City of Little Rock

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.

• Exempt Ordinary repairs not affecting structural, fire, life safety, or code-compliance elements
• Exempt Painting, wallpapering, flooring, cabinetry (cosmetic work)
• Exempt 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

Building code

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

Permit validity

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

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

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

1. 01
   Determine permit type needed (building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or combination).
2. 02
   Prepare construction plans: architectural drawings, site plan, structural calculations (required for commercial and larger residential projects).
3. 03
   Submit permit application online via Dynamic Portal or in person at 723 W. Markham, 2nd Floor.
4. 04
   Pay permit fees at submission (plus $25 data processing fee).
5. 05
   Commercial projects undergo plan review; plan check fee equals 1/2 of building permit fee (minimum $55, non-refundable).
6. 06
   Permit issued upon plan approval.
7. 07
   Post permit on jobsite; schedule required inspections via WebPermits or by phone.
8. 08
   Pass all required inspections.
9. 09
   Receive certificate of occupancy for applicable projects.

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

$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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

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

Inspection hours

Weekdays during normal business hours

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