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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Fort Smith
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.
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
- Exempt Painting (except in the historic/downtown district)
- Exempt Carpet replacement
- Exempt Door replacement (when no structural elements are involved)
- Exempt 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.
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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Less than 1 hour for simple residential permits with complete submittals; 7-10 working days for commercial/industrial plan review.
- 01 Determine permit type needed (single family/duplex, tri-plex/four-plex, commercial/apartment/industrial, or trade permit).
- 02 Download and complete the appropriate Building Permit Application Form from the city website.
- 03 Prepare required documents (see General Requirements below).
- 04 Submit application and documents either in person at 623 Garrison Avenue, Room 405, or online via the CityView Portal.
- 05 Plans are reviewed by the Building Department.
- 06 If approved, pay permit fees at the Collections Office, Room 101, 623 Garrison Avenue.
- 07 Post the Building Permit Card conspicuously at the front of the job site before work begins.
- 08 Schedule and pass all required inspections during construction.
- 09 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) ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Fort Smith building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Permit fee formula
Combination -- valuation-based for new construction and major work; flat fees for specific trade and repair permits.
02
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.
Fees paid at the Collections Office, Room 101, 623 Garrison Avenue. Online payment also available through the CityView Portal.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (479) 784-2206 or (479) 784-1051 (phone)
- CityView Portal (online)
- 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 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).
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Fort Smith permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Fort Smith, AR? ▸
Building permit fees in Fort Smith, AR are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Combination -- valuation-based for new construction and major work; flat fees for specific trade and repair permits..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Fort Smith, AR? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Fort Smith, AR, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Fort Smith, AR? ▸
Building permit processing times in Fort Smith, AR typically run Less than 1 hour for simple residential permits with complete submittals; 7-10 working days for commercial/industrial plan review.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Fort Smith, AR? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Fort Smith, AR? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Fort Smith, AR 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..
last verified April 2026
source City of Fort Smith Building Safety Division (Building Services Department) ↗
entry id permits/arkansas/sebastian/fort-smith
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Fort Smith Building Safety Division (Building Services Department) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.