Construction activities in Pulaski County paused due to moratorium
Pulaski County, August 14, 2025
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 has taken a significant step by imposing a six-month moratorium on new construction in areas surrounding Little Rock and North Little Rock. This decisive action was taken by the Pulaski County Quorum Court on a Tuesday, responding to recent changes in legislative regulations.
The moratorium comes on the heels of Act 314, which has altered the landscape of construction regulations in Arkansas. Previously, cities had the ability to control development in a buffer zone, varying between one and three miles beyond their city limits. However, this act has stripped municipalities of such authority, leaving them unable to regulate construction in their extraterritorial jurisdictions (ETJs).
As a direct consequence of this new legislation, North Little Rock’s Mayor has voiced concerns that local authority has diminished significantly, increasing the risk of incompatible developments in areas that were once under city control. These developments may not align with the existing city plans and zoning requirements, leading to potential conflicts and issues within the community.
During the initial enforcement of Act 314, several billboards and other developments emerged in regions formerly governed by ETJ regulation. This sudden influx raised alarms among residents and local officials, including the Pulaski County Judge, who emphasized the looming risks to both residents and their investments.
To address these concerns, the pulled county officials recognized an urgent need for careful planning and community input during the moratorium. The objective of this temporary halt in construction is to prevent any new projects that could create conflicts or undermine the planned growth of the surrounding municipalities.
The moratorium will give county officials the necessary time to establish new regulations that can better serve the residents of Pulaski County. It emphasizes the importance of careful planning, community feedback, and the implementation of appropriate zoning measures. During this time, representatives will actively engage with the public, including planning boards, to ensure that new regulations meet the needs and desires of the community.
The decision to enact a moratorium is reflective of a larger conversation about property rights and local governance. The representative who sponsored Act 314 argues that property owners living near the city should not be subject to regulations imposed by city officials they did not elect. This perspective underscores a more comprehensive reassessment of how land use should be managed in the face of new legislative realities.
As the moratorium unfolds, the focus will remain on developing a framework that balances the rights of property owners with the necessity of maintaining orderly and compatible community growth. Pulaski County officials hope their extended pause on new construction will allow them to craft regulations that will ultimately benefit both county residents and the municipalities in proximity.
In summary, the Pulaski County moratorium on new construction comes in response to significant legislative changes that have stripped municipal powers over ETJs. With local officials prioritizing comprehensive planning and community dialogue, this period of reflection and regulation aims to avert future conflicts and maintain a sense of community integrity and careful development.
The moratorium was enacted in response to Act 314, which removed cities’ ability to regulate construction in their extraterritorial jurisdictions, leading to concerns about incompatible developments in neighboring areas.
Act 314 removed the power of cities to regulate construction within a buffer zone of one to three miles beyond their borders, meaning they can no longer manage development in these areas.
During the moratorium, county officials plan to develop new zoning regulations that take input from residents and planning boards into account, ensuring that future construction aligns with community needs.
Residents are encouraged to provide feedback and participate in discussions regarding future zoning regulations and development plans through public meetings and consultations held by county officials.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | Six months |
| Reason | Response to Act 314, loss of municipal control |
| Focus | Prevent conflicting developments, plan new regulations |
| Community Input | Engagement with residents and planning boards |
| Potential Risks | Incompatible developments, loss of property value |
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