This is PermitBase’s published record for Cottonwood 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 It has since been superseded — see the current record.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.
Cottonwood building permits
VerifiedCottonwood, 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 Cottonwood's Community Development Department (Planning Division, Building Division, and Ordinance Enforcement Division) independently adopts and administers its own construction codes under Title 15 (Buildings and Construction) of the Cottonwood City Code. Source: City of Cottonwood Building Division page (cottonwoodaz.gov/158/Building-Division).2024 International Building Code (IBC), including Appendices C, G, H, I, and J, adopted by reference as the City's building code (Cottonwood City Code § 15.08.020), with City of Cottonwood amendments (§ 15.08.021), effective July 1, 2025. Source: City of Cottonwood Ordinance No. 761, '2025 Technical Code Update,' adopted by City Council and approved by the Mayor May 20, 2025, effective July 1, 2025.2024 International Residential Code (IRC), including Appendices A, B, C, G, H, J, O, P and Q (with Appendices BB, BD, BF, BH, BO, CA, CB, CD, CE, and CF also adopted), adopted by reference as the one- and two-family dwelling code (§ 15.08.060), with City of Cottonwood amendments (§ 15.08.061), effective July 1, 2025. Source: City of Cottonwood Ordinance No. 761 (2025 Technical Code Update).2024 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), including Appendices A and B, adopted by reference (§ 15.08.070), with City of Cottonwood amendments (§ 15.08.071), effective July 1, 2025. Source: City of Cottonwood Ordinance No. 761 (2025 Technical Code Update).2024 International Existing Building Code (IEBC), including Appendices A, B, C, and E, adopted by reference (§ 15.08.080), effective July 1, 2025. Source: City of Cottonwood Ordinance No. 761 (2025 Technical Code Update).2018 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) — NOTE: unlike the other ICC codes, the City's energy code was NOT advanced to the 2024 edition in the 2025 Technical Code Update; it remains the 2018 IECC (Cottonwood City Code § 15.10.010), with City amendments at § 15.10.011 (including a residential building-thermal-envelope air-leakage-test field-verification exception). The IRC's own Chapter 11 (Energy Efficiency) is separately deleted and replaced with Chapter 11 of the 2018 IRC per the Ordinance's IRC amendments. Source: City of Cottonwood Ordinance No. 761 (2025 Technical Code Update); City of Cottonwood Building Division page (confirms '2024 International Codes' adopted effective 7/1/2025 without listing IECC among the upgraded editions).2024 International Plumbing Code (IPC), including Appendices B, C, D, and E, adopted by reference (§ 15.12.010), with City of Cottonwood amendments (§ 15.12.011), effective July 1, 2025. Source: City of Cottonwood Ordinance No. 761 (2025 Technical Code Update).2023 National Electrical Code (NEC), as published by the National Fire Protection Association, adopted by reference (§ 15.16.010), effective July 1, 2025 (electrical code cycle is one edition behind the 2024 ICC set, consistent with typical Arizona NEC adoption lag). Source: City of Cottonwood Ordinance No. 761 (2025 Technical Code Update); City of Cottonwood Building Division page.2024 International Mechanical Code (IMC), including Appendix A, adopted by reference (§ 15.20.010), with City of Cottonwood amendments (§ 15.20.011, including a mandatory third-party test-and-balance report requirement for altered ventilation/exhaust systems where required to verify code compliance), effective July 1, 2025. Source: City of Cottonwood Ordinance No. 761 (2025 Technical Code Update).2024 International Fire Code (IFC), including Appendices B through O, adopted by reference (§ 15.24.010) as the City's uniform fire code, with City of Cottonwood amendments (open-flame/aerial-fireworks restrictions in high fire-risk areas; automatic fire sprinkler requirements per NFPA 13/13-R/13-D expanded beyond the base IFC thresholds; fire-permit surety-bond amounts), effective July 1, 2025. Administered by the City of Cottonwood Fire Prevention Division. Source: City of Cottonwood Ordinance No. 761 (2025 Technical Code Update).2024 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC), adopted effective July 1, 2025. Source: City of Cottonwood Building Division page (cottonwoodaz.gov/158/Building-Division).ICC A117.1-2017 Accessibility Standard, plus the Arizonans with Disabilities Act (A.R.S. Title 41, Chapter 9, Article 8) and its implementing rules ('Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities,' declared a public record by Resolution No. 1610), adopted as an amendment to the IBC (Cottonwood City Code § 15.08.050) applying to public entities, public accommodations, and commercial facilities; also incorporated into IBC Chapter 11 (§ 1102.1) alongside the 2010 ADA Standards (Title II and Title III regulations, 28 CFR 35.15 / 36 subpart D, and the 2004 ADAAG). Source: City of Cottonwood Ordinance No. 761 (2025 Technical Code Update).Effective July 1, 2025 the City also adopted its 2025 Community Development and Fire Department Fee Schedule, which governs all building/fire permit, plan review, and inspection fees; the base valuation-per-square-foot cost tables in that schedule are labeled 'August 2018' (carried forward unchanged from the prior fee-schedule cycle) while the general Schedule of Building Permit Fees (dollar-valuation brackets) and all mechanical/plumbing/electrical/miscellaneous fee line items were updated for 2025. Source: City of Cottonwood 2025 Community Development Fee Schedule (cottonwoodaz.gov/DocumentCenter/View/8316).
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit (New Construction)
VerifiedRequired for new single-family and two-family dwelling construction in the City of Cottonwood. Reviewed against the 2024 IRC and City of Cottonwood amendments (Ordinance No. 761, effective July 1, 2025). Applications are submitted through the CloudPermit online portal.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required for new single-family and two-family dwelling construction within Cottonwood city limits
- Plans must comply with the 2024 IRC and City of Cottonwood amendments, including the City's Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria (110 mph wind; Seismic Design Category C; 20 psf ground snow load; 12-inch frost depth; moderate-to-heavy termite potential; A.R.S. § 36-1681 pool barrier rules where applicable)
- Construction documents must be prepared by an Arizona-registered design professional per A.R.S. § 32-144 and the Arizona State Board of Technical Registration
- Submitted documents must identify the project scope of work and reference the City's adopted design codes and criteria
- Submittal via the CloudPermit online portal (us.cloudpermit.com/gov/login)
- Minimum footing reinforcement required per amended IRC § R403.1.1.1 (continuous strip footings: two #4 horizontal bars 3 inches from the bottom)
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationSubmitted through the CloudPermit online portal (us.cloudpermit.com/gov/login)
- RequiredSite/Plot PlanLot dimensions, easements, setbacks, structure locations, driveway per City of Cottonwood driveway standards
- RequiredConstruction Drawings and Structural CalculationsTwo sets of site plans and two sets of construction plans (max. sheet size 30"x42"), drawn at 1/4"=1' scale (3/16"=1' may be accepted); prepared by an Arizona-registered design professional; must reference the City's adopted design codes
- RequiredManual J / Manual S CalculationsRequired to size heating and cooling equipment per the adopted energy code
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — Based on Valuation | $41.13 (valuation $1-$500); $41.13 + $5.34 per additional $100 to $2,000; $121.19 + $24.50 per additional $1,000 to $25,000; $684.25 + $17.68 per additional $1,000 to $50,000; $1,126.56 + $12.25 per additional $1,000 to $100,000; $1,739.06 + $9.80 per additional $1,000 to $500,000; $4,688.95 + $8.31 per additional $1,000 to $1,000,000; $9,815.31 + $6.39 per additional $1,000 above $1,000,000 | City of Cottonwood 2025 Community Development Fee Schedule, p.8, 'Amendments to the International Building Code, 2018 edition' Schedule of Building Permit Fees (dollar figures current for 2025; underlying table format retained from the 2018 fee-schedule cycle) |
| Plan Review Fee (all permits) | 65% of the calculated Building Permit Fee | City of Cottonwood 2025 Community Development Fee Schedule, p.8 — due at the time of submittal; plan review fees are non-refundable per the Building Division Refund Policy |
| Additional Plan Review (changes, additions, deferrals, alterations, or revisions to plans) | $90.47 per hour | City of Cottonwood 2025 Community Development Fee Schedule, p.8; minimum 1 hour |
| Reinspection/re-review fees (after 2nd review) | $90.47 per hour | City of Cottonwood 2025 Community Development Fee Schedule, p.8 |
| Expedited Building Review | Additional 25% of the Building Fee | City of Cottonwood 2025 Community Development Fee Schedule, p.9; a deposit equal to 25% of the Building Fee is collected at the time of plans submittal |
| One-time permit extension | 1/2 cost of original Building fee | City of Cottonwood 2025 Community Development Fee Schedule, p.9; additional extensions at the discretion of the Building Official |
Residential Addition / Remodel Permit
VerifiedRequired for room additions, remodels, and structural alterations to existing one- and two-family dwellings in the City of Cottonwood, reviewed against the 2024 IRC as adopted and amended by the City (Ordinance No. 761, effective July 1, 2025).
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required for room additions, structural remodels, and repairs; not required for cosmetic-only work with no plumbing/electrical/structural component
- One-story, grade-level, detached, non-habitable accessory structures (sheds, playhouses) not exceeding 200 sq ft AND not exceeding 12 ft in height do not require a building permit, but must still meet zoning requirements
- Driveways, sidewalks, and patios not more than 30 inches above grade at any point are exempt from a building permit
- Plans must comply with City of Cottonwood Design Criteria (110 mph wind, Seismic Design Category C, 20 psf ground snow load)
- Existing buildings undergoing additions/renovations exceeding specified size or value thresholds (tied to the City's Building Fee Schedule valuation table) may trigger a fire-sprinkler retrofit requirement under the amended IFC
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit ApplicationSubmitted through the CloudPermit online portal
- RequiredSite/Plot PlanShowing existing structure, addition footprint, and setbacks
- RequiredConstruction DrawingsStructural details for the addition/remodel scope, cross-referenced to the foundation plan where applicable
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — Based on Valuation | Same Schedule of Building Permit Fees as new construction: $41.13 (valuation $1-$500) scaling up to $9,815.31 + $6.39 per additional $1,000 above $1,000,000 | City of Cottonwood 2025 Community Development Fee Schedule, p.8 |
| Plan Review Fee (all permits) | 65% of the calculated Building Permit Fee | City of Cottonwood 2025 Community Development Fee Schedule, p.8; due at submittal, non-refundable |
| Additional Plan Review (revisions/alterations) | $90.47 per hour | City of Cottonwood 2025 Community Development Fee Schedule, p.8; minimum 1 hour |
Electrical Permit
VerifiedRequired for electrical installation, alteration, or repair work in the City of Cottonwood, governed by the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) as adopted by the City effective July 1, 2025. Fees are itemized per fixture/device type on top of a flat base fee.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Electrical permit required for panel work, service changes, temporary power, wiring, and other hard-wired electrical work
- Governed by the 2023 NEC as adopted by the City of Cottonwood (Cottonwood City Code § 15.16.010)
- Electrical updates/rewires, panel upgrades, and service changes require a permit; the City's homeowner brochure lists 'electrical updates/rewires' among common projects requiring a permit
- Apply via the CloudPermit online portal
Required documents
- RequiredElectrical Permit ApplicationSubmitted through the CloudPermit online portal
- RequiredElectrical Plan / Load CalculationPanel size/rating, subpanel locations, grounding electrode system, and circuit layout, per IRC Chapter 39 / NEC as applicable
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Base Fee (plus fixture fees) | $45.24 | City of Cottonwood 2025 Community Development Fee Schedule, p.10, Electrical Fees |
| Temp Power | $110.00 | City of Cottonwood 2025 Community Development Fee Schedule, p.10 |
| Temp Power Pole | $71.50 each | City of Cottonwood 2025 Community Development Fee Schedule, p.10 |
| Service, less than 200 Amps | $51.97 | City of Cottonwood 2025 Community Development Fee Schedule, p.10 |
| Service, 200 to 1000 Amp | $71.50 each | City of Cottonwood 2025 Community Development Fee Schedule, p.10 |
| Light Fixture (<20 / >20) | $5.50 each (up to 20) / $3.30 each (over 20) | City of Cottonwood 2025 Community Development Fee Schedule, p.10 |
| Power Apparatus (>10 / >10<50) | $16.50 each / $19.50 each | City of Cottonwood 2025 Community Development Fee Schedule, p.10 |
| Receptacles, switches (<20 / >20) | $1.10 each (up to 20) / $0.71 each (over 20) | City of Cottonwood 2025 Community Development Fee Schedule, p.10 |
| Residential Appliance | $7.42 each | City of Cottonwood 2025 Community Development Fee Schedule, p.10 |
| Commercial Appliance (<1 hp) | $10.45 each | City of Cottonwood 2025 Community Development Fee Schedule, p.10 |
| Electric Sign | $45.24 each | City of Cottonwood 2025 Community Development Fee Schedule, p.10 |
| Plan Review Fee (all permits) | 65% of the calculated Building Permit Fee | City of Cottonwood 2025 Community Development Fee Schedule, p.8; applies where plan review is required beyond the itemized fixture fee schedule |
Plumbing Permit
VerifiedRequired for plumbing installation, alteration, or repair work in the City of Cottonwood, governed by the 2024 International Plumbing Code (IPC) as adopted and amended by the City effective July 1, 2025.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Plumbing permit required for water heater replacement, gas line work, sinks/toilets/tubs/valves/faucets added/relocated/replaced, and other plumbing system work
- Governed by the 2024 IPC as adopted by the City of Cottonwood (Cottonwood City Code § 15.12.010), including Appendices B, C, D, and E
- For plastic sewer piping, an insulated copper tracer wire (or other approved conductor, min. 18 AWG, listed for direct burial) must be installed adjacent to and over the full length of the piping, accessible or terminating at the cleanout (new IPC § P2604.5)
- Water heaters shall be equipped with a temperature and pressure relief valve terminated per code
- Apply via the CloudPermit online portal
Required documents
- RequiredPlumbing Permit ApplicationSubmitted through the CloudPermit online portal
- RequiredPlumbing Plan / Fixture Unit CalculationWater service line sizing, fixture counts, gas piping schematic with BTU ratings where gas is involved
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plumbing Base Fee (plus fixture fees) | $45.24 | City of Cottonwood 2025 Community Development Fee Schedule, p.10, Plumbing Fees |
| Water Heaters | $10.45 each | City of Cottonwood 2025 Community Development Fee Schedule, p.10 |
| Fixtures | $7.70 | City of Cottonwood 2025 Community Development Fee Schedule, p.10 |
| Sewer Fee | $22.00 | City of Cottonwood 2025 Community Development Fee Schedule, p.10 |
| Gas 1-5 Outlets / Gas Over 5 Outlets | $5.50 each / $2.20 each | City of Cottonwood 2025 Community Development Fee Schedule, p.10 |
| Backflow Preventer (<=2" / >2") | $19.80 / $39.60 | City of Cottonwood 2025 Community Development Fee Schedule, p.10 |
| Lawn Sprinkler System | $9.90 | City of Cottonwood 2025 Community Development Fee Schedule, p.10 |
| Repair or Alteration | $16.50 | City of Cottonwood 2025 Community Development Fee Schedule, p.10 |
| Plan Review Fee (all permits) | 65% of the calculated Building Permit Fee | City of Cottonwood 2025 Community Development Fee Schedule, p.8; applies where plan review is required beyond itemized fixture fees |
Mechanical / HVAC Permit
VerifiedRequired for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning installations in the City of Cottonwood, governed by the 2024 International Mechanical Code (IMC) as adopted and amended by the City effective July 1, 2025.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Mechanical permit required for installation, replacement, or relocation of HVAC equipment, furnaces, boilers, and ventilation systems
- Governed by the 2024 IMC as adopted by the City of Cottonwood (Cottonwood City Code § 15.20.010), including Appendix A
- For altered ventilation/exhaust systems, a third-party certified test-and-balance report may be required prior to final inspection to verify code compliance (new IMC § 111.7 Item 4), unless waived by the Building Official for minor-nature construction
- Commercial kitchen hood ventilation systems are subject to a positive-pressure smoke duct test (new IMC § 506.3.2.5.3)
- Apply via the CloudPermit online portal
Required documents
- RequiredMechanical Permit ApplicationSubmitted through the CloudPermit online portal
- RequiredMechanical PlanComplete plan showing locations of all HVAC equipment, combustion air provisions, and exhaust/ventilation ducting
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Base Fee (plus fixture fees) | $45.24 | City of Cottonwood 2025 Community Development Fee Schedule, p.9, Mechanical Fees |
| Air Handlers <=10,000 CFM / >10,000 CFM | $13.00 each / $23.65 each | City of Cottonwood 2025 Community Development Fee Schedule, p.9 |
| Boilers & Compressors (<=100,000 BTU / >100,000 BTU / >1,000,000 BTU) | $20.26 / $41.25 / $82.50 | City of Cottonwood 2025 Community Development Fee Schedule, p.9 |
| Evaporative Coolers | $16.50 each | City of Cottonwood 2025 Community Development Fee Schedule, p.9 |
| Floor Furnace (<=100,000 BTU / >100,000 BTU) | $16.50 each / $21.45 each | City of Cottonwood 2025 Community Development Fee Schedule, p.9 |
| Vent Exhaust Hood | $11.00 | City of Cottonwood 2025 Community Development Fee Schedule, p.9 |
| Ventilation & Exhaust Single Duct | $9.90 each | City of Cottonwood 2025 Community Development Fee Schedule, p.9 |
| Appliance Vent / Miscellaneous Appliance | $9.90 / $10.45 each | City of Cottonwood 2025 Community Development Fee Schedule, p.9 |
| Plan Review Fee (all permits) | 65% of the calculated Building Permit Fee | City of Cottonwood 2025 Community Development Fee Schedule, p.8; applies where plan review is required beyond itemized fixture fees |
Roofing / Re-Roofing Permit
VerifiedRequired for most roof work in the City of Cottonwood — new roofs, re-roofing, and repairs exceeding the narrow permit exemption — governed by the 2024 IRC/IBC roofing provisions and City of Cottonwood Ordinance No. 761 (effective July 1, 2025), which tightened the prior exemption for roof work.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required for new roofs, full re-roofs, and roof repairs, EXCEPT: roof assembly repair in which no more than 100 sq ft of the roofing assembly is replaced/repaired AND the work does not require removal or displacement of mechanical, plumbing, or electrical systems (amended IRC § R105.2, effective July 1, 2025) — this is a narrower exemption than the City's prior, informal exempt-work guidance, which had listed general 'recover or re-roof' work as exempt
- Roof decks must be covered per IRC Chapter 9 (Section R904/R905); roof assemblies must be Class A or B, with Class A required where the roof deck edge is less than 3 feet from a lot line; wood shingles/shakes are prohibited except fire-retardant-treated wood
- Fall protection (guardrails, safety nets, or personal fall-arrest systems) must be in place before a rooftop inspection will be conducted, per amended IRC § R109.3.1
- Site/plot plan and roof plan showing existing framing, square footage, material/weight, and slope classification is typically required for submittal
Required documents
- RequiredBuilding Permit Application (Roofing)Submitted through the CloudPermit online portal
- RequiredRoof Plan / Material ListingExisting framing, square footage, existing and proposed material/weight, sheathing, flashing, underlayment, and roof slope classification
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee — Based on Valuation | Per the general Schedule of Building Permit Fees: $41.13 (valuation $1-$500) scaling up to $9,815.31 + $6.39 per additional $1,000 above $1,000,000 | City of Cottonwood 2025 Community Development Fee Schedule, p.8 — no separately itemized flat roofing fee was found; roofing permits are billed on the general valuation-based Schedule of Building Permit Fees |
| Plan Review Fee (all permits) | 65% of the calculated Building Permit Fee | City of Cottonwood 2025 Community Development Fee Schedule, p.8; due at submittal, non-refundable |
Residential Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Permit
VerifiedRequired for installation of rooftop residential solar photovoltaic systems in the City of Cottonwood. The City accepts SolarAPP+ (a third-party code-compliance verification platform) for instant permitting of qualifying residential PV projects, or a standard residential solar flat-fee permit for projects processed conventionally.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Governed by the 2023 NEC as adopted by the City of Cottonwood
- For SolarAPP+ projects: the applicant enters the SolarAPP+ approval ID and a City of Cottonwood Business Registration Number, submits the SolarAPP+-approved documents and a plot plan along with payment, and the permit is printed instantly
- For standard (non-SolarAPP+) residential solar permits: submittal follows the normal CloudPermit building-permit process at a flat fee
- Solar energy equipment mounted on rooftops may exceed the maximum allowable height for the zoning district by up to 5 feet, per City of Cottonwood Zoning Ordinance § 404.H.11.a
- Solar installations are explicitly listed among common projects requiring a building permit (not exempt)
Required documents
- OptionalSolarAPP+ Approval PackageSolarAPP+ approval ID, City of Cottonwood Business Registration Number, SolarAPP+-approved plan documents, and plot plan, submitted with payment for instant permit issuance
- RequiredStandard Residential Solar Permit ApplicationSubmitted through the CloudPermit online portal for projects not using SolarAPP+
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Solar Flat Fee (standard, non-SolarAPP+) | $165.00 | City of Cottonwood 2025 Community Development Fee Schedule, p.8, 'Residential Solar Flat Fee' |
| Residential Solar — If processed through SolarApp+ | $140.00 | City of Cottonwood 2025 Community Development Fee Schedule, p.9 — 'Instant permitting app' |
| Commercial Solar | Actual cost | City of Cottonwood 2025 Community Development Fee Schedule, p.9 — based on estimated staff time |
Demolition Permit
VerifiedRequired for demolition of any residential or commercial structure in the City of Cottonwood, billed as a flat fee by occupancy type.
Verified 2026-07-06 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required before demolishing a residential or commercial structure within Cottonwood city limits
- Site plan required showing the building to be demolished and other existing structures on the parcel
- Project is not legally complete until an approved final inspection has occurred
- Utility disconnection and any required environmental coordination (e.g., asbestos abatement notification) is the applicant's responsibility prior to demolition
Required documents
- RequiredDemolition Permit ApplicationSubmitted through the CloudPermit online portal
- RequiredSite PlanShowing the structure(s) to be demolished and remaining structures on the parcel
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Demolition Fee — Residential | $110.00 | City of Cottonwood 2025 Community Development Fee Schedule, p.9, 'Demolition Fee' |
| Demolition Fee — Commercial | $210.00 | City of Cottonwood 2025 Community Development Fee Schedule, p.9 |
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 Cottonwood building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.