Prescott building permits

Building department

Address

201 N Montezuma Street, Prescott, AZ 86301

Phone

928-777-1371

Email

buildingpermits@prescott-az.gov

Office hours

Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Applications are submitted online through the PrescottPermits.com portal (all permit types, including plan-reviewed and same-day Fast Track permits). On-site building inspections are performed Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., except City holidays; inspections can be scheduled online as early as the next business day (up to 5 business days out) if requested before midnight. Note: the City's Building Permit application checklists (rev. 2023-2024) list an older office address of 201 S Cortez St, Prescott, AZ 86303 — the current Permit Center pages (2025-2026 vintage) consistently list 201 N Montezuma Street, Prescott, AZ 86301, which is used here as the verified current address.

Website

Official site

Permit portal

Apply online at Prescott's portal

Inspection guide

See how inspections work in Prescott — sequence, scheduling & re-inspection fees.

Codes adopted

Arizona has no statewide building code for non-state buildings; codes are adopted locally. According to the International Code Council, codes are adopted locally in Arizona and are predominantly the I-codes, with different cities and counties choosing their own editions and local amendments. The Arizona State Fire Code (adopting the 2018 IFC) applies only to state and county buildings, public and private schools, and non-residential occupancies in areas without a locally adopted fire code — it does not establish a statewide residential or commercial building code floor. Each city and county adopts its own code editions independently, resulting in different I-Code years and amendment sets across jurisdictions. There is no state-mandated minimum edition; enforcement is entirely local. Always confirm the adopted edition and any local amendments with the specific jurisdiction before submitting plans.

• 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. Show full textShow less

  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 Prescott's Community Development Department (Building Division) independently adopts and administers its own construction codes and Permit Center program; it does not defer permitting to Yavapai County. Source: City of Prescott Permit Center / Building Permits page (prescott-az.gov/permit-center/permit-categories/building-permits/).

• 2024 International Building Code (IBC), as published by the International Code Council, adopted by the City of Prescott with local amendments codified at Prescott City Code Chapter 3, Article 3-1, 3-2, and 3-5. Currently in effect for plan review. Source: City of Prescott Building Permits page, '2024 Codes-Design Criteria' handout (rev. 01/01/2026), and Prescott City Code (codepublishing.com/AZ/Prescott).
• 2024 International Residential Code (IRC) for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, adopted by reference with City of Prescott amendments (Prescott City Code Article 3-8). Source: City of Prescott '2024 Codes-Design Criteria' handout (rev. 01/01/2026).
• 2024 International Mechanical Code (IMC), adopted with City of Prescott amendments. Source: City of Prescott '2024 Codes-Design Criteria' handout (rev. 01/01/2026); 2024 IMC Significant Changes handout.
• 2024 International Plumbing Code (IPC), adopted with City of Prescott amendments (Prescott City Code Article 3-6). Source: City of Prescott '2024 Codes-Design Criteria' handout (rev. 01/01/2026); 2024 IPC Significant Changes handout.
• 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC), adopted with City of Prescott amendments (Prescott City Code Article 3-7) — one edition behind the 2024 ICC set, matching the standard NFPA 3-year NEC cycle. Source: City of Prescott '2024 Codes-Design Criteria' handout (rev. 01/01/2026); 2023 NEC Significant Changes handout.
• 2024 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), adopted with City of Prescott amendments. Source: City of Prescott '2024 Codes-Design Criteria' handout (rev. 01/01/2026).
• 2024 International Existing Building Code (IEBC), adopted with City of Prescott amendments. Source: City of Prescott '2024 Codes-Design Criteria' handout (rev. 01/01/2026); 2024 IEBC Significant Changes handout.
• 2024 International Fire Code (IFC), adopted by reference (Prescott City Code Article 6-1) as the City's uniform fire code, with a dedicated Urban-Wildland Interface amendment (Article 6-2) administered by the Prescott Fire Department. Source: City of Prescott '2024 Codes-Design Criteria' handout; Prescott City Code Article 6-1/6-2.
• 2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), adopted with City of Prescott amendments (Prescott City Code Article 3-18) — the City has NOT moved to a newer IECC edition; energy compliance for the 2024 code cycle… Show full textShow less

  2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), adopted with City of Prescott amendments (Prescott City Code Article 3-18) — the City has NOT moved to a newer IECC edition; energy compliance for the 2024 code cycle is still evaluated under the 2012 IECC Climate Zone 4B tables. Source: City of Prescott '2024 Codes-Design Criteria' handout (rev. 01/01/2026), which explicitly lists '2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)' alongside the otherwise-2024 code set.

• Prescott City Code Article 3-17 is the INTERNATIONAL EXISTING BUILDING CODE, per the Title III table of contents at codepublishing.com/AZ/Prescott (#!/Prescott03/Prescott03.html); the code is current through Ordinance 2026-1942, passed April 28, 2026. Show full textShow less

  Prescott City Code Article 3-17 is the INTERNATIONAL EXISTING BUILDING CODE, per the Title III table of contents at codepublishing.com/AZ/Prescott (#!/Prescott03/Prescott03.html); the code is current through Ordinance 2026-1942, passed April 28, 2026. The 2024 IEBC adoption is separately recorded elsewhere in this list. NOTE, unresolved: the same table of contents titles Article 3-18 "INTERNATIONAL ENERGY CONSERVATION CODE WITH 2018 REVISIONS", which does not sit comfortably with the separate IECC entry stating the City remains on the 2012 IECC — treat the governing IECC edition as an open question.

Permit types & fees

• Residential Building Permit (New Single-Family Residence / Duplex)

  Required for new single-family residence and duplex construction in the City of Prescott. Reviewed against the 2024 IRC and City of Prescott amendments, plus the City's residential design criteria (105 mph wind, Seismic Category C, 18-inch frost depth, 20°F winter design temperature). Applications are submitted through the PrescottPermits.com online portal.

  From$171valuation-based→

• Residential Addition / Remodel Permit (Addition, Remodel, Casita, Guesthouse, Decks, Patio Cover, Pergola)

  Required for additions, remodels, casitas, guesthouses, decks, patio covers, and pergolas on existing residential structures in Prescott. Reviewed against the 2024 IRC as adopted and amended by the City of Prescott.

  From$67valuation-based→

• Electrical Only Permit

  Required for electrical repair, replacement, addition, and new service work in Prescott, governed by the 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) as adopted and amended by the City of Prescott. Like-for-like panel upgrades up to 200 amps and simple panel replacements qualify for the Fast Track expedited program.

  From$0.03→

• Plumbing Only Permit

  Required for plumbing installation, alteration, or repair work in Prescott, governed by the 2024 International Plumbing Code (IPC) as adopted and amended by the City of Prescott. Interior plumbing repair/replacement and water heater like-for-like replacement both qualify for the Fast Track expedited program.

  From$0.07→

• Mechanical Only Permit (HVAC)

  Required for new heating/AC units, new equipment locations, new ductwork, or new curbing in Prescott, governed by the 2024 International Mechanical Code (IMC) as adopted and amended by the City of Prescott. Like-for-like HVAC replacement qualifies for the Fast Track expedited program.

  From$0.07→

• Re-Roof Only Permit

  Required for complete roof tear-off and re-sheathing in Prescott; a non-structural re-roof (no second layer of different material, no structural repairs) may qualify for the Fast Track expedited program. Governed by 2024 IRC/IBC roofing provisions and the City's Re-Roof Only Checklist.

  See fee schedule→

• Photovoltaic Solar System Permit

  Required for installation of rooftop or ground-mount photovoltaic solar systems in Prescott. Governed by the City's dedicated Photovoltaic Solar System Checklist and the 2023 NEC as adopted and amended by the City of Prescott. Solar panels always require a permit per the City's 'What Needs a Permit' matrix.

  See fee schedule→

• Demolition Permit

  Required for demolition of residential, commercial, and multi-family structures in Prescott. Accessory structure demolition qualifies for the Fast Track expedited program; commercial demolition requires a NESHAP report.

  From$66.00→

• Fences and Walls Permit

  Fences and retaining/masonry walls in Prescott always require a building permit (any height) per the City's 'What Needs a Permit' matrix — unlike some Arizona jurisdictions with a permit-exempt fence-height threshold. A Right-of-Way permit is additionally required if the fence or wall is located in the public right-of-way.

  See fee schedule→

• Accessory Structures Permit (Sheds, Carports)

  Required for sheds over 200 sq ft (or any size with mechanical/plumbing/electrical), sheds under 200 sq ft, and carports of any size in Prescott. Governed by the 2024 IRC/IBC as adopted and amended by the City of Prescott.

  From$73valuation-based→

• EV Charger / EVSE Permit

  The City of Prescott has no EV-charger-specific permit type or fee. Per the City's 'What Needs a Permit' matrix, 'ELECTRICAL ADDITION/MOVE/DEMO' requires a permit, and an EV charger circuit is filed under the standard 'Electrical Only' permit's 'Adding Circuits or Outlets' scope (Electrical Only Checklist), governed by the 2023 NEC as adopted by the City. Direct review of the City's Fast Track Permit Checklist confirms the program covers exactly seven scopes — HVAC like-for-like, Water Heater like-for-like, Accessory Structure Demolition, Re-Roof Non-Structural, Window and Door like-for-like, Interior plumbing repair/replace, and Electrical Panel Replacement up to 200 amps — and an EV charger circuit addition is NOT among them, so it does not qualify for the Fast Track program's flat $66 issue fee and must go through standard Electrical Only review. The City's Building Valuation and Fee Estimator publishes electrical fees primarily in a new-construction context, but the City's own Council-adopted FY2026 Citywide Fee Schedule confirms the governing rate: an 'E/M/P Permit Residential - Electrical' line of $0.0396 per square foot, with the parallel Commercial E/M/P Electrical line explicitly labeled 'Valuation/min $66.00' -- establishing a $66.00 practical minimum permit fee that applies across the E/M/P schedule. A typical EV charger circuit retrofit (small scope, valuation far below the City's $14,000 building-permit-fee threshold) is billed at this $66.00 minimum.

  From$66.00→

• Commercial Building Permit (New Commercial & Multi-Family Construction)

  Required for new site-built, new shell, new factory-built, and new multi-family commercial construction (plus new commercial additions) in the City of Prescott, reviewed against the 2024 IBC and City of Prescott amendments plus the City's Commercial Design Criteria (wind speed by Risk Category, Seismic Design Category per soils report/ASCE 7-22, 18-inch frost depth, 2012 IECC Climate Zone 4B commercial energy tables). Applications are submitted through the PrescottPermits.com online portal using the City's 'New Commercial & Multi-Family' Application Checklist. Properties within one of Prescott's Local Historic Preservation Districts must additionally obtain Prescott Preservation Commission approval before the Building Division can issue the permit for any exterior alteration, new construction, or sign in the district -- confirmed as a real, currently fee-based process (a distinct $164.98 'Historic Preservation Review' line item appears in the City's FY2026 Citywide Fee Schedule, Community Development - Planning section) and directly relevant to downtown Prescott's historic commercial core around Whiskey Row and Courthouse Plaza. Tenant improvement work to an existing commercial building uses a separately named checklist and its own, faster published review timeline -- see the companion Commercial Tenant Improvement Permit entry.

  From$210valuation-based→

• Commercial Tenant Improvement Permit

  Required for changes, alterations, upgrades, and repairs to the interior or exterior of an existing commercial or multi-family building in Prescott. The City publishes a separate 'Tenant Improvement' Application Checklist (Commercial & Multi-Family, rev. 06/05/2023), distinct in title and PDF from the 'New Commercial & Multi-Family' checklist, and gives tenant improvement work its own faster published review timeline: the Plan Review Timeline table on the Building Permits page lists 'Commercial - Tenant Improvement and Remodel' at 25 business days round 1 / 12 additional, against 30/15 for new commercial construction. The submittal content is otherwise identical — the PLANS/SUPPORT DOCS sections of the two checklists match, and the City's Building Valuation and Fee Estimator bills tenant improvement work 'BASED ON VALUE' using the same valuation methodology as new commercial construction. The clearest genuinely TI-specific fee break is on fire-protection scopes: the FY2026 Citywide Fee Schedule bills fire alarm/sprinkler 'Modification (including TI)' work at a materially lower fee tier than a brand-new commercial fire system installation.

  From$66.00valuation-based→

• Sign Permit

  Required before installing, relocating, expanding, or structurally altering any sign in the City of Prescott - including any change to a sign face. Sign permits are issued by the Community Development Director under Prescott Land Development Code (LDC) Sec. 9.7, Sign Permits and Comprehensive Sign Plans, with the substantive size, height, setback, and illumination standards at LDC Sec. 6.12, Signs. Applications are filed through the PrescottPermits.com portal under the SIGNS permit type (subtypes FACE CHANGE, MONUMENT, MULTIPLE SIGNS, WALL MOUNT, POTHOLING). Fees are split across two sections of the City's Citywide Fee Schedule: the Community Development - Planning table (the sign permit itself, panel changes, banners, and Comprehensive Sign Packages) and the Community Development - Building table (Building Sign Plan Review, Footing Inspection, and New Electrical Inspection).

  From$133.57→

• Fire Sprinkler and Fire Alarm System Permit

  Required for new and modified automatic fire sprinkler systems, fire alarm and detection systems, commercial kitchen hood and suppression systems, alternative extinguishing systems, fire pumps, and underground fire lines in the City of Prescott. Prescott runs its own fire code program: Prescott City Code Chapter 6-1 adopts the 2024 International Fire Code by reference (Ord. 2025-1926, adopted 11-18-2025) with City amendments made a public record by Resolution No. 2025-1960, and the City's amendment to IFC 103.1 creates the Fire Marshal's Office of the Community Risk Management Division of the Prescott Fire Department as the fire code official's agency. Applications are filed through the PrescottPermits.com portal under the FIRE prefix permit types, and fees are set in the 'Fire' section of the City's Citywide Fee Schedule.

  From$520.00→

• Change of Use / Certificate of Occupancy Permit

  Required in the City of Prescott whenever the use of an existing building changes to a different Use Category. Prescott Land Development Code Sec. 9.2.1.B makes a certificate of occupancy mandatory for a 'change in use of an existing building to a different Use Category as set forth in Sec. 11.1', alongside the ordinary new-construction trigger at Sec. 9.2.1.A. The Building Official issues the certificate and the Community Development Director reviews every request to confirm the intended use, building or structure complies with all applicable Code regulations and standards and with the approved building and site plan. Prescott files this as its own CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY permit type (prefix B), which the City lists as NOT available for online submittal - applicants must contact the Building Division directly.

  From$67.00→

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