City Building Permits
Benton, AR - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in Benton, Arkansas. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
Covers all construction within the incorporated limits of the City of Benton. Benton is the Saline County seat and the largest city in the county.
- Department
- Community Development Department
- Address
- 410 River Street, Benton, AR 72015
- Phone
- (501) 776-5938
- permits@bentonar.org
Application Process
- Determine permit type needed (residential new construction, remodel, commercial, fence, sign, demolition, grading, floodplain, etc.).
- Download the appropriate application form from the Community Development page at https://www.bentonar.org/permits-and-applications.
- Complete the form and save it.
- Email the completed form and any required attachments to permits@bentonar.org, or deliver in person to 410 River Street.
- Staff reviews the application; if plans are required, a plan review is conducted.
- Once approved, the permit is issued.
- Schedule required inspections at each construction phase.
- Obtain Certificate of Occupancy after passing final inspection.
Source: Community Development Department
General Requirements
Required for new construction, additions, remodels, commercial work, accessory buildings, pools, fences, signs, demolition, grading, house moving, floodplain development, retaining walls, and utility construction.
Required Documents
- Completed application form
- Site plan or construction drawings depending on project type
- Flood Plain Acknowledgement form for applicable areas
- Plans showing current and proposed floor plan for remodels
- Contractor requirements
- Arkansas ACLB license required -- residential projects over $2,000; commercial projects $50,000 or more.
Fees
- Minimum permit fee
- $50.00 (Demolition); varies by project type
- Plan check fee
- Not separately published
- Permit fee formula
- New construction fees are determined by total cost of construction using the ICC Building Valuation table. Carport (attached to residence): $50.00; Carport with slab (attached to residence): $100.00; Deck (attached to residence): $100.00; Mobile/Manufactured Home: $100.00; House Moving (with bedroom): $250.00; Pools and remodels: based on valuation of labor and materials
- Reinspection fee
- $50.00 re-inspection fee
- Penalty (no permit)
- 3% surcharge for credit card online payments
- Payment note
- 3% credit card fee applies for online payments
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the Community Development Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- (501) 776-5938 (phone)
- permits@bentonar.org (email)
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Additional Resources
- Verify contractor license: Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- Arkansas 811 (before you dig)
- License lookup guide: Arkansas Contractor License Requirements
- Contract template: Arkansas Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
- Arkansas hub: Arkansas Contractor License & Permit Hub
Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Community Development Department before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Benton Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in Benton, AR?
- Required for new construction, additions, remodels, commercial work, accessory buildings, pools, fences, signs, demolition, grading, house moving, floodplain development, retaining walls, and utility construction.
- How much does a building permit cost in Benton, AR?
- The minimum permit fee is $50.00 (Demolition); varies by project type. Fees are calculated as: New construction fees are determined by total cost of construction using the ICC Building Valuation table. Carport (attached to residence): $50.00; Carport with slab (attached to residence): $100.00; Deck (attached to residence): $100.00; Mobile/Manufactured Home: $100.00; House Moving (with bedroom): $250.00; Pools and remodels: based on valuation of labor and materials. Plan check fee: Not separately published.
- How do I apply for a building permit in Benton, AR?
- 1. Determine permit type needed (residential new construction, remodel, commercial, fence, sign, demolition, grading, floodplain, etc.). 2. Download the appropriate application form from the Community Development page at https://www.bentonar.org/permits-and-applications. 3. Complete the form and save it. 4. Email the completed form and any required attachments to permits@bentonar.org, or deliver in person to 410 River Street. 5. Staff reviews the application; if plans are required, a plan review is conducted. 6. Once approved, the permit is issued. 7. Schedule required inspections at each construction phase. 8. Obtain Certificate of Occupancy after passing final inspection.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in Benton, AR?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: (501) 776-5938, permits@bentonar.org.
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