Hot Springs Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Hot Springs Zoning Overview
Hot Springs is a unique Arkansas city centered around Hot Springs National Park, the only national park within a citys boundaries. The citys zoning must balance tourism and hospitality uses along historic Bathhouse Row, residential neighborhoods, and the entertainment district. The presence of the national park and surrounding Ouachita National Forest constrains development and shapes the citys compact urban form.
Key Zoning Districts
Hot Springs uses a district-based zoning system with residential, commercial, and industrial classifications. Arkansas does not mandate a statewide residential building code, so local jurisdictions adopt and enforce their own building codes and development standards. Most larger Arkansas cities have adopted editions of the International Building Code.
ADU Regulations
Arkansas does not have a statewide ADU law, so accessory dwelling unit regulations are determined entirely by local ordinance. Hot Springs addresses accessory structures through its zoning code. Contact the local planning department for current requirements regarding ADU permissibility, size limits, and permitting procedures.
Development Process
Building permits are processed through the local building and planning departments. Projects must comply with the locally adopted building code and zoning ordinance. Rezoning requests and variances typically go through the planning commission and board of adjustment.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Hot Springs
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA Flood Zones: Applicable
- View FEMA Flood Map
State — Arkansas
- Building Code: No mandatory statewide residential building code
County — Garland County
- Role: Property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning
City / Municipal
The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
- Check HOA CC&Rs for additional restrictions.
Primary Zoning Districts
- Min Lot
- 8,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 25 ft
- Side Setback
- 7 ft
- Rear Setback
- 20 ft
- Min Lot
- 6,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 45 ft
- Front Setback
- 25 ft
- Side Setback
- 8 ft
- Rear Setback
- 20 ft
- Min Lot
- None
- Max Height
- 45 ft
- Front Setback
- 10 ft
- Side Setback
- 0 ft
- Rear Setback
- 10 ft
ADU Rules in Hot Springs
- Max Size
- 800 sq ft
- Max Height
- 25 ft
- Rear Setback
- 5 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Parking
- 1 off-street space required
- Owner Occupancy
- Required
- Permit Timeline
- 30-60 days
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Hot Springs are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Hot Springs permit fees →