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Pulaski County, AR Environmental Rules: Flood Zones (2026)

Significant Restrictions

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

FEMA flood zone rules in Pulaski County, AR, also called floodplain regulations or special flood hazard area (SFHA) rules, determine flood insurance requirements and elevation standards for new construction.

Key Facts

Permit required: Before any floodplain development
Elevation standard: 2 ft above base flood elevation
Floodway rule: No manufactured homes allowed
Max fine: $500 per day per violation
Enforcing agency: Dept. of Planning and Development

FEMA Flood Zone Lookup

FEMA assigns every parcel in the U.S. a flood-hazard designation on its Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs). Zones starting with A or V are high-risk Special Flood Hazard Areas where federally backed mortgages require NFIP flood insurance. Zone X indicates moderate-to-minimal risk, where insurance is optional but often recommended. Your specific zone determines insurance cost, build elevation, and permit requirements in Pulaski County, AR.

Zone	What it means	NFIP required?
A	High-risk flood area; 1% annual chance flood, no detailed analysis.	Yes
AE	High-risk; same as A but with established Base Flood Elevations.	Yes
AH	High-risk shallow flooding (1-3 ft), usually ponding.	Yes
AO	High-risk shallow flooding (1-3 ft) with sheet flow on sloping terrain.	Yes
V	High-risk coastal zone subject to wave action (no BFE).	Yes
VE	High-risk coastal zone with wave action and established BFEs.	Yes
X (shaded)	Moderate risk; between the 1% and 0.2% annual chance flood.	Recommended
X	Minimal risk; outside the 0.2% annual chance floodplain.	No

Look up Pulaski County, AR on the FEMA flood map

FEMA maps update periodically; verify zone before buying flood insurance or building.

Summary

Pulaski County requires a floodplain development permit for any construction, fill, or land alteration in a special flood hazard area before work begins.

City-specific rules exist: Little Rock has its own flood zones rules that differ from Pulaski County's county-level regulations. If you live in Little Rock, check the city-specific page instead.

Residential Construction. New construction or substantial improvement of a residential structure shall have the lowest floor including basement elevated a minimum of two feet above the base flood elevation. ... It is a misdemeanor to violate or fail to comply with any provision of this chapter... subject to fines of not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00) per day for each violation.

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 20).

Full Breakdown

Any structure, fill, grading, or substantial improvement within a FEMA-mapped special flood hazard area needs a floodplain development permit from the county Department of Planning and Development first. New residential construction must have its lowest floor, including the basement, elevated at least two feet above the base flood elevation, certified by a registered engineer or surveyor. Encroachments in a designated floodway are prohibited unless engineering analysis proves no rise in flood levels, and no manufactured home may be placed in a floodway at all.

Violations & Fines

Violating the flood damage prevention chapter is a misdemeanor carrying fines up to $500 per day per violation, plus court costs; the floodplain administrator can also issue cease-and-desist orders and citations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit to fill or grade land in a flood zone in Pulaski County?

Yes. Any filling, grading, or structural development in a special flood hazard area requires a floodplain development permit before work starts.

How high must a new home be built above flood level?

The lowest floor, including the basement, must sit at least two feet above the base flood elevation, certified by a registered engineer or surveyor.

Sources & Official References

[1]Pulaski County Code of Ordinances, Chapter 7 — Flood Hazard Damage Prevention and Control

Other rules in Pulaski County

Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome Restrictions Erosion ControlSome Restrictions Flood Elevation RequirementsSome Restrictions Stormwater ManagementSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Amplified Music & Outdoor SoundSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Abandoned VehiclesSignificant Restrictions Animal Ordinances: Exotic PetsHeavy Restrictions

All Pulaski County rules

Compare Pulaski County to another location·View the Arkansas environmental rules overview

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Flood Zones in Cities Across Pulaski County

Little Rock, AR