County Building Permits
Benton County, AR - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Benton County, Arkansas. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
Covers all unincorporated areas of Benton County only.
- Department
- Benton County Building Safety Department
- Address
- 215 E. Central Ave., Bentonville, AR 72712
- Phone
- (479) 271-1003 (option 1); text: (475) 522-1003
Online Permit Portal
Platform: iWorQ Citizen Portal • Account required: No • Submission: Online only
Additional resources:
Application Process
- Determine if a permit is required using the residential interactive guide or by contacting the department.
- Gather required documents.
- Submit application through the online portal, by email, or by text.
- Pay permit fee.
- Receive approved permit and post it on site.
- Request inspections with 24-hour notice.
- Pass all required inspections.
General Requirements
New residential construction; additions; remodels; attached structures; plumbing, electrical, HVAC; commercial construction; mobile/manufactured homes; pools; demolition. Detached Group U residential structures in unincorporated areas do not require a permit as of 2024.
Required Documents
- Floor plan
- Exterior elevations
- Site/plot plan
- Permit validity
- 6 months from issuance.
- Building code
- 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code; 2021 IMC; 2018 Arkansas Plumbing Code; 2018 Arkansas Fuel/Gas Code; 2020 NEC; 2009 IECC with 2014 Arkansas amendments.
- Owner-builder
- Not specifically stated; contact department.
- Contractor requirements
- Arkansas contractor license required for permitted work; copies required at application.
Fees
- Minimum permit fee
- $50
- Plan check fee
- $50 (commercial projects only)
- Permit fee formula
- Valuation-based using ICC Building Valuation Data Table.
- Reinspection fee
- $50.00 re-inspection fee
- Payment note
- 3% credit card surcharge for online payments.
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- Detached shop buildings with no living space (Group U)
- Detached carports not attached to residence
- Detached storage buildings
- Fences in unincorporated area
- Decks not attached to a residence
- Ordinary repairs and maintenance that do not affect structural integrity or MEP systems
Important: Confirm edge cases with the department.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- iWorQ portal (portal)
- (475) 522-1003 (text)
- permits@bentoncountyar.gov (email)
- Scheduling deadline
- Requests for next-day inspections must be submitted by 4:30 PM.
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday; inspections may begin as early as 6:00 AM.
Typical inspection sequence: Footing, under-slab plumbing, slab, framing, rough-ins, insulation, yard lines, final.
Additional Resources
- Building code: 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code; 2021 IMC; 2018 Arkansas Plumbing Code; 2018 Arkansas Fuel/Gas Code; 2020 NEC; 2009 IECC with 2014 Arkansas amendments.
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- Building Safety
- License lookup guide: Arkansas Contractor License Requirements
- Contract template: Arkansas Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
- Arkansas hub: Arkansas Contractor License & Permit Hub
Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Benton County Building Safety Department before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Benton County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Benton County, AR?
- New residential construction; additions; remodels; attached structures; plumbing, electrical, HVAC; commercial construction; mobile/manufactured homes; pools; demolition. Detached Group U residential structures in unincorporated areas do not require a permit as of 2024.
- How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Benton County, AR?
- The minimum permit fee is $50. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based using ICC Building Valuation Data Table.. Plan check fee: $50 (commercial projects only).
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Benton County, AR?
- 1. Determine if a permit is required using the residential interactive guide or by contacting the department. 2. Gather required documents. 3. Submit application through the online portal, by email, or by text. 4. Pay permit fee. 5. Receive approved permit and post it on site. 6. Request inspections with 24-hour notice. 7. Pass all required inspections.
- What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Benton County, AR?
- The following work is generally exempt: Detached shop buildings with no living space (Group U); Detached carports not attached to residence; Detached storage buildings; Fences in unincorporated area; Decks not attached to a residence; Ordinary repairs and maintenance that do not affect structural integrity or MEP systems. Note: Confirm edge cases with the department.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Benton County, AR?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: iWorQ portal, (475) 522-1003, permits@bentoncountyar.gov. Requests for next-day inspections must be submitted by 4:30 PM..
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