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Fort Smith, AR Business Licensing & Operations: Adult Entertainment (2026)

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

Key Facts

Allowed zones
C-5, I-2, I-3 only
Buffer distance
1,000 ft from 13 listed uses
License
Issued by chief of police
Closed hours
5:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m.

Summary

Sexually oriented businesses in Fort Smith are confined to C-5, I-2, and I-3 zoning districts and must sit at least 1,000 feet from churches, schools, parks, homes, and other adult businesses.

Sexually oriented businesses not already lawfully operating on the effective date of the ordinance...shall be permitted only in zoning districts commercial heavy (C-5), industrial moderate (I-2) and industrial heavy (I-3)...The sexually oriented business may not be operated within: a.1,000 feet of a church or other place of public worship;...g.1,000 feet of a residence;h.1,000 feet of another sexually oriented business;...m.1,000 feet of a child care facility.

View 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 4).

Full Breakdown

Fort Smith confines new sexually oriented businesses to three zoning districts, commercial heavy (C-5), industrial moderate (I-2), and industrial heavy (I-3), under City Code § 14-155. They must also keep 1,000 feet from churches, schools, parks, hospitals, day care centers, libraries, playgrounds, walking trails, residential district boundaries, and any other sexually oriented business. Operators and employees additionally need a sexually oriented business license issued by the chief of police under § 14-145, and businesses may not remain open between 5:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. under § 14-165. Businesses already lawfully operating before the ordinance took effect are grandfathered against later-arriving protected uses.

Violations & Fines

Operating without a sexually oriented business license, or inside a restricted zone or buffer distance, is a misdemeanor under the general penalty section, City Code § 1-9.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a sexually oriented business open anywhere in Fort Smith?
No: new adult businesses are limited to C-5, I-2, and I-3 zones and must stay 1,000 feet from churches, schools, parks, homes, and other adult businesses under § 14-155.
Does Fort Smith license adult businesses?
Yes: operators and employees need a sexually oriented business license from the chief of police under § 14-145, subject to inspection and background checks.

Sources & Official References

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All Fort Smith rules

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