. Community Development — City of Lonoke, Arkansas, quoted and re-checked
  18. codeofarrules.arkansas.gov, quoted and re-checked
  19. 17 CAR § 210-602. Construction and exemptions, quoted and re-checked
  20. 17 CAR § 210-602. Construction and exemptions (Arkansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  21. 27 CAR § 94-301. General, quoted and re-checked
  22. 27 CAR § 94-102. Instructions for securing an access driveway permit, quoted and re-checked
  23. codeofarrules.arkansas.gov, quoted and re-checked
  24. codeofarrules.arkansas.gov, quoted and re-checked
  25. codeofarrules.arkansas.gov, quoted and re-checked
  26. 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
  27. 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code (Arkansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  28. Arkansas Energy Code for New Building Construction Supplements and Amendments, quoted and re-checked
  29. Lonoke Unified Development Code, quoted and re-checked
  30. City of Lonoke Community Development Department (cityoflonokear.gov)
  31. Lonoke County Judge's Office / Courthouse (portal.arkansas.gov)
  32. Arkansas Department of Health, Onsite Wastewater Program (healthy.arkansas.gov)
  33. cityoflonokear.gov, quoted and re-checked
  34. Regulations: Rules for Access Driveways to State Highways (Arkansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  35. Lonoke Unified Development Code, quoted and re-checked
  36. Lonoke Unified Development Code, quoted and re-checked
  37. arkleg.state.ar.us (Arkansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  38. Flood Damage Prevention Code for the City of Lonoke, quoted and re-checked
  39. Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024), quoted and re-checked
  40. Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024), quoted and re-checked
  41. Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024), quoted and re-checked
  42. 17 CAR § 11-607. Public and semi-public wells (Arkansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  43. codeofarrules.arkansas.gov, quoted and re-checked
  44. 20 CAR § 138-101. Definitions, quoted and re-checked
  45. Residential Contractor Law revised July 2025, quoted and re-checked
  46. Lonoke Unified Development Code, quoted and re-checked
  47. Lonoke Unified Development Code, quoted and re-checked
  48. Annual precipitation: Bolthole Index county data
  49. Share of years in severe drought: Bolthole Index county data
  50. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  51. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  52. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  53. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  54. Typical home value (Zillow): Bolthole Index county data

Written October 16, 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

Like 3 of the 4 neighbors with published rules, Lonoke County has no countywide zoning.

RuleLonoke CountyPrairie CountyPulaski CountyFaulkner CountyWhite CountyJefferson CountyMonroe County
Building permitNot requiredLimitedRequiredNot requiredNot requiredLimitedNot required
County zoningNoNoYesNot publishedNoNot publishedNo
Septic permitsAR Dept. of HealthAR Dept. of HealthADHAR Dept. of HealthAR Dept. of HealthAR Dept. of HealthADH

County locator

Lonoke County in Arkansas

69
County map
Lonoke County highlighted among the Arkansas counties · colored by Index score

How Lonoke County scores

Seclusion46100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency57100% ev.
Admin Boringness85100% ev.
Durability58100% ev.
Property Autonomy47100% ev.
Carry Cost81100% 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 →

$232kTypical home
0.6%Property tax
$3,865Land / acre
51.6"Annual rain
7.6% of yrsSevere drought
19.1 / yr (+15.5)Mid-century 100°F days
17.4 daysMid-century dry spell
2.57" (+9.1%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.46×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,810Home insurance / yr
1.1% / yrInsurance growth
0.85%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
17,216People within 30 min
2,185,380People within 2 hr
72,892Radius comparison (15 mi)
98.4People / sq mi
0.5%Federal land
99.5%Land at 15% slope or less
3.6%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
16,297 acWorkable land screen
28.5%Wooded land
55 tonsBiomass / forest ac
62.1°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Lonoke 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 Allport · Austin · Carlisle · Town of Coy · England · Humnoke · Town of Keo · Lonoke

Answers from the rulebook for Lonoke County

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

Lonoke County rules

  • Local zoningVaries

    The countywide conclusion aggregates independently administered municipal zoning rules within Lonoke County; it does not treat Lonoke County government as the administrator of each municipal ordinance.

    • Cabot's zoning provisions apply only within the corporate limits of the City of Cabot.
    • Lonoke's zoning provisions apply only within the corporate limits of the City of Lonoke.
    • The cited municipal sources do not establish a county-administered zoning ordinance for unincorporated Lonoke County.
    • Subdivision and development regulations may have different planning-area applicability from zoning, including areas served by city utilities, as stated in the Lonoke code.
    “Those portions dealing with zoning apply only within the corporate limits of the City of Cabot.”
  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    No county planning or zoning department is listed for Lonoke County; Arkansas counties may adopt zoning under Title 14 but none is evident here.

    Arkansas.gov - Lonoke County ↗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)

    Arkansas residential contractor licensing requirements for an owner constructing the owner's residence or acting as the owner's own home-improvement contractor on the owner's single-family residence

    • A person constructing his or her own residence is exempt unless the person builds more than one residence during a calendar year.
    • The owner of a single-family residence must be acting as his or her own home-improvement contractor.
    • The work must be on the owner's own property.
    • This exemption concerns state residential contractor licensing and does not establish exemption from any applicable local building permit, inspection, code, or occupancy requirement.

    maximum residences constructed by the person per calendar year: <= 1 residence (The exemption does not apply if the person builds more than one residence during any calendar year.)

    “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;”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — Owners acting as residential building contractors constructing their own residence, and owners acting as their own home-improvement contractors on their own property in Arkansas, including Lonoke County.
      “owners are exempt from licensure [...] unless he or she builds more than one residence during any calendar year”
    • 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

    Residential and other building construction statewide in Arkansas, including rural and unincorporated areas of Lonoke County.

    • The source states that Arkansas Building Codes are mandatory statewide minimums.
    • The source states that the codes apply even where no permit or inspections are required.
    • The source identifies the State Fire Marshal’s office as the adopting authority and states that the building code is part of the Fire Prevention Code.
    • The source states that Arkansas was under the 2012 Edition of the Code as of the document’s January 2025 effective date; this edition statement should be checked against newer Arkansas Fire Prevention Code materials before relying on the edition number.

    code status: mandatory statewide minimums (Applies statewide even in areas when no permit or inspections are required.) · code edition stated in source: 2012 Edition

    “Arkansas Building Codes are mandatory statewide minimums. They apply statewide even in areas when no permit or inspections are required. The Arkansas Building Code is adopted by the State Fire Marshal’s office. It is a part of the Fire Prevention Code. The Code applies Statewide, even in rural and unincorporated areas.”
    5 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Residential and other building construction in Lonoke County, including rural and unincorporated areas.
      “Arkansas Building Codes are mandatory statewide minimums. They apply statewide even in areas when no permit or inspections are required.”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Building and residential construction in Lonoke County as governed by Arkansas's statewide building-code framework.
      “Current Applicable State Codes in Arkansas (This list contains only the most commonly requested. Other codes may be applicable to a specific project.) [...] 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code (Includes: Fire Code, Building Code, Residential Code) (Based on IBC 2021 w\Arkansas Amendments)”
    • 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.”
  • InspectionsLimited

    Construction or work subject to the Arkansas Energy Code, including residential construction, where the applicable county or municipality has adopted the Code and conducts final inspections as part of normal operations

    • Construction or work must be subject to the Arkansas Energy Code.
    • Inspection may be by the Arkansas Energy Office, its agent, or the code official.
    • A county or municipality must have adopted the Code.
    • The local code official must conduct final inspections as part of normal operations for the final-inspection requirement.
    • Final inspection and approval occur when buildings are completed and ready for occupancy.
    • All counties, cities, or municipalities that issue building permits for new building construction are required to adopt the Code for new construction, additions, and renovation of existing structures.
    • The source states the Code effective date as January 1, 2015.
    “104.1 General. 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. 104.2 Final inspection. Code officials within a county or municipality who have adopted this Code and conduct final inspections as a part of their normal operations shall perform a final inspection and approval for buildings when completed and ready for occupancy.”
    2 more reviewed findings 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Recreational-vehicle occupancy in a qualifying mobile-home or recreational-vehicle park in Lonoke County; this does not establish general permission for long-term RV occupancy on an individual private parcel.
      ““Recreational vehicle park” means a parcel of land, for which plans have been approved by the Department of Health”
  • 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 — Tiny-house-on-wheels occupancy in a qualifying mobile-home or recreational-vehicle park in Lonoke County.
      ““Tiny house on wheels” means a structure intended as a habitable dwelling for one (1) or more individuals”
    • 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 Lonoke County and elsewhere in Arkansas, subject to the Arkansas Department of Health rules and administration by the Department or its Authorized Agent.

    • Before construction of a building or residence, a completed permit application and detailed plans must be submitted to and approved by the Arkansas Department of Health or its Authorized Agent.
    • Onsite wastewater systems in subdivisions and in platted or unplatted lots or tracts covered by Act 402 of 1977 must comply with the Arkansas Department of Health rules, and construction and operation permits must be obtained before construction, installation, or modification.
    • Construction, alteration, repair, or extension requires a valid Permit for Construction issued by the Department or its Authorized Agent.
    • Operation requires inspection and approval and a Permit for Operation issued by the Department or its Authorized Agent.
    • Installers must notify the Authorized Agent at least 24 hours before beginning work; emergency repairs may proceed without prior notification if a permit is obtained within ten working days.
    • If a city or county has an Authorized Agent, that agent acts for the Department; if no Authorized Agent has been designated, applications are made to the Department.
    • A plan review fee is payable to the Department before issuance of Part 1, is nonrefundable if the applicant does not proceed, and construction must begin within one year or the permit must be revalidated.
    • Permit review fees are $30 for structures up to 1,500 square feet; $45 for structures over 1,500 and up to 2,000 square feet; $90 for structures over 2,000 and up to 3,000 square feet; $120 for structures over 3,000 and up to 4,000 square feet; $150 for structures over 4,000 square feet; and $30 for alteration, repair, or extension of an individual sewage disposal system.
    • A permit may be refused where public sewer is reasonably available or economically feasible, or where issuance conflicts with other applicable laws and rules.

    sanitary sewer connection distance: <= 300 feet (Connection is required when the sewer is available and can be reached without crossing another person's property.) · installer advance notice: >= 24 hours (Emergency repairs may proceed without prior notice if a permit is obtained within ten working days.) · permit construction period: 1 year (Permit must be revalidated if construction has not begun.) · permit review fee up to 1500 square feet: 30 USD · permit review fee over 1500 and up to 2000 square feet: 45 USD · permit review fee over 2000 and up to 3000 square feet: 90 USD · permit review fee over 3000 and up to 4000 square feet: 120 USD · permit review fee over 4000 square feet: 150 USD · alteration, repair, or extension review fee: 30 USD (Individual sewage disposal system)

    “shall be submitted to and receive the approval of the Arkansas Department of Health or its Authorized Agent, prior to construction of a building or residence.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    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.”
  • 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
    • Required — Onsite wastewater system installation and approval before operation in Lonoke County.
      “4.6. 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. [...] 4.10.3 Part III of the Permit is the Permit for Operation. 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.”
  • 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
    • Prohibited — Holding tanks serving full-time or part-time residences in Lonoke County.
      “9.9.1 Holding tanks shall not be approved on sites acceptable for the installation of standard onsite wastewater systems as outlined in Section 7.5 and 7.6 of this rule. 9.9.2 Holding tanks shall be approved only for domestic waste from commercial establishments, excluding grocery stores and / or food service establishments. 9.9.3 Holding tanks shall not be approved for residencies, full or part time.”
  • 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 hookupConditional

    Premises in Lonoke County where a sanitary sewer is available and located within 300 feet from the point where the sewer exits a building.

    • Connection is required only when the sewer is available to the premises and connection can be made without crossing another person's property.
    • Where those conditions are met, no privy, onsite wastewater system, or other receptacle for human excreta may be constructed, maintained, or used on the premises.
    • Plumbing must comply with the Arkansas State Plumbing Code.

    sewer-distance threshold: <= 300 feet (Availability and no crossing of another person's property are also required.)

    “4.1. 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. Plumbing shall be installed and maintained in accordance with the ARKANSAS STATE PLUMBING CODE (see Ark. Code Ann. §§ 17-38-101 et. seq.)”
    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 Arkansas, including Lonoke County.
      “The 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 that are boundary surveys creating parcels in Arkansas.

    • The plat must be filed with the State Surveyor's office after any recording requirements imposed by city or county government.
    • Filing is not required, but may be submitted, for survey plats of subdivided property located in a municipality where the property has previously been surveyed and a plat filed.

    plat distribution deadline: 30 days after completion

    “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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Commercial, noncommercial, and temporary access driveways adjoining state highways in Lonoke County.
      “A permit shall be obtained from the Arkansas Department of Transportation 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%”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Initial construction or modification of commercial access driveways on state highways, including such driveways in Lonoke County.
      “shall have a deposit or bond in the amount of a minimum of one thousand dollars ($1,000) per driveway.”
    • Published (with conditions) — Noncommercial access driveways on state highways in Lonoke County.
      “Permits for noncommercial driveways will not require a bond. When requests are made for more than one (1) noncommercial driveway, a bond may be required.”
    • Published (with conditions) — Temporary access driveways adjoining state highways for access lasting 120 days or less, including in Lonoke County.
      “Permits for temporary driveways shall have a deposit or bond in the amount of one thousand dollars ($1,000) per driveway.”
  • 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”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Occupancy of manufactured/mobile homes in a qualifying mobile-home park in Lonoke County.
      ““Mobile home” means a transportable, single-family dwelling unit suitable for year-round occupancy”
  • 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.”

Inside cities and towns in Lonoke County

Municipal rules found while researching the county. They apply inside that city or town, not to unincorporated land.

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction or placement of buildings and other listed improvements within the City of Lonoke.

    • Applications are made through the Administration Office.
    • The page lists signs, storage buildings, fences, additions, remodels, and all new construction, whether residential or commercial.
    “Permits are required for signs, storage buildings, fences, additions, remodels, and all new construction, whether residential or commercial.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    Building-code and development-code regulation administered by the City of Lonoke within the municipality.

    • The City of Lonoke's official community-development page lists the Unified Development Code and Arkansas Fire Prevention Code under Building Codes.
    • This claim is limited to the City of Lonoke and does not establish countywide adoption by Lonoke County.
    • Applicable permits and approvals may be required under the City's code.
    “The provisions contained in the UDC are adopted pursuant to the authority conferred on the city by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas”
  • InspectionsLimited

    Buildings, structures, and land uses governed by the City of Lonoke Unified Development Code.

    • Inspections are conducted as necessary to determine compliance with the Code.
    “Conduct inspections [...] as is necessary to determine compliance”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Buildings erected or structurally altered, and changes in building use, within the City of Lonoke.

    • The certificate must be issued by the Administrative Official.
    • The certificate states that the building or proposed use complies with building laws and the Code.
    • The Administrative Official keeps records and may revoke the certificate when the building or land does not conform.
    “shall be used, occupied, or changed in use until a certificate of occupancy and compliance is issued”
  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Zoning within the corporate limits of the City of Lonoke, Arkansas.

    • The City of Lonoke is divided into land-use zoning districts.
    • The official zoning map is maintained at City Hall and is available for public inspection.
    • The code lists R-1, R-2, R-3, R-MH, A-1, PUD, C-1, C-2, C-3, and I-1 districts.
    • The code states that zoning provisions do not apply outside the corporate limits, although development and subdivision provisions may apply in specified planning-area circumstances.
    “For the purpose of this Zoning Code, the City is hereby divided into land use zoning districts, as follows:”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Present (with conditions) — Zoning within the corporate limits of the City of Lonoke, an incorporated municipality in Lonoke County.
      “Those portions dealing with zoning apply only within the corporate limits of Lonoke.”
    • Present (with conditions) — Property within the incorporated City of Lonoke, Arkansas.
      “13 Planning 14 Zoning 15 Subdivision Regulations Zoning Permits Child Care Center Permit Application Conditional Use Permit Application Day Care Family Home Permit Application Rezoning Guide and Application Variance Guide and Application Wireless Communications and Tower Permit Application”
    • Present (with conditions) — Land and development within the corporate limits of the City of Cabot, Lonoke County, Arkansas.
      “The division's one-stop current planning services include: Use Permits; [...] Rezoning Permits; [...] Variances Permits.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Zoning districts within the corporate limits of the City of Lonoke, Lonoke County, Arkansas.

    • The City of Lonoke's zoning regulations apply only within the corporate limits of Lonoke.
    • The Official Zoning Map is maintained in City Hall and is available for public inspection as a public record.
    • The listed districts are R-1 Low Density Residential, R-2 Medium Density Residential, R-3 Medium-High Density Residential, R-MH Manufactured Housing Residential, A-1 Agricultural, PUD Planned Unit Development, C-1 Central Business District, C-2 General Commercial, C-3 Low-Impact Commercial, and I-1 Industrial.

    published zoning districts: R-1 Low Density Residential; R-2 Medium Density Residential; R-3 Medium-High Density Residential; R-MH Manufactured Housing Residential; A-1 Agricultural; PUD Planned Unit Development; C-1 Central Business District; C-2 General Commercial; C-3 Low-Impact Commercial; I-1 Industrial

    “For the purpose of this Zoning Code, the City is hereby divided into land use zoning districts, as follows: R-1 Low Density Residential R-2 Medium Density Residential R-3 Medium-High Density Residential R-MH Manufactured Housing Residential A-1 Agricultural PUD Planned Unit Development C-1 Central Business District C-2 General Commercial C-3 Low-Impact Commercial I-1 Industrial”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Single-family dwellings within the City of Lonoke, an incorporated municipality in Lonoke County.

    • The City of Lonoke Unified Development Code applies zoning regulations only within the city's corporate limits.
    • The code defines a single-family dwelling as having a minimum of 500 square feet of living space.

    minimum living space: >= 500 square feet

    “Dwelling, Single Family: A detached residence designed for occupancy by one family only, and having a minimum of 500 square feet of living space.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Land subdivision within the City of Lonoke corporate limits and property served by city utilities within the Planning Area.

    • The code's development and subdivision provisions apply to the corporate limits and property served by city utilities within the Planning Area.
    • The code states that subdivision and subsequent development are subject to municipal control.
    • The Arkansas Fire Prevention Code supersedes conflicting code provisions except where the Fire Chief has discretionary authority or the city has adopted more stringent regulations.
    “Those portions of this code dealing with development and subdivision regulations apply to corporate limits of the Lonoke and to any property served by city utilities within the Planning Area. Those portions dealing with zoning apply only within the corporate limits of Lonoke. [...] These regulations shall officially be known, cited, and referred to as the Land Development and Subdivision Code of the City of Lonoke, Arkansas. [...] It is declared to be the policy of the City of Lonoke hereinafter referred to as “the city” to consider the subdivision of land and the subsequent development of the subdivided plat as subject to the control of the municipality pursuant to the General Plan of the city for the orderly, planned, efficient, and economical development of the community. [...] Except in cases where the Fire Chief has discretionary authority or the City has adopted more stringent regulations. The Arkansas Fire Prevention Code shall supersede any regulations contained herein.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development in a Special Flood Hazard Area designated on the City of Lonoke’s FIRM.

    • The permit is issued by the local Floodplain Administrator.
    • The requirement applies before beginning any development in the designated Special Flood Hazard Area.
    • The cited code defines development broadly, including construction, placement of buildings, manufactured homes, travel trailers over 180 consecutive days, utilities, roads, bridges, culverts, filling, grading, excavating, paving, and other ground alterations.
    • Maintenance of existing buildings and facilities, maintenance of existing drainage ditches, resurfacing of roads, gardening, plowing, and similar practices not involving filling, grading, or construction of levees are excluded from the code’s definition of development.

    travel trailer duration threshold: > 180 consecutive days (The code’s development definition includes installing a travel trailer on a site for more than 180 consecutive days.)

    “is required before beginning any development in an area designated as a Special Flood Hazard Area on the community’s FIRM.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Building permits for construction or placement of structures and improvements within the City of Lonoke, located in Lonoke County, Arkansas.

    • Applications are made through the Administration Office.
    • The city page states permits are required for signs, storage buildings, fences, additions, remodels, and all new residential or commercial construction.
    “To obtain a building permit to construct or place anything on your property [...] apply within the Administration Office.”

Still unanswered

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

  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot sizes in unincorporated Lonoke County outside incorporated municipalities.
  • Setbacks — Building setbacks in unincorporated Lonoke County outside incorporated municipalities.
  • Building height — Building height limits in unincorporated Lonoke County outside incorporated municipalities.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land in Lonoke County.
  • Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwelling units in Lonoke County.
1 more unanswered
  • Short-term rentals

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

Water rights & wells in Lonoke County

Whether a new home can legally get its own water here — the sub-state groundwater regime, from Arkansas’s water agency.

Over-appropriated / declining

The aquifer here is over-appropriated and declining. A domestic well is usually still permit-exempt, but long-term supply is a genuine risk.

Household wellExempt — no permit or water right

Critical Groundwater Area designation in Arkansas is explicitly NON-regulatory — no water right or permit is required to drill or use a well, even inside a critical area. A new landowner can drill a household well anywhere.

Limit: non-domestic users >=50,000 gpd register; domestic exempt

Arkansas Dept of Agriculture — Water-Use Registration / Critical Groundwater Areas ↗

Regulated-riparian state (large uses permitted). Groundwater rules change and basin boundaries follow the aquifer, not the county line — confirm current well and appropriation rules with the Arkansas state water agency before you buy or drill.Groundwater governance as of Jul 2026, cited to each administering agency.

Living off-grid in Lonoke County, Arkansas

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

Lonoke County scores 69/100 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 Lonoke County, Arkansas?

Lonoke County does not require a county building permit for a home in unincorporated areas, and it has no county-wide zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Arkansas Department of Health, Onsite Wastewater Program (via local 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 Lonoke County?

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

Land in Lonoke County runs about $3,865 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Lonoke County?

Lonoke County gets about 51.6" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 7.6% of years. On water rights, Lonoke County lies in the Grand Prairie Critical Ground Water Area — CGWA (1998) over the Mississippi River Valley alluvial + Sparta aquifers in the rice belt; large alluvial cone of depression (20-50% saturated thickness). Non-regulatory; domestic wells not barred..

How remote is Lonoke County?

A representative private-land location has about 17,216 people within a 30-minute drive and 2,185,380 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 Lonoke compares in Arkansas

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