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Short-Term Rental Regulations
in Little Rock, AR

Last verified: March 2026 · Report an update

Zoning & Conditions

STRs are categorized as STR-1 (owner-occupied) or STR-2 (non-owner occupied), limited to 9 bedrooms and 29 consecutive days. There is a citywide cap of 500 total STRs, and operators must provide a 24/7 responsible party capable of responding within 60 minutes.

How to Obtain a Permit

1. Obtain zoning entitlement (Special Use Permit for STR-1 or Planned Zoning District for STR-2). 2. Submit a Business License application via the city's online portal and pay applicable fees ($100-$500). 3. Pass required safety and fire inspections. Licenses must be renewed annually.

Regulatory Updates — Little Rock

Proposed and recent legislation

Under ReviewJanuary 2025

500-Unit Cap Monitoring Report Published

Little Rock published a report tracking total permitted STRs against the 500-unit citywide cap, showing the market approaching 400 units and prompting discussion about whether to raise, lower, or maintain the cap.

PassedJuly 2024

STR-2 Non-Owner-Occupied Audit Initiated

The City launched an audit of STR-2 (non-owner-occupied) permit holders to verify continued compliance with 24/7 local contact requirements and the 29-consecutive-day limit, revoking permits with documented violations.

PassedMarch 2024

Permit Application Process Updated with Cap Tracking

Little Rock updated its STR permit application system to display real-time permit counts against the 500-unit cap, automatically placing applications on a waitlist once the cap is reached.

Official Resources

Official Little Rock STR regulation source

Local Resources & Advocacy

Vacation Rental Management Association (VRMA)National

National trade association providing advocacy and compliance resources for vacation rental professionals in Arkansas markets including Little Rock.

Arkansas Realtors AssociationStatewide

Statewide real estate organization monitoring Little Rock's STR cap system and advocating for reasonable permit frameworks for Arkansas property owners.

Little Rock Convention & Visitors BureauLocal

Local destination marketing organization monitoring STR accommodation supply relative to the 500-unit cap and its impact on Little Rock's visitor capacity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are short-term rentals allowed in Little Rock, AR?
STRs are categorized as STR-1 (owner-occupied) or STR-2 (non-owner occupied), limited to 9 bedrooms and 29 consecutive days. There is a citywide cap of 500 total STRs, and operators must provide a 24/7 responsible party capable of responding within 60 minutes.
Is a permit required to operate a short-term rental in Little Rock?
Yes, a permit is required to operate a short-term rental in Little Rock. 1. Obtain zoning entitlement (Special Use Permit for STR-1 or Planned Zoning District for STR-2). 2. Submit a Business License application via the city's online portal and pay applicable fees ($100-$500). 3. Pass required safety and fire inspections. Licenses must be renewed annually.
How do I get a short-term rental permit in Little Rock?
1. Obtain zoning entitlement (Special Use Permit for STR-1 or Planned Zoning District for STR-2). 2. Submit a Business License application via the city's online portal and pay applicable fees ($100-$500). 3. Pass required safety and fire inspections. Licenses must be renewed annually.
Is there a cap on STR permits in Little Rock?
Yes. Little Rock has a citywide cap of 500 total STR permits across both STR-1 (owner-occupied) and STR-2 (non-owner-occupied) categories. As the market approaches this cap, new applications will be placed on a waitlist. Check current availability before applying.
What is the difference between STR-1 and STR-2 in Little Rock?
STR-1 is an owner-occupied property where the owner lives on-site. STR-2 is a non-owner-occupied property operated as an investment rental. Both types count toward the 500-unit cap, but STR-2 permits face additional compliance requirements including a 24/7 local contact who can respond to the property.
Is there a limit on how long a single guest can stay in my Little Rock STR?
Yes. Stays are capped at 29 consecutive days. Stays of 30 days or more are treated as standard residential leases and are not subject to STR permit requirements. Properties are also limited to a maximum of 9 bedrooms regardless of STR type.
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Disclaimer

This information is for general reference only and may not reflect the most current regulations. STR regulations change frequently. Always verify requirements with official local government sources before operating a short-term rental.

Last verified: March 2026 · Suggest a correction