ADU Rules in Little Rock, AR (2026)
ADU rules, permit requirements, size limits, and fees for Little Rock, AR. Source-cited from official municipal code.
Yes, ADUs are allowed in Little Rock, AR.
Little Rock, AR permits accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on residential properties. ADUs — also called granny flats, in-law units, backyard cottages, or secondary suites — are secondary housing units on a single-family or multifamily lot. State and local law governs the approval process. In Little Rock, the Little Rock Building and Code Enforcement Division handles ADU permit applications. Below you will find the current size limits, setbacks, fees, and timeline for building an ADU in Little Rock.
ADU Size Limits
ADU Size Limits in Little Rock: Detached ADU: up to 900 sq ft (max height: 24 feet). Attached ADU: 700 sq ft. Little Rock ADU regulations under Chapter 36 (Zoning). Detached ADU limited to approximately 900 sqft. JADU is a California-specific concept not applicable in Arkansas. Little Rock's relatively affordable housing market and large single-family lot sizes create opportunities for ADU development.
| Type | Max Size | Max Height |
|---|---|---|
| Detached ADU | 900 sq ft | 24 feet |
| Attached ADU | 700 sq ft | Per primary structure zone height |
Permit Fees
ADU Permit Fees in Little Rock: Plan check fee: $100-$500. Building permit fee: Based on construction value — typically $600-$3,000. Impact fees: None. School fees: None or N/A. Total estimated permit cost: $700-$3,500 total permit fees. Little Rock Building Division fee schedule. No development impact fees. Little Rock's permitting costs are affordable compared to most major US cities. Source: littlerock.gov/city-administration/city-departments/planning-development
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Plan Check | $100-$500 |
| Building Permit | Based on construction value — typically $600-$3,000 |
| Impact Fees | None |
| School Fees | None |
| Total Estimate | $700-$3,500 total permit fees |
Permit Timeline
Little Rock ADU Permit 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. Apply through the Little Rock Building and Code Enforcement Division online permit portal. Phone: (501) 371-4832.
Setback Requirements
ADU Setback Requirements in Little Rock: Front setback: follows zone standard. Side setback: 3 feet. Rear setback: 5 feet. Little Rock rear yard setback for accessory structures is typically 5 ft from rear property line, 3 ft from side property line. Little Rock residential lots vary by neighborhood — older in-town areas have smaller lots (50-75 ft wide) while western suburban areas have larger parcels. Per Chapter 36.
Parking Requirements
Parking Requirements: One parking space required per ADU. Little Rock's auto-dependent urban form means most properties can accommodate on-site parking. Reduced requirements may apply in designated urban infill districts near downtown.
Restrictions & Requirements
- ADU must comply with Little Rock Building Code habitability standards
- Detached ADU located in rear yard behind principal structure
- Must maintain zone setback requirements
- Quapaw Quarter Historic District requires Little Rock Historic District Commission review
- Flood plain overlay along Arkansas River and Fourche Creek restricts construction
- Arkansas tornado country — construction must meet wind-load and storm shelter requirements
How Many ADUs Are Allowed?
Number of ADUs Allowed in Little Rock: Single-family lots: 1 ADU per lot. Multifamily properties: Accessory units on multifamily parcels subject to site plan review. Little Rock's capital city status and university medical center create consistent demand for rental housing. ADU development in established neighborhoods like Hillcrest, Midtown, and the Heights provides housing for state employees and medical students.
Single-Family Lots
1 ADU per lot
Multifamily Properties
Accessory units on multifamily parcels subject to site plan review
Historic District Considerations
Historic District Requirements: Little Rock has 6 historic districts where additional design review may be required for ADU construction. Design review approval is required before obtaining a building permit for properties in historic overlay zones. Little Rock Historic District Commission administers the Quapaw Quarter — one of Arkansas's most significant historic preservation areas, encompassing 160 blocks of Victorian-era residential and commercial properties. The Quapaw Quarter is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Certificate of Appropriateness required for exterior changes to contributing structures. The MacArthur Park neighborhood and Governor's Mansion Historic District are also locally designated. Quapaw Quarter Association provides preservation resources. Look up historic district boundaries at: https://littlerock.gov/city-administration/city-departments/planning-development/historic-preservation
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I build an ADU in Little Rock?
Yes. Little Rock, AR allows accessory dwelling units. On a single-family lot you can build 1 ADU per lot.
How big can an ADU be in Little Rock?
The maximum size for a detached ADU in Little Rock is 900 square feet.
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Little Rock?
The typical ADU permit timeline in Little Rock is 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.. Total estimated permit fees are $700-$3,500 total permit fees.
Do I need extra parking for an ADU in Little Rock?
No, Little Rock does not require additional parking for ADUs.
Do I have to live on-site to have an ADU in Little Rock?
No, owner-occupancy is not required for ADUs in Little Rock.
Source: Little Rock Code of Ordinances Chapter 36 (Zoning); Little Rock Building Code. Last verified April 6, 2026. View source