Electrical Permit in Unincorporated Pima County, Arizona
VerifiedRequired for new electrical outlet/fixture installation, photovoltaic systems or generators, and other electrical work not exempted under Pima County's 'Do I Need a Permit?' Electrical table, governed by the 2023 National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) as adopted with Pima County amendments (Ordinance 2025-15, Exhibit C), effective January 1, 2026. Applications submitted electronically through the Development Services Permit Gateway.
Verified 2026-07-03 · Source
When you need this permit
- Permit required for new electric outlet or fixture installation and for photovoltaic systems or generators
- Not required for temporary decorative holiday lighting; wiring/devices operating below 25 volts and 50 volt-amps; repair/replacement of current-carrying parts of a switch, contactor, control device, or overcurrent device of the same capacity in the same location; repair/replacement of fixed motors/transformers of the same type/rating in the same location; or like-for-like replacement of existing outlets/fixtures
- Minor electrical work (service upgrade, electrical reconnect, addition of up to five circuits, residential photovoltaic installations, etc.) is a distinct fee tier from moderate (re-wiring of a single-family dwelling) and major (re-wiring of commercial/industrial facility) work
- Apply through the Development Services Permit Gateway at permits.pima.gov
Required documents
- Required
Development Services Permit Gateway Application
Electronic submittal through permits.pima.gov
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minor electrical work (service upgrade, electrical reconnect, addition of up to 5 circuits, residential photovoltaic installations, etc.) | $27 | Pima County Development Services Department Fees schedule, effective July 1, 2026, Table 3, item 23 |
| Moderate electrical work (re-wiring of single family dwelling or equivalent) | $248 | Table 3, item 24 |
| Major electrical work (re-wiring of commercial/industrial facility or equivalent) | $1,238 | Table 3, item 25 |
| Base fee for all permits requiring an inspection | $69 | Table 3, item 1 |
Review timeline
1–1 business days
Unincorporated Pima County’s published plan-review target
Inspection process
- 1
Rough-In
Wiring, box placement, and service connections verified before wall closure
- 2
Final
Devices installed, panel labeled, protections verified per 2023 NEC
Tips
- Electric reconnects and other minor electrical permits carry a 1-business-day operational review goal per Pima County's Review Turn-Around Times page.
- Like-for-like replacement of an existing electric outlet or fixture does not require a permit; installing a new outlet or fixture does.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a permit to install a photovoltaic (solar) system in unincorporated Pima County?
- Yes. Photovoltaic systems and generators are explicitly listed as requiring a permit on the Pima County 'Do I Need a Permit?' Electrical table. See also the dedicated Solar & Wind Systems permit type. Source: Pima County Development Services 'Do I Need a Permit?' page.
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-03.
- Pima County Development Services Department — official building department
- Do I Need a Permit? (Electrical table) | Pima County
- Development Services Fees (Table 3, effective July 1, 2026) | Pima County
- Review Turn-Around Times | Pima County
- 15.04.020 Codes adopted | Pima County Code of Ordinances
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 Pima County building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.
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