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Little Rock, AR Building Safety: Childcare Center Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Governing section
Sec. 12-51, Code of Ordinances
Inspecting agency
Little Rock Fire Department
Also inspected
Nursing homes, youth homes, exceptional-children homes
Home daycare permits
Need fire marshal approval, Sec. 36-54
General penalty
Up to $1,000 fine per violation

Summary

Little Rock's fire department inspects licensed daycare centers alongside nursing homes and homes for exceptional children, and the city manager can set fees for those inspections under Sec. 12-51 of the Code.

The city manager may establish charges for the following services performed by the fire department: (1)Fire alarm reports (for verification of fire loss).(2)Fire department inspection of the home for exceptional children, youth home, nursing homes and daycare centers.

Source: Little Rock Code of OrdinancesView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 83).

Full Breakdown

Chapter 12's fire prevention code lets Little Rock's city manager charge for two specific fire department services: verifying fire-loss alarm reports, and inspecting daycare centers, along with homes for exceptional children, youth homes, and nursing homes. The fire marshal's office treats childcare facilities as congregate-care occupancies subject to routine safety checks, not just building-permit sign-off. Separately, home-based day care family homes seeking a special use permit under Sec. 36-54 must get fire marshal approval of the residence before the planning commission will approve the permit.

Violations & Fines

Violating Little Rock's Code carries fines up to $1,000 per offense (double for repeats), plus $500 per day for continuing violations, under the citywide penalty section.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Little Rock require fire inspections for daycare centers?
Yes -- Sec. 12-51 authorizes the fire department to inspect daycare centers, along with nursing homes, youth homes, and homes for exceptional children, and lets the city manager set a fee for that inspection.
Do home-based daycares need fire marshal sign-off in Little Rock?
Yes. Day care family homes seeking a special use permit under Sec. 36-54 must have the fire marshal approve the residence before the planning commission grants the permit.
What's the penalty for skipping a required daycare fire inspection?
The Code's general penalty section, Sec. 1-9, applies: fines up to $1,000 per violation, doubled for repeats, plus $500 per day the violation continues.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Little Rock

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All Little Rock rules

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