When you have successfully obtained a building permit you receive a building permit card. The building permit card shall be posted in a conspicuous place on the front of the premises. The building permit card shall be kept on the property until the building inspector removes it on the final inspection.

Inspections shall be made by the inspectors upon notification of the permit holder or his approved representative. Inspectors will either approve the construction as completed by placing their signature or initials on the building permit card or they will notify the permit holder or subcontractor that the project does not pass inspection. At times a correction notice is attached to the card so that the permit holder will know what corrections might be required.

An inspector will verify that the work being done conforms to the various codes, regulations, laws, and ordinances applicable to that job. The inspector will also check to ensure the work agrees with the approved set of plans issued with the permit. The approved set of plans, stamped by the Building Department, and the building permit/inspection card issued with the permit must be available to the inspector.

Work shall not be done on any part of a building or structure beyond the point indicated in each successive inspection without first obtaining the written approval of the Building Official or his designated agent. Such written approval shall be given only after an inspection has been made of each successive step in the construction as indicated by each of the foregoing inspections.

Inspection requests received before 9:00 a.m. will be scheduled for that morning. Inspection requests received before 2:00 p.m. will be scheduled for that afternoon. The inspectors are in the office between the hours of 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 - 2:00 p.m., Monday through Friday at the following numbers.

• Building: 479-784-2239 or 479-784-2240
• Electric: 479-784-2233 or 479-784-2234
• Plumbing: 479-784-2215 or 479-784-2475
• Mechanical: 479-784-2238 or 479-784-2249

Options for scheduling an inspection including:

• Calling the inspectors when they are in the office (not mandatory but preferred if you need to discuss any special conditions and to ensure the request has been received)
• Calling the Building Department Office at 479-784-2206 or 784-2288
• The Building Department email address is buildingsafety@fortsmithar.gov
• Using the online permitting program

The following is a list of required inspections in their normal order of completion. Although they all may not be applicable to y our particular project, please use it as a general guideline.

1. Temporary Construction Power
   This is done when the electrician has set the temporary service pole or made arrangements in an existing building for temporary power.
2. Footing Inspection
   This is done after the footing has been formed and any reinforcing steel is installed, but prior to the placement of concrete. Any below-grade insulation must also be in place.
3. Foundation Inspection
   This is done after the trenches have been excavated, the forms erected, all reinforcing steel in place, but also prior to placement of concrete. Any below-grade insulation must also be in place.
4. Rough-in Underslab Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing
   This is done after all in-slab or underfloor plumbing, electrical, conduit, piping accessories, etc. have been installed but prior to its being covered. The plumbing, electrical and mechanical subcontractors must request their specific inspections.
5. Concrete Slab
   This is done after all in-slab or underfloor plumbing, electrical, conduit, piping accessories and their ancillary equipment items have been inspected. Reinforcing, vapor barrier and termite protection must be installed prior to this inspection.
6. Plumbing, Electrical, Mechanical Top Out or Rough-in Inspection (Framing Stage)
   This is done after all building systems (e.g. plumbing, electrical and mechanical) are installed. These inspections must be done before the framing inspection and before any of the piping, wiring or ducts are covered with insulation, sheetrock or other coverings. The plumbing, electrical and mechanical subcontractors must request their specific inspections.
7. Frame and Roof Inspection
   This is done after the roof, all framing, fire blocking and bracing are in place; after all pipes, chimneys and vents are complete, and after the rough electrical, mechanical, plumbing and heating wires, pipes and ducts are approved. Walls cannot be covered until this inspection is approved.
8. Fire Systems Inspection
   The fire protection systems subcontractor must coordinate this inspection with the Fort Smith Fire Marshal's Office.
9. Backflow Protection Inspection
   Some projects require the installation of a backflow protection device on the water system. An inspection by the Fort Smith Utility Department is required.
10. Landscaping
    Some projects require landscaping. This inspection is done after the landscaping is installed. Often the inspection is done by the Fort Smith Planning Department.
11. Final Plumbing, Electrical, Mechanical Inspections
    These inspections are done after all fixtures have been installed and the systems are ready for use. The plumbing, electrical, and mechanical subcontractors must request their specific inspections.
12. Final Inspection
    This is done after all work shown on the approved plans has been completed. Plumbing, electrical, and mechanical inspections are required before the final building inspection. The plumbing, electrical, and mechanical subcontractors must request their specific inspections. The building must be completed and ready for occupancy.
13. Certificate of Occupancy
    Upon an approved final inspection the Building Department will issue a Certificate of Occupancy that states the building has been completed and is ready for occupancy. A building cannot be lawfully occupied until a final inspection and subsequent certificate of occupancy is issued.