You are viewing the permanent link for the record currently in effect, published 2026-07-07.
Carefree building permits
VerifiedCarefree, Arizona — as published 2026-07-07.
Verified 2026-07-13 · 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)) |
EV Charger / EVSE Permit
VerifiedThe Town of Carefree does not publish a standalone EV-charger/EVSE permit type or fee line item. Installing electric vehicle charging equipment (e.g., a dedicated 240V Level 2 circuit or a wired Level 2/DC fast charger unit) is electrical work and, per this file's own 'electrical-permit' entry, is permitted directly by the Town's Building Department under the 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC) as locally adopted, billed under the same Table 1-A valuation-based fee schedule (Carefree Town Code Section 10-1-2(A)) used for all electrical permits — not a separate program. The Town's own published Summary of Building Permit Process specifically identifies 'minor electrical permits' as eligible for same-day or next-day approval, and a typical EV charger circuit addition would fall within that minor-electrical-work category rather than requiring full plan review. No evidence was found that Carefree participates in SolarAPP+ (gosolarapp.org) or any other instant/automated EV-charger-specific permitting platform as of this review; the Town's own Comprehensive Fee Schedule (effective June 6, 2025) contains no EV-charger, EVSE, or electric-vehicle line item — checked directly.
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- EV charger circuit installation is electrical work; apply through the Town of Carefree Building Department using the standard Electrical Permit / Building Permit Application, governed by the 2017 NEC as locally adopted
- Minor electrical permits (which an EV charger circuit addition would typically qualify as) are eligible for same-day or next-day approval per the Town's own Summary of Building Permit Process
- Contractor must hold a current Town of Carefree business license, consistent with the general electrical-permit requirement
- No distinct EV-charger checklist, application, or fee schedule line item is published by the Town as of this review
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Electrical Scope)Completed in person at the Town Hall counter, same form used for general electrical permits
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Permit Fee — Based on Valuation (Table 1-A) | Same valuation schedule as general electrical/building permits: $25 flat up to $500, scaling to $11,850 + $5/additional $1,000 above $1,000,000 | No distinct EV-charger fee line item exists; Carefree Town Code Section 10-1-2(A) bills electrical work generally under the Table 1-A valuation schedule. Checked the Town's Comprehensive Fee Schedule (effective June 6, 2025, Resolution #2025-10) directly — no EV-charger/EVSE line item found. |
| 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 generally) |
Sign Permit (Blade, Ground, Monument, Tenant Directory, and Wall Signs)
VerifiedCarefree regulates commercial signage under Article VIII 'Signs Permitted' of the Zoning Ordinance (Town Code Chapter 16), a detailed sign code reflecting the Town's planned-community character and its art-gallery/boutique commercial district. A building permit is required for blade, ground, monument, tenant directory, and wall signs (billed under the same Table 1-A valuation schedule used for building permits); a separate 'temporary sign permit' (valid one calendar month only) is required for horizontal and projecting vertical banners. Several smaller sign types — directional, identification, menu board, real estate, and sidewalk signs — are exempt from a permit but must still meet Article VIII's size/height/placement standards. Multi-tenant complexes and mixed-use developments may instead pursue a Comprehensive Sign Plan (CSP), reviewed by the Planning Director for a flat $500 fee, for design flexibility beyond the standard caps.
Verified 2026-07-23 · Source
Requirements
- Blade, ground, monument, tenant directory, and wall signs (new or modified) each require a Town of Carefree building permit under Zoning Ordinance Article VIII, Sections 8.03(1), (3), (6), (7), and (8)
- Permitted sign types and zoning districts are governed by Table 8.1 (Section 8.02): most permanent commercial sign types are allowed only in the Garden Office (GO) and Commercial (C) districts (blade signs also allowed in GO/C only; monument and tenant directory signs allowed only in C)
- Horizontal and projecting vertical banner signs require a 'temporary sign permit,' valid for one (1) calendar month regardless of the day of the month it is issued; a maximum of four (4) temporary sign permits may be issued per calendar year for each banner type per tenant (Section 8.04(2), 8.03(9)-(10))
- Directional signs, identification signs, menu board signs, real estate signs, and sidewalk signs are exempt from a permit but must still comply with Article VIII's size, height, illumination, and placement standards for that sign type (Section 8.03)
- Sidewalk signs are limited to one per business, only in Commercial (C) and Garden Office (GO) zoning, and must be removed daily at close of business (Section 8.03(13))
- A Comprehensive Sign Plan (CSP) may be pursued by nonresidential multi-tenant complexes or mixed-use developments for design flexibility exceeding the standard height/area/number limits, reviewed and approved by the Planning Director (Section 8.08)
- Illuminated signs using movement, flashing, internal bulb/neon lighting, roof-mounted signs, and several other categories are outright prohibited (Section 8.05)
- All sign permit and CSP applications are submitted through the Town's online Permit & License Portal — in-person submittal was discontinued town-wide effective September 4, 2025
Required documents
- RequiredSign Permit / Temporary Sign Permit ApplicationSubmitted through the Town's Permit & License Portal (twn-carefree-az.smartgovcommunity.com); in-person counter submittal is no longer accepted as of September 4, 2025
- RequiredSign Elevation / Site PlanShowing sign location, dimensions, height above finished grade, materials, and illumination method, sufficient to confirm compliance with the Section 8.03 standards for the specific sign type
- OptionalComprehensive Sign Plan (CSP) Submittal PackageRequired only if a multi-tenant complex or mixed-use development elects to pursue a CSP instead of standard sign-by-sign permitting: prepared by a graphics design professional, includes a scaled site plan, sign locations/sizes/materials, and required findings under Section 8.08(3)
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sign Permit Fee (Blade/Ground/Monument/Tenant Directory/Wall Signs) — 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 sign-permit fee was found in the Town Code text; sign types Article VIII designates as requiring 'a building permit' are billed under the general Table 1-A valuation schedule referenced in Carefree Town Code Section 10-1-2(A) — the same treatment this file already documents for fence/wall and grading permits, which are likewise billed under Table 1-A absent a sign-specific line item. |
| Comprehensive Sign Plan (CSP) Review Fee | $500.00 flat | Town of Carefree Comprehensive Fee Schedule (Resolution #2025-10, effective June 6, 2025), 'Comprehensive Sign Plan' line item under Planning and Zoning/Engineering fees |
Fire Sprinkler & Fire Alarm Permit
VerifiedCarefree contracts its fire protection service to Rural Metro Fire (a 10-year agreement renewed by the Town Council on April 7, 2026, extending through 2037) rather than operating its own department; the Town's own Fire Marshal function is staffed by Rural Metro personnel (Fire Marshal Ken Diamond; Deputy Fire Marshal Ryan Wick). Carefree's building code goes beyond the base 2018 International Fire Code (IFC): an automatic fire sprinkler system is mandatory for ALL new single-family residences, all new detached structures, and all new commercial projects — not just the occupancy types the unamended IFC/IRC would require. Fire alarm/detection systems are governed by the 2018 IFC as locally adopted. For both system types, plan approval must first be obtained from Rural Metro Fire before the Town of Carefree will issue the underlying building permit.
Verified 2026-07-23 · Source
Requirements
- An automatic fire sprinkler system is mandatory for all new single-family residences, all new detached structures, and all new commercial projects in Carefree — stricter than the unamended IRC/IFC's occupancy/size-based sprinkler thresholds (Carefree Town Code Chapter 10, Article 10-1, effective January 24, 2023)
- The same full-sprinkler-conformance trigger applies to additions, alterations, or repairs that cumulatively exceed 50% of an existing building's value within a 12-month period
- Applicants must obtain fire sprinkler (and, where applicable, fire alarm/detection system) plan approval from Rural Metro Fire — the Town's contracted fire protection provider — and submit that approval to the Town of Carefree before the Town will issue the building permit
- Fire alarm and detection systems are governed by the 2018 International Fire Code (IFC) as adopted and amended by the Town, effective January 24, 2023
- Fire protection/suppression system permits (covering both sprinkler and alarm/detection systems) are billed per Table 1-E of the Town's fee schedule — a distinct valuation table from the general Table 1-A used for building/electrical/plumbing/mechanical permits — referenced in Carefree Town Code Section 10-1-2(A) (IBC Sections 109.3 and 109.7 amendments)
- The plan-review fee for a fire protection/suppression system permit is 65% of that permit's Table 1-E fee
- A separate 35% Fire-Code-compliance plan review surcharge (added to the standard 65% plan review fee on OTHER, non-fire-system building permits) is expressly NOT charged on dedicated fire detection/suppression system permits, since those are already priced directly under Table 1-E
- All applications are submitted through the Town's online Permit & License Portal — in-person submittal was discontinued town-wide effective September 4, 2025
Required documents
- RequiredFire Sprinkler and/or Fire Alarm System Plans (stamped)Engineered plans for the fire suppression and/or detection system, submitted for Rural Metro Fire plan review and approval
- RequiredRural Metro Fire Plan Approval / AuthorizationWritten approval from Rural Metro Fire's Fire Marshal's office, which must be obtained and submitted to the Town of Carefree before the Town will issue the building permit for the sprinkler/alarm system
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationSubmitted through the Town's Permit & License Portal (twn-carefree-az.smartgovcommunity.com)
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Protection/Suppression Permit Fee — Based on Valuation (Table 1-E) | Governed by Table 1-E, Section A/B of the Town's fee schedule — specific dollar figures not located in any publicly available source as of 2026-07-23 | Carefree Town Code Section 10-1-2(A) (IBC Sections 109.3/109.7 amendments) directs fire protection/suppression permit fees to 'Table 1-E' — distinct from Table 1-A, which governs general building/electrical/plumbing/mechanical permits and IS fully published. Table 1-E's actual figures were chased through: (1) the Town's live Comprehensive Fee Schedule PDF (Resolution #2025-10, effective June 6, 2025, which reproduces Table 1-A in full but does not include a Table 1-E exhibit); (2) the standalone 'Chapter 10 Building' PDF attachment linked from the Town's Building Department page; (3) the codified Zoning/Building ordinance text on American Legal Publishing's code library; and (4) Rural Metro Fire's own website (rmfcentral.org) and a general web search for any published Rural Metro/Carefree fire plan-review fee schedule. None reproduced Table 1-E. Contact the Carefree Building Department (480-488-3686) or Rural Metro Fire's Fire Marshal's office directly for the current figures before budgeting. |
| Fire Systems Plan Review Fee | 65% of the Fire Protection/Suppression Permit Fee (Table 1-E, Section A) | Carefree Town Code Section 10-1-2(A) (IBC Section 109.7 amendment); base Table 1-E amount not published as of 2026-07-23 (see note above) |
Certificate of Occupancy (Change of Use / New Tenant Occupancy)
VerifiedCarefree does not publish a standalone 'Change of Use Permit.' A change in commercial use, a new tenant, or a business relocating within Town is instead processed through the Town's Certificate of Occupancy (COO) requirement, paired with a Zoning Clearance check and a Building Safety Inspection administered through the Business License process. A COO is a one-time requirement per building UNLESS the business relocates to a different building within Town, in which case a new COO must be obtained for the new address — this relocation/new-occupancy trigger is Carefree's functional equivalent of a change-of-use review.
Verified 2026-07-23 · Source
Requirements
- A Certificate of Occupancy (COO) is required before opening or occupying any brick-and-mortar business location in Carefree, under the 2018 International Building Code (IBC) Section 111 as adopted by the Town (Chapter 10, Article 10-1)
- The COO is a one-time requirement per building unless the business relocates to a different building within the Town, in which case a new COO must be obtained for the new location — the Town's own Business License Process page states this explicitly
- A Zoning Clearance (Zoning Ordinance Section 3.11) confirming the proposed use complies with the applicable zoning district's permitted-use table is required before any change to an existing building, including a change of occupancy/use, will be approved
- For brick-and-mortar businesses, a Building Safety Inspection must be requested and paid for through the Permit & License Portal after the business license application is submitted; the COO is issued jointly with the business license once the inspection passes
- If the tenant space carries a legal nonconforming use, it cannot be changed to a different nonconforming use (Zoning Ordinance Section 11.02); a nonconforming use that sits vacant/discontinued for more than 6 months permanently loses its nonconforming status and the space must convert to a fully conforming use
- Temporary, partial, or conditional Certificates of Occupancy are available at the same fee as a standard COO, collected prior to the associated inspection rather than at issuance (Carefree Town Code Section 10-1-2(A), Item 9)
- All business license and COO applications are submitted through the Town's online Permit & License Portal — in-person submittal was discontinued town-wide effective September 4, 2025
Required documents
- RequiredBusiness License ApplicationSubmitted through the Town's Permit & License Portal (twn-carefree-az.smartgovcommunity.com); required for all brick-and-mortar businesses, contractors, and Farmers Market vendors
- RequiredBuilding Safety Inspection RequestRequested and paid for through the Permit & License Portal after the business license application is submitted; brick-and-mortar businesses only
- RequiredZoning Requirements VerificationSelf-service zoning-compliance check (or confirmation from the Zoning Administrator) that the proposed use is permitted in the property's zoning district, completed before or during the business license application
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Occupancy Permit Fee (non-R-3 uses) | $50.00 per building or 'shell' plus $25.00 for each additional non-residential tenant improvement | Carefree Town Code Section 10-1-2(A), Item 8, per the Town's Comprehensive Fee Schedule (Resolution #2025-10, effective June 6, 2025); collected at time of permit issuance |
| Certificate of Occupancy Permit Fee (R-3 single-family) | $25.00 per building | Carefree Town Code Section 10-1-2(A), Item 8 |
| Temporary, Partial, or Conditional Certificate of Occupancy | Same as the standard Certificate of Occupancy fee above | Carefree Town Code Section 10-1-2(A), Item 9; collected prior to the conducting inspection rather than at issuance |
| Building Safety Inspection (Business License / COO process) | $100.00 | Per the Town's live Business Licenses webpage (carefree.org/page/business-licenses) as of 2026-07-23. This figure comes from the Town's current Permit & License Portal-era process guidance and was not found reconciled with the $50/$25-per-tenant-improvement Certificate of Occupancy fee in the June 2025 Comprehensive Fee Schedule (Resolution #2025-10) — both are real, currently published Town figures, but it is not clear from public sources whether the $100 inspection fee is charged in addition to, or in place of, the Item 8 Certificate of Occupancy fee. Confirm the current total cost with the Building Department (480-488-3686) before budgeting. |
| Business License Fee | $50.00 flat, annual | Town of Carefree Business Licenses webpage / Comprehensive Fee Schedule (Resolution #2025-10); valid July 1 through June 30 of the following year |
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-13.
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.