Arkansas · Building code

The building code in force in Arkansas now.

2021 Arkansas Building Code (AFPC Vol. II), based on the 2021 International Building Code w/ state amendments. Enforced by Arkansas State Fire Marshal (Division of Arkansas State Police) - state agency, not municipal building departments. Reported, in verification; the state record was last reviewed 2026-11-12.

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Building code in Arkansas

Reported, in verification

In force

2021 Arkansas Building Code (AFPC Vol. II), based on the 2021 International Building Code w/ state amendments

Labor and Licensing page describes the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code volumes (fire, building, residential) built on the International codes, applied statewide including unincorporated areas. The 2021 edition took effect Jan 1, 2023 per the DPS order. A separate state energy code applies.

Source: primary document

Who enforces it

Arkansas State Fire Marshal (Division of Arkansas State Police) - state agency, not municipal building departments

Statewide layer. County and city amendments sit on top; confirm the local office for the address.

What changes next

In force

In force; AFPC Vol. II (2021 IBC/IRC) per the DPS rules (clean copy) re-read Oct 25, 2026; Jan 1, 2023 effective date from the earlier DPS order; no newer edition adoption found

What a building has to do

1 recurring duties

These apply when the building has the equipment or fits the type named. The frequency is the standard one; your local official can set a stricter one, so confirm it for the address.

Monthly

Accessible pool entry: a pool lift or sloped entry in place and working whenever the pool is open (pools with 300 or more linear feet of wall need two accessible entries; a spa needs one: lift, transfer wall or transfer system); the rule sets no inspection interval; a monthly check that it works and is charged is common practice2010 ADA Standards §242 and §1009; 28 CFR 36.211 · U.S. Department of Justice (enforced through complaints and lawsuits) · Checked against the source 2026-09-28.

Questions about the building code in Arkansas

Which building code applies in Arkansas today?

2021 Arkansas Building Code (AFPC Vol. II), based on the 2021 International Building Code w/ state amendments. Labor and Licensing page describes the Arkansas Fire Prevention Code volumes (fire, building, residential) built on the International codes, applied statewide including unincorporated areas. The 2021 edition took effect Jan 1, 2023 per the DPS order. A separate state energy code applies.

Who enforces the building code in Arkansas?

Arkansas State Fire Marshal (Division of Arkansas State Police) - state agency, not municipal building departments.

What changes next for the building code in Arkansas?

Nothing is scheduled. The rule above stays in force until the state adopts a newer edition or amends the program; AHJ Radar re-checks the source weekly.

Other areas in Arkansas

Everything in force in Arkansas

Fire code2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code (AFPC Vol. I), based on the 2021 International Fire Cod…Elevators20 CAR Part 881 (Elevator Safety Board): ASME A17.1-2019 and A18.1-2020 for new work (881-…Boilers20 CAR Part 880 (Boiler Inspection Section Rules), Ark. R. 2026-73 effective June 29, 2026…Pools and spasADH Rules Pertaining to Swimming Pools and Other Related Facilities, adopted by the State …Hotels and lodgingNo standalone state hotel license found on ADH pages; hotels fall under the fire preventio…Workplace safetyFederal OSHA jurisdiction - Arkansas has no OSHA-approved State Plan Retrofit and recertification20 CAR 881-113(a)(2): existing elevators lacking Phase I/II fire (recall/firefighters') se…

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