Is every agricultural building automatically exempt?

No. A narrow Arkansas rule addresses cited electrical licensing and Electrical Code Authority Act requirements for nonresidential farm buildings, but it does not establish a broad permit, zoning, inspection, or code exemption.

What should I ask the permitting office?

Ask what rules apply to the exact address, intended building use, size, placement, setbacks, site plan, engineered documents, trade work, floodplain status, and inspections.

Do You Need a Permit for a Pole Barn in Conway or Benton?

What Conway publishes

The City of Conway’s accessory and prefabricated-building guideline says accessory structures larger than 50 square feet require a building permit. It also calls for a scaled site plan, says setbacks apply, and lists additional requirements for metal buildings and inspections.

That city page is a valuable starting point, but it does not replace a project-specific discussion with Conway Permits and Planning.

What Benton publishes

The City of Benton provides a residential permit form covering remodels, accessory buildings, and swimming pools. Its permit page directs applicants to Benton Community Development for help with the application process.

The official page does not establish a universal size threshold, setback, fee, or approval path for every post-frame project, so confirm those details with the city for the property you are considering.

Do not stop at the city page

The Arkansas Department of Labor and Licensing states that the Arkansas Building Code applies statewide, including rural and unincorporated areas. Separate floodplain, utility, subdivision, covenant, trade-permit, and site-specific requirements can also matter.

Bring the address and intended use to the right local authority before a construction decision is finalized.

Official sources

Sources are provided for the specific public facts referenced above. Confirm requirements for the exact property and project.