Springdale, AR Accessory Structures: ADU Impact Fees (2026)

Arkansas, unlike states such as Florida, Texas, and California, has not enacted a comprehensive impact fee enabling statute. The Arkansas Constitution Article XII §4 limits municipal taxation and has been read to constrain unauthorized exactions on development. Cities of the first class derive their general powers from A.C.A. §14-43-601 et seq. (corporate powers) and planning powers from A.C.A. §14-56-401 et seq. but have no specific impact fee authorization equivalent to California's Mitigation Fee Act (Gov. Code §66000) or Florida's Impact Fee Act (Fla. Stat. §163.31801). Springdale therefore relies on permit fees and utility connection (tap) fees rather than impact fees to recover infrastructure costs. Water and sewer tap fees are administered by Springdale Water Utilities for residential service expansion; an ADU with separate service typically pays a tap fee plus any meter installation cost. If the ADU shares an existing meter and service line with the principal dwelling, tap fees may not apply. School districts under the Arkansas Education Code (A.C.A. Title 6) have no impact-fee authority and rely on the millage system funded under Arkansas Constitution Amendment 74. Recreation fees-in-lieu and park dedication requirements may apply to subdivisions but generally not to single-lot infill ADUs. Net result for a Springdale ADU applicant: zoning permit fee, building permit fee, and water/sewer tap fees if separate service is established. Confirm current charges with Planning & Community Development and Springdale Water Utilities.