Arkansas Limits on City Regulation of Fence and Building Materials

Act 1071 of 2019, codified at Ark. Code 14-56-204, prohibits Arkansas municipalities from regulating residential building design elements, including exterior building color, type or style of exterior cladding, roof materials and pitch, exterior ornamentation, window and door styling, room counts, and minimum square footage. While the statute targets buildings, fence materials are commonly addressed alongside cladding rules; cities still regulate fence height, location, and structural safety, but cannot mandate specific aesthetic materials for residential dwellings. Exceptions exist for properties in National Register or local historic districts, planned unit developments with private covenants, and properties subject to building code requirements.

Municipal ordinances violating Section 14-56-204 are unenforceable; affected homeowners or builders may challenge enforcement in court.