This is PermitBase’s published record for Unincorporated Cochise County as of 2026-07-07. It has since been superseded — see the current record. A historical record reflects what PermitBase had verified at that time; it may not capture a real-world change the jurisdiction had made but PermitBase had not yet verified, and it includes any errors we later corrected. Snapshots are never edited retroactively.
Unincorporated Cochise County building permits
Unincorporated Cochise County, Arizona — as published 2026-07-07.
Reviewed 2026-07-07 · Source
Codes adopted
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit (New Construction, Addition, Accessory Structure)
Required for new single-family dwellings, additions, alterations, and accessory structures in unincorporated Cochise County. The Development Services Department's Building Safety Division enforces the 2015 IBC/IRC with local amendments. Applications and plan submittals are completed online through the county's Citizenserve permitting portal.
Reviewed 2026-07-07 · Source
Requirements
- Required for new single-family dwellings, additions, alterations, replacements, and accessory structures in unincorporated Cochise County
- Confirm the property's zoning allows the intended residential use, and verify site conditions (floodplain, stormwater/drainage, access/driveway, septic or sewer, well, fire district requirements) before applying
- Determine whether additional permits are needed (septic, floodplain, right-of-way, temporary RV, accessory structure)
- Create an account and apply online through the Cochise County Permitting Portal (Citizenserve); select Residential Permit, then the correct project subtype
- Provide parcel number, project description (new/addition/alteration/replacement), number of bedrooms, sewer/septic information, water fixtures, and utility service details
- If using a licensed contractor, provide current contractor information via the Contractor Information Form
- If applying under the Rural Residential Owner-Builder Amendment, follow the separate eligibility and application instructions (4-acre-minimum zoning districts only)
Required documents
- RequiredResidential Permit Application (Citizenserve portal)Submitted online through the Cochise County Permitting Portal; https://www4.citizenserve.com/Portal/PortalController?Action=showHomePage&ctzPagePrefix=Portal_&installationID=335
- OptionalContractor Information Form (PDF)Required when a licensed contractor performs the work; available at https://www.cochise.az.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12367
- RequiredSite Plans per Residential Construction Plan ChecklistSite plan meeting the county's Residential Construction Plan Checklist; available at https://www.cochise.az.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12362
- RequiredResidential Plan Requirements Checklist (PDF)Full plan-content checklist for residential submittals; available at https://www.cochise.az.gov/DocumentCenter/View/4427/Residential-Plan-Requirements-Checklist-PDF
- OptionalSierra Vista Sub-Watershed Conservation Attachment (PDF)Required only for parcels within the Sierra Vista Sub-Watershed; available at https://www.cochise.az.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12368
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Permit Review Fee (non-refundable) | $15 | Must accompany all permit applications. Fee Ordinance No. 037-09 (Docket R-08-03), Exhibit A, Planning & Zoning Fee Schedule, adopted 2009-01-13, still the county's adopted Planning & Zoning fee schedule as of this file's lastVerified date. |
| Residential Permit Revision Fee | $15 | For modifications/revisions of an already-issued permit. Fee Ordinance No. 037-09, Exhibit A. |
| Building/Use permit fee — valuation-based | Not published as a standalone rate table found by this research; local amendment (IBC §109.3) states valuation is set from the County-adopted ICC Bi-Yearly Building Valuation Data and/or the adopted Building Permit Fee Rate Schedule | The Cochise County local amendment to IBC Section 109.3 confirms a Building Permit Fee Rate Schedule exists and governs valuation-based fees separately from the Planning & Zoning Fee Schedule… Show full citationHideThe Cochise County local amendment to IBC Section 109.3 confirms a Building Permit Fee Rate Schedule exists and governs valuation-based fees separately from the Planning & Zoning Fee Schedule (Ordinance 037-09), but the current dollar-rate table for that valuation-based Building/Use schedule was not locatable as a standalone published document via the county website, Development Services Fees page, or Wayback Machine during this research pass. Flat fees for specific accessory structures ARE published (see below). Source: https://www.cochise.az.gov/DocumentCenter/View/168/Local-Amendments-PDF and https://www.cochise.az.gov/202/Development-Services (Development Services Fees link) |
| Flat Rate Fee — Detached Garage (up to 1,000 sq ft, no living space) | $100 | Fee Ordinance No. 037-09, Exhibit A. Any living space (bedroom, office) is not allowed under the flat fee and is valued at the standard $52.00/sq ft rate instead. |
| Flat Rate Fee — Sheds/Outbuildings (121–500 sq ft) | $50 | Fee Ordinance No. 037-09, Exhibit A. 501–1,000 sq ft sheds/outbuildings/detached carports: $100 flat. Structures larger than the listed flat-fee size bands are valued at $31.46/sq ft. |
| Flat Rate Fee — Carports/Porches/Decks (up to 500 sq ft) and Carport/Patio Enclosures | $50 | Fee Ordinance No. 037-09, Exhibit A. Conditioned (heated/cooled) patio enclosures must be valued as a remodel instead of the flat fee. |
| Re-Inspection Fee | $75 | Fee Ordinance No. 037-09, Exhibit A ($80 for manufactured/mobile home/factory-built building re-inspection). |
| Building Permit Renewal Fee | $50 | Fee Ordinance No. 037-09, Exhibit A. |
Commercial / Non-Residential Building Permit (New Construction, Multi-Family, Tenant Improvement)
Required for new non-residential structures, including multi-family buildings, tenant improvements, and remodels in unincorporated Cochise County. The Building Safety Division enforces the 2015 IBC with local amendments. All submittals are online through the Citizenserve portal.
Reviewed 2026-07-07 · Source
Requirements
- Required for new non-residential structures (including multi-family buildings), tenant improvements, and remodels in unincorporated Cochise County
- Submit the Cochise County joint permit application online, plus an Acknowledgment of Property Ownership or Agent Authorization and a Commercial Contractor Identification Attachment
- Provide a commercial site plan meeting the county's Basic Site Plan Requirements (tax parcel ID, north arrow/scale, building footprints with height and square footage, parking, setbacks, drainage ways within 300 feet, septic/well locations, sight-distance triangles, etc.)
- Construction plans and off-site improvement plans must be stamped by a licensed Arizona engineer or architect
- Additional plans/attachments may be required depending on project scope: hazardous material attachment, commercial lighting plan, sign permit application, landscape/irrigation plans (Growth Categories A/B), floodplain use permit and elevation certificate, drainage statement/report, Sierra Vista sub-watershed water conservation attachment, antenna/tower checklist, traffic impact study, SWPPP
- Other agency review/approval may be required: Fire District, Arizona Department of Agriculture (Notice of Intent to Clear Land), ADEQ (Notice of Intent / 401 Permit), ADOT Right-of-Way/Encroachment Permit, USACOE 404 Permit
Required documents
- RequiredAcknowledgment of Property Ownership or Agent Authorization (PDF)https://www.cochise.az.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12295
- RequiredCommercial Contractor Identification Attachment (PDF)https://www.cochise.az.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12294
- RequiredCommercial Site PlanMeeting the county's Basic Site Plan Requirements listed on the Commercial/Non-Residential Projects page
- OptionalHazardous Material Attachment (PDF)https://www.cochise.az.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12293 — required if applicable to the project
- OptionalCommercial Lighting Plan Attachment (PDF)https://www.cochise.az.gov/DocumentCenter/View/12242 — required if applicable
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Permit Review Fee (non-refundable, applied toward building/use permit fee) | $100 | Fee Ordinance No. 037-09 (Docket R-08-03), Exhibit A, Planning & Zoning Fee Schedule. |
| Non-Residential Uses — Change of Use | $150 | Fee Ordinance No. 037-09, Exhibit A. |
| Non-Residential Uses — Accessory Structures | $100 | Fee Ordinance No. 037-09, Exhibit A. |
| Non-Residential Uses — All Other (0–9,999 sq ft) | $150 | Fee Ordinance No. 037-09, Exhibit A. 10,000 sq ft and greater: $300. |
| Building/Use permit fee — valuation-based | Not published as a standalone rate table found by this research | Per IBC §109.3 local amendment, valuation is determined from the County-adopted ICC Bi-Yearly Building Valuation Data and/or the adopted Building Permit Fee Rate Schedule. Show full citationHidePer IBC §109.3 local amendment, valuation is determined from the County-adopted ICC Bi-Yearly Building Valuation Data and/or the adopted Building Permit Fee Rate Schedule. A standalone published dollar-rate table for this Building/Use schedule was not locatable via the county website or Wayback Machine during this research pass; contact Development Services (520-432-9300) for a project-specific estimate. |
Rural Residential Owner-Builder Permit
A reduced-cost, reduced-inspection residential permitting option for property owners building their own homes on eligible rural parcels in unincorporated Cochise County (minimum 4-acre parcel and zoning-district minimum). Two paths: Option 1 (limited plan review and key trade inspections, may qualify for a conditioned Certificate of Occupancy) or Option 2 (no plan review, no Building Safety inspections, not eligible for a Certificate of Occupancy). Limited to once every five years per owner-builder.
Reviewed 2026-07-07 · Source
Requirements
- Property owner (or authorized agent) must act as owner-builder, not a commercial builder
- Project must be residential, on a parcel in a zoning district with a minimum density of one dwelling per four acres (or larger) — e.g., RU-4 qualifies; RU-2 does not, even if the specific parcel exceeds 4 acres
- Choose Option 1 (full construction plan review; only Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, and Fire Prevention inspections required; may qualify for conditioned Certificate of Occupancy) or Option 2 (no plan review, no Building Safety inspections; zoning/floodplain/septic/well/other non-building approvals still apply; NOT eligible for Certificate of Occupancy)
- Septic permits are still required (septic permits expire after 2 years); right-of-way permit and floodplain use permit may also be required
- Limited to once every five years on any property owned by that individual owner-builder in unincorporated Cochise County (does not limit accessory structures or additions on the same property)
- Sign an owner/builder affidavit affirming the property is intended for the owner's sole occupancy and will not be sold or rented within one year of completion, per A.R.S. §32-1121.A.5
Required documents
- RequiredOwner-Builder Amendment Application (Citizenserve portal)Select Residential Permit, Single-Family Residence subtype; indicate limited or no-construction-inspections option, square footage, height, and estimated project value
- RequiredOwner-Builder Disclosure FormsRequired certification/signature acknowledging code-compliance responsibility and that construction cannot begin until the permit is issued
- RequiredSite Plan and Floor PlanRequired for both Option 1 and Option 2 applications
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Limited Inspection with Plan Review Option — Single-Family Dwelling | $325 + plan review fee | Fee Ordinance No. 037-09, Exhibit A, Rural Residential Owner-Builder Building Permit Fees. Residential Accessory Buildings up to 500 sq ft: $50; over 500 sq ft: $100. |
| No Inspection – No Plan Review Option — Single-Family Dwelling | $75 | Fee Ordinance No. 037-09, Exhibit A. Residential Accessory Buildings under $2,500 in value: $25; $2,500 or more in value: $35. |
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Permit
Required for construction of an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on a parcel with an existing single-family home in unincorporated Cochise County. Requires written Planning Division review and approval BEFORE a residential building permit may be applied for. ADUs are limited to 75% of the principal dwelling's gross square footage or 1,000 sq ft, whichever is less.
Reviewed 2026-07-07 · Source
Requirements
- Property must have an existing single-family home; the property owner must occupy either the primary dwelling or the ADU as their primary residence
- ADU must be equal to or lesser in height than the principal dwelling, and limited to 75% of the principal dwelling's gross (heated/cooled) square footage or 1,000 sq ft, whichever is less
- ADUs permitted as an accessory use on any parcel where a single-family dwelling is allowed — at least one attached and one detached ADU per parcel; on lots one acre or larger, one additional detached ADU is permitted (except near airport high-noise/accident-potential zones)
- ADU cannot be subdivided or segregated in ownership from the principal dwelling
- Recreational vehicles, railroad cars, and camper shells are NOT permitted as an ADU in any zoning district; park model trailers ARE permitted per A.R.S. §11-820.03 on parcels zoned one dwelling unit per 3+ acres, on a semi-permanent/permanent foundation
- Manufactured homes/rehabilitated mobile homes permitted as an ADU only in zoning districts where they are otherwise a permitted use
- Special Use Authorization required for commercial use of an ADU; a Variance is required for any deviation from ADU development standards
- Complete the ADU application and submit online through the Cochise County permitting portal under 'Apply for a P&Z project' before applying for the residential building permit
Required documents
- RequiredAccessory Dwelling Unit Application (PDF)https://www.cochise.az.gov/DocumentCenter/View/23752/Accessory-Dwelling-Unit-Permit
- RequiredSite Plan showing ADU development-standard complianceRequired as part of the ADU application submittal
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| ADU planning review/processing fee | Instructions provided via email after application submittal; billed per the Planning fee schedule (municode Ch. 14.23 Planning) | Exact current dollar figure not confirmed as a standalone line item during this research pass; Show full citationHideExact current dollar figure not confirmed as a standalone line item during this research pass; county directs applicants to https://cochisecounty.municipalcodeonline.com/book?type=ordinances#name=14.23_PLANNING for the governing fee reference, which is a JavaScript-rendered document viewer that could not be extracted as text via available fetch tools. Confirm exact amount with Development Services (520-432-9300) before applying. |
Trade Permit (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Fire — Residential & Commercial)
Flat-rate trade permits for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and minor fire-related work not covered by the residential/commercial building permit's valuation-based fee, in unincorporated Cochise County. Covers service entries, fireplaces, and miscellaneous mechanical/plumbing/electrical/fire work.
Reviewed 2026-07-07 · Source
Requirements
- Apply online through the Cochise County Permitting Portal for the applicable trade permit type
- Building-code exemptions apply to certain minor like-for-like repairs and replacements (see Permit Exemptions: Electrical, Gas, Mechanical, and Plumbing tabs) — confirm exemption eligibility before assuming a permit is required
- Licensed-contractor information required when work is performed by a contractor rather than the owner
Required documents
- RequiredTrade Permit Application (Citizenserve portal)Submitted online through the Cochise County Permitting Portal
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Service Entry (Electrical) | $50 | Fee Ordinance No. 037-09, Exhibit A, Flat Rate Fees – Trade Permits (Residential & Commercial). |
| Fireplace | $50 | Fee Ordinance No. 037-09, Exhibit A. |
| Misc. Mechanical, Plumbing, Electrical & Fire | $50 | Fee Ordinance No. 037-09, Exhibit A. |
| Swimming Pool (includes Barrier) | $100 | Fee Ordinance No. 037-09, Exhibit A. |
| Spa | $50 | Fee Ordinance No. 037-09, Exhibit A. |
Manufactured / Mobile Home Installation Permit
Required for installation of a manufactured home, mobile home, or factory-built building in unincorporated Cochise County, including the county's Rehabilitated Mobile Home Certification program.
Reviewed 2026-07-07 · Source
Requirements
- Apply online through the Cochise County Permitting Portal for a Manufactured/Mobile Home Installation Permit or Factory-Built Building Installation Permit as applicable
- Rehabilitated mobile homes require separate certification through the county's Rehabilitated Mobile Home program
- State of Arizona Manufactured Home and Factory-Built Building program requirements apply in addition to county permitting
Required documents
- RequiredManufactured/Mobile Home Installation Permit Application (Citizenserve portal)Submitted online through the Cochise County Permitting Portal
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Manufactured/Mobile Home Installation Permit | $120 | Fee Ordinance No. 037-09, Exhibit A. Fee includes two inspections. |
| Rehabilitated Mobile Home Certification Fee | $180 | Fee Ordinance No. 037-09, Exhibit A. |
| Factory-Built Building Installation Permit | $400 | Fee Ordinance No. 037-09, Exhibit A. |
| Re-Inspection Fee (Manufactured/Mobile Home/Factory-Built Building) | $80 | Fee Ordinance No. 037-09, Exhibit A. |
Sources & verification
Key facts verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-07.
Fee schedules
Applications & forms
Codes & ordinances
Department & other records
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 Unincorporated Cochise County building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.