Lawrence County, Arkansas Building Permit Guide

The Lawrence County government lists a County Judge, an Office of Emergency Management and the elected offices, but no building, planning or floodplain office, and it posts no county ordinances. For a building permit you go to the town: in Walnut Ridge the City’s Building Inspector ((870) 886-6638), and in Hoxie City Hall at 126 SW Texas Street. Rural septic systems are permitted through the Department of Health.

Who issues building permits in Lawrence County?

County offices at the courthouse, 315 W. Main Street, Walnut Ridge, are open 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays; the County Judge is in Suite 1 (870-886-1110) and the Office of Emergency Management in Suite 19 ((870) 886-2525 ext. 4201). Populations are Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates.

Walnut Ridge and Hoxie rules, flood and septic

Walnut Ridge: a residential application needs a full set of plans (site plan, foundation, floor plan and elevations) where applicable and a survey; a commercial one needs a survey, a complete stamped drawing set and the Health Department’s approval letter for plumbing, and may need the Fire Chief’s sign-off. A driveway culvert (tile) has to be shown on the drawings and approved by the Building Inspector before it is installed, and nothing may be covered up before inspection. The forms record separate building, plumbing, electrical and HVAC inspection fees and a Certificate of Occupancy fee but print no amounts. Under the zoning code revised in January 2026, a building permit expires if work has not started within 6 months or is not finished within 2 years, and an accessory dwelling unit needs a building permit plus a $250 review fee unless the Council adopts another. Ditching or tile work needs a drainage application with drawings of the ditch or tile and any fill, a State Highway Department permit where a highway easement is involved, and an engineered no-rise certificate in a floodway. Residential demolition permits are free at City Hall, limited to one house per square block per year; a commercial demolition needs an asbestos inspection report and a copy of the state Notice of Intent filed at least 10 days before work.

Hoxie: the application asks for a plan in duplicate showing the lot, existing buildings, the new work, its use and all utilities, and whether the site is in the floodplain. Under the City’s zoning regulations a building permit expires if work has not started within 6 months or is not finished within 2 years. The City’s inspection sheet sets footings of at least 12 inches deep and 12 inches wide, a framing inspection before walls are closed in and a final inspection before occupancy. Conditional use permits, rezonings, variances and temporary storage containers cost $50 each, and the Planning Commission meets on the fourth Thursday at 6:30 p.m. City Hall is open 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on weekdays.

Flood insurance: FEMA lists Lawrence County as participating in the National Flood Insurance Program with a current flood map dated December 18, 2012, along with Walnut Ridge, Hoxie, Imboden, Black Rock, Portia, Ravenden, Lynn, Sedgwick, Alicia and Powhatan. Minturn, Smithville and Strawberry are listed as not in the program.

Septic systems: lots without sewer need an onsite wastewater permit from the Department of Health’s local Environmental Health Specialists.

Steps for building in Lawrence County

Arkansas building code

Arkansas’s building code is the 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, adopted by the State Fire Marshal and in force statewide since 1 January 2023; building permits are issued locally where a city or county runs a permit program, and the plumbing, gas, mechanical, energy and electrical codes are adopted by separate state agencies. The Arkansas codes

Lawrence County permit FAQs

Does Lawrence County issue building permits?

The county publishes no building permit program or ordinance. Walnut Ridge and Hoxie issue permits inside their limits.

Who is the building inspector in Walnut Ridge?

The City names Chris Jones as its Building Inspector, reached through City Hall at (870) 886-6638.

Do I need a permit to tear down a house in Walnut Ridge?

Yes. Residential demolition permits are free at City Hall, but only one house per square block may be demolished each year.

Where do I get a building permit in Hoxie?

Complete the City’s building permit application and take it to City Hall, 126 SW Texas Street, before construction begins.

Who permits septic systems in Lawrence County?

The Arkansas Department of Health, through its local Environmental Health Specialists.

Official Lawrence County permit resources

• Lawrence County Judge
• Lawrence County Office of Emergency Management
• City of Walnut Ridge development applications and codes
• City of Walnut Ridge City Inspector
• City of Walnut Ridge permits overview
• City of Walnut Ridge Zoning Code (revised January 2026)
• City of Hoxie Code Enforcement and building permit application
• City of Hoxie Planning & Zoning and fee schedule
• City of Imboden Ordinance 2016-6, manufactured homes
• Arkansas Department of Health: Onsite Wastewater
• FEMA Community Status Book: Arkansas

Simplify Lawrence County permitting with Alliance Permitting

Alliance Permitting is a permit documentation and submission company in Arkansas. We prepare your paperwork, file it correctly and coordinate with the permitting authority through issuance. We are not a contractor and we do not perform licensed plan review or inspections; that work stays with your licensed team and the jurisdiction.

This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general information about Lawrence County permitting. Requirements, fees, and procedures change; confirm details with the permitting authority before relying on them.