Board adopts ordinance to align Little Rock code with state ADU law after contentious public comment

The Little Rock City Board of Directors voted on June 3 to adopt an ordinance updating local zoning to align with Act 313 of 2025 and to set city-level standards for accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

The ordinance — described in the meeting as the city’s strictest interpretation of Act 313 — was the subject of extended public comment from residents of Mountain Vista and Shannon Hills, who argued that proposed ADU implementation could allow duplex-style development on lots intended for single-family housing, strain Shannon Hills’ water tower and wastewater systems, and create fire- and emergency-access hazards on streets with a single ingress/egress.

Mayor Kemp of Shannon Hills, Shelley Reed (a Mountain Vista resident) and Teresa Lynn (also Mountain Vista) testified that a developer cleared lots without permits and that building 10 additional units would exceed fire-apparatus access thresholds referenced in the 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code. Lynn cited “fire section D107” of the 2021 code and told the board a single access road could leave more than 30 dwellings with insufficient emergency access.

Brad (planning director) told the board staff had been conducting community engagement — including surveys and focus groups — and that the ordinance was drafted to reflect the strictest interpretation of the state law. He said staff required a will-serve letter from both Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority and Central Arkansas Water for projects that depend on off-system utilities and that planning staff would not issue permits without those letters. Planning staff also said they were continuing community meetings and that the city’s code must be brought into alignment with state law to avoid conflicting rules.

Vice Mayor Warrick moved to defer the vote until after a scheduled public meeting and after survey results were compiled; that motion to defer failed on a 5–4 vote, and the board proceeded to vote on the ordinance the same evening. Board members who spoke in favor cited the need to bring the city into compliance with state law; directors who opposed or asked for deferral pointed to outstanding public concerns and differences in how other nearby jurisdictions interpret the state statute.

Tom (city attorney) confirmed the board’s legal authority was limited by the general assembly’s enactment and said the city must adopt implementing language that conforms to the statute. Planning staff said they could amend the ordinance later as long as amendments did not conflict with the state law.

The transcript shows the board adopted the ordinance and applied emergency clauses to the related items. Staff said they will not issue permits for specific Mountain Vista lots without required utility will-serve letters and necessary permits. The transcript does not show a ward-level permit issuance for the Mountain Vista site during the meeting; staff indicated enforcement steps and utility verifications remain prerequisites before construction can proceed.