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
For new dwellings, Marion County enforces the Arkansas State Plumbing Code, the National Electrical Code, and Arkansas and Marion County sewage/septic and potable-water requirements. The official permit ordinance does not state specific 2026 edition numbers.
Inspection lane
Inspections are by appointment with County Building Inspector Ken Rigmaiden at 770-560-1551. For electrical, plumbing, or occupancy inspections, post the 911 address, do not cover electrical or plumbing work, and have the development-permit number ready. Occupancy inspections are to be made within 10 business days of application.
Minor-work playbook
Existing permanent single- or multi-family dwellings occupied or under construction on January 1, 2001, and dwellings where excavation had begun by that date are exempt. The ordinance also does not apply to property wholly within a city or municipality that already has an existing building-permit system. No minor/cosmetic exemption list was published.
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
Inspections are by appointment with County Building Inspector Ken Rigmaiden at 770-560-1551. For electrical, plumbing, or occupancy inspections, post the 911 address, do not cover electrical or plumbing work, and have the development-permit number ready. Occupancy inspections are to be made within 10 business days of application.
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
Marion County Judge’s Office and Marion County Building Inspector is the identified county-level authority for this profile. Confirm that the property is in its service area 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 870-449-6231 (County Judge Jason Stumph); 770-560-1551 (County Building Inspector Ken Rigmaiden).
The ordinance requires the county inspector to make the occupancy inspection within 10 business days of application; no separate development-permit review timeline was published.
Inspections are by appointment with County Building Inspector Ken Rigmaiden at 770-560-1551. For electrical, plumbing, or occupancy inspections, post the 911 address, do not cover electrical or plumbing work, and have the development-permit number ready. Occupancy inspections are to be made within 10 business days of application.
For new dwellings, Marion County enforces the Arkansas State Plumbing Code, the National Electrical Code, and Arkansas and Marion County sewage/septic and potable-water requirements. The official permit ordinance does not state specific 2026 edition numbers. Existing permanent single- or multi-family dwellings occupied or under construction on January 1, 2001, and dwellings where excavation had begun by that date are exempt. The ordinance also does not apply to property wholly within a city or municipality that already has an existing building-permit system. No minor/cosmetic exemption list was published.
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.