Before You Build in Little Rock, AR: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

Little Rock limits residential fence heights to 4 feet between the building setback line and the street, and 6 feet elsewhere on the property. Support posts may extend up to 2 feet above the allowed fence height including ornamental features.

Little Rock generally does not require a building permit for standard residential fences under 6 feet in height. Fences over 6 feet, fences in flood zones, or fences requiring electrical work (such as electronic gates) may require permits.

Little Rock follows Arkansas state law on boundary fences. Property owners may build fences on their own property without neighbor consent, but fences must not encroach on neighboring property. Disputes are typically resolved through civil court.

Residential swimming pools and spas in Little Rock require a building permit under Chapter 8, Article II of the Code of Ordinances. The city enforces the 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code together with the 2021 International Residential Code (Appendix AG) adopted statewide through the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, including the IRC AG105 barrier rules: minimum 48-inch fence, self-closing self-latching gate, and no openings allowing passage of a 4-inch sphere.

Little Rock requires all residential swimming pools to be enclosed by a fence at least 4 feet high with a self-closing, self-latching gate. The fence must not have openings that allow a 4-inch sphere to pass through, consistent with building code safety standards.

Little Rock regulates above-ground pools with the same safety requirements as in-ground pools. Pools with walls at least 4 feet tall may serve as their own barrier if the ladder is removable or lockable. Building permits may be required depending on pool size.

Little Rock requires residential pools to comply with building code safety standards including proper fencing, electrical bonding, drain covers, and water circulation. Permits are required for pool construction and installation.

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 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.

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).

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.

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 prohibits open burning within city limits except for permitted recreational fires in approved containers. The Little Rock Fire Department enforces burn regulations, and air quality alerts may trigger additional restrictions.

Little Rock allows recreational fire pits on private property when used in approved containers with proper setbacks from structures and property lines. Fires must be attended at all times and fully extinguished when not in use.

Little Rock requires property owners to maintain trees so that branches do not obstruct sidewalks, streets, or sight lines at intersections. Trees overhanging public rights-of-way must be trimmed to provide adequate clearance.

Little Rock may impose outdoor water use restrictions during drought conditions or water supply emergencies. Central Arkansas Water provides service to Little Rock and may enact mandatory conservation measures when needed.

Little Rock does not require a general permit for removing trees on private property in most zones. However, trees in historic districts, protected areas, or within public rights-of-way may require approval. Significant tree ordinances may apply to development projects.