Little Rock, AR Fire Regulations: Smoke Detectors (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing adoption
- 2021 IRC-based Residential Fire Code
- Detector permit fee (1-4 units)
- $12.36
- Each additional detector
- $5.15
- STR smoke alarms
- All sleeping areas plus egress path
- MH-unit missing detector
- Treated as abatable health hazard
Summary
Little Rock adopts the 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code's Residential volume, built on the International Residential Code, making working smoke alarms mandatory in dwellings and enforceable through the city's building permit and fire inspection process.
(a)The following publications are adopted by reference:(1)The 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, Volume 1 (Fire) with the most current Arkansas Amendments and 2021 Revisions and Appendices (B), (C), (D), (E), (F), (G), (H), (I), (J), (K), (L), (M), (N), (O) based on the 2021 International Fire Code.(2)The 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, Volume II (Building), with the most current Arkansas Amendments and 2021 Revisions and Appendices (C), (E), and (Q), based on the 2021 International Building Code.(3)The 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, Volume III (Residential) with the most current Arkansas Amendments and 2021 Revisions and Appendices (AQ) based on the 2021 International Residential 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
Section 8-2(a)(3) of the Little Rock Code adopts the 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, Volume III (Residential), based on the 2021 International Residential Code, as the city's smoke alarm standard; Section 12-28 confirms the fire prevention and protection rules for the city run through this same adoption. Electrical permits covering smoke or carbon monoxide detectors cost $12.36 for up to four units and $5.15 for each additional detector under the chapter 8 fee schedule (Sec. 8-31). For bed and breakfast/short-term rentals, Sec. 36-603 spells the standard out directly: certified smoke alarms in every sleeping area and each room along the egress path, in addition to state and current fire code standards.
Violations & Fines
Missing or inoperable required smoke alarms violate the adopted fire/residential code and are punishable under the general penalty at Sec. 1-9 (referenced by Sec. 12-27); in manufactured-home units, a lack of a required smoke detector is also an abatable housing hazard under Sec. 20-74(a)(8).
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Little Rock require smoke detectors in homes?
Is there a fee for smoke detector permits?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Little Rock
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