Environmental Rules in Fayetteville, AR (2026)
5 verified environmental rules for Fayetteville, Arkansas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Fayetteville regulates stormwater under Chapter 170 of the Unified Development Code and the 2014 Drainage Criteria Manual. New development must control runoff on-site, meet a Water Quality Volume removing 80% of suspended solids, and detain peak flows.
Fayetteville Stormwater & MS4 Rules
Heavy RestrictionsErosion Control
Fayetteville requires erosion and sediment control for land-disturbing activity. Grading permits under Chapter 169 mandate silt fencing, stabilized entrances, and disturbed-area stabilization; sites disturbing one acre or more also need an Arkansas DEQ construction stormwater permit.
Fayetteville Erosion & Sediment Control
Heavy RestrictionsCoastal Development
Fayetteville protects streams with buffer zones under Section 168.12. A 25-foot waterside zone and 25-foot management zone, at least 50 feet from the top of bank, restrict grading, building, and other activity along protected streams and FEMA floodways.
Fayetteville Streamside Protection Zones
Heavy RestrictionsFayetteville, AR, Unified Development Code ch. 168, Sec. 168.12 (Streamside Protection Zones) (Ord. No. 5390)
Zone 1: Waterside Zone. The waterside zone shall extend a minimum of 25 feet landward from the top of bank in each direction, measured horizontally on a line perpendicular to the top of bank and includes the surface water. Zone 2: Management Zone. The management zone shall begin at the outer edge of the Waterside Zone and extend landward 25 feet as measured horizontally on a line perpendicular ...
Flood Zones
Fayetteville enforces Chapter 168, its Flood Damage Prevention Code, as a National Flood Insurance Program community. All development in the Special Flood Hazard Area requires a Floodplain Development Permit, and new buildings must be elevated above the base flood elevation.
Fayetteville Flood Damage Prevention Rules
Heavy RestrictionsGrading & Drainage
Fayetteville requires a grading permit under Chapter 169 for clearing, filling, excavation, and land alteration unless specifically exempt. Grading plans must be prepared by an Arkansas-licensed engineer or architect and approved by the City Engineer; hillside areas face added standards.
Fayetteville Grading & Hillside Rules
Some RestrictionsLooking for Washington County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Fayetteville city rules.
Environmental Rules in Washington County →