ADU Regulations in Arkansas (AR)
Arkansas is rated Difficult for ADU construction with an ADU-friendliness score of 30/100 (Restrictive). Arkansas does not have a statewide ADU law — regulations are set entirely by local jurisdictions. Owner must reside on the property. Additional parking may be required. Arkansas has no statewide ADU legislation. ADU regulations vary significantly by municipality. Some cities allow ADUs in certain zones with conditional use permits. Fayetteville has led the state with more progressive ADU ordinances.
Full ADU Regulations Summary for Arkansas
| ADUs Allowed | Yes |
| Statewide ADU Law | No |
| Maximum ADU Size | Set locally |
| Owner Occupancy Required | Yes |
| Parking Required | Yes |
| Minimum Setback | Set locally |
| Permitting Timeline | Varies by jurisdiction |
| Impact Fees | Varies by jurisdiction |
| Long-Term Rental Allowed | Yes |
| Short-Term Rental (Airbnb) Allowed | Yes |
| Ease of Building | Difficult |
ADU Regulations by City in Arkansas
ADU rules can vary by city even within the same state. Without a statewide ADU law, Arkansas cities set their own rules, and policies can differ significantly. Below are ADU details for 3 cities in Arkansas.
Little Rock
ADUs allowed in some residential zones with conditional use permit. Owner occupancy required.
Fayetteville
ADUs allowed by right in residential zones since 2020. Up to 800 sq ft. Progressive local ADU ordinance.
Bentonville
ADUs permitted in certain zones. Must meet design standards and setback requirements.
How Arkansas Compares to Other States
Below is a comparison of Arkansas with five states that have similar ADU-friendliness scores. This comparison helps illustrate where Arkansas stands nationally.
| State | Score | Statewide Law | Parking Req? | Owner Occ? | Ease |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas (AR) | 30 | No | Yes | Yes | Difficult |
| Alabama (AL) | 30 | No | Yes | Yes | Difficult |
| Delaware (DE) | 30 | No | Yes | Yes | Moderate |
| Georgia (GA) | 30 | No | Yes | Yes | Moderate |
| Idaho (ID) | 30 | No | Yes | Yes | Moderate |
| Illinois (IL) | 30 | No | Yes | Yes | Moderate |
Frequently Asked Questions About ADUs in Arkansas
Can I build an ADU in Arkansas?
Yes, ADUs are allowed in Arkansas. However, Arkansas does not have a statewide ADU law, so the specific rules depend on your city or county's zoning code. Some cities are more permissive than others. The ease of building is rated "Difficult" with a friendliness score of 30/100.
Do I need to live on the property to have an ADU in Arkansas?
Yes, Arkansas generally requires owner occupancy — the property owner must live either in the main house or the ADU. This means you cannot rent out both units simultaneously. Note: individual cities may have their own owner-occupancy rules, so check your local zoning.
How big can an ADU be in Arkansas?
Arkansas does not set a statewide maximum ADU size — this is determined by your local jurisdiction. Common local limits range from 600 to 1,200 square feet. Check your city's zoning code for the specific maximum.
Do I need extra parking for an ADU in Arkansas?
Arkansas may require additional off-street parking for ADUs. The specific number of spaces depends on your local jurisdiction. This can be a significant barrier if your lot has limited space for parking.
Can I rent out my ADU in Arkansas?
Yes, long-term rentals of ADUs are allowed in Arkansas. Short-term rentals (like Airbnb) are also generally permitted, though your city may have separate short-term rental regulations.
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Arkansas?
The permitting timeline in Arkansas is: Varies by jurisdiction. Without a statewide mandate, permitting timelines depend entirely on your local jurisdiction's review process. Actual timelines can be affected by plan review backlogs, inspection scheduling, and the complexity of your project. Pre-approved ADU plans, where available, can significantly speed up the process.
Check ADU Rules for Your City
Use our ADU regulations lookup tool to find the specific rules for your city in Arkansas, or browse all 50 states to compare ADU regulations across the country. Remember that local rules may be more specific than state-level regulations.