Fort Smith, AR Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)

Solar PV permitting in Fort Smith follows a standard two-permit pattern under the locally adopted IRC. The building permit reviews structural loading of the existing roof under IRC Chapter 8 (roof-ceiling construction) and the applicable IRC snow and wind loads — Fort Smith's design loads reflect the city's regional wind exposure and modest ground snow load. Plan review may require a stamped letter from an Arkansas-licensed structural engineer for older homes where rafter sizing or attachment cannot be verified from existing drawings. The electrical permit covers Article 690 of the National Electrical Code (Solar Photovoltaic Systems) as adopted by the locally adopted electrical code — disconnect requirements, rapid shutdown under NEC 690.12, conductor sizing, grounding, and labeling. Interconnection with OG&E (Oklahoma Gas & Electric, which serves western Arkansas including Fort Smith) follows the utility's net-metering tariff filed with the Arkansas Public Service Commission under A.C.A. §23-3-103 et seq. Arkansas's Net Metering Rules (APSC General Order, currently APSC Docket No. 16-027-R as updated) set interconnection standards, system size caps, and crediting mechanisms; the Arkansas Renewable Energy Development Act and subsequent legislation have iteratively updated the net metering framework. The Arkansas Solar Access Rights Act at A.C.A. §23-18-604 declares that property owners have certain rights to solar access and bars some private restrictive covenants from prohibiting solar equipment, but the statute is narrower than comparable California or Florida laws and includes exceptions. Historic district designations may add architectural review. Fort Smith Development Services issues both building and electrical permits.