Fort Smith, AR Short-Term Rentals: Noise Rules (2026)

Fort Smith does not have an STR-specific noise rule, so guest disturbances are handled under the general noise and nuisance provisions of the Code of Ordinances (library.municode.com/ar/fort_smith). The code prohibits unreasonably loud, disturbing, or unnecessary noise within the city limits, with the general nighttime quiet hours treated as the high-risk enforcement window. Arkansas Act 1023 of 2023 specifically preserves a municipality's authority to regulate STR noise and to take action against STRs that generate repeated nuisance complaints, even though the Act blocks outright bans. The Fort Smith Police Department responds to noise complaints through dispatch and can issue citations under the noise chapter; Code Enforcement tracks complaints against the property address. Arkansas's general disorderly conduct statute (A.C.A. §5-71-207) provides a backup criminal-misdemeanor remedy for unreasonable noise that recklessly creates a risk of public alarm. STR hosts should post house rules requiring quiet hours, deploy noise-monitoring devices (Minut, NoiseAware), and maintain a 24-hour responder line consistent with platform requirements to limit escalation.