Do I Need a Permit to Build a Shed in Arkansas?

No Centralized State Code: Local Rules Vary

Arkansas does not have a single centralized state building code enforcement agency. Each city and county independently adopts and enforces its own construction codes, typically based on the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC) with local amendments. The result is significant variation — what requires a permit in Conway may not require one in Rogers, and the foundation requirements in Bella Vista are different from those in Fayetteville.

For homeowners, this means one piece of advice applies everywhere in Arkansas: call your local building department before you build or buy a shed. There is no single statewide rule to rely on. For how Arkansas compares nationally, see our complete guide to shed permits.

The Portable Shed Distinction

Arkansas cities make a meaningful distinction between portable sheds and permanently affixed structures, and understanding this distinction is key to knowing whether you need a permit.

In Rogers, the rule is clear: portable sheds that are no larger than 200 square feet, no taller than 10 feet, and not permanently affixed to the ground may be placed on the property without a building permit. Other types of accessory buildings that are taller than 10 feet, larger than 200 square feet, permanently affixed, or connected to utilities all require a building permit.

This distinction means that the same shed can go from permit-exempt to permit-required based solely on its foundation. A 12×16 shed (192 square feet) placed on concrete blocks in Rogers doesn't need a permit. The same shed poured onto a concrete slab does. The moment the structure is permanently affixed to the ground, the rules change.

How Five Arkansas Cities Handle Shed Permits

Little Rock: 120-Square-Foot Threshold

Little Rock uses a 120-square-foot threshold — tighter than the 200-square-foot exemption common in the northwest part of the state. Sheds over 120 square feet require a building permit. The city requires zoning compliance for all accessory structures, with typical setbacks of 5 feet from side and rear property lines.

Little Rock's permit fees are valuation-based, typically running $50–$150 for a standard shed. Review takes 5–10 business days.

Fayetteville: Size Relative to the Main Structure

Fayetteville takes a proportional approach: accessory structures less than 50% of the size of the principal structure may be placed in the backyard, subject to setback requirements. A shed 10 feet or less in height needs only a 3-foot side setback and a 5-foot rear setback. Taller sheds must meet the full district setback requirements.

Fayetteville's Building Safety Division determines whether a building permit is necessary on a case-by-case basis. The city recommends contacting the Planning Division first to confirm setback compliance, then checking with Building Safety.

Rogers: Clear Portable Shed Exemption

Rogers has one of the clearest exemptions in the state. Portable sheds under 200 square feet and under 10 feet tall that are not permanently affixed and have no utility connections don't need a building permit. The city's FAQ page spells out the criteria directly.

For sheds that do require a permit, Rogers requires the standard application through the Planning and Risk Reduction Divisions. The city also emphasizes that even exempt sheds must meet setback and easement requirements.

Conway: Detailed Foundation Requirements

The City of Conway has some of the most detailed accessory building requirements in Arkansas. Any building 160 square feet or larger must be placed on a permanent foundation with continuous perimeter footings meeting specific specifications:

• Minimum 8 inches of concrete
• 24 inches wide at the bottom of the footing
• Bottom of footing at least 12 inches below grade
• Two continuous #4 (1/2 inch) rebar pieces in the footing
• Attached to the foundation with 1/2 inch anchor bolts embedded 7 inches into concrete, at the end of each sill plate and no more than 6 feet on center

Conway also requires that accessory buildings in the Old Conway Historic District (160 square feet or more) get review and approval from the Old Conway Design Review Board. Electrical, plumbing, gas, and mechanical work must be performed by an Arkansas-licensed tradesperson. A minimum of 10 feet must separate all detached buildings on the lot.

Bentonville: 200-Square-Foot Threshold with Plans

Bentonville requires a building permit for accessory structures over 200 square feet. The permit application must include a site plan drawn to scale showing property lines, existing and proposed structures, and setback distances, plus construction drawings including floor plans and elevations.

Bentonville is part of the rapidly growing Northwest Arkansas corridor, and the city's building department processes a high volume of residential permits. Plan for 5–10 business days of review time.

Northwest Arkansas vs. the Rest of the State

Arkansas has a notable regional split in shed permitting. The Northwest Arkansas corridor — Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, Bentonville, and the surrounding communities — is the state's fastest-growing region, with active building departments, well-documented online permit guides, and relatively straightforward processes.

The rest of Arkansas, particularly rural areas and smaller cities, may have less formal processes. Some rural counties have minimal code enforcement. Others follow the IRC but don't maintain detailed online resources. In these areas, a phone call to the county courthouse or building official is the most reliable way to determine your requirements.

Bella Vista (a retirement community near Bentonville) provides a good example of how detailed local rules can get: sheds under 120 square feet don't need a permit, sheds 121–199 square feet need a permit but not a permanent foundation, and sheds 200 square feet and up need both a permit and a pier and beam or continuous foundation. The maximum accessory building size on the same lot as a residence is 720 square feet, with a peak height limit of 25 feet.

Foundation Requirements by City

Foundation requirements vary significantly across Arkansas:

• Conway: Permanent foundation with specific footing dimensions required at 160+ square feet
• Bella Vista: Pier and beam or continuous foundation required at 200+ square feet
• Rogers: No foundation required for portable sheds under 200 square feet
• Little Rock: Foundation type determined by the building inspector based on size and conditions

Arkansas doesn't have the deep frost depth concerns of northern states (frost depth is approximately 12–18 inches across most of the state), but the foundation requirements in cities like Conway are still substantial and add cost to larger shed projects.

Septic System Clearance

Many Arkansas properties — particularly outside municipal sewer service areas — use septic systems. Sheds must maintain clearance from all septic components. Bella Vista specifies a minimum of 5 feet from any part of the septic system for sheds without foundations, and the same 5-foot clearance for structures on pier or column foundations.

The Arkansas Department of Health handles septic system permitting throughout the state. Before placing a shed, determine the location of your septic tank, distribution lines, and designated repair area. Include these on your site plan when applying for a permit or zoning review.

Trade Permits Are Always Separate

Across all Arkansas jurisdictions, electrical, plumbing, gas, and mechanical work requires separate permits performed by Arkansas-licensed tradespeople. This is true regardless of whether the shed itself requires a building permit. A 100-square-foot shed that doesn't need a building permit still needs an electrical permit if you run a wire to it.

Conway's guidelines explicitly state: "Should the accessory building include, now or at a later date, electrical, plumbing or mechanical installation, a permit for the scope of work will be required."

HOA Restrictions

Northwest Arkansas's rapid growth has brought extensive HOA-governed communities, particularly in Bentonville, Rogers, Centerton, and the Fayetteville suburbs. HOA restrictions on sheds commonly include size limits, material matching, mandatory screening, and architectural committee approval.

Several Arkansas cities note in their permit guides that the city does not enforce HOA covenants — these are private contracts between homeowners and their associations. But HOAs have their own enforcement mechanisms including fines and liens.

Consequences of Building Without a Permit

Building without a required permit in Arkansas can result in:

• Stop-work orders and double permit fees as a penalty
• Requirement to remove the structure if it violates setbacks or easements
• Foundation compliance issues — a shed built without the required foundation in Conway must be brought into compliance, which may mean lifting the shed, pouring footings, and re-setting it
• Sale complications — unpermitted structures are flagged during inspections

Permit fees across Arkansas are modest — typically $50–$200 for a standard shed. The foundation work (if required) is usually the bigger cost, not the permit itself.

If you're also planning a garage or carport alongside your shed, each structure is permitted separately and must comply with setback and lot coverage requirements.

For an overview of all building permit requirements in Arkansas — including decks, fences, pools, and more — see our complete Arkansas building permit guide.