City Building Permits

Fayetteville, AR - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Arkansas Washington County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Fayetteville is the county seat and largest city in Washington County. The Building Safety Division administers all building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and gas permits within Fayetteville city limits.

Department
City of Fayetteville Building Safety Division
Address
125 West Mountain Street, Fayetteville, AR 72701
Phone
(479) 575-8238
Website
https://www.fayetteville-ar.gov/538/Building-Safety

Online Permit Portal

Open

Platform: Civic Access Portal (EnerGov) • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

  1. Create an account on the Civic Access Portal at fayetteville-ar.gov/840/Permitting.
  2. Download and review required checklists and application documents from fayetteville-ar.gov/300/Documents-and-Checklists.
  3. Submit application online through Civic Access Portal, or submit in person at 125 W Mountain St.
  4. Pay applicable fees via eCheck or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover -- no American Express).
  5. Staff reviews plans for code compliance; any deficiencies are communicated to applicant.
  6. Once plans are approved, permit is issued.
  7. Schedule and pass all required inspections during construction.
  8. Obtain certificate of occupancy upon final inspection approval.

Source: City of Fayetteville Building Safety Division

General Requirements

Any owner or authorized agent intending to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure must obtain a permit. Electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing work also requires permits.

Required Documents

  • Varies by project type; checklists available at https://www.fayetteville-ar.gov/300/Documents-and-Checklists
Permit validity
Permits are valid for 180 days. A permit becomes invalid if work does not commence within 180 days of issuance, or if authorized work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days after commencement.
Building code
2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code (incorporating 2021 IBC and 2021 IRC with amendments); 2021 Property Maintenance Code. Codes page: https://www.fayetteville-ar.gov/558/Current-Codes
Owner-builder
Property owners or authorized agents of the owner may apply. New construction valued at more than $20,000 must be performed by a licensed contractor.
Contractor requirements
Licensed contractor required for new construction over $20,000. Subcontractors for electrical, plumbing, gas, and HVAC must be licensed.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
$55.00
Plan check fee
Included in permit fee; contact Building Safety for current details.
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based. Residential: project valuation divided by 1,000 multiplied by $4.49. Trade permits also calculated on labor-and-materials valuation (no longer based on number of openings, units, or fixtures).
Reinspection fee
Available in fee schedule at fayetteville-ar.gov/301/Fees.
Payment note
Civic Access Portal accepts eCheck and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover). No American Express.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Painting
  • Playground equipment
  • Flooring replacement
  • Other purely cosmetic work that does not affect structure, systems, or energy consumption

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • Contact Building Safety at (479) 575-8238 to schedule inspections. (phone)
Inspection hours
Contact Building Safety for current inspection hours and windows.

Typical inspection sequence: Plan review before permit issuance; field inspections during construction including foundation, framing, rough-in trades, insulation, and final inspection; certificate of occupancy issued upon successful final.

Reinspection fees apply; see fee schedule at fayetteville-ar.gov/301/Fees.

Additional Resources

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fayetteville Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Fayetteville, AR?
Any owner or authorized agent intending to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure must obtain a permit. Electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing work also requires permits.
How much does a building permit cost in Fayetteville, AR?
The minimum permit fee is $55.00. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based. Residential: project valuation divided by 1,000 multiplied by $4.49. Trade permits also calculated on labor-and-materials valuation (no longer based on number of openings, units, or fixtures).. Plan check fee: Included in permit fee; contact Building Safety for current details..
How do I apply for a building permit in Fayetteville, AR?
1. Create an account on the Civic Access Portal at fayetteville-ar.gov/840/Permitting. 2. Download and review required checklists and application documents from fayetteville-ar.gov/300/Documents-and-Checklists. 3. Submit application online through Civic Access Portal, or submit in person at 125 W Mountain St. 4. Pay applicable fees via eCheck or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover -- no American Express). 5. Staff reviews plans for code compliance; any deficiencies are communicated to applicant. 6. Once plans are approved, permit is issued. 7. Schedule and pass all required inspections during construction. 8. Obtain certificate of occupancy upon final inspection approval.
What work is exempt from building permits in Fayetteville, AR?
The following work is generally exempt: Painting; Playground equipment; Flooring replacement; Other purely cosmetic work that does not affect structure, systems, or energy consumption.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Fayetteville, AR?
Inspections can be scheduled via: Contact Building Safety at (479) 575-8238 to schedule inspections..

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Fayetteville 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 Washington County

Unincorporated Area Springdale Prairie Grove Farmington
View all Washington County jurisdictions →