On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Hot Springs
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.
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 (not over any basement or story below)
Interior finish work: painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops
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 must be filed within next business day)
Portable heating appliances and replacement of parts that do not alter function or safety
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures with floor area not exceeding 200 square feet
- Exempt Fences under 7 feet high
- Exempt Retaining walls not exceeding 4 feet in height (unless supporting surcharge load above)
- Exempt Water tanks supported directly on grade with capacity under 5,000 gallons
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways at grade (not over any basement or story below)
- Exempt Interior finish work: painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops
- Exempt Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep
- Exempt Swings, playground equipment, and window awnings projecting 54 inches or less
- Exempt Minor electrical repairs including replacement of lamps and connection of approved portable electrical equipment
- Exempt Minor emergency plumbing repairs (application must be filed within next business day)
- Exempt Portable heating appliances and replacement of parts that do not alter function or safety
Required documents
- Completed permit application
- Site/plot plan showing property lines and location of work
- Construction drawings for structural, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work
- Contractor license number and insurance certificate if contractor is performing 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, issued by the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board. Hot Springs may require local contractor registration; contact the Building Safety Division to confirm current local registration requirements.
Source: Building Safety Division, Planning and Development Department ↗
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Determine if a permit is required at https://www.hotspringsar.gov/562/Do-I-Need-a-Building-Permit
- 02 Download the applicable application form from https://www.hotspringsar.gov/556/Applications-and-Forms or create an account at BSA Online
- 03 Prepare required documents: completed application, site plan, construction drawings (for structural work), contractor license information if applicable
- 04 Submit application and documents online through BSA Online or deliver in person to 133 Convention Boulevard
- 05 Pay permit fee at time of submission (credit card accepted online with 2.95% surcharge; cash or check in person)
- 06 Application is reviewed by Building Safety staff; plan review may be required for larger projects
- 07 Permit is issued upon approval; permit card must be posted on site
- 08 Schedule required inspections through the BSA Online portal or by phone
- 09 Final inspection completed; certificate of occupancy issued if required
Source: Building Safety Division, Planning and Development Department ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Hot Springs building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based for construction permits; flat fees for some permit types (e.g., stormwater permits)
Online payments accepted via BSA Online portal with 2.95% credit card surcharge. In-person payments by cash, check, or money order accepted at 133 Convention Boulevard.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- BSA Online portal (online)
- 501-321-6851 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM
Typical sequence: Inspections are required at various stages determined by the adopted building codes. For residential new construction this typically includes: foundation/footing, framing/rough-in (electrical, plumbing, mechanical), insulation, and final. Commercial projects have additional stage requirements.
Source: Building Safety Division, Planning and Development Department ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Hot Springs permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Hot Springs, AR? ▸
Building permit fees in Hot Springs, AR are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based for construction permits; flat fees for some permit types (e.g., stormwater permits).
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Hot Springs, AR? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Hot Springs, AR, follow these steps: 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: completed application, site plan, construction drawings (for structural work), contractor license information if applicable 4. Submit application and documents online through BSA Online or deliver in person to 133 Convention Boulevard 5. Pay permit fee at time of submission (credit card accepted online with 2.95% surcharge; cash or check in person) 6. Application is reviewed by Building Safety staff; plan review may be required for larger projects 7. Permit is issued upon approval; permit card must be posted on site 8. Schedule required inspections through the BSA Online portal or by phone 9. Final inspection completed; certificate of occupancy issued if required
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Hot Springs, AR? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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 (not over any basement or story below); Interior finish work: painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops; 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 must be filed within next business day); Portable heating appliances and replacement of parts that do not alter function or safety. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Hot Springs, AR? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Hot Springs, AR via: BSA Online portal, 501-321-6851.
last verified April 2026
source Building Safety Division, Planning and Development Department ↗
entry id permits/arkansas/garland/hot-springs
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Safety Division, Planning and Development Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.