City Building Permits
West Memphis, AR - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in West Memphis, Arkansas. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
West Memphis city limits
- Department
- Planning and Development, City of West Memphis
- Address
- City of West Memphis, 205 South Redding, West Memphis, AR 72301. Planning and Development mailing address listed as P.O. Box 1728, West Memphis, AR 72301.
- Phone
- 870-732-7520 for Planning and Development; city main line 870-732-7500
Application Process
- Start with the online permit portal or the Applications and Permits page, upload documentation, pay applicable fees, and submit to Planning and Development.
- For zoning-related items, a planning commission or board of adjustment action may be required before the permit is issued.
General Requirements
The zoning ordinance says no building permit may be issued until the proposed construction conforms to applicable regulations, and it is unlawful to start construction, reconstruction, moving, demolition, or structural alteration without a permit.
Required Documents
- A plan in duplicate drawn to scale
- Building size
- Site location
- Existing buildings
- Driveways
- Parking or loading areas
- Other information needed for administration
- Permit validity
- If work has not begun within the prescribed time set forth in the building code, the permit expires and is canceled.
- Contractor requirements
- The city publishes contractor privilege license information on its permits page, but the detailed licensing rules were not fully reviewed here.
Fees
- Minimum permit fee
- Certificate of occupancy application fee is $10.00
- Permit fee formula
- Subdivision fees published in the development code include $50 plus $1 per lot for a preliminary plat, $10 plus $1 per lot for a final plat, and $10 for a lot split or minor subdivision. The public zoning ordinance excerpt reviewed does not expose the building permit fee formula itself.
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the Planning and Development, City of West Memphis to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- Building Official review after completed application is filed (in-person)
- Inspection hours
- Planning and Development hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Typical inspection sequence: Apply for permit, submit plans, obtain building official review, obtain permit, then obtain certificate of occupancy where required.
Additional Resources
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- Planning and Development
- Applications and Permits
- Land Subdivision and Development Code
- 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 Planning and Development, City of West Memphis before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
West Memphis Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in West Memphis, AR?
- The zoning ordinance says no building permit may be issued until the proposed construction conforms to applicable regulations, and it is unlawful to start construction, reconstruction, moving, demolition, or structural alteration without a permit.
- How much does a building permit cost in West Memphis, AR?
- The minimum permit fee is Certificate of occupancy application fee is $10.00. Fees are calculated as: Subdivision fees published in the development code include $50 plus $1 per lot for a preliminary plat, $10 plus $1 per lot for a final plat, and $10 for a lot split or minor subdivision. The public zoning ordinance excerpt reviewed does not expose the building permit fee formula itself..
- How do I apply for a building permit in West Memphis, AR?
- 1. Start with the online permit portal or the Applications and Permits page, upload documentation, pay applicable fees, and submit to Planning and Development. 2. For zoning-related items, a planning commission or board of adjustment action may be required before the permit is issued.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in West Memphis, AR?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: Building Official review after completed application is filed.
Need help with your project?
Navigating permits in West Memphis can be complicated.
Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.
Learn how Jaspector worksOther cities in Crittenden County