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Little Rock ADUs
backyard cottages, front porch conversations
The City of Little Rock has launched a community engagement initiative as part of its response to a new state law passed in 2025 by the Arkansas Legislature. This law (Act 313 of 2025) requires municipalities in Arkansas to allow more flexible housing options--like backyard cottages, garage apartments, and in-law suites--on residential lots. Our goal is to make sure these changes support the unique needs of Little Rock families and neighborhoods, and your voice is central to that process.
A zoning code ordinance, Ord. No. 22, 647,was approved by the Board of Directors on August 19th and is in effect. This ordinance was proposed to help safeguard local interests while boarder community engagement continues.The City introduced this ordinance to ensure compliance with the newly enacted state law, which went into effect on August 5th, and to establish a clear regulatory framework for those seeking to operate under it. The Planning & Development Department is actively gathering public input to help shape future decisions regarding ADUs in the city.
Stay Informed: Learn more, get involved, and share your thoughts by visiting the project website: tinyurl.com/ADUsLR.
Your Input Matters: Share your input with City Planning & Development staff by submitting a comment through the website or sending comments to hratzlaff@LittleRock.gov, or call (501) 371-4790 with questions.
Updates:
August 25th - A community meeting was held on August 25th at 6:00 PM at the Donald W. Reynolds Center for Business and Economic Development (5849–5959 W. 28th St, Little Rock, AR 72204) to discuss the new state law, new city ordinance, and the results of the ADU Community Survey. The meeting presentation slides can be viewed here.
August 19th - Zoning code ordinance, Ord. No. 22,647 approved by Board of Directors.
July 17th - The ADU Community Survey launched on July 17th and closed on August 24th. Survey results can be viewed here: (upcoming)
Paul Laurence Dunbar School National Register Nomination Project
Obtaining National Significance & Telling the Full Story
The City of Little Rock received federal grant funding to research, prepare, and submit an updated National Register nomination for the Paul Laurence Dunbar School ("Dunbar"). The nomination will aim to elevate the site’s level significance to national significance and will comprehensively reflect the themes, significant people, and events of the site related to African American history. This project is funded in part by the Underrepresented Communities grant program through the Historic Preservation Fund, administered by the National Parks Service. This nomination project is in partnership with the Little Rock School District, the Dunbar Historic Neighborhood Association, and the Quapaw Quarter Association. View the project website by click the "Learn More" button below.
Read the proposed nomination here: Paul Laurence Dunbar School National Register Nomination - Additional Documentation.
What's Happened
The nomination for the Dunbar Junior and Senior High School and Junior College, submitted as Additional Documentation for local significance and national significance, was unanimously supported by the Little Rock Historic District Commission at the HDC's July 7th meeting. Clifton Historic Resources provided a presentation of the nomination at the meeting and a recording of the presentation will be made available soon.
What's New
The nomination will now be heard before the Arkansas State Review Board on December 3, 2025 at 10:00 AM at 1100 North Street, Little Rock, 72201. To learn more about this meeting, visit the Arkansas Heritage website.
Storm Water Management Plan
What's New
The Storm Water Management Plan is currently in its final stages of review and should be approved by the end of March 2025.
