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Town of Payson building permits
VerifiedTown of Payson, Arizona — as published 2026-07-06.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Codes adopted
Arizona has NO statewide mandatory building code for general construction — code adoption is a per-jurisdiction (city/town/county) authority under state enabling statutes (A.R.S. Title 9 for municipalities). The Town of Payson independently adopts and administers its own construction codes through its Community Development Department / Building Division; it does NOT defer to Gila County for permitting within town limits. Gila County (which covers unincorporated areas around Payson) separately runs its own, older code cycle (2012 I-Codes / 2011 NEC per Gila County Building Safety) — the two are distinct code regimes. Source: Town of Payson Code of Ordinances, Chapter 150 (Standardized Building and Construction Codes), via American Legal Publishing code library; Gila County Building Safety 'Adopted Building Code' page.2018 International Building Code (IBC), published on or after August 31, 2017 by the International Code Council, Inc., adopted by reference (Payson Code of Ordinances § 150.21), with Town of Payson local amendments including: Section 101.4 revised so referenced codes mean only codes specifically adopted by the Town; Section 104.10.1 (flood hazard areas) not adopted; new § 105.8 requiring construction sites be kept reasonably clear of debris; Section 107.2.6.1 (flood hazard documentation) revised to route through the Town Engineering Department prior to Certificate of Occupancy; Section 109.4 work-commencing-before-permit adds a minimum $70 investigation fee; Section 412.4.5 (residential aircraft hangar height/area limits) not adopted; Section 903.2.8 sprinkler trigger exempts single-family detached and duplex structures under 4,800 sq ft livable area; Table 2902.1 adds a drinking-fountain footnote for occupant loads over 99; IBC Appendix chapters not specifically adopted. Source: Payson Code of Ordinances § 150.21, International Building Code (amlegal.com); Town of Payson 'Amendments-2018' Building Department document.2018 International Residential Code (IRC), published on or after August 31, 2017 by the International Code Council, Inc., adopted by reference (Payson Code of Ordinances § 150.20), with extensive Town of Payson local amendments — see Local Amendments below for the Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria (Table R301.2(1)) and fire-sprinkler provisions. IRC Appendix M (Home Day Care - R3 Occupancy), Appendix Q (Tiny Houses), Appendix R (Light Straw Clay Construction), and Appendix S (Straw Bale Construction) are specifically adopted. Source: Payson Code of Ordinances § 150.20, International Residential Code (amlegal.com).2017 National Electrical Code (NEC), as adopted by the Town of Payson (one edition behind the 2018 ICC set, consistent with the standard ICC/NEC publication offset). Source: Town of Payson Building Division / Residential Permit Application program materials (via web search of paysonaz.gov Building Division and Residential Permit Application pages, confirming 2017 NEC alongside the 2018 IBC/IRC).Current Mechanical Code, Plumbing Code, Fire Code, and Electric Code 'as adopted by the town' are cross-referenced generally in the Unified Development Code's building-permit application requirements (Payson Code of Ordinances § 154-09-003(C)(4): 'all required structural, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, civil engineering and other drawings and documents necessary to meet the requirements of the current Building Code, Plumbing Code, Mechanical Code, Fire Code, Electric Code and other codes adopted by the town'). The specific edition years for the standalone Mechanical, Plumbing, Fuel Gas, Existing Building, and Fire Code sections of Chapter 150 (following the same numbering pattern as § 150.20 IRC and § 150.21 IBC) could not be independently re-verified against the live amlegal.com code library within this research pass after repeated rate-limiting/bot-challenge blocks on those specific sub-pages; the 2018 IBC/IRC and 2017 NEC editions ARE independently confirmed. Given the Town's Chapter 150 adopts the IBC/IRC as a matched 2018-cycle ICC set, the companion IMC/IPC/IFGC/IEBC sections are very likely also the 2018 ICC editions, but this specific file does not assert that as verified fact — see confidence notes on individual permit types below.Manufactured homes, mobile homes, factory-built buildings, and Park Model living units are subject to a Town of Payson building permit for placement per IRC § 105.1 as locally amended: approved hold-down anchors are required at building corners, and hard-wired/exterior electrical and mechanical equipment requires a separate permit. Park Model Living Unit is separately defined in IRC § 202 as amended (factory-assembled portable unit with an Arizona RV seal, chassis-mounted, not more than 12 ft wide, not more than 400 sq ft, not less than 320 sq ft, permanently connected to utilities, no holding tank other than an approved water heater). Source: Payson Code of Ordinances § 150.20 IRC amendments (1)-(2), (8).
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit (New Construction)
VerifiedRequired for new single-family and two-family dwelling construction in the Town of Payson. Reviewed against the 2018 IRC and Town of Payson amendments. Applications are submitted at the Community Development Department / Building Division using the Residential Building Permit Application form.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required for new single-family and two-family dwelling construction within Payson town limits; no permit is issued in a new subdivision until all subdivision improvements have been accepted by the Town Council
- Plans must comply with the 2018 IRC and Town of Payson amendments, including the amended Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria (48 lbs/sq ft ground snow load; 115/89 mph wind, Exposure B; Seismic Design Category B; 18-inch frost depth)
- A registered design professional is NOT required for single- or two-family residential construction (per Building Division FAQs)
- Site plan required showing lot dimensions, existing/proposed structure locations, easements, drainage, and parking/access
- Applicant must provide evidence of an approved means of sanitary disposal where applicable (Northern Gila County Sanitary District, Gila County Health Department, or ADEQ)
- Owner-builders may self-perform under A.R.S. §32-1121A.5/A.6 exemptions; the Handyman Exemption (§32-1121A.14) does not apply to permitted work or projects with $1,000+ in materials/labor
- Building permit fee is valuation-based (Chapter 150 Table 3-A); plan review fee is 65% of the calculated Building Permit fee
Required documents
- RequiredResidential Building Permit ApplicationTown of Payson Building Department application form listing job address, owner, general/electrical/plumbing/mechanical contractors (with ROC and Town business license numbers), project valuation, and square footage by area type
- RequiredResidential Construction ChecklistTown of Payson Building Department submittal checklist for residential construction plan sets
- RequiredResidential Grading and Drainage Plan ChecklistTown of Payson checklist for residential grading/drainage plan requirements
- RequiredSite/Plot PlanLot dimensions, easements, setbacks, structure locations, and drainage
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — Valuation Table 3-A | $0 ($1-$1,000); $25 + $3/additional $100 to $2,000; $69 + $11/additional $1,000 to $40,000; $487 + $9/additional $1,000 to $100,000; $1,027 + $7/additional $1,000 to $500,000; $3,827 + $5/additional $1,000 to $1,000,000; $6,327 + $3/additional $1,000 to $5,000,000; $18,327 + $1/additional $1,000 above $5,000,000 | Town of Payson Fees and Charges Schedule, Chapter 150 Table 3-A (most recently available full copy: FY2021-2022 schedule); reconfirm against the current Resolution 3438 (effective 7/1/2025) fee exhibit for exact present-day figures |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of the calculated Building Permit Fee | Town of Payson Fees and Charges Schedule, Exhibit B, New Home & Commercial Fee Calculation step D |
| Investigation Fee (work commenced before permit issuance) | Equal to the permit fee that would have applied; minimum $70 | Payson Code of Ordinances § 150.20 IRC amendment (4) / § 150.21 IBC amendment (5) |
Residential Addition / Remodel / Detached Garage Permit
VerifiedRequired for room additions, remodels, and detached garages/storage on existing one- and two-family dwellings in Payson. Reviewed against the 2018 IRC as adopted and amended by the Town of Payson, using the Permit Cost Estimate Sheet for Additions-Remodels-Detached Garages for valuation.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required for room additions, remodels, and detached garages/storage structures
- Fees are calculated using the Permit Cost Estimate Sheet for Additions-Remodels-Detached Garages (distinct from the Single Family Residential Permit Cost Estimate sheet used for new homes)
- Miscellaneous single-family-detached structure types (Arizona Room/Screened-In, Wood Covered Porch/Carport, Metal Barn, Wood Open Deck/Balcony, Metal Awning, Metal Pre-Manufactured Carport) are priced per square foot under Chapter 150 Table 3-B, then run through the Table 3-A valuation fee schedule
- Plans must comply with Town of Payson Design Criteria (115/89 mph wind, Exposure B; Seismic Design Category B; 48 lbs/sq ft ground snow load)
Required documents
- RequiredResidential Building Permit ApplicationSubmitted at the Building Division counter
- RequiredPermit Cost Estimate Sheet for Additions-Remodels-Detached GaragesTown of Payson valuation worksheet used to calculate the Building Permit fee for additions, remodels, and detached garages
- RequiredSite/Plot PlanShowing existing structure, addition/garage footprint, and setbacks
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Room / Screened-In (Table 3-B, per sq ft, then Table 3-A) | $60.00/sq ft | Town of Payson Fees and Charges Schedule, Chapter 150 Table 3-B (FY2021-2022 schedule; reconfirm against current Resolution 3438 exhibit) |
| Wood Covered Porch/Carport (Table 3-B, per sq ft, then Table 3-A) | $25.00/sq ft | Town of Payson Fees and Charges Schedule, Chapter 150 Table 3-B |
| Wood Open Deck/Balcony (Table 3-B, per sq ft, then Table 3-A) | $20.00/sq ft | Town of Payson Fees and Charges Schedule, Chapter 150 Table 3-B |
| Metal Barns (Table 3-B, per sq ft, then Table 3-A) | $30.00/sq ft | Town of Payson Fees and Charges Schedule, Chapter 150 Table 3-B |
| Metal Pre-Manufactured Carports (Table 3-B, per sq ft, then Table 3-A) | $20.00/sq ft | Town of Payson Fees and Charges Schedule, Chapter 150 Table 3-B |
| Metal Awning (Table 3-B, per sq ft, then Table 3-A) | $15.00/sq ft | Town of Payson Fees and Charges Schedule, Chapter 150 Table 3-B |
| Wood Canopy over Manufactured Home (Table 3-B, per sq ft, then Table 3-A) | $50.00/sq ft | Town of Payson Fees and Charges Schedule, Chapter 150 Table 3-B |
Electrical Permit
VerifiedRequired for electrical installation, alteration, or repair work in Payson. Submitted via the combined Plumbing/Electrical/Mechanical/Fire-Alarm Supplemental Permit Application. Governed by the 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC) as adopted by the Town of Payson.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Electrical permit required for service entrances/panels, receptacles/switches/fixtures, signs/outline lighting, and solar photovoltaic system components
- Governed by the 2017 NEC as adopted by the Town of Payson
- A copy of APS Service Location Approval is required if electrical service is to be relocated
- Submitted via the combined Supplemental Permit Application (covers Plumbing, Electrical, Mechanical, and Fire Alarm/Sprinkler contractors on one form)
- Applicant must certify current Arizona ROC licensing for the trade, or ownership of the primary residence performing the work personally
Required documents
- RequiredSupplemental Permit ApplicationTown of Payson Building Department combined trade-permit application covering electrical service entrances/panels, receptacle/fixture counts, signs, and temporary power
- OptionalAPS Service Location ApprovalRequired only if the electrical service is being relocated
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Permit Issuance | $24.00 | Town of Payson Fees and Charges Schedule, Chapter 150 Table 3-C (FY2021-2022 schedule; reconfirm against current Resolution 3438 exhibit) |
| Supplemental Permit | $8.00 | Town of Payson Fees and Charges Schedule, Chapter 150 Table 3-C |
| Single/Two Family Residential Remodels & Additions (electrical) | $0.060 per sq ft + electric meter fee | Town of Payson Fees and Charges Schedule, Chapter 150 Table 3-C |
| Receptacles, switches, lights, fixtures, outlets — first 20 | $1.10 each | Town of Payson Fees and Charges Schedule, Chapter 150 Table 3-C |
| Receptacles, switches, lights, fixtures, outlets — additional | $0.75 each | Town of Payson Fees and Charges Schedule, Chapter 150 Table 3-C |
| Service, less than 600V and not over 200A rated | $30.00 | Town of Payson Fees and Charges Schedule, Chapter 150 Table 3-C |
| Service, 600V and less than 1,000A rated | $62.00 | Town of Payson Fees and Charges Schedule, Chapter 150 Table 3-C |
| Service, over 600V or over 1,000A | $124.00 | Town of Payson Fees and Charges Schedule, Chapter 150 Table 3-C |
Plumbing Permit
VerifiedRequired for plumbing installation, alteration, or repair work in Payson, including water heaters, gas piping, and fixtures. Submitted via the combined Supplemental Permit Application.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Plumbing permit required for fixtures/traps, water heaters, gas piping, and residential/commercial pools and spas
- Governed by the current Plumbing Code as adopted by the Town of Payson (cross-referenced generally in Payson Code of Ordinances § 154-09-003(C)(4))
- Submitted via the combined Supplemental Permit Application (covers Plumbing, Electrical, Mechanical, and Fire Alarm/Sprinkler contractors on one form)
- Applicant must certify current Arizona ROC licensing for the trade, or ownership of the primary residence performing the work personally
Required documents
- RequiredSupplemental Permit ApplicationTown of Payson Building Department combined trade-permit application covering fixture/trap counts, gas piping outlets, and water heaters
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plumbing Permit Issuance | $24.00 | Town of Payson Fees and Charges Schedule, Chapter 150 Table 3-E (FY2021-2022 schedule; reconfirm against current Resolution 3438 exhibit) |
| Supplemental Permit | $8.00 | Town of Payson Fees and Charges Schedule, Chapter 150 Table 3-E |
| Fixtures (trap), each | $10.00 | Town of Payson Fees and Charges Schedule, Chapter 150 Table 3-E |
| Water Heaters, each | $12.00 | Town of Payson Fees and Charges Schedule, Chapter 150 Table 3-E |
| Gas piping, 1-5 outlets | $6.00 | Town of Payson Fees and Charges Schedule, Chapter 150 Table 3-E |
| Gas piping, outlets over 5 | $1.00 per outlet | Town of Payson Fees and Charges Schedule, Chapter 150 Table 3-E |
| Unclassified Plumbing Equipment (miscellaneous) | $10.00 | Town of Payson Fees and Charges Schedule, Chapter 150 Table 3-E |
Mechanical / HVAC Permit
VerifiedRequired for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning installations in Payson, including furnaces, air handlers, and evaporative coolers. Submitted via the combined Supplemental Permit Application.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Mechanical permit required for furnace installation, air handlers, suspended unit heaters, gas fireplaces, air conditioning, evaporative coolers, and compressors
- Governed by the current Mechanical Code as adopted by the Town of Payson (cross-referenced generally in Payson Code of Ordinances § 154-09-003(C)(4))
- Submitted via the combined Supplemental Permit Application (covers Plumbing, Electrical, Mechanical, and Fire Alarm/Sprinkler contractors on one form)
- Applicant must certify current Arizona ROC licensing for the trade, or ownership of the primary residence performing the work personally
Required documents
- RequiredSupplemental Permit ApplicationTown of Payson Building Department combined trade-permit application covering furnace/unit/compressor counts by BTU class
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Permit Issuance | $24.00 | Town of Payson Fees and Charges Schedule, Chapter 150 Table 3-D (FY2021-2022 schedule; reconfirm against current Resolution 3438 exhibit) |
| Supplemental Permit | $8.00 | Town of Payson Fees and Charges Schedule, Chapter 150 Table 3-D |
| Furnace, including ducts, 100,000 BTU or less | $15.00 | Town of Payson Fees and Charges Schedule, Chapter 150 Table 3-D |
| Furnace, including ducts, over 100,000 BTU | $18.00 | Town of Payson Fees and Charges Schedule, Chapter 150 Table 3-D |
| Suspended Unit Heater | $15.00 | Town of Payson Fees and Charges Schedule, Chapter 150 Table 3-D |
| Air Handlers, up to and including 10,000 CFM | $11.00 | Town of Payson Fees and Charges Schedule, Chapter 150 Table 3-D |
| Air Handlers, over 10,000 CFM | $18.00 | Town of Payson Fees and Charges Schedule, Chapter 150 Table 3-D |
| Unclassified Machinery Equipment (incl. Pellet & Wood Stoves) | $11.00 | Town of Payson Fees and Charges Schedule, Chapter 150 Table 3-D |
Residential Solar Photovoltaic (PV) and Solar Water Heater Permit
VerifiedRequired for installation of residential solar electric (PV) systems and solar water heater systems in Payson. Governed by the Town's dedicated Solar Electric and Solar Water Heater Submittal Checklist and the 2017 NEC (for the electric portion) as adopted by the Town of Payson.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- PV system capacity in DC/AC watts must be stated, with one set of plans and a site plan showing property lines, building location, and equipment layout (module arrays, inverter(s), disconnects, panels, meters, and any hybrid-system components)
- One-line and three-line electrical schematics with required labeling
- Cut sheets and listings required for PV panels, inverters, combiners, AC/DC disconnects, connectors, meter sockets, and any additional/replacement sub-panels or main panels
- Photovoltaic mounting details with listed hardware and wind/gravity calculations
- Solar water heater submittals require system capacity in gallons/liters, site plan, equipment layout, cut sheets for panels/pumps/storage tanks, and mounting details with wind/gravity calculations
- Contractor/Owner-Builder Bonding Certificate required for projects over $50,000
- Homeowner association review, ROC License verification, and Payson Business License verification required
- Required approvals from Fire, Engineering, and Zoning before Building Department issuance
- Electronic submittals are preferred
Required documents
- RequiredSolar Electric and Solar Water Heater Submittal ChecklistTown of Payson Building Department checklist covering both PV and solar water heater submittal requirements, with sign-off fields for Fire, Engineering, and Zoning approval
- RequiredBuilding/Electrical Permit ApplicationSubmitted alongside the Solar checklist at the Building Division
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Solar Photovoltaic — Single Family Residential System | $175.00 total fee charged | Town of Payson Fees and Charges Schedule, Chapter 150 Table 3-C, Solar Photovoltaic Systems (Use Service Permit Fees for New Service Equipment); FY2021-2022 schedule, reconfirm against current Resolution 3438 exhibit |
| Solar Photovoltaic — Commercial Inverters | $40.00 each + plan review by the hour | Town of Payson Fees and Charges Schedule, Chapter 150 Table 3-C |
| Solar Photovoltaic — Combiners or Junction Boxes | $30.00 each + plan review by the hour | Town of Payson Fees and Charges Schedule, Chapter 150 Table 3-C |
| Solar Hot Water System | $35.00 plus $10.00 per fixture | Town of Payson Fees and Charges Schedule, Chapter 150 Table 3-C |
Demolition Permit
VerifiedRequired for demolition of any structure in Payson. Fee is a flat charge valid for a limited window from issuance.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required before demolishing a structure within Town of Payson limits
- Permit is good for only 30 days from the date issued
- General demolition requirements apply per Payson Code of Ordinances § 154-09-003 (site plan, declared use, and compliance documentation)
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationSubmitted at the Building Division counter
- RequiredSite PlanShowing the structure(s) to be demolished and other existing structures on the lot
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Demolition Permit | $50.00, good for only 30 days from the date issued | Town of Payson Fees and Charges Schedule, Chapter 150, Other Permit Fees (FY2021-2022 schedule; reconfirm against current Resolution 3438 exhibit) |
Fence and Retaining Wall Permit
VerifiedFences up to a limited height and location in Payson do not require a building permit; taller fences and all retaining walls 4 feet or more in height require a permit, with structural engineering required for retaining walls at that height.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Residential fences 6 feet or less in the rear of the property, or 4 feet or less in the front of the property, do NOT require a Building Permit
- Fences exceeding those height/location limits require a Building Permit
- Retaining walls 4 feet or more in height require engineering for the wall design AND a permit issued prior to the start of construction
- Recommend consulting the Building Division prior to construction to confirm no Town right-of-way or easement conflicts, even for exempt fences
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationRequired only for fences/walls exceeding the no-permit thresholds
- RequiredStructural Engineering CalculationsRequired for retaining walls 4 feet or more in height
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fence/Wall Permit (valuation-based) | Valuation-based per Chapter 150 Table 3-A | Town of Payson Fees and Charges Schedule, Chapter 150 (fences/walls requiring a permit are valuation-based building permits; no separate flat fence-fee line was found distinct from the general Table 3-A valuation schedule) |
EV Charger / EVSE Permit
VerifiedThe Town of Payson does not publish a dedicated EV charger/EVSE permit. Installation of an EV charging circuit is permitted as electrical work submitted via the Town's combined Supplemental Permit Application (Plumbing/Electrical/Mechanical/Fire Alarm), governed by the 2017 NEC as adopted by the Town. There is no EV-specific fee line; a dedicated EVSE outlet/circuit is billed under the same itemized receptacle/outlet and service fee table (Chapter 150 Table 3-C) used for all electrical work.
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- Electrical permit required for the EV charging circuit, submitted via the Town's combined Supplemental Permit Application
- Governed by the 2017 NEC as adopted by the Town of Payson
- A copy of APS Service Location Approval is required if electrical service is to be relocated as part of the installation
- Applicant must certify current Arizona ROC licensing for the trade, or ownership of the primary residence performing the work personally
Required documents
- RequiredSupplemental Permit ApplicationTown of Payson Building Department combined trade-permit application covering electrical service entrances/panels, receptacle/fixture counts, and temporary power
- OptionalAPS Service Location ApprovalRequired only if the electrical service is being relocated
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Permit Issuance | $24.00 | Town of Payson Fees and Charges Schedule, Chapter 150 Table 3-C (FY2021-2022 schedule; reconfirm against current Resolution 3438 exhibit) |
| Supplemental Permit | $8.00 | Town of Payson Fees and Charges Schedule, Chapter 150 Table 3-C |
| Receptacles, switches, lights, fixtures, outlets — first 20 | $1.10 each | Town of Payson Fees and Charges Schedule, Chapter 150 Table 3-C — the mechanism a dedicated EVSE outlet/circuit is billed under; no EV-specific line item exists |
| Service, less than 600V and not over 200A rated | $30.00 | Town of Payson Fees and Charges Schedule, Chapter 150 Table 3-C — applies if a service upgrade accompanies the EV charger installation |
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 Town of Payson building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.