Bentonville, Arkansas Plumbing Local Permit Ordinances and Codes
Bentonville, Arkansas Plumbing Permit Ordinances
The City of Bentonville's Building & Fire Safety Division, part of the Bentonville Fire Department, is the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for plumbing permits. They are responsible for issuing building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing permits, among others.
Permit Fees and Nuances
Permit fees in Bentonville are determined by project type and valuation, and are subject to change. Specific plumbing permit fees are detailed in the "Plumbing & Mechanical Fees" section of the city's website.
- For multi-family units, the fee is a base rate plus an additional amount per unit.
- Commercial plumbing permits have a base fee plus a percentage of the total project contract cost.
- Fees for repair or replacement of water, sewer, or gas lines are also specified for both residential and commercial projects.
- A surcharge may apply to non-residential permits as per the Arkansas Construction Industry Craft Training Act.
- If work requiring a permit is started before obtaining it, the fees will be doubled.
Zoning Ordinances
The Bentonville Zoning Code regulates land use, including lot sizes, building setbacks, and building heights. While specific zoning nuances directly impacting plumbing permits are not detailed in the provided search results, all construction and system installations must comply with the adopted building codes. The city enforces the 2018 Arkansas Plumbing Code.
Resources to Learn More
Because Bentonville is located within Benton County, the following broader county regulations may also apply to your project:
Arkansas, Benton County Plumbing Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas
Benton County, Arkansas Plumbing Permit Requirements
Benton County's Building Safety Department is responsible for issuing building permits and conducting inspections for unincorporated areas. While general building permits for certain detached structures (Group U) in unincorporated areas are no longer required as of November 28, 2023, permits are still necessary for new plumbing, electrical, or HVAC work.
For properties in unincorporated areas, new plumbing work requires a permit. Benton County may also require a copy of an approved septic permit or other verification for plumbing permits.
The Arkansas Department of Health oversees plumbing regulations statewide. Generally, no water can be supplied to a newly constructed residential, commercial, or industrial building until all plumbing has been inspected and approved by a licensed Plumbing Inspector.
Rules for Properties in Unincorporated Areas
As of November 28, 2023, Benton County no longer requires building permits for detached structures in unincorporated areas, such as shop buildings without living space, carports, storage buildings, decks, and fences. However, permits are still required for any of these structures if they are attached to a residence or if they are for commercial use.
Crucially, permits are still required for any new plumbing, electrical, or HVAC work, regardless of whether a general building permit is needed for the structure itself.
For commercial development in unincorporated Benton County, permits are required, and all commercial development must receive approval from the County Planning Board before construction begins.
Resources to Learn More
The following statewide building codes and regulations apply universally to all jurisdictions within Arkansas:
Arkansas Plumbing Legislation, Codes, and Guidelines
Arkansas Plumbing Code and Legislation
The state of Arkansas regulates plumbing through the 2018 Arkansas Plumbing Code, which is based on the 2018 International Plumbing Code (IPC) with specific state-level amendments. These standards serve as the minimum requirements for the installation, alteration, and repair of plumbing systems across the state.
Regulatory Authority
The primary agency responsible for setting and enforcing these standards is the Arkansas Department of Health (ADH), specifically through its Plumbing and Natural Gas Section. The ADH is responsible for licensing plumbing professionals (including apprentices, journeymen, and master plumbers), certifying inspectors, and overseeing the administration of the state's plumbing and fuel gas codes.
Resources to Learn More