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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Fayetteville
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.
Painting
Playground equipment
Flooring replacement
Other purely cosmetic work that does not affect structure, systems, or energy consumption
- Exempt Painting
- Exempt Playground equipment
- Exempt Flooring replacement
- Exempt Other purely cosmetic work that does not affect structure, systems, or energy consumption
Required documents
- Varies by project type; checklists available at https://www.fayetteville-ar.gov/300/Documents-and-Checklists
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Create an account on the Civic Access Portal at fayetteville-ar.gov/840/Permitting.
- 02 Download and review required checklists and application documents from fayetteville-ar.gov/300/Documents-and-Checklists.
- 03 Submit application online through Civic Access Portal, or submit in person at 125 W Mountain St.
- 04 Pay applicable fees via eCheck or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover -- no American Express).
- 05 Staff reviews plans for code compliance; any deficiencies are communicated to applicant.
- 06 Once plans are approved, permit is issued.
- 07 Schedule and pass all required inspections during construction.
- 08 Obtain certificate of occupancy upon final inspection approval.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Fayetteville building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$55.00
02
Plan check fee
Included in permit fee; contact Building Safety for current details.
03
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).
04
Reinspection fee
Available in fee schedule at fayetteville-ar.gov/301/Fees.
Civic Access Portal accepts eCheck and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover). No American Express.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 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.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Fayetteville permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Fayetteville, AR? ▸
Building permit fees in Fayetteville, AR are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Fayetteville, AR? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Fayetteville, AR, follow these steps: 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.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Fayetteville, AR? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Fayetteville, AR? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Fayetteville, AR via: Contact Building Safety at (479) 575-8238 to schedule inspections..
last verified April 2026
source City of Fayetteville Building Safety Division ↗
entry id permits/arkansas/washington-ar/fayetteville
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Fayetteville Building Safety Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.