HB1503

House Bill 1503 seeks to limit the authority of Arkansas municipalities to restrict the development of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on lots containing a single-family dwelling. The bill mandates that at least one ADU be permitted 'by right' on such properties, meaning approval cannot be contingent upon public hearings, special permits, or discretionary zoning actions. It establishes specific state-level standards for ADU size, capping them at 1,000 square feet or 75% of the primary dwelling's floor area. Furthermore, the bill prohibits municipalities from imposing certain restrictive requirements, such as mandatory additional parking, owner-occupancy conditions, or specific exterior design matches. It also caps municipal development impact fees for ADUs at $250. While the bill prevents cities from creating overly restrictive zoning, it allows municipalities to maintain authority over short-term rental regulations and requires compliance with health, safety, and utility standards. Provisions that conflict with this act would be rendered invalid after January 1, 2026.