Springdale, AR Accessory Structures: ADU Rules (2026)

Arkansas grants planning and zoning authority to cities of the first class through A.C.A. §14-56-401 et seq. (Local Planning Act). Section 14-56-416 authorizes adoption of zoning ordinances regulating the use of buildings, density of population, and area of lots. Springdale's zoning code divides the city into residential districts (typically single-family, two-family, and multi-family categories) along with commercial, industrial, and mixed-use districts. Whether an ADU is permitted in a given district, whether it must be attached or may be detached, minimum and maximum unit size, off-street parking requirements, owner-occupancy obligations, and rental restrictions are all set by the local code. The Springdale Planning Commission, established under A.C.A. §14-56-404, hears special use permit applications and recommends ordinance amendments to the City Council. The Board of Adjustment hears variances under A.C.A. §14-56-416(b)(2)(C)(ii). Because Arkansas has not enacted ADU preemption, there is no statutory ministerial-approval requirement, no state-mandated unit size minimum, and no statewide ban on owner-occupancy or rental restrictions. Property owners should consult the zoning code and the Springdale Planning & Community Development Department for a written zoning determination before designing an ADU. Building construction must additionally comply with the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code (adopted statewide IFC) and any locally adopted building codes; Springdale typically operates under the International Residential Code.