ADU Regulations in Arkansas (AR)
Arkansas is rated Easy for ADU construction with an ADU-friendliness score of 83/100 (Very ADU-Friendly). Arkansas has a statewide ADU law that sets baseline rules across all municipalities. No owner-occupancy requirement. No additional parking required for ADUs. Arkansas Act 313 of 2025 (HB 1503) created Ark. Code § 14-56-205, requiring every municipality to allow at least one ADU by right on any lot with a single-family dwelling. ADUs may be attached, detached, or internal, up to 75% of the primary dwelling's gross floor area or 1,000 sq ft, whichever is less. Municipalities may not require owner occupancy, additional parking, matching exterior design, or separate water/sewer, and may not assess impact fees over $250. Non-conforming local ordinances are invalid as of January 1, 2026. Municipalities may still regulate short-term rentals.
Full ADU Regulations Summary for Arkansas
| ADUs Allowed | Yes |
| Statewide ADU Law | Yes |
| Maximum ADU Size | 1,000 sq ft |
| Owner Occupancy Required | No |
| Parking Required | No |
| Minimum Setback | Set locally |
| Permitting Timeline | By right; no public hearing or conditional use permit (site plan conformance review only) |
| Impact Fees | Capped at $250 by state law; application fee also capped at $250 |
| Long-Term Rental Allowed | Yes |
| Short-Term Rental (Airbnb) Allowed | Yes |
| Ease of Building | Easy |
ADU Regulations by City in Arkansas
ADU rules can vary by city even within the same state. While Arkansas's statewide law sets minimum standards, some cities have additional local provisions. Below are ADU details for 3 cities in Arkansas.
Little Rock
State law (Act 313 of 2025) now requires by-right ADU approval statewide; prior conditional-use-permit and owner-occupancy requirements are preempted as of January 1, 2026.
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) | 83 | Yes | No | No | Easy |
| Colorado (CO) | 83 | Yes | No | No | Easy |
| Connecticut (CT) | 83 | Yes | No | No | Easy |
| Massachusetts (MA) | 85 | Yes | No | No | Easy |
| Arizona (AZ) | 86 | Yes | No | No | Easy |
| Maine (ME) | 80 | Yes | No | No | Easy |
Frequently Asked Questions About ADUs in Arkansas
Can I build an ADU in Arkansas?
Yes, ADUs are allowed in Arkansas. Arkansas has a statewide ADU law that requires local jurisdictions to permit ADUs on residential lots. This means your city cannot outright ban ADUs. The ease of building is rated "Easy" with a friendliness score of 83/100.
Do I need to live on the property to have an ADU in Arkansas?
No, Arkansas does not require owner occupancy for ADUs. You can rent out both the main house and the ADU, which maximizes rental income potential.
How big can an ADU be in Arkansas?
The state maximum ADU size in Arkansas is 1,000 square feet. Local jurisdictions may set lower limits. Some cities also limit ADU size to a percentage of the primary dwelling (e.g., 50%).
Do I need extra parking for an ADU in Arkansas?
No — Arkansas does not require additional parking for ADUs. This is a significant advantage, as parking requirements are often the biggest barrier to ADU construction on smaller lots.
How long does it take to get an ADU permit in Arkansas?
The permitting timeline in Arkansas is: By right; no public hearing or conditional use permit (site plan conformance review only). The statewide law sets maximum review periods that cities must comply with.
Does Arkansas have a statewide ADU law?
Yes. State law sets the floor that Arkansas cities must meet: ADUs up to 1,000 sq ft, no owner-occupancy mandate, no added parking, with permitting handled as: By right; no public hearing or conditional use permit (site plan conformance review only). Cities can be more permissive than the state baseline but generally not stricter.
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.