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Fort Smith, AR Building Setbacks & Zoning: Structure Height Limits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

RS-1 to RS-4 height cap
35 feet
MF high-density cap
40 feet
Height measured from
Average ground level at front setback
Height bonus
+1 ft per +1 ft setback

Summary

Fort Smith caps most single-family residential buildings at 35 feet, measured from average ground level at the minimum front setback.

D.Height.1.Measurement. Building height is the mean vertical distance from the average ground level at the minimum front setback to the highest permanent part of the building or structure.2.A structure may not be more than the maximum allowable feet high at the minimum setback lines, but for each additional foot of horizontal setback in excess of the minimum from all setbacks, the height may be increased by one foot.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 4).

Full Breakdown

Section 27-404D sets building height as the mean vertical distance from average ground level at the minimum front setback to the highest permanent part of the structure. Table 27-404-A caps most single-family residential districts, including RS-1 through RS-4 and the residential estate districts, at 35 feet, rising to 40 feet in the higher-density multifamily districts. A structure can exceed the base height limit by one foot for every additional foot it is set back beyond the district minimum on all sides, and a gabled roof is measured to the midpoint of the gable rather than the peak.

Violations & Fines

Exceeding the district height limit without qualifying for the additional-setback height bonus is a zoning violation, correctable by seeking a variance from the board of zoning adjustment.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall can a house be built in Fort Smith?
Most single-family residential districts cap building height at 35 feet, measured from average ground level at the minimum front setback, under section 27-404D.
Can a house exceed Fort Smith's 35-foot height cap?
Yes: section 27-404D.2 allows one extra foot of height for each additional foot of setback beyond the district minimum on all sides.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Fort Smith

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All Fort Smith rules

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