Arkansas

An Arkansas carport permit comes from your city or a county that runs a permit program, working from the state code, the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, written by the State Fire Marshal. The building permits themselves come from cities and the counties that run a permit program. Inside city limits you will almost always deal with a city building office. Out in the county, the rules can be a lot lighter, and there's no statewide farm building exemption. Your local office makes that call.

Building code in effect

The 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, adopted by the Arkansas State Fire Marshal, replaced the 2012 edition. It comes in three volumes: Volume I is based on the 2021 International Fire Code, Volume II on the 2021 International Building Code, and Volume III on the 2021 International Residential Code, each with Arkansas amendments. The rule text lists an effective date of January 1, 2023. Under Section 101.2.2, any district, county or city that adopts and enforces a code must use the 2021 edition as its base. Local amendments can be stricter but not weaker. The State Fire Marshal asks cities and counties to adopt it as a local ordinance, so whether a building inspector checks your project depends on your local government.

Who issues permits

Cities issue most building permits in Arkansas through their building or code enforcement office. Some counties run permit and planning programs for unincorporated land, and many rural counties have little or no building permit process. Under Arkansas law (Ark. Code 14-17-209), counties that adopt zoning enforce it by denying building and use permits, so zoning and permits can be tied together where a county has planning. Call your city or county judge's office to find out who covers your address.

County permit guides

County guides are coming soon.

Don't see your county? Call 919-725-8176 and we'll help you find the right office.

When you need a permit

• Inside city limits: Most Arkansas cities enforce the residential volume of the state code and want a permit for a detached garage. Many also want one for a carport.
• Unincorporated areas: Many Arkansas counties don't run a building permit program outside city limits. Some do, so check before assuming you're clear.
• Farm buildings: Arkansas has no statewide farm building exemption in the Fire Prevention Code. Each local government decides how it treats barns and ag sheds.
• Commercial use: Buildings for a business fall under Volume II (the building code side) and the State Fire Marshal has statewide authority to inspect them, so expect more review than for a home garage.
• Small accessory buildings: Size cutoffs for sheds and carports are set by each city's ordinance. Ask for the number in writing.

Farm buildings

The 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code has no statewide agricultural building exemption. Whether a barn, hay shed or equipment building needs a permit is decided locally. In counties with no building permit program, farm buildings often go up without one. Cities and counties that enforce the code may have their own farm rules, so ask your local office before you order.

Wind and snow

Arkansas sits in a busy tornado and severe storm area, with strong spring winds statewide. Snow is usually light, but the Ozark and Ouachita mountain areas in the north and west can get more snow and ice than the Delta. Ask your city or county what wind speed and snow load to engineer for. If there's no local office, ask your installer what the site needs. Our partnered manufacturers offer certified buildings rated for 140 MPH wind and 35 PSF snow load, and higher ratings can be quoted where required.

Before you order

• Find out if your land is inside city limits. That usually decides who you call for a permit.
• If you're in the county, call the county judge's office or planning office and ask if they issue building permits.
• Ask what setbacks apply from property lines and roads, even if no building permit is needed.
• If you plan to use the building for a business, ask whether the fire marshal or a commercial plan review is needed.

Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Arkansas?
Inside most cities, probably yes, or at least a zoning check. In many rural counties there's no building permit program, so a carport may not need one. It all depends on your local government, so call before you order.

Do I need a permit for a metal garage in Arkansas?
If you live in a city, most likely yes. Cities that enforce the code use the residential volume of the 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code. In unincorporated areas, it depends on whether your county runs a permit program.

Are farm buildings exempt?
There's no statewide farm exemption in the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code. Each city or county decides. Where the county has no permit program, farm buildings often don't need one, but ask first.

Sources

• Arkansas Department of Public Safety: 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code
• Arkansas Department of Public Safety: Fire Code Rules Foreword (2024)

Permit rules change. Always confirm with your local permit office before you build.

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