Fort Smith, AR Parking Rules: Driveway Rules (2026)

Driveway and curb-cut work in Fort Smith is controlled by two overlapping sources. Chapter 22 of the Fort Smith Municipal Code (Streets and Sidewalks) governs work within the public right-of-way, including curb cuts and driveway aprons crossing public sidewalks; encroachment permits are issued through the City's Engineering Department under Chapter 22. The Unified Development Ordinance (Chapter 27, adopted as the comprehensive zoning, subdivision and development code) covers off-street parking, access management, surface requirements and driveway placement on the lot itself. Fort Smith's residential parking ordinance at Section 14-51 makes it unlawful to park or store a vehicle on an unimproved surface (e.g., dirt or grass) in the front yard or exterior side yard of any one- or two-family dwelling or on an adjacent undeveloped property - a Code provision routinely interpreted as effectively requiring a paved or otherwise improved driveway for residential parking. Building permits for new driveways tied to a structure are processed by the City's Building Safety Department at 623 Garrison Avenue, Suite 405 (479-784-1051), under the 2021 International Building Code and 2021 International Residential Code with Arkansas amendments adopted under the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code framework. ADA requirements for sidewalk crossings apply under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (28 CFR Part 35).