Fort Smith, AR Home Business: Zoning Restrictions (2026)

Arkansas law treats home occupations as a zoning matter under the Local Planning Act. A.C.A. §14-56-416 authorizes Fort Smith to regulate the use of buildings and to designate uses permitted by right, by special use permit, or by conditional use in each zoning district. The Fort Smith UDO typically permits a customary home occupation as an accessory use in residential districts subject to standards including: a percentage of floor area cap (commonly 25 to 30 percent of the dwelling) devoted to the business, no alteration of the residential character of the exterior, no non-resident employees or only one non-resident employee, limited customer traffic, no outdoor storage of materials, no noise audible at the property line beyond ordinary residential levels, and signage limited to a small non-illuminated identification sign. Major home occupations (e.g., medical practices, instructional studios with multiple students, or contractor offices with employees and equipment storage) typically require a special use permit from the Fort Smith Planning Commission with a noticed public hearing. The Planning Commission applies compatibility standards and may attach conditions including limits on hours, customer count, off-street parking, and screening. Home occupations must also comply with any City of Fort Smith business license obligations and any state professional licensing administered by the Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing or relevant occupational board.