Bullhead City building permits

Requirements

• Building permit required for new single-family dwelling construction within Bullhead City limits
• Plans must comply with the 2018 IRC and City design criteria: 115 mph ultimate design wind speed (90 mph basic, Exposure C), Seismic Design Category B, 39°F winter design temperature, moderate-to-heavy termite potential, 0 ground snow load, 2 in/hr 100-year 1-hour rainfall
• Construction documents prepared per the City's Single Family Dwelling Handout submittal checklist
• Owner-Builder applicants must complete a separate 'Declaration of Intent' form; otherwise a licensed Arizona contractor with a valid AZ Contractors License Number, AZ Transaction Privilege Number, and City of Bullhead City Business License Number must be listed on the Permit Application
• Permit Application Packet submitted in person or by mail to the Building Division at City Hall, 2355 Trane Road, Bullhead City, AZ 86442
• Subject to the City's A.R.S. § 9-835 review timeframe: 15 working days Administrative Completeness Review, then 45 working days Substantive Review (60 working days combined)

Required documents

• RequiredPermit Application (rev. 09/2022)City of Bullhead City general Permit Application, including ARS §9-834 licensing-decision disclosure and ARS §9-495 communication-response disclosure printed on the form itself
• RequiredSingle Family Dwelling HandoutCity of Bullhead City submittal checklist for new single-family dwelling construction
• RequiredSite/Plot PlanLot dimensions, easements, setbacks, and structure locations, per Mohave County APN and legal description fields on the Permit Application
• RequiredConstruction DrawingsFull construction document set complying with 2018 IRC and City Design Criteria; Manual J design optional per City criteria sheet
• OptionalDeclaration of Intent for Owner-BuildersRequired only if the applicant is proceeding as an owner-builder rather than through a licensed contractor

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Building permit required for room additions, garage construction, remodels, and similar alterations
• Room Addition Handout and Garage Handout submittal checklists apply depending on scope
• One-story detached accessory structures (sheds/gazebos/playhouses) up to 120 sq ft, at least 6 ft from other structures, with no electrical/mechanical/plumbing systems, are exempt from a building permit (but must still meet zoning setbacks and cannot sit in a recorded easement or FEMA flood zone other than X/shaded-X)
• Decks not more than 30 inches above grade (measured 36 in horizontal from the deck edge), self-supporting, and not supporting a roof are exempt from a permit
• Plans must comply with City of Bullhead City Design Criteria (115 mph ultimate wind speed, Exposure C; Seismic Design Category B)

Required documents

• RequiredPermit Application (rev. 09/2022)Submitted in person or by mail to the Building Division at City Hall
• RequiredRoom Addition HandoutCity of Bullhead City submittal checklist for room additions and remodels
• OptionalGarage HandoutCity of Bullhead City submittal checklist for detached or attached garage construction
• RequiredSite/Plot PlanShowing existing structure, addition footprint, and setbacks

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Electrical permit required for services, panels, receptacle/lighting outlets, power apparatus (motors/generators/transformers), signs, and other hard-wired electrical work
• Governed by the 2017 NEC as adopted by the City (BHCMC Chapter 15.20)
• Minor repairs, lamp replacement, and plugging into approved permanently-installed receptacles are exempt from a permit
• No charge for a permit to install a commercially manufactured electric pet containment fence
• Apply via Permit Application submitted in person or by mail to the Building Division at City Hall

Required documents

• RequiredPermit Application (rev. 09/2022)Submitted in person or by mail to the Building Division
• RequiredResidential Electrical / UniSource Residential Electrical Handout (2018)City of Bullhead City submittal handout for residential electrical scope
• OptionalElectrical Load Calculation (with or without Manufactured Home variant, 2018)Required for service upgrades and new electrical service

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Plumbing permit required for installation, alteration, or repair of plumbing fixtures, water heaters, and gas piping systems
• Governed by the 2018 IPC as adopted by the City (BHCMC Chapter 15.32)
• Stopping leaks that do not require replacing concealed pipe, and clearing stoppages/leaks not requiring valve/pipe/fixture replacement (including water closet removal/reinstallation), are exempt from a permit
• Apply via Permit Application submitted in person or by mail to the Building Division at City Hall

Required documents

• RequiredPermit Application (rev. 09/2022)Submitted in person or by mail to the Building Division
• OptionalDrainage Fixture Unit (REU) Calculation ManualCity of Bullhead City manual-fill worksheet for calculating residential equivalency units (REU) for sewer capacity charge purposes

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Mechanical permit required for installation/relocation of furnaces, boilers, compressors, air-handling units, and ventilation systems
• Governed by the 2018 IMC as adopted by the City (BHCMC Chapter 15.28)
• Portable heating/ventilation/cooling appliances and evaporative coolers, and self-contained refrigeration systems of 10 lbs or less refrigerant (or ≤1 HP motor), are exempt from a permit
• Apply via Permit Application submitted in person or by mail to the Building Division at City Hall

Required documents

• RequiredPermit Application (rev. 09/2022)Submitted in person or by mail to the Building Division

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Building permit required for re-roofing work under the 2018 IBC/IRC as adopted by the City
• Governed by BHCMC Chapters 15.12 (IBC) and 15.14 (IRC)
• Owner-Builder applicants must complete a separate Declaration of Intent form; otherwise a licensed Arizona contractor must be listed on the Permit Application
• Permit Application Packet submitted in person or by mail to the Building Division at City Hall

Required documents

• RequiredPermit Application (rev. 09/2022)Submitted in person or by mail to the Building Division
• RequiredSite/Plot PlanExisting property lines, house footprint, and address information consistent with the Permit Application's legal-description fields

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Electrical permit required for residential PV and wind-driven system installation, reviewed against the 2017 NEC as adopted by the City
• Submittal follows the PV and Wind Driven Systems Handout checklist (construction plans: site plan, roof/mounting layout, racking/attachment details, electrical one-line diagram; cut sheets for panels/inverters/racking)
• Owner-Builder applicants must complete a separate Declaration of Intent form; otherwise a licensed Arizona contractor must be listed on the Permit Application
• Apply via Permit Application submitted in person or by mail to the Building Division at City Hall

Required documents

• RequiredPermit Application (rev. 09/2022)Submitted in person or by mail to the Building Division
• RequiredPV and Wind Driven Systems HandoutCity of Bullhead City submittal checklist and required document package for residential photovoltaic and wind-driven energy systems

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Building permit required before demolishing a residential or commercial structure within Bullhead City limits
• Commercial demolition must follow Arizona Asbestos NESHAP Regulations for Demolition and Renovations — contact ADEQ Air Quality Compliance Section, Asbestos NESHAP Program (1110 W. Washington St., Phoenix, AZ 85007, 602-771-2333)
• Must comply with 2018 IBC Section 3303 (Demolition): pedestrian protection per Section 3306 where work is adjacent to a public way; vacant lots filled and maintained to existing grade; provisions to prevent water accumulation/foundation damage; utility connections discontinued and capped per code; fire safety per IFC Chapter 33
• Permit Application Packet submitted in person or by mail to the Building Division at City Hall

Required documents

• RequiredPermit Application (rev. 09/2022)Submitted in person or by mail to the Building Division
• RequiredCommercial Demolition HandoutCity of Bullhead City requirements sheet for commercial demolition, including ADEQ NESHAP and 2018 IBC Section 3303 compliance items

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Fences not over 6 feet in height located outside of zoning setback areas do NOT require a building permit (City 'Work Exempt From Permits' list)
• Retaining walls outside zoning setback areas, not over 4 feet high (measured bottom of footing to top of wall) and not supporting a surcharge, do NOT require a building permit
• Retaining walls in a recorded Public Utility Easement (PUE) require a City Encroachment permit regardless of height
• Retaining walls that require a permit may use the City's standard detail unless they retain a surcharge, in which case they must be designed by an Arizona-licensed design professional per 2018 IBC Section 1806
• Fences acting as a pool barrier must meet the ICC Swimming Pool and Spa Code requirements as amended by the City regardless of the general fence exemption

Required documents

• RequiredFence and Block Wall HandoutCity of Bullhead City submittal handout for fences and block walls
• RequiredRetaining Wall HandoutCity of Bullhead City submittal handout for retaining walls, including engineering requirements for surcharge-bearing walls
• RequiredPermit Application (rev. 09/2022)Submitted in person or by mail to the Building Division (for permit-required fences/walls) or Planning & Zoning Division (for the Planning Permits for Fences process)

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Building permit required for swimming pools and spas, except prefabricated pools holding less than 18 inches of water and less than 8 feet wide at any point (exempt from a permit)
• Governed by the 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) as adopted by the City (BHCMC Chapter 15.30)
• Pool Barrier Checklist Agreement must be completed and a pool safety handout reviewed per the City's Swimming Pool Handout and Pool Safety Handout
• Pool Heater Worksheet required if a pool/spa heater is included in scope

Required documents

• RequiredSwimming Pool HandoutCity of Bullhead City submittal checklist for swimming pool and spa permits
• RequiredPool Barrier Checklist AgreementCity of Bullhead City pool barrier compliance checklist and signed agreement
• RequiredPool Safety HandoutCity of Bullhead City pool safety information handout
• OptionalPool Heater WorksheetRequired if a pool or spa heater is part of the project scope
• OptionalStorable Pool HandoutApplies specifically to storable/portable pool installations

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Electrical permit required for hard-wired electrical work, per BHCMC Chapter 15.20 (2017 NEC as adopted by the City)
• Minor repairs, lamp replacement, and plugging into an approved permanently-installed receptacle are exempt from a permit — a dedicated EVSE circuit does not qualify for this exemption
• Apply via Permit Application submitted in person or by mail to the Building Division at City Hall
• No EV-charger-specific application form or fee category was found published separately from the general Electrical Permit

Required documents

• RequiredElectrical Permit ApplicationStandard City of Bullhead City electrical permit application, submitted in person or by mail

Fee schedule

Requirements

• A permit is required for installation of a commercial/business sign, submitted per the City's Sign Handout checklist: one completed permit application worksheet, two copies of an 8.5" x 11" site plan, and two complete sets of plans (materials, heights, dimensions, installation details, square footage, text and logos)
• The Planning & Zoning sign permit fee is tiered by sign square footage (Comprehensive Fee Schedule, Section A3.40.022.03)
• Illuminated signs (outline lighting, marquees) additionally require an Electrical Permit for the sign's power hookup, billed under the Building Division's Electrical Permit System Fee Schedule (Section A3.40.021.06)
• Some sign designs require sealed/signed plans from an Arizona Board of Technical Registration-licensed registrant; one submitted plan set must bear the registrant's original signature, the second set can be a copy
• A separate Flood Plain Development permit is required for freestanding signs if the lot is in a FEMA-designated flood zone
• Installation of a sign without a permit incurs a penalty equal to the amount of the fee that would otherwise have applied
• Contractors on projects valued at $50,000 or more must provide an Arizona Department of Revenue Bond Exemption Certificate (or a one-time bond exemption), plus their AZ Registrar of Contractors license number, TPT number, and City of Bullhead City business license number
• Subject to the City's general A.R.S. § 9-835 review timeframe (see 'Building and Zoning Permits Guide'): 15 working days Administrative Completeness Review, then 45 working days Substantive Review (60 working days combined) — no sign-specific expedited timeline was found

Required documents

• RequiredPermit Application (rev. 09/2022)Submitted in person or by mail to the Building Division / Planning & Zoning Division at City Hall
• RequiredSign HandoutCity of Bullhead City submittal checklist for sign installation permits, including plan and contractor-documentation requirements
• RequiredSite PlanTwo copies, minimum 8.5" x 11", showing sign location on the property
• RequiredSign PlansTwo complete sets, minimum 8.5" x 11", fully dimensioned and to scale: materials, heights, dimensions, installation details, square footage, text and logos
• OptionalElectrical PlansRequired only if the sign is illuminated (electrical hookup, outline lighting, or marquee)

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Plans for any new or modified automatic fire sprinkler system, fire pump, fire alarm/monitoring system, commercial cooking suppression system, or special hazard extinguishing system must be submitted to the Bullhead City Fire Department for plan review before installation
• The Fire Department accepts plan reviews by PDF submittal only — via email to planreview@bullheadfire.org or by jump drive delivered by appointment to Fire Administration, Station #7, 2751 Laughlin Ranch Blvd., Bullhead City, AZ 86429
• The Fire Department's own approved Plan Review Application form must be submitted with the plans; payment may be made by cash, check, or credit card (in person or by phone at 928-758-3971)
• Per the Fire Department's 'General Permit Information,' permits for new construction or fire protection systems are obtained through the Bullhead City Building Department, with the Fire Department performing the plan review and charging its own fee
• The standard Fire Department plan review time is 14 days from the date payment is received in that office
• Governed by the International Fire Code as adopted for fire-code administration purposes by the Bullhead City Fire District/Department

Required documents

• RequiredPlan Review ApplicationBullhead City Fire Department's approved Plan Review Application form (updated 2025), submitted together with the system plans as a PDF
• RequiredFire Protection System Construction Plans/Shop DrawingsSprinkler, fire pump, alarm/monitoring, suppression, or special-hazard system plans, submitted as PDF via email or jump drive

Fee schedule

Requirements

• Building permit required for new commercial/multi-family construction, additions, and tenant-improvement/build-out work within Bullhead City limits; reviewed against the 2018 IBC as adopted by the City (BHCMC Chapter 15.12, effective 07/01/2024)
• One completed Permit Application worksheet; two copies of an 8.5"x11" site plan; three complete sets of full-size (minimum 24"x36") plans, per the Commercial and Multi-Family Handout's 'General Requirements for Plan Submittal'
• Structural calculations (two copies) required for areas of unconventional construction, or as required by the Arizona State Board of Technical Registration — the Handout specifically flags commercial/multi-family buildings over two stories, over 3,000 sq ft, intended for occupancy by more than twenty persons, or with spans over 20 feet not achieved by trusses as requiring an Arizona-licensed registrant's seal
• Building plans must show ADA accessibility (parking, signage, accessible route, ramp, entrance, restrooms, etc.) per the Handout's 'Building Plans' section
• Planning & Zoning Plan Check List (Commercial and/or Multiple Family Plan Review) applies in parallel: parking calculations/surfacing/dimensions, landscaping calculations and plant list, screening for outside storage/loading/trash enclosures, signage compliance, and — for parcels zoned C1/C2/C3 within 150 ft of a major/minor arterial street — supplemental exterior building-material standards (at least 33% of visible wall area within that zone must be masonry, stucco, or brick)
• General Contractor must provide an Arizona State Contractor's License Number, Arizona Transaction Privilege Tax (TPT) Number, and City of Bullhead City Business License Number on the Permit Application; for projects valued at $50,000.00 or more, the contractor must also provide an Arizona Department of Revenue Bond Exemption Certificate or a One-Time Bond Exemption
• Owner-Builder applicants must complete a separate 'Declaration of Intent' form
• Prior to City permit issuance, the applicant is responsible for obtaining all required non-City agency approvals applicable to the project scope (Bullhead City Fire Department plan review, Mohave County Development Services, Mohave County Environmental Health Department, ADOT, utility providers, etc.), per the Handout's 'Outside Agency Approvals' section and the City's separate 'Outside Agency Approvals' form
• A separate Flood Plain Development Permit is required if the lot is in a FEMA-designated flood zone; separate permits are also required for related work such as signs, fences/screening devices, and driveway/right-of-way approaches
• Subject to the City's A.R.S. § 9-835 review timeframe: the Handout's 'General Information' section directs applicants to the City's 'Building and Zoning Permits' timeline guide, i.e. the same 15-working-day Administrative Completeness Review followed by a 45-working-day Substantive Review (60 working days combined) applied to all City building permits — no separate or expedited commercial-specific timeline was found
• A soil-treatment report from an Arizona-licensed pest control agency, for prevention of termite infestation, is required prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy

Required documents

• RequiredPermit Application (rev. 09/2022)City of Bullhead City general Permit Application; includes distinct Applicant, Property Owner, and Tenant contact-information sections on the same form, used for both new commercial construction and tenant-space projects
• RequiredCommercial and Multi-Family Handout (eff. 07/01/2026)City's combined submittal checklist covering new commercial/multi-family construction and tenant-improvement/build-out plan requirements: title sheet, site plan, grading/drainage plan, off-site improvements, building plans (ADA), foundation plan, floor plan (electrical/mechanical/plumbing layouts), framing plan, structural cross-section, door/window/material schedules, and framing details
• RequiredPlanning & Zoning Plan Check List — Commercial and/or Multiple Family Plan ReviewCity's guideline checklist for the parallel Planning & Zoning review: site plan, parking plan, landscape plan, screening, performance standards (exterior material requirements near arterial streets), and signage
• OptionalStructural CalculationsSealed by an Arizona-licensed registrant; required for unconventional construction or where required by the Arizona State Board of Technical Registration (buildings over two stories, over 3,000 sq ft, occupancy over twenty persons, or spans over 20 feet not achieved by trusses)
• OptionalDrainage Fixture Unit (REU) Calculation and Water Resources Fee Calculation (WRF) FormsRequired if the project includes new plumbing fixtures or landscape irrigation, per the Commercial and Multi-Family Handout
• RequiredOutside Agency Approvals FormCity-published list/form identifying external agencies (BHC Fire Department, Mohave County Development Services, Mohave County Environmental Health Department, ADOT, utility providers, etc.) whose approvals the applicant must separately obtain prior to City permit issuance
• OptionalDeclaration of Intent for Owner-BuildersRequired only if the applicant is proceeding as an owner-builder rather than through a licensed contractor
• OptionalArizona Department of Revenue Bond Exemption Certificate / One-Time Bond ExemptionRequired from the general contractor for projects valued at $50,000.00 or more

Fee schedule

Requirements

• A Certificate of Occupancy (or equivalent Building Division final sign-off) is required before a new or renovated commercial/multifamily building or tenant space may be occupied, per the City's Commercial and Multifamily Handout
• A soil-treatment report from an Arizona-licensed pest control agency, for prevention of termite infestation, is a named prerequisite to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy on commercial/multifamily projects
• Bullhead City's FY2025-2026 Comprehensive Fee Schedule has no separately itemized 'Change of Use Permit' or 'Certificate of Occupancy' fee line item; a change of occupancy classification or tenant that involves construction/alteration work is processed as a standard Building Division commercial permit, billed under the same graduated Valuation Fee table (Section A3.40.021.02) as other building permits, using the Building Official's determined valuation for the applicable occupancy classification and construction type (per the Fee Schedule's own catch-all: 'The Building Official, in accordance with building industry standards, may determine valuations of buildings or structures or other projects not specifically listed')
• A change of tenant, business name, or business location with no construction work is instead processed through the Planning & Zoning Division's Business License application; a 'Change of location' fee applies for businesses relocating within Bullhead City limits, plus a re-inspection cost if a Building/Fire compliance re-inspection of the space is required
• Applications are submitted in person or by mail to the Building Division / Planning & Zoning Division at City Hall, 2355 Trane Road

Required documents

• RequiredPermit Application (rev. 09/2022)Used for the construction-triggered change-of-occupancy scenario, submitted in person or by mail to the Building Division
• RequiredCommercial and Multifamily HandoutCity of Bullhead City submittal checklist for commercial/multifamily construction, including the Certificate of Occupancy prerequisite for a soil-treatment/termite report
• OptionalGeneral Business License ApplicationUsed for a no-construction change of tenant, business name, or business location within the City

Fee schedule