On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for North Little Rock
New construction, additions, alterations, repairs beyond ordinary maintenance, trade work (electrical, plumbing, mechanical). Exterior changes in Argenta Historic District require History Commission approval.
Ordinary maintenance and repair
Cosmetic work: painting, wallpapering, flooring, cabinetry
Like-for-like fixture replacement not requiring new rough-in work
- Exempt Ordinary maintenance and repair
- Exempt Cosmetic work: painting, wallpapering, flooring, cabinetry
- Exempt 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
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
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Determine permit type (building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, other trade).
- 02 Gather required documents: construction plans, contractor license, insurance, site plan.
- 03 Create account on BS&A Online portal (bsaonline.com?uid=2499) or visit City Hall in person.
- 04 Submit application and upload documents through portal, or submit in person.
- 05 Pay permit fees online via BS&A portal or in person.
- 06 Staff reviews application and plans; commercial projects may require plan review.
- 07 Permit issued upon approval.
- 08 Post permit on jobsite.
- 09 Schedule inspections via portal or by calling the Planning Department.
- 10 Pass required inspections; receive certificate of occupancy if applicable.
§ 04
Fee schedule
North Little Rock building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Set by ordinance; contact department for current minimum
02
Plan check fee
Included within fee schedule for commercial work; contact department
03
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
04
Reinspection fee
Re-inspection fees set by ordinance; contact department
Online via BS&A portal or in person
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- BS&A Online portal (online)
- 501-975-8835 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Weekdays during normal business hours
Typical sequence: Typical sequence: foundation/footing, framing, rough-in (electrical, plumbing, mechanical), insulation, final
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about North Little Rock permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in North Little Rock, AR? ▸
Building permit fees in North Little Rock, AR are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in North Little Rock, AR? ▸
To apply for a building permit in North Little Rock, AR, follow these steps: 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.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in North Little Rock, AR? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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 When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in North Little Rock, AR? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in North Little Rock, AR via: BS&A Online portal, 501-975-8835.
last verified April 2026
source City of North Little Rock Planning Department ↗
entry id permits/arkansas/pulaski/north-little-rock
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of North Little Rock Planning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.