This is PermitBase’s published record for Unincorporated Yavapai County as of 2026-07-07. It has since been superseded — see the current record.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.
Unincorporated Yavapai County building permits
VerifiedUnincorporated Yavapai County, Arizona — as published 2026-07-07.
Verified 2026-07-07 · Source
Codes adopted
Arizona has no statewide mandatory building code floor for general construction — code adoption is a per-county/city authority. Yavapai County's Board of Supervisors independently adopts and administers its own construction codes for the unincorporated areas of the county through Development Services (Building Safety Unit); this is separate from, and does not apply within, the county's nine incorporated cities/towns (Prescott, Prescott Valley, Sedona, Cottonwood, Camp Verde, Chino Valley, Clarkdale, Dewey-Humboldt, Jerome), each of which adopts and enforces its own codes.2024 International Building Code (IBC), adopted by reference with Yavapai County amendments — Ordinance 2025-3, repealing and replacing Ordinance 2019-2, effective January 1, 2026. Includes Appendices A-P as amended. Source: 'Ordinances Adopting the 2024 International Building Codes...for the Unincorporated Areas of Yavapai County' (207-page ordinance compilation), https://www.yavapaiaz.gov/files/sharedassets/public/v/2/development-and-permits/codes-amp-regulations/documents/code-update/2025-signed-ordinance-secured.pdf.2024 International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings (IRC), adopted with Yavapai County amendments — Ordinance 2025-4, effective January 1, 2026. Table R301.2 Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria is amended county-wide: basic wind speed 105 mph (Exposure C); Seismic Design Category C (county-wide, per amended R301.2.2.1); ground snow load 20-70 psf depending on elevation (footnote: over 7,000 ft requires site-specific analysis per Section R301.2.3); frost line depth 12 in below 4,500 ft, 18 in at 4,500-6,499 ft, 24 in at or above 6,500 ft; weathering negligible below 3,500 ft, moderate above 3,500 ft; termite damage potential negligible to moderate at/above 6,500 ft (see footnote); ice barrier underlayment NOT required; mean annual temperature 60°F at/below 3,500 ft, 50°F above 3,500 ft; air freezing index 1,500 or less. Source: same 2025-signed ordinance compilation, Ordinance 2025-4/IRC Table R301.2 amendment.2024 International Plumbing Code (IPC), adopted with Yavapai County amendments — Ordinance 2025-5, effective January 1, 2026.2024 International Mechanical Code (IMC), adopted with Yavapai County amendments — Ordinance 2025-6, effective January 1, 2026.2024 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), adopted with Yavapai County amendments — Ordinance 2025-7, effective January 1, 2026.2023 National Electrical Code (NEC), adopted with Yavapai County amendments — Ordinance 2025-8, effective January 1, 2026 (one edition behind the otherwise-2024 ICC set, consistent with the standard NFPA 3-year NEC cycle). Prior edition adopted under Ordinance 2007-7.2024 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC), adopted with Yavapai County amendments — Ordinance 2025-9, effective January 1, 2026.Yavapai County Grading Ordinance, adopted/updated — Ordinance 2025-10, effective January 1, 2026 (supersedes Grading Ordinance 2019-9, cited in the county's PB-22 Grading Submittal Requirements policy).2024 International Existing Building Code (IEBC), adopted with Yavapai County amendments — Ordinance 2025-11, effective January 1, 2026.2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC), adopted with Yavapai County amendments — Ordinance 2025-12, effective January 1, 2026 (newly adopted as its own title in this code cycle).2012 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), adopted with Yavapai County amendments — Ordinance 2025-13, effective January 1, 2026. The county has NOT moved to a newer IECC edition; energy compliance for the 2024 code cycle is still evaluated under the 2012 IECC, mirroring the same 2012 IECC retention documented in this KB's Prescott entry.Fire code enforcement in the unincorporated county is delegated to each area's local fire district under its own adopted fire code; where no authorized fire district exists, the State Fire Marshal's adopted fire code applies. Source: 2025 ordinance compilation, IBC Section on fire code applicability.
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit (New Single-Family Residence, Addition, Remodel, Accessory Structure)
VerifiedRequired for new single-family residence construction, additions, remodels, and accessory structures in the unincorporated areas of Yavapai County. Reviewed by Development Services' Building Safety Unit against the 2024 IRC (2024 IBC for structures outside IRC scope) with Yavapai County amendments, including the county's own Table R301.2 climatic/geographic design criteria (105 mph wind, Seismic Design Category C, elevation-based frost depth and ground snow load). Applications are submitted through the CitizenServe Online Permit Portal.
Verified 2026-07-07 · Source
Requirements
- Building permit required for new single-family residence construction, additions, remodels, and accessory structures anywhere in unincorporated Yavapai County
- Complete set of construction plans drawn per the Residential Submittal Requirements (PB-9): minimum scale 1/4 inch = 1 foot, minimum paper size 18 in x 24 in, full-size site plan required with the plan set
- Floor plan required for all submittals with all rooms/areas labeled, including doorway and window locations
- Design per Table R301.2 as amended: 105 mph basic wind speed (Exposure C); Seismic Design Category C; frost line depth 12 in (below 4,500 ft elevation), 18 in (4,500-6,499 ft), or 24 in (at/above 6,500 ft); ground snow load 20-70 psf depending on elevation (site-specific analysis required above 7,000 ft per Section R301.2.3)
- Directions to Property form and Plot Plan required as part of submittal package
- Master Plan Construction Permits (repeat/production plans) require an approved Master Plan on file with Development Services before submittal (PB-11)
- Apply online through the CitizenServe Online Permit Portal (https://www4.citizenserve.com/Portal/PortalController?Action=showHomePage&ctzPagePrefix=Portal_&installationID=300)
Required documents
- RequiredResidential Submittal Requirements for One & Two Family Dwellings (PB-9)Yavapai County checklist of required plan elements for residential construction; available at https://www.yavapaiaz.gov/files/sharedassets/public/v/1/development-and-permits/permits/development-services/documents/updated-documents/2025/pb-9-submittal-requirements-for-one-two-family-dwellings.pdf
- RequiredPlot PlanSite/plot plan showing parcel lines, structure location, and setbacks; template at https://www.yavapaiaz.gov/files/sharedassets/public/v/1/development-and-permits/permits/development-services/documents/plot-plan.pdf
- RequiredDirections to PropertyForm providing physical directions to the parcel for inspector site visits; https://www.yavapaiaz.gov/files/sharedassets/public/v/2/development-and-permits/permits/development-services/documents/directions-to-site.pdf
- RequiredHow to Submit for Single Family Residence PermitCounty submittal walkthrough guide for new SFR permits; https://www.yavapaiaz.gov/files/sharedassets/public/v/3/development-and-permits/permits/development-services/documents/how-to-submit-for-sfr-permit.pdf
- RequiredResidential Outdoor Lighting FormRequired outdoor lighting compliance form for residential permits; https://www.yavapaiaz.gov/files/sharedassets/public/v/3/development-and-permits/permits/development-services/documents/residential-outdoor-lighting-report-form-2025.pdf
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Zoning fee — New Residence | $200 | Yavapai County Permit Cost Estimate Sheet, effective 1/6/25 |
| Zoning fee — Residential Addition to Primary Structure | $125 | Yavapai County Permit Cost Estimate Sheet, effective 1/6/25 |
| Zoning fee — Detached Accessory Structure | $125 | Yavapai County Permit Cost Estimate Sheet, effective 1/6/25 |
| Building Safety Plan Check + Inspection fee — valuation-based (illustrative examples from the county's own worksheet) | $5,000 valuation: $165.00 total (min fee); $25,000: $627.00; $50,000: $1,063.01; $100,000: $1,639.69; $200,000: $2,563.69 | Yavapai County Permit Cost Estimate Sheet, effective 1/6/25. Exact fee is established during plan review based on the adopted valuation/fee schedule; these are the county's own published example points, not an estimate we are inferring. |
| Plan review deposit — New Residential | $800 (collected at application; deducted from total fees) | Yavapai County Permit Cost Estimate Sheet, effective 1/6/25 — applies only where Building Safety plan review is required |
| Plan review deposit — Residential Addition/Remodel | $0-$10,000 valuation: $100; $10,001-$25,000: $150; $25,001+: $250 | Yavapai County Permit Cost Estimate Sheet, effective 1/6/25 |
Commercial Building Permit (New Construction, Multi-Family, Remodel, Accessory Structure)
VerifiedRequired for all new commercial buildings, multi-family structures, public/semi-public pools and spas, and commercial remodels/additions/accessory structures in the unincorporated areas of Yavapai County. Reviewed under the 2024 IBC with Yavapai County amendments. A Preliminary Code Review meeting is highly recommended before submittal. Applications are submitted through the CitizenServe Online Permit Portal.
Verified 2026-07-07 · Source
Requirements
- Required for any new commercial building, multi-family structure, public/semi-public swimming pool or spa, and commercial additions/remodels/accessory structures in unincorporated Yavapai County
- Preliminary Code Review meeting highly recommended before submittal — apply via CitizenServe with a Letter of Intent and project plans to meet with county departments and other applicable jurisdictions
- Complete set of structural drawings and a Site Plan sheet drawn per the Commercial Submittal Requirements (PB-10): minimum scale 1/4 inch = 1 foot, minimum paper size 18 in x 24 in
- Drainage study may be required per the county's Drainage Design Manual for larger commercial projects
- Floor plan required for all submittals, with all rooms/areas labeled including doorway and window locations
- Master Plan Construction Permits require an approved Master Plan on file with Development Services before submittal (PB-11)
- Apply online through the CitizenServe Online Permit Portal (https://www4.citizenserve.com/Portal/PortalController?Action=showHomePage&ctzPagePrefix=Portal_&installationID=300)
Required documents
- RequiredSubmittal Requirements for Commercial & Multi-Family Structures (PB-10)Yavapai County checklist of required plan elements for commercial/multi-family construction; https://www.yavapaiaz.gov/files/sharedassets/public/v/2/development-and-permits/permits/development-services/documents/pb-10-submittal-requirements-for-commercial-multi-family-structures.pdf
- RequiredCommercial Outdoor Lighting FormRequired outdoor lighting compliance form for commercial permits; https://www.yavapaiaz.gov/files/sharedassets/public/v/3/development-and-permits/permits/development-services/documents/commercial-outdoor-lighting-report-form-2025.pdf
- OptionalDrainage Design ManualYavapai County Flood Control District's design manual, referenced for commercial drainage studies; https://www.yavapaiaz.gov/files/sharedassets/public/v/1/resident-services/flood-control/documents/2015_ddmforyavapaicountyfinal.pdf
- RequiredPlot PlanSite/plot plan template; https://www.yavapaiaz.gov/files/sharedassets/public/v/1/development-and-permits/permits/development-services/documents/plot-plan.pdf
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Zoning fee — Commercial/New | Tiered (not a flat published figure) | Yavapai County Permit Cost Estimate Sheet, effective 1/6/25, lists 'Commercial/New' as 'Tiered' rather than a single dollar figure; exact fee is established during zoning review based on project scale. |
| Zoning fee — Commercial/Remodel | $400 | Yavapai County Permit Cost Estimate Sheet, effective 1/6/25 |
| Building Safety Plan Check + Inspection fee — valuation-based (illustrative examples from the county's own worksheet) | $5,000 valuation: $165.00 total (min fee); $25,000: $627.00; $50,000: $1,063.01; $100,000: $1,639.69; $200,000: $2,563.69 | Yavapai County Permit Cost Estimate Sheet, effective 1/6/25. Same valuation/fee schedule table applies to commercial and residential Building Safety review; exact fee finalized during plan review. |
| Plan review deposit — New Commercial | $1,000 (collected at application; deducted from total fees) | Yavapai County Permit Cost Estimate Sheet, effective 1/6/25 |
Grading Permit
VerifiedRequired for grading (excavation and/or fill) in the unincorporated areas of Yavapai County unless specifically exempted, under the Yavapai County Grading Ordinance (updated as Ordinance 2025-10, effective January 1, 2026). Grading of 2,000 cubic yards or more must be engineered by an Arizona-registered engineer; grading under 2,000 cubic yards may follow the ordinance's non-engineered 'regular grading' path. Cut/fill under the footprint of a permitted structure itself is excluded from the totals. Applications are submitted through the CitizenServe Online Permit Portal.
Verified 2026-07-07 · Source
Requirements
- Required for any grading not exempted under the Grading Ordinance's exemption section, covering the total combination of excavation and fill within the site boundary
- Cut and fill amounts under the footprint of new permitted structures are excluded from the grading-permit total
- Grading of 2,000 cubic yards or more requires engineered plans prepared by an Arizona-registered engineer (soils/compaction reporting, cross-sections, drainage plans)
- Grading under 2,000 cubic yards may be designed per the ordinance's regular (non-engineered) grading provisions
- Completed access/drainage permit form required if applicable
- Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) required if applicable, meeting ADEQ AZPDES General Permit AZG2013-001 objectives
- All plans and supporting documentation submitted electronically in PDF format
- Apply online through the CitizenServe Online Permit Portal (https://www4.citizenserve.com/Portal/PortalController?Action=showHomePage&ctzPagePrefix=Portal_&installationID=300)
Required documents
- RequiredGrading Permit Submittal Requirements (PB-22)Yavapai County Building Safety Department policy detailing regular vs. engineered grading submittal criteria; https://www.yavapaiaz.gov/files/sharedassets/public/v/1/development-and-permits/permits/development-services/documents/pb-22gradingsubmittalrequirements.pdf
- RequiredHow to Submit for Grading PermitCounty submittal walkthrough guide; https://www.yavapaiaz.gov/files/sharedassets/public/v/3/development-and-permits/permits/development-services/documents/how-to-submit-for-grading-permit.pdf
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Plan review deposit — Grading, 0-1,000 cubic yards | $75.00 | Yavapai County Permit Cost Estimate Sheet, effective 1/6/25 |
| Plan review deposit — Grading, 1,001+ cubic yards | $120.00 | Yavapai County Permit Cost Estimate Sheet, effective 1/6/25 |
Septic / Onsite Wastewater System Permit
VerifiedRequired for any new or replacement onsite wastewater (septic) system in the unincorporated areas of Yavapai County. Permitted by the Development Services Environmental Services Unit (not the Building Safety Unit) via a Conventional System or Alternate System application plus Site Investigation results; required before or alongside a residential building permit on any unsewered lot. Applications are submitted through the CitizenServe Online Permit Portal.
Verified 2026-07-07 · Source
Requirements
- Required for any new residence or structure on a lot not connected to a public sewer system in unincorporated Yavapai County
- Submit the Septic Permit Application - Conventional System, OR the Septic Permit Application - Alternate System for non-standard soil/site conditions
- Site Investigation results required with the application, OR proof of connection to an existing sewer system in lieu of a septic permit
- Floor plan required for all submittals, with all rooms/areas labeled
- Directions to Property and Plot Plan required as part of the submittal package
- Apply online through the CitizenServe Online Permit Portal (https://www4.citizenserve.com/Portal/PortalController?Action=showHomePage&ctzPagePrefix=Portal_&installationID=300)
Required documents
- RequiredSeptic Permit Application - Conventional SystemStandard onsite wastewater system application; https://www.yavapaiaz.gov/files/sharedassets/public/v/2/development-and-permits/wastewater-amp-solid-waste/documents/new-septic-application-v2.0.pdf
- OptionalSeptic Permit Application - Alternate SystemApplication for alternate (non-conventional) onsite wastewater systems; https://www.yavapaiaz.gov/files/sharedassets/public/v/2/development-and-permits/wastewater-amp-solid-waste/documents/2025-alternate-system-form.pdf
- RequiredPlot PlanSite/plot plan showing septic system location relative to structures and property lines; https://www.yavapaiaz.gov/files/sharedassets/public/v/1/development-and-permits/permits/development-services/documents/plot-plan.pdf
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Septic | $550 | Yavapai County Permit Cost Estimate Sheet, effective 1/6/25 |
| Alternate Septic — Commercial & Residential | $1,050 | Yavapai County Permit Cost Estimate Sheet, effective 1/6/25 |
| Commercial Septic | $750 | Yavapai County Permit Cost Estimate Sheet, effective 1/6/25 |
Manufactured, Modular, Factory-Built, and Park Model Home Permit
Required for the installation of manufactured homes, modular homes, other factory-built structures, and park model homes in the unincorporated areas of Yavapai County. Regulated jointly with the Arizona Department of Housing (which governs construction/certification of factory-built buildings, per the amended 2024 IBC Section R301.1.4 treatment of factory-built and intermodal-container structures) and Yavapai County Development Services (which handles site placement, foundation, and connections). A separate Park Model Installation Form applies to park models. Applications are submitted through the CitizenServe Online Permit Portal.
Reviewed 2026-07-07 · Source
Requirements
- Required for placement/installation of manufactured, modular, factory-built, or park model homes in unincorporated Yavapai County
- Factory-built buildings (including repurposed intermodal shipping containers used as buildings) are regulated by the Arizona Department of Housing and must also comply with all other departments/agencies having jurisdiction (2024 IBC Section R301.1.4 as amended)
- Park model installations require the county's Park Model Installation Form
- Site plan / plot plan required showing placement, setbacks, and utility connections
- MFH Inspection Fee applies to Yavapai County's own foundation/set/connection inspection separate from the factory-built unit's state certification
- Apply online through the CitizenServe Online Permit Portal (https://www4.citizenserve.com/Portal/PortalController?Action=showHomePage&ctzPagePrefix=Portal_&installationID=300)
Required documents
- RequiredPark Model Installation FormRequired for park model home installations; https://www.yavapaiaz.gov/files/sharedassets/public/v/4/development-and-permits/permits/development-services/documents/park-model-installation-form-4-26.pdf
- RequiredPlot PlanSite/plot plan showing placement and setbacks; https://www.yavapaiaz.gov/files/sharedassets/public/v/1/development-and-permits/permits/development-services/documents/plot-plan.pdf
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MFH (Manufactured/Factory-Built Home) Inspection Fee | $150 | Yavapai County Permit Cost Estimate Sheet, effective 1/6/25 |
Pool / Spa Permit (Residential and Public/Semi-Public)
Required for swimming pools and spas in the unincorporated areas of Yavapai County. Residential pools/spas are processed as a Miscellaneous Permit Application (zoning fee: Fences/Walls/Slabs category); public or semi-public pools/spas are processed as New Commercial Construction. Reviewed under the newly adopted 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (Ordinance 2025-12, effective January 1, 2026) alongside the 2024 IBC/IRC. Applications are submitted through the CitizenServe Online Permit Portal.
Reviewed 2026-07-07 · Source
Requirements
- Residential swimming pools and spas require a permit as a Miscellaneous Permit Application in unincorporated Yavapai County
- Public or semi-public swimming pools and spas are processed under New Commercial Construction requirements (Preliminary Code Review recommended; Commercial Submittal Requirements PB-10 apply)
- Reviewed under the 2024 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) as adopted and amended by Ordinance 2025-12, effective January 1, 2026, alongside the 2024 IBC/IRC
- Plot plan required showing pool/spa location, setbacks, and barrier/fencing plan
- Apply online through the CitizenServe Online Permit Portal (https://www4.citizenserve.com/Portal/PortalController?Action=showHomePage&ctzPagePrefix=Portal_&installationID=300)
Required documents
- RequiredPlot PlanSite/plot plan showing pool/spa location and setbacks; https://www.yavapaiaz.gov/files/sharedassets/public/v/1/development-and-permits/permits/development-services/documents/plot-plan.pdf
- RequiredHow to Submit for Misc PermitsCounty submittal walkthrough for miscellaneous permits including residential pools/spas; https://www.yavapaiaz.gov/files/sharedassets/public/v/3/development-and-permits/permits/development-services/documents/how-to-submit-for-misc-permits.pdf
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Zoning fee — Fences/Walls/Slabs (category applied to residential pool/spa zoning review) | $100 | Yavapai County Permit Cost Estimate Sheet, effective 1/6/25; pools and spas fall under the Miscellaneous Permit Applications category which the county's published fee sheet groups with Fences/Walls/Slabs for the zoning-fee line |
| Building Safety Plan Check + Inspection fee — valuation-based | Per the same valuation/fee schedule as residential/commercial building permits (see Residential and Commercial Building Permit entries) | Yavapai County Permit Cost Estimate Sheet, effective 1/6/25 |
Sources & verification
Verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-07.
Fee schedules
Applications & forms
Online permit portal
Codes & ordinances
Department & other records
Fees, timelines, and adopted codes are researched from each jurisdiction's published records — see how we verify. Requirements change and vary by project, so always confirm the current details with the Unincorporated Yavapai County building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.