City Building Permits

Fort Smith, AR - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Arkansas Sebastian County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Covers all construction within the incorporated city limits of Fort Smith. Fort Smith is the county seat for the western district of Sebastian County. Projects outside city limits fall to individual incorporated municipalities or, for unincorporated areas, the county.

Department
City of Fort Smith Building Safety Division (Building Services Department)
Address
623 Garrison Avenue, Room 405, Fort Smith, AR 72901
Phone
(479) 784-2206
Website
https://www.fortsmithar.gov/government/departments/building-services

Online Permit Portal

Open CityView Portal

Platform: CityView Portal (iHarris Computer) • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

  1. Determine permit type needed (single family/duplex, tri-plex/four-plex, commercial/apartment/industrial, or trade permit).
  2. Download and complete the appropriate Building Permit Application Form from the city website.
  3. Prepare required documents (see General Requirements below).
  4. Submit application and documents either in person at 623 Garrison Avenue, Room 405, or online via the CityView Portal.
  5. Plans are reviewed by the Building Department.
  6. If approved, pay permit fees at the Collections Office, Room 101, 623 Garrison Avenue.
  7. Post the Building Permit Card conspicuously at the front of the job site before work begins.
  8. Schedule and pass all required inspections during construction.
  9. At project completion, schedule final inspection. Certificate of Occupancy (CO) issued after passing final inspection.

Typical processing time: Less than 1 hour for simple residential permits with complete submittals; 7-10 working days for commercial/industrial plan review.

Source: City of Fort Smith Building Safety Division (Building Services Department)

General Requirements

A permit is required for new construction, additions, alterations, repairs, carports, storage buildings, all pools, all driveways, fences over 6 feet in height, walls, and all plumbing/electrical/mechanical work.

Required Documents

  • Completed permit application
  • Property survey certified by Arkansas-licensed professional surveyor (for residential)
  • Site plan showing setbacks, driveway location, and utility locations
  • Floor plan showing all floors, room uses, dimensions, structural elements, door and window locations and schedules
  • Construction plans as required (for commercial: prepared by registered professional engineer or architect)
Building code
2021 Arkansas Building Code (based on 2021 IBC with Arkansas amendments); 2021 Arkansas Residential Code (based on 2021 IRC); 2021 Arkansas Fire Code (based on 2021 IFC); 2021 Arkansas Mechanical Code (based on 2021 IMC); 2018 Arkansas Fuel Gas Code (based on 2018 IFGC); Arkansas Plumbing Code (based on 2018 IPC).
Owner-builder
A homeowner may perform work regulated by the plumbing, electrical, and mechanical codes in a single-family dwelling that is owned and occupied by the homeowner as their principal residence. The owner must appear before inspectors who will inquire into the homeowner's knowledge and capabilities before a homeowner's permit can be issued.
Contractor requirements
Arkansas State Law requires contractors to be licensed with the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board (residential projects at or over $2,000 in value; commercial projects over $50,000). A City of Fort Smith Business Occupation License is also required to operate within city limits. Contractors must register their Arkansas license with the City. Electrical, mechanical, and plumbing contractors must hold state licenses and be city-registered, and must carry a minimum $2,000 permit and license bond.

Fees

Permit fee formula
Combination -- valuation-based for new construction and major work; flat fees for specific trade and repair permits.
Trade permit fee
Re-roof, re-side, and windows at $90.00 each plus state surcharge; general residential plumbing at $50.00 minimum plus additional amounts per fixture.
Payment note
Fees paid at the Collections Office, Room 101, 623 Garrison Avenue. Online payment also available through the CityView Portal.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Painting (except in the historic/downtown district)
  • Carpet replacement
  • Door replacement (when no structural elements are involved)
  • Fence installation at or under 6 feet in height

Important: Even minor maintenance repairs generally require a permit in Fort Smith. When in doubt, contact the Building Department before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Scheduling deadline
Requests received before 9:00 a.m. are scheduled for that morning. Requests received before 2:00 p.m. are scheduled for that afternoon.
Inspection hours
Inspectors in office 8:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. to take requests. Office hours Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: Foundation inspection; concrete slab inspection; plumbing/mechanical/electrical rough inspections; framing inspection; final inspection (after building is complete and address numbers are installed, all site grading and drainage completed).

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of Fort Smith Building Safety Division (Building Services Department) before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Fort Smith Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Fort Smith, AR?
A permit is required for new construction, additions, alterations, repairs, carports, storage buildings, all pools, all driveways, fences over 6 feet in height, walls, and all plumbing/electrical/mechanical work.
How much does a building permit cost in Fort Smith, AR?
Fees are calculated as: Combination -- valuation-based for new construction and major work; flat fees for specific trade and repair permits..
How do I apply for a building permit in Fort Smith, AR?
1. Determine permit type needed (single family/duplex, tri-plex/four-plex, commercial/apartment/industrial, or trade permit). 2. Download and complete the appropriate Building Permit Application Form from the city website. 3. Prepare required documents (see General Requirements below). 4. Submit application and documents either in person at 623 Garrison Avenue, Room 405, or online via the CityView Portal. 5. Plans are reviewed by the Building Department. 6. If approved, pay permit fees at the Collections Office, Room 101, 623 Garrison Avenue. 7. Post the Building Permit Card conspicuously at the front of the job site before work begins. 8. Schedule and pass all required inspections during construction. 9. At project completion, schedule final inspection. Certificate of Occupancy (CO) issued after passing final inspection.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Fort Smith, AR?
Typical processing time is Less than 1 hour for simple residential permits with complete submittals; 7-10 working days for commercial/industrial plan review..
What work is exempt from building permits in Fort Smith, AR?
The following work is generally exempt: Painting (except in the historic/downtown district); Carpet replacement; Door replacement (when no structural elements are involved); Fence installation at or under 6 feet in height. Note: Even minor maintenance repairs generally require a permit in Fort Smith. When in doubt, contact the Building Department before proceeding.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Fort Smith, AR?
Inspections can be scheduled via: (479) 784-2206 or (479) 784-1051, CityView Portal. Requests received before 9:00 a.m. are scheduled for that morning. Requests received before 2:00 p.m. are scheduled for that afternoon..

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Fort Smith can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

Learn how Jaspector works
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.

Other cities in Sebastian County

Greenwood Barling Lavaca Mansfield Hackett Hartford Huntington Bonanza Sebastian
View all Sebastian County jurisdictions →