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.

Arkansas Saline County Updated March 2026

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

Application Process

  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.

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

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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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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