Rules & Permits
Rules
The documents below form the regulatory framework for our all of the agency's activities.
Enabling Legislation
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Vision, Rules and Standards
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Permit Applications
Only complete applications will be accepted by staff for Commission review. You can contact the Capitol Zoning Commission staff with questions about your application, before and after it is submitted. The City of Litte Rock will not issue a city permit for any work in the Capitol Zoning District without a Capitol Zoning permit. All applications and attachments to applications must be submitted to capitol.zoning@arkansas.gov.
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Amy E. Jones
Director, Capitol Zoning District Commission
FAQs
The Capitol Zoning District Commission regulates all land use and development in the Capitol Zoning District. You must obtain a Capitol Zoning permit before beginning any work on additions or alterations to existing structures, and before beginning work on a new structure or permanent site improvement. A Capitol Zoning permit is a prerequisite to a Little Rock building permit, but may be required even when a city permit is not. (No permit is required for routine maintenance chores, like mowing, caulking, or repainting.) A Capitol Zoning permit is also a prerequisite to getting a Privilege License or Certificate of Occupancy from the city. In addition, all signs in the District require a Capitol Zoning permit.
The Capitol Zoning District Rules require that a Capitol Zoning permit be posted where work is going on, to aid the staff in determining whether a particular permit has been reviewed and approved.
If you are in doubt as to whether work you are considering will require a Capitol Zoning permit, please call us at 501-324-9644 or email at capitol.zoning@arkansas.gov. We are eager to help, and we don't charge any fees for our permits.
The Capitol Zoning District Rules require that a Capitol Zoning permit be posted where work is going on, to aid the staff in determining whether a particular permit has been reviewed and approved.
If you are in doubt as to whether work you are considering will require a Capitol Zoning permit, please call us at 501-324-9644 or email at capitol.zoning@arkansas.gov. We are eager to help, and we don't charge any fees for our permits.
The type of permit you need to apply for is determined by the kind of project you propose. Some permits require review and approval by the Commission at its regularly scheduled public hearing, and others may be approved by staff. The Capitol Zoning District Commission issues the following permits:
1). Work on your building or site:
Certificates of Appropriateness
A Certificate of Appropriateness is required for exterior alterations or additions to existing structures in the Capitol Zoning District, as well as for new construction or demolition. Certificates of Appropriateness for modifications that involve a change in appearance or materials will usually require Commission approval. Minor modifications and certain restorations may be approved on a staff level.
2). Opening a Business:
Certificates of Compliance
Each zone in the District has a list of land uses that are allowed by right. Single family residences, for example, are allowed throughout the Governor's Mansion Area. A Certificate of Compliance is required to use a property for a purpose that is allowed by right. This is a staff-level permit.
Conditional Use Permits
For each zone, there is also list of Conditional Uses. These land uses are more intensive than those allowed by right, but are usually allowed with Commission review. The Commission may attach one more conditions to your permit, to ensure the property is being used in a manner consistent with the Master Plan. For a complete list of permitted and conditional uses in each zone, see the General Standards.
3). Other Circumstances:
Temporary Use Permits
A Temporary Use Permit is required for special uses of limited duration that might otherwise be prohibited. These permits are often issued by staff, but more intensive temporary uses may require review by the Commission.
Variances
A Variance, which can only be issued by the Commission, is a waiver of the literal provisions of the General Standards. Variances are very rare, and require the applicant to demonstrate that, because of a physical feature on their property, applying the General Standards will make the property unusable.
Certificate of Economic Hardship
An applicant who has been denied a Certificate of Appropriateness may apply for a Certificate of Economic Hardship. These permits are also rare, and require the applicant to demonstrate that the cost of complying with the Rehabilitation Standards is unreasonable when compared to the value of the property.
1). Work on your building or site:
Certificates of Appropriateness
A Certificate of Appropriateness is required for exterior alterations or additions to existing structures in the Capitol Zoning District, as well as for new construction or demolition. Certificates of Appropriateness for modifications that involve a change in appearance or materials will usually require Commission approval. Minor modifications and certain restorations may be approved on a staff level.
2). Opening a Business:
Certificates of Compliance
Each zone in the District has a list of land uses that are allowed by right. Single family residences, for example, are allowed throughout the Governor's Mansion Area. A Certificate of Compliance is required to use a property for a purpose that is allowed by right. This is a staff-level permit.
Conditional Use Permits
For each zone, there is also list of Conditional Uses. These land uses are more intensive than those allowed by right, but are usually allowed with Commission review. The Commission may attach one more conditions to your permit, to ensure the property is being used in a manner consistent with the Master Plan. For a complete list of permitted and conditional uses in each zone, see the General Standards.
3). Other Circumstances:
Temporary Use Permits
A Temporary Use Permit is required for special uses of limited duration that might otherwise be prohibited. These permits are often issued by staff, but more intensive temporary uses may require review by the Commission.
Variances
A Variance, which can only be issued by the Commission, is a waiver of the literal provisions of the General Standards. Variances are very rare, and require the applicant to demonstrate that, because of a physical feature on their property, applying the General Standards will make the property unusable.
Certificate of Economic Hardship
An applicant who has been denied a Certificate of Appropriateness may apply for a Certificate of Economic Hardship. These permits are also rare, and require the applicant to demonstrate that the cost of complying with the Rehabilitation Standards is unreasonable when compared to the value of the property.
If you own property in the Capitol Zoning District, you need a permit from the Commission before you make exterior changes, build, put up a sign or a fence, or change how the property is used. There is no fee, and staff will help you through it. Here is the process from start to finish.
Step 1. Start with the rules
Go to czdc.arkansas.gov and click Rules and Permits. On that page you will find the CZDC Rules and Master Plan. It sets out the design standards for each zone and answers most questions about what is and is not allowed, so it is worth reading before you fill anything out.
Step 2. Choose your application
The applications are fillable PDFs on that same Rules and Permits page. If you are not sure which one fits your project, call staff at 501-324-9644 and we will point you to the right form, or simply use the General Application for Permit.
Step 3. Gather your project information
Send everything that shows what you intend to do. The more complete your package is, the faster the review goes. That usually means:
- The completed application form
- The property address and your contact information
- A written description of the work
- Photographs of the existing conditions
- Drawings, plans, or a site plan, with dimensions
- Product information for materials, windows, doors, signs, or fencing
Step 4. Send it in
By email (preferred). Attach your application and all your project information and send it to capitol.zoning@arkansas.gov.
By mail or in person. Capitol Zoning District Commission, 1100 North Street, Little Rock, AR 72201.
Step 5. Staff review
Staff will review your application and contact you with any questions. They will also tell you which of two paths your application takes.
- Staff approval. Many projects can be approved at the staff level. Your permit is mailed or emailed to you.
- Commission review. Some applications must be decided by the Commission at a public meeting. Staff will give you the meeting details by phone and by email, along with anything you need to bring or prepare.
The criteria used by the Commission are laid out in the Capitol Zoning Administrative Rules and Procedures, General Standards, Framework Master Plans, and Rehabilitation and Design Standards. If your proposal is use-related, the General Standards and Framework Master Plan for the area in which the proposed use are located will be most helpful. If you are proposing design-related work, the Rehabilitation and Design Standards will be most helpful. The CZDC staff is also happy to answer any questions you have about what factors the Commission will take into account when your application is reviewed.
Please note: While we try our very best to keep this web site up to date, we cannot guarantee that the materials presented on this site are the latest available. Please check with the staff to determine current requirements and forms.
We Have an Event Coming Up!
Capitol Zoning District Commission Meeting
- August 20, 2026
- 12:00PM - 01:00PM
- 1100 North Street, Little Rock, AR 72201