You are viewing the permanent link for the record currently in effect, published 2026-07-06.
Show Low building permits
VerifiedShow Low, 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 (A.R.S. Title 9). The City of Show Low independently adopts and administers its own construction codes through its Building Safety Department; it does not defer permitting to Navajo County. Source: City of Show Low Municipal Code Title 18, Chapter 18.05 (Building Codes), showlow.municipal.codes/Code/18.05.040.2018 International Building Code (IBC), together with its appendices and supplements, published by the International Code Council, adopted by reference (Show Low Municipal Code § 18.05.040). Source: City of Show Low Municipal Code § 18.05.040.2018 International Residential Code (IRC) for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, published by the International Code Council, adopted by reference, with Chapter 11 (Energy Efficiency) specifically excluded from adoption (Show Low Municipal Code § 18.05.040). Source: City of Show Low Municipal Code § 18.05.040.2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC), adopted by reference (Show Low Municipal Code § 18.05.040). Source: City of Show Low Municipal Code § 18.05.040; confirmed current on the City's live 'Show Low Codes & Standards' page (showlowaz.gov, page last updated 7/8/2021) and on the City's 2025/2026 permit application cover sheets (Residential, Commercial, Solar, Addition applications).2018 International Plumbing Code (IPC), adopted by reference (Show Low Municipal Code § 18.05.040). Source: City of Show Low Municipal Code § 18.05.040.2018 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), adopted by reference (Show Low Municipal Code § 18.05.040). Source: City of Show Low Municipal Code § 18.05.040.2017 National Electrical Code (NEC), published by the National Fire Protection Association, adopted by reference (Show Low Municipal Code § 18.05.040) — one edition behind the 2018 ICC family set. Source: City of Show Low Municipal Code § 18.05.040; confirmed current on the City's live 'Show Low Codes & Standards' page and 2025/2026 permit application cover sheets.Fire Code: Show Low does not administer its own fire code — fire code jurisdiction and inspections are handled by Timber Mesa Fire & Medical District (928-537-5100), per every current City of Show Low building permit application cover sheet (Residential, Commercial, Solar, Addition). Source: City of Show Low permit application cover sheets, current as of 2025-2026 revisions.ADA Accessibility: American National Standard ADA Accessibility Guidelines (2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design) are adopted and required for new construction and alterations. Arizonans with Disabilities Act standards (A.R.S. Title 41, Chapter 9, Article 8) and implementing rules, declared a public record by City of Show Low Resolution No. 772, are adopted as an amendment to the IBC for both public entities and public accommodations/commercial facilities (applying to new construction and alterations commenced after September 3, 1996). Source: City of Show Low Municipal Code § 18.05.040.Future code editions: when the City Council adopts a newer edition of the International Codes by resolution, either the most recent or the immediately previous edition may be used for building design for 12 months after adoption; the two editions' provisions may not be intermingled in a single building's design, and after 12 months only the newest adopted edition applies. Source: City of Show Low Municipal Code § 18.05.040.Manufactured/mobile homes: as of March 28, 2025, the City of Show Low no longer issues manufactured home or factory-built building placement permits; both a City of Show Low Building Permit and a State of Arizona Manufactured Home Installation Permit (Arizona Department of Housing, Office of Manufactured Housing) are required for any manufactured home work still processed by the City. Manufactured/mobile homes must display a HUD compliance decal dated within 10 years of the building-permit application (or successor HUD standard), per City of Show Low Municipal Code § 18.05.050. Source: City of Show Low City Permits & Applications page (showlowaz.gov/o/cosl/page/city-permits-and-applications); City of Show Low Municipal Code § 18.05.050.
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit (New Construction)
VerifiedRequired for new single-family, multi-family, and recreational-vehicle dwelling-unit construction in the City of Show Low. Reviewed against the 2018 IRC/IBC and City of Show Low amendments (Show Low Municipal Code Title 18). Applications are submitted in person at City Hall, 180 N. 9th Street.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required for new residential construction within Show Low city limits
- Plans must comply with the 2018 IRC/IBC and City of Show Low Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria (90 mph wind, Exposure C; Seismic Zone B; 50 psf ground snow load; 18-inch frost line)
- Two (2) copies of plans and specifications required at submittal (Show Low Municipal Code § 18.15.070)
- Applicant selects either Standard Plan Review (30 working days) or Non-Standard Plan Review (two sequential 20-working-day phases, 40 working days total) per § 18.15.070
- A $200 non-refundable-if-forfeited deposit is required at application and plan submittal, applied to the plan review fee (20% of the Building Permit Fee)
- Contractor must hold a valid Arizona ROC license, or the applicant must be the bona fide property owner
- Assessor's Parcel Number and a scaled site plan (24"x36" max, showing actual — not minimum — setbacks on all four sides) required with the application
Required documents
- RequiredNew Residential Permit ApplicationCity of Show Low Building Safety Department application (updated 1/2/2026), submitted in person or by mail to 180 N. 9th Street, Show Low, AZ 85901
- RequiredPlan Submittal Checklist (New Residential)City of Show Low checklist covering Planning & Zoning items (address, parcel number, subdivision/lot, setbacks, lot coverage) and Building items (footing/foundation, floor plan, roof plan, insulation, gas schematic, electrical plan)
- RequiredSite PlanTwo (2) copies, not larger than 24"x36", drawn to scale, showing actual setback dimensions from all four sides and location of existing/proposed structures
- OptionalRight-of-Way (ROW) ApplicationRequired if work affects the public right-of-way or connects to public utilities; processed by City of Show Low Public Works (10 business days to process)
- OptionalErosion Control Permit ApplicationRequired under City Code Title 13 for site disturbance of 500+ sq ft, or under 500 sq ft within 50 feet of a pond/lake/river/stream/canal/wetland; fee is included in the Building Permit Fee
- RequiredBuilding Affidavit (CC&Rs Notice)Affidavit acknowledging the City does not verify compliance with subdivision covenants, conditions, and restrictions
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee | Formulated by the 1997 Uniform Building Code (UBC) valuation-based fee schedule | City of Show Low Commercial Permit Application (2025 rev.) states Building Permit Fees are formulated per the 1997 UBC fee schedule; Building Safety Department staff calculate the exact figure per project valuation. Same fee-schedule basis applies to residential permits per the City's Fee Schedules page. |
| Plan Review Fee (Residential) | 20% of the Building Permit Fee | City of Show Low Fee Schedules page; a $200 deposit is due at application/plan submittal and applied to this fee. Master/Standard Plans re-reviewed with no changes are charged a flat $50 after the initial review. |
| Transportation (Street Facilities) Development Fee | $1,112 (single-family detached); $874 (all other housing types); $834 (recreational vehicle dwelling unit) | Show Low Municipal Code § 18.25.140; due at building permit issuance while pledged street debt remains outstanding |
| Total Fixed Residential Fees (transportation + sewer capacity + security deposit + turn-on), before variable water-meter fee | $5,676 (single-family detached); $4,523 (other residential); $2,189 (recreational vehicle) | City of Show Low Residential Fee Schedule, effective 1/1/2026 (printed on the New Residential Permit Application); additional building permit fees apply on top of these utility/development fees |
Residential Addition / Remodel Permit
VerifiedRequired for room additions, remodels, and alterations to existing residential structures in the City of Show Low, using the City's Building Addition Permit Application. Reviewed against the 2018 IRC/IBC and City of Show Low amendments.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required for additions and remodels affecting structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems
- Applicant selects Standard Plan Review (30 working days) or Non-Standard Plan Review (40 working days) per § 18.15.070
- A minimum $50.00 deposit must be submitted with the Building Addition Permit Application
- Plans must comply with City of Show Low Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria (90 mph wind, Exposure C; Seismic Zone B; 50 psf ground snow load; 18-inch frost line)
- Repairs that only replace existing component parts with similar materials for maintenance (e.g., painting, floor coverings, cabinetry, storm doors/windows) are exempt from permit requirements per § 18.15.040, provided no addition, design change, or modification of exit facilities/fixtures/equipment is involved
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Addition Permit ApplicationCity of Show Low Building Safety Department application, submitted at 180 N. 9th Street, Show Low, AZ 85901
- RequiredSite/Plot PlanShowing existing structure, addition footprint, and setbacks
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee | Formulated by the 1997 Uniform Building Code (UBC) valuation-based fee schedule | City of Show Low Fee Schedules page and Commercial/Addition Permit Applications |
| Plan Review Fee (Residential) | 20% of the Building Permit Fee | City of Show Low Fee Schedules page; minimum $50.00 deposit submitted with the Building Addition Permit Application |
| Like-for-Like Replacement (hardwired electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems/appliances, single-family or 2-family) | $30 flat fee | City of Show Low Fee Schedules page; excludes countertop, convenience, laundry, or similar appliances |
Electrical / Plumbing / Mechanical Like-for-Like Replacement Permit
VerifiedFlat-fee permit covering routine like-for-like replacement of hardwired electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems and appliances (e.g., water heaters, panels, HVAC equipment) in single-family and two-family residential dwellings in Show Low, where no other system modification occurs.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Covers routine like-for-like replacement of hardwired electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems and appliances for single-family and 2-family residential dwellings
- Appliances are those defined in the International Mechanical Code and International Plumbing Code — does not include countertop, convenience, laundry, or similar appliances
- Governed by the 2018 IMC, 2018 IPC, and 2017 NEC as adopted by the City of Show Low
- Applicant must verify contractor licensing (Arizona ROC) or owner-exemption status prior to issuance
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Addition Permit Application (used for like-for-like trade permits)City of Show Low Building Safety Department application, submitted at 180 N. 9th Street
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Like-for-Like Replacement Permit (electrical, plumbing, or mechanical) | $30 flat fee | City of Show Low Fee Schedules page — flat $30 fee for all routine like-for-like hardwired electrical, plumbing, and mechanical replacement in single-family/2-family dwellings |
Residential Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit
VerifiedRequired for installation of residential solar photovoltaic systems in the City of Show Low, using the City's dedicated Solar Permit Application. Governed by the 2017 NEC as adopted and amended by the City of Show Low.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Solar Permit Application required, submitted at 180 N. 9th Street, Show Low, AZ 85901
- Applicant must select either an Existing Panel or Panel Upgrade option; if the selection or panel model changes after permit issuance, a resubmittal with additional fees is required
- Applicant selects Standard Plan Review (30 working days) or Non-Standard Plan Review (40 working days) per § 18.15.070
- A minimum $50.00 deposit must be submitted with the application
- Governed by the 2017 NEC as adopted by the City of Show Low
- Contractor licensing verification (Arizona ROC) required prior to permit issuance
Required documents
- RequiredSolar Permit ApplicationCity of Show Low Building Safety Department application, includes Electrical Panel (Existing/Upgrade) selection and Plan Review Process selection
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee | Formulated by the 1997 Uniform Building Code (UBC) valuation-based fee schedule | City of Show Low Fee Schedules page; Building Safety Department staff calculate the exact figure based on project valuation |
| Plan Review Fee (Residential) | 20% of the Building Permit Fee | City of Show Low Fee Schedules page; minimum $50.00 deposit submitted with the Solar Permit Application |
EV Charger / EVSE Permit
VerifiedThe City of Show Low has no dedicated EV charger/EVSE permit application or fee line — confirmed by reviewing the City's Fee Schedules page and City Permits & Applications page, which list a dedicated Solar Permit Application but nothing for EV chargers. An EV charging station (Level 2 or DC fast charger) installation does NOT qualify for the City's $30 flat-fee Electrical/Plumbing/Mechanical Like-for-Like Replacement Permit, since that category is expressly limited to routine LIKE-for-like replacement of existing hardwired systems with no other modification — a new dedicated EV charger circuit is new electrical work, not a replacement. It is instead processed under the standard valuation-based Building Permit Fee (1997 UBC schedule) plus Plan Review Fee, the same fee mechanism this file's solar-pv-permit entry documents for the electrical scope of a PV installation.
Verified 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- Building Addition Permit Application required, submitted at 180 N. 9th Street, Show Low, AZ 85901 — no dedicated EV-charger-specific application exists
- Does NOT qualify for the $30 flat-fee Like-for-Like Replacement Permit, since that category excludes any change in design, capacity, or routing (a new EV charger circuit is new work, not a like-for-like replacement of an existing hardwired system)
- Applicant selects Standard Plan Review (30 working days) or Non-Standard Plan Review (40 working days) per § 18.15.070, the same election documented for solar and other building permits in this file
- Governed by the 2017 NEC as adopted and amended by the City of Show Low
- Contractor licensing verification (Arizona ROC) required prior to permit issuance, or confirm owner-exemption status
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Addition Permit ApplicationCity of Show Low Building Safety Department application, submitted at 180 N. 9th Street — used for EV charger installations since no dedicated EV-charger form exists
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee | Formulated by the 1997 Uniform Building Code (UBC) valuation-based fee schedule | City of Show Low Fee Schedules page; Building Safety Department staff calculate the exact figure based on project valuation. No dedicated EV-charger fee line exists, so the general valuation-based table applies, consistent with this file's solar-pv-permit entry. |
| Plan Review Fee (Residential) | 20% of the Building Permit Fee | City of Show Low Fee Schedules page |
Commercial Building Permit
VerifiedRequired for new commercial construction and commercial tenant improvements in the City of Show Low. A pre-application/pre-submittal meeting is mandatory for all new commercial construction and substantial commercial remodels or additions. Reviewed against the 2018 IBC and City of Show Low amendments.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Pre-submittal meeting REQUIRED for all commercial projects before application submittal (928-532-4040)
- Six (6) identical copies of engineered, stamped/sealed plans required for new commercial construction; four (4) copies for tenant improvements
- A $400 deposit is required for new commercial projects, or $200 for tenant improvements, submitted when plans are filed; applied to the plan review fee at issuance
- Applicant selects Standard Plan Review (30 working days) or Non-Standard Plan Review under A.R.S. Title 9, Chapter 7, Article 4 (two 20-working-day phases, 40 working days total) per § 18.15.070
- All commercial jobs require a stated material cost valuation on the application
- Owner/applicant is solely responsible for the full commercial plan review fee regardless of whether the permit is ultimately issued, including fees paid by the City to outside plan reviewers
Required documents
- RequiredCommercial Permit ApplicationCity of Show Low Building Safety Department application (2025 revision), requires material cost valuation and plan review process selection
- RequiredPre-Submittal ChecklistCity of Show Low checklist covering Building, Planning & Zoning, and Engineering submittal items (site plan, occupancy group, structural plans/calculations, drainage report, traffic study where applicable, etc.), completed at the mandatory pre-submittal meeting
- RequiredEngineered Site Plan and Support DocumentsSix (6) copies (four (4) for tenant improvement), each on paper no smaller than 11x17 inches, drawn to scale not smaller than 40 feet to the inch; large-scale projects require 24x36-inch sheets
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee | Formulated by the 1997 Uniform Building Code (UBC) valuation-based fee schedule | City of Show Low Commercial Permit Application (2025 rev.): 'Building Permit Fee. Fees are formulated by the 1997 Uniform Building Code fee schedule. Please contact Building Safety Department personnel for assistance in calculating this fee.' |
| Plan Review Fee (Commercial) | 50% of the Building Permit Fee | City of Show Low Commercial Permit Application (2025 rev.) and Fee Schedules page; $400 deposit (new commercial) or $200 deposit (tenant improvement) applied at issuance |
| Commercial Water/Sewer System Capacity Fees (effective 1/1/2026), Total (meter plus fees) | $8,611.24 (3/4" meter); $14,299.72 (1" meter); $28,981.49 (1 1/2" meter); $45,814.27 (2" meter); $100,577.37 (3" meter); $173,985.15 (4" meter) | City of Show Low Commercial Fee Schedule, effective 1/1/2026 (printed on the New Commercial Permit Application); includes meter cost, turn-on fee, security deposit, water system capacity fee, and sewer system capacity fee — additional building permit fees apply on top |
Complimentary Fence Permit
VerifiedA free, no-fee permit required for construction or installation of fencing in the City of Show Low, per Show Low Municipal Code Title 19.25.090(A). Staff plan review confirms zoning/setback compliance even though no fee is charged.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Complimentary Fence Permit required for construction/installation of fencing per Show Low Municipal Code Title 19.25.090(A)
- Site plan required showing surveyed property corners and the location, height, and type of all fencing materials
- Fences must be built entirely on the owner's property
- Front yard: no view-obscuring fence over 3 feet permitted in the required front setback; non-view-obscuring fences (e.g., chain link without slats) up to 4 feet permitted in the front yard setback
- Rear/side yards (excluding corner lots): a permitted fence (view-obscuring or not) may be up to 6 feet high in a required rear or side setback behind the front yard setback; a rear yard abutting a road must comply with front-yard setbacks
- Fences 6 feet in height must be located 20 feet back from all street-side property lines
- Barbed wire is only permitted in residentially zoned districts for livestock fencing; barbed/razor wire is permitted above the 6-foot limit in commercial/industrial zones for security purposes
- Applicant should confer with Planning & Zoning staff (928-532-4040) to confirm exact setback requirements for the specific zoning district
Required documents
- RequiredComplimentary Fence Permit Application and Site PlanCity of Show Low Planning & Zoning form (updated 2/18/21) combining the permit application with a fence site-plan diagram (address, APN, owner/applicant, fence height, materials, setbacks)
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fence Permit | $0 (no fee) | City of Show Low Complimentary Fence Permit form: 'This permit and staff review is a free service provided by the City of Show Low.' |
Shed / Accessory Structure Permit
VerifiedA free 'Complimentary Shed Permit' covers detached accessory structures (sheds, greenhouses, barns) up to 200 square feet under roof in the City of Show Low, per Show Low Municipal Code Title 19.25.060(F). Structures over 200 square feet, or any shed with electricity/plumbing or direct attachment to another building, require a full fee-bearing Building Permit instead.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Sheds/accessory structures up to 200 square feet under roof: Complimentary Shed Permit required (no fee) per Title 19.25.060(F)
- Sheds greater than 200 square feet under roof require a full Building Permit; prefabricated sheds over 200 square feet are prohibited outright in the City of Show Low
- Shipping containers of any size are prohibited in residential areas
- Any shed incorporating electricity and/or plumbing, or directly attached to another structure, requires a full Building Permit regardless of size
- Detached sheds limited to one story; sheds located 5 feet from a side/rear property line are limited to 15 feet in height or the height of the main structure, whichever is less
- Minimum setback for any detached accessory structure is 5 feet from a side or rear property line, and at least 5 feet from other structures; not permitted within required front-yard setbacks; sheds may not be placed within any public or private easement
- Site plan required showing surveyed property corners, shed location/size/type, and distances to all existing structures
Required documents
- RequiredComplimentary Shed Permit Application and Site PlanCity of Show Low Planning & Zoning form (updated 1/6/22) for accessory structures up to 200 sq ft
- OptionalBuilding Addition Permit ApplicationRequired instead of the complimentary form for sheds over 200 sq ft, or any shed with electrical/plumbing/attachment to another structure
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shed Permit (accessory structure, 200 sq ft or less, no electrical/plumbing, not attached to another structure) | $0 (no fee) | City of Show Low Complimentary Shed Permit form: 'This permit and staff review is a free service provided by the City of Show Low.' |
| Building Permit Fee (sheds over 200 sq ft, or with electrical/plumbing/attachment) | Formulated by the 1997 Uniform Building Code (UBC) valuation-based fee schedule | City of Show Low Fee Schedules page and Commercial Permit Application fee-methodology citation; applies once a shed exceeds the complimentary-permit exemption criteria |
Sign Permit
VerifiedRequired for installation of signage in the City of Show Low, administered by the Planning & Zoning Department under Title 19.100 of the Show Low Zoning Ordinance, with its own dedicated flat fee table separate from the Building Safety Department's valuation-based fee model.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Sign Permit Application required per Title 19.100 of the Show Low Zoning Ordinance, administered by Planning & Zoning (928-532-4040)
- Two (2) copies of a detailed site plan required, including sign size/height/shape sketch, adjacent streets and rights-of-way, setbacks, dimensioned drawings, allowable sign area calculation, building lineal frontage measurement, materials/mounting/lighting description, and footing/engineering details for freestanding or monument signs
- Fees are not required to be submitted with the application but must be paid prior to permit issuance
- Incomplete applications are not considered received and may delay consideration
Required documents
- RequiredSign Permit ApplicationCity of Show Low Planning & Zoning Department application (updated 2/22/2021)
- RequiredSign Site Plan / Submittal ChecklistDetailed site plan meeting the City's submittal checklist requirements for sign proposals
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sign, 20 square feet and under | $20.00 | Per City of Show Low Resolution Nos. 824 and R2015-01, per sign in the application |
| Sign, 21 to 40 square feet | $40.00 | Per City of Show Low Resolution Nos. 824 and R2015-01 |
| Sign, 41 square feet and greater | $60.00 | Per City of Show Low Resolution Nos. 824 and R2015-01 |
| Portable Sign (A-frame/sandwich-board) | $200.00/year | Per City of Show Low Resolution Nos. 824 and R2015-01; must be renewed at the beginning of each calendar year |
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 Show Low building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.