You are viewing the permanent link for the record currently in effect, published 2026-07-07.
Bisbee building permits
VerifiedBisbee, Arizona — as published 2026-07-07.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Codes adopted
Arizona has no statewide mandatory building code floor for general construction — code adoption is a per-city/county authority under state enabling statutes (A.R.S. Title 9). The City of Bisbee is a home-rule city that independently codifies and administers its own construction codes through its Community Development Department / Building Inspector (Building Codes page, bisbeeaz.gov/2449/Building-Codes; City of Bisbee City Code, Chapter 7, Updated 05/22/2024).2018 International Building Code (IBC), including all tables and appendices (Appendices C, E, F, G adopted; A, B, D, H, I, J, K, L, M not adopted), adopted by reference with City of Bisbee amendments (City Code Article 7.1, Section 7.1.1, Updated 05/22/2024).2018 International Existing Building Code (IEBC), adopted by reference with City amendments; existing buildings undergoing repair, alteration, addition, or change of occupancy are permitted to comply with the IEBC in lieu of full IBC compliance (City Code Article 7.1, Section 7.1.1.B(1) and 7.1.1.C).2018 International Residential Code (IRC), adopted by reference with City of Bisbee amendments (City Code Article 7.1, Section 7.1.1.D).2018 International Plumbing Code (IPC), adopted by reference with City amendments, including Appendix B (adopted at a 3 inch/hour rainfall rate) and Appendices C, D, F as informational resources; Appendix A not adopted (City Code Article 7.2).2017 National Electrical Code (NEC), adopted by reference with City of Bisbee amendments (City Code Article 7.3, Section 7.3.1) — one edition behind the 2018 ICC set, consistent with typical AZ municipal practice.2018 International Fire Code (IFC), adopted by reference with City amendments; administered with references to the Bisbee Fire Department (City Code Article 7.4).2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC), adopted by reference with City amendments; Appendix A adopted, Appendix B not adopted (City Code Article 7.5).2018 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC), adopted by reference with City amendments, including a fence/barrier height amendment raising all referenced heights from 48 inches to 60 inches (City Code Article 7.6).2018 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) and 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), adopted by reference with City amendments; City of Bisbee is designated Climate Zone 2 or stricter for all IECC purposes (City Code Article 7.7, Sections 7.7.1-7.7.3).Arizonans with Disabilities Act standards (A.R.S. Title 41, Chapter 9, Article 8) and implementing rules, including the ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities (Resolution R-96-46), adopted as an amendment applying to new construction and alterations of public entities (City Code Article 7.1, Section 7.1.4).Manufactured home installation is permitted via a dedicated Manufactured Home Installation Permit (flat fee $350.00 per the City Fee Schedule); construction/installation standards for the home itself are regulated by the State of Arizona Department of Fire, Building and Life Safety / Office of Manufactured Housing, consistent with statewide practice (A.R.S. Title 41-4001 et seq.).
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit (New Construction)
VerifiedRequired for new single-family and two-family dwelling construction within Bisbee city limits. Reviewed against the 2018 IRC and City of Bisbee amendments. Applications use the City's single unified Building Permit Application form (covering building/sign/solar work) and may be submitted in person at 118 Arizona Street or via the CloudPermit online portal. Projects within the Old Bisbee Historic District additionally require Design Review Board approval before a building permit can be issued.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required for new single-family and two-family dwelling construction within Bisbee city limits
- Plans must comply with the 2018 IRC and City of Bisbee amendments, including Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria (115 mph wind; 10 psf ground snow load; Seismic Design Category B; 18-20°F winter design temperature; heavy-to-very-heavy termite potential; 12-inch frost line depth)
- No building permit shall be issued for new structure construction unless the structure and proposed use comply with the City of Bisbee Zoning Code (City Code Section 7.1.2)
- No building permit shall be issued prior to obtaining a flood plain permit for any work in Flood Zones A and AE (City Code Section 7.1.1.B(5))
- Properties within the Old Bisbee Historic District (HP Overlay Zone) require Design Review Board approval BEFORE a building permit will be issued (City of Bisbee Development Standards for the Bisbee Historic District)
- Owner/Builder projects must comply with A.R.S. Title 32 licensing-exemption requirements if not using a licensed ROC contractor
- New single-family residential construction must include plumbing features enabling optional future greywater use for outdoor irrigation (City Code Section 7.2.3.A.3)
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Bisbee, Fillable)City of Bisbee's single Building/Sign/Solar Permit Application covering Parts A-D: property description, proposed project scope/valuation, owner/builder/contractor licensing information (A.R.S. Title 32), and certification signature
- RequiredConstruction Plans / Site PlanRequired per the application's 'Construction Plans: Yes/No' field along with flood zone/panel/date designation
- OptionalDesign Review Board Application PacketRequired in addition to the building permit application for any property located within the Old Bisbee Historic District; must be approved by the DRB before the building permit is issued
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — Valuation-Based | $78.00 ($1-$2,000 valuation); $98 for first $2,000 plus $15.50 per additional $1,000 or fraction ($2,001-$40,000); $570 for first $40,000 plus $13 per additional $1,000 ($40,001-$100,000); $1,181 for first $100,000 plus $11 per additional $1,000 ($100,001-$500,000); $4,345 for first $500,000 plus $9 per additional $1,000 ($500,001-$1,000,000); $7,170 for first $1,000,000 plus $6.50 per additional $1,000 ($1,000,001-$5,000,000); $20,730 for first $5,000,000 plus $4.50 per additional $1,000,000 ($5,000,001 and over) | City of Bisbee Fee Schedule (Effective May 7, 2020, Updated 06/15/2026), Building Inspector section. New residential structure valuation and new accessory-to-residential structure valuation are calculated per square foot per City Code Section 7.1.3(a)-(b), feeding into this same valuation table. |
| Required Plan Review Fee | 65% of the Building Permit Fee | City of Bisbee City Code, Article 7.1, Section 7.1.3; charged for all permits requiring plan review under the adopted Code (does not apply to permits billed at flat rates). |
Residential Addition / Remodel Permit
VerifiedRequired for room additions, remodels, and alterations to existing one- and two-family dwellings in Bisbee, valued at total contract cost or builder's estimate rather than a per-square-foot new-construction rate. Reviewed against the 2018 IRC as adopted and amended by the City of Bisbee.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required for room additions, remodels, and alterations affecting structural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, or fire-safety conditions
- Remodels, additions, and alterations of existing residential structures are valued at the total cost of all such work, based on contract documents or the builder's estimate if there is no contract amount (City Code Section 7.1.3(c))
- Ordinary repairs under $1,000 in valuation that do NOT change any structural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, or fire-safety condition require no permit and no fee (City Code Section 7.1.1.D(3), R105.2.4)
- Projects within the Old Bisbee Historic District require Design Review Board approval before a building permit will be issued for exterior alterations, room additions, new rooflines, new porches, fences, and new awnings
- Attic access opening protection supports must be non-combustible material (2018 IRC as amended, Section R302.6.1)
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Bisbee, Fillable)City of Bisbee's unified Building/Sign/Solar Permit Application
- RequiredSite Plan / Construction PlansShowing existing structure, addition footprint, and scope of remodel work
- OptionalDesign Review Board Application PacketRequired only for properties within the Old Bisbee Historic District
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (Based on Contract Value/Valuation) | Same valuation table as new construction — $78 to $20,730+ scaling by valuation tier | City of Bisbee Fee Schedule (Effective 05/07/2020, Updated 06/15/2026); valuation for remodels/additions is the total contract cost or builder's estimate per City Code Section 7.1.3(c), not a per-square-foot new-construction rate. |
| Required Plan Review Fee | 65% of the Building Permit Fee | City of Bisbee City Code, Article 7.1, Section 7.1.3 |
Electrical Permit
VerifiedRequired for electrical installation, alteration, or repair work in Bisbee, governed by the 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC) as adopted and amended by the City of Bisbee. Electrical service upgrades/replacements and water heaters are billed at flat rates rather than valuation.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Electrical permit required for service upgrades/replacements, panel work, and other electrical installations
- Governed by the 2017 NEC as adopted by the City of Bisbee, with local amendments (e.g., recessed service entries prohibited — service disconnects and risers must be surface-mounted; accessory structures with a poured foundation require a concrete-encased electrode)
- Subpanels and low-voltage boxes may not be located in a firewall, fire barrier, fire partition, or the garage-side of a wall separating a dwelling from a garage/carport
- Smoke alarms must originate from a general-purpose branch circuit, not a dedicated circuit
- Electrical service upgrade/replacement and electrical/gas water heater permits are billed at flat rates and are NOT subject to the additional 65% plan review fee (City Code Section 7.1.3(f))
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Bisbee, Fillable)City of Bisbee's unified Building/Sign/Solar Permit Application, used for electrical permits as well
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Service Upgrade or Replacement — Residential | $75.00 | City of Bisbee Fee Schedule (Effective 05/07/2020, Updated 06/15/2026); flat rate, not subject to the 65% plan review fee per City Code Section 7.1.3(f)(1). |
| Electrical Service Upgrade or Replacement — Commercial | $80.00 | City of Bisbee Fee Schedule. |
| Electrical or Gas Water Heater — Residential | $55.00 | City of Bisbee Fee Schedule; flat rate per City Code Section 7.1.3(f)(2). |
| Electrical or Gas Water Heater — Commercial | $60.00 | City of Bisbee Fee Schedule. |
| Utility Clearance Inspection (Green Tag) | $55.00 | City of Bisbee Fee Schedule; flat rate per City Code Section 7.1.3(f)(3). |
| Other Electrical Work (Based on Valuation) | Same valuation table as new construction ($78 to $20,730+ scaling by valuation tier), plus 65% Plan Review Fee | City Code Section 7.1.3; applies to electrical work not covered by the specific flat-rate categories above. |
EV Charger / EVSE Installation Permit
VerifiedBisbee has no separate EV charger/EVSE permit category or flat-fee line. A dedicated circuit for an EV charging station falls under the City Code's residual 'Other Electrical Work' category, billed on the same valuation table as new construction, plus the 65% Plan Review Fee (unlike the City's flat-fee electrical categories for service upgrades and water heaters, which are exempt from that fee).
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- Electrical permit required for a new dedicated circuit or hardwired connection for an EV charging station — governed by the 2017 NEC as adopted and amended by the City of Bisbee
- No distinct 'EV charger'/'EVSE' flat-fee line exists on the City's Fee Schedule (unlike service upgrades, water heaters, and Utility Clearance, which do have dedicated flat fees) — an EV charger circuit falls under the residual 'Other Electrical Work (Based on Valuation)' category and IS subject to the 65% Plan Review Fee, per City Code Section 7.1.3
- If the installation also requires an electrical service upgrade/replacement, that portion may separately qualify for the flat-rate Electrical Service Upgrade or Replacement fee ($75 residential / $80 commercial), exempt from the 65% plan review fee
- Submit via the City of Bisbee's unified Building/Sign/Solar Permit Application
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Bisbee, Fillable)City of Bisbee's unified Building/Sign/Solar Permit Application, used for electrical permits as well; no separate EV-specific application form is published
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Other Electrical Work (Based on Valuation) — applies to a new EV charger circuit | Same valuation table as new construction ($78 to $20,730+ scaling by valuation tier), plus 65% Plan Review Fee | City Code Section 7.1.3; the residual category for electrical work not covered by the flat-rate service-upgrade, water-heater, or utility-clearance categories — no distinct EV/EVSE line item is published |
| Electrical Service Upgrade or Replacement — Residential (if a panel upgrade is also needed) | $75.00 | City of Bisbee Fee Schedule; flat rate, not subject to the 65% plan review fee per City Code Section 7.1.3(f)(1) |
Plumbing Permit
VerifiedRequired for plumbing installation, alteration, or repair work in Bisbee, governed by the 2018 International Plumbing Code (IPC) as adopted and amended by the City of Bisbee, including Bisbee's dedicated water-conservation fixture standards.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Plumbing permit required for installation, alteration, or repair of plumbing systems and fixtures
- Governed by the 2018 IPC as adopted by the City of Bisbee
- Bisbee-mandated maximum fixture flow rates apply: toilets 1.28 gpf; bathroom sink faucets 1.5 gpm; kitchen sink faucets 2.2 gpm max; single showerheads 2.0 gpm (2.0 gpm total for multi-outlet systems)
- New single-family residential construction must include greywater-ready plumbing features
- Residential water service pressure capped at 60 psi absent a Building Inspector exception
- An approved sewer shut-off valve is required in any building sewer line, as near the property line as practical; backwater valves required for all sewer connections except the highest lateral connection
- 14-gauge copper insulated tracer wire required to accompany all underground plastic piping outside of structures
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Bisbee, Fillable)City of Bisbee's unified Building/Sign/Solar Permit Application, used for plumbing permits as well
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical or Gas Water Heater (per unit) | $55.00 residential / $60.00 commercial | City of Bisbee Fee Schedule; flat rate per City Code Section 7.1.3(f)(2), not subject to the 65% plan review fee. |
| Other Plumbing Work (Based on Valuation) | Same valuation table as new construction ($78 to $20,730+ scaling by valuation tier), plus 65% Plan Review Fee | City Code Section 7.1.3; applies to plumbing scope beyond the specific flat-rate water heater category. |
Mechanical / HVAC Permit
VerifiedRequired for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning installations in Bisbee, governed by the 2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC) as adopted and amended by the City of Bisbee. Bisbee also caps evaporative cooler water use for single-family residences.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Mechanical permit required for installation, replacement, or relocation of HVAC equipment and ventilation systems
- Governed by the 2018 IMC as adopted by the City of Bisbee
- Mechanical systems in existing buildings undergoing repair, alteration, addition, or change of occupancy may comply with the IEBC in lieu of full IMC compliance
- Evaporative cooling systems for single-family residences are capped at 3.5 gallons (13.3 liters) of water per ton-hour of cooling, adjusted to maximum water use (City Code Section 7.2.3.B.8)
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Bisbee, Fillable)City of Bisbee's unified Building/Sign/Solar Permit Application, used for mechanical permits as well
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical/HVAC (Based on Valuation) | Same valuation table as new construction ($78 to $20,730+ scaling by valuation tier), plus 65% Plan Review Fee | City of Bisbee City Code, Article 7.1, Section 7.1.3; the Fee Schedule and City Code do not list a separate itemized flat-rate line specifically for HVAC/AC-unit replacement (unlike electrical service upgrades or water heaters) — mechanical work is billed on the standard valuation table. |
Residential/Commercial Solar Photovoltaic (PV) and Solar Water Heater Permit
VerifiedRequired for installation of photovoltaic solar systems, solar hot water heaters, and other similar solar-energy-conversion devices in Bisbee. The City's codified ordinance grants a fee exemption for the solar-device-specific portion of these permits, though the City's separately published Fee Schedule lists specific dollar figures for these categories — an unresolved discrepancy documented below. Properties within the Old Bisbee Historic District have a dedicated Administrative Approval Checklist for Solar Devices.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Solar PV, solar hot water heater, and similar solar-energy-conversion devices require a building/electrical permit via the City's unified Building Permit Application
- Per City Code Section 7.1.3, the City is prohibited from charging any fee for the portion of any building permit, plan review, or inspection services associated with installing a photovoltaic solar device, solar hot water heater, or similar solar-energy-conversion device that reduces global warming emissions — this exemption does NOT extend to skylights, windows, other daylighting means, or passive solar building design
- Properties within the Old Bisbee Historic District (HP Overlay Zone) must use the City's Administrative Approval Checklist for Solar Devices in the Historic District, allowing qualifying solar installations to be approved administratively (by the Building Official/DRB Liaison) without a full Design Review Board hearing
- 12-volt battery charging systems require no permit fee ('No Charge' per the Fee Schedule)
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Bisbee, Fillable)City of Bisbee's unified Building/Sign/Solar Permit Application
- OptionalAdministrative Approval Checklist for Solar Devices in the Historic DistrictRequired only for properties within the Old Bisbee Historic District; allows Building Official/DRB Liaison administrative sign-off for qualifying solar installations without a full DRB hearing
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Photovoltaic Solar Device — Residential | $325.00 (itemized on the Fee Schedule as $175.00 permit fee + $150.00 plan review) | City of Bisbee Fee Schedule (Effective 05/07/2020, Updated 06/15/2026). NOTE: this published dollar figure appears to conflict with City Code Section 7.1.3's codified exemption stating the City 'shall not charge any fee' for the solar-device portion of such permits — both sources are cited here; the discrepancy was not independently resolved and should be confirmed directly with the Building Inspector's office before assuming either source controls. |
| Photovoltaic Solar Device — Commercial | $375.00 (itemized on the Fee Schedule as $225.00 permit fee + $150.00 plan review) | City of Bisbee Fee Schedule. Same fee-exemption-vs-fee-schedule discrepancy noted above applies. |
| Solar Hot Water Heater or similar solar device (excluding passive solar) | $75.00 | City of Bisbee Fee Schedule. Same fee-exemption-vs-fee-schedule discrepancy noted above applies; passive solar heating/cooling building design is explicitly excluded from any solar fee category since it isn't a discrete 'device' permit. |
| 12 Volt Battery Charging Systems | No Charge | City of Bisbee Fee Schedule. |
Demolition Permit
VerifiedRequired for demolition of any structure in Bisbee. Demolition within the Old Bisbee Historic District is subject to a distinct, stringent Design Review Board review requiring proof that preservation is not physically or economically feasible, and requires 30 calendar days' advance notice rather than the standard 15.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required before demolishing a structure within Bisbee city limits
- Within the Old Bisbee Historic District (HP Overlay Zone), the Historic District Design Review Board must review and approve all demolition applications and relocation applications for any building or significant part of a building in the District BEFORE the Building Official may issue a demolition permit
- Historic District demolition/relocation applications require 30 calendar days' advance submittal before the DRB hearing (vs. 15 days for standard applications), due to the greater potential impact on the character of the District
- For Historic District permit approval, the applicant must show that preserving the building is not physically and/or economically feasible; the DRB determines the extent to which demolition/movement affects the structure or any contributing structure within the district
- Utilities should be properly terminated as part of standard demolition practice (not separately itemized as a distinct Bisbee ordinance requirement beyond standard code compliance)
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Bisbee, Fillable)City of Bisbee's unified Building/Sign/Solar Permit Application
- OptionalDesign Review Board Application PacketRequired for any demolition within the Old Bisbee Historic District, including a written case for economic/physical infeasibility of preservation; requires 30-day advance submittal and 300-foot notice
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Demolition Permit (Based on Valuation) | Same valuation table as new construction, applied per City Code Section 7.1.3 | City of Bisbee Fee Schedule and City Code do not list a separate itemized flat-rate demolition fee distinct from the standard valuation table; demolition is billed on the same Building Permit fee schedule. |
Manufactured Home Installation Permit
VerifiedRequired for placement and installation of manufactured/mobile homes within Bisbee city limits. Billed as a flat fee distinct from the standard valuation-based Building Permit fee. The home's own construction/factory standards are regulated by the State of Arizona; the City permit covers on-site placement, foundation/tie-down, and site compliance.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Manufactured Home Installation Permit required for placement of a manufactured/mobile home within Bisbee city limits
- Construction/factory-build standards for the home itself are regulated directly by the State of Arizona (Department of Fire, Building and Life Safety / Office of Manufactured Housing, A.R.S. § 41-4001 et seq.); the City permit addresses on-site foundation, tie-down, and zoning/site compliance
- No building permit shall be issued unless the structure and proposed use comply with the City of Bisbee Zoning Code (City Code Section 7.1.2)
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Bisbee, Fillable)City of Bisbee's unified Building/Sign/Solar Permit Application, used for manufactured home placement as well
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Manufactured Home Installation Permit | $350.00 | City of Bisbee Fee Schedule (Effective 05/07/2020, Updated 06/15/2026); flat rate per City Code Section 7.1.3(f)(4), not subject to the 65% plan review fee. |
Sign Permit
VerifiedRequired for installation of new signage in Bisbee, billed on a square-footage tier schedule. Signs within the Old Bisbee Historic District additionally require Design Review Board approval, including detailed submittal of wording, font, dimensions, materials, and mounting detail.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Sign permit required for installation of new signs, tiered by square footage
- Within the Old Bisbee Historic District, new signs and new copy on existing signs require Design Review Board review with scaled drawings showing wording, font style, dimensions, materials, and mounting/support detail
- For existing painted/carved signs on buildings within the portion of the District on the National Register of Historic Places, specific DRB approval is required before painting, re-surfacing, or altering any existing painted sign
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Bisbee, Fillable)City of Bisbee's unified Building/Sign/Solar Permit Application
- OptionalDesign Review Board Application PacketRequired for signs within the Old Bisbee Historic District, with scaled drawings, wording, font, dimensions, materials, and mounting detail per the Project Description Questionnaire
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sign Permit, 0-50 Square Feet | $40.00 | City of Bisbee Fee Schedule (Effective 05/07/2020, Updated 06/15/2026). |
| Sign Permit, 51-75 Square Feet | $53.00 | City of Bisbee Fee Schedule. |
| Sign Permit, 76-100 Square Feet | $66.00 | City of Bisbee Fee Schedule. |
| Sign Permit, 101-150 Square Feet | $86.00 | City of Bisbee Fee Schedule. |
| Sign Permit, 151-200 Square Feet | $106.00 | City of Bisbee Fee Schedule. |
| Sign Permit, Over 200 Square Feet | $145.00 | City of Bisbee Fee Schedule. |
Fire Sprinkler & Fire Alarm System Permit
VerifiedRequired for installation or alteration of fire sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, and related fixed fire-protection equipment in Bisbee. Unlike the Building Inspector's trades (electrical, plumbing, mechanical), this permit is reviewed and fee-collected by the City's own Bisbee Fire & Ambulance Department under its dedicated Fire Marshal, applying the 2018 International Fire Code (IFC) as adopted and amended by the City. Bisbee has its own municipal fire department (two stations, career staff including a Fire Chief and Fire Marshal) — fire-plan review is not outsourced to a rural or county fire district.
Verified 2026-07-23 · Source
Requirements
- Fire sprinkler and/or fire alarm system installation or alteration requires a permit reviewed by the Bisbee Fire & Ambulance Department's Fire Marshal, governed by the 2018 IFC as adopted by the City with local amendments (City Code Article 7.4)
- City Code Article 7.4 amends IFC Section 903.2: in buildings/occupancies unable to meet the fire-flow requirements of IFC Appendix B, Section B105, an automatic sprinkler system is required generally, EXCEPT where public/private water systems genuinely cannot meet minimum fire flow — in that specific case the Fire and Building Code Official may instead require (a) an automatic fire alarm system installed throughout the building that notifies the Bisbee Fire Department on activation of any smoke/heat detector or fixed fire-protection system, and (b) an automatic fire-extinguishing system on any commercial cooking equipment, connected to a monitored fire alarm notifying both occupants and the Fire Department
- Fire sprinklers are NOT mandatory for one- and two-family dwellings in Bisbee (IRC Section R309.5 deleted; R313's mandatory sprinkler language struck and replaced with permissive language) — this permit type is therefore overwhelmingly a commercial/multifamily/mixed-use product in practice, per City Code Article 7.1, Section 7.1.1.D (items 10-11)
- Smoke alarm requirements apply separately under amended IFC Section 907.10: approved single-station smoke detectors are required in all new and existing dwelling units and apartment buildings, with owner responsibility for installation/battery maintenance and a pre-re-occupancy operability check after any tenancy change
- At amended IFC Section 1011.7.3, garage/exit-related gypsum board separation is upgraded from 1/2-inch to 5/8-inch Type X gypsum board, consistent with the same upgrade documented elsewhere in this file's Building Code amendments
- No separate 'fire sprinkler permit' or 'fire alarm permit' application form is published by the City — the same unified City of Bisbee Building/Sign/Solar Permit Application is used, with the Fire Department separately reviewing plans and collecting its own fee under the City's Fee Schedule 'Required Construction Permits/Plan Review' fire section
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Bisbee, Fillable)City of Bisbee's unified Building/Sign/Solar Permit Application; also used to initiate fire sprinkler/alarm system permits, which are then routed to the Fire Marshal for plan review
- RequiredFire protection system plans / shop drawingsSprinkler or alarm system design plans submitted for Fire Marshal plan review; the City's Fee Schedule bills plan review by system type and, for new construction, by the hour — no separate named submittal form is published beyond the plans themselves
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Sprinkler Systems (includes underground and above-ground inspections) | $150.00 | City of Bisbee Fee Schedule (Effective 05/07/2020, Updated 06/15/2026), Fire Department 'Required Construction Permits/Plan Review' section; figure visually verified against the source PDF page image after the pdftotext-extracted layout for this table showed row/value misalignment. |
| Fire Alarm Systems | $75.00 | City of Bisbee Fee Schedule, Fire Department 'Required Construction Permits/Plan Review' section; visually verified against the source PDF page image. |
| Alteration to Existing Systems (Fire Alarm Systems, Sprinkler Systems, and Commercial Kitchen Hood Systems, including plan review for all) | $50.00 | City of Bisbee Fee Schedule; a single flat fee covers alterations to any of these three system types, distinct from the higher new-installation fees above. |
| Fixed Fire Protection (non-water-based fixed suppression systems) | $100.00 | City of Bisbee Fee Schedule; listed as a distinct line from water-based 'Fire Sprinkler Systems' above — applies to other fixed fire-protection/suppression installations (e.g. clean-agent or similar fixed systems) rather than standard wet-pipe sprinklers. |
| New Construction Plan Review (Fire Marshal, general — new buildings/structures/towers/tanks) | $50.00 per hour, 2-hour minimum; Expedited Review (Additional): $100.00 per hour, 2-hour minimum | City of Bisbee Fee Schedule; the Fire Marshal's general hourly plan-review rate, which may apply on top of the flat per-system fees above for new-construction projects. |
Certificate of Occupancy / Change of Use
Bisbee has no standalone, separately-fee'd 'Certificate of Occupancy' or 'Change of Use' permit product — this is a genuine, actively-researched finding, not an unchased gap. Occupancy verification instead happens through two existing City mechanisms depending on the scenario: (1) for new construction, additions, or alterations, occupancy sign-off is folded into the standard Building Permit's final inspection under the unamended 2018 IBC Section 111 (adopted by reference; the City's Article 7.1 IBC amendment list does not touch Section 111 or add a distinct fee for it); and (2) for a change of use or new tenant in an existing commercial building not involving construction work, City Code Article 8.2 (Business License Tax) requires the Building Inspector AND Fire Inspector to confirm the proposed occupancy meets applicable codes, and the Zoning Administrator to confirm the correct zoning district, before a business license may be issued or used.
Reviewed 2026-07-23 · Source
Requirements
- No City Code article, Fee Schedule line, or published application form titled 'Certificate of Occupancy' or 'Change of Use Permit' exists for Bisbee — confirmed by full-text search of the City Code, Fee Schedule, Zoning Code, and Documents & Forms listing
- For NEW CONSTRUCTION, ADDITIONS, OR ALTERATIONS: occupancy approval is finalized as part of the standard Building Permit process (see this file's Residential Building Permit and Residential Addition/Remodel Permit entries) under the 2018 IBC Section 111 (Certificate of Occupancy), adopted by reference with no City-specific amendment or separate fee
- Existing buildings undergoing a change of occupancy (with or without construction work) may elect to comply with the 2018 International Existing Building Code (IEBC) in lieu of full IBC compliance, per City Code Article 7.1, Sections 7.1.1.B(1) and 7.1.1.C
- For a CHANGE OF USE / NEW TENANT in an existing commercial building involving NO construction work: City Code Section 8.2.3(C) requires the Building Inspector and Fire Inspector to confirm the proposed occupancy is consistent with applicable codes before a business license can be issued and used; Section 8.2.3(D) separately requires Zoning Administrator verification that the business is in the appropriate zoning district (a license may still issue before repairs are fully complete if the Building Inspector confirms arrangements are in place to finish required work within a reasonable time)
- Within the Old Bisbee Historic District (HP Overlay Zone), Design Review Board review is triggered only where a change of use is accompanied by exterior construction, alteration, or similar physical work to the building — a pure change of use/tenant change with no exterior work does not independently trigger DRB review under the Development Standards for the Bisbee Historic District
- A nonconforming use may only be changed to another nonconforming use of the same or a more restricted classification if approved via a Special Use Permit (Zoning Code Section 1.5.2) — this is a narrower zoning-specific scenario, not a general change-of-use requirement
Required documents
- RequiredBusiness License Application (Bisbee, Fillable)Required for a change of use / new tenant in an existing commercial space not involving construction; triggers the Building Inspector + Fire Inspector occupancy-code sign-off and Zoning Administrator zoning-district verification under City Code Section 8.2.3
- OptionalBuilding Permit Application (Bisbee, Fillable)Required only if the change of use involves construction, alteration, or work affecting structural/electrical/mechanical/plumbing/fire-safety systems — see this file's Building Permit and trade-specific permit entries
- OptionalDesign Review Board Application PacketRequired only if the change of use is accompanied by exterior construction/alteration on a property within the Old Bisbee Historic District
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| New Business License / Business License Renewal (tiered by employee count) | $49.37 (1 employee) to $757.01 (41+ employees); see City Fee Schedule for the full per-employee-count tier table | City of Bisbee Fee Schedule (Effective 05/07/2020, Updated 06/15/2026), Finance section; this is the fee actually charged for the change-of-use/new-tenant scenario, since no separate 'change of use' or 'certificate of occupancy' fee is published anywhere in the Fee Schedule (confirmed by full-text search for 'occupanc' across the entire document — zero matches). |
| Building Permit Fee (if construction/alteration work is required) | Same valuation-based table used across all Bisbee trade permits — see this file's Residential Building Permit entry | City Code Section 7.1.3; applies only when the change of use is accompanied by construction, alteration, or systems work, plus the 65% Plan Review Fee where applicable. |
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-06.
Fees, timelines, and adopted codes are researched from each jurisdiction's published records — see how we verify. Requirements change and vary by project, so always confirm the current details with the Bisbee building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.