Permit Requirements for Royal, Arkansas
For Plumbing projects in Royal, determining the correct permitting authority depends on whether the project site is located within the incorporated city limits or in an unincorporated area of Garland County.
Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)
Most jurisdictions require permits for Plumbing work to ensure safety and code compliance. The governing body responsible for issuing these permits varies by specific location:
General Plumbing Guidelines
Permits are usually required for new installations, structural modifications, or major repairs. While minor maintenance or cosmetic updates may be exempt, landowners should always verify local codes before work begins.
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Because Royal is located within Garland County, the following broader county regulations may also apply to your project:
Arkansas, Garland County Plumbing Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas
Garland County, Arkansas Plumbing Permit Requirements
Garland County, generally does not have its own building codes or issue building permits. However, for plumbing work, the Arkansas Department of Health has specific requirements. Water will not be supplied to new residential, commercial, or industrial buildings until the plumbing has been inspected and approved by a licensed Plumbing Inspector for the District or the State Plumbing Inspector for Garland County. A plumbing permit costs $100.00 and can be obtained from the North Garland County Regional Water District office. Typically, four inspections are required: rough-in/slab, top out, water service, and final inspection. Plumbing should not be covered until inspections are approved. Job meters will not be set until the meter deposit and anticipated permit fees are paid, and approved vacuum breakers are installed on water outlets.
Properties in Unincorporated Areas
Garland County does not have a zoning program and does not restrict the placement of manufactured housing on unplatted parcels within the county. However, restrictive covenants or bills of assurance may affect land use and construction. It is advisable to contact the Circuit Clerk's office to search for any land restrictions. The Arkansas Building Code, adopted by the State Fire Marshal's office, applies statewide, including in rural and unincorporated areas. This code is based on the International Fire, Building, and Residential Codes with some Arkansas-specific changes.
While Garland County itself may not issue general building permits, specific permits may be required for certain activities:
- Floodplain Permit: Required for any new construction or significant remodeling in flood-prone areas. This permit is issued by the Garland County Department of Emergency Management and has no associated charge.
- Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP): Required for activities disturbing more than one acre but less than five acres in unplatted areas, or any lot in platted subdivisions. Areas larger than five acres may require both an ADEQ and a Garland County permit.
- Addressing: New residential and commercial addresses are issued through the Department of Emergency Management/911 Administrative Office.
- Septic Systems: Inquiries and permits for septic systems should be directed to the Health Department Inspections Division.
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