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Fort Smith, AR Trash & Recycling: Dumpster Rules (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Applies to
Nonresidential 5,000+ sq ft or 8+ units
Requires
Dumpster location and screening plan
Reviewed by
Planning and zoning director
Also required on
Final landscape and architectural plans

Summary

New commercial and multifamily development in Fort Smith must show dumpster location and a screening plan on its development plan before the city issues a building permit.

The proposed location, description, and screening plan for dumpster facilities for garbage drop-off, storage, disposal, and pick-up;

S. When the development is to be constructed in phases provide a development schedule showing the order of construction and approximate completion date for each phase;

T. Preliminary architectural building elevations, listing of proposed building materials, a material and color palette (where required by specific zoning district), and proposed written design guidelines (for nonresidential development that supplements the city's existing regulations);

U. A master sign plan which details the proposed signage for the site (including flat signs on building façades);

V. A landscape buffer concept plan that details the basic size, quantity, and type of screening material (fences, walls, and plants) to be used for the perimeter treatment of the property. The concept plan should also have a description of land uses, setbacks, and the relationship of the subject property to the surrounding areas;

W. Preliminary drainage and erosion control information which meets city, state and federal requirements; and

X. A chart displaying the following information as applicable:

1. Total number of dwelling units;

2. Residential density and units per acre;

3. Gross floor area per floor (in square feet), number of floors, height of building, total floor area, and floor area ratio for each structure;

4. Total acres in open space;

5.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 4).

Full Breakdown

Fort Smith's unified development ordinance requires every preliminary development plan for nonresidential construction of 5,000 square feet or more, or multifamily projects of eight units or more, to include 'the proposed location, description, and screening plan for dumpster facilities for garbage drop-off, storage, disposal, and pick-up.' The final development plan repeats the requirement, calling for trash/dumpster bin enclosures on the landscape plan and enclosure details on the architectural plans. The planning and zoning director reviews these plans; roll-off and front-load containers built without an approved screening plan don't clear development-plan review.

Violations & Fines

A development plan missing the required dumpster location and screening detail is incomplete and won't be approved, which holds up the building permit for the project.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Fort Smith require dumpsters to be screened?
Yes: any qualifying new development must show a dumpster screening plan on its development plan, and the final landscape plan must detail trash/dumpster bin enclosures, before the city approves the project.
Who reviews the dumpster screening plan?
The city's planning and zoning director reviews it as part of development plan approval; conditional-use projects go before the planning commission instead.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Fort Smith

All Fort Smith rules

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