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 - Will-Serve Letter — Wastewater Utilityrequired
A will-serve letter from the wastewater utility (Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority).
source · reviewed 2026-06-22 - Will-Serve Letter — Water Utilityrequired
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