Little Rock, AR - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Covers all construction within Little Rock city limits

Department

City of Little Rock Department of Planning and Development, Building Codes Division

Address

723 West Markham Street, 2nd Floor, Little Rock, AR 72201

Phone

501-371-4832

Website

https://www.littlerock.gov/city-administration/city-departments/planning-and-development/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Determine permit type needed (building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or combination).
2. Prepare construction plans: architectural drawings, site plan, structural calculations (required for commercial and larger residential projects).
3. Submit permit application online via Dynamic Portal or in person at 723 W. Markham, 2nd Floor.
4. Pay permit fees at submission (plus $25 data processing fee).
5. Commercial projects undergo plan review; plan check fee equals 1/2 of building permit fee (minimum $55, non-refundable).
6. Permit issued upon plan approval.
7. Post permit on jobsite; schedule required inspections via WebPermits or by phone.
8. Pass all required inspections.
9. Receive certificate of occupancy for applicable projects.

Source: City of Little Rock Department of Planning and Development, Building Codes Division

General Requirements

Any work exceeding $5,000 in total cost (materials plus labor), or any work requiring inspection. Separate permits required for electrical, gas, plumbing, and mechanical work even when a building permit is also issued.

Required Documents

• Completed application
• Two sets of construction plans for commercial
• Site plan
• Energy code compliance documentation
• Contractor license information

Permit validity

Work must commence within a set period; contact division for current validity period

Building code

Arkansas State Building Code (based on International Building Code and associated codes as adopted by Arkansas)

Owner-builder

Owner-builders may pull permits for their primary residence; contact division to confirm current rules

Contractor requirements

Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board license required; electrical, plumbing, and mechanical trades require separate state licenses

Fees

Plan check fee

1/2 of building permit fee for commercial projects (minimum $55, non-refundable)

Permit fee formula

Valuation-based tiered schedule per Ordinance 22204

Payment note

$25 data processing fee added to all permits. Fees paid at time of application or via Dynamic Portal online. Demolition permits at $0.0825 per square foot.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Ordinary repairs not affecting structural, fire, life safety, or code-compliance elements
• Painting, wallpapering, flooring, cabinetry (cosmetic work)
• Replacement of fixtures (like-for-like) where no new wiring or piping runs are involved

Important: Confirm full exempt list with the Building Codes Division or review Little Rock Code of Ordinances Chapter 8, Article II, Division 1

Inspections

How to Schedule

• WebPermits (online)
• 501-588-7493 (phone)
• Text 'SCHEDULE' to 855-949-5403 (text)

Inspection hours

Weekdays during normal business hours

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: footing/foundation, framing, rough-in (electrical, plumbing, mechanical), insulation, drywall (if required), final

Additional Resources

• Building code: Arkansas State Building Code (based on International Building Code and associated codes as adopted by Arkansas)
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Building Permit Application Form
• Permit Data/Open Data
• Selectron Inspection Scheduling System
• Demolition Checklist
• License lookup guide: Arkansas Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Arkansas Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Arkansas hub: Arkansas Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Little Rock Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Little Rock, AR?

Any work exceeding $5,000 in total cost (materials plus labor), or any work requiring inspection. Separate permits required for electrical, gas, plumbing, and mechanical work even when a building permit is also issued.

How much does a building permit cost in Little Rock, AR?

Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based tiered schedule per Ordinance 22204. Plan check fee: 1/2 of building permit fee for commercial projects (minimum $55, non-refundable).

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

1. Determine permit type needed (building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or combination). 2. Prepare construction plans: architectural drawings, site plan, structural calculations (required for commercial and larger residential projects). 3. Submit permit application online via Dynamic Portal or in person at 723 W. Markham, 2nd Floor. 4. Pay permit fees at submission (plus $25 data processing fee). 5. Commercial projects undergo plan review; plan check fee equals 1/2 of building permit fee (minimum $55, non-refundable). 6. Permit issued upon plan approval. 7. Post permit on jobsite; schedule required inspections via WebPermits or by phone. 8. Pass all required inspections. 9. Receive certificate of occupancy for applicable projects.

What work is exempt from building permits in Little Rock, AR?

The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary repairs not affecting structural, fire, life safety, or code-compliance elements; Painting, wallpapering, flooring, cabinetry (cosmetic work); Replacement of fixtures (like-for-like) where no new wiring or piping runs are involved. Note: Confirm full exempt list with the Building Codes Division or review Little Rock Code of Ordinances Chapter 8, Article II, Division 1

How do I schedule a building inspection in Little Rock, AR?

Inspections can be scheduled via: WebPermits, 501-588-7493, Text 'SCHEDULE' to 855-949-5403.

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