Douglas building permits

Requirements

• Building permit required for new home construction within Douglas city limits
• Plans must comply with the City's adopted 2006 IBC/IRC
• Application must identify site address, legal description, and parcel number; existing use of property; work to be done and value of new construction; and area of construction in square feet
• Site plan required: property lines with dimensions, north arrow, engineering scale (1 in. = 10 ft. or 20 ft.), easements, adjoining streets, driveway/curb/sidewalk details, and location/height/material of walls and fences
• Construction plans required: floor plan, foundation-plumbing plan, roof plan, elevations plan, section details, and electrical-mechanical plan
• Contractor Affidavit required for all permit applications — either a licensed Arizona ROC contractor's information, or an owner/builder exemption under A.R.S. § 32-1121.A.5 or an owner/developer exemption under A.R.S. § 32-1121.A.6
• FEMA floodplain disclosure required; if the site is in a designated floodplain, a flood elevation certificate/flood insurance policy and State-registered civil engineer or surveyor documentation is required
• All new construction incurs Water and Wastewater Impact Fees (by meter size) plus a Water Tap Fee, in addition to building/plan review fees
• New single-family dwelling permits are valid for 18 months (vs. the standard 6 months/180 days for other permit types)

Required documents

• RequiredResidential Building Permit ApplicationCity of Douglas Residential Building Permit Application (bilingual English/Spanish), used for all single-family, multifamily, and mobile-home-related projects; submitted to Development Services at permits@douglasaz.gov or in person
• RequiredResidential Building Permit Application ChecklistCity of Douglas checklist detailing required Site Plan and Construction Plan contents (bilingual)
• RequiredSite PlanProperty lines, north arrow, engineering scale, easements, adjoining streets, driveways, walls/fences
• RequiredConstruction PlansFloor plan, foundation-plumbing plan, roof plan, elevations, section details, electrical-mechanical plan
• RequiredContractor AffidavitLicensed ROC contractor information, or owner/builder (A.R.S. § 32-1121.A.5) or owner/developer (A.R.S. § 32-1121.A.6) exemption declaration

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Building permit required for additions, structural remodeling, garages, carports, ramadas/decks, accessory buildings, and accessory dwelling units (ADU)
• Interior non-structural remodeling under $1,000 in project value does not require a licensed contractor (but may still require a permit)
• Application must specify existing vs. proposed square footage for each area (1st floor, 2nd floor, garage, covered porch/ramada, deck)
• Site plan and construction plans (floor plan, foundation, roof, elevations, section details, electrical-mechanical) required per the standard Residential Building Permit Application Checklist
• Garage, storage shed, and carport valuations are calculated per square foot under the City's published valuation-per-square-foot table

Required documents

• RequiredResidential Building Permit ApplicationSame unified application as new construction; select Addition (RAD), Remodel (RRM), Garage (RAG), Carport (RACP), Accessory Building (RAB), Deck/Covered Porch/Ramada (RAP), or ADU
• RequiredResidential Building Permit Application ChecklistSite Plan and Construction Plan requirements
• RequiredContractor AffidavitRequired for all permit applications unless owner/builder or owner/developer exemption applies

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Electrical permit required for panel upgrades (100A/200A/300A/400A), wiring/circuit upgrades, new outlets, outdoor lighting, PV array electrical connections, and electric meter repair, replacement, or inspection
• Governed by the City's adopted 2005 National Electrical Code (NEC/NEL)
• Application must indicate the specific electrical scope (panel upgrade amperage, PV array kW, number of modules/panels, wattage/lumens for outdoor lighting, etc.)
• Submitted via the Residential Building Permit Application (Mechanical-Electrical/RME permit type) or Commercial Building Permit Application for commercial scope

Required documents

• RequiredResidential Building Permit ApplicationSelect Mechanical-Electrical (RME) permit type; specify panel/wiring/circuit upgrade details in the Electrical section
• RequiredContractor AffidavitRequired for all permit applications unless owner/builder exemption applies

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Submitted via the Residential Building Permit Application, Mechanical-Electrical (RME) permit type, checking the electrical scope box — same form used for this file's general electrical-permit entry
• Governed by the City's adopted 2005 National Electrical Code (NEC/NEL)
• Confirmed directly against the City of Douglas Development Services FAQ (Bilingual) fee table: the 'Electrical' line item is a flat fee by Residential/Commercial category with no distinct EV-charger/EVSE sub-line
• Application must indicate the specific electrical scope (e.g., new circuit, panel upgrade amperage) in the Electrical section, the same as any other electrical permit

Required documents

• RequiredResidential Building Permit ApplicationSelect Mechanical-Electrical (RME) permit type; specify EV charger circuit details in the Electrical section — same form as the file's general electrical-permit entry
• RequiredContractor AffidavitRequired for all permit applications unless owner/builder exemption applies under A.R.S. § 32-1121

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Plumbing permit required for new/relocated fixtures (bathtub, shower, toilet, sinks, water heater, water service, water softener), gas piping outlets, and gas pressure testing/inspection
• Application must indicate quantity of each new/relocated fixture type in the Plumbing section of the Residential Building Permit Application
• Gas pressure testing and gas line work specifically require a permit per the City's FAQ

Required documents

• RequiredResidential Building Permit ApplicationSelect Plumbing-Gas (RPL) permit type; specify fixture counts in the Plumbing section
• RequiredContractor AffidavitRequired for all permit applications unless owner/builder exemption applies

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Mechanical permit required for furnaces, fireplaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, gas dryers, gas ranges, and ventilation fans (both 50-99 CFM and 100+ CFM categories)
• Governed by the City's adopted 2006 IMC
• Application must specify quantity, CFM, maximum output BTU/h, and efficiency percentage for each mechanical item in the Mechanical section of the Residential Building Permit Application
• Equipment not listed on the application will not be included on the permit — a separate permit and fees are required for unlisted equipment

Required documents

• RequiredResidential Building Permit ApplicationSelect Mechanical-Electrical (RME) permit type; specify equipment details in the Mechanical section
• RequiredContractor AffidavitRequired for all permit applications unless owner/builder exemption applies

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Building permit required for re-roofing residential structures (no blanket like-for-like exemption is published by the City of Douglas, unlike some other Arizona municipalities)
• Submitted via the Residential Building Permit Application (or Commercial Building Permit Application for commercial re-roofs)
• Governed by the City's adopted 2006 IBC/IRC roofing provisions

Required documents

• RequiredResidential Building Permit ApplicationSelect the applicable permit type/checkbox for re-roofing scope of work
• RequiredContractor AffidavitRequired for all permit applications unless owner/builder exemption applies

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Building permit required for photovoltaic (PV) system and wind turbine installations
• Application must specify PV Array size (kW), ground- or roof-mounted, number of modules/panels, height if ground-mounted, orientation (N/E/S/W), and square footage in the Electrical section of the Residential Building Permit Application
• Panel upgrades associated with a PV interconnection (100A/200A/300A/400A) must also be specified on the application
• Contractor license classifications for solar work are governed by the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) License Classifications

Required documents

• RequiredResidential Building Permit ApplicationComplete the PV Array (kW), Ground/Roof mount, # of Modules/Panels, and orientation fields in the Electrical section
• RequiredContractor AffidavitLicensed ROC contractor (solar classification) required for PV installation work

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Building permit required before demolishing a structure within Douglas city limits
• Submitted via the Residential Building Permit Application (or Commercial Building Permit Application for commercial structures)
• Standard site plan and property information requirements apply (site address, parcel number, existing use of property)

Required documents

• RequiredResidential Building Permit ApplicationSelect 'Other' permit type and describe demolition scope, or use the Commercial Building Permit Application for commercial structures
• RequiredContractor AffidavitRequired for all permit applications unless owner/builder exemption applies

Fee schedule

Requirements

• A Building Permit for Sign is required before erecting, repairing, altering, relocating, or maintaining any sign as defined in the Zoning Code, per Sec. 702 (Article 7)
• Building Permits are also specifically required for electronic message boards, digital displays, and portable commercial signs exceeding six (6) square feet in area
• Building Permits are NOT required for name plate signs, home occupation signs, real estate signs in residential districts, window signs, or for minor repair/painting of an already-permitted sign, per Sec. 702 and Sec. 705
• Illuminated signs are additionally subject to all provisions of the Electrical Code (2005 NEC), per Sec. 702
• Application must include: position of the sign relative to nearby buildings/structures/sidewalks/clear-vision triangles; two (2) blueprints of plans and specifications including construction method and attachment; structural wind-load calculations if required by the Building Inspector; name of the person/firm erecting the sign; written consent of the building/premises owner; and, for illuminated signs, approval of proposed wiring/connections under the Electrical Code (Sec. 702.1)
• Electronic signs must additionally provide brightness, color, and animation specifications and methods for preventing glare/distraction to traffic (Sec. 702.1(g))
• Every sign and its supporting structure must be designed/constructed to withstand a wind load of at least 40 pounds per square foot, with additional reinforcement required for signs over 20 square feet or electronic display signs (Sec. 703(c))
• A sign permit automatically becomes null and void if the authorized work is not completed within six (6) months of issuance (Sec. 702.2)
• Free-standing signs for nonresidential uses (NC, OP, GC, IP, LI, HI, AA districts) are limited to 67 square feet per sign face and 32 feet maximum height; wall signs are limited to 1 square foot per linear foot of building frontage; blade/projecting signs are limited to 12 square feet per face (Sec. 709)
• Repairing, renovating, or altering a legally nonconforming sign requires a sign permit and is prohibited if repair cost exceeds 60% of the cost of erecting a new conforming sign at the same location (Sec. 710.1)

Required documents

• RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Residential or Commercial, as applicable)Select the Sign (CSGN on the Commercial Building Permit Application) permit type/checkbox; include the sign scope of work
• RequiredSign Plans/BlueprintsTwo (2) blueprints of plans and specifications, including method of construction and attachment to the building or ground, per Sec. 702.1(b)
• RequiredOwner Written ConsentWritten consent of the owner of the building, structure, or premises on which the sign is to be erected, per Sec. 702.1(e)
• OptionalStructural Wind-Load CalculationsRequired at the discretion of the Building Inspector to demonstrate the sign is designed for the wind pressures required by Sec. 703(c)
• RequiredContractor AffidavitRequired for all permit applications unless owner/builder exemption applies under A.R.S. Section 32-1121

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Douglas is not listed among the Arizona 'Cities with Enacted Ordinances' holding local fire-code jurisdictional authority (Chandler, Gilbert, Goodyear, Glendale, Mesa, Scottsdale, Surprise, Yuma per DFFM's own published list) - fire protection system plans for Douglas projects are therefore reviewed by the Arizona Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) under the Arizona State Fire Code
• All plan applications, permits, and payments must be processed through OSFM's online Permit and Plan portal - paper applications are no longer accepted
• Structures/projects subject to state fire-code review include new construction, additions, modifications/alterations affecting egress, and building change-of-use/occupancy-classification changes, per the Arizona State Fire Code (A.R.S. Section 34-461(D) and Section 34-462)
• A separate plan review fee is charged for each fire protection system reviewed, even if multiple systems are included in one submitted plan set, per 4 A.A.C. 36, R4-36-202(A)(2)
• Douglas's own locally-adopted Fire Prevention Code (Douglas Municipal Code Chapter 8.08, adopting the 1998 NFPA Fire Protection Code/1997 UFC and enforced by the Douglas Fire Chief) governs general fire-prevention matters (LPG tank restrictions, hazardous materials, fireworks) but is a materially older edition than the state fire code OSFM applies for fire-protection-system plan review on commercial projects
• Automatic Sprinkler System Shop Drawing Submittal and Fire Alarm Shop Drawings Submittal Guidelines (both published by OSFM) specify the required design-document format for Registered Design Professional submittals

Required documents

• RequiredOSFM Permit Application (via online Permit and Plan portal)Submitted through the Arizona Office of the State Fire Marshal's online portal; paper applications are not accepted
• RequiredAutomatic Sprinkler System Shop Drawing SubmittalOSFM's required design-document and supplemental submittal format for new/modified automatic fire sprinkler systems
• RequiredFire Alarm Shop Drawings Submittal GuidelinesOSFM's required design-document and supplemental submittal format for new/modified fire alarm systems
• RequiredPlan Submittal Requirements (General Construction)OSFM's general plan-submittal requirements, reviewed before beginning the application process

Fee schedule

Requirements

• All businesses operating within Douglas city limits (including home occupations) must obtain a Business License and zoning clearance for that license before opening; a business cannot open until the license is issued
• Business License application must obtain clearance from the Planning and Zoning Inspector prior to any business alterations or new signage
• Applicant must obtain a Transaction Privilege License from the State of Arizona if applicable, and a Cochise County Health Department Permit if applicable (food and drink establishments)
• The Business License application is reviewed and the building's classification is determined for purposes of the occupancy certificate
• Application is routed to Public Works for a right-of-way review and cross-connection review (2 business days to complete), then to the Fire Department for inspection if applicable (5 business days to complete)
• A business license is issued only after the final inspection and approval of all applicable codes/standards, and after payment of all fees
• Any business opening within the Historic District may have additional painting/signage requirements reviewed as part of this process
• Federal Tax Identification Number (SSN or IRS-issued EIN) required as part of the application

Required documents

• RequiredCity of Douglas Business License ApplicationPrimary application through which change-of-use/occupancy classification is determined; submitted to the Finance Department
• RequiredCity of Douglas Business License RegulationsGoverning regulations for business licensing, zoning clearance, and the application finalization/return process (Public Works and Fire Department routing)
• OptionalCommercial or Residential Building Permit ApplicationRequired in addition to the Business License Application if the change of use/occupancy involves remodel, alteration, or other construction work (select Remodel/CRM or Other on the applicable form)
• OptionalTaxable Businesses document / Transaction Privilege LicenseState-level tax registration, required if applicable to the business type

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Commercial Building Permit Application (Form cml-rev_2403) required for all commercial site and building development and mechanical/utility service-related work; select the applicable Commercial Building Permit Type checkbox: New Construction (CNP), Addition (CAD), Remodel (CRM), Mechanical-Electrical (CME), Plumbing-Gas (CPL), Re-Roof, Swimming Pool/Hot Tub/Jacuzzi (CSW), Parking Structure/Garage (CAG), Carport (CACP), Accessory Building (CAB), Awning (CAP), Sign (CSGN), Fence/Wall, or Other
• There is no separate tenant-improvement (TI) permit type on the application form — interior build-out/remodel work for a commercial tenant space is filed under the 'Remodel (CRM)' checkbox on this same Commercial Building Permit Application
• Per the City of Douglas Development Services FAQ (Bilingual): 'A commercial building permit application and the architect's plan (three plan sets) must be submitted by the contractor for new development and construction. All licensed contractors and subcontractors need to be listed. Other requirements can/will be applied according to the City Planner and/or Building Inspector.'
• Site Plan required for ALL commercial building permit applications per the City's Commercial Building Permit Application Checklist: site address/legal description/parcel number, north arrow, engineering scale (1 in. = 10 ft. or 20 ft.), all property lines with dimensions, locations/uses/dimensions of proposed and existing structures (including distances from property lines and other buildings), easements for access/utilities, names of adjoining streets, existing/proposed driveway-curbing-sidewalk with surface materials, and location/height/material of walls and fences
• Grading & Drainage Plan required where applicable: Drainage Facilities Plan showing direction of drainage and location/depth/width of drainage ways or washes, floodplain/drainage requirements, and a Retention/Detention Basin Plan
• Landscaping & Lighting Plan required where applicable: landscaping materials (location, size, common name, scientific name), irrigation system, noise/light-pollution buffer zones, site screening, open space/recreational space, and outdoor lighting fixture location/type/shielding
• Construction Plan required: Floor Plan, Foundation-Plumbing Plan, Roof Plan, Elevations Plan, Section Details (foundation/footing, wall/attic insulation), and Electrical-Mechanical Plan (outlets by type/voltage, lights/fans by type, HVAC controls, security and smoke alarm systems)
• Contractor Affidavit required for all permit applications: either an actively-licensed Arizona ROC contractor's information (name, business name, ROC license number, license class, City business license #), or — per A.R.S. § 32-1121A.6 — an owner/developer exemption listing the General, Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing contractors to be used on the project, each with ROC license number and class
• Application must disclose whether the site is served by sewer or an on-site septic system, and whether the building has fire sprinklers throughout
• FEMA floodplain designation must be disclosed on the application; if the site is within a FEMA-designated floodplain zone, a flood elevation certificate or flood insurance policy must be included, with flood-elevation documentation for existing/proposed structures prepared by a State-registered civil engineer or registered surveyor for review by the City Engineer
• If the site is within an Overlay Zoning District, the owner may elect on the application to adopt that Overlay's regulations (Overlay codes listed on the form: MUI, IC-R, IC-C, IC-MU, RUM, R-CI, C-CI, UM-CI)
• For commercial projects specifically, the City applies the most recent Fire Code edition adopted by the Arizona State Fire Marshal (Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management), rather than the City's own older 2006 International Fire Code used for other permit types
• New commercial space permits are valid for 18 months from issuance (vs. the standard 6 months/180 days for other permit types); an extension may be requested in writing to Development Services, and permits cannot be extended more than once
• Notice required by A.R.S. § 9-495 (as amended by SB 1382): any written City communication demanding fee payment, denying the permit application, or requesting corrections/additional information must identify a named, authorized employee who will reply within five (5) business days

Required documents

• RequiredCommercial Building Permit ApplicationCity of Douglas Commercial Building Permit Application (Form cml-rev_2403, 'Commercial Application Form - July 2024', bilingual English/Spanish); select the applicable Commercial Building Permit Type checkbox, including 'Remodel (CRM)' for tenant-improvement/build-out work
• RequiredCommercial Building Permit Application ChecklistCombined with the application form (cml-rev_2403); details required Site Plan, Grading & Drainage Plan, Landscaping & Lighting Plan, and Construction Plan contents
• RequiredSite PlanProperty lines with dimensions, north arrow, engineering scale, structure locations/uses/dimensions, easements, adjoining streets, driveway/curb/sidewalk, walls/fences
• RequiredConstruction PlansFloor plan, foundation-plumbing plan, roof plan, elevations plan, section details, electrical-mechanical plan
• OptionalGrading & Drainage PlanDrainage facilities plan, floodplain/drainage requirements, retention/detention basin plan — required where applicable to the project
• OptionalLandscaping & Lighting PlanLandscaping materials, irrigation system, buffer zones, site screening, open space, outdoor lighting — required where applicable to the project
• RequiredContractor AffidavitLicensed ROC contractor information (General/Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing as applicable), or an A.R.S. § 32-1121A.6 owner/developer exemption listing licensed contractors
• OptionalFlood Elevation Certificate or Flood Insurance PolicyRequired only if the application's FEMA Floodplain Designation section is answered YES; flood elevations documented by a State-registered civil engineer or surveyor for City Engineer review

Fee schedule