You are viewing the permanent link for the record currently in effect, published 2026-07-06.
Lake Havasu City building permits
VerifiedLake Havasu City, 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 (e.g., A.R.S. Title 9 for municipalities). Lake Havasu City independently adopts and administers its own construction codes through its Development Services Department / Building Division; it does not defer permitting to Mohave County. Source: Lake Havasu City Building Permits page (lhcaz.gov/229/Building-Permits) and Lake Havasu City Code Chapter 12.08 (Building Codes), codelibrary.amlegal.com.2024 International Building Code (IBC), adopted by Ordinance No. 25-1370 with Lake Havasu City local amendments (Exhibit A), effective February 1, 2026, replacing the prior 2018 edition. Source: Lake Havasu City Amendments to the 2024 Edition of the International Building Code (Exhibit A, Ordinance No. 25-1370).2024 International Residential Code (IRC), adopted by Ordinance No. 25-1370 with Lake Havasu City local amendments (Exhibit B), effective February 1, 2026. Source: Lake Havasu City Amendments to the 2024 Edition of the International Residential Code (Exhibit B, Ordinance No. 25-1370).2024 International Mechanical Code (IMC), adopted by Ordinance No. 25-1370 with Lake Havasu City local amendments (Exhibit C), effective February 1, 2026. Source: Lake Havasu City Amendments to the 2024 Edition of the International Mechanical Code (Exhibit C, Ordinance No. 25-1370).2024 International Plumbing Code (IPC), adopted by Ordinance No. 25-1370 with Lake Havasu City local amendments (Exhibit E), effective February 1, 2026. Source: Lake Havasu City Amendments to the 2024 Edition of the International Plumbing Code (Exhibit E, Ordinance No. 25-1370).2024 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), adopted by Ordinance No. 25-1370 with Lake Havasu City local amendments, effective February 1, 2026. Source: 2024 Code Letter to Contractors (rev. 09-08-2025), which lists the IFGC among the codes adopted with the 2024 suite; document list on lhcaz.gov/development-permitting/building includes 'Amendments To 2024 Intl Fuel Gas Code'.2024 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC), adopted with the 2024 code suite effective February 1, 2026. Source: 2024 Code Letter to Contractors (rev. 09-08-2025); 'Amendments To 2024 Intl Property Maint Code' document on lhcaz.gov.2024 International Existing Building Code (IEBC), adopted with Lake Havasu City local amendments. Source: 'Amendments To 2024 Intl Existing Building Code' document, lhcaz.gov/development-permitting/building, and Lake Havasu City Code § 12.08.085 (International Existing Building Code), codelibrary.amlegal.com.2023 National Electrical Code (NEC), adopted by Ordinance No. 25-1370 with Lake Havasu City local amendments (Exhibit F), effective February 1, 2026 (one edition behind the 2024 ICC suite, consistent with the NEC's own 3-year cycle). Source: Lake Havasu City Amendments to the 2023 Edition of the National Electrical Code (Exhibit F, Ordinance No. 25-1370).2024 International Fire Code (IFC), adopted by Ordinance No. 25-1371, amending City Code Chapter 12.12.010 (Adoption of International Fire Code); administered by the Lake Havasu City Fire Department / Fire Marshal's office. Source: Lake Havasu City Legistar record (File ID 25-4963/ordinance 25-1371) and Lake Havasu City Code Chapter 12.12 (International Fire Code), codelibrary.amlegal.com.Transition/effective-date rule: the 2024 Codes and 2023 NEC took effect February 1, 2026 and apply to applications submitted on or after that date; they do NOT affect permits already submitted, in review, or under construction. Standard Plans previously approved under the 2018 Codes remain valid through August 1, 2026 (180 days from the new code effective date) and may be updated via an abbreviated cover-sheet process rather than a full plan resubmittal. Commercial/residential projects already in design under the 2018 Codes were allowed to submit under the 2018 Codes up to May 1, 2026 (90 days after the effective date). Source: Lake Havasu City 2024 Building Code Implementation Standards (rev. 09-23-2025).Manufactured/mobile homes are addressed via a dedicated Mobile/Manufactured Home Building Permit Application, separate from the standard residential building permit track. Source: Lake Havasu City 'Mobile - Manufactured Home Building Permit Application' (lhcaz.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1153).Building permit and plan-review fees are NOT set as flat dollar amounts within the adopted ICC codes themselves — the Master Fee Schedule (Development and Right-of-Way Services, Service Nos. S-033/S-034) states plan-check and permit fees for new buildings, additions, pools, and retaining walls are valuation-based, per 'Fee Schedule in Uniform Building Code' (i.e., the standard published ICC/Building Standards construction-cost valuation table), with a plan-check deposit/retainer of 5% of value collected up front and applied toward the actual cost. Separate itemized flat plan-review retainer fees by structure type are published in the Building Permit Retainers/Fees handout. Source: City of Lake Havasu City Master Fee Schedule (effective 02-01-2026, Rev. 12/10/2025) and Building Permit Retainers/Fees handout (Development Services Department, rev. 01/03/22).
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit (Single-Family Dwelling / New Construction)
VerifiedRequired for new single-family dwelling and duplex construction in Lake Havasu City. Reviewed against the 2024 IRC and City local amendments (Exhibit B, Ordinance No. 25-1370), effective for submittals on/after February 1, 2026. Applications are submitted through the MaintStar Customer Self Service online portal or in person at the Development Services Department.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required for new single-family dwelling and duplex construction within Lake Havasu City limits
- Plans must comply with the 2024 IRC and City amendments, including the replaced Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria (99 mph ultimate wind design speed / 78 mph ASD, no topographic effects; negligible weathering/frost/termite; 39°F winter design temperature) and Seismic Design Category D per ASCE 7-22 as identified in the City's 2024 Code Letter to Contractors
- Site plan required showing house location, setbacks, accessory structures, septic tank/leach line locations (if applicable), retaining/block walls, driveway location and dimensions, finish floor elevations, and utility easements
- Full plan set required per the Residential Single Family Dwelling Unit checklist: foundation plan, floor plan, typical wall cross-section, electrical plan, roof framing plan (with Arizona-registrant-sealed truss calculations, seal dated within 1 year of submittal), and a minimum of 4 exterior elevation views
- Completeness review (verifying the submittal is complete before plan review begins) takes 7-10 business days; the formal plan-review clock does not start until the submittal is verified complete
- Submittal via the MaintStar Customer Self Service online portal (h2.maintstar.co/lakehavasu/Portal) or at the Development Services Department front counter, 2330 McCulloch Blvd N
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding/Driveway/Grading/Fire/Water Meter Permit ApplicationLake Havasu City combined permit application form, submitted via the MaintStar portal or in person
- RequiredResidential Single Family Dwelling Unit Plan Requirements Checklist (rev. 01-14-2021)City of Lake Havasu City submittal checklist covering site plan, foundation plan, floor plan, wall cross-section, electrical plan, roof framing plan, and exterior elevations
- RequiredSite/Plot PlanLot dimensions, easements, setbacks, septic (if applicable), and structure locations
- RequiredTruss CalculationsStamped by an Arizona-registered design professional and licensed truss manufacturer, seal dated within 1 year of submittal
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (new single-family dwelling/duplex) — Based on Valuation | Valuation-based per the fee schedule referenced in the Uniform Building Code (standard ICC/Building Standards construction-cost valuation table); no separate City-specific flat dollar table is published | City of Lake Havasu City Master Fee Schedule (effective 02-01-2026, Rev. 12/10/2025), Service No. S-034, Building Permitting and Inspection Process: 'Permit fees for new buildings, additions, pools, and retaining walls are based on the valuation (total construction costs) of the buildings or structures... See Fee Schedule in Uniform Building Code' |
| Building Plan Check/Retainer Fee (deposit) | Deposit of 5% of valuation, applied toward the actual plan-check cost | City of Lake Havasu City Master Fee Schedule, Service No. S-033, Building Plan Check/Retainer Fees |
| Single Family Dwelling Plan-Review Retainer, by dwelling area | $450 (up to 1,200 sq ft); $500 (1,201-1,400 sq ft); $550 (1,401-1,600 sq ft); $650 or as determined by the Building Official (over 1,600 sq ft) | City of Lake Havasu City Building Permit Retainers/Fees handout (Development Services Department, rev. 01/03/22); retainer fees are non-refundable unless the application is withdrawn prior to commencement of plan check |
| Subsequent Standard Plan Submittal (Single Family Dwelling) | $100 | City of Lake Havasu City Building Permit Retainers/Fees handout |
| Duplex Plan-Review Retainer | $750 (all duplexes); $200 for subsequent standard plan submittal | City of Lake Havasu City Building Permit Retainers/Fees handout |
Residential Addition / Remodel / Garage / Patio Cover Permit
VerifiedRequired for room additions, remodels, garages/sheds, and patio covers/carports on existing one- and two-family dwellings in Lake Havasu City. Reviewed against the 2024 IRC as adopted and amended (Exhibit B, Ordinance No. 25-1370).
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required for room additions, remodels, garages/sheds, and patio covers/carports
- One-story detached accessory structures up to 200 sq ft do not require a permit (IRC R105.2(1) amendment), but zoning/setback rules still apply
- Residential Additions, Room Additions and Detached Structures Checklist applies; separate handouts exist for Garage/Additions, Garage/RV, Ledger Design, Outdoor Seasonal Room, and Patio (Attached Covered Patio / Patio Conversion to Living Area)
- Plans must comply with City Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria (99 mph ultimate wind design, Seismic Design Category D) and the City's Brace Wall Policy for wall bracing
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationSubmitted via the MaintStar Customer Self Service portal or in person at the Development Services Department front counter
- RequiredResidential Additions, Room Additions and Detached Structures ChecklistCity of Lake Havasu City submittal checklist for additions, room additions, and detached structures
- RequiredSite/Plot PlanShowing existing structure, addition/accessory-structure footprint, and setbacks
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Addition Plan-Review Retainer, by added dwelling area | $100 (up to 1,200 sq ft); $500 (1,201-1,400 sq ft); $550 (1,401-1,600 sq ft); $650 or as determined by the Building Official (over 1,600 sq ft); $50 for subsequent standard plan submittal | City of Lake Havasu City Building Permit Retainers/Fees handout (rev. 01/03/22) |
| Garages / Sheds Plan-Review Retainer, by area | $50 (up to 600 sq ft); $180 (601-1,000 sq ft); $270 (1,001-1,400 sq ft); $340 (over 1,400 sq ft); $75 for subsequent standard plan submittal | City of Lake Havasu City Building Permit Retainers/Fees handout |
| Patio Covers / Carports Plan-Review Retainer, by area | $60 (up to 500 sq ft); $120 (over 500 sq ft); $50 for subsequent standard plan submittal | City of Lake Havasu City Building Permit Retainers/Fees handout |
| Garage/Patio Conversion or Patio Enclosure — Miscellaneous Plan-Review Retainer | $50 | City of Lake Havasu City Building Permit Retainers/Fees handout, Miscellaneous section |
| Building Permit Fee — Based on Valuation | Valuation-based per the fee schedule referenced in the Uniform Building Code | City of Lake Havasu City Master Fee Schedule, Service No. S-034 (additions are explicitly listed as valuation-based, alongside new buildings, pools, and retaining walls) |
Electrical Permit
VerifiedRequired for electrical installation, alteration, or repair work in Lake Havasu City, governed by the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) as adopted and amended (Exhibit F, Ordinance No. 25-1370). All buildings are classified Residential or Commercial for code-application purposes.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Electrical permit required for panel work, service changes, new circuits, and other hard-wired electrical work in buildings classified Residential (one- and two-family dwellings, and multi-family Types III/IV/V construction) or Commercial (all other buildings, including hotels/motels/inns) per NEC Article 90.10/100 amendment
- Governed by the 2023 NEC as adopted by Lake Havasu City; service disconnecting means must be installed outside the building at a readily accessible location nearest the point of entrance of service conductors, with specific exceptions for electrical equipment rooms in commercial/industrial buildings (2-hour fire barrier, dedicated exterior access door, lock box) per NEC 225.31/230.70(A)(1) amendments
- All services supplying one- and two-family dwellings require a surge-protection device (SPD) per NEC Section E3606.5
- GFCI protection required up to 250 volts (extended from 125 volts) and tamper-resistant receptacle requirements apply broadly across residential and specified commercial/institutional occupancies
- Apply via the MaintStar Customer Self Service online portal or Development Services Department front counter
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding/Electrical Permit ApplicationSubmitted via the MaintStar CSS portal or in person
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Permit — Based on Valuation / Fee Schedule | Valuation-based or per applicable flat retainer, consistent with the City's Uniform Building Code fee-schedule reference (Master Fee Schedule, Service Nos. S-033/S-034) | No dedicated, separately itemized electrical-only flat fee table was found published on lhcaz.gov distinct from the general building valuation fee structure; electrical work performed as part of a larger permitted project (e.g., new dwelling, addition) is covered under that project's valuation-based building permit fee. A stand-alone electrical-only permit (e.g., panel upgrade) is billed via the same Development Services fee structure referenced in Service No. S-034. |
Plumbing Permit
VerifiedRequired for plumbing installation, alteration, or repair work in Lake Havasu City, governed by the 2024 International Plumbing Code (IPC) as adopted and amended (Exhibit E, Ordinance No. 25-1370).
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Plumbing permit required for installation, alteration, or repair of plumbing systems, fixtures, water heaters, and building sewers
- Governed by the 2024 IPC as adopted by Lake Havasu City; building sewers must be tested by plugging the sewer at its connection points and filling with water to a minimum 10-foot head (IPC 312.7 amendment)
- Replacement of an existing water heater that does not change location, increase ampacity, or convert to fuel gas is exempt from a permit (IRC R105.2 Plumbing(3) amendment) — any water heater replacement that does change these factors requires a permit
- Backwater valves must be flapper type complying with ASME A112.14.1, CSA B181.1, or CSA B181.2 (IPC 714.2 amendment)
- Apply via the MaintStar Customer Self Service online portal or Development Services Department front counter
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding/Plumbing Permit ApplicationSubmitted via the MaintStar CSS portal or in person
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plumbing Permit — Based on Valuation / Fee Schedule | Valuation-based or per applicable flat retainer, consistent with the City's Uniform Building Code fee-schedule reference (Master Fee Schedule, Service Nos. S-033/S-034) | No dedicated, separately itemized plumbing-only flat fee table (e.g., a specific per-water-heater dollar figure) was found published on lhcaz.gov; plumbing work is billed via the same Development Services fee structure referenced in Service No. S-034, or is exempt from permitting entirely for like-for-like water heater replacement per the IRC R105.2 Plumbing(3) amendment. |
Mechanical / HVAC Permit
VerifiedRequired for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning installations in Lake Havasu City, governed by the 2024 International Mechanical Code (IMC) as adopted and amended (Exhibit C, Ordinance No. 25-1370).
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Mechanical permit required for installation, replacement, or relocation of HVAC equipment and ventilation systems
- Governed by the 2024 IMC as adopted by Lake Havasu City
- Replacement of an existing HVAC unit that does not increase unit size, capacity, location, or ampacity is exempt from a permit (IRC R105.2 Mechanical(9) amendment) — any replacement that increases these factors requires a permit
- Equipment/appliances on roofs or elevated structures require a roof-hatch ladder with a compliant top landing (IMC 306.5 amendment, new in the 2024 cycle)
- Apply via the MaintStar Customer Self Service online portal or Development Services Department front counter
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding/Mechanical Permit ApplicationSubmitted via the MaintStar CSS portal or in person
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical/HVAC Permit — Based on Valuation / Fee Schedule | Valuation-based or per applicable flat retainer, consistent with the City's Uniform Building Code fee-schedule reference (Master Fee Schedule, Service Nos. S-033/S-034) | No dedicated, separately itemized flat AC/HVAC-unit-replacement fee (of the kind some other Arizona cities publish) was found on lhcaz.gov; mechanical work is billed via the same Development Services fee structure referenced in Service No. S-034, or is exempt entirely for a qualifying like-for-like HVAC unit replacement per the IRC R105.2 Mechanical(9) amendment. |
Re-Roofing Permit
VerifiedRequired for residential and commercial re-roofing in Lake Havasu City when not covered by the City's percentage-based in-kind-reroof exemption. Governed by the 2024 IRC/IBC roofing provisions as locally amended.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required for re-roofing except the narrow exemption: in-kind reroofing where the roof sheathing removed and replaced does not exceed 25% of the total roof area (IRC R105.2(11) amendment) — a percentage-of-sheathing-area test, not a material-match test
- Roof sheathing fastening must comply with the amended Table 602.3(1), which the City's 2024 Code Letter to Contractors flags as a new requirement: roof sheathing must be fastened 6 inches on-center at intermediate supports
- Re-roofs exceeding the 25% in-kind threshold, or involving a material/system change, require a full building permit and plan submittal
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Re-Roofing)Submitted via the MaintStar CSS portal or in person
- RequiredRoof plan/material listingExisting framing, square footage, existing/proposed material and weight, sheathing fastening schedule, flashing, underlayment, and roof slope classification
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Re-Roofing Permit — Based on Valuation / Fee Schedule | Valuation-based, consistent with the City's Uniform Building Code fee-schedule reference (Master Fee Schedule, Service Nos. S-033/S-034) | No dedicated, separately itemized flat re-roofing fee was found published on lhcaz.gov distinct from the general building valuation fee structure referenced in Service No. S-034; a qualifying in-kind reroof at or under the 25%-of-sheathing-area threshold is exempt from permitting entirely. |
Residential Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit
VerifiedRequired for installation of rooftop residential solar photovoltaic systems in Lake Havasu City. Governed by the City's dedicated PV Utility-Interactive Systems Plan Submittal Checklist (rev. 05-04-2022) and the 2023 NEC as adopted and amended (Exhibit F, Ordinance No. 25-1370).
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Photovoltaic disconnecting means must be installed at a readily accessible location outside the building or structure, nearest the point of entrance of the system conductors (NEC 690.13(A)(1) amendment)
- Roof plan showing panel locations and existing roof height required (most zoning classifications cap roof-mounted additions at 15 ft max height)
- Structural calculations and drawings sealed by an Arizona-licensed engineer required, showing connection of pre-manufactured module frames to the existing roof structure
- Manufacturer specifications required for modules (short-circuit current Isc, open-circuit voltage Voc, maximum power Pmax) and inverter (maximum AC power output, disconnect info, ground-fault protection device)
- Complete wiring diagram required: number of modules/strings, conductor/conduit sizing at each stage (string to combiner, combiner to inverter, inverter to back-feed breaker), DC system grounding per NEC 250.166 and 690.47(c), and location of main service/inverter/PV output meter
- A Unisource Electric Letter of Approval is required at time of permit submittal
- Electrical load calculations for the dwelling are required when de-rating the main service panel
Required documents
- RequiredPV Utility-Interactive Systems Plan Submittal Checklist (rev. 05-04-2022)City of Lake Havasu City checklist covering mounting, module/inverter specifications, wiring diagram, and general sizing requirements
- RequiredPV System (Solar) Plan Submittal RequirementsAdditional City reference document for PV plan submittals
- RequiredUnisource Electric Letter of ApprovalRequired at time of permit submittal
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Photovoltaic System Permit — Based on Valuation / Fee Schedule | Valuation-based, consistent with the City's Uniform Building Code fee-schedule reference (Master Fee Schedule, Service Nos. S-033/S-034) | No dedicated, separately itemized flat PV permit fee (distinct from the general building valuation structure) was found published on lhcaz.gov; PV permits are billed via the same Development Services fee structure referenced in Service No. S-034. |
Demolition Permit
VerifiedRequired for demolition of any residential or commercial structure in Lake Havasu City, billed as a flat miscellaneous permit fee (with surcharge) under the City's Building Permit Retainers/Fees schedule.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required before demolishing a residential or commercial structure within Lake Havasu City limits
- Owner authorization and site information required identifying the structure(s) to be demolished
- All utilities must be terminated/capped before demolition
- Asbestos survey/ADEQ notification (Arizona Department of Environmental Quality Asbestos Form) required prior to demolition where applicable — Lake Havasu City's Building Division publishes an 'ADEQ Asbestos Form' as part of its standard forms library
- Project is not legally complete until an approved final inspection has occurred
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Demolition)Submitted via the MaintStar CSS portal or in person
- RequiredADEQ Asbestos FormArizona Department of Environmental Quality asbestos notification form, published in the City's Building Division forms library
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Demolition Permit (flat fee, includes 1.25% surcharge) | $75.94 | City of Lake Havasu City Building Permit Retainers/Fees handout (Development Services Department, rev. 01/03/22), Miscellaneous section, marked with a 1.25% surcharge asterisk |
EV Charger / EVSE Permit
Electric vehicle charging equipment (EVSE) installation in Lake Havasu City is permitted as an electrical permit under the 2023 NEC as adopted and locally amended (Exhibit F, Ordinance No. 25-1370) — the City has no dedicated EVSE checklist or application analogous to its PV Utility-Interactive Systems Plan Submittal Checklist for solar. No separately itemized EV-charger/EVSE flat fee is published; billing follows the same valuation-based Development Services fee structure (Master Fee Schedule Service Nos. S-033/S-034) used for the City's general Electrical Permit.
Reviewed 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- Electrical permit required for EVSE/EV charger circuit installation, alteration, or repair, per the 2023 NEC as adopted and amended by the City
- Governed by NEC Article 625 (Electric Vehicle Power Transfer System) as incorporated through the City's 2023 NEC adoption; buildings are classified Residential or Commercial per the City's NEC Article 90.10/100 amendment for code-application purposes
- No dedicated EVSE plan-submittal checklist is published by the City (unlike the dedicated PV Utility-Interactive Systems checklist for solar) — submit via the standard Building/Electrical Permit Application
- A licensed Arizona electrical contractor is required unless the work qualifies for an owner-builder exemption on a personal owner-occupied residence
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding/Electrical Permit ApplicationStandard City application used for electrical work, including EVSE circuit installation; no EVSE-specific form is published
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| EV Charger / EVSE Permit — Based on Valuation / Fee Schedule | Valuation-based or per applicable flat retainer, consistent with the City's Uniform Building Code fee-schedule reference (Master Fee Schedule, Service Nos. S-033/S-034) | No dedicated, separately itemized EV-charger/EVSE flat fee (distinct from the general building valuation structure) was found published on lhcaz.gov; EVSE work performed as part of a larger permitted project (e.g., new dwelling, addition) is covered under that project's valuation-based building permit fee. A stand-alone EVSE-only permit is billed via the same Development Services fee structure referenced in Service No. S-034, the same mechanism documented on this file's general Electrical Permit entry. Re-chased 2026-07-20: re-downloaded the current (effective 02-01-2026) Master Fee Schedule via Wayback and directly confirmed Service No. S-033 (Building Plan Check/Retainer Fees) and S-034 (Building Permitting and Inspection Process) both literally read '100% / See Fee Schedule in Uniform Building Code' with no dollar figure embedded in the Master Fee Schedule itself; the live lhcaz.gov PDF URL returns HTTP 404. No standalone UBC valuation table (Table 1-A style) could be located published separately on lhcaz.gov to cite a specific dollar figure. This is a genuine valuation-dependent fee, not an oversight -- no single number governs. |
Residential Pool and Spa Permit
VerifiedRequired for construction of residential swimming pools and spas 18 inches or greater in depth in Lake Havasu City. Governed by the City's Requirements for Residential Pool and Spa Submittal (rev. 01-14-2021) and the amended IBC/IRC pool provisions.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- A swimming pool, spa, or other contained body of water 18 inches or greater in depth requires a building permit; those under 18 inches are exempt (IRC R105.2(7) / IBC 105.2(9) amendment)
- Site plan required showing lot shape, property lines, easements, pool/spa location, width and depth, and estimated project value; Mohave County Health Department approval required if applicable
- Setback rules: pool/spa must be set back from a building footing a distance equal to the pool's depth (or engineered for footing surcharge if closer); minimum 10 ft horizontal separation from overhead electrical service, 5 ft from underground service; minimum 10 ft from the outside face of a retaining wall supporting fill (or engineered self-supporting design if closer); pools within 7 ft of the top of a slope must be engineered self-supporting
- Structural reinforcing steel bonding required for pool/spa/hot tub shells per NEC 680.26(B)(2) amendment (24 in. o.c. each way, connected at four equal points along the perimeter for conductive shells)
- If a gas heater is installed, plans must specify heater BTU rating and gas line size/length from meter to heater (propane gas lines permitted by the Fire Marshal's office)
Required documents
- RequiredRequirements for Residential Pool and Spa Submittal (rev. 01-14-2021)City of Lake Havasu City checklist for site plan and design requirements
- RequiredPool Enclosure PamphletCity reference document on pool barrier/enclosure requirements
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Swimming Pool (with or without Spa) — Miscellaneous Plan-Review Retainer (flat fee) | $50.00 | City of Lake Havasu City Building Permit Retainers/Fees handout (rev. 01/03/22), Miscellaneous section |
| Building Permit Fee — Based on Valuation | Valuation-based per the fee schedule referenced in the Uniform Building Code | City of Lake Havasu City Master Fee Schedule, Service No. S-034 (pools explicitly listed alongside new buildings, additions, and retaining walls as valuation-based) |
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 Lake Havasu City building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.