Do I need a permit for a small shed or storage structure?

Sheds under 200 square feet are usually exempt from permits in Conway, but check setback requirements — most residential zones don't allow structures in front yards. If you're building a shed under 200 sq ft in a rear yard with proper setback, you're likely exempt, but call the building department to confirm for your specific lot and zone. Sheds over 200 sq ft always require a permit.

How deep do deck footings need to be in Conway?

Conway's frost depth of 6–12 inches is shallow, but footings must still go below the frost line into undisturbed soil. In practice, that means 12–18 inches deep for most residential decks. The exact depth depends on soil type and site conditions — Mississippi alluvium, Ouachita rocky, and Ozark karst soils behave differently. When you file for a deck permit, include a note on soil type if you know it, or the inspector will check it when they visit for the footing inspection.

Can I do electrical work myself if I pull the permit?

Not in Conway. Any hardwired electrical work requires a permit pulled by a licensed Arkansas electrician. If you're doing the physical labor but want to hire someone to pull the permit on your behalf, that electrician must sign off on it as the responsible party. Low-voltage work (outdoor lighting on a transformer plug-in, doorbell wiring) is often exempt, but ask the building department first.

How long does plan review take for a deck or addition permit?

Most residential permits in Conway (decks, sheds, minor electrical) get plan review in 1–2 weeks. Additions and more complex projects (new kitchens, mechanical upgrades) may take 3–4 weeks. Over-the-counter permits (simple fences, shed permits under certain conditions) can sometimes be approved the same day you file if you bring complete paperwork and arrive before 3 PM.

What happens if I build without a permit?

If the building department discovers unpermitted work during a future inspection (often during a home sale or insurance assessment), you'll be cited, the work may be red-tagged, and you may be required to tear it down or bring it into compliance retroactively. Retroactive permits are expensive and often come with additional inspections and fines. Selling a house with known unpermitted work creates title and financing issues — many lenders will not close on a property with unpermitted structural work.

Do I need a permit for a finished basement?

Finished basements require a permit if they involve egress windows (bedrooms require emergency exits), electrical work, or moisture-control modifications. Plan-check review is typically 2–3 weeks. The main issue in Conway finished basements is egress window sizing — windows in bedrooms must be at least 5.7 square feet of open area and 20 inches wide and 24 inches tall. Check the code before you frame the rough opening.

Are there any quick exemptions or over-the-counter permits I should know about?

Yes. Simple fence permits (height-compliant, setback-compliant, no sight-triangle issues) are often approved over-the-counter. Small shed permits under 200 sq ft may be over-the-counter. Minor electrical (outlet additions on existing circuits) sometimes qualify for expedited review. But the safest move is to ask the building department — a quick phone call will get you a straight answer and save time at the counter.

Do I need a licensed contractor to pull a residential permit, or can I do it myself?

Conway allows owner-builders to pull permits for owner-occupied residential work without hiring a contractor. You must be the property owner and the structure must be your primary residence. Once you hire a licensed electrician, plumber, or HVAC technician, that person must pull or co-sign the permit for those portions of the work.

What's the permit fee for a typical deck or small addition in Conway?

Conway's permit fees are typically calculated as a percentage of project valuation or a flat rate depending on the project type. A basic residential permit runs $50–$200 for smaller projects (sheds, decks, re-roofs). Additions and major remodels are usually 1–2% of estimated construction cost, with a minimum fee. Call the building department or check the current fee schedule on the City of Conway website for exact rates.

Building Permits in Conway, AR (2026)

Do I need a permit in Conway, Arkansas?

Conway's Building Department handles permits for the city's 64,000+ residents across a mix of urban, suburban, and transitional zones. The city sits in Arkansas's warm-humid climate zone (3A), which shapes how you build decks, patios, sheds, and especially foundations — the 6- to 12-inch frost depth is shallow enough that many residential contractors skip deep footings, but that gap between what's common and what's required is where permit trouble starts.

Most homeowners in Conway assume small projects don't need permits. A shed under 200 square feet, a deck, a roof replacement, a finished basement — these sit in a gray zone that varies by code interpretation and enforcement. The safe move is a quick call to the City of Conway Building Department before you start. A 90-second conversation saves weeks of rework.

Conway has adopted the Arkansas Model Energy Code and building standards based on the International Building Code (IBC). The city's enforcement is generally moderate — not as tight as larger metros like Little Rock, but not dormant either. The common failure mode is structural work done without a permit, then discovered during a sale or insurance inspection. Deck foundations are the #1 violation Conway inspectors catch after the fact.

This guide covers what triggers a permit in Conway, typical fees, the process, and how to file. If your project isn't listed, a 15-minute conversation with the building department will settle it.

What's specific to Conway permits

Conway's frost depth of 6 to 12 inches means deck footings, shed piers, and fence posts need to go deeper than many homeowners expect. The shallow frost line (compared to northern states at 36–48 inches) leads contractors to cut corners — a 12-inch post hole looks adequate until frost-heave cycles in winter lift it 2–3 inches. The city building code requires footings to bottom out below the frost line. In Conway, that typically means 12–18 inches for residential work, depending on soil type and lot location. Mississippi alluvium soils in the eastern part of the city and Ouachita rocky soils in the west respond differently to frost — if your lot is in the north-city karst zone, you're also dealing with potential cave-in hazard in deep excavations. Most inspectors will ask about soil type and existing site conditions; if you're not sure, the building department can point you to soil test resources or waive the requirement for routine residential decks.

Conway allows owner-builders to pull permits for owner-occupied residential work, but the building department enforces this strictly. You must be the property owner, the structure must be your primary residence, and you cannot hire a contractor to do the work while you pull the permit in your name — that's a misrepresentation and will get your permit revoked and your project cited for unpermitted work. If you're hiring out any part of the work (even framing or electrical), a licensed contractor in that trade must pull or co-sign the permit for those portions. Plan-check review times in Conway are typically 1–2 weeks for straightforward residential permits (decks, sheds, minor electrical); more complex projects (additions, mechanical upgrades) may take 3–4 weeks.

The city has a permit portal for online filing and status checks — verify the current URL and access procedures directly with the Building Department, as municipal portals change. Over-the-counter permits (simple fence permits, shed permits, minor electrical) can often be filed and approved the same day if you show up before 3 PM with complete paperwork. Inspections are usually scheduled within 24–48 hours of request; final approval typically happens within 5–7 business days of passing final inspection. Winter months (November–February) see slight delays due to weather; spring (March–May) is peak season for deck and addition permits.

Conway's building department rarely applies local amendments to the base building code, so the IBC rules apply nearly as written. The main exception is electrical work — Arkansas has strong licensing requirements for electricians, and the city enforces them. Any hardwired electrical work (sub-panel, new circuits, large-load appliances) requires a licensed Arkansas electrician to pull the permit, even if you're doing the physical installation. Low-voltage work (outdoor lighting on a plug-in transformer, for example) is often exempt, but call ahead to confirm. Similarly, HVAC work almost always requires a licensed technician to pull the permit; homeowners cannot do this work under their own permit.

Homeowner permitting mistakes Conway inspectors catch most often: (1) Deck footings too shallow or not below frost line. (2) Shed foundations not adequate for wind load — Conway is not a high-wind zone, but the code still requires minimum foundation design. (3) Fence posts in poor soil without adequate bracing. (4) Electrical circuits added without a permit or by an unlicensed person. (5) Finished basement walls not meeting egress requirements if bedrooms are involved. The good news: all of these are fixable before work starts with a 10-minute conversation with the permit office.

Most common Conway permit projects

These are the projects that trigger the most questions and the most missed permits in Conway. Each one has specific local thresholds and inspection points.

Decks

Any deck attached to the house or over 200 square feet requires a permit in Conway. Footings must be below the 6–12 inch frost line and set in undisturbed soil — the shallow frost depth here catches many contractors off guard. Expect plan review (1–2 weeks), footing inspection before concrete is poured, and framing inspection before you close it in.

Fences

Fences over 6 feet require a permit in Conway; masonry walls over 4 feet require a permit. Corner-lot sight triangles and setback rules apply — have your property lines surveyed or marked before filing. Pool barriers always require a permit regardless of height. Many fence permits are over-the-counter (file and go; no plan review needed).

Roof replacement

Roof replacements (tear-off and new shingles or membrane) require a permit in Conway. Wood shake roofing is generally not permitted in new construction due to fire rating. Most residential re-roofs can be filed over-the-counter; expect 1–2 inspections (one mid-work, one final). Costs run $50–$150 depending on house size.

Electrical work

Any hardwired electrical work (new circuits, sub-panel, large appliance installation) requires a permit and must be pulled by a licensed Arkansas electrician. Plug-in upgrades and low-voltage outdoor lighting are often exempt. New service upgrades require a separate permit and typically take 2–3 weeks for plan review.

Room additions

Room additions, finished basements, kitchen remodels, and bathroom additions all require permits if they involve structural work, electrical, plumbing, or egress changes. Finished basements with bedroom egress are common in Conway; make sure egress windows (or doors) are sized correctly and unobstructed. Plan review averages 2–3 weeks.

Do I need a building permit in Conway, AR?