This is PermitBase’s published record for Cave Creek 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 It has since been superseded — see the current record.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.
Cave Creek building permits
VerifiedCave Creek, Arizona — as published 2026-07-06.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Codes adopted
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit (New Construction)
VerifiedRequired for new single-family and two-family dwelling construction in the Town of Cave Creek. Reviewed against the 2024 IRC (with 2018 IRC Chapter 11 energy provisions) and Town of Cave Creek amendments, effective January 1, 2026. All applications are submitted through the Town's SmartGov Community Platform online portal.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required for new single-family and two-family dwelling construction within Cave Creek town limits
- Plans must comply with the 2024 IRC and Town of Cave Creek amendments, including Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria (105 mph wind; Seismic Design Category B; negligible weathering; 0 frost line depth; moderate-to-heavy termite potential)
- Mandatory residential cooling capable of maintaining 85°F or below in habitable rooms, bathrooms, and toilet rooms (IRC R325.8.2, as amended)
- Site/construction plans (PDF, max. 24" x 36") with structural calcs (if required), truss calcs, and manufacturer's cut sheets must accompany the submittal; drawn to 1/4" = 1' scale (3/16" = 1' may be accepted)
- Plans must indicate yard lines including electric run, water meter/well location and size, sewer/septic location and line size, and gas line/meter location
- Swimming pools and spas are permitted separately and must be notated on the plan if shown
- For properties on Town water supply, plans must show whether a fire hydrant is located within 600 feet of the property with a lineal-foot measurement
- Driveway must meet Town of Cave Creek driveway standards
- Submittal via the Town's SmartGov Community Platform online portal (twn-cavecreek-az.smartgovcommunity.com)
Required documents
- RequiredSingle Family Dwelling Checklist (2024)Town of Cave Creek submittal checklist for single-family residential permits
- RequiredResidential Plan Review Check List (2021 Residential Code, rev. 6/15/2026)Town of Cave Creek Building Department's detailed section-by-section plan review checklist covering general/site plan, foundation, floor plan, elevations, structural, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and energy code (2018 IECC) requirements with IRC section citations
- RequiredSite/Plot PlanLot dimensions, easements, setbacks, yard lines, and structure locations
- RequiredConstruction Drawings and Structural CalculationsTruss calculations and layout required per Town of Cave Creek administrative policy; structural calcs by an Arizona-registered design professional where bracing does not comply with conventional IRC provisions
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — Based on Valuation | $47.74 (valuation $1-$500); $47.74 + $7.23 per additional $100 to $2,000; $140.33 + $20.25 per additional $1,000 to $25,000; $788.44 + $20.25 per additional $1,000 to $50,000; $1,297.67 + $13.02 per additional $1,000 to $100,000; $2,002.20 + $11.57 per additional $1,000 to $500,000; $6,514.38 + $10.13 per additional $1,000 to $1,000,000; $11,297.09 + $7.23 per additional $1,000 above $1,000,000 | Town of Cave Creek Comprehensive Fee Schedule, effective February 1, 2025 (Development Services, Building Permit Fees); new construction valuation is based on the most recently adopted ICC Building Valuation Data (BVD) table |
| Plan Review Fee, Standard | 65% of the permit fee (minimum $50); if the permit is a flat fee, the plan review fee is $0 | Town of Cave Creek Comprehensive Fee Schedule, Plan Review Fees |
| Additional Valuations (Garages/Patios/Decks/Barns/Sun Rooms) | Residential garages $55.50/sq ft; covered decks/patios/carports $21.60/sq ft; uncovered decks $16.60/sq ft; wood barns $23.00/sq ft; metal barns $9.00/sq ft; sun room/Arizona room $100.00/sq ft; mare motel $5.00/sq ft | Town of Cave Creek Comprehensive Fee Schedule, Additional Valuations |
| Additional Plan Reviews (changes, lost plans, or comment sheets) | $123.00 per hour | Town of Cave Creek Comprehensive Fee Schedule |
| Inspections or services with no specifically indicated fee | $150.00 per hour ($150.00 per hour, minimum 2 hours, for inspections outside normal building hours) | Town of Cave Creek Comprehensive Fee Schedule, Inspection Fees |
| Reinspection (after first and one subsequent failed inspection) | $100.00 per reinspection | Town of Cave Creek Comprehensive Fee Schedule; requires a 24-hour waiting period after each failed subsequent inspection |
Residential Addition / Remodel Permit
VerifiedRequired for room additions, remodels, and other alterations to existing one- and two-family dwellings in Cave Creek. Reviewed against the 2024 IRC as adopted and amended by the Town, using the same Residential Plan Review Check List as new construction where the addition scope triggers structural, plumbing, mechanical, or electrical review.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required for room additions, remodels, and structural/system alterations to existing one- and two-family dwellings
- One-story detached accessory structures (tool/storage sheds, playhouses) up to 200 sq ft with no electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems do not require a permit
- Uncovered decks up to 200 sq ft, not more than 30 inches above grade, not attached to the dwelling, and not serving a required exit door do not require a permit under the Residential Code
- Additions functioning as stand-alone buildings attached to an existing structure are valued using the Building Valuation Data (BVD) Square Foot Construction Costs table
- Garages, covered patios/decks/carports, and sun rooms are valued at separate per-square-foot rates distinct from the general BVD table
- Plans must comply with Town of Cave Creek Design Criteria (105 mph wind, Seismic Design Category B) and, where applicable, the mandatory 85°F cooling requirement
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationSubmitted via the Town's SmartGov Community Platform online portal
- RequiredResidential Plan Review Check List (2021 Residential Code, rev. 6/15/2026)Applies to the scope of the addition/remodel (structural, plumbing, mechanical, electrical sections as relevant)
- RequiredSite/Plot PlanShowing existing structure, addition footprint, and setbacks
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Additions/Remodel — Based on Valuation | Same valuation-based Building Permit Fee schedule as new construction ($47.74 minimum, sliding scale by valuation) | Town of Cave Creek Comprehensive Fee Schedule, Building Permit Fees; valuation for additions uses the BVD Square Foot Construction Costs table for the relevant occupancy group |
| Residential Garages | $55.50 per square foot | Town of Cave Creek Comprehensive Fee Schedule, Additional Valuations |
| Covered Decks/Patios/Carports | $21.60 per square foot | Town of Cave Creek Comprehensive Fee Schedule, Additional Valuations |
| Uncovered Decks (where a permit is required) | $16.60 per square foot | Town of Cave Creek Comprehensive Fee Schedule, Additional Valuations |
| Sun Room / Arizona Room | $100.00 per square foot | Town of Cave Creek Comprehensive Fee Schedule, Additional Valuations |
| Plan Review Fee, Standard | 65% of the permit fee (minimum $50) | Town of Cave Creek Comprehensive Fee Schedule, Plan Review Fees |
Electrical Permit
VerifiedRequired for electrical installation, alteration, or repair work in Cave Creek, governed by the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC/NFPA 70) as adopted and amended by the Town.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Electrical permit required for panel work, service entrance changes, generators, and other hard-wired electrical work not covered by the Town's limited accessory-structure/fence permit exemptions
- Governed by the 2023 NEC as adopted by the Town of Cave Creek (Town Code § 151.05)
- One-line diagram, panel schedule, and electric load calculations required for new/upgraded electrical service
- Apply via the Town's SmartGov Community Platform online portal
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding/Electrical Permit ApplicationSubmitted via the Town's SmartGov Community Platform online portal
- RequiredElectrical section of the Residential Plan Review Check List (rev. 6/15/2026)Covers panel/sub-panel rating and location, grounding electrode system, AFCI/GFCI protection, receptacle spacing, smoke/CO alarm interconnection, and water heater disconnect requirements
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical work not otherwise separately classified | Based on Valuation — see Building Permit Fee valuation table | Town of Cave Creek Comprehensive Fee Schedule does not list a separate flat 'electrical permit' line item outside of the general valuation-based Building Permit Fee table; electrical scope is priced through the same Building Permit Fee (Table, Development Services) applied to the value of the electrical work performed |
| Plan Review Fee, Standard | 65% of the permit fee (minimum $50); flat-fee permits have $0 plan review fee | Town of Cave Creek Comprehensive Fee Schedule, Plan Review Fees |
Plumbing Permit
VerifiedRequired for plumbing installation, alteration, or repair work in Cave Creek, governed by the International Plumbing Code as adopted and amended by the Town (Ordinance No. 2025-08 text cites the 2025 IPC edition; the Town's Building & Fire Code Compliance summary page separately lists 2024 IPC — the Ordinance is the authoritative source).
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Plumbing permit required for installation, alteration, or repair of plumbing systems, fixtures, water heaters, and gas piping
- Water heaters must be equipped with a temperature and pressure relief valve, terminating 6 inches above finished floor
- Fixture unit calculation required for water service line, water meter, or well service sizing based on the current adopted code
- Water heater change-out, like for like, is billed as a flat fee distinct from general plumbing valuation
- Apply via the Town's SmartGov Community Platform online portal
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding/Plumbing Permit ApplicationSubmitted via the Town's SmartGov Community Platform online portal
- RequiredPlumbing section of the Residential Plan Review Check List (rev. 6/15/2026)Covers fixture unit calculations, gas appliance BTU schematics, water heater relief valves, roof drain sizing, hose bibb backflow preventers, and garage appliance protection
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Water Heater — change out, like for like | $50.00 | Town of Cave Creek Comprehensive Fee Schedule, Other Permit Fees |
| Plumbing work not otherwise separately classified | Based on Valuation — see Building Permit Fee valuation table | Town of Cave Creek Comprehensive Fee Schedule does not list additional dedicated flat-fee plumbing line items beyond the water heater change-out; other plumbing scope is priced through the general valuation-based Building Permit Fee |
| Plan Review Fee, Standard | 65% of the permit fee (minimum $50); flat-fee permits (e.g., water heater change-out) have $0 plan review fee | Town of Cave Creek Comprehensive Fee Schedule, Plan Review Fees |
Mechanical / HVAC Permit
VerifiedRequired for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning installations in Cave Creek, governed by the 2024 International Mechanical Code (IMC) as adopted and amended by the Town. Given the Town's mandatory residential cooling requirement (IRC R325.8.2), HVAC/AC work is a common permit type.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Mechanical permit required for installation, replacement, or relocation of HVAC equipment, furnaces, and ventilation systems
- Governed by the 2024 IMC as adopted by the Town of Cave Creek (Town Code § 151.03)
- Every dwelling is required to maintain cooling capable of 85°F or below in habitable rooms, bathrooms, and toilet rooms per IRC R325.8.2 (as amended)
- Combustion air required for all liquid/solid fuel-burning appliances; clothes dryer exhaust ducts limited to 35 feet with reductions for bends
- Apply via the Town's SmartGov Community Platform online portal
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding/Mechanical Permit ApplicationSubmitted via the Town's SmartGov Community Platform online portal
- RequiredMechanical section of the Residential Plan Review Check List (rev. 6/15/2026)Covers HVAC equipment plan, mechanical ventilation, combustion air, attic appliance access, dryer exhaust duct length, and exhaust hood make-up air
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical/HVAC work not otherwise separately classified | Based on Valuation — see Building Permit Fee valuation table | Town of Cave Creek Comprehensive Fee Schedule does not list a separately itemized flat HVAC/AC-replacement fee line (unlike some neighboring cities) — mechanical scope, including AC unit replacement, is priced through the general valuation-based Building Permit Fee |
| Plan Review Fee, Standard | 65% of the permit fee (minimum $50) | Town of Cave Creek Comprehensive Fee Schedule, Plan Review Fees |
Re-Roofing Permit
VerifiedRequired for residential and commercial re-roofing in Cave Creek, governed by the 2024 IRC/IBC roofing provisions with a Town-added drip-edge requirement (IRC R905.5.6).
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required for re-roofing; the Town's inspection checklist library includes a dedicated 'Re-roof' inspection tutorial
- Drip edge required at eaves and rake edges: adjacent segments must overlap at least 2 inches, extend at least 1/4 inch below roof sheathing and 2 inches onto the roof deck, fastened not less than every 12 inches on center; underlayment installed over the drip edge at eaves and under the drip edge at rakes (IRC R905.5.6, Town amendment)
- A masonry chimney must extend at least 2 feet higher (minimum 3 feet at the roofline) than any portion of the roof within 10 feet
- Attic ventilation calculations required for all concealed attic spaces (required vs. provided net free ventilation area), unless the attic is an unvented assembly fully within the thermal envelope
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Re-Roofing)Submitted via the Town's SmartGov Community Platform online portal
- RequiredRe-roof Inspection Tutorial ChecklistTown of Cave Creek Building & Fire Code Compliance inspection checklist for re-roofing projects
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Roof Replacement, based on valuation | Based on Valuation — see Building Permit Fee valuation table | Town of Cave Creek Comprehensive Fee Schedule does not list a separate dedicated flat re-roofing fee; re-roofing is priced through the general valuation-based Building Permit Fee applied to the reroofing contract value |
| Plan Review Fee, Standard | 65% of the permit fee (minimum $50) | Town of Cave Creek Comprehensive Fee Schedule, Plan Review Fees |
Residential Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit
VerifiedRequired for installation of rooftop residential solar photovoltaic systems in Cave Creek. Governed by the 2023 NEC as adopted and amended by the Town. The Comprehensive Fee Schedule carries a single dedicated flat fee for residential PV, without a separate kW-based tier.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Residential Photovoltaic systems must be installed per the 2023 National Electrical Code as adopted by the Town of Cave Creek
- One-line diagram, panel schedule, and electric load calculations required per the Town's electrical submittal requirements
- Apply via the Town's SmartGov Community Platform online portal
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding/Electrical Permit Application (Photovoltaic)Submitted via the Town's SmartGov Community Platform online portal
- RequiredSite plan, roof layout, racking layout, and one-line electrical diagramConstruction plan set typical for PV submittals; cut sheets for panels, inverters, and racking
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Photovoltaic (PV) Solar | $307.00 | Town of Cave Creek Comprehensive Fee Schedule, Other Permit Fees — flat fee regardless of system size (no kW-based tiering was found on the published Fee Schedule) |
| Plan Review Fee, Standard | 65% of the permit fee (minimum $50) | Town of Cave Creek Comprehensive Fee Schedule, Plan Review Fees |
Demolition Permit
VerifiedRequired for demolition of any residential or commercial structure in Cave Creek, distinctly fee-classified by structure type on the Town's Comprehensive Fee Schedule.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required before demolishing a residential, accessory, or commercial structure within Cave Creek town limits
- All permits are subject to the Town's uniform work-commencing-before-permit-issuance penalty (an additional fee equal to the permit and plan review fee) if demolition begins before the permit is issued
- Applicants should independently confirm any Maricopa County Air Quality Department (asbestos/NESHAP) clearance requirements, as Cave Creek's own published materials do not detail a county coordination step (see tips)
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Demolition)Submitted via the Town's SmartGov Community Platform online portal
- RequiredSite PlanShowing the structure(s) to be demolished and other existing structures on the parcel
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Demolition — Accessory Structure | $184.00 | Town of Cave Creek Comprehensive Fee Schedule, Demolitions |
| Demolition — Single Family Dwelling | $184.00 | Town of Cave Creek Comprehensive Fee Schedule, Demolitions |
| Demolition — Commercial | $307.00 | Town of Cave Creek Comprehensive Fee Schedule, Demolitions |
| Temporary Trailers (sales/construction) | $554.00 | Town of Cave Creek Comprehensive Fee Schedule, Other Permit Fees (related temporary-structure category) |
| Plan Review Fee, Standard | 65% of the permit fee (minimum $50); flat-fee demolition permits have $0 plan review fee | Town of Cave Creek Comprehensive Fee Schedule, Plan Review Fees |
Fence and Wall Permit
VerifiedFences and walls in Cave Creek are regulated with a limited no-permit exception for shorter fences, and flat permit fees for taller/engineered fences and walls (arena/corral rail, wood/chain-link/wrought iron, masonry/concrete, and retaining walls).
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Fences not over 7 feet high do NOT require a building permit — EXCEPT that ALL pool barrier fences require a permit regardless of height (IBC/IRC 105.2, Town amendment)
- Arena/corral/split-rail/metal-rail fences, wood/chain-link/wrought-iron fences, masonry/concrete fences, and retaining walls exceeding the exemption threshold each carry the same flat Town permit fee
- Retaining walls require structural calculations where engineering is triggered by height/loading
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Fence/Wall)Submitted via the Town's SmartGov Community Platform online portal
- RequiredSite PlanShowing fence/wall location relative to property lines and setbacks
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fences/Walls — Arena/Corral/Split Rail/Metal Rail | $184.00 | Town of Cave Creek Comprehensive Fee Schedule, Other Permit Fees |
| Fences/Walls — Wood/Chain Link/Wrought Iron | $184.00 | Town of Cave Creek Comprehensive Fee Schedule, Other Permit Fees |
| Fences/Walls — Masonry/Concrete | $184.00 | Town of Cave Creek Comprehensive Fee Schedule, Other Permit Fees |
| Retaining Wall | $184.00 | Town of Cave Creek Comprehensive Fee Schedule, Other Permit Fees |
| Plan Review Fee, Standard | 65% of the permit fee (minimum $50); flat-fee fence/wall permits have $0 plan review fee | Town of Cave Creek Comprehensive Fee Schedule, Plan Review Fees |
Swimming Pool / Spa Permit
VerifiedRequired for all swimming pools, spas, and hot tubs in Cave Creek, always issued SEPARATELY from a building permit and governed by the 2024 International Pool and Spa Code. Pool barrier enclosures must independently comply with A.R.S. § 36-1681.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Swimming pools and spas are permitted separately from any concurrent building permit — must be notated on building plans if shown, but reviewed/permitted independently
- Governed by the 2024 International Pool and Spa Code as adopted by the Town of Cave Creek (Town Code § 151.11)
- Pool, spa, and hot tub enclosures/barriers must comply with A.R.S. § 36-1681 (Arizona's statutory pool barrier law)
- Fee varies depending on whether engineering standards are already on file with the Town for the specific pool design, or above-ground vs. in-ground
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Pool/Spa)Submitted via the Town's SmartGov Community Platform online portal
- RequiredPool/Spa Plans and Barrier Compliance DocumentationSite plan showing pool/spa location, barrier fencing, and compliance with A.R.S. § 36-1681
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pools/Spas — Above Ground | $184.00 | Town of Cave Creek Comprehensive Fee Schedule, Other Permit Fees |
| Pools — With Standards on File | $615.00 | Town of Cave Creek Comprehensive Fee Schedule, Other Permit Fees |
| Pools — With No Standards on File | $739.00 | Town of Cave Creek Comprehensive Fee Schedule, Other Permit Fees |
| Fountains/Ponds | $184.00 | Town of Cave Creek Comprehensive Fee Schedule, Other Permit Fees |
| Zoning Clearance — Pools | $369.00 | Town of Cave Creek Comprehensive Fee Schedule, Development Services (separate zoning clearance fee in addition to the building permit fee) |
| Plan Review Fee, Standard | 65% of the permit fee (minimum $50); flat-fee pool permits have $0 plan review fee | Town of Cave Creek Comprehensive Fee Schedule, Plan Review Fees |
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 Cave Creek building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.