Pulaski County, August 14, 2025
News Summary
Pulaski County has enacted a six-month moratorium on new construction in specified areas outside Little Rock and North Little Rock. This decision, taken by the Pulaski County Quorum Court, is a response to recent legislative changes that have altered the regulatory landscape for construction in Arkansas. The aim is to ensure that future projects align with local regulations while providing time for the development of new guidelines that balance interests of developers, residents, and land use.
Pulaski County Enacts Six-Month Moratorium on New Construction Near Little Rock and North Little Rock
The Pulaski County Quorum Court has enacted a six-month moratorium on new construction in boundary areas outside the cities of Little Rock and North Little Rock. The measure, approved on a Tuesday, aims to pause development that could conflict with forthcoming county zoning rules while the county develops its own regulatory framework. The move follows Act 314, which stripped municipalities of their power to regulate construction in extraterritorial jurisdictions (ETJs). Previously, Arkansas cities could regulate construction within a buffer zone of one to three miles beyond their borders. With Act 314, cities can no longer regulate development just outside their limits.
What prompted the moratorium
The moratorium is intended to prevent projects that would conflict with municipal regulations until county-level rules are in place. Officials note that the removal of a centralized regulatory tool creates risk for residents and investors, particularly as zoning guidelines disappear from the immediate areas around the two cities. The change has sparked concerns about potential incompatible developments in neighboring areas and the appearance of billboards in zones previously governed by ETJ regulations on the effective date of the new law.
Context and roles
Officials point to the broader legal shift after Act 314, which shifted regulatory control away from municipalities and toward county government. The action has been described as a move to safeguard property rights for landowners adjacent to cities, while ensuring that county residents are not subject to regulations from city officials they cannot vote for. County leaders emphasize the need for planning input from residents and planning boards during the moratorium period to shape the forthcoming county regulations.
Scope and expected impact
The moratorium targets boundary areas outside Little Rock and North Little Rock, within the extraterritorial jurisdictions that were once subject to city zoning rules. By pausing new construction, county officials hope to avert conflicts between any future county zoning standards and areas that were previously regulated by city rules. The period is also intended to allow time for public engagement and the development of county-level zoning regulations that reflect local needs and planning input.
Next steps
During the six-month window, county officials, including the county judge and planning staff, will develop and refine county zoning regulations and seek input from residents and planning boards. The objective is to establish a coherent county framework that can address development in these ETJ-adjacent areas and guide future projects once the moratorium ends.
Key features at a glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Moratorium duration | Six months |
| Geographic scope | Boundary areas outside Little Rock and North Little Rock ETJs |
| Governing authority | Pulaski County Quorum Court |
| Regulatory context | Follows Act 314, which removed municipal ETJ regulation powers |
| Purpose | Prevent conflicts with forthcoming county zoning until new county rules are ready |
| Public input emphasis | Planning boards and resident input expected during the moratorium |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the six-month moratorium?
- A six-month pause on new construction in boundary areas outside the ETJs of Little Rock and North Little Rock, intended to prevent conflicts with forthcoming county zoning rules.
- Where does the moratorium apply?
- Outside the ETJs of Little Rock and North Little Rock in boundary areas affected by the change due to Act 314.
- Who enacted the moratorium?
- The Pulaski County Quorum Court enacted the moratorium on a Tuesday.
- What prompted Act 314?
- Act 314 removed municipal authority to regulate construction in ETJs, shifting regulatory power to the county.
- What happens after the moratorium ends?
- County officials will pursue the development of new county zoning regulations with public input, guiding future development in the affected areas.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
Additional Resources
- KATV: Pulaski County Halts Non-Conforming Construction
- Arkansas Online: Pulaski County Imposes Temporary Construction Moratorium
- PC Patriot: Construction Underway at Pulaski County Sportsplex
- THV11: Providence Park Tiny Homes Construction
- NWA Online: Proposed Solar Project for Pulaski County
- Wikipedia: Pulaski County, Arkansas
