This is PermitBase’s published record for Sahuarita as of 2026-07-06. It has since been superseded — see the current record. A historical record reflects what PermitBase had verified at that time; it may not capture a real-world change the jurisdiction had made but PermitBase had not yet verified, and it includes any errors we later corrected. Snapshots are never edited retroactively.
Sahuarita building permits
VerifiedSahuarita, 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/town authority under state enabling statutes (e.g., A.R.S. Title 9 for municipalities). The Town of Sahuarita is a general-law municipality that independently adopts and administers its own construction codes through its Community Development Department / Building Safety Division. Source: Town of Sahuarita Building Codes page (sahuaritaaz.gov/789/Building-Codes).The Town of Sahuarita has adopted the 2024 International Building Code (IBC), 2024 International Residential Code (IRC), 2024 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2024 International Plumbing Code (IPC), 2024 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), 2024 International Fire Code (IFC), the 2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC — NOT updated to the 2024 edition), and the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC), together with associated Town of Sahuarita local amendments. Effective July 1, 2026; until 5:00 p.m. June 30, 2026 the Town accepted plans conforming to either the 2018 or 2024 code sets, but beginning July 1, 2026 all plans must conform to the 2024 codes (Sahuarita is confirmed on 2024 codes as of this review, dated July 6, 2026). Source: Town of Sahuarita Building Codes page (sahuaritaaz.gov/789/Building-Codes), '2024 Code Adoptions and Amendments' section.Prior to July 1, 2026, the Town enforced the 2018 International Building, Residential, Fire, Mechanical, Fuel Gas, Plumbing, and Energy Conservation Codes, the 2017 National Electrical Code, the 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, and the 2018 International Property Maintenance Code, each with Town of Sahuarita local amendments; these 2018-cycle amendment documents remain published for reference but are superseded by the 2024 adoption. Source: Town of Sahuarita Building Codes page.2024 International Residential Code amendments (Final Draft Red-Line, dated 12/18/2025): Town of Sahuarita is inserted as the named jurisdiction (R101.1); Section R102.7 is added requiring new construction to conform to International Fire Code fire-flow/fire-access provisions (Sections 102.5, 503, 507.3, 3310, 3307.1, 3307.1.1, 3312, 3307.2, Appendices B/C/D as amended); Section R108.2 (Schedule of permit fees) is amended to cross-reference 'The Town of Sahuarita Code' (i.e., Town Code Chapter 3.10) rather than a generic 'applicable governing authority'; Section R110.2 is amended so the building final inspection approval itself serves as the Certificate of Occupancy for detached single-family residences (no separate C.O. document/fee). Source: Town of Sahuarita 2024 IRC Amendments, Final Draft Red-Line, dated 12/18/2025 (sahuaritaaz.gov/DocumentCenter/View/13212).2024 International Building Code and International Plumbing Code amendments were also drafted and finalized on the same 12/18/2025 timeline as companion documents to the IRC amendments (Town of Sahuarita 2024 IBC Amendments and 2024 IPC Amendments, Final Draft Red-Line, dated 12/18/2025), adopted via Town Council ordinance as part of the same code-update package effective July 1, 2026. Source: sahuaritaaz.gov/DocumentCenter/View/13206 (IBC) and sahuaritaaz.gov/DocumentCenter/View/13210 (IPC).Manufactured homes, mobile homes, and factory-built buildings: installation permits are issued per the intergovernmental agreement between the Town of Sahuarita and the Arizona Office of Manufactured Housing, with the Town's own Zoning Clearance and utility-connection fees applying separately (Town Code § 3.10.080(G)). Source: Town of Sahuarita Town Code Chapter 3.10, Building permit fees, subsection G (codepublishing.com/AZ/Sahuarita, archived via Wayback Machine, capture date 06/09/2023 — this is codified Town Code text, structurally stable, not a frequently-revised fee resolution).
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit (New Custom Residence)
VerifiedRequired for new single-family custom residence construction in the Town of Sahuarita. Reviewed against the 2024 IRC and Town of Sahuarita amendments (fully effective July 1, 2026). Applications are submitted online through Accela Citizen Access (aca.accela.com/TOS/Default.aspx) using the Custom Residence Submittal Checklist.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required for new single-family custom residence construction within Town of Sahuarita limits
- Plans must comply with the 2024 IRC and Town of Sahuarita amendments, including Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria (105 mph 3-second-gust wind; Seismic Design Category B; Frost Line Depth 0; Moderate-to-Heavy termite potential; Ground Snow Load 0 psf)
- Automatic fire sprinklers required if the residence exceeds 3,600 sq ft (living area, garage, and porches enclosed on 3 sides greater than 4 ft deep); approved water supply for required fire flow must reach within 600 ft of the furthest portion of the building
- Full construction document set required: cover sheet/index, dimensioned site plan, floor plan, elevations, building sections, foundation plans, framing plans (prescriptive bracing/hold-downs or engineering), roofing plans, mechanical/plumbing/electrical plans (electrical requires load calc, 1-line diagram, bonding/grounding diagram), fire sprinkler plans and hydraulic calculations if applicable, and a hydrant flow test if applicable
- Soils report not more than 1 year old; truss calculations (deferred submittal accepted with cover-sheet note, but must be approved before the shear bracing/exterior framing inspection is scheduled)
- Energy compliance via RESCHECK or an approved design program plus S,D&J calculations; Town of Sahuarita or Pima County Sewer Card depending on provider; Grading Permit approval from Public Works required before the Building Permit can be issued, if applicable
- Submittal via Accela Citizen Access (aca.accela.com/TOS/Default.aspx); plan check fee must be paid before the application is deemed complete and plan review begins
Required documents
- RequiredCustom Residence Submittal ChecklistTown of Sahuarita checklist (updated April 2025) for new single-family residence permit applications
- RequiredContractor FormSigned/dated contractor form with license number and Sahuarita business license number, uploaded with the application
- RequiredSite/Floor/Foundation/Framing/Roofing PlansFull construction document set per the Custom Residence Submittal Checklist
- RequiredSoils ReportNot more than 1 year old at time of submittal
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — Based on Valuation | $23.50 (valuation $1-$500); $23.50 + $3.05 per additional $100 (or fraction) to $2,000; $69.25 + $14.00 per additional $1,000 (or fraction) to $25,000; $391.75 + $10.10 per additional $1,000 to $50,000; $643.75 + $7.00 per additional $1,000 to $100,000; $993.75 + $5.60 per additional $1,000 to $500,000; $3,233.75 + $4.75 per additional $1,000 to $1,000,000; $5,608.75 + $3.65 per additional $1,000 above $1,000,000 | Town of Sahuarita Town Code § 3.10.080(A); valuation determined by the ICC square-foot construction-cost table (February ICC publication implemented each following July 1st per § 3.10.080(M)) |
| Plan Review Fee, All Structures | 65% of the Building Permit Fee | Town Code § 3.10.080(B)(7)(a) |
| Expedited Plan Review — 1 business day for first review (SFR model plans; appointment required 2 weeks prior, applicant must be present) | 300% of plan check fee | Town Code § 3.10.080(J) |
| Expedited Plan Review — 5 business days for first review | 200% of plan check fee | Town Code § 3.10.080(K) |
Residential Addition / Remodel Permit
VerifiedRequired for room additions, remodels, and alterations to existing one-family dwellings in the Town of Sahuarita. Reviewed against the 2024 IRC as adopted and amended by the Town. Applications are submitted via Accela Citizen Access using the Residential Addition/Remodel Submittal Checklist.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required for residential additions and alterations affecting structural, mechanical, plumbing, or electrical systems
- For lots that are not mass graded: site plan must show grading limits and total grading square footage of all improvements
- Setbacks and easements must be indicated on the site plan; framing plans must include prescriptive bracing, hold-downs and clips, or engineering
- Automatic fire sprinklers required if the resulting residence exceeds 3,600 sq ft (living area, garage, porches enclosed on 3 sides greater than 4 ft deep); water supply for fire flow within 600 ft of the building
- Grading Permit approval from Public Works required before the Building Permit can be issued, if applicable
- One-story detached accessory structures (sheds, playhouses) up to 200 sq ft, and detached ramadas/gazebos up to 200 sq ft without electrical/mechanical/plumbing/stairs, do not require a building permit but do require a Zoning Clearance
Required documents
- RequiredResidential Addition/Remodel Submittal ChecklistTown of Sahuarita checklist (updated November 2024) for addition and alteration permit applications
- RequiredContractor FormSigned/dated with license number and Sahuarita business license number
- RequiredSite/Floor/Foundation/Framing PlansFull construction document set per the checklist, including mechanical, plumbing, and electrical plans
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — Based on Valuation | Same valuation-based schedule as new construction: $23.50 (valuation $1-$500) up through $5,608.75 + $3.65 per additional $1,000 above $1,000,000 | Town Code § 3.10.080(A); tenant improvements/remodels are assessed at 20% or 40% of the calculated valuation as determined by the Building Official based on project scope, per § 3.10.080(N) |
| Plan Review Fee, All Structures | 65% of the Building Permit Fee | Town Code § 3.10.080(B)(7)(a) |
| Zoning Clearance — Residential Accessory Buildings | $10.00 (up to 120 sq ft); $15.00 (121-500 sq ft); $30.00 (501-1,500 sq ft); $10.00 plus base fee per each additional 500 sq ft increment above 1,500 sq ft | Town Code § 3.10.040(A)(1) — applies to accessory structures otherwise exempt from a building permit |
Electrical Permit (Utility Submittal)
VerifiedRequired for electrical installation, alteration, or repair work in the Town of Sahuarita, governed by the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) as adopted by the Town. Submitted via the Utility Submittal Checklist (covering electric, gas, and plumbing scope) or the Temporary Power Generator / Electrical Reconnect checklists for those specific scopes.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Electrical permit required for new/altered wiring, receptacles, lighting, panel work, and equipment connections
- Governed by the 2023 NEC as adopted by the Town of Sahuarita
- Site plan showing layout of new exterior utilities and connection to existing utilities; floor plan showing interior utility layout
- Electrical-specific detail required: appliance/receptacle/light location, wire size and type, circuit breaker numbers and amps, existing panel schedule (new breakers must match existing panel manufacturer), GFCI/AFCI protection, and conduit burial depth/type above and below grade
- Apply via Accela Citizen Access (aca.accela.com/TOS/Default.aspx); plan check fee due before the application is deemed complete
Required documents
- RequiredUtility Submittal Checklist (Electric, Gas, Plumbing)Town of Sahuarita checklist (updated November 2024) covering electrical, gas, and plumbing utility permit scope
- OptionalElectrical Reconnect ChecklistTown of Sahuarita checklist for service reconnection scope specifically
- OptionalTemporary Power Generator ChecklistTown of Sahuarita checklist for temporary generator permits
- RequiredContractor FormSigned/dated with contractor license number and Sahuarita business license number
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Permit | 25% of the Building Permit Fee (per the § 3.10.080(A) valuation schedule applied to the electrical work's value) | Town Code § 3.10.080(C) |
| Recreational Vehicle Site Utilities — Electrical, per space | $30.00 | Town Code § 3.10.080(G)(1)(b)(4) |
Plumbing Permit (Utility Submittal)
VerifiedRequired for plumbing installation, alteration, or repair work in the Town of Sahuarita, governed by the 2024 International Plumbing Code (IPC) as adopted and amended by the Town. Submitted via the same Utility Submittal Checklist used for electric and gas scope.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Plumbing permit required for installation, alteration, or repair of plumbing systems, fixtures, and gas piping
- Governed by the 2024 IPC as adopted by the Town of Sahuarita
- Plumbing-specific detail required: appliance location, pipe size and material, burial depth, tracer wire size/color, and backflow prevention devices
- Gas-specific detail required (when scope includes gas piping): appliance location, pipe size/material, pipe length to each new/existing appliance, total developed pipe length, BTUs for each appliance and total BTU output, burial depth, tracer wire size/color
- Apply via Accela Citizen Access; plan check fee due before the application is deemed complete
Required documents
- RequiredUtility Submittal Checklist (Electric, Gas, Plumbing)Town of Sahuarita checklist (updated November 2024)
- RequiredContractor FormSigned/dated with contractor license number and Sahuarita business license number
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plumbing Permit | 25% of the Building Permit Fee (per the § 3.10.080(A) valuation schedule applied to the plumbing work's value) | Town Code § 3.10.080(E) |
| Recreational Vehicle Site Utilities — Water, Gas, or Sewer, per space | $30.00 each | Town Code § 3.10.080(G)(1)(b)(1)-(3) |
| Final Utility Connection | $30.00 | Town Code § 3.10.080(G)(1)(c) |
Mechanical / HVAC & Water Heater Permit
VerifiedRequired for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and water heater installation, replacement, or relocation in the Town of Sahuarita, governed by the 2024 International Mechanical Code (IMC) as adopted by the Town. Submitted via the dedicated HVAC & Water Heater Submittal Checklist.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Mechanical permit required for installation, replacement, or relocation of HVAC equipment and water heaters
- Governed by the 2024 IMC as adopted by the Town of Sahuarita
- Site plan showing layout of new exterior appliance and location/size of disconnect; floor plan showing new interior appliances and existing utility type; BTU ratings for appliances where applicable
- Manual J / Comcheck report and wire/conduit size and type required for electrical connections to mechanical equipment
- Evaporative cooler replacement of the same size/capacity in the same location still requires a miscellaneous permit (not permit-exempt), while upgrades/relocation require a full permit with calculations and specifications
- Apply via Accela Citizen Access; plan check fee due before the application is deemed complete
Required documents
- RequiredHVAC & Water Heater Submittal ChecklistTown of Sahuarita checklist (updated November 2024) for mechanical/water heater permit applications
- RequiredContractor FormSigned/dated with contractor license number and Sahuarita business license number
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Permit | 25% of the Building Permit Fee (per the § 3.10.080(A) valuation schedule applied to the mechanical work's value) | Town Code § 3.10.080(D) |
Re-Roofing Permit
VerifiedRequired for re-roofing work in the Town of Sahuarita that goes beyond the Town's narrow like-for-like exemption. Governed by the 2024 IRC/IBC roofing provisions; reviewed as part of the general Residential Addition/Remodel process since Sahuarita does not publish a separate standalone roofing checklist.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required for re-roofing EXCEPT: like-for-like replacement of roofing material (same material as existing), and replacement of underlayment/moisture barrier only
- A permit IS required for: repairs to any portion of roof sheathing or structural members, and any change to tile roofing from another roofing material
- No permit is required for exterior stucco repairs (relevant to parapet/roof-adjacent stucco work)
- Submitted and reviewed as a Residential Addition/Remodel scope using the Residential Addition/Remodel Submittal Checklist, since the Town does not publish a dedicated stand-alone re-roofing checklist
- Apply via Accela Citizen Access (aca.accela.com/TOS/Default.aspx)
Required documents
- RequiredResidential Addition/Remodel Submittal ChecklistUsed for re-roofing scope beyond the like-for-like exemption, per Town guidance (no separate roofing-specific checklist is published)
- RequiredContractor FormSigned/dated with contractor license number and Sahuarita business license number
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — Based on Valuation | Same valuation-based schedule as new construction/remodel: $23.50 (valuation $1-$500) up through $5,608.75 + $3.65 per additional $1,000 above $1,000,000 | Town Code § 3.10.080(A); re-roofing is billed under the general Building Permit valuation schedule since no separate roofing fee line is published |
| Plan Review Fee, All Structures | 65% of the Building Permit Fee | Town Code § 3.10.080(B)(7)(a) |
Residential/Commercial Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Permit
VerifiedRequired for installation of rooftop solar photovoltaic systems in the Town of Sahuarita, for both commercial and residential applications. Governed by the Town's dedicated Photovoltaic Submittal Checklist and the 2024 IRC/IBC and 2023 NEC as adopted by the Town. Applications are submitted via Accela Citizen Access.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Used for ALL commercial and residential solar permit applications
- Site plan showing roof layout and placement of modules; locations of all equipment to be installed
- Structural Load Analysis by an Arizona Registrant required
- Plans must indicate at minimum 2 access/pathways for fire access, with at least 1 access from the front of the residence
- Required markings/labeling sheet, One-Line/Three-Line Diagram, electrical panel schedule (if applicable), and manufacturer specification sheets for inverters, modules, and racking systems
- Roof-mounted equipment distribution weight load must not exceed 4 lbs/sq ft and less than 45 lbs point load per attachment; if panels extend above the roof, an elevation showing panel height must be provided
- Apply via Accela Citizen Access; property owner's email address required; plan check fee due before the application is deemed complete
Required documents
- RequiredPhotovoltaic Submittal ChecklistTown of Sahuarita checklist (updated November 2024) for all commercial and residential solar PV permit applications
- RequiredStructural Load AnalysisPrepared by an Arizona-registered design professional
- RequiredContractor FormSigned/dated with contractor license number and Sahuarita business license number
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — Based on Valuation (applied to PV system value) | Per the § 3.10.080(A) valuation schedule: $23.50 (valuation $1-$500) up through $5,608.75 + $3.65 per additional $1,000 above $1,000,000 | Town Code § 3.10.080(A) — no separate flat PV fee line is published; PV systems are billed under the general Building Permit valuation schedule based on system cost |
| Hourly Plan Review (includes solar) | $60.00/hour | Town Code § 3.10.080(L) |
Demolition Permit
VerifiedRequired for demolition of any residential or commercial structure in the Town of Sahuarita. No Town permit fee is charged, but coordination with Pima County Department of Environmental Quality (air quality/septic) is required, and demolitions are reported to the Pima County Assessor.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required before demolishing a residential or commercial structure within Town of Sahuarita limits
- Construction documents must show the existing structure to be removed and existing utilities to be capped, noting the square footage of the structure or area to be removed
- An Air Quality permit may be required — contact Pima County Department of Environmental Quality (PDEQ)
- For closure of septic systems, contact PDEQ separately
- Demolition permits are reported to the Pima County Assessor's Office, which may affect property tax assessment
- An inspection is required to verify utilities have been capped off before the project is complete
Required documents
- RequiredDemolition Submittal ChecklistTown of Sahuarita checklist (updated November 2024) for commercial and residential demolition permit applications
- RequiredContractor FormSigned/dated with contractor license number and Sahuarita business license number
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Demolition Permit Fee | $0.00 — there is no permit fee | Town of Sahuarita Demolition Submittal Checklist (updated November 2024), explicit note: 'There is no permit fee.' |
Swimming Pool / Spa Permit
VerifiedRequired for in-ground and most above-ground swimming pool and spa installations in the Town of Sahuarita, for both commercial and residential applications. Requires an approved Model Pool Plan before a site-specific permit is issued, plus a mandatory Pre-Construction meeting inspection.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Permit required for pool/spa installation, EXCEPT prefabricated swimming pools installed entirely above ground that are 18 inches deep or less
- A Model Pool Plan must be approved by the Town of Sahuarita Planning and Building Department before a site-specific permit will be issued; if Owner/Builder, structural drawings prepared by an engineer are required instead
- Site plan must show construction access; structural sealed drawing from the model plan with project-specific engineering sheets highlighted
- Zoning setback review requires a minimum 4 feet from the side/rear property line to the edge of water
- Commercial pools require ADA compliance per ICC A117.1-2009 (Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities)
- Fiberglass pools require the safety barrier to be in place prior to pool installation
- Right-of-way use permits may be required for construction access on Town right-of-way (contact Public Works, 520-344-7100)
- Homeowner Associations may impose additional requirements beyond the Town's, which is the applicant/owner's responsibility to verify
Required documents
- RequiredCommercial and Residential Pool/Spa Submittal ChecklistTown of Sahuarita checklist (updated November 2024)
- RequiredModel Pool Plan Approval / Letter of AuthorizationRequired from the Model Pool Plan permit holder, or engineer-sealed structural drawings if Owner/Builder
- RequiredContractor FormSigned/dated with contractor license number and Sahuarita business license number
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Zoning Clearance — Private Pools and Spas | $15.00 | Town Code § 3.10.040(C)(2)(a) |
| Zoning Clearance — Public/Semi-Public Pools and Spas | $30.00 | Town Code § 3.10.040(C)(2)(b) |
| Building Permit Fee — Based on Valuation (applied to pool/spa construction value) | Per the § 3.10.080(A) valuation schedule: $23.50 (valuation $1-$500) up through $5,608.75 + $3.65 per additional $1,000 above $1,000,000 | Town Code § 3.10.080(A) |
| Hourly Plan Review (includes patio, tent, and utility permits; pool/spa plan review commonly billed hourly for model-plan-referenced projects) | $60.00/hour | Town Code § 3.10.080(L) |
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 Sahuarita building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.