Springdale, AR Accessory Structures: Shed Rules (2026)

Arkansas does not preempt local accessory structure regulation. Springdale's zoning code establishes accessory structure standards by district. Typical residential district rules require sheds to be located in the rear yard, behind the front building line of the principal dwelling, with minimum side and rear setbacks (commonly 3 to 5 feet, but district-specific), a maximum height (commonly 15 feet), and maximum aggregate accessory-structure lot coverage. Sheds on corner lots face additional sight-distance triangle restrictions. The locally adopted International Residential Code at IRC R105.2 exempts one-story detached accessory structures of 200 square feet or less from building permit requirements provided they are not used for habitation or commercial purposes; the exemption does not extend to electrical or plumbing connections or to zoning compliance. Sheds above the 200-square-foot threshold require a building permit from the Springdale Building Official with structural review under IRC Chapter 8 (roof) and Chapter 5 (floors) for typical light-frame construction. Springdale sits in Northwest Arkansas subject to occasional severe weather and is on the western edge of Tornado Alley; wind load design follows the IRC's prescriptive provisions for the applicable wind speed zone. Floodplain properties along Spring Creek, the Illinois River corridor, and other local waterways face additional review under the city's floodplain regulations adopted pursuant to A.C.A. §14-268-101 et seq. Owners should verify both the zoning permit requirement and any building permit threshold with Planning & Community Development before installation.