USA Site Plans
Little Rock residential permit guide
Site Plan for Permit in Little Rock, AR: Permit-Ready Residential Plans
Planning a home addition, garage, deck, porch, shed, pool or new residence in Little Rock? A clear site plan helps permit reviewers understand where the proposed construction will be placed and how it relates to the complete property.
The drawing can show property boundaries, existing buildings, proposed work, setback dimensions, driveways, easements, utilities, grading, drainage and other site conditions needed for zoning and building review.
Quick answer
A Little Rock residential site plan is a scaled overhead drawing showing the complete lot, existing structures, proposed project and relevant distances to the property lines. Depending on the project, the permit package may also need architectural plans, structural details, utility information, grading and drainage documents or property-specific approvals.
What “permit-ready” means
A permit-ready plan is clearly organized for submission using the property records and project information supplied by the customer. It does not guarantee approval, independently certify legal property boundaries or replace a licensed Arkansas surveyor, architect or engineer when professional services are required.
What Is a Residential Site Plan?
A residential site plan is a scaled, top-down drawing of a parcel of land. It shows where buildings and exterior improvements are positioned in relation to the property boundaries.
A floor plan shows rooms, doors and interior spaces. A site plan shows how the house and proposed project fit on the property.
The drawing helps reviewers understand:
- The complete shape and dimensions of the lot
- The location of the existing residence
- The size and position of the proposed work
- The distance from construction to property lines
- The separation between existing and proposed structures
- How vehicles and pedestrians enter the property
- Whether easements, utilities, slopes or drainage may affect the project
For a broader explanation, read
Everything You Need to Know About a Site Plan
.
Little Rock Home Projects That May Need a Site Plan
A site plan is commonly requested when residential construction changes the building footprint, exterior property layout, vehicle access or use of the land.
Bedrooms, kitchens, family rooms, attached garages and other extensions that enlarge the existing residence.
New one- and two-family dwellings requiring coordinated site, architectural, structural and utility information.
Attached or detached vehicle structures that may affect setbacks, access and lot coverage.
Outdoor structures involving footprints, stairs, landings, setbacks and connections to the house.
Storage buildings, workshops and other detached structures proposed in a side or rear yard.
Pools, equipment, decks, barriers, gates and distances to buildings and property lines.
New or modified driveways, parking areas, curb access and paved surfaces.
Projects involving excavation, fill, slopes, drainage or changes to existing ground levels.
Minor interior repairs may not require the same type of site information. The necessary drawings depend on the scope of work and the property’s zoning, floodplain and historic status.
What Should a Little Rock Site Plan Show?
The precise level of detail depends on the project. However, a useful residential permit site plan commonly includes the following elements.
| Site-plan element | What the drawing should communicate |
|---|---|
| Property boundaries | The complete parcel outline and available boundary dimensions. |
| Existing residence | The house footprint and its position within the lot. |
| Existing improvements | Garages, sheds, decks, porches, pools, driveways, walkways and retaining walls. |
| Proposed construction | A clearly labeled footprint showing the proposed location, length and width. |
| Setback dimensions | The shortest distances from the proposed work to the front, side and rear property lines. |
| Building separation | Distances between the project, house and other existing structures where relevant. |
| Street and access | Street names, driveway locations, access widths, sidewalks, gates and pedestrian routes. |
| Easements and utilities | Known utility, drainage, sewer, access and other recorded easements. |
| Grading and drainage | Slopes, retaining walls, drainage directions, elevations and disturbed areas when required. |
| Drawing information | Property address, parcel information, scale, north arrow, notes and revision date. |
Little Rock Site Plan Review Criteria
Little Rock’s published site-plan review criteria for zoning, subdivision, conditional-use, variance and planned-development applications identify several items that may also be useful on residential permit plans.
These include:
- Existing and proposed permanent buildings
- Building dimensions
- Setbacks from property lines
- Existing and proposed parking
- Driveway locations and dimensions
- Points of access from adjacent streets
- Public utility locations
- Property-line dimensions
- Street names and right-of-way information
- Landscaped areas where applicable
A simple residential permit may not require every item used in a formal planning application. The important point is to provide enough information for staff to understand the entire property and proposed work.
Official resource:
Little Rock Residential Variance and Site Plan Review Criteria
.
Why Setback Dimensions Matter
A setback is the distance between a building or structure and a property boundary.
Setback measurements help zoning staff determine whether the proposed construction is positioned correctly on the property.
The applicable requirement can depend on:
- The zoning district
- The type of structure
- Whether the project is attached or detached
- The lot’s width, depth and configuration
- Whether the lot has more than one street frontage
- The location of the existing house
- Building height and lot coverage
- Recorded building lines and easements
- A planned residential development
- A variance or other previous approval
- A neighborhood design-overlay district
Do not copy setback measurements from a nearby property without confirming that both lots are subject to the same zoning and recorded restrictions.
Little Rock’s mapping applications can help identify zoning and other property information:
City of Little Rock Mapping Applications
.
Show the complete structure
Roof overhangs, stairs, decks, porches, balconies and other projections may affect the relevant measurement. Do not show only the main wall footprint when another part of the structure extends closer to a property line.
Do Not Guess the Legal Property Boundary
An existing fence, hedge, driveway edge, retaining wall or online aerial image does not necessarily identify the legal property line.
Boundary information may come from:
- A licensed boundary survey
- A recorded subdivision plat
- A deed description
- A previous approved site plan
- Reliable closing documents
- Property records supplied by the owner
An Arkansas professional land surveyor may be needed when:
- The project will be close to a property line
- Property corners cannot be located
- The lot is narrow or irregular
- An existing fence appears out of alignment
- A neighbor disputes the boundary
- Available records conflict
- The city requests verified boundary or elevation information
Unsigned site plan versus licensed survey
USA Site Plans prepares unsigned drawings using supplied property records and project information. The drawing does not independently establish or certify legal property boundaries and does not replace an Arkansas professional land surveyor when a certified survey is required.
Existing and Proposed Structures
The site plan should make it easy to distinguish existing features from new construction.
Existing improvements may include:
- The main residence
- Attached or detached garages
- Carports
- Decks and porches
- Sheds and accessory buildings
- Swimming pools
- Driveways and parking areas
- Walkways and patios
- Retaining walls
- Fences where relevant
The proposed project should be clearly labeled and dimensioned. Use different line types, shading or notes to prevent confusion.
The site plan must also agree with the remaining permit drawings. If the floor plan shows a 14-foot by 22-foot addition, the site plan should not show a different footprint.
Current Little Rock Residential Building Code
Little Rock enforces the 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, Volume III, for qualifying residential construction. This residential code is based on the 2021 International Residential Code with Arkansas amendments.
The city’s adopted construction codes also address:
Buildings and alterations
Residential buildings, additions, renovations, existing structures and applicable fire-safety requirements.
Mechanical and plumbing
Heating, cooling, ventilation, plumbing, fuel-gas and related residential installations.
Electrical, energy and pools
Electrical work, energy provisions and the adopted International Swimming Pool and Spa Code.
A site plan does not replace the architectural, structural, mechanical, plumbing or electrical documents required to demonstrate code compliance.
Official resource:
City of Little Rock Enforced Construction Codes
.
Other Permit Drawings That May Be Required
A site plan explains where the proposed work will be located. A complete residential permit package may also need construction drawings.
Depending on the project, these may include:
- Dimensioned floor plans
- Exterior elevations
- Building sections
- Foundation and footing plans
- Structural framing plans
- Deck framing and connection details
- Stair, handrail and guard details
- Roof-framing or truss information
- Mechanical plans
- Plumbing plans
- Electrical plans
- Energy-code information
- Manufacturer specifications
- Structural calculations
- Engineered grading or drainage plans
The city determines which documents are required based on the project’s size, design and complexity.
Garages, Sheds and Accessory Buildings
A site plan for a detached garage, shed, workshop or other accessory building should show the complete property rather than only the rear yard.
Include:
- The existing house
- All existing accessory buildings
- The proposed building footprint
- Overall length and width
- Distances to relevant property lines
- Distance to the house and other buildings
- Driveway or vehicle access
- Known utility and drainage easements
- Recorded building lines
Accessory-building requirements depend on the property’s zoning district, project size, height and location. Planned developments and design-overlay districts may impose additional standards.
Decks, Porches and Patio Projects
The site plan should identify the complete footprint of the proposed deck, porch or covered patio.
Show:
- The existing residence
- The proposed structure’s length and width
- Stairs and landings
- Distances to property lines
- Distance to other structures
- The connection to the house
- Nearby easements or retaining walls
The permit package may also require construction details showing footings, posts, beams, joists, ledger connections, stairs, guards and roof framing.
The site plan establishes the project location; it does not provide structural engineering or determine final framing sizes.
Swimming Pools and Spas
A pool or spa project can require a site plan showing more than the water area.
Depending on the project, include:
- Pool or spa dimensions
- Distances to property lines
- Distance to the house and accessory structures
- Pool equipment location
- Decking or paved areas
- Barrier and gate locations
- Overhead or underground utility information
- Drainage and excavation areas
- Known easements
Little Rock has adopted the 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code. Separate structural, electrical, plumbing and barrier information may therefore be required as part of the permit package.
Driveways and Public Right-of-Way
A residential site plan should clearly show how vehicles enter and move through the property.
Relevant features include:
- Adjacent street name
- Existing driveway
- Proposed driveway or widening
- Driveway width
- Garage or carport entrance
- Parking areas
- Sidewalks
- Curbs or pavement edges
- Vehicle gates
- Nearby drainage structures
Work affecting a public street, sidewalk, curb, drainage system or right-of-way may require separate Public Works review or approval.
New building-permit applications submitted through Little Rock’s Dynamic Portal must include the applicable civil-review comments form.
Official portal:
Little Rock Dynamic Portal
.
Easements and Utilities
Easements can restrict where foundations, buildings, pools, retaining walls and other permanent improvements may be placed.
Common easements include:
- Utility easements
- Drainage easements
- Sewer easements
- Access easements
- Shared-driveway easements
- Water-line easements
Depending on the project, available utility information may identify:
- Water service
- Sanitary sewer
- Gas service
- Electrical service
- Overhead utility lines
- Utility meters
- Storm-drainage connections
USA Site Plans can display utility information supplied by the property owner, utility provider or project professional. An unsigned drafting service does not independently locate underground services.
Floodplain Properties
Little Rock properties located wholly or partly within the regulatory floodplain require additional review.
The city requires an approved Special Flood Hazard Area development permit before a grading or building permit can be issued for development in an affected area.
Floodplain development can include:
- New buildings
- Additions or substantial improvements
- Manufactured-home placement
- Utility installation
- Walls and fences
- Grading, filling or excavation
- Paving
- Changes to drainage channels
Supporting documents may include:
- A field survey
- Floodplain and floodway lines
- Base Flood Elevation information
- Site-plan sheets
- Grading and drainage plans
- Finished-floor elevations
- Elevation Certificates
- Architectural plans
In many cases, an Arkansas licensed land surveyor or professional engineer will be needed to prepare or certify the required elevation information.
Official resource:
Little Rock Development Procedures in the Floodplain
.
A basic site plan may not be enough in a floodplain
Floodplain projects may require surveyed elevations, engineered drainage information and formal floodplain documents. Confirm the requirements before deciding where to place the proposed structure.
Grading, Drainage and Retaining Walls
Residential construction can change how water moves across a property.
Additional information may be required for:
- New houses
- Large additions
- Swimming pools
- New or widened driveways
- Retaining walls
- Projects involving excavation or fill
- Sloping lots
- Work near drainage channels
The site or supporting engineering plans may need to show:
- Existing and proposed contours
- Spot elevations
- Finished-floor elevation
- Cut-and-fill areas
- Retaining-wall locations
- Surface-water direction
- Drainage swales
- Stormwater structures
- Erosion-control measures
- Limits of disturbance
Little Rock adopted an updated Stormwater Management and Drainage Manual in 2025. Detailed drainage design, elevation verification and stormwater calculations may require a licensed civil engineer or land surveyor.
Official resource:
Little Rock Stormwater Management and Drainage Manual
.
Historic and Design-Overlay Districts
Some Little Rock properties are subject to historic or neighborhood design-review requirements in addition to ordinary zoning and building codes.
Within the local MacArthur Park Historic District, a Certificate of Appropriateness must be issued before a building permit can be approved for applicable work.
Historic review can apply to:
- New construction
- Home additions
- Accessory buildings
- Decks and porches
- Exterior alterations
- Rehabilitation or reconstruction
- Demolition
A site plan can help show:
- The relationship between the proposed work and existing house
- The position of accessory structures
- Visibility from the street
- Driveways and parking
- Property boundaries
- Existing and proposed footprints
Some neighborhoods, including Heights, Hillcrest and Central High, also have design-overlay standards that may affect setbacks, building placement, additions, trees or accessory structures.
Official resource:
Little Rock Planning Boards and Historic District Information
.
Confirm That the Property Is Inside City Limits
A Little Rock mailing address does not always prove that the property is located within the City of Little Rock.
The city stopped exercising planning and regulatory authority in its former extraterritorial jurisdiction in August 2025. Properties outside city limits may therefore follow Pulaski County or another municipality’s requirements.
Before preparing the permit application, confirm:
- The property’s municipal jurisdiction
- The correct parcel number
- The applicable zoning district
- Whether a design overlay applies
- Whether the property lies in a floodplain
- Which agency controls the adjacent road
Official resource:
Little Rock Planning and Development
.
Submitting Plans Online
Little Rock uses its Dynamic Portal for building-permit applications and plan submission.
An account allows applicants to:
- Submit building applications and plans
- View pending applications
- Provide additional information
- Submit revisions
- Pay permit fees
- Request inspections
- Review application and inspection status
For easier electronic review:
- Use clear file names
- Keep the address consistent on every document
- Upload readable drawings at an appropriate sheet size
- Use a clear scale
- Make dimensions and labels easy to read
- Distinguish existing and proposed work
- Coordinate the site plan with the construction drawings
- Add the current revision date
- Submit the required civil-review form
- Replace every affected sheet when responding to comments
Official portal:
City of Little Rock Dynamic Portal
.
What to Provide When Ordering Your Site Plan
Reliable property and project information helps produce a clearer drawing and reduces avoidable revisions.
Provide as much of the following as possible:
- Complete Little Rock property address
- Parcel number
- Confirmation of city jurisdiction
- Current property survey
- Recorded subdivision plat
- Previous approved site plan
- Existing house plans
- Project description
- Proposed structure dimensions
- Desired project location
- Distances to property boundaries
- Photographs of the project area
- Hand-drawn sketch or marked image
- Builder or manufacturer drawings
- Driveway and parking information
- Known easements
- Utility information
- Retaining-wall details
- Existing or proposed elevations
- Floodplain or historic-review information
- Comments received from city staff
You can also review our
step-by-step guide to creating a site plan
to understand the information used to prepare a residential drawing.
A Practical Little Rock Permit Process
Confirm jurisdiction
Verify that the property is located within the City of Little Rock.
Define the project
Confirm exactly what will be constructed, enlarged, altered or removed.
Gather property records
Collect the survey, plat, parcel information, photographs and available plans.
Check site controls
Review zoning, setbacks, easements, floodplain status and design-overlay requirements.
Prepare the site plan
Show the complete lot, existing structures, proposed work and relevant dimensions.
Coordinate the drawings
Make sure the site plan agrees with architectural, structural and trade documents.
Submit online
Upload the permit application, plans and required civil-review documentation.
Respond to comments
Update every affected sheet and wait for permit issuance before starting construction.
Common Little Rock Site Plan Mistakes
- Showing only the proposed project instead of the complete property
- Leaving out one or more property boundaries
- Failing to show front, side and rear setback dimensions
- Using an existing fence as the assumed legal property line
- Leaving out garages, sheds, decks or other existing structures
- Failing to distinguish existing and proposed construction
- Using dimensions that conflict with the floor plans
- Leaving out driveways or parking areas
- Ignoring utility, drainage or access easements
- Failing to verify that the property is inside city limits
- Overlooking floodplain requirements
- Overlooking historic or design-overlay review
- Ignoring grading, drainage or retaining-wall conditions
- Submitting unreadable electronic files
- Failing to include required civil-review documents
- Using an outdated drawing revision
- Beginning work before permits are issued
Little Rock Residential Site Plan Checklist
- Correct property address shown
- Parcel information included
- City jurisdiction confirmed
- North arrow included
- Drawing scale identified
- Complete property outline shown
- Available boundary dimensions included
- Adjacent street identified
- Existing residence shown
- Existing accessory structures shown
- Proposed construction clearly labeled
- Proposed length and width included
- Front setback dimensioned
- Side setbacks dimensioned
- Rear setback dimensioned
- Distance to other structures shown
- Driveways and parking shown
- Walkways and patios shown where relevant
- Known easements shown
- Utilities shown when applicable
- Zoning district checked
- Floodplain status checked
- Historic or overlay status checked
- Grading shown when required
- Drainage shown when required
- Existing and proposed work distinguished
- Professional requirements confirmed
- Site plan matches construction drawings
- Current revision date included
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every Little Rock home project require a site plan?
No. The documents depend on the work. Projects that create or enlarge a building footprint, add an accessory structure, install a pool, alter access or affect setbacks are more likely to require a site plan.
Can an unsigned site plan establish my property boundary?
No. An unsigned drafted plan can show property lines based on supplied records, but it does not establish or certify the legal boundary. An Arkansas professional land surveyor may be required.
Can permit plans be submitted online?
Yes. Little Rock’s Dynamic Portal allows applicants to submit building applications and plans, provide revisions, pay fees and manage inspections.
What residential code does Little Rock use?
Little Rock enforces the 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, Volume III, for residential construction. It is based on the 2021 International Residential Code with Arkansas amendments.
What if the property is in a floodplain?
A Special Flood Hazard Area development permit and supporting documents may be required before a grading or building permit can be issued. Surveyed elevations and professional certification may also be necessary.
What if the house is in a historic district?
Applicable work in the MacArthur Park Historic District requires a Certificate of Appropriateness before the building permit can be issued. Other overlay districts may also impose additional standards.
Does a site plan include structural engineering?
No. A site plan shows where the project sits on the property. Foundations, framing, beams, footings, connections, retaining walls and structural calculations are separate services.
How quickly can USA Site Plans prepare the drawing?
USA Site Plans offers a standard 24-hour turnaround for typical unsigned residential drafting orders when sufficient property records, dimensions and project information are supplied.
Does a permit-ready site plan guarantee approval?
No. Approval depends on the property, zoning, project design, building code and review by the City of Little Rock and other responsible agencies.
Related USA Site Plan Guides
Order a Permit-Ready Residential Site Plan for Little Rock
Send us the property address, proposed dimensions, project location, photographs and any available survey, recorded plat, builder drawing or permit comments.
Final Thoughts
A clear Little Rock residential site plan should make the property and proposed project easy to understand.
The drawing should show property boundaries, existing buildings, proposed construction, setback measurements, access and other relevant site conditions.
Depending on the property and project, the permit process may also involve civil review, floodplain approval, historic review, grading, drainage or professionally prepared documents.
Reliable property records and consistent dimensions can reduce review comments caused by missing features, unclear labels or drawings that do not agree with the rest of the permit set.
Ready to begin?
Order your Little Rock residential site plan
.
Official Little Rock Resources
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Little Rock Planning and Development
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Building Codes, Zoning and Planning Divisions
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Little Rock Dynamic Permit Portal
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Little Rock Enforced Construction Codes
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Residential Variance and Site Plan Review Criteria
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Development Procedures in the Floodplain
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Stormwater Management and Drainage Manual
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Historic District and Planning Review Information
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Little Rock Mapping Applications
Disclaimer: This article provides general educational information and does not constitute legal, zoning, surveying, architectural, engineering, structural, grading, drainage, floodplain, historic-preservation, building-code or permit-approval advice. Requirements depend on the property, jurisdiction, zoning district, floodplain status, overlays, project scope and current instructions from the City of Little Rock. USA Site Plans provides unsigned drafting services based on supplied property records and project information. An unsigned drafted site plan does not establish legal boundaries or replace a licensed surveyor, architect, engineer or other professional when one is required.