Building Division
QUESTIONS
ANSWERS
A Building Permit is required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system regulated by the code.
- What is a Building/Use Permit and when does it apply?
A Building/Use Permit is required to erect, construct, reconstruct, alter or use any structure in the County; except that no building use permit is required for any repairs or improvements of a value not exceeding 1000 dollars. Single-family residential dwellings are also completely exempted, at any dollar amount, from the permit requirements for the improvements listed in Section 1704.01 of the County's Zoning Regulations.
- Do I need a Building Permit to buy building materials?
No. A Building Permit is required for construction work on the property and isn't linked to the purchase of materials.
Most common repair and maintenance projects for single-family residential homes have been exempted from the building/use permit requirements and a complete list is available under the Building Division Bulletins.
No. The Building Code only affects new work on your home, such as an addition. The addition would need to comply with the Building Codes and the existing structure would remain as is.
Yes. Arizona property owners can design and build their own residential structures by themselves or hire a licensed contractor.
The County has adopted the Cochise County Building Safety Code.
Yes. A permit is required to change the use of an existing building, or to erect a new sign.
Commercial/Non-Residential Permits
Yes. All manufactured homes require an installation permit for the placement and installation at the property. The County under an inter-governmental agreement with the State enforces the Arizona State Installation Standards for manufactured homes and issues permits and inspects all installations.
Yes. State law requires a certified site evaluator to design the septic system and leach field prior to permit application. The certified site evaluator will indicate the location and design of your system on a site plan for your project, which is required as part of the permit application.
A clearing permit is required before clearing (scraping the land to remove vegetation) 1 acre or more. Dust and erosion control measures must be shown on the Clearing Permit Application.
Residential permits are generally issued within one week of a complete application. Commercial/Non-residential permits take 4 weeks or more, depending on the size and complexity of the project. A complete application is required to process your permit application.