Codes, exemptions & field inspections
This guide translates the available agency record into a preconstruction checklist for structural scope, minor work, and inspection release. The adopted code and the issuing official control when a field condition is disputed.
Regulatory framework
Conway’s current official code sheet lists the 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, 2021 International Building Code, 2021 International Mechanical Code, 2020 National Electrical Code, 2018 Arkansas Plumbing and Gas Codes, 2017 ANSI, and 2014 Arkansas Energy Code. Faulkner County flood-hazard work must also comply with the County Flood Damage Prevention Resolution and applicable FEMA, state, and federal requirements.
Inspection lane
Conway inspections may be requested by phone, email, or through the Civic Access Portal; commercial inspections are scheduled for the next business day, and residential inspections must be called in at least one business day in advance. Contact 501-450-6107 or permits@conwayarkansas.gov. Faulkner County floodplain work requires a County Floodplain Administrator site inspection before slab pour or wall construction, plus a final elevation certificate and final compliance inspection.
Minor-work playbook
N/A. Conway requires permits for new construction, remodels, additions, accessory buildings, and separate electrical, plumbing, gas, and mechanical work; no general minor/cosmetic exemption list was published on the reviewed official pages.
Field rule
A permit exemption generally addresses one narrow construction trigger. It does not automatically waive zoning, land-use, floodplain, shoreline, fire, energy, electrical, utility, septic, or right-of-way requirements. Obtain written confirmation when the project involves a new structure, structural alteration, change in occupancy, or concealed work.
Inspection pipeline
Request with lead time
Conway inspections may be requested by phone, email, or through the Civic Access Portal; commercial inspections are scheduled for the next business day, and residential inspections must be called in at least one business day in advance. Contact 501-450-6107 or permits@conwayarkansas.gov. Faulkner County floodplain work requires a County Floodplain Administrator site inspection before slab pour or wall construction, plus a final elevation certificate and final compliance inspection.
Preserve access
Do not cover framing, reinforcement, wiring, piping, damp-proofing, or life-safety work until the required inspection has been completed and documented.
Close the record
Retain the approved plans, inspection approvals, correction responses, and final certificate or occupancy release with the property file.
Contractor verification
Use the state licensing system to verify active registration, trade credentials, bond status, and liability coverage where available. Match the legal business name to the proposal and permit application.
Planning reference
A building permit is only one part of statutory compliance. Check the local zoning, ordinance, map, or land-use reference before finalizing setbacks, height, lot coverage, access, drainage, or accessory structure placement.
Open planning reference ↗Source trail
Use these direct agency or licensing links to confirm current instructions before you file, pay, or schedule work. External pages control if their information differs from this directory.
Project questions
This record is marked Municipal Fallback. Confirm whether a city, state agency, or other local authority controls the parcel before filing.
Begin with the online permit gateway listed in the application guide. If the portal does not recognize the address or project type, contact 501-450-4900 (Faulkner County Judge Allen Dodson); 501-450-4935 (Faulkner County Floodplain Administrator); 501-450-6107 (Conway Building Permits & Inspections).
Conway trade permits: 1–2 business days; residential permit review: up to 3–5 business days; commercial permit review: approximately 2–3 weeks, assuming complete plans and documents.
Conway inspections may be requested by phone, email, or through the Civic Access Portal; commercial inspections are scheduled for the next business day, and residential inspections must be called in at least one business day in advance. Contact 501-450-6107 or permits@conwayarkansas.gov. Faulkner County floodplain work requires a County Floodplain Administrator site inspection before slab pour or wall construction, plus a final elevation certificate and final compliance inspection.
Conway’s current official code sheet lists the 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, 2021 International Building Code, 2021 International Mechanical Code, 2020 National Electrical Code, 2018 Arkansas Plumbing and Gas Codes, 2017 ANSI, and 2014 Arkansas Energy Code. Faulkner County flood-hazard work must also comply with the County Flood Damage Prevention Resolution and applicable FEMA, state, and federal requirements. N/A. Conway requires permits for new construction, remodels, additions, accessory buildings, and separate electrical, plumbing, gas, and mechanical work; no general minor/cosmetic exemption list was published on the reviewed official pages.
Field sequencing matters
Code compliance is not only a plan-review exercise. Footings, reinforcement, framing, fireblocking, wiring, piping, insulation, weather protection, and life-safety systems each have points where the work must remain accessible. Build the inspection calendar into the trade schedule instead of treating it as a final administrative step.
When a project qualifies for a narrow minor-work exemption, keep a written explanation of why it qualifies and confirm that related zoning, utility, fire, energy, or environmental rules do not create a separate approval requirement.
Closeout file
Keep the approved plan set, inspection approvals, correction responses, contractor license verification, final certificate, and any occupancy release together. A clean record protects the owner, builder, lender, insurer, and future buyer.