Malvern, AR - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

City limits of Malvern

Department

City of Malvern Code Enforcement / Building Official

Address

305 Locust Street, Malvern, AR 72104

Phone

501-332-3638

Website

https://www.malvernar.gov/179/Building

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Review the city building page and permit applications.
2. Prepare the permit application, plot plan, and any required construction drawings.
3. Submit plan review materials when required.
4. Pay permit and plan review fees.
5. Obtain permit issuance from the city building official.

Source: City of Malvern Code Enforcement / Building Official

General Requirements

The city building page routes users to permit applications, permit submittal, and the municipal code; the fee schedule indicates permits are required for residential, commercial, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, roofing, fences over 7 feet, signs, street cuts, and work in the right of way.

Required Documents

• Plot plan
• Construction drawings when required by code
• Detailed drawings for signs
• Lot line and setback information
• Other materials depending on work type

Permit validity

Permits expire one year from issuance; work must begin within six months; extensions may be granted in 90 day increments for $40 each

Building code

2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code Vol I, II, III; 2021 Arkansas Mechanical Code; 2020 NEC; 2018 Arkansas Fuel Gas Code; 2018 Arkansas Plumbing Code; 2018 Arkansas Energy Code; 2021 International Property Maintenance Code

Owner-builder

Residential owner-occupant and limited owner-builder exceptions are described in the city FAQ

Contractor requirements

City FAQ states licensed contractor requirements with exceptions for certain owner and low-value work; licensed tradesman required for most plumbing, electrical, and HVAC work outside limited exceptions

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Generally $40 for many permit types

Plan check fee

Residential plan review is $100 when full drawings are required; commercial plan review is one-half of building permit cost, capped at $1,000 per building

Permit fee formula

Common formula is $0.05 per square foot under roof or affected area, with category-specific minimums

Reinspection fee

Additional inspections/re-inspections are $30 each

Penalty (no permit)

Starting work before permit doubles the fee and may trigger a fine of $100 to $1,000 per day

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Accessory buildings less than 200 square feet have no fee permit in the fee schedule

Important: FAQ and fee schedule indicate exemptions and limited owner/trade exceptions, but no single city exemption list was published on the permit page

Inspections

How to Schedule

Typical inspection sequence: Residential permits include three inspections: footing, framing, and final; plumbing new construction includes rough-in, top-out, and final; electrical new construction includes in-wall and final; mechanical new construction includes duct and final

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code Vol I, II, III; 2021 Arkansas Mechanical Code; 2020 NEC; 2018 Arkansas Fuel Gas Code; 2018 Arkansas Plumbing Code; 2018 Arkansas Energy Code; 2021 International Property Maintenance Code
• Building page
• FAQ page
• Permit fee schedule
• Municipal code
• License lookup guide: Arkansas Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Arkansas Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Arkansas hub: Arkansas Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Malvern Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Malvern, AR?

The city building page routes users to permit applications, permit submittal, and the municipal code; the fee schedule indicates permits are required for residential, commercial, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, roofing, fences over 7 feet, signs, street cuts, and work in the right of way.

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

The minimum permit fee is Generally $40 for many permit types. Fees are calculated as: Common formula is $0.05 per square foot under roof or affected area, with category-specific minimums. Plan check fee: Residential plan review is $100 when full drawings are required; commercial plan review is one-half of building permit cost, capped at $1,000 per building.

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

1. Review the city building page and permit applications. 2. Prepare the permit application, plot plan, and any required construction drawings. 3. Submit plan review materials when required. 4. Pay permit and plan review fees. 5. Obtain permit issuance from the city building official.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Accessory buildings less than 200 square feet have no fee permit in the fee schedule. Note: FAQ and fee schedule indicate exemptions and limited owner/trade exceptions, but no single city exemption list was published on the permit page

Other cities in Hot Spring County