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Whether you are new to Conway and starting a new business or growing or relocating an established business, the City of Conway is one of the friendliest communities you’ll find. We are excited to work with local business owners and provide the service and support you need to grow and succeed.
Three unique institutions of higher learning provide a diverse, educated, and young workforce and a vibrant quality of life for all Conway residents and visitors. Abundant commercial, industrial, and office space makes relocation, growth, and site selection attractive and simple. Permit processes are straightforward, and our low cost of doing business offers an attractive and competitive advantage for businesses.
Our City website includes answers to Frequently Asked Questions, applications and forms, information on local ordinances and permit processes necessary to grow or start a business, and the offices or departments to contact with questions about specific topics. If you cannot find the information you are looking for or have additional questions, call (501) 450-6105 or email planning@conwayarkansas.gov.
The City of Conway and our partners in the community share one goal – the continued progress of Conway as one of the country’s best places to live and work. We work together to ensure Conway’s businesses have every opportunity to thrive in today’s competitive economy. In addition to working with City departments, I encourage you to discover the many local resources that are available to help you and your business succeed.
Thank you for choosing Conway to live and work, and thank you for the many ways that you and your business will contribute to the health and prosperity of our community for years to come.
Bart Castleberry
Mayor, City of Conway, Arkansas
Starting a Business in Conway
1-2-3 Checklist
Step 1
Contact the Planning and Development Department to determine the scope and goals of your project. If you are building a new building, you will go through the City’s Development Review process and other necessary steps; If you are starting or relocating a business to an existing property, the Building Permits and Inspection Department will guide you through the process to get the necessary building permits for your location.
Step 2
Once your physical location needs are met, the City Clerk’s Office can help you navigate any permits that you may need.
Step 3
Contact local utility providers to arrange for service and discuss additional requirements for your specific business (e.g., grease traps for restaurants, etc.)
What to Know
Business Services
Troy Rice
Business Services Coordinator
Office of the Mayor
501-450-6100 x 3704
501-764-2111
troy.rice@conwayarkansas.gov
Planning
501-450-6105
planning@conwayarkansas.gov
Planning, Zoning, and Development
Check with our Planning and Development Department to be sure your building or development project complies with local regulations. The Planning and Development Department oversees zoning and development in the community as well long-range planning, and can provide a wealth of information on current and future city growth.
Before signing a lease or contract, contact the City’s Planning and Development Department to verify that your business complies with the zoning requirements for the proposed location. Different types of businesses and uses are listed in the zoning regulations as either a permitted or conditional use. The types of business that are permitted or conditional uses vary between the City’s commercial areas. Zoning review is required when applying for a building permit to make interior or exterior changes to the building for your business.
New businesses often use temporary signs such as banners to establish their identity and location. Temporary signage is permitted on a limited basis, subject to the City’s current sign ordinance.
To locate the zoning for your property and for applications and information on zoning requests, as well as current fees, visit Planning & Development, email planning@conwayarkansas.gov or call (501) 450-6105.
Signage
Most signs require review by the Planning and Development Department, as well as permits, prior to installation. Begin the sign review process as early as possible and before signage is made. Sign designs may need to be modified to comply with City standards and be approved.
For more information about current sign ordinances, as well as the application process, contact the Planning and Development staff at planning@conwayarkansas.gov or call (501) 450-6105.
Building, Construction, and Renovation Permits and Inspections
Our Building Permits and Inspection Department will provide all of the information you need to complete the permit and inspection process. The Building Permits and Inspection Department oversees building codes, construction permits, and inspection procedures.
For commercial and residential building permit applications and inspection information, visit Permits & Inspections, email permits@conwayarkansas.gov or call (501) 450-6107.
Business Licenses and Taxes
While the City of Conway does not require a business license, the City Clerk’s Office can help you navigate the process of starting a business in Conway.
General guidelines for different types of businesses are listed below. For full details, including applications and copies of current City ordinances, visit City Clerk, email cityclerk@conwayarkansas.gov, or call (501) 513-3501.
Restaurants and businesses that sell prepared foods
Restaurants and businesses that sell prepared foods are required by the City to have an A&P (Advertising and Promotion) permit for each location. There is no permit fee. The A&P tax levies an additional 2% city tax on the sale of prepared foods. Total tax to be collected on prepared foods is 10.75%.
For State of Arkansas requirements, call the Faulkner County Health Department at (501) 450-4941. Submit a copy of certification and a copy of your menu to the City Clerk’s Office.
Faulkner County is a “dry” county; restaurants in Conway are only allowed to sell alcohol once they have obtained a Private Club Permit from the Arkansas Alcohol Beverage Control Board (ABC).
Restaurants and businesses that sell prepared foods need to contact Conway Corporation to coordinate services such as grease traps.
Private clubs serving alcohol
Private clubs serving alcohol must complete the Application for Private Club Request from the City Clerk’s office, along with a copy of your application for license to the Arkansas ABC. There is a $250 fee to submit the application. Your application will be placed on the agenda to be presented to City Council for initial approval. Once approved, submit a copy of the Council’s approval (available at the City Clerk’s office) along with the application for license to the ABC Board.
Once approved by the Arkansas State Beverage Control Board (ABC), a Supplemental Beverage Permit for private clubs is required by the City. The initial permit fee is $50/year ($25 if obtained after July 1). The annual renewal fee is $50; renewal application and payment must be received by December 1. The permit expires December 31 of each year. A copy of your State of Arkansas ABC permit must be submitted with the application and payment before the permit will be issued.
A 5% tax shall be collected and reported separately from your state taxes.
Supplemental Beverage Monthly Payment Form
For State of Arkansas requirements, call the Faulkner County Health Department at (501) 450-4941.
Private Clubs Serving Alcohol Information
Mobile food vendors
As with restaurants, mobile vendors who sell prepared foods are required by the City to have an A&P Permit for each location. There is no permit fee. The A&P tax levies an additional 2% City Tax on the sale of prepared foods. Total sales tax to be collected on prepared foods is 10.75%.
Mobile Vendors in place for more than 14 days must obtain a Temporary Building Permit ($250/year) from the City Permit and Inspections Department. Permission from property owner must be obtained prior to setup.
For State of Arkansas requirements, call the Faulkner County Health Department at (501) 450-4941. Attach current Certificate of Approval from the State of Arkansas to your A&P application.
Contact the Planning Department at (501) 450-6105 for a Zoning District Map of zones listed in Ordinance No. O-11-99.
Mobile food vending on public property requires separate approval.
To become a mobile food vendor at the annual Toad Suck Daze Festival, call the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce at (501) 327-7788.
Short terms rentals (AirBnb, VRBO)
Short term rentals such as AirBnB and VRBO must obtain a short-term rental license to operate in the city. The City’s Clerk’s office processes applications, and there is a $100 fee. Licenses must be renewed annually.
Short-term rentals are required by the City to have an A&P Permit for each location. There is no permit fee. The A&P tax levies a 2% City Tax on stays in hotels and short-term rentals.
All short-term rentals must be inspected, and the owner must carry a $1,000,000 policy of general commercial liability that covers the short-term rental. The owner must also designate a local property representative who can promptly respond to complaints.
Other business types
Home occupations are permitted limited signage. Zoning Code (search using keyword “601.15” to find this portion of the Zoning Ordinance).
Door-to-door solicitors are not required to have a permit but must adhere to rules and regulations set forth in Ordinance O-15-67 and observe all “NO SOLICITING” signs at businesses and residences.
For selling goods from private property, no license is required, but sellers must obtain permission from property owner to sell from their property and must also allow customers to use restroom facilities.
Ice cream vendors are required to have a permit ($25/year) and an Arkansas State Police Background check is each year a permit is issued. Ice Cream Vendor Information & Application
Taxi franchises must be approved by the Conway City Council before the business can operate. Call (501) 513-3501 for more information.
Sales and use tax
To obtain a Sales & Use tax number, call Arkansas Sales & Use Tax Department at (501) 682-7104.
- State Sales Tax— 6.50%
- City Sales Tax— 1.75%
- Faulkner County Sales Tax— 0 .5%
- Total Base Tax = 8.75%
Prepared Food
- State Sales Tax — 6.50%
- City Sales Tax — 1.75%
- Faulkner County Tax — .50%
- Conway A&P Prepared Food Tax — 2%
- Total = 10.75%
Mixed drinks/liquor (for private club permit holders)
- State Sales Tax — 6.50%
- City Tax — 1.75%
- Faulkner County Tax — 0.50%
- State Mixed Drink Tax — 10.00%
- State Additional Mixed Drink Tax — 4.00%
- Conway Beverage Tax — 5.00%
- Total = 27.75%
Beer & Wine
- State Sales Tax — 6.50%
- City Sales Tax — 1.75%
- State Mixed Drink Tax – 10.00%
- Faulkner County Tax — 0.50%
- Conway Beverage Tax — 5.00%
- Total = 23.75%
Utilities
Electric, water, wastewater
Conway is home to one of the country’s leading municipal utility providers – Conway Corporation. Conway Corporation operates the City’s electric, water, wastewater, video, internet, voice and security services, offering high-quality service at reasonable rates.
Named one of the country’s most reliable public power providers by the American Public Power Association, Conway Corporation is committed to delivering safe, affordable, reliable, innovative and environmentally sound utility and telecommunication services, as well as supporting education and quality of life in the Conway community. For more information, visit Conway Corp’s website, email comments@conwaycorp.net, or call (501) 450-6000.
Natural gas
Natural gas service is available through Summit Utilities.