Springdale, AR Permit Requirements: Renovation Permits (2026)

Arkansas cities are authorized to adopt and enforce building, fire-prevention, and related codes under A.C.A. Section 14-56-201 et seq. (Local Planning, Building, and Zoning) and A.C.A. Section 14-56-417 (specifically authorizing renovation, construction, and remodeling permit programs). Springdale exercises that authority through Chapter 22 (Buildings and Building Regulations) of the Municipal Code and through the adoption in Chapter 46 of the 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, which includes Volume II - the Arkansas Building Code based on the 2021 IBC, and Volume III - the Arkansas Residential Code based on the 2021 IRC, as well as the International Property Maintenance Code, the 2021 International Plumbing Code, the 2021 International Mechanical Code, the 2021 International Fuel Gas Code, and the National Electrical Code. Building permits are required for new construction, additions, alterations involving structural members, removal of load-bearing walls, new electrical circuits or service upgrades, new plumbing or gas piping, water-heater and furnace replacements, central A/C installations, deck construction, accessory structures above the IRC exemption threshold (typically 200 sq ft), and any change in occupancy classification. Work that does NOT require a permit (per IRC Section R105.2 as adopted) generally includes: painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work; minor non-structural repairs; in-kind window or door replacement of the same rough opening; fences not over 6 feet; retaining walls under 4 feet; and one-story detached accessory structures under 200 sq ft used as tool sheds, playhouses, and similar uses. Permits are issued by the Springdale Building Department through the city's permits portal. For residential renovations where no square footage is added and no change of occupancy occurs, a complete set of plans must be submitted (the same plan set required for new construction except the site plan). Commercial plans must be sealed by an Arkansas-licensed Architect or Professional Engineer. Permits expire if work is not commenced within 180 days of issuance or if work is suspended for more than 180 days. Springdale's high-growth NWA market (driven by Tyson Foods, J.B. Hunt, and broader NWA expansion) makes review timelines especially important - applicants should expect 2-4 week review windows for residential and longer for commercial.