Arkansas is a great place to live a slower, basic, off-grid lifestyle because of its outdoor living possibilities and breathtaking natural scenery. People from Arkansas are renowned for having a laid-back, tranquil, and rural mindset.
If you’re thinking of living or buying a tiny home in the natural state of Arkansas, it’s essential to know the laws of tiny houses. In this post, we will explore the legal landscape of tiny houses, look at the types permitted, the counties and cities that allow them, and the building codes and zoning ordinances that apply to them.
Tiny House Prices in Arkansas
After starting your tiny house project, you are probably wondering about the cost possibilities that will satisfy both your tiny living goals and your budget.
Size, design, material costs, and labor expenses are just a few of the variables that can affect the price of building a tiny house in Arkansas, it starts at $20,000 to $100,000 or more on average.
Furthermore, we have an option for every living style and budget to move one step closer to your living project. Check out tiny houses for sale in Arkansas.
What Counties in Arkansas Allow Tiny Houses?
Due to no state laws governing small homes in Arkansas, it’s critical to learn about the municipal codes in the county where you intend to construct or locate a tiny house. It implies that each county in Arkansas has its unique set of laws, and before adopting the small home lifestyle in the state, be aware of these laws.
Washington County
Tiny homes in Washington County, particularly in and around Fayetteville, require a minimum floor area of 120 square feet. They are also unable to be mobile. For tiny houses accepted as independent homes, they also need specific architectural requirements and have pitched roofs.
Lawrence County
Regrettably, Walnut Ridge and Lawrence County compared, to several other Arkansas counties, are not as welcoming to modest homes. It held a vote on an amendment limiting the size of dwellings to 600 square feet or less. For tiny home enthusiasts in the county with lofty goals, consider restrictive because homes are about 400 square feet or less. Other regulations include minimum square footage requirements, zoning restrictions, and permits for mobile homes or tiny houses on wheels.
Faulkner County
There are no minimum building size limits in Faulkner County, Arkansas. Nonetheless, autonomous communities, neighborhoods, and subdivisions can enact laws apart from the county. Be sure to consult the local governments in Faulkner County before beginning construction.
Tiny House Regulations And Rules In Arkansas
Tiny houses in Arkansas are subject to regulations and rules. Homeowners must adhere to building codes and zoning laws when constructed and placed in their tiny homes. There are also regulations regarding the size and usage of the living area and the installation of utilities.
Additionally, homeowners need permits for building and parking their tiny homes on their property. Some areas may also have restrictions on the use of storage buildings and the presence of smaller homes on a property.
Permanent Structure Rules
Local governments in Arkansas have the authority to impose laws and regulations on the location and building of permanent construction. Zoning rules that set minimum square footage limits for homes frequently control these limitations.
In that way, a tiny home must adhere to the International Residential Code (IRC), which the particular jurisdiction classifies as permanent construction compliant with Arkansas building rules.
For example, there are currently no rules in Pine Bluff specifically for tiny homes. However, an ordinance suggests building codes and use classification, which requires tiny houses to comply with building requirements and be limited to R4 zones with approval from the planning commission.
Likewise, the city of Rogers, Arkansas, has a portion of lots close to Bella Vista Lake Park to permit the creation of tiny houses. Tiny homes are legal in residential zones in Rogers if they are from the ground up on land with a foundation.
Temporary Structure Rules
In Arkansas, temporary tiny homes—such as those on wheels—are also known as mobile homes or recreational vehicles (RVs) and are subject to separate rules. These buildings are in mobile homes or RV parks and are often not allowed as permanent houses. They also have to go by the same laws and restrictions as RVs. For instance, tiny homes on wheels are only allowed in specific parks in Pine Bluff and must abide by RV rules.
Transitional Structure Rules
Local zoning laws also apply to transitional buildings, which can act as a link between temporary and permanent housing—the homeless as transitory accommodation in several localities to use tiny dwellings. In Arkansas, the legality of residing in a tiny home as a transitional home varies according to the county and its legislation.
In Arkansas, Where Can I Build A Tiny House?
The location of your tiny home plays an important role. If you need help through the process, handle all the paperwork, and ensure your home conforms with construction codes, choose a certified tiny house builder.
Constructing a tiny house is a big project, so it doesn’t need to be stressful if you plan accordingly. The typical places for tiny houses include the following:
- National Parks and campgrounds
- RV parks
- Tiny house communities
- Private properties
Tiny House Communities in Arkansas
Eagle Homes
Considering the only tiny home neighborhood in Arkansas at the moment, Eagle Homes takes great delight in this fact. Due to the community being established in 2021, the homes are new. The 50 separate small houses that integrate Eagle Houses on Monte Ne are each around 400 square feet, with one bedroom, one bathroom, and one automobile that can be parked near the residences.
Sanctuary Escala
Sanctuary Escala is a community intentionally existing as a sacred healing place, retreat center, teaching center, organic farm, and eco-village. The neighborhood in Pine Bluff offers residents a variety of alternative housing options.
Tiny homes, yurts, tee-pees, geo-dome dwellings, treehouses, tents, cargo trailers, RVs, converted buses, and naturally occurring buildings are among the structures on the land. To live in the community, you can arrange a job exchange, buy spaces, or rent spaces.
Tiny House Builders Near Me
Eliminate the need to scout for local builders to find your tiny home because Great Lakes Tiny Homes offers multiple tiny house designs with nationwide shipping.
Moreover, Great Lakes Tiny Homes is an RV Industry Association (RVIA) builder. The certification provides tangible proof of the strict production guidelines followed in conjunction with construction, safety, and legal requirements for tiny homes.
Do I Need a Certified Builder?
Yes, you need one. Working with an RVIA-certified builder, such as Great Lakes Tiny Homes, ensures you will own a tiny home manufactured according to rules and regulations.
It also provides peace of mind since it guarantees the materials on your house are high-quality, long-lasting, and safe.
Other advantages of working with a certified builder include access to financing options and insurance coverage. RVIA standards certify that your tiny home is a habitable and safe environment.
FAQs
Can You Make a Tiny House in Arkansas Your Main Residence?
Sure, in Arkansas, you can make a tiny home your permanent residence.
But consider laws and ordinances may differ. The best course of action is to find out whether your small home complies with all applicable laws and regulations, including inspection requirements, by contacting your local zoning and authorities.
Remember to work with certified builders to enjoy the perks of a simpler, more sustainable lifestyle in Arkansas.
Are There Any Areas in Arkansas Where Tiny Houses Are Restricted?
Currently, there are no statewide restrictions on tiny houses in Arkansas. However, some local zoning laws may limit the placement of tiny houses in certain areas. Research and understand the specific regulations in the city or county where you plan to build or place a tiny house. Always check with local authorities to ensure compliance with any zoning restrictions.
Does My Tiny Home in Arkansas Need to Pay Property Taxes?
Regardless of the size or style of your home, you must usually pay property taxes in Arkansas if you own real estate.
Property taxes are levied according to the value and go toward supporting infrastructure and services provided by the local government.
Conclusion
In summary, the regulations for tiny houses in Arkansas vary greatly by county, city, and town, with some areas being more welcoming than others. Prospective tiny house owners can research and understand the specific regulations of the area where they plan to build or place their tiny houses.
