DC Structures
Why ADUs Are Booming in Arkansas
From the Ozark Mountains and Ouachita forests to growing cities like Little Rock, Fayetteville, and Bentonville, Arkansas offers a wide range of landscapes—and a growing interest in flexible housing solutions. While Arkansas has not historically been an ADU-friendly state, rising housing costs, workforce housing needs, and multigenerational living trends have led to statewide adoption of accessory dwelling units as a practical, forward-thinking affordable housing option.
In 2025, Arkansas signed into law a statewide mandate that permits accessory dwelling unit construction on single-family lots throughout the state, marking a dramatic shift in how Arkansas approaches housing flexibility and affordability. The bill states that homeowners in every city and town in Arkansas are allowed to build at least one accessory dwelling unit on single-family zoned lots, whether attached or detached. This change makes it easier than ever for homeowners to house aging parents, increase property value, and provide housing for academics, professionals, and families within their communities.
At DC Structures, we provide a streamlined path to ADU construction with customizable plans that allow you to tailor your project to your property, lifestyle needs, and local requirements. With our team guiding you from design through delivery, you can expect efficient execution and exceptional results.
Our ADU Kits
Our prefab ADU models offer Arkansas homeowners a simplified way to build a sustainable, high-performance guest house. Crafted from premium wood materials and produced using precision CNC manufacturing, our designs are engineered for durability, efficiency, and practicality in Arkansas’s hot summers and variable weather conditions.
Sitka
SitkaCrafted for backyard use, whether as a guest suite, artist studio, or creative workspace, our Sitka ADU Kit offers limitless flexibility within a compact framework.
Average Cost to Build an ADU in Arkansas
The cost to build an accessory dwelling unit in Arkansas depends on factors such as location, site access, labor rates, materials, and whether the unit is attached or detached.
Nationally, ADU construction costs typically range from $60,000 to $285,000, with detached new construction landing toward the higher end. In Arkansas, detached accessory dwelling units commonly fall between $100,000 and $210,000, with higher costs often seen in growing urban areas, like Bentonville, Rogers, and Fayetteville. Rural areas may fall closer to the lower end of the spectrum, though utility connections, builder services, and site preparation can still impact final pricing.
At DC Structures, we generally advise customers that turnkey accessory dwelling unit costs land between three to five times the price of the design and materials package. For example, a $45,000–$55,000 ADU kit may result in a total project cost of $135,000 to $240,000, depending on foundation work, utilities, finishes, and permitting requirements. For the most accurate estimate for your Arkansas property, we recommend requesting a custom quote from our team.
Arkansas ADUs
Permitting, Zoning & ADU Regulations in Arkansas
As of 2025, Arkansas has joined a growing group of states leading the nation in statewide ADU legislation. The new law mandates that every city and county must allow at least one accessory dwelling unit per single-family zoned lot, caps permitting application fees at $250, and removes off-street parking requirements—creating a more accessible and homeowner-friendly path to ADU construction.
Common regulations include:
- Zoning: Accessory dwelling units are allowed on any single-family zoned lot, with at least one accessory dwelling unit permitted per residential household.
- Size Limits: Accessory dwelling units may not exceed 75% of the primary dwelling or 1,000 square feet—whichever is smaller.
- City & County Rules: Municipalities are prohibited from imposing certain restrictions on accessory dwelling units, including mandatory owner-occupancy requirements or additional parking mandates.
With a flexible framework that prioritizes homeowners, Arkansas is paving the way for more affordable and sustainable housing options like backyard tiny homes, guest houses, and compact backyard living spaces.
ADU Incentives, Grants & Financing in Arkansas
Arkansas does not currently offer statewide grant programs or incentives specifically for accessory dwelling units. However, homeowners may still be able to leverage broader home improvement, renovation, or energy-efficiency programs depending on their utility provider or municipality.
As housing affordability becomes a larger concern—particularly in Northwest Arkansas—local governments may continue exploring housing initiatives that further support ADU development. Financing options such as construction loans, home equity loans, or renovation financing are commonly used to fund ADU projects throughout the state. If you’re considering an accessory dwelling unit in Arkansas, our team can help connect you with trusted local lenders who understand construction lending and can guide you through financing options aligned with your goals.
Best Cities & Counties to Build an ADU in Arkansas
Although ADU adoption is now required statewide, several regions offer especially strong potential due to population growth, housing demand, and economic expansion:
Northwest Arkansas
Rapid growth driven by major employers and universities has increased demand for flexible housing options.
Little Rock
As the state’s largest metro area, Little Rock offers consistent rental demand and opportunities for ADU architecture.
College Towns
University-centered communities often see strong demand for long-term rentals, guest housing, and family accommodations.
DC Structures
ADU Project Gallery
How ADUs Can Boost Property Value in Arkansas
With the average home price in Arkansas around $220,000, accessory dwelling units offer an accessible way to increase property value and expand usable living space. accessory dwelling units can increase home values by up to 30%, potentially translating to an equity gain of $65,000 or more.
Rental income further enhances their appeal. With average monthly rents around $1,400—and higher in growing metro and college-town markets—an accessory dwelling unit can generate meaningful supplemental income over time, while also offering flexibility for family housing or guest use.
Start Your Arkansas ADU Journey
Interested in building an accessory dwelling unit in Arkansas? Whether you live in Northwest Arkansas, a growing city, or a rural community, DC Structures is here to help you move forward with confidence. From code-conscious prefab ADU kits and custom design support to engineering coordination and nationwide delivery, we help homeowners bring their ADU vision to life.