Fort Smith, AR Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Fort Smith City Code § 6-71
- Who may pull permit
- Registered electrical contractor, or owner-occupant
- Homeowner exception
- Single-family home, owned and occupied
- Exempt work
- Unaltered repairs, maintenance electrician work
Summary
Fort Smith bans installing or altering electrical wiring in any building without a permit issued to a registered electrical contractor, though an owner-occupant may wire their own single-family home with a permit.
(a)No electric wiring shall be installed, altered, or changes made in existing wiring in or on any building without a permit first being issued to a registered electrical contractor or to such other person as may be by law entitled or permitted to install, alter or change electrical wiring.(b)A homeowner may perform work regulated by the electrical code in a single-family dwelling that is owned and occupied by the homeowner as his principal residence and provided the work complies with all other city requirements.(c)Any homeowner performing his own work shall be required to pay the appropriate permit fee in advance and appear in person before the electrical inspector, who shall inquire into the knowledge and capabilities of the homeowner and issue appropriate advice. (Code 1976, § 11-83; Code 1992, § 6-71; Ord. No. 33-99, § 2, 5-18-1999)
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 4).
Full Breakdown
City Code § 6-71 prohibits installing, altering, or changing any electric wiring in or on a building without a permit first issued to a registered electrical contractor. A homeowner may perform electrical work regulated by the electrical code in a single-family dwelling they own and occupy as their principal residence, provided the work meets all other city requirements, but must pay the permit fee in advance and appear before the electrical inspector, who evaluates the homeowner's knowledge and capability before issuing advice. Permits are not required for repair work that does not alter or rearrange wiring, or for work by a registered maintenance electrician (§ 6-72).
Violations & Fines
Working as an electrician or wiring without the required license, registration, or permit is a misdemeanor under § 6-52, punished per § 1-9, with each day of violation a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Fort Smith require a permit for electrical work?
Can a homeowner wire their own house in Fort Smith?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Smith
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