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Development Services

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1. What is the zoning of my property?

Zoning defines what types of primary and accessory uses can be developed and what types of development standards will govern each use. Development standards generally include lot size, lot width, setbacks, heights of structures and buildings, lot coverage, and screening. You can check your property's zoning on the County's interactive web map INFOMap. Search by address or parcel number/APN (Format: 123459876).

ArcGIS Cochise County INFOMap

2. Do I need a permit?

Per state law, building permits are required for all new structures or renovations of existing structures that meet or exceed $1,000 in value, although some home repairs and uses are exempt from this requirement. A list of specific  improvements that do not require a building permit can be found on the Permit Exemptions Webpage. Be advised, regardless of whether your project requires a permit, it must still be constructed in conformance to the regulations of this jurisdiction and all applicable state laws.

3. What are the minimum requirements for the owner-builder option?

• Minimum parcel size of 4 acres
• The site area minimum of the zoning must also be at least 4 acres.  (For example, RU-4 zoning has a minimum parcel size area of 4 acres and is an eligible zoning designation. On the hand, an RU-2 parcel, even if it exceeds 4 acres in size, is ineligible because the minimum parcel size for this designation is less than 4 acres).
• Septic permits are still required (septic permits expire after 2 years)
• Right-of-way permit and floodplain use permit may be required

Owner Builder Webpage

4. How do I get electric service to my property?

Electric service is provided by Sulfur Springs Valley Electric Cooperative, Inc (SSVEC), Arizona Public Service (APS), or Columbus Electric Cooperative (CEC) depending on your location within the County. To determine which provider provides service to your home or business, click on this link: Electric Service Provider Map

To find out more information about the process, your responsibilities, and/or to establish new electric service, please contact the responsible agency. Here are a few links to get you started: 

• SSVEC website
• APS website
• CEC website

5. Can I build a tiny home on my property and, if so, what are the requirements?

Yes, the County has adopted Appendix Q (Tiny Homes) of the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC). Here is a link to those requirements: Appendix Q. By local amendment, tiny homes must be at least 296 square feet. 

6. Can I camp on my vacant property?

No. There must be a house, or some other established use, on the property in order to camp. This applies to all forms and durations of camping requests. 

7. What building code does the county use?

The County uses the following building codes:

• International Building Code, 2015 edition.
• International Residential Code, 2015 edition.
• International Existing Building Code, 2015 edition.
• International Mechanical Code, 2015 edition.
• International Existing Building Code, 2015 edition
• International Fire Code, 2015 edition.
• International Fuel Gas Code, 2015 edition.
• International Plumbing Code, 2015 edition
• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 70- National Electrical Code, 2014 Edition
• International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, 2015 edition
• Appendix Q (Tiny Homes) of the 2018 International Residential Code
• Sound Attenuation Ordinance (as mandated by ARS 28-8481 and 8482)

Please note: The International Building Code and other related codes are subject to the amendments contained in the Local amendments pertinent to Cochise County (PDF)

Building Safety Page

8. Are alternative waste disposal systems allowed?

Yes, but a standard septic system is still required. Contact the Cochise County Health Department, at 520-586-8206, for more information.

Septic Systems Page

9. Can I live in an RV on my property?

If there is an existing principal use on the property, such as a house, you may be eligible to live in an RV on your property for up to 6 months in a calendar year with an approved temporary use permit. You may also live in an RV while a principal use is being constructed with an approved temporary use permit.

Temporary Use Permit (PDF)

10. Can I build my own home or do I need a licensed contractor?

You may build your own home but you will be required to obtain all required permits and sign an owner/builder affidavit. By signing this affidavit, you affirm that the property is intended for your sole occupancy and will not be offered for sale or rent within one year of completion (ARS 32- 1121.A.5). As an owner/builder, you act as your own contractor, and will be responsible for following all aspects of the permit process. 

Cochise County also offers an additional program to qualifying rural properties called the “owner-builder amendment.” (See Owner-Builder Amendment webpage)

11. Where can I find more information about my property?

We have a lot of information, including historical permit documents, zoning designation, and flood hazard zones, on the County's interactive web map INFOMap. For additional information email the Planning and Zoning Department.

 ArcGIS Cochise County INFOMap

12. Can I build an accessory dwelling structure or guest house on my property?

Accessory dwelling structures are allowed within certain zoning districts.  They must be equal to or lesser in height than the existing principal dwelling and they are limited in size to a maximum of 50% of the livable square footage of the principal dwelling or 1,000 square feet, whichever is less. 

Also, accessory living structures must comply with all development standards as the principal structure. For more information, please see the Accessory Living Quarters Page.

13. How long is my building permit good for?

The expiration of permits is stipulated by the County's adopted building code. Any work associated with a building permit must begin within 180 days after the permit is issued. The permit is considered "active" as long as work authorized by the permit is not suspended or abandoned for a period of 180 days. The Building Official may grant an extension. All requests for extensions must be in writing. 

14. How can I get an address?

Most vacant property in Cochise County is not addressed. Addresses are assigned during the permit process for a residential dwelling or commercial building.

Rural Addressing Page

15. How much does a permit cost?

All permit fees are included in the Development Services Fee Schedule (PDF). Here's a couple of examples: 

Example Residential Fee for a new Single-Family Home:

• 1,800 square foot home with 800 square foot garage and a 400 square foot patio is approximately $2,653
• 250 square foot accessory building is approximately $204
• Septic Permit Fee $235
• Right-of-way Permit Fee (If necessary) $100
• Floodplain Use Permit Fee (If necessary) $150

Example Manufactured Home Permit Fee:

• Manufactured Home $360
• Septic Permit Fee $235
• Right-of-way Permit Fee (If necessary) $100
• Floodplain Use Permit Fee (If necessary) $150

16. How do I apply for a permit?

We make it easy for you!  Register and apply for a permit online.

17. Is my property in a floodplain?

Cochise County regulates the 100- year floodplain. Property within the 100-year floodplain has a one (1%) percent chance of flooding annually. The County's Info Map includes a National Flood Hazard Layer, showing where floodplain throughout Cochise County is present. To access this information, please go to our Mapping Resource page. 

18. What is a setback and how is it measured?

Setbacks are limits that govern how closely you may build to a property line. In Cochise County, setbacks are measured from the closest point on the property line or the edge of road travelway to the structure/use, whichever is closer.

19. Can I operate a business out of my home?

The County allows small-scale, non-residential activity in a home or workshop as a secondary use. There are associated restrictions and property owners must first submit an application and be approved to operate their business. (For more information: https://www.cochise.az.gov/246/Home-Occupations)