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

Fees are calculated as: Fees calculated based on total under-roof square footage. A 2025 fee increase was approved: approximately $3.40 per unit increase on residential and $3.80 per unit on commercial..

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

1. Create an account on the Civic Access Portal. 2. Submit application electronically with all required plans and documents, or submit in person at 1111 Main St during business hours. 3. City staff reviews application for completeness. 4. Plans review is conducted. 5. Applicant pays permit fees (online via portal or by check at the office). 6. Permit is issued; permit card must be posted on the job site. 7. Schedule required inspections through the portal, by phone, or by email as work proceeds. 8. Pass all required inspections including final. 9. Obtain Certificate of Occupancy before occupying any new structure.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Accessory structures 50 sq. ft. or less (though zoning setback rules still apply). Note: For a complete exemption list, contact the department at 501-450-6107 or permits@conwayarkansas.gov.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Conway, AR?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 501-450-6107, permits@conwayarkansas.gov, Civic Access Portal. Requests must be submitted at least one business day in advance..

City Building Permits

Conway, AR - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Conway, Arkansas. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Arkansas Faulkner County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Conway.

Department: Building Permits and Inspections, City of Conway
Address: 1111 Main St, Conway, AR 72032
Phone: 501-450-6107
Email: permits@conwayarkansas.gov
Website: https://conwayarkansas.gov/permits/

Online Permit Portal

Open Civic Access Portal (Tyler Technologies EnerGov)

Platform: Tyler Technologies EnerGov • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Create an account on the Civic Access Portal.
Submit application electronically with all required plans and documents, or submit in person at 1111 Main St during business hours.
City staff reviews application for completeness.
Plans review is conducted.
Applicant pays permit fees (online via portal or by check at the office).
Permit is issued; permit card must be posted on the job site.
Schedule required inspections through the portal, by phone, or by email as work proceeds.
Pass all required inspections including final.
Obtain Certificate of Occupancy before occupying any new structure.

Typical processing time: Trade permits 1-2 business days; residential plans review 3-5 business days; commercial plans review 2-3 weeks. Electronic submissions are prioritized.

Source: Building Permits and Inspections, City of Conway

General Requirements

Permits are required for new construction, remodels, additions, and accessory buildings. Separate trade permits are required for electrical, plumbing, gas, and mechanical work. Accessory structures greater than 50 sq. ft. require a building permit.

Required Documents

Site plan showing property lines, existing buildings, easements, driveways, and setback dimensions
Floor plan
Footing and foundation plans with details
Elevations
Framing details or notes
Wall bracing details
Window and door sizes
For remodels: floor plan showing nature and extent of proposed work
For new lots: proof that the lot has existed in its present form for at least 10 years

Building code: 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code (Volume II - Building Code, based on IBC 2021; Volume III - Residential Code, based on IRC 2021); 2020 National Electrical Code; 2018 Arkansas Plumbing and Fuel Gas Code; 2021 Arkansas Mechanical Code; 2017 ANSI Code; 2014 Arkansas Energy Code
Contractor requirements: Commercial contractors working on projects $50,000 or more (including labor and materials) must hold an Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board commercial license. Residential contractors working on projects over $2,000 must hold a residential builder or remodeler license through the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board.

Fees

Permit fee formula: Fees calculated based on total under-roof square footage. A 2025 fee increase was approved: approximately $3.40 per unit increase on residential and $3.80 per unit on commercial.
Payment note: Impact Fees apply to all new one- and two-family dwellings and to some commercial projects involving use changes; must be paid before final inspection.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2025).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Accessory structures 50 sq. ft. or less (though zoning setback rules still apply)

Important: For a complete exemption list, contact the department at 501-450-6107 or permits@conwayarkansas.gov.

Inspections

How to Schedule

501-450-6107 (phone)
permits@conwayarkansas.gov (email)
Civic Access Portal (online)

Scheduling deadline: Requests must be submitted at least one business day in advance.
Inspection hours: Next business day scheduling

Typical inspection sequence: Footing/foundation (pre-concrete pour); rough-in plumbing (before slab is poured or before crawl space is closed); rough-in electrical (before covered by insulation or finish materials); framing (all framing regardless of material, before covered by insulation or finish); insulation; final building inspection. For accessory structures: footing, floor joist, framing, and final. A Certificate of Occupancy is required before any structure is occupied; CO is not issued until all final inspections pass, all fees are paid, and all departments have given final approval.

Additional Resources

Building code: 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code (Volume II - Building Code, based on IBC 2021; Volume III - Residential Code, based on IRC 2021); 2020 National Electrical Code; 2018 Arkansas Plumbing and Fuel Gas Code; 2021 Arkansas Mechanical Code; 2017 ANSI Code; 2014 Arkansas Energy Code
Zoning information: View zoning info
Planning Commission
Planning Department Contact
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 Building Permits and Inspections, City of Conway before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conway Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Conway, AR?: Permits are required for new construction, remodels, additions, and accessory buildings. Separate trade permits are required for electrical, plumbing, gas, and mechanical work. Accessory structures greater than 50 sq. ft. require a building permit.
How much does a building permit cost in Conway, AR?: Fees are calculated as: Fees calculated based on total under-roof square footage. A 2025 fee increase was approved: approximately $3.40 per unit increase on residential and $3.80 per unit on commercial..
How do I apply for a building permit in Conway, AR?: 1. Create an account on the Civic Access Portal. 2. Submit application electronically with all required plans and documents, or submit in person at 1111 Main St during business hours. 3. City staff reviews application for completeness. 4. Plans review is conducted. 5. Applicant pays permit fees (online via portal or by check at the office). 6. Permit is issued; permit card must be posted on the job site. 7. Schedule required inspections through the portal, by phone, or by email as work proceeds. 8. Pass all required inspections including final. 9. Obtain Certificate of Occupancy before occupying any new structure.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Conway, AR?: Typical processing time is Trade permits 1-2 business days; residential plans review 3-5 business days; commercial plans review 2-3 weeks. Electronic submissions are prioritized..
What work is exempt from building permits in Conway, AR?: The following work is generally exempt: Accessory structures 50 sq. ft. or less (though zoning setback rules still apply). Note: For a complete exemption list, contact the department at 501-450-6107 or permits@conwayarkansas.gov.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Conway, AR?: Inspections can be scheduled via: 501-450-6107, permits@conwayarkansas.gov, Civic Access Portal. Requests must be submitted at least one business day in advance..

Need help with your project?

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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