County Building Permits

Garland County, AR - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Arkansas Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Garland County does NOT have a general building permit program for unincorporated areas (no county-wide residential or commercial building permit system was identified). The primary county-level permit requirement is the Floodplain Development Permit, administered by the Garland County Floodplain Administrator under county Ordinance 0-90-58 (adopted May 24, 1990, consistent with NFIP). Any property development in a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA) in unincorporated Garland County requires a Floodplain Permit before an address can be issued and work can begin. Properties outside the SFHA may obtain an exemption certificate from the same office. There is no confirmed general construction permit program for unincorporated residential or commercial building in Garland County outside floodplain regulations.

Department
Garland County Office of Emergency Management, Floodplain Administrator
Address
401 Mid-America Blvd, Hot Springs, AR (Floodplain/Emergency Management office). Garland County Courthouse: 501 Ouachita Avenue, Hot Springs, AR 71901
Phone
501-767-3911
Website
https://www.garlandcounty.org/245/Floodplain

Application Process

  1. For development in a Special Flood Hazard Area: Verify flood zone status using FEMA Flood Map Service Center (https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home) or contact Floodplain Administrator at 501-767-3911
  2. If property is in a SFHA, apply for a Floodplain Development Permit through the Garland County Office of Emergency Management, 401 Mid-America Blvd
  3. Submit application with required documents showing compliance with NFIP standards
  4. Pay permit fee (fee schedule not published; contact 501-767-3911)
  5. Permit issued; address issued by 911 Administrative Office of the Garland County Department of Emergency Management
  6. Construct in compliance with floodplain standards; inspections as required by the Floodplain Administrator
  7. Obtain address from the 911 Administrative Office (Garland County Department of Emergency Management) before construction
  8. Ensure contractor holds valid Arkansas state license if required by project value
  9. Comply with Arkansas state building codes (enforced by State Fire Marshal statewide)

Source: Garland County Office of Emergency Management, Floodplain Administrator

General Requirements

A Floodplain Development Permit is required for any development (construction, fill, grading, or improvement) on land where any portion of the parcel is within a Special Flood Hazard Area, per Garland County Ordinance 0-09-58 (December 15, 2009). For properties entirely outside the SFHA, a county-level construction permit is not confirmed as required; however, state codes apply and contractor licensing requirements still govern.

Required Documents

  • Floodplain permit application
  • Documentation demonstrating compliance with NFIP elevation and construction standards
  • For manufactured homes: documentation of permanent foundation, anchoring, and hydrostatic relief openings
Building code
Garland County Code of Ordinances Chapter 14 covers building and burning regulations. Arkansas state-adopted codes (2021 IBC/IRC basis) apply statewide including in unincorporated areas; local enforcement for general construction is limited. Floodplain construction standards are governed by NFIP requirements per county ordinance.
Contractor requirements
Arkansas state licensing applies (residential projects over $2,000 require state license; commercial over $50,000).

Fees

Payment note
In-person at Emergency Management office. Contact 501-767-3911.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Properties entirely outside any Special Flood Hazard Area may obtain an exemption certificate from the Floodplain Administrator rather than a full permit
  • Minor maintenance and repair work not constituting 'development' under NFIP definitions may not require a floodplain permit

Important: Because there is no general county building permit program for unincorporated Garland County, the concept of 'exempt work' applies primarily to the floodplain permit context. Contact 501-767-3911 to confirm.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • 501-767-3911 (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: Inspections as required by NFIP standards for floodplain compliance (elevation certificate documentation, pre-construction and post-construction as needed).

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Garland County Office of Emergency Management, Floodplain Administrator before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Garland County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Garland County, AR?
A Floodplain Development Permit is required for any development (construction, fill, grading, or improvement) on land where any portion of the parcel is within a Special Flood Hazard Area, per Garland County Ordinance 0-09-58 (December 15, 2009). For properties entirely outside the SFHA, a county-level construction permit is not confirmed as required; however, state codes apply and contractor licensing requirements still govern.
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Garland County, AR?
1. For development in a Special Flood Hazard Area: Verify flood zone status using FEMA Flood Map Service Center (https://msc.fema.gov/portal/home) or contact Floodplain Administrator at 501-767-3911 2. If property is in a SFHA, apply for a Floodplain Development Permit through the Garland County Office of Emergency Management, 401 Mid-America Blvd 3. Submit application with required documents showing compliance with NFIP standards 4. Pay permit fee (fee schedule not published; contact 501-767-3911) 5. Permit issued; address issued by 911 Administrative Office of the Garland County Department of Emergency Management 6. Construct in compliance with floodplain standards; inspections as required by the Floodplain Administrator 7. Obtain address from the 911 Administrative Office (Garland County Department of Emergency Management) before construction 8. Ensure contractor holds valid Arkansas state license if required by project value 9. Comply with Arkansas state building codes (enforced by State Fire Marshal statewide)
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Garland County, AR?
The following work is generally exempt: Properties entirely outside any Special Flood Hazard Area may obtain an exemption certificate from the Floodplain Administrator rather than a full permit; Minor maintenance and repair work not constituting 'development' under NFIP definitions may not require a floodplain permit. Note: Because there is no general county building permit program for unincorporated Garland County, the concept of 'exempt work' applies primarily to the floodplain permit context. Contact 501-767-3911 to confirm.
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Garland County, AR?
Inspections can be scheduled via: 501-767-3911.

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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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