Fort Smith, AR Short-Term Rentals: Permit Requirements (2026)

Fort Smith is governed under the Code of Ordinances of the City of Fort Smith, Arkansas (Municode), and the city has not adopted a dedicated short-term rental chapter as of 2026. STR operations are instead regulated through three overlapping frameworks. First, Arkansas Act 1023 of 2023 (the Arkansas Short-Term Rental Property Act) preempts local STR bans: municipalities cannot prohibit or unreasonably restrict short-term rentals as a residential use, but they retain authority to regulate health, safety, noise, insurance, parking, and tax collection. Second, anyone operating a business in Fort Smith - including STR hosts - must obtain a Fort Smith business license through the City's Finance Department before generating revenue. Third, the Fort Smith Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) sets the use classifications for transient lodging; pure single-family residential districts may require the STR to remain owner-occupied or treat the use as a 'home occupation' subject to limits. Hosts must also satisfy the International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) and fire safety provisions adopted by the city. Arkansas does not require a state STR license, but hosts must register for state and local tax collection (see taxes-fees entry).