Unincorporated Graham County building permits

Requirements

• Building permit required for new single-family dwelling construction, additions, and accessory structures in unincorporated Graham County per Planning and Zoning Ordinance Section 5.6.2
• Apply through the County's online permit portal (https://grahamcounty.portal.iworq.net/portalhome/grahamcounty); upload building plans and a plot plan sketch, or the submission will be rejected
• Prior to issuance, the applicant must provide assurance that an approved septic system is in place or will be installed before occupancy (Ordinance Section 5.6.2(1))
• A sketch of the proposed construction with sufficient information to show compliance with the Land Use Ordinance must be provided
• Setbacks (unless a subdivision's CC&Rs specify otherwise): Front Yard 20 feet, Rear Yard 25 feet, each Side 10 feet; outbuildings 20 feet from main structure and 5 feet between outbuildings
• Permit is valid for one year from date of issuance to start construction; a renewal permit is handled as a new permit

Required documents

• RequiredBuilding and Installation Permit Application (Online Portal)All building and installation permits in Graham County are submitted through the County's iWorQ online portal at https://grahamcounty.portal.iworq.net/portalhome/grahamcounty
• RequiredPlot Plan SketchSubmitted through the same online portal; must show lot dimensions, setbacks, and structure location — submissions missing this are rejected
• OptionalSpecial Power of Attorney Form (PDF)Required when an agent/contractor submits on behalf of the property owner; available at https://www.graham.az.gov/DocumentCenter/View/637

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Electrical permit required for electrical installation, upgrade, or repair work in unincorporated Graham County
• Apply through the County's online permit portal (https://grahamcounty.portal.iworq.net/portalhome/grahamcounty)
• Governed by the National Electrical Code as adopted by the County (Ordinance Section 5.14.2(4) cites the 2002 NEC; Section 5.14.8-5.14.9 separately cites the 1999 NEC — confirm the specific applicable edition with the Planning and Zoning Department)

Required documents

• RequiredBuilding and Installation Permit Application (Online Portal)Electrical permits are applied for through the County's iWorQ online portal at https://grahamcounty.portal.iworq.net/portalhome/grahamcounty

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Manufactured/mobile home installation permit required — submitted through the County's online permit portal
• Manufactured home installation must be performed by a State-licensed installer
• Homes older than June 1976 cannot be moved onto a property at all and must be demolished rather than relocated
• Building plans, plot plan sketch, and power of attorney forms (if applicable) must be uploaded through the portal or the submission is rejected
• Temporary placement (up to 12 months, extendable in 6-month increments) is available under a Temporary Use Permit / temporary site and installation permit while a permanent residence is under construction on the same property

Required documents

• RequiredBuilding and Installation Permit Application (Online Portal)Manufactured/mobile home installation permits are applied for through the County's iWorQ online portal at https://grahamcounty.portal.iworq.net/portalhome/grahamcounty
• RequiredPlot Plan SketchShows placement location, setbacks, and utility connection points

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Pool/spa permit required for any pool or spa construction in unincorporated Graham County — the County's own FAQ explicitly confirms pools require a permit
• Must comply with the minimum safety standards of A.R.S. § 36-1681
• Must be enclosed in a fenced or walled enclosure that does not allow passage of a four-inch diameter sphere between members
• Fence must be at least five (5) feet in height, with a gate having a self-closing mechanism and a self-latching catch that may be locked
• The pool or spa must be no less than five (5) feet from the nearest property line
• Apply through the County's online permit portal (https://grahamcounty.portal.iworq.net/portalhome/grahamcounty)

Required documents

• RequiredBuilding and Installation Permit Application (Online Portal)Pool/spa permits are applied for through the County's iWorQ online portal at https://grahamcounty.portal.iworq.net/portalhome/grahamcounty
• RequiredPlot Plan SketchShows pool/spa location, setbacks from property lines, and barrier/fence layout

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Available for up to 12 months (extendable in 6-month increments after the first 12-month period, via appeal to the Planning & Zoning Commission then the Board of Supervisors if needed) while a permanent residence is under construction
• A temporary site permit will NOT be issued for a recreational vehicle unless a site permit has already been issued for the construction of a permanent residence on the same property, and the sanitary waste disposal system has been reviewed and approved by the Graham County Health Department
• Travel trailers used as temporary residences must be equipped with kitchen and bathroom facilities and hooked up to a sewage disposal system approved by the County Health Department or ADEQ
• If no septic system is used, the property owner must renew the temporary permit annually
• No attached structural additions are allowed on the travel trailer; it must remain roadworthy and be kept up in appearance
• May also be used to allow a manufactured home/RV as a second dwelling to care for an elderly person, a caregiver, or someone unable to care for themselves

Required documents

• RequiredBuilding and Installation Permit Application (Online Portal)Start the Temporary Use Permit / Temporary RV process with the Installation Permit through the County's iWorQ online portal at https://grahamcounty.portal.iworq.net/portalhome/grahamcounty
• RequiredHealth Department Sewage Disposal ApprovalWritten approval from the Graham County Health Department for the sewage disposal method serving the temporary residence

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Building Permit required for the array's structural/mounting work, valued under the County's standard Total Valuation fee-bracket formula (Planning and Zoning Ordinance Section 5.15) — same formula used for other residential construction, not a solar-specific rate
• Electrical Permit required for the PV wiring, inverter, and point of interconnection — billed at the County's flat $50.00 'Electrical Upgrade' fee per the Fee Schedule (the one trade Graham County itemizes separately rather than folding into the general building permit fee)
• Per A.R.S. § 11-323(A)(1), the county's required plan submittal for a photovoltaic system is limited to: system location on the construction plans (roof plan and elevation), panel mounting details, and a one-line or three-line electrical diagram (a diagram is not required if a qualified online automated permitting platform is used)
• Per A.R.S. § 11-323(B), Graham County may not require a professional engineer's stamp on a residential solar PV permit application unless it provides a written explanation of why the stamp is necessary for that specific project
• Per A.R.S. § 11-323(C)-(D), any building/permit fee the County assesses for solar construction must be attributable to and not exceed the actual cost of issuing the permit, and the County's fee-calculation methodology must be publicly published, with a written itemized cost breakdown available on request
• Apply through the County's iWorQ online permit portal (https://grahamcounty.portal.iworq.net/portalhome/grahamcounty)

Required documents

• RequiredBuilding and Installation Permit Application (Online Portal)Solar PV building and electrical permits are applied for through the County's iWorQ online portal
• RequiredConstruction Plans (roof plan/elevation + mounting details) and One-Line or Three-Line Electrical DiagramMinimum required plan content for a residential PV system per A.R.S. § 11-323(A)(1); a diagram is not required if the County uses a qualified online automated permitting platform

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Electrical Permit required for the EV charger's dedicated circuit or service work, billed at the County's flat $50.00 'Electrical Upgrade' fee
• Apply through the County's iWorQ online permit portal (https://grahamcounty.portal.iworq.net/portalhome/grahamcounty)
• Governed by the National Electrical Code as adopted by the County (Ordinance Section 5.14.2(4) cites the 2002 NEC; Section 5.14.8-5.14.9 separately cites the 1999 NEC — confirm the specific applicable edition with the Planning and Zoning Department)
• A Building Permit for new structural/mounting work (e.g., a new carport housing the charger) would be separately valued under the County's standard Total Valuation formula (Section 5.15) if applicable

Required documents

• RequiredBuilding and Installation Permit Application (Online Portal)EV charger circuit/electrical permits are applied for through the County's iWorQ online portal at https://grahamcounty.portal.iworq.net/portalhome/grahamcounty

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Building permit required before erecting, constructing, reconstructing, altering, placing, or using any structure — including commercial buildings — in unincorporated Graham County (Ordinance Section 5.6.2); the permit must be obtained and paid for PRIOR to any improvement activity (Ordinance Section 5.13.7)
• Apply through the County's iWorQ online permit portal (https://grahamcounty.portal.iworq.net/portalhome/grahamcounty); upload building plans and a plot plan sketch (plus a Special Power of Attorney form if an agent/contractor applies for the owner) or the submission will be rejected
• Commercial plans are reviewed against the 2003 International Building Code and, for work on existing buildings, the 2003 International Existing Building Code, as adopted in Ordinance Section 5.14.2
• An approved septic system (required for residential and commercial use) must be in place or assured before occupancy is permitted; septic approval is handled by the Graham County Health Department as a parallel track (Ordinance Section 5.6.2(1))
• A drainage plan addressing on- and off-site drainage impact must be presented and approved by the County Engineer prior to permit issuance where drainage review applies; required drainage improvements must be completed, inspected, approved, and easements recorded before a Certificate of Occupancy is requested (Ordinance Section 5.13.7)
• Physical access must be completed and satisfy the fire apparatus access requirements of the International Fire Code adopted by Graham County (2003 IFC) before a Certificate of Occupancy is issued (Ordinance Section 5.13.7(4))
• The Zoning Official issues a Certificate of Occupancy after inspection before any building may be occupied for commercial or manufacturing purposes (Ordinance Section 5.6.2(1))
• Commercial use must be allowed in the parcel's land use zone (C-N, C-G, C-RE, C-M, M, or M-X, or via Conditional Use Permit in other zones); zoning approval by the Board of Supervisors, where required, must be obtained prior to builds and can take up to 90 days (Ordinance Sections 4.10-4.15, 5.13.7)
• Permit is valid for one year from date of issuance to start construction; a renewal permit is handled as a new permit (Ordinance Section 5.6.2)

Required documents

• RequiredBuilding and Installation Permit Application (Online Portal)All building permits, including commercial, are submitted through the County's iWorQ online portal at https://grahamcounty.portal.iworq.net/portalhome/grahamcounty
• RequiredBuilding PlansFull construction plan set uploaded through the portal; reviewed against the adopted 2003 IBC (and 2003 IEBC for work on existing buildings) — submissions missing plans are rejected
• RequiredPlot Plan SketchShows lot dimensions, setbacks, structure location, and access; submissions missing this are rejected
• OptionalDrainage PlanAddressing on- and off-site drainage impact, approved by the County Engineer prior to permit issuance, where drainage review applies (Ordinance Section 5.13.7)
• OptionalSpecial Power of Attorney Form (PDF)Required when an agent/contractor submits on behalf of the property owner; available at https://www.graham.az.gov/DocumentCenter/View/637

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Zoning Ordinance Section 5.6.2 (Permit Required): 'It shall be unlawful to erect, construct, reconstruct, alter, place, or use any structure within a Land Use District covered by the Ordinance without first obtaining a Building Permit or appropriate Land Use designation from the Planning and Zoning Department.' The applicant must provide a sketch of the proposed construction with sufficient information to show compliance with the Land Use Ordinance.
• A permit is good for one year from the date of issuance in order to start construction; a renewal permit is handled as a new permit (Zoning Ordinance Section 5.6.2)
• Zoning Ordinance definition of OUTDOOR ADVERTISING SIGN: 'A sign of any kind or character whatsoever and of any material whatsoever placed for outdoor advertising purposes for the activities on the parcel of land on which the sign is located whether on the ground or on any structure or stationary, parked or mobile.' 'Placed' expressly includes erecting, constructing, posting, painting, printing, tacking, nailing, gluing, sticking, carving, or otherwise fastening, affixing or making visible in any manner whatsoever.
• Zoning Ordinance definition of BILLBOARD: 'A sign of any kind, or character whatsoever and of any material whatsoever' — billboards are separately fee-scheduled from other signs
• Signs permitted in the 'R' land use for sale of property or home occupations are limited to four (4) square feet (Zoning Ordinance, OUTDOOR ADVERTISING SIGN definition)
• Signs appurtenant to or identifying a permitted use of the property, and signs pertaining to the sale, lease or rental of the property on which the sign is located, are addressed use-district by use-district throughout Article 4 — check the specific district's sign allowance before applying
• Off-site signs (billboards) are expressly not permitted in some districts (e.g. the district-specific provision reading 'Off-site signs (billboards) are not permitted in this District') — confirm the district's rule for the parcel
• Apply through the County's iWorQ citizen portal or in person at Planning & Zoning, 921 Thatcher Boulevard, 2nd Floor, Safford

Required documents

• RequiredPlot Plan SketchGraham County requires its Plot Plan Sketch page to be uploaded with permit applications submitted through the iWorQ portal, or the submission is rejected
• OptionalSpecial Power of Attorney formRequired where the applicant is not the property owner — published on the County's Permits & Hearing Forms page

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Graham County Planning and Zoning Ordinance Section 5.14.2(7) adopts by reference the 'International Fire Code, 2003 edition, published by the International Code Council, Inc.' as one of the codes making up the Graham County Building Code (Section 5.14.2(1) adopts the 2003 IBC 'together with the following national and international codes')
• The County's own Planning & Zoning web page independently lists '2003 International Fire Code' under 'Codes Adopted by Graham County'
• Zoning Ordinance Section 5.14.4 (Building official designated): 'The Community Development Director shall serve as the building official. The building official or his duly authorized representative, is the authority charged with the administration and enforcement of the Graham County Building Code.' Because the adopted Building Code includes the 2003 IFC, that administration and enforcement authority extends to the fire code.
• Zoning Ordinance Section 5.14.1 states the Graham County building code's purposes include regulating 'the site preparation and construction, alteration, moving, demolition, repair, use and occupancy of buildings, structures and building service equipment within the jurisdiction' and to 'Provide for issuance of permits and collection of fees'
• Fire apparatus access is a published Certificate of Occupancy condition — Zoning Ordinance Section 5.13.7(4), whose preamble frames items 1-5 as 'an example of requirements that must be met' when applying for rezoning, building permits, or improvements of any kind: 'Prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy, the physical access (as indicated on the legal survey (if required) or as indicated on the approved site plan) must be completed, and must satisfy the requirements for fire apparatus access in accordance with the International Fire Code adopted by Graham County.'
• Zoning Ordinance Section 5.14.3: a copy of the Graham County Building Codes is available for public inspection at the Planning and Zoning Department, 2nd floor, 921 Thatcher Blvd., Safford, during regular working hours — the adopted code text is not published online
• Apply through the County's iWorQ citizen portal (Building / Addition / Remodel application) or in person at Planning & Zoning; upload the Plot Plan Sketch and building plans or the submission will be rejected

Required documents

• RequiredBuilding plansThe iWorQ Building / Addition / Remodel application requires building plans to be uploaded for the application to be processed
• RequiredPlot Plan SketchGraham County requires its Plot Plan Sketch page to be uploaded with portal permit applications
• OptionalSpecial Power of Attorney formRequired where the applicant is not the property owner

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Zoning Ordinance Section 5.6.2 (Permit Required): 'It shall be unlawful to erect, construct, reconstruct, alter, place, or use any structure within a Land Use District covered by the Ordinance without first obtaining a Building Permit or appropriate Land Use designation from the Planning and Zoning Department.' The Inspector shall issue the permit when it appears to fully conform to the Zoning Ordinance; in any other case a permit may be withheld.
• Zoning Ordinance Section 5.6.2(1): 'The Zoning Official shall issue a Certificate of Occupancy, after inspection, establishing that the use of said property conforms with the provisions of this ordinance and to insure that all safety and health provisions are met prior to permitting the occupancy of any building or site for residential, commercial use or manufacturing purposes.'
• Certificate of Occupancy gate 1 — fire access (Zoning Ordinance Section 5.13.7(4), whose preamble frames items 1-5 as 'an example of requirements that must be met' when applying for rezoning, building permits, or improvements of any kind): 'Prior to the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy, the physical access (as indicated on the legal survey (if required) or as indicated on the approved site plan) must be completed, and must satisfy the requirements for fire apparatus access in accordance with the International Fire Code adopted by Graham County.'
• Certificate of Occupancy gate 2 — drainage (Zoning Ordinance Section 5.13.7(5)): 'Before requesting the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy, any required drainage improvement must be completed, inspected, and approved; and easements recorded, in accordance with the approved Drainage Plan.'
• Where the new use is a conditional use in the district rather than a use permitted by right, a Conditional Use Permit is required (Zoning Ordinance Section 5.6.2(2): 'Some land use zones allow for a Conditional Use, which may under the circumstances of a specific case be permissible, but use in general may not be permitted')
• Outdoor lighting must be brought into compliance: Zoning Ordinance Section 8.3.3 (Change of Use) provides that 'Whenever the use of any existing building, structure or premises is changed to a new use, all outdoor lighting shall be reviewed and brought into compliance with this Code before the new use commences'
• Zoning Ordinance Section 5.14.2(6) adopts the International Existing Building Code, 2003 edition, as part of the Graham County Building Code — the technical standard for a change of occupancy
• Apply through the County's iWorQ citizen portal or in person at Planning & Zoning, 921 Thatcher Boulevard, 2nd Floor, Safford

Required documents

• RequiredPlot Plan SketchGraham County requires its Plot Plan Sketch page to be uploaded with portal permit applications, or the submission is rejected
• OptionalPetition for a Use PermitRequired where the new use is a conditional use in the district — published on the County's Permits & Hearing Forms page and also available at the Planning and Zoning office
• OptionalApproved Drainage Plan / drainage improvements evidenceAny required drainage improvement must be completed, inspected and approved, and easements recorded, before a Certificate of Occupancy can be requested

Fee schedule