Accessory Structures in Springdale, AR (2026)
5 verified accessory structures rules for Springdale, Arkansas, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Springdale is a first-class city straddling Washington and Benton Counties in Northwest Arkansas (population approximately 84,000), regulating accessory dwelling units through its locally adopted zoning code. Arkansas has no statewide ADU preemption statute equivalent to California Government Code §66313 or Oregon ORS 197.312, so whether an ADU is permitted in Springdale is determined entirely by the local zoning ordinance under planning and zoning authority granted to Arkansas cities by A.C.A. §14-56-401 et seq. The Springdale code classifies dwelling units by district, and ADU permissibility (whether by right, by special use permit through the Planning Commission, or prohibited) depends on the underlying residential zone. The Springdale Code on Municode is the controlling local source: https://library.municode.com/ar/springdale.
Springdale AR ADU Rules (Springdale Zoning Code; A.C.A. §14-56-401+; No State ADU Preemption)
Some RestrictionsADU Permits
An accessory dwelling unit in Springdale requires permits from two municipal tracks: a zoning permit or special use permit through the Planning & Community Development Department confirming the ADU is permitted in the district under the Springdale zoning code, and a building permit from the Springdale Building Official under the locally adopted International Residential Code for the construction itself. Arkansas has no statewide ADU preemption like California's SB 9 or Oregon's HB 2001, so timelines, fees, hearing requirements, and approval criteria are set entirely by Springdale pursuant to A.C.A. §14-56-401 et seq. and applicable local ordinances.
Springdale AR ADU Permits (Springdale Planning & Community Development; Zoning + Building Both Required)
Some RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Arkansas has not enacted a statewide impact fee enabling statute, and Arkansas cities have historically had limited authority to impose development impact fees outside of negotiated agreements. Springdale does not impose general development impact fees on residential construction; ADU applicants typically face only standard zoning permit fees, building permit fees under the locally adopted IRC, and utility connection (tap) fees through Springdale Water Utilities (water and sewer) and the appropriate gas and electric utilities. School districts in Arkansas have no impact-fee authority. Recreation, traffic, and park impact fees are not generally assessed by Springdale on infill ADU construction.
Springdale AR ADU Impact Fees (No Arkansas Impact Fee Authority; Permit & Utility Tap Fees Apply)
Few RestrictionsShed Rules
Sheds and similar accessory structures in Springdale are regulated through two layers: (1) the Springdale zoning code, which sets dimensional standards by district (size, height, setbacks, lot coverage, location relative to the principal dwelling); and (2) the locally adopted International Residential Code, which under IRC R105.2 typically exempts one-story detached accessory structures of 200 square feet or less from building permit requirements but does not waive zoning compliance. Springdale property owners generally need a zoning permit from the Planning & Community Development Department even when no building permit is required. The Springdale Code is hosted on Municode at https://library.municode.com/ar/springdale.
Springdale AR Shed Rules (Springdale Zoning Code Accessory Structure Standards; IRC R105.2 Permit Threshold)
Some RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Converting a Springdale garage into habitable space (a bedroom, in-law suite, home office, or ADU) requires both (1) zoning approval under the Springdale zoning code for the change of use, since the converted area no longer functions as accessory parking and may trigger off-street parking minimums or ADU classification; and (2) a building permit under the locally adopted International Residential Code. Conversions must meet IRC Chapter 3 requirements for habitable spaces including R310 emergency egress, R305 ceiling height, R314 smoke alarms, and R315 carbon monoxide alarms, and the zoning code's off-street parking minimums must still be satisfied after the garage is removed.
Springdale AR Garage Conversions (Zoning Change-of-Use Review; IRC R310/R305 Egress and Ceiling Height)
Some RestrictionsLooking for Washington County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Springdale city rules.
Accessory Structures in Washington County →