If you’re managing construction, renovation, or trade work in Little Rock, Arkansas, pulling the right permits is a critical first step — and one that can quickly slow a project down if details are missed.
This guide focuses specifically on Little Rock building permits, including what requires a permit, what’s exempt, how fees are calculated, how long permits last, and how inspections work. Use this guide to plan accurately and keep projects moving without unnecessary delays.
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What requires a building permit in Little Rock?
A building permit is required for any work that exceeds $5,000 (including material and labor) or that requires an inspection.
That means you’ll likely need a permit for work that involves:
- New construction
- Adding onto an existing structure
- Demolishing a structure
- Replacing windows, doors, and other major renovations
- Major plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work
Work that doesn’t require a Little Rock building permit
Little Rock’s ordinance lists these as excluded from the permit requirement:
- Residential fences under 7 feet tall
- Residential roofs
- Painting
- Floor coverings and other cosmetic changes
- One-story detached accessory structures (tool/storage sheds, playhouses, similar) <200 sq ft
For full details on other exceptions, review the Ordinance to amend chapter 8, article II, division I, §4 8- 31 (C).
Little Rock building permit cost
Permit fees in Little Rock are based on project type and construction valuation. Below is a general breakdown for residential and commercial work:
Building permit fee schedule (by total valuation)
Residential Certificate of Occupancy (CO) fees
Commercial Certificate of Occupancy (CO) fees
Commercial plan-checking fee (when required)
If valuation exceeds $5,000 and plans must be submitted (per Arkansas Fire Prevention Code):
Other fees to be aware of:
- Minimum fee for any building permit: $50
- Data processing fee: $25
- Act 474 surcharge (commercial projects only): $0.50 per $1,000 of construction value, max $1,000
To learn more about building permit fees, view the Ordinance to amend chapter 8, article II, division I, §4 8- 31 (C).
How long do building permits last in Little Rock?
Little Rock building permits expire one year from the issuance date. Here's what you need to know about expiration and extensions:
Standard permits ($100 or more):
- You can request extensions of up to one year after expiration
- Extension requests must be in writing showing just cause
- Extension fee: $100 per year
Lower-cost permits (under $100):
- Valid for one (1) year from issue date
- Extensions of up to 90 days available
- Extension fee equals the original permit fee cost
Permit becomes invalid if:
- Work doesn't start within six months of permit issue date, OR
- Work stops or is abandoned for six months after starting
When resuming work after invalidation, you must obtain a new permit. The fee is half the original permit cost if no plan changes were made and the lapse didn't exceed six months.
A one-time extension before expiration is available if you can show a good reason beyond your control why work couldn't start within six months. You must apply before the permit expires.
Little Rock trade permits
Plumbing permits
Permits are needed for new plumbing installations, fixture additions, or drain/sewer replacements.
Minimums and surcharges:
Electrical permits
Any new circuits, panel upgrades, or service changes need an electrical permit.
Minimums and surcharges:
HVAC permits
HVAC permits apply to furnace, duct, and A/C installations and changes.
Fees for commercial and residential replacements, repairs, alterations and additions are based on valuation:
Other fees:
How to get a building permit in Little Rock
Step 1: Prepare your plans and documents
Before you apply, gather:
- A completed City of Little Rock building permit application
- A site plan/survey (recommended for additions, exterior work, and anything that affects setbacks)
- Floor plans and any structural details needed for the scope
- A clear project valuation (the City uses valuation to calculate fees and may request documentation)
Note: Little Rock requires separate permits for electrical, gas, plumbing, and mechanical work, even if you also have a building permit.
Step 2: Submit your application
Apply through the City’s Dynamic Portal. After you create an account, you can submit the application and plans, revise your submission, pay fees, and request inspections.
Step 3: Plan review
City reviewers check code compliance and may route items to other groups depending on the project (zoning/landscaping, public works, fire, utilities, etc.).
Plan review timing: Expect five working days of processing time. However, requests for corrections and missing info can extend timelines.
Step 4: Pay permit fees
Once approved, you’ll receive an invoice. There is a Data Processing Fee of $25 in addition to permit charges. If commercial work requires plan review, the City charges a Commercial Plan-Checking Fee equal to ½ of the building permit fee (minimum $55) and it’s non-refundable.
Step 5: Start work and post the permit
Once your permit is active, begin work and schedule inspections for required stages.
Little Rock’s Selectron system allows scheduling:
- By phone: 501-588-7493
- By text: send “SCHEDULE” to 855-949-5403
- Online: inspections.littlerock.gov
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Permit inspections in Little Rock
All permitted construction in Little Rock must pass one or more inspections. Inspections confirm the work matches code requirements and the approved plans.
Inspections are commonly required for:
- Footings and foundations
- Framing (and other structural phases, depending on scope)
- Electrical / plumbing / HVAC rough-ins (when those trades are part of the project)
- Final inspection (and Certificate of Occupancy steps for projects that require a CO)
How to schedule an inspection
Little Rock uses the Selectron/WebPermits system. You can schedule, cancel, reschedule, and check results in three ways:
- Online: Use inspections.littlerock.gov (WebPermits). You’ll need your permit number.
- By phone: Call (501) 588-7493 and follow the prompts to schedule/cancel/reschedule or check results.
- By text: Text “SCHEDULE” to (855) 949-5403 (you can also text “CANCEL,” “RESCHEDULE,” or “RESULTS”).
Tip: When you request an inspection by text, you can include a preferred date and AM/PM preference.
Inspection timelines
You can request a preferred date and AM/PM preference, but the exact timing depends on inspector availability.
If an inspection fails, you’ll need a reinspection after corrections are made (reinspection fees may apply).
Closing out your permit
To finalize your permit:
- Pass all required inspections
- Submit any closeout documents the reviewer requests (only if your permit has those conditions)
- Receive a Certificate of Occupancy (for new builds / certain commercial work) or the City’s closeout sign-off
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Little Rock permitting resources
- Little Rock Planning & Development Department
- Address: 723 W Markham St, Little Rock, AR 72201
- Phone: (501) 371-4790
- Office Hours: Mon–Fri, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM CT
- Email: planning@littlerock.gov
- Permit Portal
- Helpful documents, forms, & information
- Ordinance to amend chapter 8, article II, division I, §4 8- 31 (C)
- City of Little Rock building permit application
- Commercial construction information
- Inspection scheduling instructions
- Documents required to be submitted before a permit may be issued
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