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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Conway
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.
- 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.
- 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.
Application process
Typical processing: Trade permits 1-2 business days; residential plans review 3-5 business days; commercial plans review 2-3 weeks. Electronic submissions are prioritized.
- 01 Create an account on the Civic Access Portal.
- 02 Submit application electronically with all required plans and documents, or submit in person at 1111 Main St during business hours.
- 03 City staff reviews application for completeness.
- 04 Plans review is conducted.
- 05 Applicant pays permit fees (online via portal or by check at the office).
- 06 Permit is issued; permit card must be posted on the job site.
- 07 Schedule required inspections through the portal, by phone, or by email as work proceeds.
- 08 Pass all required inspections including final.
- 09 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.
Fee schedule
Effective 2025
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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2025) before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- 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 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.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Conway permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Conway, AR? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Conway, AR? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Conway, AR? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Conway, AR? ▸
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Conway, AR? ▸
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Conway, AR? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Permits and Inspections, City of Conway before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.