Unincorporated Garland County

A Floodplain Development Permit is required for any development (construction, fill, grading, or improvement) on land where any portion of the parcel is within a Special Flood Hazard Area, per Garland County Ordinance 0-09-58 (December 15, 2009). For properties entirely outside the SFHA, a county-level construction permit is not confirmed as required; however, state codes apply and contractor licensing requirements still govern.

• Exempt Properties entirely outside any Special Flood Hazard Area may obtain an exemption certificate from the Floodplain Administrator rather than a full permit
• Exempt Minor maintenance and repair work not constituting 'development' under NFIP definitions may not require a floodplain permit

Note: Because there is no general county building permit program for unincorporated Garland County, the concept of 'exempt work' applies primarily to the floodplain permit context. Contact 501-767-3911 to confirm.

Building code

Garland County Code of Ordinances Chapter 14 covers building and burning regulations. Arkansas state-adopted codes (2021 IBC/IRC basis) apply statewide including in unincorporated areas; local enforcement for general construction is limited. Floodplain construction standards are governed by NFIP requirements per county ordinance.

Contractor requirements

Arkansas state licensing applies (residential projects over $2,000 require state license; commercial over $50,000).

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

1. 01
   For development in a Special Flood Hazard Area: Verify flood zone status using FEMA Flood Map Service Center (https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home) or contact Floodplain Administrator at 501-767-3911
2. 02
   If property is in a SFHA, apply for a Floodplain Development Permit through the Garland County Office of Emergency Management, 401 Mid-America Blvd
3. 03
   Submit application with required documents showing compliance with NFIP standards
4. 04
   Pay permit fee (fee schedule not published; contact 501-767-3911)
5. 05
   Permit issued; address issued by 911 Administrative Office of the Garland County Department of Emergency Management
6. 06
   Construct in compliance with floodplain standards; inspections as required by the Floodplain Administrator
7. 07
   Obtain address from the 911 Administrative Office (Garland County Department of Emergency Management) before construction
8. 08
   Ensure contractor holds valid Arkansas state license if required by project value
9. 09
   Comply with Arkansas state building codes (enforced by State Fire Marshal statewide)

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

• 501-767-3911 (phone)

Typical sequence: Inspections as required by NFIP standards for floodplain compliance (elevation certificate documentation, pre-construction and post-construction as needed).