You are viewing the permanent link for the record currently in effect, published 2026-07-13.
Unincorporated Mohave County building permits
VerifiedUnincorporated Mohave County, Arizona — as published 2026-07-13.
Verified 2026-07-23 · Source
Codes adopted
2018 International Building Code (IBC) — adopted by Mohave County Ordinance No. 2021-03 (June 7, 2021), amended through July 15, 2024, for the unincorporated areas of the county per Resolution 2007-249 (adopted May 7, 2007)2018 International Residential Code (IRC) — adopted by Ordinance 2021-03, with Appendices C, E, G, H, J, M, O, P, and Q (Tiny Houses)2018 International Fire Code (IFC) — adopted by Ordinance 2021-032018 International Mechanical Code (IMC) — adopted by Ordinance 2021-032018 International Plumbing Code (IPC) — adopted by Ordinance 2021-032017 National Electrical Code (NEC), N.F.P.A. 70 — adopted by Ordinance 2021-032018 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) — adopted by Ordinance 2021-032018 International Existing Building Code (IEBC) — adopted by Ordinance 2021-03, with Appendix A (Seismic Retrofit Guidelines)2018 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC) — adopted by Ordinance 2021-03, with Appendix A (Boarding Standard)2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) — adopted by Ordinance 2021-03, with Arizona-specific barrier amendments citing A.R.S. § 36-16812018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) — adopted by Ordinance 2021-03; residential energy provisions are NOT taken from IECC but instead from IRC Chapter 11 (RE) Energy Efficiency, 2018 Edition
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit (New Construction, Addition, Accessory Structure)
VerifiedRequired for new single-family dwellings, additions, remodels, and most accessory structures in the unincorporated areas of Mohave County. The Mohave County Development Services Building Division enforces the 2018 IRC/IBC (Ordinance 2021-03) for all unincorporated county land outside the incorporated cities of Kingman, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu City, and Colorado City. An approved septic system is required before any permit involving plumbing is issued.
Verified 2026-07-07 · Source
Requirements
- Required for new single-family dwellings, additions (including manufactured-home additions), and most accessory structures in unincorporated Mohave County
- Two sets of building plans and truss calculations required (three sets if the property is located in 'the Strip' — the detached portion of Mohave County north of the Grand Canyon)
- Plot plan required showing lot dimensions, setbacks, and structure locations
- APPROVED SEPTIC SYSTEM REQUIRED for all projects involving plumbing — contact the Environmental Health/Septic & Well Permitting division separately before applying
- One-story detached accessory structures ≤300 sq ft with no utilities do not require a permit; larger or utility-equipped accessory structures do
- Steel/pre-engineered accessory buildings and garages require two stamped, engineered plan sets (three if in the Strip)
- Non-prescriptive (engineered) construction requires two sets of Arizona-licensed-engineer-stamped plans: one wet-stamped original and one copy
- Apply through the county's online SmartGov portal at co-mohave-az.smartgovcommunity.com or in person at 3250 E. Kino Avenue, Kingman
Required documents
- RequiredResidential Submittal Requirements (PDF)Mohave County Development Services checklist of required plans and documentation for one- and two-family residential permits; available at https://www.mohave.gov/media/24bn0qur/residential-submittal-requirements.pdf
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application Packet (PDF)County-wide building permit application packet; available at https://www.mohave.gov/media/xqso3qrx/application-packet.pdf
- OptionalOwner-Builder Packet (PDF)Required disclosure/registration packet for property owners acting as their own general contractor; available at https://www.mohave.gov/media/uo0js5ru/owner-builder-packet-6_2_24.pdf
- RequiredPlot PlanSite plan showing lot lines, setbacks, existing/proposed structures, and septic system location if applicable
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building permit fee — valuation-based (Ordinance 2018-02 Fee Schedule) | $1–$500: $21.60; $501–$2,000: $21.60 for first $500 + $2.70 per addl $100; $2,001–$25,000: $62.10 for first $2,000 + $12.42 per addl $1,000; $25,001–$50,000: $347.76 for first $25,000 + $8.64 per addl $1,000; $50,001–$100,000: $563.76 for first $50,000 + $6.21 per addl $1,000; $100,001–$500,000: $874.26 for first $100,000 + $4.86 per addl $1,000; $500,001–$1,000,000: $2,818.26 for first $500,000 + $4.32 per addl $1,000; $1,000,000+: $4,978.26 for first $1,000,000 + $2.70 per addl $1,000 | Mohave County Fee Schedule Spreadsheet (Ordinance 2018-02, Rev. 11/01/22). Valuation determined by per-square-foot rates published in the same schedule (e.g., new-construction dwelling $91.50/SF, garage $29.77/SF, additions including manufactured homes $55.80/SF, remodel $20.15/SF) — these are code-mandated valuations for fee purposes, not actual construction costs. |
| Plan review fee — Single Family Residential dwelling and accessory uses | 25% of the building permit fee | Mohave County Fee Schedule (Ordinance 2018-02). Standardized-plan resubmittals: 10% of the permit fee; establishing a new standardized plan: 25% + $100. |
| Automation fee (all permits) | $40.00 flat, charged on every permit | Mohave County Fee Schedule (Ordinance 2018-02) |
| Processing deposit — single-family residence | $500.00 (garages/pools/patios: $100; room additions: $100; block walls: $50) | Deposits for Processing Permit Application, Mohave County Fee Schedule (Ordinance 2018-02) |
| Investigation fee (work started without a permit) | Equal to the full permit fee, charged in addition to the permit fee | Building Ordinance 2021-03, Section 7(A) and Section 6(C)(5) |
Commercial / Non-Residential Building Permit
VerifiedRequired for new commercial, industrial, and multi-family construction, tenant improvements, remodels, and change-of-use projects in the unincorporated areas of Mohave County. Enforced under the 2018 IBC (Ordinance 2021-03). Commercial applicants must show licensed-contractor information and bond-exemption status where applicable.
Verified 2026-07-13 · Source
Requirements
- Required for all new commercial, industrial, and multi-family construction, tenant improvements, remodels, and change-of-occupancy projects in unincorporated Mohave County
- Two sets of plans required (three sets if in the Strip)
- Commercial Submittal Requirements checklist must be followed; site plan must comply with Zoning Ordinance Section 27.P
- Licensed commercial contractor information and bond-exemption details required on the application where applicable
- Commercial demolition requires written property-owner permission
- Change of Use/Occupancy requires building inspection and tenant-improvement permitting even without structural work
- All signs require a permit; plans must show compliance with zoning setbacks and sign specifications; electric signs need an approved disconnect and outlet per 2017 NEC
Required documents
- RequiredCommercial Submittal RequirementsMohave County Development Services checklist for non-residential plan submittals
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application Packet (PDF)County-wide building permit application packet; available at https://www.mohave.gov/media/xqso3qrx/application-packet.pdf
- RequiredSite Plan (per Zoning Ordinance Section 27.P)Site plan application instructions packet; available at https://www.mohave.gov/media/ab0b3cb2/site-plan-application-instructions-packet.pdf
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building permit fee — valuation-based (Ordinance 2018-02 Fee Schedule) | Same graduated Table as residential: $1–$500: $21.60; up to $1,000,000+: $4,978.26 for first $1,000,000 + $2.70 per addl $1,000 | Valuation set by published per-square-foot commercial-use rates (e.g., stores $77.10/SF, offices $103.60/SF, restaurants $123.52/SF, hospitals $192.03/SF, warehouses $46.11/SF) per Ordinance 2018-02 Fee Schedule. |
| Plan review fee — Commercial/Multi-Family and accessory uses | 65% of the building permit fee | Mohave County Fee Schedule (Ordinance 2018-02) |
| Processing deposit — commercial | $1,000 (0–5,000 SF); $2,000 (5,000–50,000 SF); $5,000 (51,000–200,000 SF); $10,000 (over 201,000 SF) | Deposits for Processing Permit Application, Mohave County Fee Schedule (Ordinance 2018-02) |
| Change of Use or Occupancy of an Existing Approved Building | $85.00 flat | Mohave County Fee Schedule, Miscellaneous Permit Fees (Ordinance 2018-02) |
| Automation fee (all permits) | $40.00 flat | Mohave County Fee Schedule (Ordinance 2018-02) |
Electrical Permit
VerifiedRequired for electrical service installations, upgrades, and repairs in unincorporated Mohave County. Governed by the 2017 NEC as adopted by Ordinance 2021-03. Repairs/upgrades to residential services up to 200 amps are processed over the counter; each parcel is limited to one electric meter.
Verified 2026-07-23 · Source
Requirements
- Electrical permit required for new services, upgrades, and most repair work under the 2017 NEC (Ordinance 2021-03)
- Electric meter limited to one per residential parcel
- Service repair/upgrades up to 200 amps processed over-the-counter
- Any electrical plans for services of 600 amperes or above must be submitted and sealed by an Arizona-licensed registrant (NEC Article 110.1 amendment)
- A Qualified Contractor is required for services above 400 amperes (IRC Section E3401 amendment)
- Separate electrical permit/fee not required for one- and two-family residential construction if the electrical work is included on the approved plans when the building permit is issued
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application Packet (PDF)Used for standalone electrical permit applications; available at https://www.mohave.gov/media/xqso3qrx/application-packet.pdf
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Permit Issuance Fee (plus unit fees below) | $39.00 | Mohave County Fee Schedule (Ordinance 2018-02, Rev. 11/01/22) |
| Service 600V or less, up to 200 amps | $31.85 | Mohave County Fee Schedule, Unit Fee Schedule |
| Service 600V or less, over 200 to 1,000 amps | $64.35 | Mohave County Fee Schedule, Unit Fee Schedule |
| Service over 600V or over 1,000 amps | $128.00 | Mohave County Fee Schedule, Unit Fee Schedule |
| Receptacles, switches, fixtures, light outlets | $1.50 each | Mohave County Fee Schedule, Unit Fee Schedule |
| Manufactured home electrical installation | $65.00 | Mohave County Fee Schedule, Miscellaneous Permit Fees |
Plumbing / Mechanical Permit
VerifiedRequired for plumbing and mechanical (HVAC, gas appliance) installations in unincorporated Mohave County under the 2018 IPC/IMC/IFGC as adopted by Ordinance 2021-03. Gas piping systems and plumbing/electrical systems in accessory structures are only permitted where the structure has a permanent foundation. A dedicated gas-line inspection line is available.
Verified 2026-07-23 · Source
Requirements
- Plumbing permit required under the 2018 IPC (Ordinance 2021-03); mechanical permit required under the 2018 IMC/IFGC
- Gas line inspection required — call 928-757-0904 to schedule
- Plumbing and gas piping systems are only allowed in structures with PERMANENT foundations; auger-type tie-downs do not qualify as permanent foundations
- Separate plumbing/mechanical permits not required for one- and two-family residential construction if included on the approved building-permit plans
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application Packet (PDF)Used for standalone plumbing/mechanical permit applications; available at https://www.mohave.gov/media/xqso3qrx/application-packet.pdf
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plumbing Permit Issuance Fee (plus unit fees below) | $39.00 | Mohave County Fee Schedule (Ordinance 2018-02, Rev. 11/01/22) |
| Each plumbing fixture or set of fixtures on one trap | $9.10 | Mohave County Fee Schedule, Unit Fee Schedule |
| Each gas-piping system / hazard process piping system | $6.50 | Mohave County Fee Schedule, Unit Fee Schedule |
| Mechanical Permit Issuance Fee (plus unit fees below) | $39.00 | Mohave County Fee Schedule (Ordinance 2018-02, Rev. 11/01/22) |
| Forced-air/gravity furnace installation up to 100,000 Btu/h | $16.00 | Mohave County Fee Schedule, Unit Fee Schedule |
| Evaporative cooler (other than portable) | $11.00 | Mohave County Fee Schedule, Unit Fee Schedule |
Solar PV Permit (Residential and Non-Residential)
VerifiedRequired for photovoltaic (solar) system installations in unincorporated Mohave County. Fees are itemized under a dedicated solar fee ordinance (adopted October 2010) with area-based inspection charges reflecting travel distance across the county's very large service area. Solar construction must also comply with A.R.S. § 11-323.
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- Solar permit required for residential and non-residential photovoltaic installations; must comply with A.R.S. § 11-323
- Solar Standardized Plan Review is available for repeat/production-builder solar designs (plan review fee reduced to $15.00 once a plan is standardized)
- Inspection fee varies by geographic area of the county due to travel distance — confirm your area's rate before applying
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application Packet (PDF)Used for solar permit applications; available at https://www.mohave.gov/media/xqso3qrx/application-packet.pdf
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Solar Permit Issuance Fee | $23.00 | Mohave County Fee Schedule (Ordinance 2018-02, Residential and Non-Residential Solar Fees). RE-VERIFIED 2026-07-20 by fetching the live 'Mohave County Building Fee Schedule' PDF (Author: Patti Pyland, ModDate 2024-08-09) directly from resources.mohavecounty.us and full-text extracting it — every dollar figure below is an exact match to the live document. |
| Solar Plan Check Fee | $35.00 | Mohave County Fee Schedule (Ordinance 2018-02). Confirmed 2026-07-20 against the live PDF. |
| Solar Inspection Fee (two inspections per permit) — Area 1: Kingman, Bullhead City, Mohave Valley, Lake Havasu, Golden Valley, Valle Vista | $41.32 | Mohave County Fee Schedule (Ordinance 2018-02). Other areas range from $83.64 (Dolan Springs/Stockton Hill Rd/Cedar Hills) to $323.56 (Planet Ranch) reflecting inspector travel distance; e.g. Area 2 Colorado City/Beaver Dam $238.92, Area 3 Meadview $126.96, Area 5 Truxton/Hackberry $103.64, Area 6 Golden Shores $93.64, Area 7 Yucca $103.64, Area 8 Wikieup/Bogles Ranch $238.92. All nine area figures confirmed 2026-07-20 against the live PDF, exact match. |
| Solar Automation Fee | $40.00 if inspection + plan check total exceeds $80.00; otherwise 50% of that combined total | Mohave County Fee Schedule (Ordinance 2018-02). Confirmed 2026-07-20 against the live PDF. |
| Each additional solar inspection beyond the first two | $65.00 | Mohave County Fee Schedule (Ordinance 2018-02). Confirmed 2026-07-20 against the live PDF. |
| Solar standardized plan review | $15.00 | Mohave County Fee Schedule (Ordinance 2018-02), applies once a standardized solar plan is established. Confirmed 2026-07-20 against the live PDF. |
Pool / Spa Permit (In-Ground and Above-Ground)
VerifiedRequired for swimming pools and spas in unincorporated Mohave County. A pool/spa is defined per A.R.S. § 36-1681.A (as adopted in ISPSC §202) as any contained body of water 18 inches or more deep at any point AND wider than 8 feet at any point. In-ground pool fees are valuation-based ($40.30/SF); above-ground pools are valued at $12.40/SF, with additional electric/plumbing fees possibly applying.
Verified 2026-07-07 · Source
Requirements
- Pool/spa permit required for any contained body of water 18 inches or more deep at any point and wider than 8 feet at any point (A.R.S. § 36-1681.A, as adopted in ISPSC §202)
- Barrier must be at least 60 inches high on the exterior side, extending that height 3 feet horizontally beyond the barrier's outside face, with no climbable openings/handholds/footholds
- Access gates must open away from the pool, be self-closing and self-latching, with the latch at least 54 inches above grade
- Ground-level doors with direct pool access require a self-latching device at the same standard; escape/rescue windows need a latch ≥54 inches above the floor or a keyed lock/mesh limiting opening to 4 inches
- Where spas/hot tubs have a lockable safety cover (ASTM F1346) or pools have a motorized safety cover meeting ASTM F1346/ASTM emergency standard 13-89, the area is exempt from the standard barrier requirements (A.R.S. § 36-1681(C)(2))
- Pool ladders/steps must be capable of being secured/locked in an inaccessible position with a latching device ≥54 inches above ground when not in use, unless surrounded by a compliant barrier
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application Packet (PDF)Used for pool/spa permit applications; available at https://www.mohave.gov/media/xqso3qrx/application-packet.pdf
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| In-Ground Swimming Pool (pool only) — valuation-based | $40.30 per square foot | Mohave County Fee Schedule (Ordinance 2018-02, Rev. 11/01/22). Additional electric and plumbing fees may apply for pool equipment. |
| Above-Ground Swimming Pool (pool only) — valuation-based | $12.40 per square foot | Mohave County Fee Schedule (Ordinance 2018-02) |
| Processing deposit — pools/patios | $100.00 | Deposits for Processing Permit Application, Mohave County Fee Schedule (Ordinance 2018-02) |
Fence / Block Wall / Retaining Wall Permit
VerifiedFences and block walls up to 7 feet in height (measured from the lowest adjacent property grade) are EXEMPT from a building permit in unincorporated Mohave County. Taller walls, and any wall serving as a pool barrier, require a permit; retaining walls over 4 feet are valuation-based, and walls over 7 feet require engineered, stamped plans.
Verified 2026-07-07 · Source
Requirements
- Standard fencing materials and block walls up to 7 feet in height (measured from lowest adjacent property grade) do NOT require a permit (IBC/IRC §105.2, amended by BOS Ord. 2022-05)
- Manufactured-home block skirting is NOT considered fencing and does not qualify for the fence exemption
- Walls over 7 feet require engineered, stamped plans from an Arizona-licensed design professional
- Residential fencing in the first 15 feet from the front property line is limited to a maximum 4-foot height
- Any fence/wall serving as a pool barrier must independently meet ISPSC §305 barrier requirements (60-inch height, no climbable features, self-closing/self-latching gates) regardless of the general fence permit exemption
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application Packet (PDF)Required only for walls/fences exceeding the 7-foot exemption threshold or retaining walls over 4 feet; available at https://www.mohave.gov/media/xqso3qrx/application-packet.pdf
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Chain link, wood, over 6 feet (valuation) | $2.33 per linear foot | Mohave County Fee Schedule (Ordinance 2018-02, Rev. 11/01/22). Applies to walls/fences over 6 feet that require a permit (i.e., those exceeding the 7-foot general exemption, or otherwise not exempt). |
| Masonry / concrete, over 6 feet (valuation) | $4.65 per linear foot | Mohave County Fee Schedule (Ordinance 2018-02) |
| Retaining walls over 4 feet (valuation) | $7.75 per linear foot | Mohave County Fee Schedule (Ordinance 2018-02). Resulting valuation is then run through the graduated Building Permit Fee table. |
| Processing deposit — block walls | $50.00 | Deposits for Processing Permit Application, Mohave County Fee Schedule (Ordinance 2018-02) |
Manufactured Home / Factory-Built Building Permit
VerifiedRequired for manufactured home and factory-built building installations in unincorporated Mohave County. The general Building Safety Code (2018 IBC/IRC) does NOT apply to manufactured home installation itself, except that electrical services and all attachments/affixtures must comply. A dedicated combined residential-and-manufactured-home permit timeframe (30 working days) is published.
Verified 2026-07-07 · Source
Requirements
- Building Safety Code does not apply to manufactured home installation EXCEPT that electrical services and all attachments/affixtures must comply with the Code (Ordinance 2021-03, Section 3(E))
- Manufactured home additions are valued at $55.80/SF under the county fee schedule (same rate category as dwelling additions)
- Manufactured home block skirting is not considered 'fencing' and does not qualify for the general 7-foot fence exemption
- Electrical installation for manufactured homes requires its own permit
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application Packet (PDF)Used for manufactured home installation and electrical-attachment permits; available at https://www.mohave.gov/media/xqso3qrx/application-packet.pdf
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Permit for Manufactured Home Installation | $65.00 | Mohave County Fee Schedule (Ordinance 2018-02, Rev. 11/01/22), Miscellaneous Permit Fees |
| Manufactured home additions — valuation-based | $55.80 per square foot | Mohave County Fee Schedule (Ordinance 2018-02), same category as 'Dwellings — Additions (Including Mfg Hms)'; resulting valuation is run through the graduated Building Permit Fee table plus 25% plan review (single-family residential rate) |
Demolition Permit
VerifiedRequired for demolition of structures in unincorporated Mohave County. A flat $45.00 fee applies to residential demolition; commercial demolition requires written property-owner permission on file.
Verified 2026-07-07 · Source
Requirements
- Required for demolition of any structure in unincorporated Mohave County
- Commercial demolition requires written property-owner permission
- Apply through the county's SmartGov online portal or in person at 3250 E. Kino Avenue, Kingman
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application Packet (PDF)Used for demolition permit applications; available at https://www.mohave.gov/media/xqso3qrx/application-packet.pdf
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Demolition Permit | $45.00 flat | Mohave County Fee Schedule (Ordinance 2018-02, Rev. 11/01/22), Miscellaneous Permit Fees |
EV Charger / EVSE Permit
VerifiedMohave County does not publish a distinct EV charger/EVSE fee line. Installing electric vehicle charging equipment in unincorporated Mohave County requires a standard Electrical Permit under the adopted 2017 NEC (Ordinance 2021-03), billed under the county's itemized Unit Fee Schedule (Ordinance 2018-02): an Electrical Permit Issuance Fee plus per-item unit fees for the new circuit/receptacle and, if the installation requires a service upgrade, the applicable service-size fee tier. Residential service repairs/upgrades up to 200 amps — the typical case for a Level 2 EV charger — are processed over-the-counter without formal plan review.
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- Electrical Permit required for EV charger/EVSE circuit installation in unincorporated Mohave County, under the adopted 2017 NEC (Ordinance 2021-03)
- Apply via the Building Permit Application Packet at the Building Division office, 3250 E. Kino Avenue, Kingman, or through the county's online permit system
- Residential service repairs/upgrades up to 200 amps (the typical case for adding an EV charger circuit) are processed over-the-counter
- Any electrical plans for services of 600 amperes or above must be sealed by an Arizona-licensed registrant; a Qualified Contractor is required for services above 400 amperes
- No distinct EV charger/EVSE fee line, expedited timeline, or SolarAPP+-style instant-permitting platform was found published by the county as of this review
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application Packet (PDF)Used for standalone electrical permit applications covering EV charger/EVSE circuit installation
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Permit Issuance Fee (plus unit fees below) | $39.00 | Mohave County Fee Schedule (Ordinance 2018-02, Rev. 11/01/22) — same base issuance fee documented on this jurisdiction's Electrical Permit entry; no distinct EV charger/EVSE fee line is published. |
| Service 600V or less, up to 200 amps (typical EV charger circuit/service) | $31.85 | Mohave County Fee Schedule, Unit Fee Schedule. |
| Receptacles, switches, fixtures, light outlets | $1.50 each | Mohave County Fee Schedule, Unit Fee Schedule — applies to the EVSE receptacle/outlet itself if billed as a fixture rather than under the service fee. |
| Service 600V or less, over 200 to 1,000 amps | $64.35 | Mohave County Fee Schedule, Unit Fee Schedule — applicable if the EV charger installation requires a larger service upgrade. |
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-23.
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 Unincorporated Mohave County building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.