You are viewing the permanent link for the record currently in effect, published 2026-07-07.
Unincorporated La Paz County building permits
VerifiedUnincorporated La Paz County, Arizona — as published 2026-07-07.
Verified 2026-07-07 · Source
Codes adopted
2018 International Building Code (IBC), including Appendix C, H, I, and J — adopted by reference, Building Code Ordinance No. 2024-02, Section 101.1(A)(1), effective October 17, 20242018 International Residential Code (IRC), including Appendix A, B, G, H, P, and Q — adopted by reference, Building Code Ordinance No. 2024-02, Section 101.1(A)(9)2018 International Existing Buildings Code (IEBC) — adopted by reference, Building Code Ordinance No. 2024-02, Section 101.1(A)(3)2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC), including Appendix A — adopted by reference, Building Code Ordinance No. 2024-02, Section 101.1(A)(4)2018 International Plumbing Code (IPC), including Appendix C and E — adopted by reference, Building Code Ordinance No. 2024-02, Section 101.1(A)(5)2018 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), including Appendix A, B, and C — adopted by reference, Building Code Ordinance No. 2024-02, Section 101.1(A)(6)2018 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC), including Appendix A — adopted by reference, Building Code Ordinance No. 2024-02, Section 101.1(A)(7)2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) — adopted by reference, Building Code Ordinance No. 2024-02, Section 101.1(A)(8)2018 International Fire Code (IFC), including Appendix B, C, D, E, F, and I — adopted by reference, Building Code Ordinance No. 2024-02, Section 101.1(A)(10)2020 National Electrical Code (NEC) — adopted by reference, Building Code Ordinance No. 2024-02, Section 101.1(A)(2)
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit (New Construction, Addition, Accessory Structure)
VerifiedRequired for new single-family dwellings, residential additions, garages/workshops, and other residential construction in the unincorporated areas of La Paz County. The La Paz County Community Development Department (Building and Safety Division) administers the 2018 IRC/IBC for unincorporated areas outside Parker and Quartzsite. Fees are valuation-based per Table M-1 of the county's fee schedule.
Verified 2026-07-07 · Source
Requirements
- Required for new single-family dwellings, additions, and structural alterations in unincorporated La Paz County exceeding $1,000 in value (A.R.S. §11-321)
- Apply online through the County's iworq Citizen Portal (https://lapazcountyapplypermit.portal.iworq.net/portalhome/lapazcountyapplypermit) or submit in person/by mail at 1112 Joshua Ave., Ste. 202, Parker, AZ 85344
- Know your Assessor's Parcel Number (APN) before applying — search at http://publicrecords.lapazassessor.com/assessor/web/ (County staff cannot look this up for applicants)
- Submit a site plan (title block, scale, north indicator, location map, property lines, structure locations/dimensions, setbacks to septic/wells) and complete building plans
- Must use an Arizona-licensed contractor (A.R.S. §32-1151), unless qualifying for the owner-builder exemption (A.R.S. §32-1121.A.5) for an owner-occupied, non-rental structure
- Permits are void 180 days after submittal if incomplete (extensions available: 1st free, 2nd $40, 3rd+ $60); issued permits expire if work does not commence within 180 days (same extension fee structure)
Required documents
- RequiredSite PlanMust show title block (project name, APN, address), engineer scale (e.g. 1:50), north indicator, location map with easements/roads/rights-of-way, all property lines with dimensions, and location/distance of new and existing structures relative to property lines, septic, and wells. Required per the County's online portal Building Permit Application Requirements.
- RequiredBuilding PlansComplete construction plan set for the proposed work, submitted through the iworq Citizen Portal or in person
- OptionalSpecial Power of Attorney (Agent or Lessee)Required if a property owner is appointing an agent, or leasing land to someone authorized to build/develop; forms available via the iworq Citizen Portal
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building permit fee — valuation-based (Table M-1) | $1–$500: $50.00; $501–$2,000: $50.00 for first $500 plus $4.00 per additional $100 (or fraction) to $2,000; $2,001–$25,000: $110.00 for first $2,000 plus $16.00 per additional $1,000 (or fraction) to $25,000; $25,001–$50,000: $478.00 for first $25,000 plus $12.00 per additional $1,000 to $50,000; $50,001–$100,000: $780.00 for first $50,000 plus $8.00 per additional $1,000 to $100,000; $100,001–$500,000: $1,180.00 for first $100,000 plus $6.00 per additional $1,000 to $500,000; $500,001–$1,000,000: $3,580.00 for first $500,000 plus $6.00 per additional $1,000 to $1,000,000; $1,000,001+: $6,580.00 for first $1,000,000 plus $4.00 per additional $1,000 | Resolution No. 2025-05, Exhibit A/B (Table M-1), implemented August 6, 2025, mirrored in Building Code Ordinance No. 2024-02 Section 103(M) Table M-1. Valuation based on ICC Building Valuation Data published Feb. 28, 2025, updated annually without further Board action. |
| Plan review fee | 65% of the calculated building permit fee | Ordinance No. 2024-02, Section 104(C); Fee Schedule Exhibit D. Paid at time of submittal. |
| Utilities (mechanical/plumbing/electrical) — per trade, if not folded into new construction sq.-ft. fee | Up to $5,000 valuation: $50.00 flat per trade; $5,001+: building permit fee per Table M-1 | Fee Schedule Exhibit D, 'Utilities' table. |
| Investigation fee (work started without a permit) | Equal to the permit fee (total due = double the permit fee); $100 minimum | Ordinance No. 2024-02, Section 104(G). |
| Reinspection fee | $60.00 per inspection | Fee Schedule (2025), Exhibit D 'Inspection Fees' table. |
Commercial Building Permit (New Construction, Tenant Improvement, Shell Building)
VerifiedRequired for new commercial construction, tenant improvements, and shell buildings in the unincorporated areas of La Paz County. Fees are valuation-based per Table M-1, with tenant improvement and shell-building categories subject to per-square-foot rates published in the county fee schedule.
Verified 2026-07-07 · Source
Requirements
- Required for all new commercial construction, tenant improvements, remodels, and shell buildings in unincorporated La Paz County
- Apply through the iworq Citizen Portal (https://lapazcountyapplypermit.portal.iworq.net/portalhome/lapazcountyapplypermit) or in person at 1112 Joshua Ave., Ste. 202, Parker, AZ
- Submit site plan and complete construction plans; commercial cost-per-square-foot valuation follows the ICC Building Valuation Data table (Exhibit C of the fee schedule) by occupancy group and construction type
- Must use an Arizona-licensed contractor (A.R.S. §32-1151)
Required documents
- RequiredSite Plan and Construction PlansComplete commercial plan set including occupancy classification and construction type, submitted through the iworq Citizen Portal
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building permit fee — valuation-based (Table M-1) | Same schedule as residential: $1–$500: $50.00; scaling up to $6,580.00 for the first $1,000,000 plus $4.00 per additional $1,000 for valuations over $1,000,000 | Resolution No. 2025-05, Exhibit A/B (Table M-1). Valuation for commercial buildings is calculated using ICC Building Valuation Data cost-per-square-foot by occupancy group and construction type (Exhibit C of the 2025 Fee Schedule). |
| Tenant improvement — first-time build-out | $50.00 per sq. ft. (or actual construction cost estimate as determined by the Building Official) | Fee Schedule (2025), Exhibit D 'Tenant Improvements' table. |
| Tenant improvement — remodel space | $35.00 per sq. ft. (or actual construction cost estimate as determined by the Building Official) | Fee Schedule (2025), Exhibit D 'Tenant Improvements' table. |
| Shell building — wood | $50.00 per sq. ft. | Fee Schedule (2025), Exhibit D 'Shell Building' table. Shell buildings are defined as buildings with no interior trades installed and no specific use/tenant noted. |
| Shell building — concrete/masonry | $65.00 per sq. ft. | Fee Schedule (2025), Exhibit D 'Shell Building' table. |
| Plan review fee | 65% of the calculated building permit fee | Ordinance No. 2024-02, Section 104(C). |
Manufactured Home / Park Model / Factory-Built Building Placement Permit
Required for placement of any manufactured home, park model trailer, container, or factory-built building on privately owned parcels in unincorporated La Paz County. Homes manufactured before June 15, 1976 cannot be placed anywhere in the county. Fees for manufactured home placement and plan review follow the Arizona Department of Housing (state) fee schedule rather than the county's own valuation table; park model placement is a county flat fee.
Reviewed 2026-07-07 · Source
Requirements
- Manufactured homes, park models, containers, and RVs placed on privately owned parcels all require a placement permit prior to placement/use
- Homes manufactured before June 15, 1976 CANNOT be placed anywhere in La Paz County (A.R.S. §41-4048(C) rehabilitation certificate requirement)
- A HUD label certifying the home was inspected/constructed to HUD requirements in effect at time of manufacture constitutes proof of compliance, provided manufacture date is not before June 15, 1976
- Installation must be performed by an installer licensed by the Arizona Department of Housing, even when the county issues the permit to the property owner
- Manufactured homes/park models may not be occupied until the placement permit is approved AND a final inspection is performed and approved
- Manufactured homes converted to storage buildings must be accessory to an established residential use, cannot be larger than or attached to the residence, cannot be used as a dwelling/guest house, cannot be connected to water/sewer/gas, and must have kitchen/bathroom fixtures removed
Required documents
- RequiredHUD Compliance Label / CertificationLabel certifying the manufactured home was inspected and constructed to HUD requirements in effect at time of manufacture; required proof the home was manufactured on/after June 15, 1976
- OptionalLa Paz County Assessor's Affidavit of AffixtureRequired when converting a manufactured home to an accessory/storage use per Ordinance No. 2024-02 Section 103(N)(5)(i)
- RequiredArizona Department of Housing Installer LicenseVerification that the installer performing the manufactured home installation holds a current ADOH installer license; search at https://housing.az.gov/general-public/manufactured-housing/licensing/license-search
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Manufactured home placement | Per State Schedule (Arizona Department of Housing statute) | Fee Schedule (2025), Exhibit D 'Placement' table. Set by state statute, not the county's own valuation table. |
| Plan review for manufactured homes | Per State Schedule (Arizona Department of Housing statute) | Fee Schedule (2025), Exhibit D 'Placement' table. |
| Placement of park models | $650.00 flat fee | Fee Schedule (2025), Exhibit D 'Placement' table. |
| Factory-built buildings (FBB) — residential or commercial | Per State Schedule (Arizona Department of Housing statute) | Fee Schedule (2025), Exhibit D 'Placement' table. |
| Container placement | $200.00 flat fee | Fee Schedule (2025), Exhibit D 'Placement' table. |
| Reinspection | $60.00 | Fee Schedule (2025), Exhibit D 'Placement' table. |
| Six (6) month extension on permit (mobile/manufactured home and FBB) | Per State Schedule (Arizona Department of Housing statute) | Fee Schedule (2025), Exhibit D 'Placement' table. |
Mechanical / Plumbing / Electrical Permit
VerifiedRequired for standalone mechanical, plumbing, or electrical work not part of a new-construction building permit in unincorporated La Paz County, under the 2018 IMC/IPC/IFGC and 2020 NEC. Small-valuation trade work is billed a flat per-trade fee; larger work is billed under the standard building-permit valuation table.
Verified 2026-07-07 · Source
Requirements
- Required for mechanical, plumbing, or electrical installations and repairs not covered under an active building permit
- Apply through the iworq Citizen Portal (https://lapazcountyapplypermit.portal.iworq.net/portalhome/lapazcountyapplypermit) or in person at 1112 Joshua Ave., Ste. 202, Parker, AZ
- New construction/addition mechanical, electrical, and plumbing trade fees are billed per square foot IN ADDITION TO the building permit square-footage fee
- Combined permits are available for single equipment installations covering two trades at once (e.g., electrical + mechanical for A/C units; electrical + plumbing for water heaters)
Required documents
- RequiredOnline Permit Center ApplicationAll mechanical/plumbing/electrical permits are applied for through the iworq Citizen Portal
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Single permit — mechanical, plumbing, or electrical (each trade), up to $5,000 valuation | $50.00 flat per trade | Fee Schedule (2025), Exhibit D 'Utilities' table. |
| Single permit — mechanical, plumbing, or electrical (each trade), $5,001+ valuation | Building permit fee per Table M-1 | Fee Schedule (2025), Exhibit D 'Utilities' table. |
| Combined permit for single equipment installation, up to $5,000 valuation | $75.00 flat fee | Fee Schedule (2025), Exhibit D 'Combined Permit for Single Equipment Installations' table. Example: electrical + mechanical for A/C units; electrical + plumbing for water heaters. |
| Combined permit for single equipment installation, $5,001+ valuation | Building permit fee only, per valuation (Table M-1) | Fee Schedule (2025), Exhibit D 'Combined Permit for Single Equipment Installations' table. |
| New construction or addition — mechanical | $1.50 per sq. ft. (in addition to building permit sq.-ft. fees) | Fee Schedule (2025), Exhibit D 'For New Construction or Addition' table. |
| New construction or addition — electrical | $2.50 per sq. ft. (in addition to building permit sq.-ft. fees) | Fee Schedule (2025), Exhibit D 'For New Construction or Addition' table. |
| New construction or addition — plumbing | $3.50 per sq. ft. (in addition to building permit sq.-ft. fees) | Fee Schedule (2025), Exhibit D 'For New Construction or Addition' table. |
| RV/mobile home park — electrical/plumbing per space | $82.50 each trade flat fee; or $50.00 flat for first space plus $10.00 per additional space inspected at the same time | Fee Schedule (2025), Exhibit D 'RV/Mobile Home Parks' table. |
Swimming Pool / Spa / Jacuzzi Permit
VerifiedRequired for swimming pools, spas, hot tubs, and whirlpools in unincorporated La Paz County under the 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code. Pool fees are based on surface area; spas/jacuzzis are a flat fee.
Verified 2026-07-07 · Source
Requirements
- Permit required for swimming pools, spas, jacuzzis, and whirlpools in unincorporated La Paz County
- Apply through the iworq Citizen Portal (https://lapazcountyapplypermit.portal.iworq.net/portalhome/lapazcountyapplypermit)
- Comply with the 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code as adopted by Ordinance No. 2024-02, Section 101.1(A)(8)
Required documents
- RequiredSite Plan showing pool/spa locationSite plan showing pool or spa location, setbacks, and surface area calculation
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Swimming pool — per square foot of surface area | $25.00 per sq. ft. | Fee Schedule (2025), Exhibit D 'Swimming Pool' table. |
| Spa / Jacuzzi / Whirlpool | $200.00 flat fee each | Fee Schedule (2025), Exhibit D 'Spa / Jacuzzi / Whirlpool' table. |
| Plan review fee | 65% of the calculated building permit fee | Fee Schedule (2025), Exhibit D 'Plan Review Fees' table, category A (Commercial/Residential). |
Grading Permit
VerifiedRequired for grading work in unincorporated La Paz County per 2018 International Building Code Appendix J, except as exempted. Fees scale with cubic yardage of cut or fill; larger projects and those in mapped FEMA flood zones require an engineered grading and drainage plan.
Verified 2026-07-07 · Source
Requirements
- Required per 2018 IBC J103.1 except as exempted in Section J103.2 — no grading shall be performed without first obtaining a permit from the Building Official
- A grading permit does NOT include construction of retaining walls or other structures — those require separate permits
- Grading projects under 100 cu. yds. of cut/fill that may adversely affect drainage may be required to submit an engineered grading and drainage plan
- Grading projects exceeding 100 cu. yds. of cut or fill SHALL have an engineered grading and drainage plan
- Grading or fill projects located in a mapped FEMA flood zone shall have an engineered grading and drainage plan suitable for submittal to ADWR and FEMA
Required documents
- OptionalEngineered Grading and Drainage PlanRequired for projects exceeding 100 cu. yds. of cut/fill, or any project in a mapped FEMA flood zone (suitable for ADWR/FEMA submittal)
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0 to 50 cu. yds. | $50.00 flat fee | Fee Schedule (2025), Exhibit D 'Grading' table. |
| 51 to 100 cu. yds. | $75.00 flat fee | Fee Schedule (2025), Exhibit D 'Grading' table. |
| 101 to 1,000 cu. yds. | $100.00 for the first 100 cu. yds. plus $20.00 for each additional 100 cu. yds. or fraction thereof | Fee Schedule (2025), Exhibit D 'Grading' table. |
| 1,001 to 10,000 cu. yds. | $75.00 for the first 1,000 cu. yds. plus $20.00 for each additional 1,000 cu. yds. or fraction thereof | Fee Schedule (2025), Exhibit D 'Grading' table (as published; note the base amount is lower than the prior tier due to the county's published table structure). |
| 10,001 to 100,000 cu. yds. | $350.00 for the first 10,000 cu. yds. plus $25.00 for each additional 10,000 cu. yds. or fraction thereof | Fee Schedule (2025), Exhibit D 'Grading' table. |
| 100,001 cu. yds. and above | $700.00 for the first 100,000 cu. yds. plus $30.00 for each additional 100,000 cu. yds. or fraction thereof | Fee Schedule (2025), Exhibit D 'Grading' table. |
| Grading plan review above 10,000 cu. yds. | Actual cost of County Engineer (consultant) review fee | Fee Schedule (2025), Exhibit D 'Grading' table, note 4. |
Demolition Permit
VerifiedRequired prior to any demolition in unincorporated La Paz County. Billed per Assessor's Parcel Number (APN), covering all structures on that parcel.
Verified 2026-07-07 · Source
Requirements
- Demolition permit required prior to ANY demolition (Applications & Checklists page: 'DEMOLITION PERMIT: required prior to any demo')
- Apply through the iworq Citizen Portal or in person at 1112 Joshua Ave., Ste. 202, Parker, AZ
- Contact Arizona 811 (call 811 or az811.com) before demolition to locate underground utilities
Required documents
- RequiredOnline Permit Center ApplicationDemolition permits are applied for through the iworq Citizen Portal
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Demolition — structure(s) | $40.00 per Assessor's Parcel Number (APN) — all structures on that parcel included | Fee Schedule (2025), Exhibit D 'Demolition' table. |
Solar Installation Permit
VerifiedLa Paz County publishes a distinct 'Solar Installation' fee line item, separate from its general building-permit fee table, for rooftop and ground-mounted residential/commercial PV installations in unincorporated La Paz County. It also charges a discounted 50% plan-review rate for solar (vs. the standard 65% rate for commercial/residential building permits), confirmed by direct visual review of Resolution No. 2025-05, Exhibit D (Fee Schedule, effective August 6, 2025), pages 11-12. Electrical interconnection is billed additionally under the county's standard electrical utility fee, per the fee schedule's note that solar fees are 'plus the value of any utilities installed.'
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- Solar Installation Permit required for PV system installation in unincorporated La Paz County, applied through the iworq Citizen Portal (https://lapazcountyapplypermit.portal.iworq.net/portalhome/lapazcountyapplypermit) or in person at 1112 Joshua Ave., Ste. 202, Parker, AZ
- Site plan showing panel/array location, and complete plans for the installation, per the county's standard building-permit submittal requirements
- Must use an Arizona-licensed contractor (A.R.S. §32-1151), unless qualifying for the owner-builder exemption
- Electrical interconnection work is billed additionally under the county's Utilities fee schedule (a separate Electrical trade permit) — the Solar Installation fee line is explicitly 'PLUS THE VALUE OF ANY UTILITIES INSTALLED' per the fee schedule
- Per statewide A.R.S. § 11-323 (Solar construction permits; standards), the county's required plan content is limited to system location/roof plan/elevation, panel mounting details, and a one-line/three-line electrical diagram (waived if a qualified online automated permitting platform is used), and the county may not require a professional engineer's stamp absent a written justification
Required documents
- RequiredSite Plan and Building Plans (iworq Citizen Portal)Site plan showing panel/array location and complete installation plans, submitted through the same portal used for other county building permits
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Solar Installation — up to $5,000 valuation | $150.00 flat fee | Resolution No. 2025-05, Exhibit D (Fee Schedule effective 8/6/2025), 'Solar Installation' table — directly confirmed by visual review of the county's published fee schedule PDF (page 11 of 13, image-scanned document). Fee is 'PLUS THE VALUE OF ANY UTILITIES INSTALLED' (i.e., the separate electrical trade fee). |
| Solar Installation — $5,001 or more valuation | Building Permit Fee, per Table M-1 valuation schedule | Resolution No. 2025-05, Exhibit D, 'Solar Installation' table. Most residential rooftop PV systems (typically well above $5,000 in installed cost) will fall in this tier and be billed the same valuation-based fee as the general Residential Building Permit. |
| Plan Review Fee — Solar Systems | 50% of Building Permit Fee | Resolution No. 2025-05, Exhibit D, 'Plan Review Fees' table, item D — a discounted rate compared to the standard 65% Commercial/Residential plan review fee, confirmed by direct visual review (page 12 of 13). |
| Electrical utility fee (interconnection, billed separately from the Solar Installation fee) | Up to $5,000 valuation: $50.00 flat; $5,001+: Building Permit Fee per Table M-1 | Resolution No. 2025-05, Exhibit D, 'Utilities' table — the same electrical-trade fee documented in this jurisdiction's Mechanical/Plumbing/Electrical Permit entry. |
EV Charger / EVSE Permit
VerifiedLa Paz County does not publish a distinct fee line item for electric vehicle charging equipment (EVSE) in its Fee Schedule (Resolution No. 2025-05, Exhibit D). Installation of a Level 2 EV charger or similar equipment requires a standard Electrical Permit, billed under the same "Utilities" (electrical trade) fee table used for all other electrical work, under the adopted 2020 NEC (which includes Article 625, Electric Vehicle Power Transfer System). No EVSE-specific expedited process, flat fee, or SolarAPP+-style instant permitting platform was found for La Paz County.
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- Electrical Permit required for EV charger/EVSE installation in unincorporated La Paz County, applied through the iworq Citizen Portal (https://lapazcountyapplypermit.portal.iworq.net/portalhome/lapazcountyapplypermit) or in person at 1112 Joshua Ave., Ste. 202, Parker, AZ
- Installation must comply with the adopted 2020 National Electrical Code, Article 625 (Electric Vehicle Power Transfer System)
- Must use an Arizona-licensed electrical contractor (A.R.S. §32-1151), unless qualifying for the owner-builder exemption
- No distinct EV charger/EVSE fee line, expedited timeline, or online instant-permitting platform was found published by the county as of this review
Required documents
- RequiredOnline Permit Center Application (iworq Citizen Portal)Electrical permit application for EV charger/EVSE circuit and equipment installation
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Permit (EV charger/EVSE circuit) — up to $5,000 valuation | $50.00 flat fee | Resolution No. 2025-05 (adopted 7/7/2025, effective 8/6/2025), Exhibit D, "UTILITIES" table, page 9 of the recorded resolution (2025-02417) — directly re-chased and confirmed by reading the full recorded PDF at lapaz.gov/DocumentCenter/View/9685. The same flat electrical-trade fee is billed for all standalone electrical permits; La Paz County does not publish a distinct EV charger/EVSE fee line. |
| Electrical Permit (EV charger/EVSE circuit) — $5,001+ valuation | Building Permit Fee per Exhibit B Valuation and Fee Schedule (e.g. $780.00 for the first $50,000 plus $8.00 per additional $1,000 in the $50,001-$100,000 tier) | Resolution No. 2025-05, Exhibit D "UTILITIES" table (references Exhibit B's Valuation and Fee Schedule for the $5,001+ tier) — directly re-chased and confirmed; corrects a prior reference to a non-existent "Table M-1" — the county's actual valuation table is Exhibit B of this same Resolution. |
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-07.
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 La Paz County building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.