Little Rock, AR Environmental Rules: Flood Elevation Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Freeboard
- 1 foot above base flood elevation
- Applies to
- AE and A1-30 zones
- Certification
- Licensed engineer, surveyor, or architect
- Basements
- Prohibited in flood hazard areas
- Max penalty
- $500 per day, per violation
Summary
New and substantially improved residential structures in Little Rock's AE and A1-30 flood zones must sit at least one foot above the published base flood elevation, certified by a licensed engineer or surveyor.
For all new residential structures, the top surface of the lowest floor (including all machinery and equipment) must have an elevation at least one (1) foot or more above the published base flood elevation (BFE). This elevation must be documented on an elevation certificate properly completed by a professional engineer, surveyor or architect licensed to practice in the State of Arkansas.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 83).
Full Breakdown
Little Rock's floodplain ordinance (Sec. 13-60) sets a one-foot freeboard above the FEMA base flood elevation for new construction and substantial improvements in AE and A1-30 special flood hazard areas. The top of the lowest floor, including all mechanical equipment, must clear that elevation, documented on an elevation certificate from a licensed engineer, surveyor, or architect. Nonresidential structures can meet the same standard through floodproofing certified by a professional engineer instead of elevation. Manufactured homes face parallel one-foot freeboard and anchoring requirements. Basements are flatly prohibited anywhere in a special flood hazard area under Sec. 13-59.
Violations & Fines
Violating the floodplain ordinance is a misdemeanor: courts can impose fines up to $500 per day per violation, plus court costs, on top of cease-and-desist orders and FEMA insurance-denial referrals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Little Rock require freeboard above FEMA's base flood elevation?
Can a home have a basement in Little Rock's flood zones?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Little Rock
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