Off-grid site report
Carroll County, AR
36.4047, -93.7362 · 1,273 ft elevationRead this before you act on anything below. This is my researched starting point for Carroll County, AR, not legal advice and not a guarantee. Rules change, and the deciding facts on any specific parcel (setbacks, perc results, overlay districts, deed restrictions, road frontage) live at the county or town office, not in any database. Before you buy land or build, confirm the current rules directly with the local zoning and health offices - the sources on this page tell you exactly who to call.
The local rulesCarroll County, AR
Zoning & raw-land occupancy
Unclear - verifyArkansas law allows county planning boards to adopt zoning for unincorporated areas, but it's optional. It's not confirmed whether Carroll County has an active zoning ordinance/map outside city limits; inside Eureka Springs, Berryville, Green Forest, and Alpena, the cities themselves set zoning. source
Dwellings, tiny homes & RVs
Varies locallyNo county ordinance on tiny homes or RV residency was found, and Arkansas has no statewide statute on the topic either. This appears to be decided city by city inside limits, with unincorporated county policy not confirmed.
Building permits & codes
Varies locallyThe county's own relocation page says building inside city limits means following zoning and stricter building codes, while outside city limits code enforcement is described as much more relaxed. That's a general description from a county informational page, not a specific ordinance, so confirm details with the County Clerk's office.
Septic & composting toilets
Generally allowedThe Arkansas Department of Health's Onsite Wastewater Program sets statewide rules, enforced locally through the Carroll County Health Unit, which handles permits and inspections. A narrow permit exemption exists for a single residence on ten-plus acres with the system over 200 feet from all property lines, but a Health Unit exemption letter is still required. source
Greywater reuse
RestrictedNo Carroll County-specific greywater rule was found; this inherits the Arkansas Department of Health's statewide standard, which generally requires greywater to go through an approved system such as the permitted septic setup.
Rainwater harvesting
Generally allowedNo county or state restriction on rainwater catchment was found in official sources; treat this as generally allowed for non-potable use.
Private wells & water rights
Generally allowedArkansas Department of Health sets statewide well-construction standards, and no additional Carroll County well permit was found. Many residents alternatively connect to the Carroll-Boone Water District rather than drilling, though the county notes local soil can make digging slow. source
Living disconnected from utilities
Unclear - verifyNo official source requires hookup to electric, gas, water, or sewer for a private residence, and the county's own relocation guide describes wells, septic, and self-maintained roads as normal for rural living, provided sewage disposal meets ADH standards.
Sun30-year normals
- Peak-sun hours, annual average
- 5.1 hrs/day
- Worst month (sizes an off-grid array)
- 3.7 hrs/day
- Yearly output per 1 kW of panels
- 1,416 kWh
JFMAMJJASOND
Weather1991-2020
- Precipitation
- 47 in/yr
- Snowfall
- 14 in/yr
- Heating degree days
- 3,981 (moderate)
- Frost-free season
- Apr 8 to Oct 30
How far help isstraight-line
- Hospital
Eureka Springs Hospital - 0.5 mi
- Fire station
Eureka Springs Fire & EMS Station #3 - 0.3 mi
- Hardware store
Meek's Lumber - 16.5 mi
- Grocery
Hart's Family Center - 0.8 mi
From OpenStreetMap. Road miles will be longer, often much longer in hill country.
Plan this spot
These open with this location's real numbers already filled in (ZIP 72632).
Size a solar systemHeat loss & insulationFirewood per winterRainwater harvestGarden sizePanel tilt
Looking at a specific parcel in Carroll County, AR?The rules above are the jurisdiction. The land check runs the parcel itself: flood zone, soils and septic suitability, wetlands, slope, access, climate, and these verdicts, from a parcel number or coordinates.
Check a parcel →Share or save this report:New report
Sources: US Census Bureau geocoder; NLR PVWatts v8 (solar); NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 climate normals (nearest station) or Open-Meteo (ZIP-centroid) for weather; Open-Elevation; OpenStreetMap contributors. Public data retrieved Aug 22, 2026; agencies update their layers on their own schedules. Planning data, not a survey or legal advice.
New here, or not sure where this fits? Start here walks through the whole thing in order.