Washington County, AR - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Unincorporated Washington County (outside city and town limits). County does NOT enforce building codes for agricultural buildings, single-family homes, or residential accessory structures in unincorporated areas.

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

Email

planning@washingtoncountyar.gov

Website

https://www.washingtoncountyar.gov/government/departments-f-z/planning

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Determine whether your project is in unincorporated Washington County (outside 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.

Source: Washington County Planning Office

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

Typical inspection sequence: No building inspections are conducted by the county for residential or agricultural work.

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 and Information
• Municode Ordinances
• City Contact Information
• License lookup guide: Arkansas Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Arkansas Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Arkansas hub: Arkansas Contractor License & Permit Hub

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 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.