Thinking of hiring a contractor for your project? Review the resources below to make sure that you and anyone you employ are following Arkansas and Fort Smith laws regarding licensing and labor, as well as City codes and ordinances related to building and development.

Hiring a Contractor

Do your homework before you have work done at your home or business. Use this checklist to select a licensed, trustworthy contractor.

• Does the contractor have a permanent business location and a good reputation with local banks and suppliers?
• How long has the business been around? Call 479-784-2216 or 479-784-2299 for Business License information.
• Is the contractor certified or licensed for the work you need done? Electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work must be performed by certified State Licensed and City Registered contractors. Call 479-784-2206 or 479-784-2288 to verify registration.
• Call the State Attorney General's office at 501-682-2007 to check for any outstanding complaints.
• Does the contractor have proof of workmen's compensation and general liability insurance? If not, you may be liable for any construction-related accident on your premises.
• Ask the contractor to provide you with the names of previous customers. Talk to the previous customers to see if they would hire the same contractor again.
• Have you seen the contractor's work, both completed and in progress? Check for quality of workmanship and materials.
• Are you able to communicate easily with the contractor? Misunderstandings during a project can lead to costly overruns and delays.
• Do you feel comfortable with the contractor? You will be in close contact with the business and will share your house or business with the crew until the project is completed.
• Will the contractor provide you with a complete and clearly written contract?

To inquire if a contractor has a State Contractors License, contact the Contractors Licensing Board at 501-372-4661.

For more information about building permit requirements and other questions, call 479-784-2288.

Requirements for Contractors

Commercial Projects

Contractors are required to have an Arkansas State Contractors License and register with the City of Fort Smith if applicable, per Arkansas State licensing laws and regulations.

For Arkansas State License, contact:

Sam Leslie
501-371-1570
501-372-4661
sam.leslie@arkansas.gov
arkansas.gov/clb

• To register your Arkansas State license with the City of Fort Smith, contact Building Safety at 479-784-2206.
• Arkansas Contractor’s Licenses are required for projects with a cost equal to or exceeding $50,000.
• Arkansas Plumbing, Electrical, and Mechanical Contractor’s licenses are required on all mechanical, plumbing, and electrical projects.
• Mechanical, Plumbing, and Electrical contractors are required to have a minimum $2,000 permit and license bond.

Residential Projects

Contractors are required to have an Arkansas Residential Contractors State License and register with the City of Fort Smith.

For Arkansas State License, contact:

Sam Leslie

501-371-1570
501-372-4661

Sam.leslie@arkansas.gov

arkansas.gov/clb

• To register your Residential Contractors License with the City of Fort Smith, contact Building Safety at 479-784-2206.
• Residential Contractor’s Licenses are required for projects with a cost equal to or exceeding $2,000.
• Plumbing, Electrical, and Mechanical Contractor’s licenses are required on all mechanical, plumbing and electrical projects.
• Mechanical, Plumbing and Electrical contractors are required to have a minimum $2,000 permit and license bond.

Demolition Projects

For asbestos/lead-based paint inspections, contact the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality.

Jason Gilkey
501-683-0963
gilkey@sdeq.state.ar.us

Contact Building Safety

Phone: 479-784-2206
Fax: 479-784-1030
Email: buildingsafety@fortsmithar.gov