Required Operational Permits

All permits,  except fences and sub-permits, are now submitted through our online permit portal, eTrakit. If you have not previously submitted for a permit on eTrakit, please call our office to obtain a Registered User account 479-271-3108.


Guideline: 2021 Arkansas Fire Prevention Code, Volume I - 105.5 Operational permits. Where required, the fire code official is authorized to issue operational permits for the following operations in the City of Bentonville.

Blasting and explosives 105.6.1

An operational permit is required for the manufacture, storage, handling, sale or use of any quantity of explosives, explosive materials, fireworks or pyrotechnic special effects within the scope of Chapter 56.

  1. Use of explosives will require a permit.
  2. Fireworks sales, storage or display of are permitted through the State Fire Marshal.

Commercial open burning 105.6.2 

An operational permit is required for the kindling or maintaining of an open fire or a fire on any public street, alley, road, or other public or private ground. Instructions and stipulations of the permit shall be adhered to.

  1. Open burning for land clearance purposes require a permit.

Open flame 105.6.3

An operational permit is required to use open flames or candles in connection with assembly areas, dining areas of restaurants or drinking establishments.

  1. Fire performances and pyrotechnics require a permit.
  2. Open flame candle use on a large scale, like at a church, would require a permit.

Temporary reclassification of buildings for assembly 105.6.4 

An operational permit is required to operate a place of assembly in buildings that are not ordinarily classified as used during special events.

  1. Conducting assembly operations in a location not classified as an Assembly occupancy. For example having a large party or gathering in an office building not designed for assembly.

Temporary membrane structure and tent 106.6.5

An operational permit is required to operate an air supported temporary membrane structure or a tent having an area in excess of 400 square feet.

Exceptions:

1. Tents used exclusively for recreational camping purposes.

2. Tents open on all sides, which comply with all of the following:

2.1. Individual tents having a maximum size of 700 square feet.

2.2. The aggregate area of multiple tents placed side by side without a fire break clearance of not less than 12 feet shall not exceed 700 square feet total.

2.3. A minimum clearance of 12 feet to structures and other tents shall be provided.

Special Events 105.6.6 - see also the City of Bentonville eProval portal for other requirements

An operational permit is required for special events that have a significant impact on emergency operations.

  1. A permit shall be required for indoor or outdoor events where 1,000 or more persons are expected to congregate AT ONE TIME in a defined area. These type of events may include but are not limited to concerts, carnivals, fairs, festivals, parades, sports events, fundraisers, political rallies, religious activities, trade shows and exhibits.
  2. A permit shall be required in an assembly where the designed occupant load of a building may be exceeded during the event.
  3. A permit shall be required where portable generator, LP gas or heating equipment is used.
  4. An event that requires a street closure may require a permit because of emergency access.

Special Amusement 105.6.7

An operational permit is required for all special amusement buildings where egress may be hindered due to obstacles or loss of orientation. 

  1. A permit shall be required for haunted houses, or similar activities.