Arkansas's Act 313 makes ADUs by-right statewide with capped fees and no owner-occupancy — strong in the booming Northwest Arkansas market.
Building approval
Arkansas Manufactured Home Commission
Program
Commission-licensed modular — Third-party label, state-reviewed
ADU law
Act 313 of 2025 (eff. Jan 1, 2026) (statewide)
ADU summary
Every city must allow one ADU by-right; fees capped $250; no owner-occupancy.
Site / structural drivers
Tornado wind; NE Arkansas New Madrid seismic
Verdict
Statewide ADU by-right (2026)
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Yes. Act 313 of 2025, effective January 1, 2026, requires every Arkansas city and county to allow at least one ADU by right on a single-family lot — no public hearing or discretionary zoning action. The law caps ADU application fees at $250, removes off-street parking requirements, prohibits owner-occupancy and matching-exterior mandates, and limits the ADU to 75% of the primary home or 1,000 sq ft (whichever is smaller). Cities are updating their codes to comply through 2026.
The Arkansas Manufactured Home Commission (within the Department of Labor and Licensing) licenses and certifies manufacturers, retailers, and installers of manufactured and modular homes, and sets installation standards. Modular homes are built to the adopted building code; your local jurisdiction permits the site work — foundation, utilities, zoning. Work only with a commission-licensed manufacturer and installer.
It's a big deal in the booming NWA market (Bentonville, Fayetteville, Rogers, Springdale), where housing demand is high. With ADUs now by-right, capped fees, and no parking/owner-occupancy mandates, adding a rentable backyard unit is far more predictable. Cities are aligning their ordinances; confirm your city's updated rule and the 75%/1,000 sq ft cap.
General information, current as of 2026 — not legal advice. Confirm specifics with your local jurisdiction.
Wind and seismic. Arkansas sees significant tornado/high-wind activity statewide, so the structure is engineered to the design wind speeds. And northeastern Arkansas (the Mississippi County / Jonesboro area) sits in the New Madrid Seismic Zone, where seismic design is essential. The Ozarks add some cold and light snow. PSL Modular sets the spec from your site.
Yes. NWA's growth (Walmart/JB Hunt/Tyson ecosystem) and statewide workforce demand suit modular, and Act 313 makes ADUs a strong play. The commission-overseen unit clears the building; your work is the (now simpler) local zoning and the site.