City Building Permits

Hot Springs, AR - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Arkansas Garland County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Covers all construction within the City of Hot Springs.

Department
Building Safety Division, Planning and Development Department
Address
133 Convention Boulevard, Hot Springs, AR 71901
Phone
501-321-6851
Website
https://www.hotspringsar.gov/561/Permits-Inspections

Online Permit Portal

Open BSA Online

Platform: BSA Online (Building Safety Abatement) • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

  1. Determine if a permit is required at https://www.hotspringsar.gov/562/Do-I-Need-a-Building-Permit
  2. Download the applicable application form from https://www.hotspringsar.gov/556/Applications-and-Forms or create an account at BSA Online.
  3. Prepare required documents including a completed application, site plan, construction drawings for structural work, and contractor license information if applicable.
  4. Submit the application and documents online through BSA Online or deliver in person to 133 Convention Boulevard.
  5. Pay permit fees at the time of submission (online credit-card surcharge: 2.95%; cash or check in person).
  6. Building Safety staff reviews the application; plan review may be required for larger projects.
  7. Permit is issued on approval and the permit card must be posted on site.
  8. Schedule required inspections through the BSA Online portal or by phone.
  9. Complete final inspection and obtain a certificate of occupancy if required.

Source: Building Safety Division, Planning and Development Department

General Requirements

Any structure over 120 square feet requires a permit. Permits are required for new construction, additions, structural alterations, electrical (beyond minor repairs), gas piping, HVAC, plumbing (beyond emergency repairs), decks, fences over 7 feet, retaining walls over 4 feet, pools over 24 inches deep, and other regulated work.

Required Documents

  • Completed permit application
  • Site/plot plan showing property lines and the location of work
  • Construction drawings for structural, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work
  • Contractor license number and insurance certificate if a contractor is performing the work
Building code
2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code (based on 2021 IBC and 2021 IRC), 2021 Arkansas Mechanical Code, 2020 National Electrical Code, 2018 Arkansas Plumbing and Gas Code, 2014 Arkansas Energy Code, 2010 ADA Standards
Contractor requirements
Arkansas requires a state contractor license for residential projects over $2,000 and commercial projects over $50,000. The city may also require local contractor registration; confirm current requirements with the Building Safety Division.

Fees

Permit fee formula
Valuation-based for construction permits; flat fees for some permit types
Payment note
Online payments accepted via BSA Online with a 2.95% credit-card surcharge; in-person payments by cash, check, or money order accepted at 133 Convention Boulevard.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • One-story detached accessory structures with floor area not exceeding 200 square feet
  • Fences under 7 feet high
  • Retaining walls not exceeding 4 feet in height, unless supporting surcharge load above
  • Water tanks supported directly on grade with capacity under 5,000 gallons
  • Sidewalks and driveways at grade
  • Interior finish work, including painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, and countertops
  • Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep
  • Swings, playground equipment, and window awnings projecting 54 inches or less
  • Minor electrical repairs, including replacement of lamps and connection of approved portable electrical equipment
  • Minor emergency plumbing repairs (application filed by next business day)
  • Portable heating appliances and replacement of parts that do not alter function or safety

Important: No additional local exemption list was published beyond the categories identified; confirm with the city for edge cases.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Inspection hours
Office hours Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Typical for residential new construction: foundation/footing, framing/rough-in (electrical, plumbing, mechanical), insulation, and final, with additional stages for commercial projects as determined by code officials.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Building Safety Division, Planning and Development Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hot Springs Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Hot Springs, AR?
Any structure over 120 square feet requires a permit. Permits are required for new construction, additions, structural alterations, electrical (beyond minor repairs), gas piping, HVAC, plumbing (beyond emergency repairs), decks, fences over 7 feet, retaining walls over 4 feet, pools over 24 inches deep, and other regulated work.
How much does a building permit cost in Hot Springs, AR?
Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based for construction permits; flat fees for some permit types.
How do I apply for a building permit in Hot Springs, AR?
1. Determine if a permit is required at https://www.hotspringsar.gov/562/Do-I-Need-a-Building-Permit 2. Download the applicable application form from https://www.hotspringsar.gov/556/Applications-and-Forms or create an account at BSA Online. 3. Prepare required documents including a completed application, site plan, construction drawings for structural work, and contractor license information if applicable. 4. Submit the application and documents online through BSA Online or deliver in person to 133 Convention Boulevard. 5. Pay permit fees at the time of submission (online credit-card surcharge: 2.95%; cash or check in person). 6. Building Safety staff reviews the application; plan review may be required for larger projects. 7. Permit is issued on approval and the permit card must be posted on site. 8. Schedule required inspections through the BSA Online portal or by phone. 9. Complete final inspection and obtain a certificate of occupancy if required.
What work is exempt from building permits in Hot Springs, AR?
The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures with floor area not exceeding 200 square feet; Fences under 7 feet high; Retaining walls not exceeding 4 feet in height, unless supporting surcharge load above; Water tanks supported directly on grade with capacity under 5,000 gallons; Sidewalks and driveways at grade; Interior finish work, including painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, and countertops; Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep; Swings, playground equipment, and window awnings projecting 54 inches or less; Minor electrical repairs, including replacement of lamps and connection of approved portable electrical equipment; Minor emergency plumbing repairs (application filed by next business day); Portable heating appliances and replacement of parts that do not alter function or safety. Note: No additional local exemption list was published beyond the categories identified; confirm with the city for edge cases.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Hot Springs, AR?
Inspections can be scheduled via: BSA Online portal, BSA Online contractor portal, 501-321-6851.

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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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