When do I need a permit?

The Capitol Zoning District Commission regulates all land use and development in the Capitol Zoning District. You must obtain a CZD permit before beginning any work on additions or alterations to existing structures, and before beginning work on a new structure or permanent site improvement. A CZD permit is a prerequisite to a city Building Permit, but may be required even when a city Building Permit is not. No permit is required for routine maintenance chores, like repainting, unless a city Building Permit is required. A CZD permit is also a prerequisite to getting a Privilege License or Certificate of Occupancy from the city. In addition, all signs in the CZD require a CZD permit.

The Capitol Zoning District Ordinance requires that a CZD permit be posted where work is going on, to aid the staff in determining whether a particular permit has been reviewed and approved.

If you are in doubt as to whether work you are thinking about will require a CZD permit, please call us at 324-9644. We are eager to help, and remember, we don't charge any fees for our permits.

What kind of permit do I need?

The type of permit you need to apply for is determined by the kind of project you propose. Some permits require review and approval by the Commission at its regularly scheduled public hearing, and others may be approved by staff. The Capitol Zoning District Commission issues the following permits:

1. Work on your building or site:

Certificates of Appropriateness

A C of A is required for exterior alterations or additions to existing structures in the Capitol Zoning District. Certificates of Appropriateness for major modifications require full Commission approval. Minor modifications and certain restorations may be approved on a staff level.

Design Review Permits

A Design Review Permit is required whenever a new structure or site improvement is built in the Distict. Permits for improvements visible from the public way require full Commission approval. Improvements not visible from the public way may be approved by staff.

Demolition Permits

No demolition of any structure within the District may be carried out without a demolition permit. These permits require the approval of the Commission.

 

2. Opening a Business:

Certificates of Compliance

A Certificate of Compliance is required to obtain a privilege license for all businesses in the District, or to erect any sign. This is a staff-level permit.

Conditional Use Permits

A Conditional Use permit is required to open any business allowed in a zone only upon a showing to the full Commission that the proposed use is beneficial to the District. These use groups are available under General Standards.

 

3. Other Circumstances:

Special/Temporary Use Permits

A Special or Temporary Use Permit is required for special uses of limited durations that might otherwise be prohibited. These permits may be issued by staff.

Variances

A Variance, which must be issued by the Commission, is a waiver of the literal provisions of the Ordinance and Master Plan. Use group variances are not available.

Certificates of Occupancy

Whenever work is done that requires a Certificate of Occupancy from the City of Little Rock, the applicant must first obtain a Certificate of Occupancy from the Capitol Zoning District Commission staff certifying that work done was performed pursuant to a Capitol Zoning District Commission permit.