Unincorporated Garland County

Floodplain Development Permit is required for development in SFHA within unincorporated areas. No county-wide general building permit program was confirmed for non-floodplain unincorporated construction.

• Exempt Properties outside Special Flood Hazard Areas may obtain an exemption certificate instead of a floodplain permit.
• Exempt Minor maintenance and repair work not defined as development under NFIP may be exempt from floodplain permitting.

Note: Because there is no general county building permit program, exemption language is primarily floodplain-specific.

Building code

Arkansas state building code standards (2021 IBC/IRC basis) apply statewide; local floodplain standards are governed by county ordinance and NFIP.

Contractor requirements

Arkansas state contractor licensing requirements apply.

1. 01
   Verify flood-zone status using FEMA or by contacting the Floodplain Administrator.
2. 02
   For SFHA properties, apply for a Floodplain Development Permit through the Garland County Office of Emergency Management.
3. 03
   Submit application documentation showing NFIP compliance.
4. 04
   Pay permit fee if one applies.
5. 05
   Permit issued; address support is coordinated through the 911 Administrative Office.
6. 06
   Construct in compliance with floodplain standards.

Source: Garland County Office of Emergency Management, Floodplain Administrator ↗

• 501-767-3911 (phone)

Typical sequence: NFIP floodplain inspections as required (including pre-construction and post-construction items as directed).