Jonesboro, AR Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

Sec. 117-32(a) makes it unlawful to commence construction, reconstruction, moving, demolition or structural alteration of any building until both a zoning permit and a building permit have been issued, and bars issuance of a building permit unless the proposed work fully conforms to the zoning regulations and other applicable building laws. A zoning permit is required even for the use or reuse of property, buildings or structures where a building permit is not otherwise required, and it is a prerequisite to obtaining a city privilege or occupation license.

Applications for building permits must be accompanied by a duplicate scaled plan showing the building's size and lot location, any existing structures, driveway and parking layout, and drainage information, Sec. 117-32(b). 00 in project cost must be sealed by an Arkansas-licensed architect, and Group A, E and I occupancies (except small assemblies under 50 occupants) as well as any building three or more stories or 5,000 square feet or larger must carry a registered design professional's seal, Sec. 117-32(c). Site plans are required for multifamily proposals of five or more units and for all new commercial and industrial development; staff-level review applies generally, but large-scale commercial development over 75,000 square feet and multifamily developments of more than 48 units go to the Metropolitan Area Planning Commission for approval, Sec.

117-32(d). The chapter's administrative officer, housed in the department of planning, inspection, and code enforcement under the city planner's direction, issues permits, keeps permit records, inspects property, and enforces the regulations, per Sec. 117-31, with appeals from administrative decisions going to the board of zoning adjustment.