Morrilton, AR - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

City limits of Morrilton.

Department

City of Morrilton Planning Department

Address

119 N Division Street, Morrilton, AR 72110

Phone

(501) 354-8020 ext. 6 for Chief Building Inspector, ext. 1 for Code Enforcement

Email

greg.woodard@cityofmorrilton.net , kaci.davis@cityofmorrilton.net

Website

https://cityofmorrilton.com/planning-department/

Application Process

1. Download the Building Permit Application from the Planning Department page.
2. Submit required information and supporting documents, including bond/insurance, job address, owner and contractor information, floodplain question, type of work, total square footage, estimated value, lot size, zoning/setback, building type, and subcontractor list.
3. Keep the inspection application in a weatherproof container on site.
4. Attach the plat plan and stake out the property.
5. Complete the certificate of occupancy before moving into the building; the form warns of a $200 plus fine for failure to comply.
6. City review and inspections occur through the Planning Department and building inspector.

Source: City of Morrilton Planning Department

General Requirements

The city publishes permit applications and fees for residential and commercial building, trade, demolition, sign, conditional use, variance, solar, and other regulated work.

Required Documents

• Application form
• Bond/insurance for WC and GL
• Job address
• Owner and contractor data
• Plat plan
• Site staking

Permit validity

The application states the permit becomes null and void if work is not commenced within 180 days or if work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days at any time after work starts.

Building code

The city publishes a property maintenance code ordinance, a zoning ordinance, and a fire zone map. The exact adopted building code edition was not clearly stated in the published pages reviewed.

Contractor requirements

Contractor registration form and contractor registration fees are published; the application asks for state license numbers and subcontractor information.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Residential building permit minimum $50; commercial building permit minimum $100.

Plan check fee

Residential plan review $50; commercial plan review $100; subdivision plat review $100; solar plan review $50.

Permit fee formula

Residential new/addition/remodel/accessory fees are $0.07 per sq. ft. or similar per the 2024 ordinance; commercial new/addition/remodel are $0.09 per sq. ft. The city also separately posts trade fees based on square footage and registration class.

Reinspection fee

Re-inspection fee $50 per inspection.

Penalty (no permit)

Work started before permit issuance doubles the appropriate permit fee.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Block and retaining walls
• Patio covers
• HVAC and water heaters
• Reroofs
• Certificate of occupancy
• Minor plumbing and electrical work including panel upgrades
• Demolition

Inspections

How to Schedule

Typical inspection sequence: Application, review, permit issuance, field inspections, and final inspection/certificate of occupancy.

Additional Resources

• Building code: The city publishes a property maintenance code ordinance, a zoning ordinance, and a fire zone map. The exact adopted building code edition was not clearly stated in the published pages reviewed.
• Planning Department
• Board of Zoning Adjustments
• Planning and Zoning Commission
• Planning fee schedule PDF
• License lookup guide: Arkansas Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Arkansas Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Arkansas hub: Arkansas Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Morrilton Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Morrilton, AR?

The city publishes permit applications and fees for residential and commercial building, trade, demolition, sign, conditional use, variance, solar, and other regulated work.

How much does a building permit cost in Morrilton, AR?

The minimum permit fee is Residential building permit minimum $50; commercial building permit minimum $100.. Fees are calculated as: Residential new/addition/remodel/accessory fees are $0.07 per sq. ft. or similar per the 2024 ordinance; commercial new/addition/remodel are $0.09 per sq. ft. The city also separately posts trade fees based on square footage and registration class.. Plan check fee: Residential plan review $50; commercial plan review $100; subdivision plat review $100; solar plan review $50..

How do I apply for a building permit in Morrilton, AR?

1. Download the Building Permit Application from the Planning Department page. 2. Submit required information and supporting documents, including bond/insurance, job address, owner and contractor information, floodplain question, type of work, total square footage, estimated value, lot size, zoning/setback, building type, and subcontractor list. 3. Keep the inspection application in a weatherproof container on site. 4. Attach the plat plan and stake out the property. 5. Complete the certificate of occupancy before moving into the building; the form warns of a $200 plus fine for failure to comply. 6. City review and inspections occur through the Planning Department and building inspector.

What work is exempt from building permits in Morrilton, AR?

The following work is generally exempt: Block and retaining walls; Patio covers; HVAC and water heaters; Reroofs; Certificate of occupancy; Minor plumbing and electrical work including panel upgrades; Demolition.

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