County Building Permits
Washington County, AR - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Washington County, Arkansas. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
Washington County does NOT enforce building codes for agricultural buildings, single-family homes, or residential accessory structures in unincorporated areas. No building permits or inspections are required for those uses, and no certificates of occupancy will be issued unless specifically requested. The county administers planning and zoning for unincorporated areas, with all land defaulting to agricultural or single-family residential (1 unit/acre) zoning.
- Department
- Washington County Planning Office
- Address
- 2615 Brink Drive, Fayetteville, AR 72701 (Planning Office); Washington County Courthouse, 280 N College Ave, Fayetteville, AR 72701 (Permits and Regulations)
- Phone
- (479) 444-1724
Online Permit Portal
Application Process
- Determine whether your project is in unincorporated Washington County (outside any city/town limits).
- For standard single-family residential or agricultural structures, no building permit is required by the county.
- Conditional use permits are required for any land use other than agricultural or single-family residential.
- Submit applicable planning application forms to the Planning Office with required documentation.
General Requirements
Building permits are NOT required for single-family homes, agricultural buildings, or residential accessory structures in unincorporated areas. Conditional use permits are required for commercial uses and uses not permitted by right under the default zoning.
Required Documents
- Varies by permit type; contact Planning Office for checklist.
- Building code
- Washington County does not adopt or enforce a building code for residential or agricultural structures in unincorporated areas. No inspections are conducted.
- Contractor requirements
- Arkansas state contractor licensing applies; county does not impose additional requirements.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- Single-family residential construction (no permit required in unincorporated areas)
- Agricultural buildings of all types
- Residential accessory structures (sheds, barns, garages)
- Any work on existing residential structures in unincorporated areas
Inspections
How to Schedule
- No building inspections are conducted by the county for residential or agricultural work. (contact)
Additional Resources
- Building code: Washington County does not adopt or enforce a building code for residential or agricultural structures in unincorporated areas. No inspections are conducted.
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- Planning applications
- Municode ordinances
- City contact information (for work within city limits)
- License lookup guide: Arkansas Contractor License Requirements
- Contract template: Arkansas Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
- Arkansas hub: Arkansas Contractor License & Permit Hub
Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Washington County Planning Office before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Washington County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Washington County, AR?
- Building permits are NOT required for single-family homes, agricultural buildings, or residential accessory structures in unincorporated areas. Conditional use permits are required for commercial uses and uses not permitted by right under the default zoning.
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Washington County, AR?
- 1. Determine whether your project is in unincorporated Washington County (outside any city/town limits). 2. For standard single-family residential or agricultural structures, no building permit is required by the county. 3. Conditional use permits are required for any land use other than agricultural or single-family residential. 4. Submit applicable planning application forms to the Planning Office with required documentation.
- What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Washington County, AR?
- The following work is generally exempt: Single-family residential construction (no permit required in unincorporated areas); Agricultural buildings of all types; Residential accessory structures (sheds, barns, garages); Any work on existing residential structures in unincorporated areas.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Washington County, AR?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: No building inspections are conducted by the county for residential or agricultural work..
Need help with your project?
Navigating permits in Washington County (Unincorporated Area) 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