This is PermitBase’s published record for Carefree as of 2026-07-06. It has since been superseded — see the current record. A historical record reflects what PermitBase had verified at that time; it may not capture a real-world change the jurisdiction had made but PermitBase had not yet verified, and it includes any errors we later corrected. Snapshots are never edited retroactively.
Carefree building permits
VerifiedCarefree, 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 (A.R.S. Title 9; codes adopted under A.R.S. § 9-801 are declared public records of the adopting jurisdiction). The Town of Carefree independently adopts and administers its own construction codes through its own Building Department; it does not defer permitting to Maricopa County. Source: Carefree, Arizona Code of Ordinances, Chapter 10, Article 10-1 (Comprehensive Building Safety Code), Section 10-1-1 Adoption, via American Legal Publishing code library (codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/carefree).2018 International Building Code (IBC) and amendments, published by the International Code Council, adopted by reference (Carefree Town Code § 10-1-1(A)), with Town of Carefree amendments effective January 24, 2023 (§ 10-1-2(A)). Source: Carefree Town Code, Chapter 10, Article 10-1; Town of Carefree 'Effective Building Codes' summary sheet.2018 International Residential Code (IRC) and amendments, adopted by reference (§ 10-1-1(B)), with Town amendments effective January 24, 2023 (§ 10-1-2(B)), including adoption of Appendices F, H, M, and P (IRC § R102.5.1 amendment). Source: Carefree Town Code, Chapter 10, Article 10-1.2018 International Plumbing Code (IPC) and amendments, adopted by reference (§ 10-1-1(C)), with State amendments and additional Town amendments effective January 24, 2023 (§ 10-1-2(C)), including adoption of Appendix C. Plumbing permit fees are set per Carefree Town Code Chapter 10, Section 10-1-2 (IPC § 106.6.2 amendment), not the IPC's own fee table. Source: Carefree Town Code, Chapter 10, Article 10-1.2017 National Electrical Code (NEC) and amendments, adopted by reference in total (§ 10-1-1(D) / § 10-1-2(D)), effective January 24, 2023 (one edition behind the 2018 ICC code set). Source: Carefree Town Code, Chapter 10, Article 10-1.2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC) and amendments, adopted by reference (§ 10-1-1(E)), with Town amendments effective January 24, 2023 (§ 10-1-2(E)). Mechanical permit fees are explicitly cross-referenced to 'Chapter One of the International Building Code as adopted by the Town of Carefree' (IMC § 106.5.2 amendment) — i.e., the same Table 1-A valuation fee schedule as building permits. Source: Carefree Town Code, Chapter 10, Article 10-1.2018 International Fire Code (IFC) and amendments, adopted by reference (§ 10-1-1(F)), effective January 24, 2023; the Town of Carefree has assumed fire-code jurisdiction from the State Fire Safety Committee under A.R.S. §34-461 and §41-2163(A)(2), administered through the Rural/Metro Fire Department. Source: Carefree Town Code, Chapter 10, Article 10-1, Section 10-1-1.1/10-1-1.2 (IFC amendments).2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) and amendments, adopted by reference (§ 10-1-1 / § 10-1-2(G)), effective January 24, 2023. Source: Carefree Town Code, Chapter 10, Article 10-1.2018 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) and amendments, adopted by reference (§ 10-1-2(H)), effective January 24, 2023; fees cross-referenced to Chapter One of the IBC as adopted by the Town (same Table 1-A schedule). Source: Carefree Town Code, Chapter 10, Article 10-1.2018 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) and amendments, adopted by reference (§ 10-1-1(K) / § 10-1-2(K)), effective January 24, 2023. Source: Carefree Town Code, Chapter 10, Article 10-1.2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC), published by the International Code Council, adopted by reference as a code within the meaning of A.R.S. § 9-801. Source: Town of Carefree 'Effective Building Codes' summary sheet (current as of live 2026 Town website).'Uniform Abatement of Dangerous Buildings,' 1994 Edition, published by the International Conference of Building Officials, and amendments, adopted by reference as a code within the meaning of A.R.S. § 9-801. Source: Town of Carefree 'Effective Building Codes' summary sheet.'The Town of Carefree Adobe Code,' dated April 1985, and amendments, plus the 'Conducting Blasting Operations Code,' dated November 1998, and amendments — both declared public records of the Town of Carefree. Source: Carefree Town Code, Chapter 10, Article 10-1, Section 10-1-1.Manufactured/mobile homes and factory-built buildings fall under separate State of Arizona regulation (A.R.S. § 41-4001 et seq., Arizona Department of Fire, Building and Life Safety / Office of Manufactured Housing) for construction/installation standards; the Town's own permit process governs site placement, foundation, and zoning compliance. This inference follows the standard Arizona home-rule pattern documented across other Arizona municipalities' code-adoption ordinances and was not separately re-verified on a dedicated Carefree page — flagged as the one item in this record inferred from the statewide pattern rather than a page found specifically on carefree.org.
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit (New Single-Family Construction)
VerifiedRequired for new single-family residence and detached-structure construction in the Town of Carefree. Reviewed against the 2018 IRC/IBC and Town of Carefree amendments (effective January 24, 2023). Applications are submitted in person at Town Hall with a full construction-document set.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required for new single-family residences and detached structures within Carefree town limits
- Plans must comply with the Town's amended Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria (90 mph wind, Exposure B; Seismic Design Category B; 24°F winter design temperature; moderate-to-heavy termite potential; 12-inch frost line depth)
- A residential automatic fire sprinkler system is mandatory for all new single-family residences and detached structures; applicant must obtain Rural Metro Fire Department approval and submit it to the Town before permit issuance
- Application form is completed in person at the Town Hall counter (8 Sundial Circle)
- Signed Homeowners Association (Architectural Review Committee) approval letter required before permit issuance where applicable
- Contractor's Sales Tax Bond/waiver from AZ Dept. of Revenue or completed Owner/Builder form; current Carefree business license required for all contractors
- Dust control permit (Maricopa County Air Quality Dept.), septic permit or sewer service agreement, and water service agreement (or private well permit) required before permit issuance
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Check List — New Single Family Residences & Detached StructuresTown of Carefree submittal checklist (rev. 05/27/2025): application form (completed at counter), 2 sets of sealed 24x36 architectural plans, 2 sets of 24x36 grading & drainage plans/drainage report/geotechnical report, 2 sets of 24x36 native plant inventory and landscape plans, 2 sets of truss calculations or waiver form, 2 sets of fireplace plans (clean-burning standard per Article 10-4), narrative response to comments for resubmittals
- RequiredInformation Required for Building Permits (Grading & Drainage Plan detail)Town of Carefree specification sheet (rev. March 2023) detailing required legal description, survey/benchmark data, contour lines, drainage details (finished floor 1.0 ft above 100-year storm elevation), disturbed-area calculations, and wall/setback dimensioning for the grading and drainage plan set
- RequiredOwner Builder Form / Contractor's Sales Tax Bond or WaiverRequired before permit issuance if acting as owner-builder, or contractor's AZ Dept. of Revenue sales tax bond/waiver otherwise
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — Based on Valuation (Table 1-A) | $25 flat (valuation $1-$500); $25 + $3/additional $100 to $2,000; $65 + $15/additional $1,000 to $25,000; $410 + $13/additional $1,000 to $50,000; $735 + $10/additional $1,000 to $100,000; $1,250 + $9/additional $1,000 to $500,000; $4,850 + $14/additional $1,000 to $1,000,000; $11,850 + $5/additional $1,000 above $1,000,000 | Carefree Town Code, Chapter 10, Section 10-1-2(A), Table 1-A (IBC § 109.8 amendment) |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of the calculated Building Permit Fee (Table 1-A) | Carefree Town Code, Chapter 10, Section 10-1-2(A) (IBC § 109.7 amendment); minimum $35.00; 3rd+ review cycles billed $100/hour |
| Preliminary Fee for Standard Residential Plans | $500.00 per standard plan | Due at submittal. Carefree Town Code, Chapter 10, Section 10-1-2(A), Item 14 |
| Certificate of Occupancy, R-3 Single-Family | $25.00 per building | Carefree Town Code, Chapter 10, Section 10-1-2(A), Item 8; collected at permit issuance |
| Annual Renewal of Standard Residential Plans | $30.00 per plan | Carefree Town Code, Chapter 10, Section 10-1-2(A), Item 11 |
Residential Addition / Remodel Permit
VerifiedRequired for room additions, remodels, and interior alterations to existing one-family (R-3) dwellings in Carefree, including detached garages, carports, storage sheds, patio covers, and gazebos. Reviewed against the 2018 IRC as adopted and amended by the Town.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required for room additions, remodels, interior alterations, detached garages, carports, storage sheds, patio covers, and gazebos on existing R-3 buildings
- Permit fee based on Table 1-A valuation, with a 65% plan review fee, same as new construction
- Additions/alterations/repairs that within a 12-month period exceed 50% of the value of an existing building trigger full new-building code conformance, including the fire sprinkler mandate
- Every remodel/addition permit must be completed within 180 days of issuance or it expires (one 180-day extension available, must be requested in writing before expiration)
- Revisions to previously-approved remodel/addition plans are billed a flat $50.00/hour plan review fee
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationCompleted in person at the Town Hall counter, 8 Sundial Circle
- RequiredSite/Plot PlanShowing existing structure, addition footprint, and setback distances
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — Based on Valuation (Table 1-A) | Same valuation schedule as new construction: $25 flat up to $500, scaling to $11,850 + $5/additional $1,000 above $1,000,000 | Carefree Town Code, Chapter 10, Section 10-1-2(A), Table 1-A; applies to 'Permits for Existing Residential (R-3) Buildings ... including but not limited to, interior alterations, detached garages, carports, storage sheds, patio covers and gazebos' |
| Plan Review Fee | 65% of the calculated Building Permit Fee | Carefree Town Code, Chapter 10, Section 10-1-2(A) (IBC § 109.7/109.8 amendment) |
| Plan Revision Fee (previously approved remodel/addition plans) | $50.00 per hour | Carefree Town Code, Chapter 10, Section 10-1-2(A), § 109.8 |
Electrical Permit
VerifiedRequired for electrical installation, alteration, or repair work in Carefree, governed by the 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC) as adopted by the Town. Minor electrical permits can be approved same-day or next-day.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Electrical permit required for panel work, service changes, wiring, and other hard-wired electrical work, governed by the 2017 NEC as adopted by the Town of Carefree
- Minor electrical permits are eligible for same-day or next-day approval following submittal, per the Town's published permit-process summary
- Larger electrical scope tied to new construction or major remodels follows the standard plan-review timeline
- Contractor must hold a current Town of Carefree business license
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationCompleted in person at the Town Hall counter
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Permit Fee — Based on Valuation (Table 1-A) | Same valuation schedule as building permits: $25 flat up to $500, scaling to $11,850 + $5/additional $1,000 above $1,000,000 | The NEC's own fee provisions are not separately amended with an alternate fee table in the Town Code text located; electrical work is billed under the Table 1-A valuation schedule referenced generally for 'building, structural, electrical, mechanical and plumbing' in the 'Other Inspections and Fees' section of Carefree Town Code § 10-1-2(A) |
| Re-inspection Fee | $100.00 per hour | Carefree Town Code, Chapter 10, Section 10-1-2(A), Item 2 (applies to building, structural, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing) |
Plumbing Permit
VerifiedRequired for plumbing installation, alteration, or repair work in Carefree, governed by the 2018 International Plumbing Code (IPC) as adopted and amended by the Town, including Appendix C. Water heaters and gas lines qualify for same-day/next-day approval.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Plumbing permit required for installation, alteration, or repair of plumbing systems, fixtures, water heaters, and gas piping
- Governed by the 2018 IPC as adopted by the Town of Carefree, with Appendix C adopted
- Plumbing permit fees are set per Carefree Town Code Chapter 10, Section 10-1-2 (IPC § 106.6.2 amendment) — i.e., the Table 1-A valuation schedule, not the IPC's own fee table
- Water heaters and gas lines qualify for the Town's same-day/next-day approval track
- Sewer line minimum depth is 12 inches (Town amendment to IPC § 305.4.1)
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationCompleted in person at the Town Hall counter
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plumbing Permit Fee — Based on Valuation (Table 1-A) | Same valuation schedule as building permits: $25 flat up to $500, scaling to $11,850 + $5/additional $1,000 above $1,000,000 | Carefree Town Code, Chapter 10, Section 10-1-2(C) (IPC § 106.6.2 amendment cross-references Chapter 10, Section 10-1-2 — the same Table 1-A schedule) |
| Re-inspection Fee | $100.00 per hour | Carefree Town Code, Chapter 10, Section 10-1-2(A), Item 2 |
Mechanical / HVAC Permit
VerifiedRequired for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning installations in Carefree, governed by the 2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC) as adopted and amended by the Town. Fees are explicitly cross-referenced to the same Table 1-A valuation schedule used for building permits.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Mechanical permit required for installation, replacement, or relocation of HVAC equipment and ventilation systems
- Governed by the 2018 IMC as adopted by the Town of Carefree
- Mechanical permit fees are explicitly set 'in accordance with Chapter One of the International Building Code as adopted by the Town of Carefree' (IMC § 106.5.2 amendment) — the Table 1-A valuation schedule
- Every mechanical permit becomes invalid if work is not commenced/inspected within 180 days of issuance (one 180-day extension available)
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationCompleted in person at the Town Hall counter
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical/HVAC Permit Fee — Based on Valuation (Table 1-A) | Same valuation schedule as building permits: $25 flat up to $500, scaling to $11,850 + $5/additional $1,000 above $1,000,000 | Carefree Town Code, Chapter 10, Section 10-1-2(E) (IMC § 106.5.2 amendment: 'All fees shall be in accordance with Chapter One of the International Building Code as adopted by the Town of Carefree') |
| Re-inspection Fee | $100.00 per hour | Carefree Town Code, Chapter 10, Section 10-1-2(A), Item 2 |
Solar Collector / Photovoltaic (PV) Permit
VerifiedA permit is required to install a solar collector (rooftop solar photovoltaic or solar thermal system) in Carefree, regulated under the Carefree Zoning Ordinance Section 9.05 in addition to the standard electrical/building permit process governed by the 2017 NEC as adopted by the Town.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- A permit must be obtained prior to installing a solar collector, per Carefree Zoning Ordinance Section 9.05
- Installation must comply with the 2017 NEC as adopted and amended by the Town of Carefree
- Reviewed for zoning/design compliance (setback, height, and visibility considerations) in addition to electrical/structural code compliance
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationCompleted in person at the Town Hall counter
- RequiredSite Plan showing panel/array locationRequired to confirm zoning compliance per Zoning Ordinance Section 9.05
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Solar/PV Permit Fee — Based on Valuation (Table 1-A) | Same valuation schedule as building permits: $25 flat up to $500, scaling to $11,850 + $5/additional $1,000 above $1,000,000 | No dedicated flat fee for solar/PV was found in the Town Code text; solar/PV, like other electrical work, is billed under the Table 1-A valuation schedule referenced for 'building, structural, electrical, mechanical and plumbing' in Carefree Town Code § 10-1-2(A) |
Fence, Wall, and Pool Barrier Permit
VerifiedAll fence and wall construction requires a building permit in Carefree — there is no under-height exemption. Pool/spa barrier fences and walls have additional requirements and must be approved before a related pool permit is approved.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- All fence, free-standing wall, and retaining wall construction requires a building permit, per Carefree Zoning Ordinance Sections 9.08/9.09 — Carefree has no minimum-height exemption for residential fences (unlike many AZ cities)
- Height limits: 4.5 feet maximum in any required yard setback (pool barriers 5 feet); 6 feet maximum for fences/free-standing walls and 7 feet maximum for retaining walls elsewhere on the buildable lot
- Swimming pool/spa barriers must be walls or fences at least 60 inches (5 feet) high; wire mesh and chain-link are not permitted as pool barriers; gates must be self-closing, self-latching, and swing outward
- A fence/wall permit application must be approved before an associated pool permit will be approved
- Pool equipment must be fully screened from view by a solid wall and gate
- Homeowners association (Architectural Review Committee) letter of approval required
Required documents
- RequiredResidential Pool Plan Review ChecklistTown of Carefree checklist (rev. 01/05/22) covering site plan, barrier fence/wall height and distance to property lines, drainage, and HOA approval requirements for pool and pool-barrier permits
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationCompleted in person at the Town Hall counter
- RequiredSite PlanShowing fence/wall/barrier location, height at various points, and distance to property lines
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fence/Wall Permit Fee — Based on Valuation (Table 1-A) | Same valuation schedule as building permits: $25 flat up to $500, scaling upward per Table 1-A | No dedicated flat fee for fences/walls was found in the Town Code text; billed under the general Table 1-A valuation schedule referenced in Carefree Town Code § 10-1-2(A) |
| Annual Renewal of Standard Swimming Pool Plans | $30.00 per plan | Carefree Town Code, Chapter 10, Section 10-1-2(A), Item 12 |
Demolition Permit
VerifiedRequired for demolition of any structure in Carefree. Carries a flat $250.00 fee and requires pre-construction and final inspections, plus a dust-control and disposal plan.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required before demolishing a structure within Carefree town limits
- Applicant must specify scope of work, job schedule (start/end dates), dust control measures, and whether a dumpster is required on site (with the servicing company named) and the disposal destination
- Pre-construction inspection required before work begins; final inspection required after work is completed
Required documents
- RequiredRequirements for Demolition PermitTown of Carefree demolition permit request form (rev. Oct. 2023) capturing applicant name, scope of work, job schedule, site address, dust control measures, and disposal plan
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Demolition Permit Fee | $250.00 flat | Town of Carefree Requirements for Demolition Permit (rev. Oct. 2023) |
Grading Permit
VerifiedRequired for excavation, land clearing, filling/dumping, or any disturbance of natural terrain or vegetation in Carefree. No grading may occur on a lot before the building permit for the underlying project has been issued (with a narrow exception for county-required percolation/test borings).
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Permit required for excavation, land clearing, filling and dumping, or any disturbance of natural terrain and vegetation, per Carefree Zoning Ordinance Sections 6.01 and 9.10
- No grading on any lot or parcel (other than percolation and test borings required by the county health department) before a building permit has been issued
- The Zoning Ordinance sets limits on the amount of land that can be disturbed on each site
- 2 sets of 24x36 grading & drainage plans, a drainage report, and a geotechnical report are required as part of the associated building permit submittal
- Grading and drainage plans must be stamped by a civil engineer; lowest finished floor elevation must be a minimum of 1.0 feet above the 100-year storm water surface elevation
Required documents
- RequiredGrading & Drainage Plan (2 sets, 24x36)Required as part of the Building Permit Check List; must show legal description, benchmark/contour data, disturbed-area square footage, and drainage structure details, stamped by an Arizona-registered civil engineer
- RequiredDrainage Report and Geotechnical/Soils ReportRequired supporting technical reports for the grading and drainage plan set
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Grading Permit Fee — Based on Valuation (Table 1-A) | Same valuation schedule as building permits: $25 flat up to $500, scaling upward per Table 1-A | No dedicated flat fee for standalone grading permits was found in the Town Code text; grading review is typically bundled with the associated building permit submittal and billed under the general Table 1-A valuation schedule and site-plan review fee ($50.00 per Item 6, Section 10-1-2(A)) |
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 Carefree building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.