Little Rock, AR Landscaping Rules: Rainwater Harvesting (2026)
Key Facts
- Rain barrels
- Expressly allowed
- Screening
- Required from view
- Cover
- Lid or mosquito screen, locked
- Overflow outlet
- Must be screened too
- Governing section
- City Code Sec. 20-2(a)(2)d
Summary
Little Rock allows rain barrels for collecting roof runoff, but the code sets screening, covering, and mosquito-proofing requirements under the city's nuisance ordinance.
Rain barrels are allowed in the City of Little Rock for the purpose of collecting and storing rainwater from roofs and other nonpermeable surfaces that would otherwise be lost to runoff and diverted to storm drains and streams. Equipment for rain barrels shall be screened from view of adjacent properties and the public right-of-way through fencing, landscaping or a combination of the two. Rain barrels must be covered by a lid; if no lid is used, then rain barrels must be covered with a screen that allows water to get in, but prevents the breeding of mosquitoes. The lid or screen, whichever is used, must be securely attached with some form of lock in order to prevent the barrel from being opened and accessed by anyone not authorized by the owner of the barrel. If the barrel has an overflow on the side, it must have screening as well.
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
City Code Sec. 20-2(a)(2)d expressly permits rain barrels in Little Rock for collecting and storing rainwater from roofs and other nonpermeable surfaces. Equipment must be screened from view of adjacent properties and the public right-of-way with fencing, landscaping, or both. Barrels must be covered by a lid, or if unlidded, covered with a screen that lets water in but keeps mosquitoes out, and any overflow outlet on the side must also be screened. The lid or screen must be secured with a lock so the barrel can't be opened by anyone the owner hasn't authorized. Barrels that don't meet these conditions can be cited as a nuisance under the same section that covers junk, uncut weeds, and stagnant water.
Violations & Fines
Nonconforming rain barrels (unscreened, unlidded, or unlocked) are prosecuted as a Sec. 20-2 nuisance violation, same as trash or overgrown weeds, via written notice and abatement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I keep a rain barrel in my yard in Little Rock?
Does a rain barrel need to be locked?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Little Rock
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