Bolthole Index

Perry County, Arkansas

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

77Index Score / 100
#23 of 75 in Arkansas

Unincorporated Perry County, Arkansas does not require a county building permit for a home and appears to have no county zoning program12. Arkansas building-code minimums still apply in rural areas where no permit or inspection is required34. Septic approval goes through the Arkansas Department of Health or its authorized agent5. Start parcel-specific questions with the County Judge's office6.

At a glance

Building permit
Not required for a home in unincorporated Perry County1
County zoning
Appears to have no county planning or zoning program2
Septic permits
State approval is generally required; a narrow exemption applies to a single residence on a qualifying large tract78
Owner-builder exemption
Yes, you can build your own single-family home without a contractor license9
RV and tiny-home living
Single-site occupancy is unconfirmed; paid parks with 3 or more spaces face state review10
Water wells
Public and semi-public wells need state approval; a separate private-well permit is unconfirmed11

Who to call

Also useful

Perry County Judge's Office

General county administration; the chief executive of Perry County government, since there is no county building or zoning department

(501) 889-5128

lblackmon@perrycounty.net

P.O. Box 358 • 310 West Main Street, Suite 101, Perryville, AR 72126

Roads & driveways

Perry County Road and Bridge Department

County road and bridge construction and maintenance in Perry County

(501) 889-2471

1711 Aplin Ave., Perryville, AR 72126

Septic permits

Arkansas Department of Health, Environmental Health (Onsite Wastewater Program)

Statewide onsite wastewater (septic) program that sets policy and works with the environmental specialist at the Perry County Health Unit to review permit applications

(501) 661-2171

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

Online permits →

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

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

No. Unincorporated Perry County does not require a county building permit for a home1. Arkansas building-code minimums nevertheless apply statewide, including in rural and unincorporated areas where no permit or inspection is required34. Property served by a fire department may receive fire-safety inspections, but that limited authority does not create a general county residential inspection program12. A nonresidential farm building or structure has an exemption from specified state electrical-licensing requirements, not a blanket exemption from other rules13. Owner-builders have a contractor-licensing exemption for their own residence, subject to its conditions; that exemption does not waive code or septic requirements9.

Who do you call about building or land-use questions in Perry County?

Perry County has no county building or zoning department listed for unincorporated residential construction12. The County Judge is the county government's chief executive, so the County Judge's office is the practical first call for a parcel-specific building, land-use or floodplain question6. The Road and Bridge Department provides and maintains county transportation infrastructure; contact it about work affecting a county road14. Septic questions belong with the Arkansas Department of Health's Onsite Wastewater Program and the local environmental specialist, not the County Judge15. Ask the County Judge's office to confirm the current local position before buying or beginning work because we could not confirm a residential permit process, fee schedule or certificate-of-occupancy procedure6.

Does Perry County have zoning?

Perry County appears to have no county planning or zoning program for unincorporated land2. Arkansas law allows a county planning board to prepare zoning for all or part of an unincorporated area, so the absence of a listed Perry County program should not be treated as a permanent bar on county regulation16. We could not confirm county rules for minimum dwelling size, minimum lot size, general building setbacks, lot coverage or building height. State onsite-wastewater setbacks still apply, including at least 100 feet from a domestic water source and from the high-water mark of a stream or lake17. Ask the County Judge's office about the exact parcel before relying on an assumption that a use or structure is unrestricted6. Land inside an incorporated municipality may have a different authority and different requirements, so this county answer is limited to unincorporated Perry County2.

How do septic permits work in Perry County?

Perry County septic systems generally need construction approval from the Arkansas Department of Health or its authorized agent before building begins, followed by inspection and an operation permit before use7. The Onsite Wastewater Program works with the local environmental specialist to review applications15. Published review fees run from $30 for a structure of 1,500 square feet or less to $150 for one over 4,000 square feet; repairs, alterations and extensions cost $3018. A single residence on at least 10 acres can qualify for a permit exemption when every part of the sewage system is more than 200 feet from every property line, including roads, but the system must still meet state requirements and avoid a nuisance7. Only about 6.9% of Perry County land has soils without severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so make the site evaluation an early contingency19. If a sanitary sewer line is within 300 feet and reachable without crossing another property, state rules require connection20.

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

We could not confirm whether Perry County allows long-term RV, tiny-home or manufactured-home occupancy on an ordinary private parcel in an unincorporated area. Arkansas's health rule does not answer that single-site question10. A parcel with 3 or more spaces occupied or intended for RVs, tiny houses on wheels or mobile homes becomes a regulated park when placement or maintenance services are provided for a fee; Department of Health approval is required before construction, alteration, repair or expansion begins10. Within the park rules, 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 not21. State-park camping limits apply only at state-park campsites, not private land22. Ask the County Judge's office about occupying one RV or tiny home on a specific private parcel6.

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

  1. Call the County Judge's office to confirm the current building, land-use and floodplain requirements for the parcel6.
  2. Design the home to Arkansas's statewide building-code minimums even though Perry County does not require a county home-building permit31.
  3. Arrange the septic evaluation early; construction approval is generally required before building, and only about 6.9% of county soils lack severe limits for a conventional drain field719.
  4. Ask the local health unit whether a single residence on a qualifying tract of at least 10 acres can receive documentation of the septic permit exemption7.
  5. Obtain an Arkansas Department of Transportation permit before building a driveway onto a state highway23.
  6. If you will build your own single-family residence, confirm that you meet the state contractor-licensing exemption and remember that it does not waive other rules9.
  7. File a qualifying subdivision plat with the State Surveyor's office after any city or county recording requirements24.

What to check before you buy land in Perry County

Only about 6.9% of Perry County soils lack severe limitations for a conventional septic drain field, so make the septic evaluation a purchase contingency19. About 65% of the county has a slope of 15% or less, while roughly 79% is wooded; inspect the actual building pad and price clearing and access work2526. We could not confirm a Perry County floodplain administrator or local floodplain-development rule, so ask the County Judge's office before buying near water6. Public and semi-public wells require written Arkansas Department of Health approval before construction, but we could not confirm a separate permit requirement for a private domestic well11. A driveway onto a state highway requires an ArDOT permit, while the county Road and Bridge Department handles county transportation infrastructure2314. The effective property-tax rate is about 0.5%, and the median annual property-tax bill is about $6722728.

Watch-outs

  • Perry County appears to have no county zoning program, but ask the County Judge's office before relying on that answer for a particular use, setback or parcel26.
  • Arkansas health rules for paid parks with 3 or more RV, tiny-house or mobile-home spaces do not establish whether one RV, tiny home or manufactured home may be occupied on private land in unincorporated Perry County10.
  • We could not confirm a Perry County floodplain administrator or local floodplain-development rule; ask the County Judge's office before buying or building near water6.

Sources

  1. Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing - Building Codes (2026 county census)
  2. Perry County - Arkansas.gov (2026 county census)
  3. Home Improvement Specialty New Application, quoted and re-checked
  4. Home Improvement New Application, quoted and re-checked
  5. 14 CAR § 21-303. Permit Procedure, quoted and re-checked
  6. Perry County Judge's Office (perrycoarkansas.org)
  7. Onsite Wastewater FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  8. Act 402 and Onsite Wastewater Rules, quoted and re-checked
  9. Arkansas Residential Contractors Licensing Law and Rules of the Residential Contractors Committee, quoted and re-checked
  10. 20 CAR § 138-102. Compliance, quoted and re-checked
  11. 17 CAR § 11-607. Public and semi-public wells, quoted and re-checked
  12. 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code Rules Changes, quoted and re-checked
  13. 17 CAR § 210-602. Construction and exemptions, quoted and re-checked
  14. Perry County Road and Bridge Department (perrycoarkansas.org)
  15. Arkansas Department of Health, Environmental Health (Onsite Wastewater Program) (healthy.arkansas.gov)
  16. arkleg.state.ar.us (Arkansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  17. Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024), quoted and re-checked
  18. Onsite Wastewater Fee Schedule, 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. codeofarrules.arkansas.gov (Arkansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  21. 20 CAR § 138-101. Definitions, quoted and re-checked
  22. 22 CAR § 50-108. Camping rules, fee collection, registration, and reservations (Arkansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  23. Regulations: Rules for Access Driveways to State Highways (Arkansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  24. codeofarrules.arkansas.gov (Arkansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  25. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  26. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  27. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  28. 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

RulePerry CountySaline CountyConway CountyYell CountyGarland CountyPope CountyFaulkner County
Building permitNot requiredNot requiredLimitedNot requiredLimitedLimitedNot required
County zoningNoNoNot publishedNoNoNot publishedNot published
Septic permitsAR Dept. of HealthAR Dept. of HealthAR Dept. of HealthADHAR Dept. of HealthAR Dept. of HealthAR Dept. of Health

County locator

Perry County in Arkansas

77
County map
Perry County highlighted among the Arkansas counties · colored by Index score

How Perry County scores

Seclusion74100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency63100% ev.
Admin Boringness85100% ev.
Durability49100% ev.
Property Autonomy47100% ev.
Carry Cost85100% 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 →

$188kTypical home
0.5%Property tax
$3,212Land / acre
52.6"Annual rain
10.1% of yrsSevere drought
25 / yr (+19.1)Mid-century 100°F days
16.7 daysMid-century dry spell
2.47" (+6%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.42×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,582Home insurance / yr
0.8% / yrInsurance growth
0.9%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
1,110,020People within 2 hr
15,243Radius comparison (15 mi)
18.5People / sq mi
13.5%Federal land
65.2%Land at 15% slope or less
6.9%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
23,740 acWorkable land screen
79.2%Wooded land
35 tonsBiomass / forest ac
61.4°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Perry 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.

Adona · Town of Bigelow · Town of Casa · Town of Fourche · Town of Houston · Town of Perry · Perryville

Answers from the rulebook for Perry County

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

Perry County rules

  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    Perry County has no county planning or zoning department and no county-wide zoning ordinance; land-use controls exist only within incorporated cities.

    Perry County - Arkansas.gov ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Arkansas rules that apply here

  • Building permitLimited

    Construction in Perry County, including rural and unincorporated areas, is subject to Arkansas statewide building-code compliance, but this source does not establish that a building permit must be obtained.

    • Arkansas Building Codes are mandatory statewide minimums.
    • The codes apply even in areas where no permit or inspections are required.
    • The Arkansas Building Code is adopted by the State Fire Marshal’s office and is part of the Fire Prevention Code.
    • The source states that the code applies statewide, including rural and unincorporated areas.
    • The source states that Arkansas was under the 2012 Edition of the Code as of the application’s January 2025 effective date.

    code edition stated by source: 2012 Edition

    “Arkansas Building Codes are mandatory statewide minimums. They apply statewide even in areas when no permit or inspections are required.”
    2 more reviewed findings 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.”
    • Limited — Construction subject to the Arkansas Energy Code for New Building Construction Supplements and Amendments.
      “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.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable

    An owner constructing the owner's own residence or acting as the owner's own home-improvement contractor on the owner's own single-family property in Perry County, subject to the statutory licensing exemptions.

    • The residential-building-contractor exemption applies unless the person builds more than one residence during a calendar year.
    • The owner exemption applies to the owner of a single-family residence acting as the owner's own home-improvement contractor on the owner's own property.
    • The exemption concerns contractor licensing and does not by itself waive any building, fire, septic, or municipal permit requirement.

    residences built by person under residence-construction 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 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

    Construction in Perry County, including rural and unincorporated areas, under Arkansas's statewide building-code regime.

    • Arkansas Building Codes are mandatory statewide minimums.
    • The code applies even in areas where no permit or inspections are required.
    • The Arkansas Building Code is adopted by the State Fire Marshal’s Office and is part of the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code.
    • Failure to comply may subject a licensed contractor to disciplinary action by the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board or Residential Contractors Committee.
    • The cited application states that Arkansas was under the 2012 Edition of the Code; the current edition should be confirmed before relying on edition-specific requirements.
    “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. Arkansas is currently under the 2012 Edition of the Code.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • 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.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Construction or work that must comply with the Arkansas Energy Code for New Building Construction Supplements and Amendments.

    • Inspection is required for construction or work that must comply with the cited Code.
    • Inspection may be performed by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission Energy Office, its agent, or the code official.
    • Code officials within a county or municipality that has adopted the Code and normally conducts final inspections shall perform final inspection and approval when the building is completed and ready for occupancy.
    • The local government may conduct additional inspections during construction.
    “Construction or work that must comply with this Code shall be subject to inspection by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission - Energy Office or its agent, or by the code official.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Property within territory served by an Arkansas fire department under the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code; this is not a finding that Perry County conducts countywide residential inspections.
      “Inspections of property in the territory served by the fire department shall be made as often as practicable or as often as the city or county legislative body or other political subdivision fire officials may direct.”
    • Limited — Construction subject to Arkansas Building Code compliance and any applicable inspection regime.
      “areas when no permit or inspections are required.”
  • 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.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Setbacks for onsite-wastewater facilities applicable in Perry County, Arkansas.

    • The 300-foot body-of-water distance applies when the facility is within one quarter mile of a public water-supply intake on that body of water.
    • The rules separately require 300 feet from a spring used as a public water supply, 100 feet from a source of domestic water supply, and 100 feet from the high-water mark of a stream or lake.
    • These are wastewater-system setbacks and do not establish a general county zoning setback.

    distance from high-water mark of body of water near public water-supply intake: >= 300 feet (if within one quarter mile of a public water supply intake on that body of water) · distance from spring used as public water supply: >= 300 feet · distance from source of domestic water supply: >= 100 feet · distance from high-water mark of stream or lake: >= 100 feet

    “Facilities used for the collection, treatment, and renovation of wastewater shall be at least 300 feet from the high-water mark of any body of water, if within one quarter mile of a public water supply intake on that body of water. Facilities used for the collection, treatment, and renovation of wastewater shall be at least 300 feet from any spring used as a public water supply. Facilities used for the collection, treatment, and renovation of wastewater shall be at least 100 feet from any source of domestic water supply. Facilities used for the collection, treatment, and renovation of wastewater shall be at least 100 feet from the high-water mark of any stream or lake.”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Parcels in Perry County with three or more recreational-vehicle spaces occupied or intended for occupancy where placement or maintenance services, or both, are provided for a fee.

    • The parcel is considered a recreational-vehicle park and must comply with the Arkansas Department of Health rule.
    • Construction, alteration, repair, or extension of the park requires submitting plans and receiving department approval before work begins.
    • The rule also covers tiny houses on wheels and mobile homes.
    • Department waivers or exceptions are considered case by case at the Department of Health's discretion.
    • This statewide rule does not establish whether a single privately occupied RV without paid placement or maintenance services is allowed under county or municipal land-use rules.

    minimum spaces: >= 3 spaces (occupied or intended for occupancy by recreational vehicles, tiny houses on wheels, or mobile homes) · placement or maintenance services: provided for a fee (whether new or existing)

    “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: [...] No person, firm, corporation, or association shall begin construction, alteration, repair, or extension of a mobile home or recreational vehicle park without first submitting and receiving approval from the department.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Occupancy of recreational vehicles in Arkansas recreational-vehicle parks regulated by the Arkansas Department of Health under 20 CAR Part 138.
      “Any parcel of land in which three (3) or more spaces are occupied or intended for occupancy by recreational vehicles, tiny houses on wheels, or mobile homes, where placement or maintenance services, or both, are provided for a fee, whether new or existing, shall be: (1) Considered a mobile home or recreational vehicle park; and (2) In compliance with this part.”
  • Tiny homesLimited

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

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

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

    “three (3) or more spaces are occupied or intended for occupancy by recreational vehicles, tiny houses on wheels, or mobile homes”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Tiny houses on wheels located in Arkansas mobile-home or recreational-vehicle parks, including any such park proposed in Perry County.
      “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”
    • 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

    Onsite wastewater systems in Perry County, including systems in unincorporated areas, are administered under Arkansas statewide rules by the Arkansas Department of Health or its authorized agent.

    • The permit process uses the Department of Health or its authorized agent.
    • The cited rule contains an exception for emergency repairs and a cross-reference to 14 CAR § 21-204.
    “Approved by the Department of Health or its authorized agent prior to initiating construction.”
  • 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.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Individual onsite wastewater and septic systems in Perry County under Arkansas statewide rules
      “Permits for construction and operation of onsite wastewater systems shall be obtained in accordance with this part prior to the construction, installation, or modification of the onsite wastewater system.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Operation of onsite wastewater systems statewide in Arkansas after installation or construction.

    • The system must be inspected and approved by the Arkansas Department of Health or its Authorized Agent before operation.
    • The owner must obtain a Permit for Operation before the system is used.
    • The installer must notify the Authorized Agent or Designated Representative when the installation is ready for inspection.
    • The owner or occupant must provide free access at reasonable times for inspection.
    • The installer must submit required installation documentation to the local health unit within five days.
    • The inspection may be performed by the Authorized Agent or, with the Authorized Agent's approval, by the Designated Representative.

    installer documentation deadline: 5 days (after installation pursuant to the approved permit)

    “It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, corporation, association, municipality or governmental agency to begin operation of any onsite wastewater system until such system has been inspected and approved by the Department or its Authorized Agent and the owner has first obtained a Permit for Operation issued by the Department or its Authorized Agent. [...] Within five (5) days, the installer shall submit the required documentation to the local health unit that the system has been installed pursuant to the approved permit. [...] After approval of the inspection, the Authorized Agent will approve and issue a Permit for Operation. The system shall not be used until the Permit for Operation is issued.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Installation of a permitted onsite wastewater system in Perry County.
      “Part II of the permit application is the installation inspection.”
  • Off-grid sanitationAllowed (with conditions)

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

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

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

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

    • When the stated distance and availability conditions are met, connection to the sanitary sewer is required.
    • Privies, onsite wastewater systems, and other receptacles for human excreta may not be constructed, maintained, or used on the premises under that condition.

    sewer distance from building sewer-exit point: <= 300 feet (sewer must be 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.”
    3 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — Construction, installation, maintenance, repair, or renovation of nonresidential farm buildings or structures in Perry County, Arkansas, under Arkansas electrical licensing requirements
      “The construction, installation, maintenance, repair, or renovation of any nonresidential farm building or structure;”
    • Conditional — Individual sewage disposal systems and alternate and experimental systems anywhere in Arkansas, including Perry County, on qualifying tracts.
      “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.”
    • 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.”
  • 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)

    Arkansas Department of Health review fees for onsite wastewater permit applications applicable in Perry County.

    • Fees are payable to the Arkansas Department of Health.
    • The review 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.
    • Construction must begin within one year of issuance or the permit must be re-validated by the submitting Designated Representative or the Department's Authorized Agent.
    • The published structure-size fee excludes auxiliary areas such as garages, carports, and porches when calculating residential square footage.

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

    “A fee shall be levied for the review of each permit. Permit fees shall be made payable to the Department.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Arkansas Department of Health onsite-wastewater permit review fees applicable in Perry County, including individual sewage-disposal permits and repairs, alterations, or extensions.
      “Individual Sewage Disposal Permit Fees are determined by structure size: Structures 1500 sq. feet or less $30.00 Structures more than 1500 sq. feet and up to 2000 sq. feet $45.00 Structures more than 2000 sq. feet and up to 3000 sq. feet $90.00 Structures more than 3000 sq. feet and up to 4000 sq. feet $120.00 Structures more than 4000 sq. feet $150.00 Repairs, Alterations or Extensions $30.00”
    • Published (with conditions) — Basic design-service fees for Arkansas state department projects governed by the Building Authority Division.
      “$50,001 to $75,000 | 9.25%”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

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

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

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

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

    Camping at Arkansas state-park campsites.

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

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

    “Campers may not occupy campsites within the same park in excess of fourteen (14) days within a thirty-day period.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — Recreational vehicle parks in Arkansas, including any such park proposed in Perry County.
      “Recreational vehicles shall be separated from each other and from other structures by at least fifteen feet (15’).”
    • Limited — Manufactured/mobile-home occupancy in Arkansas mobile-home parks, including any such park proposed in Perry County.
      “three (3) or more spaces are occupied or intended for occupancy by recreational vehicles, tiny houses on wheels, or mobile homes”
  • 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 cities or towns within Perry County, Arkansas.
  • Zoning districts — Published zoning districts applicable in Perry County, including unincorporated areas and any county-administered districts.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling-size requirements in Perry County, including unincorporated areas.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot-size requirements in Perry County, including unincorporated areas.
  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage in unincorporated Perry County, Arkansas
4 more unanswered
  • Building height
  • Camping on your land
  • 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 Perry County, Arkansas

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

Perry County scores 77/100 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 Perry County, Arkansas?

Perry 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 (Perry 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 Perry County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Perry County is limited to specific cases: Statewide rule. Parcels in Perry County with three or more recreational-vehicle spaces occupied or intended for occupancy where placement or maintenance services, or both, are provided for a fee. The parcel is considered a recreational-vehicle park and must comply with the Arkansas Department of Health rule. Construction, alteration, repair, or extension of the park requires submitting plans and receiving department approval before work begins. A tiny home is limited to specific cases. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Perry County, Arkansas?

Land in Perry County runs about $3,212 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Perry County?

Perry County gets about 52.6" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 10.1% of years.

How remote is Perry County?

A typical private-land location has about 15,243 people within 15 miles and 2,296,708 within 100 miles. These radius catchments are the published fallback where road routing is unavailable.

How Perry compares in Arkansas

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