Little Rock ADU permit requirements
Last reviewed: June 22, 2026
Quick answer
Permitting an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in Little Rock, Arkansas means pulling a building permit from the local authority that issues it. ArchPermit tracks 12 source-cited requirements (7 required, the rest conditional) for this jurisdiction. Submittals go through Little Rock Dynamic Portal (paperless). These requirements were last reviewed June 22, 2026; confirm the exact forms and fees with the local permitting authority.
A source-cited checklist of what an ADU (accessory dwelling unit) permit package needs in City of Little Rock. Every item links to its authoritative source; items that vary are flagged to confirm locally.
ADUs are by-right (a permitted use) in ALL zoning districts when accessory to a single-family dwelling of greater square footage on the same lot. Little Rock adopted Sec. 36-204 (Aug 19 2025) to comply with Arkansas Act 313 of 2025, replacing the prior conditional-use regime. One ADU per lot; ≤75% of the primary dwelling's gross floor area or 1,000 sf, whichever is less; must meet the single-family setbacks, lot coverage, and height of the district (otherwise a Board of Adjustment variance is required). There is NO owner-occupancy requirement and no extra parking for a by-right ADU. A detached ADU can't be occupied before the primary dwelling exists. Properties in a local historic district need a Certificate of Appropriateness first.
- Building Permit Applicationrequired
Standard city application (check the 'Accessory' class of work); captures address, legal description, owner, contractor, square feet, valuation, and use.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Construction Plans / Building Plan Setrequired
One complete set of plans for new construction, uploaded via the Dynamic Portal for plan review.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Property Survey with Structure to Scale (4 copies)required
Survey with the ADU drawn to scale (the City checklist requires 4 copies for new accessory structures).
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Separate Electrical / Gas / Plumbing / Mechanical Permitsrequired
The application states separate permits are required for these trades; an ADU has its own kitchen/bath, so they apply.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Site Plan (setbacks, coverage, height)required
Demonstrates the ADU meets single-family setback, lot-coverage, and height standards (Sec. 36-204(b)(2)).
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Wastewater Utility Will-Serve Letterrequired
A will-serve letter from the wastewater utility (Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority).
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Water Utility Will-Serve Letterrequired
Sec. 36-204(b)(1)(b) requires a will-serve letter from the water utility (Central Arkansas Water).
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - $10,000 Surety Bond (payable to the City)conditional
Required of the permit-pulling contractor per the City checklist.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Arkansas Contractor's License (copy)conditional
Required if the work exceeds $2,000 and is done by a contractor (state law).
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Board of Adjustment Variance Applicationconditional
Required only if the ADU does not meet the Sec. 36-204(b)(2) development standards.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Certificate of Appropriateness (Historic District Commission)conditional
Required before permit issuance only if the property is in a local historic district.
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - City of Little Rock Contractor's Licenseconditional
Required for contractors operating in the city (reciprocity for out-of-city AR contractors).
source · reviewed 2026-06-22
Little Rock ADU permit questions
- Do I need a permit to build an ADU in Little Rock?
- Yes. An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) in Little Rock requires a building permit. ArchPermit tracks 12 cited requirements for this jurisdiction (7 required, the rest conditional). Always confirm the exact forms, fees, and code edition with the local permitting authority that issues the permit.
- What does an ADU permit package require in Little Rock?
- Core required items include: Building Permit Application; Construction Plans / Building Plan Set; Property Survey with Structure to Scale (4 copies); Separate Electrical / Gas / Plumbing / Mechanical Permits; Site Plan (setbacks, coverage, height); Wastewater Utility Will-Serve Letter, plus 1 more. Each requirement links to its authoritative source, and nothing is permit-ready until an independent licensed professional reviews and seals it.
- How are ADU permits submitted in Little Rock?
- Little Rock accepts permit submittals via Little Rock Dynamic Portal (paperless). ArchPermit prepares a draft package you can submit there after a licensed architect reviews and seals it.