You are viewing the permanent link for the record currently in effect, published 2026-07-06.
Safford building permits
VerifiedSafford, Arizona — as published 2026-07-06.
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 (e.g., A.R.S. Title 9 for municipalities). The City of Safford independently recognizes and administers its own construction codes through the Planning & Community Development Department / Building Division. Source: City of Safford Building / Development Permits & Codes page (cityofsafford.us/148/Building-Development-Permits-Codes).2015 International Building Code (IBC), as published by the International Code Council. Source: City of Safford Building / Development Permits & Codes page; City of Safford Residential Building Inspection Checklist.2015 International Existing Building Code (IEBC). Source: City of Safford Building / Development Permits & Codes page.2015 International Residential Code (IRC). Source: City of Safford Building / Development Permits & Codes page; City of Safford Residential Building Inspection Checklist.2015 International Plumbing Code (IPC). Source: City of Safford Building / Development Permits & Codes page; City of Safford Residential Building Inspection Checklist.2015 International Mechanical Code (IMC). Source: City of Safford Building / Development Permits & Codes page; City of Safford Residential Building Inspection Checklist.2015 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC). Source: City of Safford Building / Development Permits & Codes page; City of Safford Residential Building Inspection Checklist.2015 International Fire Code (IFC), administered as the City's fire code. Source: City of Safford Building / Development Permits & Codes page.2014 National Electrical Code (NEC), as published by the National Fire Protection Association (one edition behind the 2015 ICC set; also referred to as the '2014 International Electrical Code' on the City's own Residential Building Inspection Checklist, though NEC is an NFPA, not ICC, publication). Source: City of Safford Building / Development Permits & Codes page; City of Safford Residential Building Inspection Checklist.ADA Standards for Accessible Design (2010), Americans with Disabilities Act. Source: City of Safford Building / Development Permits & Codes page (links directly to ada.gov/regs2010/2010ADAStandards).Swimming Pool Safety Code, A.R.S. § 36-1681 (Arizona state statute governing residential swimming pool enclosures/barriers), adopted/cross-referenced by the City. Source: City of Safford Building / Development Permits & Codes page (links directly to azleg.gov ARS 36-1681).As of July 2026, the City of Safford's own public-facing codes page still lists the 2015 ICC family / 2014 NEC as current, with no published edition-update ordinance found on the City's website, Forms page, or Wayback Machine snapshots as of this review — unlike many Phoenix-metro cities that have since moved to 2018/2021/2024 ICC cycles, Safford's own published materials indicate the 2015/2014 cycle remains in effect. Call the Building Division at 928-432-4140 to confirm before relying on this for a specific project if code-cycle precision is critical.Effective July 1, 2026, the City of Safford must offer a Standard Preapproved Housing Design Plan Program for single-family homes (800-2,000 sq ft, minimum 3 designs with minimum 3 elevation options each), reviewed through an administrative, non-discretionary process, per the statewide mandate A.R.S. § 9-461.20. This is a design-preapproval pathway layered on top of — not a replacement for — the standard Building Permit Application/review process described in this record. Source: City of Safford Press Release, 'State-Mandated Preapproved Housing Design Plan Program' (cityofsafford.us/m/newsflash/home/detail/780).
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit (New Construction)
VerifiedRequired for new single-family and two-family dwelling construction within Safford city limits. Reviewed against the 2015 IRC and 2015 IBC (for any non-residential portions) as recognized by the City of Safford. Applications use the City's single unified Building Permit Application (Residential or Commercial), submitted to the Planning & Community Development Department.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required for new single-family and two-family dwelling construction within Safford city limits
- Plans must comply with the 2015 IRC and City of Safford Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria (115 mph wind, Exposure C; Seismic Design Category C; 32°F winter design temperature; moderate-to-heavy termite potential; no ground snow load)
- Residential Building Inspection Checklist submittal set required (2 scaled copies): Site Plan, Footing and Foundation Plan, Floor Plan, Floor Framing Plan (if 2-story), Roof Framing Plan with truss calculations, Exterior Elevations with attic ventilation calculations, and Electrical Plans
- Building Permit Application (Residential or Commercial) — select 'Residential' and 'New,' with 'Building' (and Mechanical/Plumbing/Electrical as applicable) checked under Permit Type
- Tax Parcel Number, valuation of work, and subdivision/lot number required on the application
- An inspection must occur at least once every 180 days from permit issuance to keep the permit active
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Residential or Commercial)City of Safford Building Permit Application, rev. 06/17/2021; single form used for all building/mechanical/plumbing/electrical/zoning/fence/manufactured-home permit types
- RequiredResidential Building Inspection ChecklistCity of Safford submittal checklist listing the required scaled drawing set (site plan, footing/foundation, floor plan, framing plans, elevations, electrical plans) and the adopted code editions to be noted on the plans
- RequiredSite/Plot PlanLot size and shape, setbacks from property lines, and utility entrance locations (water, sewer, gas, electric)
- RequiredConstruction Drawings, Truss Calculations, and Structural DetailsFooting/foundation sizes and depths, reinforcing steel, framing member sizes, header/lintel sizes, and manufacturer truss calculations for roof framing
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — Based on Total Valuation | $15 (valuation $1-$500); $15 + $2 per additional $100 to $2,000; $45 + $9 per additional $1,000 to $25,000; $252 + $6.50 per additional $1,000 to $50,000; $414.50 + $4.50 per additional $1,000 to $100,000; $639.50 + $3.50 per additional $1,000 to $500,000; $2,039.50 + $3 per additional $1,000 to $1,000,000; $3,539.50 + $2 per additional $1,000 above $1,000,000 | City of Safford Building Permit Fee Schedule PDF ('Building Permit Fees - 1996' valuation table / consolidated 'TOTAL VALUATION / FEE' table), linked from the City's Building/Development Permits & Codes page and Forms page as the current fee schedule as of this review |
| Per-Utility/Trade Add-On (Mechanical, Electrical, Sewer, Plumbing) | +$5.00 per utility/trade | Per the note on the City of Safford Building Permit Fee Schedule PDF: 'Each utility add an additional $5.00, i.e. mechanical, electrical, sewer and plumbing' — applies when those trade permits are taken concurrently with the building permit |
Residential Addition / Remodel Permit
VerifiedRequired for room additions, remodels, and alterations to existing one- and two-family dwellings in Safford. Reviewed against the 2015 IRC as recognized by the City, using the same unified Building Permit Application used for new construction.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required for room additions, remodels, and alterations affecting structural or life-safety elements
- Building Permit Application — select 'Residential' and 'Addition' or 'Alteration,' with applicable trade boxes (Building/Mechanical/Plumbing/Electrical) checked
- For additions/remodels, the Residential Building Inspection Checklist requires: a drawing of the original structure showing areas being added or altered; specific names of new areas (bedroom, porch, family room, etc.); new wall outlets, switches, light fixtures, and smoke detectors; and smoke detectors added to existing areas of the dwelling if not already present
- Fire-rated separation (5/8-inch Type X gypsum wallboard) required between dwelling and garage per the City's floor-plan checklist item
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Residential or Commercial)City of Safford Building Permit Application, rev. 06/17/2021, with 'Addition' or 'Alteration' selected
- RequiredResidential Building Inspection ChecklistCity of Safford submittal checklist; 'For Additions or Remodels' section specifies drawings of the original structure and new-area details required in addition to the standard plan set
- RequiredSite/Plot PlanShowing existing structure, addition footprint, and setbacks from property lines
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — Based on Total Valuation | Same valuation-based schedule as new construction: $15 minimum (valuation $1-$500) scaling up per the City's Building Permit Fee Schedule bracket table | City of Safford Building Permit Fee Schedule PDF; the City does not publish a separate reduced-rate table for additions/remodels — valuation of work performed governs the fee |
| Per-Utility/Trade Add-On (Mechanical, Electrical, Sewer, Plumbing) | +$5.00 per utility/trade | City of Safford Building Permit Fee Schedule PDF |
Electrical Permit
VerifiedRequired for electrical installation, alteration, or repair work in Safford, governed by the 2014 National Electrical Code as recognized by the City. Electrical work is authorized through the same unified Building Permit Application, with the 'Electrical' trade box checked.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Electrical permit required for wiring, panel work, service changes, and other hard-wired electrical work, checked under 'Permit Type: Electrical' on the Building Permit Application
- Governed by the 2014 NEC as recognized by the City of Safford
- GFCI protection required for outlets serving kitchen countertops, bathrooms, garages, unfinished accessory buildings/basements, any outlet within 6 feet of a sink, and exterior receptacles, per the City's Residential Building Inspection Checklist common electrical code requirements
- Kitchen counter outlets spaced a maximum of 4 feet apart on two individual 20-amp circuits; bathroom receptacles on separate dedicated 20-amp GFCI circuits with no other outlets on the same circuit
- Range and dryer receptacles must be 4-wire type for all new construction and new circuit installations
- Smoke detectors must receive primary power from building wiring, have battery backup, and be interconnected so all units sound in all sleeping areas
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Residential or Commercial)City of Safford Building Permit Application, rev. 06/17/2021, with 'Electrical' checked under Permit Type
- RequiredElectrical PlansPer the Residential Building Inspection Checklist: show all outlets, smoke detectors, light fixtures, switches, and fans; show sub-panel location; show ampacity of main service
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Permit — Based on Total Valuation, plus utility add-on | Building Permit Fee Schedule valuation bracket for the work performed, PLUS $5.00 utility add-on | City of Safford Building Permit Fee Schedule PDF: 'Each utility add an additional $5.00, i.e. mechanical, electrical, sewer and plumbing.' The City does not publish a separate flat-fee table for electrical-only permits (e.g., meter clearances, panel upgrades) the way some larger Arizona cities do — valuation of the electrical work governs the base fee, with the $5 utility add-on layered on top |
Plumbing Permit
VerifiedRequired for plumbing installation, alteration, or repair work in Safford, governed by the 2015 International Plumbing Code as recognized by the City. Plumbing work is authorized through the same unified Building Permit Application, with the 'Plumbing' trade box checked.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Plumbing permit required for installation, alteration, or repair of plumbing systems, fixtures, and water heaters, checked under 'Permit Type: Plumbing' on the Building Permit Application
- Governed by the 2015 IPC as recognized by the City of Safford
- Water heater location and size, combustion air, and flue for gas installations must be shown on the plumbing plan per the Residential Building Inspection Checklist
- Cleanout locations must be shown, including a 2-way cleanout outside the structure
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Residential or Commercial)City of Safford Building Permit Application, rev. 06/17/2021, with 'Plumbing' checked under Permit Type
- RequiredPlumbing PlanPer the Residential Building Inspection Checklist: location and size of water heater, combustion air/flue for gas installations, cleanout locations including a 2-way cleanout outside the structure
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plumbing Permit — Based on Total Valuation, plus utility add-on | Building Permit Fee Schedule valuation bracket for the work performed, PLUS $5.00 utility add-on (schedule also lists 'sewer' separately under the same $5 add-on note) | City of Safford Building Permit Fee Schedule PDF: 'Each utility add an additional $5.00, i.e. mechanical, electrical, sewer and plumbing.' No separate flat per-fixture or per-water-heater fee table was found published by the City |
Mechanical / HVAC Permit
VerifiedRequired for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning installations in Safford, governed by the 2015 International Mechanical Code as recognized by the City. Mechanical work is authorized through the same unified Building Permit Application, with the 'Mechanical' trade box checked.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Mechanical permit required for installation, replacement, or relocation of HVAC equipment and ventilation systems, checked under 'Permit Type: Mechanical' on the Building Permit Application
- Governed by the 2015 IMC as recognized by the City of Safford
- Roof/floor framing plans must show roof construction and vented openings/materials where mechanical equipment penetrates the roof or attic per the Residential Building Inspection Checklist
- Exterior elevations must include attic ventilation calculations
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Residential or Commercial)City of Safford Building Permit Application, rev. 06/17/2021, with 'Mechanical' checked under Permit Type
- RequiredMechanical/HVAC Plan DetailsEquipment location, ductwork, attic ventilation calculations, and combustion air where applicable, per the Residential Building Inspection Checklist
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical/HVAC Permit — Based on Total Valuation, plus utility add-on | Building Permit Fee Schedule valuation bracket for the work performed, PLUS $5.00 utility add-on | City of Safford Building Permit Fee Schedule PDF: 'Each utility add an additional $5.00, i.e. mechanical, electrical, sewer and plumbing.' No separate flat per-unit HVAC replacement fee table was found published by the City |
Solar PV Permit
VerifiedRequired for installation of rooftop or ground-mounted solar photovoltaic systems within Safford city limits. There is no dedicated solar/photovoltaic permit type, application, or fee line published by the City — a solar installation is submitted through the same unified Building Permit Application (Residential or Commercial) used for all trades, with Building and Electrical scope checked, billed under the general Total-Valuation fee schedule plus the standard per-utility add-on.
Verified 2026-07-19 · Source
Requirements
- Building Permit Application (Residential or Commercial), rev. 06/17/2021 — check 'Building' and 'Electrical' under Permit Type; no separate solar-specific checkbox or application exists
- Structural/roof-mounting scope reviewed against the 2015 IRC/IBC and the City's Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria (115 mph wind, Exposure C; Seismic Design Category C) as recognized by the City
- Electrical-connection scope reviewed against the 2014 NEC as recognized by the City
- Residential Building Inspection Checklist submittal set applies where the installation involves roof-mounted equipment penetrating the roof/attic — same structural documentation standard used for other roof-mounted equipment
- An inspection must occur at least once every 180 days from permit issuance to keep the permit active
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Residential or Commercial)City of Safford Building Permit Application, rev. 06/17/2021, with 'Building' and 'Electrical' checked under Permit Type
- RequiredSite/Plot Plan and Roof/Structural DetailsProperty lines, setbacks, and mounting-location details sufficient for the Building Division to evaluate roof/ground-mount structural adequacy and electrical connection
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Solar PV Permit — Based on Total Valuation, plus utility add-on | Building Permit Fee Schedule valuation bracket for the work performed (starting at $15 for valuation $1-$500), PLUS $5.00 electrical utility add-on | City of Safford Building Permit Fee Schedule PDF: 'Each utility add an additional $5.00, i.e. mechanical, electrical, sewer and plumbing.' Confirmed absence of a dedicated solar/photovoltaic line: the schedule itemizes only the Total-Valuation bracket table and the flat $5 per-utility add-on for mechanical/electrical/sewer/plumbing — no separate solar fee category exists anywhere in the City's published Building Permit Fee Schedule or Development Fee Schedule. |
EV Charger / EVSE Permit (Electrical Permit)
VerifiedInstalling a Level 2 (240V) or other electric vehicle charging station in Safford requires an Electrical Permit through the City's unified Building Permit Application, with the 'Electrical' trade box checked. The City does not publish a stand-alone EV-charger fee line — as with all electrical work, the permit is priced from the same Total Valuation-based Building Permit Fee Schedule used for building permits generally, plus the flat $5.00 per-utility add-on noted on that schedule.
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- Building Permit Application (Residential or Commercial) filed with the City of Safford Planning & Community Development Department, Building Division, with 'Electrical' checked under Permit Type
- Electrical plans showing the new circuit/panel work, sub-panel location (if applicable), and ampacity of main service, per the same submittal standard used for other electrical work under the Residential Building Inspection Checklist
- Governed by the 2014 National Electrical Code as recognized by the City of Safford
- If the charger installation also requires a service/panel upgrade, that scope is covered under the same Electrical Permit, valued and fee-calculated together with the charger circuit
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Residential or Commercial)City of Safford Building Permit Application, rev. 06/17/2021, with 'Electrical' checked under Permit Type; no dedicated EV-charger/EVSE application exists
- RequiredElectrical PlansShow the new EV charger circuit, sub-panel location (if applicable), and ampacity of main service, consistent with the City's Residential Building Inspection Checklist submittal requirements for electrical work
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| EV Charger Circuit — Based on Total Valuation, plus utility add-on | Building Permit Fee Schedule valuation bracket for the work performed (starting at $15 for valuation $1-$500), PLUS $5.00 utility add-on | City of Safford Building Permit Fee Schedule PDF: 'Each utility add an additional $5.00, i.e. mechanical, electrical, sewer and plumbing.' No dedicated EV-charger/EVSE fee line exists; the same valuation-based schedule already documented for this file's electrical-permit and solar-pv-permit entries applies. |
Fence Permit
VerifiedFences are one of the explicit permit categories on the City of Safford's unified Building Permit Application, listed alongside Zoning-Plot/Site Plan and Manufactured Home as a checkbox option distinct from the Building/Mechanical/Plumbing/Electrical trade boxes.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Fence permit required — checked under 'Fence' on the Building Permit Application (separate checkbox from Building/Mechanical/Plumbing/Electrical)
- Site plan showing property lines, setbacks, and fence location required per general submittal practice
- Swimming pool barrier fences must additionally comply with the Swimming Pool Safety Code, A.R.S. § 36-1681, as cross-referenced on the City's Building/Development Permits & Codes page
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Residential or Commercial)City of Safford Building Permit Application, rev. 06/17/2021, with 'Fence' checked
- RequiredSite/Plot PlanProperty lines, setbacks, and proposed fence location
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fence Permit — Based on Total Valuation | Building Permit Fee Schedule valuation bracket for the work performed (minimum $15 bracket for low-valuation fence work) | City of Safford Building Permit Fee Schedule PDF; no separate flat fence fee table was found published by the City — fence work is priced from the same Total Valuation table as all other building-permit work |
Manufactured / Mobile Home Placement Permit
VerifiedRequired for siting a manufactured or mobile home within Safford city limits. 'Manufactured Home' is one of the explicit checkbox categories on the City's unified Building Permit Application, and a separate Mobile Home Development fee applies under the City's Development Fee Schedule for larger mobile-home developments/parks.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Manufactured/mobile home placement permit required — checked under 'Manufactured Home' on the Building Permit Application
- Manufactured homes themselves are constructed to the federal HUD Code (not the local IRC/IBC), but the City permits and inspects site work: foundation/tie-down, utility connections, and zoning compliance
- Mobile Home Development (multi-space parks/developments) is separately fee-classified under the City's Development Fee Schedule (Resolution No. 00-009) at $200 plus $5.00 per space, distinct from a single-unit placement permit
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Residential or Commercial)City of Safford Building Permit Application, rev. 06/17/2021, with 'Manufactured Home' checked
- RequiredSite/Plot PlanLot dimensions, setbacks, and placement location, plus utility connection points
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Manufactured/Mobile Home Placement — Based on Total Valuation | Building Permit Fee Schedule valuation bracket for site work/foundation/utility-connection valuation | City of Safford Building Permit Fee Schedule PDF; single-unit placement is priced from the same Total Valuation table as other building-permit work |
| Mobile Home Development (multi-space park/development) | $200.00 + $5.00 per space | City of Safford Development Fee Schedule, per Resolution No. 00-009 (adopted June 12, 2000, effective June 30, 2000) — applies to development of a mobile-home park/subdivision, not a single home's placement permit |
Demolition Permit
VerifiedRequired for demolition of any residential or commercial structure in Safford. 'Demolition' is one of the explicit checkbox categories on the City's unified Building Permit Application.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required before demolishing a residential or commercial structure within Safford city limits — checked under 'Demolition' on the Building Permit Application
- Site plan required showing the structure to be demolished and its location relative to property lines and other structures
- Valuation of work and Tax Parcel Number required on the application
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Residential or Commercial)City of Safford Building Permit Application, rev. 06/17/2021, with 'Demolition' checked
- RequiredSite/Plot PlanLot dimensions and location of the structure to be demolished
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Demolition Permit — Based on Total Valuation | Building Permit Fee Schedule minimum valuation bracket ($15 minimum, valuation $1-$500) unless a higher valuation of work applies | City of Safford Building Permit Fee Schedule PDF; no separate flat demolition fee was found published by the City — demolition is priced from the same Total Valuation table as all other building-permit work |
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 Safford building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.