Arkansas Code 8-9-110 preempts local regulation of plastic straws and related single-use items as auxiliary containers. Cities cannot impose bans, fees, or upon-request rules different from state law on plastic straws statewide.
Plastic drinking straws are encompassed within the broad auxiliary container definition under Act 879 of 2021, codified at Arkansas Code 8-9-110. Cities and counties cannot ban plastic straws, charge fees for them, or require upon-request-only distribution. Restaurants may continue providing plastic straws to customers without local penalty. Voluntary policies by businesses to reduce straw use or offer paper alternatives remain permitted. Solid-waste and litter laws continue to apply uniformly statewide. Local sustainability ordinances inconsistent with state law are unenforceable.
Local straw ordinances are unenforceable; restaurants and retailers may seek declaratory and injunctive relief against subdivisions attempting enforcement.
Fort Smith, AR
Swimming pools in Fort Smith must comply with the 2021 International Residential Code (Appendix G) and the Arkansas Pool Safety Act (A.C.A. 20-26-301 et seq....
Fort Smith, AR
Fort Smith's Chapter 27 UDO lists allowed residential fence materials (wood, metal tubing, wrought iron, stone, masonry, chain link, and listed vinyl/composi...
Fort Smith, AR
Fort Smith's Chapter 27 UDO does not require neighbor consent to build a fence; the owner only needs to stay on their own property and meet the city's height...
Fort Smith, AR
Fort Smith requires a building permit for any fence taller than 6 feet, issued by the Building Safety Division at 623 Garrison Avenue. Shorter fences must st...
Fort Smith, AR
Fort Smith's Unified Development Ordinance (Chapter 27, including Article 27-700 General Standards and Article 27-400 Zoning Districts) generally caps reside...
Fort Smith, AR
Fort Smith's Code of Ordinances does not impose a single fixed numerical cap on household dogs and cats, but Section 4-108 (effective July 17, 2023) requires...
See how Fort Smith's plastic straw rules rules stack up against other locations.
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