Accessory Structures in Little Rock, AR (2026)
9 verified accessory structures rules for Little Rock, Arkansas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Little Rock updated its ADU regulations to align with Arkansas state law (Act 676 of 2023). ADUs must be on a permanent foundation, cannot exceed 1,000 square feet or 75% of the primary dwelling area, and the city cannot require familial relationships between occupants or mandate additional parking.
Little Rock ADU Rules & Regulations
Some RestrictionsADU Permits
Little Rock allows one accessory dwelling unit (ADU) by-right on lots with a single-family home under Ordinance 22,647 (adopted Aug. 19, 2025), which implements Arkansas Act 313 of 2025 in Chapter 36 of the city code.
Little Rock ADU Permits
Some RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Little Rock does not impose a separate ADU impact fee; ADU applicants pay only standard building permit fees and utility connection charges from Central Arkansas Water and the Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority.
Little Rock ADU Impact Fees
Few RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
Little Rock's ADU ordinance (Ord. 22,647) does not impose an owner-occupancy requirement; Arkansas Act 313 of 2025 generally prohibits cities from conditioning ADU approval on owner-occupancy of the primary dwelling.
Little Rock ADU Owner Occupancy
Few RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
Long-term rental of an ADU is permitted in Little Rock under Ord. 22,647 and Act 313. The city has not adopted ADU-specific short-term rental restrictions, but separate STR rules and zoning controls may apply to stays under 30 days.
Little Rock ADU Rental Restrictions
Some RestrictionsShed Rules
Little Rock regulates sheds and accessory buildings through zoning setback and size requirements. Small sheds under 120 square feet typically do not require a building permit but must comply with setback requirements.
Little Rock Shed & Outbuilding Rules
Some RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Little Rock allows garage conversions to living space with a building permit. Conversions must meet residential building code requirements for egress, insulation, electrical, and plumbing. Minimum parking requirements for the lot must still be satisfied.
Little Rock Garage Conversion Rules
Some RestrictionsCarport Rules
Little Rock regulates carports as accessory buildings under Chapter 36 (Zoning), specifically Section 36-252 (Accessory buildings in certain districts) within Article V Division 2 (Residential Districts). A building permit under Chapter 8 is required, and the city enforces the 2021 International Residential Code adopted statewide via the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code.
Carport Rules in Little Rock
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Arkansas has no statewide tiny-home preemption, so Little Rock applies the 2021 International Residential Code (adopted via the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code) and Chapter 36 zoning to any dwelling on a permanent foundation. Tiny homes on chassis are treated as recreational vehicles and may not be used as permanent dwellings in residential districts. Backyard tiny homes generally proceed through the city's ADU pathway adopted by Ordinance 22,647 (August 19, 2025).