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Arkansas building code

The residential code in Arkansas is the 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, Volume III1, effective 2.

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On this page
  1. Codes in force in Arkansas
  2. Scope, amendments and transition rules
  3. How Arkansas adopts building codes
  4. Sources

Codes in force in Arkansas

Each code family with the edition and the date it took effect, as the adopting agency or statute states them.

CodeTitle as adoptedModel editionEffectiveAdopted by
International Residential Code (IRC)2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, Volume III1202122State Fire Marshal2
International Building Code (IBC)2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, Volume II1202122State Fire Marshal2
International Fire Code (IFC)2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, Volume I1202122State Fire Marshal2
National Electrical Code (NEC)National Electrical Code (NFPA 70), 20263202633Board of Electrical Examiners3
International Plumbing Code (IPC)2018 Arkansas Plumbing Code320184–State Board of Health5
International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)Arkansas Fuel Gas Code, 17 CAR pt. 67320184––
International Mechanical Code (IMC)International Mechanical Code, 20213202136HVACR Licensing Board3
Energy code, residential2014 Arkansas Energy Code for New Building Construction7200977Arkansas Economic Development Commission - Energy Office7
Energy code, commercial2014 Arkansas Energy Code for New Building Construction7ASHRAE 90.1-200787Arkansas Economic Development Commission - Energy Office7

Scope, amendments and transition rules

International Residential Code (IRC)

Scope
Statewide minimum; local governments may go further2
Applies to
Statewide1
Local amendments allowed?
Yes2

International Building Code (IBC)

Scope
Statewide minimum; local governments may go further2
Applies to
Statewide1
Local amendments allowed?
Yes2

International Fire Code (IFC)

Scope
Statewide minimum; local governments may go further2
Applies to
Statewide1
Local amendments allowed?
Yes2

National Electrical Code (NEC)

Scope
Statewide; applies everywhere3
Amendments
State AFCI/GFCI change3

International Plumbing Code (IPC)

Scope
Statewide minimum; local governments may go further5
Applies to
All buildings5
Local amendments allowed?
Yes5

International Mechanical Code (IMC)

Scope
Statewide; applies everywhere3

Energy code, residential

Scope
Statewide; applies everywhere7
Applies to
2009 IECC residential8
Local amendments allowed?
No7

Energy code, commercial

Scope
Statewide; applies everywhere7
Local amendments allowed?
No7

How Arkansas adopts building codes

A.C.A. § 12-13-105; 12 CAR pt. 15; A.C.A. § 17-38-103; 17 CAR §§ 210-601, 261-122; 15 CAR pt. 233; A.C.A. § 18-10-101

  • 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code Rules. Part 15. 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code Rules…3
  • Effective January 1, 2023. The State of Arkansas formally adopted this Code in 2022 with an effective date of January 1, 2023.9
  • Volume III = Residential. INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE shall mean the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, Volume III.2
  • Volume II = Building. INTERNATIONAL BUILDING CODE shall mean the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, Volume II.2
  • Applies statewide. The Code applies Statewide, even in rural and unincorporated areas.1
  • Statewide minimum; local governments may go further. The AFPC 2021 Edition shall be the only foundation document available for modification by local jurisdictions should they choose to adopt more stringent provisions.2
  • Plumbing code minimum statewide. …shall have the effect and force of law in the form of minimum standards statewide in application.5
  • Energy code local adoption required. All counties, cities or municipalities that issue building permits for new building construction are required to adopt this Code for new construction, additions and renovation of existing structures.7
  • Fire code cannot require two access roads for certain rural residential developments. The Arkansas Fire Prevention Code shall not require a residential development to maintain two (2) or more separate and approved fire apparatus access roads if…10
Applies to
Statewide1
Can local rules be stricter?
Yes2

For permits, exemptions and owner-builder rules, see Arkansas building permits. To compare editions across states, see the code adoption map.

Sources

  1. Building CodesCity of Bentonville, ArkansasChecked November 5, 2026
  2. 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code Rules ChangesArkansas Department of Public Safety, Division of Arkansas State Police, State Fire MarshalPosted April 27, 2022Checked November 5, 2026
  3. 17 CAR § 210-601. Adoption of National Electrical CodeState of Arkansas, Code of Arkansas RulesEffective September 3, 2026Checked November 5, 2026
  4. 2018 Arkansas Plumbing Code (cover page PDF)State of Arkansas, Code of Arkansas RulesChecked November 5, 2026
  5. Arkansas Plumber’s Law, A.C.A. Tit. 17, Subtitle 2., Ch. 38Arkansas Department of HealthChecked November 7, 2026
  6. HVAC-RArkansas Department of Labor and LicensingChecked November 5, 2026
  7. Arkansas Energy Code for New Building Construction Supplements and Amendments 2014Arkansas Economic Development Commission, Energy Office (hosted by Arkansas Division of Environmental Quality)Effective January 1, 2015Checked November 5, 2026
  8. Arkansas energy code statusU.S. Department of Energy, Building Energy Codes ProgramChecked November 5, 2026
  9. Board of Directors Communication: Adoption of the 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, Volume II (Building)City of Little Rock, ArkansasPublished July 11, 2023Checked November 5, 2026
  10. Act 1020 of 2025Arkansas General AssemblyAdopted April 22, 2025Checked November 5, 2026