Arkansas Building Codes

Important: Arkansas adopted FEMA P-320/ICC 500 standards for residential safe rooms in jurisdictions that enforce building codes. While not statewide (AR has no statewide residential code mandate), major cities (Little Rock, Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Jonesboro) require safe room access plans for new subdivisions. For restoration work, any addition that increases floor area by more than 50% may trigger safe room requirements in enforcing jurisdictions. FEMA provides 75/25 cost-share grants for residential safe rooms in AR through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

Important: Arkansas Act 152 requires roofing contractors to register with the Contractors Licensing Board for projects exceeding $2,000. Registration requires a $10,000 surety bond (residential) or $20,000 (commercial). General contractors with existing licenses are exempt for roofing within their scope. Storm chasers operating without registration face fines up to $500 per day. The registration is statewide and does not require examination. AR also has specific consumer protection rules requiring contractors to provide a written estimate before starting work and prohibiting contractors from representing insurance companies.

Important: Arkansas has adopted the 2021 IRC statewide, including Chapter 11 for energy efficiency. The state falls primarily in IECC Climate Zones 3A (southern portion) and 4A (northern portion including Fayetteville/Bentonville). Requirements include minimum insulation values (R-30 ceiling, R-13/R-20 walls in Zone 3A; R-38 ceiling, R-20 walls in Zone 4A), fenestration U-factor limits, and air barrier requirements. When replacing windows, the new windows must meet the applicable U-factor and SHGC requirements for the climate zone. Reroofing projects may trigger insulation upgrades if the existing insulation is exposed and accessible.