Can I Build ADU in Little Rock, AR? (2026)
Find out if you can build a adu in Little Rock, AR. Rules, permit requirements, costs, and next steps.
Yes, ADUs are allowed in Little Rock, AR. California state law ensures by-right approval.
An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is a secondary housing unit on a residential lot — also called a granny flat, in-law suite, or backyard cottage. In Little Rock, AR, ADUs are permitted by right under state law, making them one of the most accessible ways to add housing on your property. ADUs can be detached, attached to the main home, or created by converting an existing garage or accessory structure.
ADU Rules in Little Rock
ADU Rules in Little Rock: Detached ADU max size: 900 sq ft. Attached ADU max size: 700. Setbacks: 3 ft side, 5 ft rear. Owner-occupancy: No owner-occupancy requirement under Little Rock Zoning Code. Little Rock's rental market includes significant state government and UAMS employee populations..
Costs & Fees
ADU permits in Little Rock: Total estimated permit cost: $700-$3,500 total permit fees. Contact the Little Rock Building and Code Enforcement Division for current fee schedule.
Timeline
Little Rock Building and Code Enforcement Division: ADU permits typically 3-6 weeks. Construction 2-7 months. Little Rock has an online permit application portal.
Next Steps
Next steps for building an ADU in Little Rock: 1. Review full ADU rules including size limits, setbacks, and parking. 2. Apply for an ADU permit through the Little Rock Building and Code Enforcement Division at https://littlerock.gov/city-administration/city-departments/planning-development/permits. 3. Hire a licensed contractor familiar with AR ADU requirements.
Little Rock Building and Code Enforcement Division
Phone: (501) 371-4832
Website: https://littlerock.gov/city-administration/city-departments/planning-development
Online Permits: https://littlerock.gov/city-administration/city-departments/planning-development/permits
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build an ADU in Little Rock?
Yes. Little Rock's Zoning Code (Chapter 36) allows ADUs in residential zones. Detached ADUs up to 900 sqft are permitted in rear yards. No owner-occupancy is required. One parking space is required. Little Rock has affordable permitting costs and low construction costs relative to coastal cities. Contact the Planning and Development Department at (501) 371-4790 or visit littlerock.gov.
What is the Quapaw Quarter and how does it affect home improvement permits?
The Quapaw Quarter is Little Rock's oldest neighborhood — a 160-block area of Victorian-era homes and commercial buildings near downtown. It's listed on the National Register of Historic Places and designated as a local historic district. If your property is in the Quapaw Quarter, exterior changes (including additions, siding, windows, roofing material, and ADU construction) require a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Little Rock Historic District Commission before a building permit can be issued. Interior changes do not require historic review. Contact the Planning and Development Department at (501) 371-4790.
Does Arkansas have a cottage food law for home-based food businesses?
Yes. Arkansas Code Annotated Section 20-57-601 allows home-based food production up to $50,000 annual revenue without a state permit. Permitted products include baked goods, jams, jellies, candy, dried herbs, and similar non-hazardous items. In-person sales at the home, farmers markets, and community events. Products must include a label stating they were 'Made in a Home Kitchen Not Inspected by the Arkansas Department of Health.' Little Rock Farmers Market and Hillcrest Farmers Market are popular sales venues.
What tornado safety requirements apply to construction in Little Rock?
Arkansas is in the tornado risk zone — Little Rock receives occasional severe storms, though less frequently than the Oklahoma/Kansas core of Tornado Alley. Little Rock building permits require construction to comply with the Arkansas State Building Code, including wind-load requirements for residential structures. While Little Rock does not mandate storm shelters for all new residential construction, they are highly recommended. Many Little Rock homeowners install in-ground saferooms or above-ground storm shelters in garages.
What permits are required for a swimming pool in Little Rock?
All in-ground pools and above-ground pools over 24 inches deep require a building permit from the Little Rock Building and Code Enforcement Division. Permit fees are $150-$800. A pool enclosure (fence) is required. Applications can be submitted online or in person. Review takes approximately 3-5 weeks. Arkansas's hot summers (90°F+ days from May-September) make residential pools a common project in Little Rock.
Source: Little Rock Building and Code Enforcement Division — Building Regulations. Last verified April 6, 2026. View source