FAQs
Whom should I contact to obtain a grading permit?
The Civil Engineering Division of Public Works is responsible for grading permits. Please call 371-4461 or 371-4817 for more information.
Can I develop property that is in a floodplain?
Possibly. However, certain guidelines must be met before development begins. Please call 371-4461 or 371-4817 for more information, or see the FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) at http://www.fema.gov/index2.shtm.
How do I know if property is located in a floodplain?
Civil Engineering keeps updated hardcopy floodplain maps from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Floodplain maps within Little Rock can be accessed on the web at http://gis.littlerock.org/website/index.htm. Call our office at 371-4461 or 371-4817 for more information.
What is the difference between private development and public projects?
Public projects include any project that is paid for, at least in part, by the City of Little Rock and intended for public use. Private development includes projects that are funded by a commercial or residential developer and intended for public or private use.
Why is Civil Engineering involved in private development?
Private development projects must meet certain floodplain and stormwater drainage regulations. There are also other City ordinances regarding rights-of-way, curb and gutter design, sidewalks, driveways, and pavement design that must be met in order to develop property within the City.
Whom should I call about drainage problems?
If the drainage problem requires routine cleaning or maintenance, call the Operations Service Request Desk at 918-3600 or visit our E-Service web site at http://web.littlerock.org/st_ops to activate a work request.
How can I determine the status of a public project?
Civil Engineering can give you information about the status of a public project. Please call 371-4831 for more information.
How can I find out the status of commercial or residential projects?
Civil Engineering's Private Development section can provide you with information about the status of private projects. For more information, contact 371-4831.
I want to cut down a tree on my property. Do I need a permit?
Permits are required for clearing land, and/or cutting down more than seven (7) trees in any one year. There are exemptions for zoning classifications of agriculture, forestry and mining. Exemptions are also made for certain residential properties, depending on lot size and the type of street the property abuts. Contact Civil Engineering at 371-4831 for more information. No tree may be removed from the public right-of-way (area abutting streets) without a permit from Parks & Recreation. Contact the Urban Forester at 374-8733.
Whom should I call with concerns about construction in the City?
Publicly funded projects have an information kiosk within the project's limits providing all appropriate contact names and numbers. If you still have concerns or questions, contact Civil Engineering at 371-4831. Private development construction concerns should initially be referred to the private inspector on-site, but further concerns or questions regarding development permits or regulations may be directed to Civil Engineering's Private Development section at 371-4831.
Who designs public projects?
Civil Engineering coordinates design of publicly funded projects using in-house engineers and contracts with consultants. Questions about public project design should be directed to the Design Engineer at 371-4822.
What are the City limit boundaries for Little Rock?
City-limit maps are continually updated by the Mapping and Graphics section. For current City limit information, please call Mapping and Graphics at 371-4537.
What is Adopt-A-Street, and how can I become involved?
The Adopt-A-Street program was established in 1994 in an effort to enlist community involvement in keeping our streets and neighborhoods clean and beautiful. Once a street has been adopted, participating groups pick up litter and other trash at least 6 times per year. Citizens, service organizations, businesses, churches, youth organizations and neighborhood groups qualify to adopt a City street. You can adopt anywhere from 3-7 blocks or more! Call the coordinator at 371-4808.
Where can I purchase City maps?
A number of city maps are available for reproduction cost. Contact 371-4537 or 371-4434 for details on available maps and price listings.
Do you have aerial photographs of the City available for purchase?
Yes. Depending on the particular area of the City, aerial photographs from 1978, 1988, 1990, and 1997 are available. Call 371-4537.
Whom should I call for questions about street names or numbers?
Call the Mapping and Graphics section at 371-4808.
I would like to have a presentation about Public Works activities at a neighborhood meeting. Whom should I call for information?
Please call 371-4714 for speakers, informational brochures, displays, or public service announcements relating to Public Works.
How are addresses assigned for the City of Little Rock?
Addresses for the City are assigned based on a grid referenced from the intersection of Markham and Main streets. For more information, please contact the Address Coordinator at 371-4808.
Whom should I contact regarding permits through Public Works?
Public Works issues a variety of permits administered by the various divisions of the department. Please refer to the division for the following types of permits:
Civil Engineering: grading permits, floodplain development, land clearing (tree cutting)
Traffic Engineering: Traffic Control Plan (construction within the right-of-way), excavation in the right-of-way, parades, public assemblies and block parties, hauling, house moving, dumpsters temporarily in the street, curb cuts for driveways
If unsure whom to contact, call the Service Request Desk in Public Works Operations at 918-3600.
Where can I get information on upcoming ward meetings related to Public work activities?
For ward meeting agendas, schedules, and locations, please call Civil Engineering at 371-4657 or 371-4714.