City Building Permits

North Little Rock, AR - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Arkansas Pulaski County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Covers all construction within North Little Rock city limits. Projects in the Argenta Historic District (between Poplar, 9th Street, South Broadway, and North Broadway) also require North Little Rock History Commission approval for exterior changes.

Department
City of North Little Rock Planning Department
Address
300 Main Street, North Little Rock, AR 72114
Phone
501-975-8835
Website
https://nlr.ar.gov/business/permits/

Online Permit Portal

Open BS&A Online

Platform: BS&A Online • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Additional resources:

Application Process

  1. Determine permit type (building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, other trade).
  2. Gather required documents: construction plans, contractor license, insurance, site plan.
  3. Create account on BS&A Online portal (bsaonline.com?uid=2499) or visit City Hall in person.
  4. Submit application and upload documents through portal, or submit in person.
  5. Pay permit fees online via BS&A portal or in person.
  6. Staff reviews application and plans; commercial projects may require plan review.
  7. Permit issued upon approval.
  8. Post permit on jobsite.
  9. Schedule inspections via portal or by calling the Planning Department.
  10. Pass required inspections; receive certificate of occupancy if applicable.

Source: City of North Little Rock Planning Department

General Requirements

New construction, additions, alterations, repairs beyond ordinary maintenance, trade work (electrical, plumbing, mechanical). Exterior changes in Argenta Historic District require History Commission approval.

Required Documents

  • Application
  • Construction plans
  • Site plan
  • Contractor Arkansas license and insurance
  • Trade permits as applicable
Building code
Arkansas State Building Code; North Little Rock Municipal Code Chapter 4 governs locally
Owner-builder
Not publicly detailed on main site; contact department
Contractor requirements
Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board license required; trade licenses required for electrical, plumbing, mechanical work

Fees

Minimum permit fee
Set by ordinance; contact department for current minimum
Plan check fee
Included within fee schedule for commercial work; contact department
Permit fee formula
Tiered fee schedule for residential and commercial projects per Municipal Code Chapter 4 (last updated Ordinance 9477, July 2022); includes Act 474 of 1999 surcharge
Reinspection fee
Re-inspection fees set by ordinance; contact department
Payment note
Online via BS&A portal or in person

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Ordinary maintenance and repair
  • Cosmetic work: painting, wallpapering, flooring, cabinetry
  • Like-for-like fixture replacement not requiring new rough-in work

Important: Full exempt work list not published separately; consult Municipal Code Chapter 4 or contact the Planning Department for the definitive list

Inspections

How to Schedule

Inspection hours
Weekdays during normal business hours

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

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of North Little Rock Planning Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

North Little Rock Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in North Little Rock, AR?
New construction, additions, alterations, repairs beyond ordinary maintenance, trade work (electrical, plumbing, mechanical). Exterior changes in Argenta Historic District require History Commission approval.
How much does a building permit cost in North Little Rock, AR?
The minimum permit fee is Set by ordinance; contact department for current minimum. Fees are calculated as: Tiered fee schedule for residential and commercial projects per Municipal Code Chapter 4 (last updated Ordinance 9477, July 2022); includes Act 474 of 1999 surcharge. Plan check fee: Included within fee schedule for commercial work; contact department.
How do I apply for a building permit in North Little Rock, AR?
1. Determine permit type (building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, other trade). 2. Gather required documents: construction plans, contractor license, insurance, site plan. 3. Create account on BS&A Online portal (bsaonline.com?uid=2499) or visit City Hall in person. 4. Submit application and upload documents through portal, or submit in person. 5. Pay permit fees online via BS&A portal or in person. 6. Staff reviews application and plans; commercial projects may require plan review. 7. Permit issued upon approval. 8. Post permit on jobsite. 9. Schedule inspections via portal or by calling the Planning Department. 10. Pass required inspections; receive certificate of occupancy if applicable.
What work is exempt from building permits in North Little Rock, AR?
The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary maintenance and repair; Cosmetic work: painting, wallpapering, flooring, cabinetry; Like-for-like fixture replacement not requiring new rough-in work. Note: Full exempt work list not published separately; consult Municipal Code Chapter 4 or contact the Planning Department for the definitive list
How do I schedule a building inspection in North Little Rock, AR?
Inspections can be scheduled via: BS&A Online portal, 501-975-8835.

Need help with your project?

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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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