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Nogales building permits

Verified

Nogales, 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). The City of Nogales independently adopts and administers its own construction codes through its Community Development Department (Planning & Building) and does not defer building permitting to Santa Cruz County. Source: City of Nogales Project Submittal Application (Public Works Department / Nogales Information and Development Center, Rev. 07/31/2023).2018 International Building Code (IBC), as adopted and administered by the City of Nogales. Source: City of Nogales Project Submittal Application (Rev. 07/31/2023), which lists the currently-cited adopted code set on every building/planning/engineering/fire permit application accepted by the City.2018 International Residential Code (IRC), as adopted and administered by the City of Nogales. Source: City of Nogales Project Submittal Application (Rev. 07/31/2023).2018 International Fire Code (IFC), as adopted and administered by the City of Nogales, administered in coordination with the City Fire Department/Fire Marshal (the Project Submittal Application has a dedicated Fire tracking-number field distinct from Building). Source: City of Nogales Project Submittal Application (Rev. 07/31/2023).2017 National Electrical Code (NEC), as adopted by the City of Nogales (one edition behind the 2018 ICC set, consistent with typical NEC adoption lag). Source: City of Nogales Project Submittal Application (Rev. 07/31/2023).2010 ADA Standards for Accessible Design, as referenced by the City of Nogales for accessibility compliance on all building permit work. Source: City of Nogales Project Submittal Application (Rev. 07/31/2023).1997 UCADB (Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings), as adopted by the City of Nogales for enforcement against unsafe/dangerous existing structures. Source: City of Nogales Project Submittal Application (Rev. 07/31/2023).City of Nogales Development Standards Code (zoning and development regulations, distinct from the building-safety codes above) — repealed and replaced in its entirety by the Nogales Zoning Code (Ordinance No. 2024-11-005, adopted by Common Council November 6, 2024, effective December 6, 2024), covering Article 1 (General Provisions, Zoning Regulations, Non-Conforming Uses, Parking, Signs, Supplemental Regulations, Landscaping/Walls/Screening, Outdoor Lighting) and Article 3 (Development Standards Code: administration/enforcement, site plan, performance standards, public facilities, floodplain, grading/drainage, access, subdivision platting, fee schedule). Source: City of Nogales Ordinance No. 2024-11-005 and City of Nogales Development Code (DocumentCenter Document ID 114), City of Nogales website, Development Standards Code Update – 2024 page.Building permits are required by City ordinance (Nogales Zoning Code / Development Standards Code, Article 3, Sec. 3.103.d.1) for all owners of property before commencing any improvement or repair, unless specifically excluded. A narrow no-permit exemption applies where total added square footage is 120 sq ft or less AND the work involves no electric, plumbing, or gas installation/movement/extension/curtailment and does not otherwise violate the Code (Sec. 3.103.d.2). Source: City of Nogales Development Code, Article 3, Sec. 3.103.d (Ordinance No. 2024-11-005, adopted 11/06/2024).A Zoning Compliance Certificate from the Planning and Zoning Director is a legal prerequisite to building permit issuance — the Building Official may not issue a building permit for foundation excavation or any construction until a Zoning Compliance Certificate has been issued (Sec. 3.103.c.1). Source: City of Nogales Development Code, Article 3, Sec. 3.103.c.Alternative/solar energy systems (solar space heating, solar water heating, geothermal, wind power, photovoltaic conversion) are permitted as an accessory use in applicable zoning districts and are processed through the City's normal/standard building permit process — Nogales does not operate a separate expedited or dedicated solar/PV permit track; systems must also comply with the Uniform Solar Energy Code and other adopted building codes. Source: City of Nogales Development Code, Article 3, Sec. 3.104.p (Alternative Energy Systems).Building permit fees are valuation-based: City Code Sec. 5-26 adopts the 2012 International Residential Code (IRC), including IRC Appendix L ('Permit Fees'), as the City's building-fee mechanism (confirmed current on Municode; also confirmed via Ordinance No. 2015-11-005, adopted 11/4/2015, which adopts the 2012 I-Codes + IRC Appendix L + City amendments — full signed PDF recovered via Wayback Machine). The Development Code's own Fee Schedule section (Article 3, Sec. 3.113) separately states fees are adopted 'by reference under separate City document,' consistent with the Sec. 5-26 mechanism rather than contradicting it. Plan review fee is 25% of the Building Permit Fee where project valuation is $100,000 or less, and 65% where valuation is $100,001 or more; valuation of garages, porches, canopies, and storage rooms is calculated at $14 per square foot — both figures confirmed via the City's own 'Building Permit Application Requirements' page (Wayback-archived 2016-12-15; the live current page no longer republishes these figures, so they are flagged for reconfirmation, not treated as stale-and-wrong). The exact dollar-bracket IRC Appendix L valuation table itself could not be independently reproduced against ICC's source as of this review (codes.iccsafe.org is a JS-rendered application that blocks automated/scripted access) — a genuine access gap, not an unpublished-fee gap. Source: City of Nogales City Code Sec. 5-26 (Municode); Ordinance No. 2015-11-005; City of Nogales 'Building Permit Application Requirements' page (archived 2016-12-15).

Permit types & fees

Residential Building Permit (New Construction, Additions, Repairs)

Verified

Required under the City of Nogales Development Code for new single-family/two-family residential construction and for any improvement or repair to residential property, unless the narrow 120-sq-ft/no-utility-work exemption applies. Reviewed against the 2018 IRC/IBC and City of Nogales Development Code amendments. Applications are submitted at the Nogales Information and Development Center ("One Stop") using the City's Project Submittal Application, and a Zoning Compliance Certificate must be obtained before any foundation excavation or construction permit is issued.

Verified 2026-07-06 · Source

Requirements

Building permit required for new residential construction and for any improvement or repair to property within City limits, except where total added square footage is 120 sq ft or less and no electric/plumbing/gas work is involved (Development Code Sec. 3.103.d.1-d.2)
A Zoning Compliance Certificate from the Planning and Zoning Director is a legal prerequisite — the Building Official cannot issue a building permit for foundation excavation or construction until it is issued (Sec. 3.103.c.1)
Reviewed against the 2018 IRC/IBC and 2017 NEC as adopted by the City of Nogales, plus 2010 ADA accessibility standards
Applicant must submit the City of Nogales Project Submittal Application (Rev. 07/31/2023) with project valuation, applicant/property owner/contractor licensing information, and required attachments (site plan, structural calcs, etc. as applicable)
Contractor must hold a valid Arizona ROC license and City business/contractor license
All applicable fees (established by separate City Council resolution, not published in the Development Code itself) must be paid before permit issuance (Sec. 3.103.d.5)
Permit becomes invalid if work is not commenced within 180 days of issuance, or is suspended/abandoned for 180 days after commencement

Required documents

RequiredProject Submittal ApplicationCity of Nogales Public Works Department / Nogales Information and Development Center (NIDC) form (Rev. 07/31/2023); required for Building, Planning, Engineering, Fire, Signs, Admin, and Utilities application types
RequiredSite PlanFor single-family residential in an approved subdivision, the site plan is submitted to the Building Official and Planning and Zoning Director together with the Building Permit Application rather than as a standalone Development Site Plan (Development Code Sec. 3.105.b.1)
OptionalProperty Owner Authorization LetterRequired if the applicant is not the property owner, or in lieu of the property owner's signature on the Project Submittal Application
OptionalStructural CalculationsCheckbox attachment item on the Project Submittal Application; required where applicable to the scope of work

Fee schedule

Fee type	Amount	Notes
Building Permit Fee and Plan Review Fee	Based on Valuation (2012 IRC Appendix L 'Permit Fees', adopted by City Code Sec. 5-26 and Ordinance No. 2015-11-005). Plan review fee: 25% of the Building Permit Fee where valuation is $100,000 or less; 65% where valuation is $100,001 or more.	City Code Sec. 5-26 (2012 IRC + Appendix L adoption); Ordinance No. 2015-11-005; City of Nogales 'Building Permit Application Requirements' page (archived 2016-12-15, Wayback) for the 25%/65% plan-review split. The exact IRC Appendix L dollar-bracket table could not be independently reproduced against ICC's own source (codes.iccsafe.org blocks automated access) — confirm the precise base fee for your project's valuation with Community Development / One Stop.

Residential Addition / Remodel Permit

Verified

Required under the City of Nogales Development Code for room additions, remodels, and alterations to existing one- and two-family dwellings, unless the narrow 120-sq-ft/no-utility-work exemption applies. Reviewed against the 2018 IRC and City of Nogales Development Code amendments.

Verified 2026-07-06 · Source

Requirements

Building permit required for room additions, remodels, and alterations exceeding 120 sq ft of added area, or involving any electric, plumbing, or gas work regardless of size (Development Code Sec. 3.103.d.1-d.2)
No improvements may be placed on, and no repairs made to, property held to be in non-conformance with the Development Code without a building permit (Sec. 3.103.d.3)
Site plan for additions to single-family residences in an approved subdivision is submitted together with the Building Permit Application rather than as a standalone Development Site Plan (Sec. 3.105.b.1)
Applicant must submit the City of Nogales Project Submittal Application with project valuation and required attachments

Required documents

RequiredProject Submittal ApplicationCity of Nogales Public Works Department / NIDC form (Rev. 07/31/2023)
RequiredSite PlanShowing existing structure, addition footprint, and setbacks

Fee schedule

Fee type	Amount	Notes
Building Permit Fee and Plan Review Fee	Based on Valuation (2012 IRC Appendix L 'Permit Fees', adopted by City Code Sec. 5-26 and Ordinance No. 2015-11-005). Plan review fee: 25% of the Building Permit Fee where valuation is $100,000 or less; 65% where valuation is $100,001 or more.	City Code Sec. 5-26 (2012 IRC + Appendix L adoption); Ordinance No. 2015-11-005; City of Nogales 'Building Permit Application Requirements' page (archived 2016-12-15, Wayback) for the 25%/65% plan-review split. The exact IRC Appendix L dollar-bracket table could not be independently reproduced against ICC's own source (codes.iccsafe.org blocks automated access) — confirm the precise base fee for your project's valuation with Community Development / One Stop.

Electrical Permit

Verified

Required for electrical installation, alteration, or repair work in the City of Nogales, governed by the 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC) as adopted by the City. Any addition involving electrical work loses the 120-sq-ft no-permit exemption automatically, per the Development Code.

Verified 2026-07-06 · Source

Requirements

Electrical permit required for installation, alteration, or repair of electrical systems and equipment within City limits
Governed by the 2017 NEC as adopted by the City of Nogales (per the City's Project Submittal Application, Rev. 07/31/2023)
Any improvement or repair involving electrical work does NOT qualify for the Development Code's 120-sq-ft no-permit exemption, regardless of the project's total square footage (Sec. 3.103.d.2)
Contractor must hold a valid Arizona ROC Electrical license, indicated on the Project Submittal Application
Applicant must submit the City of Nogales Project Submittal Application

Required documents

RequiredProject Submittal ApplicationCity of Nogales Public Works Department / NIDC form (Rev. 07/31/2023); includes a Contractor's License Type checkbox for Electrical

Fee schedule

Fee type	Amount	Notes
Electrical Permit Fee	Based on Valuation (2012 IRC Appendix L 'Permit Fees', adopted by City Code Sec. 5-26 and Ordinance No. 2015-11-005) — no separately itemized flat electrical fee line was found; billed under the same valuation mechanism as other building permit work.	City Code Sec. 5-26 (2012 IRC + Appendix L adoption); Ordinance No. 2015-11-005. The exact IRC Appendix L dollar-bracket table could not be independently reproduced against ICC's own source (codes.iccsafe.org blocks automated access) — confirm the precise fee with Community Development / One Stop.

Plumbing Permit

Verified

Required for plumbing installation, alteration, or repair work in the City of Nogales. Any addition involving plumbing work loses the 120-sq-ft no-permit exemption automatically, per the Development Code.

Verified 2026-07-06 · Source

Requirements

Plumbing permit required for installation, alteration, or repair of plumbing systems, fixtures, and water heaters within City limits
Any improvement or repair involving plumbing work does NOT qualify for the Development Code's 120-sq-ft no-permit exemption, regardless of the project's total square footage (Sec. 3.103.d.2)
Contractor must hold a valid Arizona ROC Plumbing license, indicated on the Project Submittal Application
Applicant must submit the City of Nogales Project Submittal Application

Required documents

RequiredProject Submittal ApplicationCity of Nogales Public Works Department / NIDC form (Rev. 07/31/2023); includes a Contractor's License Type checkbox for Plumbing

Fee schedule

Fee type	Amount	Notes
Plumbing Permit Fee	Based on Valuation (2012 IRC Appendix L 'Permit Fees', adopted by City Code Sec. 5-26 and Ordinance No. 2015-11-005) — no separately itemized flat plumbing fee line was found; billed under the same valuation mechanism as other building permit work.	City Code Sec. 5-26 (2012 IRC + Appendix L adoption); Ordinance No. 2015-11-005. The exact IRC Appendix L dollar-bracket table could not be independently reproduced against ICC's own source (codes.iccsafe.org blocks automated access) — confirm the precise fee with Community Development / One Stop.

Mechanical / HVAC Permit

Verified

Required for installation, replacement, or alteration of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and gas-fired mechanical equipment in the City of Nogales. As with electrical and plumbing work, any mechanical/gas work in a project disqualifies it from the Development Code's 120-sq-ft no-permit exemption.

Verified 2026-07-06 · Source

Requirements

Mechanical permit required for installation, replacement, or relocation of HVAC equipment, furnaces, and gas-fired appliances within City limits
Any improvement or repair involving gas work does NOT qualify for the Development Code's 120-sq-ft no-permit exemption, regardless of the project's total square footage (Sec. 3.103.d.2)
Contractor must hold a valid Arizona ROC Mechanical license, indicated on the Project Submittal Application
Applicant must submit the City of Nogales Project Submittal Application

Required documents

RequiredProject Submittal ApplicationCity of Nogales Public Works Department / NIDC form (Rev. 07/31/2023); includes a Contractor's License Type checkbox for Mechanical

Fee schedule

Fee type	Amount	Notes
Mechanical/HVAC Permit Fee	Based on Valuation (2012 IRC Appendix L 'Permit Fees', adopted by City Code Sec. 5-26 and Ordinance No. 2015-11-005) — no separately itemized flat mechanical fee line was found; billed under the same valuation mechanism as other building permit work.	City Code Sec. 5-26 (2012 IRC + Appendix L adoption); Ordinance No. 2015-11-005. The exact IRC Appendix L dollar-bracket table could not be independently reproduced against ICC's own source (codes.iccsafe.org blocks automated access) — confirm the precise fee with Community Development / One Stop.

Mobile Home / Manufactured Home Installation Permit

Verified

Required for placement of mobile home residences and accessory buildings on lots in established mobile home parks or approved subdivisions within Mobile Home Residence (MHR) or Recreational Vehicle Park (RV) zoning districts in the City of Nogales. Manufactured home construction/installation standards themselves are regulated directly by the State of Arizona; the City issues a separate on-site permit for placement, site plan, and zoning compliance.

Verified 2026-07-06 · Source

Requirements

Mobile home residences and accessory buildings placed on lots in established mobile home parks or approved subdivisions in Mobile Home Residence (MHR) and Recreational Vehicle Park (RV) districts are exempt from the standalone Development Site Plan requirement — site plan review is instead handled together with the Building Permit Application submitted to the Building Official and Planning and Zoning Director (Development Code Sec. 3.105.b.2)
A building permit is required prior to placement (pouring of slabs/footings or any site work), per the Development Code's general building permit requirement (Sec. 3.103.d.1)
A Zoning Compliance Certificate from the Planning and Zoning Director is required before any building permit for site work/foundation can be issued (Sec. 3.103.c.1)
Manufactured home construction/installation standards are separately regulated by the State of Arizona Department of Fire, Building and Life Safety / Office of Manufactured Housing

Required documents

RequiredProject Submittal ApplicationCity of Nogales Public Works Department / NIDC form (Rev. 07/31/2023)
RequiredSite PlanSubmitted together with the Building Permit Application per Development Code Sec. 3.105.b.2, showing lot location within the approved mobile home park/subdivision

Fee schedule

Fee type	Amount	Notes
Mobile Home Installation Permit Fee	Based on Valuation (2012 IRC Appendix L 'Permit Fees', adopted by City Code Sec. 5-26 and Ordinance No. 2015-11-005) — no separately itemized flat mobile-home fee line was found; billed under the same valuation mechanism as other building permit work.	City Code Sec. 5-26 (2012 IRC + Appendix L adoption); Ordinance No. 2015-11-005. The exact IRC Appendix L dollar-bracket table could not be independently reproduced against ICC's own source (codes.iccsafe.org blocks automated access) — confirm the precise fee with Community Development / One Stop.

Alternative Energy System Permit (Solar / Photovoltaic, Geothermal, Wind)

Verified

Required for installation of solar space heating, solar water heating, geothermal, wind power generating, or photovoltaic conversion systems in the City of Nogales. Unlike some Arizona cities, Nogales does not operate a separate expedited or dedicated solar/PV review track — these systems are processed through the City's normal, standard building permit process and must also comply with the Uniform Solar Energy Code.

Verified 2026-07-06 · Source

Requirements

Alternative energy systems (solar space/water heating, geothermal, wind power, photovoltaic) are evaluated as a permitted accessory use on a case-by-case basis in applicable zoning districts (Development Code Sec. 3.104.p.2)
Application for construction, installation, and use of alternative energy systems follows the City's normal/standard building permit process — there is no separate expedited track (Sec. 3.104.p.3)
Must comply with the Uniform Solar Energy Code and other building codes adopted by the City, in addition to the standard building permit process
The City's stated intent is to preserve direct access to sunlight and air, protecting installations from occlusion or obstruction; restrictive covenants for light/air easements are encouraged in subdivisions and PUDs

Required documents

RequiredProject Submittal ApplicationCity of Nogales Public Works Department / NIDC form (Rev. 07/31/2023), used for all building permit types including alternative energy systems
RequiredConstruction Plans and Equipment SpecificationsSite plan, roof/mounting layout, and equipment cut sheets as applicable to the system type, submitted as part of the standard building permit application package

Fee schedule

Fee type	Amount	Notes
Building Permit Fee (Alternative Energy System)	Based on Valuation (2012 IRC Appendix L 'Permit Fees', adopted by City Code Sec. 5-26 and Ordinance No. 2015-11-005) — billed under the same standard building permit fee mechanism as other building permit work; no separate solar-specific fee line was found.	City Code Sec. 5-26 (2012 IRC + Appendix L adoption); Ordinance No. 2015-11-005. The exact IRC Appendix L dollar-bracket table could not be independently reproduced against ICC's own source (codes.iccsafe.org blocks automated access) — confirm the precise fee with Community Development / One Stop.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger Permit

Nogales publishes no distinct EV-charger permit type or fee line — confirmed against the City's Project Submittal Application and Building Permit Application Requirements page, neither of which contains an EV-charger/EVSE entry. A new 120V or 240V circuit installed to serve an EV charger requires the City's standard Electrical Permit under the 2017 NEC (which governs EV charging equipment under NEC Article 625); per the Development Code, any electrical work automatically disqualifies a project from the 120-sq-ft no-permit exemption, so even a small EV charger circuit addition requires a full permit. If the charger is UL-listed for a standard 120V plug and installed into an existing, already-permitted receptacle, no new permit is required (consistent with general NEC-based practice, though not independently confirmed as City of Nogales-specific guidance).

Reviewed 2026-07-20 · Source

Requirements

A permit IS required for installation of a new 120V or 240V circuit to serve an EV charger
A permit is NOT required if the charger is UL-listed to plug into an existing 120V receptacle and that receptacle is already in place — general NEC-based practice, not independently confirmed as Nogales-specific published guidance
Governed by the 2017 NEC (NEC Article 625, Electric Vehicle Power Transfer System) as adopted by the City of Nogales
Any improvement or repair involving electrical work does NOT qualify for the Development Code's 120-sq-ft no-permit exemption, regardless of total project square footage (Sec. 3.103.d.2)
Contractor must hold a valid Arizona ROC Electrical license, indicated on the Project Submittal Application
Applicant must submit the City of Nogales Project Submittal Application

Required documents

RequiredProject Submittal ApplicationCity of Nogales Public Works Department / NIDC form (Rev. 07/31/2023); describe scope as new circuit for EV charging

Fee schedule

Fee type	Amount	Notes
Electrical Permit Fee (applies to a new EV charger circuit)	Based on Valuation (2012 IRC Appendix L 'Permit Fees', adopted by City Code Sec. 5-26 and Ordinance No. 2015-11-005)	No distinct EV-charger fee line exists; billed under the same valuation-based electrical permit mechanism documented on this file's general electrical-permit entry. Confirm exact fee with Community Development / One Stop.

Demolition Permit

Verified

Required under the City of Nogales Development Code before demolishing a structure. Where demolition or removal of an existing building is substantially begun preparatory to rebuilding on the same site, it is treated as actual construction activity has begun for purposes of non-conforming-use/permit-validity rules under the Development Code.

Verified 2026-07-06 · Source

Requirements

Building permit required before demolishing any structure within City limits, per the general building permit requirement (Development Code Sec. 3.103.d.1)
A Zoning Compliance Certificate is required before the Building Official may issue a permit for excavation/construction activity connected to a demolition-and-rebuild project (Sec. 3.103.c.1)
Where demolition/removal of an existing building has been substantially begun preparatory to rebuilding, such demolition/removal is deemed to constitute actual construction commencement for Development Code purposes
Applicant must submit the City of Nogales Project Submittal Application

Required documents

RequiredProject Submittal ApplicationCity of Nogales Public Works Department / NIDC form (Rev. 07/31/2023)

Fee schedule

Fee type	Amount	Notes
Demolition Permit Fee	Based on Valuation (2012 IRC Appendix L 'Permit Fees', adopted by City Code Sec. 5-26 and Ordinance No. 2015-11-005) — no separately itemized flat demolition fee line was found; billed under the same valuation mechanism as other building permit work.	City Code Sec. 5-26 (2012 IRC + Appendix L adoption); Ordinance No. 2015-11-005. The exact IRC Appendix L dollar-bracket table could not be independently reproduced against ICC's own source (codes.iccsafe.org blocks automated access) — confirm the precise fee with Community Development / One Stop.

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 Nogales building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.

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