Bolthole Index

Pike County, Arkansas

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

78Index Score / 100
#16 of 75 in Arkansas

Pike County, Arkansas does not publish a clear answer on county building permits, inspections or zoning for unincorporated land, so confirm the parcel and project with the County Judge's office123. Inside the City of Murfreesboro, the city's Planning & Inspection Department enforces building codes and zoning4. Septic permits for every address, city or not, go through the Arkansas Department of Health's Pike County Local Health Unit56.

At a glance

Building permit
County requirement not confirmed; ask the County Judge's office12
Zoning
Countywide rule not confirmed; verify the parcel and proposed use13
Building code
Arkansas Fire Prevention Code applies statewide7
Septic
State permit and approval through the Pike County Local Health Unit85
Owner-builder
State licensing exemption for an owner building one residence per calendar year; other rules still apply9
Private well
Use a licensed well contractor with a state-permitted rig10
RV or tiny home
Private-land occupancy rule not confirmed3

Who to call

Septic permits

Arkansas Department of Health, Pike County Local Health Unit

Onsite wastewater (septic) system permits, plan review and installation inspections for Pike County

(870) 285-3154

15 Caddo Dr, Murfreesboro, AR 71958

Also useful

Pike County Judge's Office

General county government; Pike County lists no separate building, zoning, planning or floodplain office, so the County Judge's office is the county's central administrative contact

(870) 285-2414

1judge@PikeCountyAR.org

PO Box 239, Murfreesboro, AR 71958

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

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Pike 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 Pike County, Arkansas?

Pike County does not publish a county building-permit process or a clear statement that permits are unnecessary for construction in unincorporated areas2. Ask the Pike County Judge's office whether the specific parcel and project need county approval, an inspection or a certificate of occupancy1. Regardless of the local permit answer, new construction and covered alterations throughout Arkansas are subject to the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, including its building and residential volumes7. The separate rule adopting that code for state projects in Pike County applies to state work; it is not evidence of a Pike County permit program for a private home11.

Who issues building permits and handles land questions in Pike County?

The Pike County website does not list a separate building, zoning or planning office, but that office list alone does not establish whether a permit or zoning ordinance applies23. Start with the Pike County Judge's office for county building, inspection, occupancy, floodplain, driveway and land-use questions1. For septic, contact the Arkansas Department of Health's Pike County Local Health Unit in Murfreesboro; the state or its authorized agent administers onsite wastewater approval612. A private water well should be built or serviced by someone holding, or employed by a holder of, the proper Arkansas water-well contractor license, and a contractor-owned drilling rig needs its own state permit10.

Does Pike County, Arkansas have zoning?

We could not confirm whether Pike County has adopted zoning for all or part of its unincorporated area3. Arkansas law allows a county planning board to prepare zoning for all or part of an unincorporated area, including rules for building location, size, height, lot coverage and land uses13. Do not treat the absence of a listed zoning office as permission for an RV residence, tiny home, manufactured home, accessory dwelling, particular setback or particular minimum home size3. Ask the Pike County Judge's office for the current ordinance and parcel-specific answer1. Inside the City of Murfreesboro, the city's Planning & Inspection Department enforces building codes and zoning regulations and administers permit and inspection ordinances, so city limits change the answer for building permits and zoning, though septic permits still go through the Pike County Local Health Unit46.

Who issues septic permits in Pike County, Arkansas?

Construction, installation or modification of an onsite wastewater system in Pike County requires a permit before work begins through the Arkansas Department of Health's Pike County Local Health Unit56. The system must be inspected and approved, and the owner must receive a Permit for Operation before using it14. The health department's schedule sets individual sewage disposal permit fees by structure size, starting at $30.00 for structures of 1500 square feet or less15. Only about 4% of Pike County soils are rated free of severe limits for a conventional drain field, so obtain the site evaluation before fixing the house location or price16. If an available sanitary sewer is within 300 feet of where the sewer exits the building and connection does not cross another person's property, the premises must connect17. For a subdivision proposing standard onsite systems, plans go to the health department; lots using drip dispersal have a minimum size of 0.5 acre and must reserve primary and secondary absorption areas1819.

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

We could not confirm a Pike County rule allowing or prohibiting full-time RV or tiny-home occupancy on private land3. Arkansas's state-park rule is narrower: campers may not occupy campsites within the same state park more than fourteen days within a thirty-day period20. Arkansas also regulates parcels with three or more spaces occupied or intended for occupancy by recreational vehicles, tiny houses on wheels or mobile homes where fees are charged, but that rule addresses RV and mobile-home parks, not a single owner's parcel21. That state-park limit does not answer what is allowed on a private parcel22. Sanitation remains a separate constraint: an approved onsite wastewater system and Permit for Operation are required where the sewer-connection rule does not control, and the reviewed rule does not authorize every alternative sanitation method17. Ask the County Judge's office before moving an RV or tiny home onto the site1.

Building a home in Pike County, Arkansas: the steps, in order

  1. Confirm whether the parcel is unincorporated and ask the Pike County Judge's office which county approvals apply12.
  2. If the driveway will meet a state highway, obtain an access-driveway permit from the Arkansas Department of Transportation23.
  3. Design to the statewide Arkansas Fire Prevention Code even if no local permit is required7.
  4. Have the Pike County Local Health Unit review the onsite wastewater proposal and arrange inspection before use6514.
  5. For a private well, hire a properly licensed Arkansas well contractor using a state-permitted rig10.
  6. If acting as your own contractor, use the state licensing exemption only for your own residence and no more than one residence in a calendar year; it does not waive other requirements9. The owner-occupant exemption from the Arkansas Energy Code is limited to energy-code compliance24.

What should you check before buying land in Pike County?

Confirm jurisdiction and obtain the current county or municipal land-use answer before relying on an intended residence, RV, tiny home or subdivision plan31. Test the homesite early because only about 4% of Pike County soils are rated free of severe limitations for a conventional drain field16. Check for nearby sewer service because the state connection rule can eliminate the onsite option under its 300-foot, availability and access conditions25. A subdivision using onsite systems needs health-department plan review and supporting site materials18. For a private well, verify the contractor's Arkansas credentials and rig permit10. Pike County's effective property-tax rate is about 0.6%, and the median annual bill is about $6452627.

Watch-outs

  • Pike County's office list does not settle whether a county building permit, inspection, certificate of occupancy or zoning rule applies; ask the County Judge's office for a parcel-specific answer123.
  • Off-grid does not mean sanitation-free: qualifying premises must connect to an available sewer within 300 feet, while other onsite systems require approval, inspection and a Permit for Operation17.
  • The 0.5-acre minimum is only for subdivision lots using drip dispersal to establish onsite-wastewater lot size; it is not a general Pike County minimum-lot-size rule19.

Sources

  1. Pike County Judge's Office (pikecountyar.org)
  2. Pike County, Arkansas Official Website (2026 county census)
  3. Pike County, Arkansas Official Website (2026 county census)
  4. Planning & Inspections, quoted and re-checked
  5. Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024), quoted and re-checked
  6. Arkansas Department of Health, Pike County Local Health Unit (healthy.arkansas.gov)
  7. 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code (Arkansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  8. Arkansas Department of Health - Onsite Wastewater (2026 county census)
  9. State of Arkansas Home Improvement New Application, quoted and re-checked
  10. 17 CAR § 11-306. Water well contractor licenses, quoted and re-checked
  11. 22 CAR § 111-407. Building codes adopted, quoted and re-checked
  12. Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024), quoted and re-checked
  13. House Bill 2452 — County planning boards and zoning boards of adjustment (Arkansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  14. Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024), quoted and re-checked
  15. Onsite Wastewater Fee Schedule, quoted and re-checked
  16. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  17. Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024), quoted and re-checked
  18. Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024), quoted and re-checked
  19. Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024), quoted and re-checked
  20. Pike County Arkansas | Pike County, quoted and re-checked
  21. 20 CAR § 138-102. Compliance (Arkansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  22. Pike County Arkansas | Pike County, quoted and re-checked
  23. Regulations: Rules for Access Driveways to State Highways (Arkansas statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  24. Arkansas Energy Code for New Building Construction Supplements and Amendments, quoted and re-checked
  25. Rules Pertaining to Onsite Wastewater Systems (2024), quoted and re-checked
  26. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  27. 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

Like all 6 of its neighbors, Pike County requires no county building permit for a home.

RulePike CountyHoward CountyHempstead CountyMontgomery CountyClark CountyHot Spring CountySevier County
Building permitNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot requiredNot required
County zoningNoNoNoNot publishedNoNoNo
Septic permitsAR Dept. of HealthAR Dept. of HealthAR Dept. of HealthAR Dept. of HealthAR Dept. of HealthAR Dept. of HealthAR Dept. of Health

County locator

Pike County in Arkansas

78
County map
Pike County highlighted among the Arkansas counties · colored by Index score

How Pike County scores

Seclusion83100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency60100% ev.
Admin Boringness85100% ev.
Durability48100% ev.
Property Autonomy47100% ev.
Carry Cost87100% 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 →

$180kTypical home
0.6%Property tax
$3,015Land / acre
57.1"Annual rain
12.1% of yrsSevere drought
19.7 / yr (+16.1)Mid-century 100°F days
18 daysMid-century dry spell
2.89" (+4.3%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.43×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,742Home insurance / yr
0.7% / yrInsurance growth
0.37%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
5,716People within 30 min
585,944People within 2 hr
10,913Radius comparison (15 mi)
17People / sq mi
5.3%Federal land
81.5%Land at 15% slope or less
4%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
14,614 acWorkable land screen
80.1%Wooded land
33.8 tonsBiomass / forest ac
61.5°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Pike County

Inside a city or town, that city usually issues building permits and sets zoning; the county’s rules above cover unincorporated land. Septic, wells and floodplain rules usually stay with the county or state everywhere.

Town of Antoine · Town of Daisy · Delight · Glenwood · Murfreesboro

Answers from the rulebook for Pike County

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

Pike County rules

  • County-wide zoningAbsent

    No county-wide zoning office or ordinance exists; the county has no planning/zoning department and zoning is handled only at the municipal level.

    Pike County, Arkansas Official Website ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Arkansas rules that apply here

  • Building permitLimited

    Construction subject to the Arkansas Energy Code for New Building Construction Supplements and Amendments.

    • The source does not impose a single statewide building-permit requirement for all private residential and commercial construction.
    • Local governments may establish prior plan approval, building-permit requirements, and construction inspections.
    • Counties, cities, or municipalities that issue building permits for new building construction are required to adopt the Arkansas Energy Code for new construction, additions, and renovations.
    • The cited document is the 2014 Arkansas Energy Code; current Arkansas Fire Prevention Code applicability should be confirmed separately.
    “A local government may exercise other administrative and enforcement procedures that it deems necessary to affect the purposes of this Code, including, but not limited to, prior plan approval, building permit requirements, and inspections during the course of construction.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Construction subject to the Arkansas Building Code statewide minimums, including rural and unincorporated areas.
      “They apply statewide even in areas when no permit or inspections are required.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Residential-builder and home-improvement contractor licensing in Arkansas, including work in rural and unincorporated areas.

    • The exemption concerns contractor licensing, not building permits, inspections, or certificates of occupancy.
    • An owner acting as the contractor in construction of his or her residence is exempt unless he or she builds more than one residence during a calendar year.
    • An owner acting as his or her own home-improvement contractor on his or her own property is exempt from the stated licensing requirements.
    • Other listed exemptions include subcontractors working for properly licensed contractors and contractors licensed by other licensing agencies or boards when performing work within that license’s scope.

    maximum residences built by owner under first exemption: <= 1 residence per calendar year (The source states the owner is exempt unless he or she builds more than one residence during any calendar year.)

    “The following are exemptions to the residential builder and home improvement licensing requirements: (1) owners are exempt from licensure when acting as the contractor in the construction of his or her residence unless he or she builds more than one residence during any calendar year (2) owners acting as his or her own home improvement contractor on his or her own property”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Conditional — Owner-builders and owners acting as their own home-improvement contractors under Arkansas residential-contractor licensing law; this source addresses contractor licensing, not whether a local building permit is required.
      “A person who acts as a residential building contractor [...] unless he or she builds more than one (1) residence during any calendar year;”
    • Available — Compliance with the Arkansas Energy Code by builders who build or contract to build single-family buildings for their own occupancy.
      “105.1.3 Compliance by Self-Builders: Compliance with this Code by builders who build, or contract to build, single-family buildings for their own occupancy is voluntary.”
    • Available (with conditions) — Residential builder and home-improvement contractor licensing in Arkansas, including work in Pike County.
      “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;”
    • Available (with conditions) — Arkansas residential contractor licensing for an individual constructing the individual’s own residence or an owner of a single-family residence acting as the owner’s own home-improvement contractor on the owner’s property.
      “construction of his or her residence unless he or she builds more than one (1) residence during any calendar year;”
  • Building code adoptedPartial

    State projects in Arkansas.

    • The adopted building code for state projects is the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, 12 CAR pt. 15, as adopted by the Division of Arkansas State Police, State Fire Marshal’s office.
    • Arkansas laws and the applicable subchapter take precedence over the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code where they exceed its requirements.
    • All project designs must comply with all Arkansas laws and the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code.
    • Other codes, rules, or standards may apply to a specific project.
    • The department and design professional are responsible for determining all applicable codes for each specific project.
    “The adopted building code for state projects is the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, 12 CAR pt. 15, as adopted by the Division of Arkansas State Police, State Fire Marshal’s office.”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — State projects in Arkansas; the cited rule does not itself establish Pike County’s local adoption or enforcement program.
      “The adopted building code for state projects is the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, 12 CAR pt. 15, as adopted”
    • Partial — State projects located in Pike County, Arkansas.
      “The adopted building code for state projects is the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, 12 CAR pt. 15, as adopted by the Division of Arkansas State Police, State Fire Marshal’s office. Arkansas laws and 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.”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — New structures and applicable alterations, additions, changes in use, and changes in structures throughout Arkansas, under the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, including Volume II for building-code requirements and Volume III for residential-code requirements.
      “Each district, county, municipality, or other political subdivision of this state shall only adopt and enforce the provisions of the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, 2021 Edition. [...] The design and construction of new structures shall comply with the International Building Code Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, Volume II, and any alterations, additions, changes in use or changes in structures required by this code, which are within the scope of the International Building Code, Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, Volume II, shall be made in accordance therewith.”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — State projects in Arkansas subject to the Building Authority Division design-review rules.
      “The adopted building code for state projects is the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, 12 CAR pt. 15, as adopted by the Division of Arkansas State Police, State Fire Marshal’s office. Arkansas laws and this subchapter shall have precedence over the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code where they exceed the requirements of the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code. All project designs shall comply with all Arkansas laws and the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code. Other codes, rules, or standards may be applicable to a specific project. It is the department’s and design professional’s responsibility to determine all applicable codes for each specific project.”
  • InspectionsRequired

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

    • Inspection is required for construction or work that must comply with the cited Code.
    • Inspection may be performed by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission Energy Office, its agent, or the code official.
    • Code officials within a county or municipality that has adopted the Code and normally conducts final inspections shall perform final inspection and approval when the building is completed and ready for occupancy.
    • The local government may conduct additional inspections during construction.
    “Construction or work that must comply with this Code shall be subject to inspection by the Arkansas Economic Development Commission - Energy Office or its agent, or by the code official.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Open-enrollment public charter schools commencing student operations in a new or renovated facility anywhere in Arkansas.

    • Before commencing operations with students, the school must obtain one of three alternative approvals for the new construction or renovation.
    • The alternatives are: a certificate of occupancy issued by a local code official and approved by the state fire marshal; a certificate of occupancy or other approval of the state fire marshal; or a certificate of substantial completion issued by a licensed architect.
    • A certificate of occupancy is therefore not independently mandatory when one of the two listed alternative approvals is obtained.
    “An open-enrollment public charter school shall not commence operations with students in any new or renovated facility unless the school has obtained for the new construction or renovation: (1) A certificate of occupancy issued by a local code official, approved by the state fire marshal; (2) A certificate of occupancy or other approval of the state fire marshal; or (3) A certificate of substantial completion issued by a licensed architect.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — State of Arkansas construction projects administered by a state owner or agency.
      “Certificates of Occupancy are not issued by any one State Agency for State projects. The responsibility therefore rests with the Owner/Agency of the project.”
    • Limited — Buildings subject to the Arkansas Energy Code when located in a county or municipality that has adopted the Code and conducts final inspections as part of normal operations.
      “An open-enrollment public charter school shall not commence operations with students in any new or renovated facility unless the school has obtained for the new construction or renovation: (1) A certificate of occupancy issued by a local code official, approved by the state fire marshal; (2) A certificate of occupancy or other approval of the state fire marshal; or (3) A certificate of substantial completion issued by a licensed architect.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Lots in Arkansas subdivisions using drip dispersal design to determine minimum lot size for onsite wastewater systems, including applicable Pike County properties.

    • The rule applies to subdivisions using drip dispersal design for onsite wastewater systems.
    • Minimum depth to bedrock must meet Section 7.2.2.
    • Primary and secondary absorption areas must be flagged on contour.
    • The legal description of the primary and secondary absorption areas must be included in the legal description of the lots.

    minimum lot size: >= 0.5 acres (Lots using drip dispersal design for minimum lot size.)

    “Lots using drip dispersal design [...] shall be 0.5 acres or larger.”
  • Living in an RVLimited

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Onsite wastewater systems in Pike County, including construction, operation, inspection, and permitting.

    • The Arkansas Department of Health or its authorized agent administers the onsite wastewater permitting and approval requirements.
    • If no authorized agent has been designated for a city or county, applications must be made to the Department.
    “applications for onsite wastewater systems shall be made to the department.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Construction, alteration, repair, extension, or operation of onsite wastewater systems statewide in Arkansas.

    • A completed permit application and detailed plans must be approved before construction of a building or residence.
    • Construction, installation, or modification requires permits for construction and operation before work begins.
    • A permit may be refused where public sewer is reasonably available or economically feasible, subject to the emergency-repair exception.
    • Emergency repairs may proceed without prior permit only if a permit is obtained within 10 working days.
    • Applications are made to the Department or its Authorized Agent; where no local Authorized Agent is designated, applications are made to the Department.
    • Construction must begin within one year after issuance or the permit must be revalidated.
    • The rule is effective September 5, 2024.

    public sewer connection distance: <= 300 feet (when available and connection can be made without crossing another person's property) · emergency repair permit deadline: 10 working days (after repairs are made) · permit review fee for structures 1,500 square feet or less: 30 USD · permit review fee for structures over 1,500 and up to 2,000 square feet: 45 USD · permit review fee for structures over 2,000 and up to 3,000 square feet: 90 USD · permit review fee for structures over 3,000 and up to 4,000 square feet: 120 USD · permit review fee for structures over 4,000 square feet: 150 USD · alteration, repair, or extension permit review fee: 30 USD

    “A completed Onsite Wastewater System Permit Application and detailed plans and specifications following the requirements found in Appendix F for the collection, treatment and/or renovation facilities for all wastes of a domestic nature, containing a predominance of human excreta and exclusive of industrial wastes shall be submitted to and receive the approval of the Arkansas Department of Health or its Authorized Agent, prior to construction of a building or residence. [...] Permit requirement. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, corporation, association, municipality, or governmental agency to begin construction, alteration, repair, or extension of any onsite wastewater system, owned by any other person, firm, corporation, association, municipality or governmental agency until the owner first obtains a valid Permit for Construction issued by the Department or its Authorized Agent.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Septic inspectionRequired

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

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

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

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

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

    • Only pre-manufactured composting or incinerating toilets authorized by the Department may be used.
    • The devices must be evaluated by an ANSI-approved laboratory under NSF Standard 41.
    • Wastewater other than urine and feces must be renovated or disposed of under Sections 8 or 9 of the rule.
    • Stabilized compost must be buried onsite or deposited in an approved sanitary landfill.
    • The system remains subject to applicable onsite wastewater permitting and approval requirements.
    “Only pre-manufactured composting or incinerating toilets authorized by the Department”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Privies, onsite wastewater systems, and other receptacles for human excreta on premises in Pike County.
      “No privies, onsite wastewater systems or other receptacles for human excreta shall be constructed”
  • Well permitLimited

    Water-well construction and pump installation in Pike County, including contractors operating water-well rigs.

    • The statewide Arkansas rule applies in Pike County.
    • A person contracting for or engaged in well construction or pump installation must hold or be employed by an Arkansas Water Well Contractor License holder.
    • The contractor must hold the proper license, certificates, and permits for the type of construction engaged and meet continuing-education requirements.
    • A contractor who owns and operates a water-well rig must obtain a separate, nontransferable rig permit for each rig per permit year.
    • The contractor must hold a valid license, make proper application, and pay the required rig-permit fee.
    • Rig permits expire July 31 each year; renewal must be applied for no later than 30 days after expiration.
    • After August 31, renewal requires the application, applicable fee, and a $25 late penalty.
    • The 2020 official rule schedule lists the rig-permit fee as $145.00.
    • The cited rules establish contractor and rig permitting requirements; they do not establish a Pike County-administered well permit program.

    rig permit fee: 145 USD · rig permit expiration: July 31 each year · renewal deadline: 30 days after expiration · late penalty: 25 USD (After August 31)

    “A contractor who owns and operates a water well rig shall follow the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission’s rig permitting requirements. Each rig owned and operated by a contractor shall have a separate permit per permit year. Rig permits are not transferable. [...] No water well contractor shall operate a rig or permit an employee to operate a rig unless the contractor holds a valid rig permit issued by the commission.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Wells serving public and semi-public water systems in Arkansas.
      “Wells for public and semi-public water systems shall be located, designed, and constructed in accordance with the respective rules of the Department of Health and shall have written approval from the department prior to the start of construction. If uncertain that a well is public or semi-public, the well contractor shall obtain a written determination from the department prior to construction.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupSewer (with conditions)

    Premises in Pike County where a sanitary sewer is within 300 feet from the point where the sewer exits the building, is available to the premises, and connection can be made without crossing another person's property.

    • All premises meeting the 300-foot, availability, and property-crossing conditions must connect to sanitary sewer.
    • No privies, onsite wastewater systems, or other receptacles for human excreta may be constructed, maintained, or used on premises subject to the sewer-connection rule.

    sewer distance threshold: <= 300 feet (The sewer must also be available and connection must be possible without crossing another person's property.)

    “connected to a sanitary sewer when within 300 feet”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Sewer (with conditions) — Homes and premises where a sanitary sewer is within 300 feet from the point where the sewer exits the building and available without crossing another person's property.
      “All premises shall be connected to a sanitary sewer when within three hundred feet (300’) from the point where the sewer exits a building on the property owner’s property and available to said premises when connection can be made without crossing another person's property.”
  • Agricultural exemptionConditional

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

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

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

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

    Arkansas subdivisions in Pike County that propose standard onsite wastewater systems for all or part of the lots or tracts.

    • Plans must be submitted to the Arkansas Department of Health for review and approval.
    • Unsuitable lots or parcels must be incorporated into surrounding lots or parcels.
    • Green or community space must be identified and will not be assigned a lot number or considered in subdivision approval.
    • Submission must be made to the local health unit and include soil-pit data, percolation tests if applicable, test locations, topography, and other information required for review.
    • Plan review fee is at least $100 for one lot, $25 for each following lot, capped at $1,500.
    • All subdivision plans must include the listed maps, layouts, absorption-area information, contours, well locations where applicable, flood-zone determination, three copies, and other Section 5.1.4 materials.
    • All lots will be designed for three-bedroom residences unless otherwise indicated.
    • Public-water subdivisions require detailed engineering plans and specifications submitted by a licensed Arkansas engineer to the Arkansas Department of Health Engineering Section.

    plan review fee for one lot: >= 100 USD · plan review fee for each following lot: 25 USD (Maximum total plan review fee is $1,500.) · maximum plan review fee: 1500 USD

    “Arkansas Department of Health for review and approval”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision plats that are boundary surveys creating parcels in Arkansas.
      “Subdivision plats [...] are to be filed with the State Surveyor’s office [...] Filing is not required [...] for survey plats [...] located in a municipality [...]”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Construction, reconstruction, modification, or relocation of access driveways on Arkansas State Highway right-of-way, including residential, commercial, and temporary access driveways.

    • No work may begin on State Highway right-of-way until the engineer issues the permit.
    • Applications are made to the District Engineer and include a work description, location, applicant contact information, and required drawings or deposit/bond.
    • An Access Management Agreement may require approval or a permit from the relevant jurisdiction; failure to provide it may be grounds for denial.
    • Commercial driveway permits generally require a minimum $1,000 deposit or bond per driveway, with governmental-entity waiver possible.
    • Temporary driveway access is limited to 120 days initially, extendable at 60-day intervals up to 240 days.

    commercial driveway deposit or bond: >= 1000 USD per driveway minimum (May be waived for governmental entities.) · temporary driveway initial duration: <= 120 days maximum (May be extended at 60-day intervals up to 240 total days.) · frontage limit: 50 feet or less (Limited to one driveway.) · rural setback inside adjoining property frontage: >= 10 feet minimum (Urban minimum is 5 feet; Section 6.9 exceptions may apply.)

    “A permit shall be obtained from the Department for all access driveways on State Highways.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development by an Arkansas state department on property within the boundaries of the hundred-year floodplain or a Building Authority Division designated flood hazard area.

    • The rule applies to a state department proposing the development, not generally to all private or local development statewide.
    • The department must submit an application on a form approved by the Design Review Section.
    • The application must include the application number, date, department or property owner, site address or legal description, development type, brief description, base flood elevation, lowest-floor elevation, attachment acknowledgment, and applicant contact/signature information.
    • Supporting attachments should include the FEMA map, copies of other regulatory permits such as Clean Water Act sections 401 and 404 permits, elevation certificates, a certification of no increase in base flood elevation or no-rise certificate, a flood-proofing certificate, certifications for water supply, sanitary sewer, and on-site waste disposal systems, and notification of watercourse alteration or relocation.
    • The Design Review Section reviews and approves or disapproves the application; if approved, the floodplain administrator issues a development permit for the design phase.
    • The permit must be posted during construction; the site is reviewed before final acceptance; and noncompliant work requires correction or may be designated a nonconforming use site.
    • For riverine watercourse alteration or relocation, the department must notify the division, adjacent communities, and the state NFIP Coordinator at the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission before the alteration or relocation, submit copies to the Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration, maintain flood-carrying capacity, and provide an engineering study of before-and-after conditions prepared by a registered professional engineer.
    • For structures and equipment pads under the state rule, elevation requirements vary by FEMA-map and base-flood-elevation availability: two feet above adjacent grade where no FEMA map exists; two feet above the Building Authority Division base flood elevation where no nearby FEMA base flood elevation data exists; and one foot above the accepted or mapped base flood elevation in the circumstances specified by 22 CAR § 111-708.

    minimum elevation where no FEMA map exists and site is flood-prone: 2 feet above adjacent grade · minimum elevation where FEMA map exists but no base flood elevation data is provided within 500 feet: 2 feet above the Building Authority Division-established base flood elevation · minimum elevation where FEMA map exists, no site base flood elevation is provided, and a base flood elevation is available within 500 feet or from another authoritative source: 1 foot above the base flood elevation accepted by the division · minimum elevation where FEMA map provides a base flood elevation at the site: 1 foot above the elevation shown on the map in the flood insurance study, if available, or as interpolated between map elevations

    “When a department proposes to develop property within the boundaries of the hundred-year floodplain or a Building Authority Division designated flood hazard area, the department shall submit an application for a development permit on a form approved by the Design Review Section.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Arkansas Department of Health onsite wastewater permit and plan-review applications in Pike County, including individual systems, repairs or alterations, subdivisions, and trailer parks.

    • Fees are collected when plans are submitted and before review.
    • 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 for failure to proceed under the permit application.
    • Construction must begin within one year of issuance or the permit must be revalidated by the original Designated Representative or the Department’s Authorized Agent.
    • Individual residential-structure fee calculations exclude auxiliary areas such as garages, carports, porches, and similar areas.
    • The fee schedule source is labeled corrected 1-24-2025, but it does not state an effective date.

    individual structure 1500 sq ft or less: 30 USD · individual structure more than 1500 and up to 2000 sq ft: 45 USD · individual structure more than 2000 and up to 3000 sq ft: 90 USD · individual structure more than 3000 and up to 4000 sq ft: 120 USD · individual structure more than 4000 sq ft: 150 USD · repair, alteration, or extension: 30 USD · subdivision first lot: 100 USD · subdivision additional lot: per 25 USD (maximum subdivision fee $1,500) · trailer park 2-25 spaces: 25 USD · trailer park 26-50 spaces: 50 USD · trailer park 51-75 spaces: 75 USD · trailer park 76 or more spaces: 100 USD

    “Individual Sewage Disposal Permit Fees are determined by structure size: Structures 1500 sq. feet or less $30.00”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • 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 — RV occupancy at Arkansas state-park campsites, including state-park camping facilities in or serving Pike County.
      “Campsites are limited to occupancy by eight (8) persons, excluding day use guests, and one (1) camping unit, which may consist of no more than two (2) structures, such as: [...] One (1) RV and one (1) large tent or two (2) small tents;”
    • Limited — Temporary camping at Arkansas state-park campsites, including state-park camping facilities in or serving Pike County.
      “Campers may not occupy campsites within the same park in excess of fourteen (14) days within a thirty-day period.”
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    Arkansas counties may establish zoning ordinances for all or part of their unincorporated areas through a county planning board.

    • The county planning board may prepare or cause preparation of the ordinance.
    • The ordinance must include both a map and text.
    • Permitted subjects include building location, height, bulk, stories, size, open space, lot coverage, population density and distribution, and uses of land, buildings, and structures.
    • The ordinance may require off-street parking and loading.
    • The ordinance may provide for compatible-use districts, large-scale unified development, elimination of nonconforming uses, and other matters necessary to county health, safety, and general welfare.
    • The ordinance must designate districts or zones for all or part of the unincorporated area.
    • Regulations must be uniform throughout each district or zone.
    • The ordinance must allow and regulate home-based work as provided in Arkansas Code § 14-1-104.
    “The county planning board shall have authority to prepare, or to cause to be prepared, a zoning ordinance for all or part of the unincorporated area of the county, which ordinance shall include both a map and a text.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • General — Arkansas county planning boards adopting zoning ordinances for all or part of a county's unincorporated area.
      “The county planning board shall have authority to prepare, or to cause to be prepared, a zoning ordinance for all or part of the unincorporated area of the county, which ordinance shall include both a map and a text.”

Inside cities and towns in Pike County

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

  • Local zoningPresent (with conditions)

    Zoning regulations within the incorporated City of Murfreesboro, Pike County, Arkansas.

    • The City of Murfreesboro Planning & Inspection Department enforces zoning regulations and administers permit and inspection ordinances.
    “The City of Murfreesboro's Planning & Inspection Department is responsible for the following: Enforcing building codes Enforcing zoning regulations Administering ordinances for permits and inspections”

Still unanswered

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

  • Zoning districts — Countywide publication or administration of zoning districts in Pike County, including unincorporated areas.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling-size requirements in unincorporated Pike County.
  • Lot coverage — Lot-coverage requirements in unincorporated Pike County.
  • Building height — Building-height requirements in unincorporated Pike County.
  • Manufactured homes — Occupancy or placement of a manufactured home on private land in Pike County, including unincorporated areas.
2 more unanswered
  • 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 Pike County, Arkansas

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

Pike County scores 78/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and low administrative friction for a quiet rural property.

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

Pike 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 (Pike County Local 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 Pike County?

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

Land in Pike County runs about $3,015 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Pike County?

Pike County gets about 57.1" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 12.1% of years.

How remote is Pike County?

A representative private-land location has about 5,716 people within a 30-minute drive and 585,944 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 Pike compares in Arkansas

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