You are viewing the permanent link for the record currently in effect, published 2026-08-21.
Unincorporated Yuma County building permits
Unincorporated Yuma County, Arizona — as published 2026-08-21.
Reviewed 2026-07-07 · Source
Codes adopted
Permit types & fees
Residential Building Permit (New Construction, Addition, Remodel)
VerifiedRequired for new single-family homes, duplexes, and townhome construction, plus remodels and additions to existing homes (garage/carport construction or conversion, porch enclosures, demolition, patio covers, fences/walls, and other construction projects) in unincorporated Yuma County. Reviewed under the county's amended 2018 IRC/IBC by the Department of Development Services (DDS) Building Safety Division via a two-step Administrative Review + Technical Review process. Applications are submitted through the county's Online Permit Application Center or in person at the DDS office.
Verified 2026-07-07 · Source
Requirements
- Any new construction or addition exceeding $1,000 in value requires a building permit per A.R.S. § 11-321 as adopted by the Yuma County Board of Supervisors; accessory structures valued under $1,000 by the Building Official may be built without a permit
- Two-step review: Administrative Review (confirms all applicable forms/plans submitted) then Technical Review (confirms compliance with all applicable ordinances, codes, and regulations)
- Apply online through the county's Permit Application Center (https://yumacountyaz.portal.opengov.com/) or in person at 2351 West 26th Street, Yuma
- Submit two (2) scaled site plans (8.5x11) and two (2) sets of construction documents (any legible/reproducible format) for the Administrative Review Building Safety checklist
- Must comply with all Engineering (Public Works Standards Vol. I & II), Flood Control (PWS III, Floodplain Regulations), and Environmental Health approvals applicable to the site, in addition to Building Safety
- Permits expire if no inspection has occurred within 180 days of issuance
Required documents
- RequiredResidential Project Information Guide & Application InstructionsYuma County DDS guide covering the residential permitting process, checklists, timelines, and fee schedule; available at https://www.yumacountyaz.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/46813/637614427674300000
- RequiredScaled Site Plan (8.5 x 11)Two (2) copies required per the Administrative Review Building Safety checklist
- RequiredConstruction DocumentsTwo (2) sets, any legible/reproducible format, per the Administrative Review Building Safety checklist
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (valuation-based, Table 1-A of the locally amended Uniform Building Code) | $310.00 (as published in the current Residential Permit Guide's Fee Schedules table; the underlying valuation-based Table 1-A brackets are published as Attachment #3 to the county's Fee Schedule document and are not reproduced here as line-item dollar brackets) | Yuma County DDS Fee Schedule (Category 2, Permitting: Building Permit Fees, Attachments #1-6) and the Residential Project Information Guide & Application Instructions Fee Schedules table. |
| Building Plan Review Fee | 65% of the building permit fee, per set of plan review | Yuma County DDS Fee Schedule, Category 1 (Plan Reviews). |
| Grading Fee | $135.00 | Residential Project Information Guide & Application Instructions, Fee Schedules table (Individual Residential Lot or Parcel Grading Permit; see also DDS Fee Schedule general Flood Control grading fees). |
| Floodplain Use Permit Fee — Single Family Dwelling Unit | $135.00 | Yuma County DDS Fee Schedule, Floodplain Use Permit Fees; confirmed identically in the Residential Project Information Guide & Application Instructions. |
| Conventional Sewage/Septic Plan Review Fee (Residential, single unit) | $180.00 (owner-builder under 3,000 GPD: $250.00) | Yuma County DDS Fee Schedule, Sewage Disposal Plan Review Fees; matches the Residential Project Information Guide's 'Conventional Plan Review Fee $180.00' and 'Septic Owner Builder Plan Review Fee $250.00' entries. |
| Alternative Sewage System Plan Review Fee (Residential — Wisconsin Mound, Evapotranspiration Bed) | $450.00 | Yuma County DDS Fee Schedule, Sewage Disposal Plan Review Fees (Alternative Sewage System Plan Review Fees, Residential). |
| Water Well Permit Review Fee | $150.00 (plus $100.00 paid separately to the Arizona Department of Water Resources, ADWR) | Yuma County DDS Fee Schedule, Other Service Plan Review Fees; confirmed in the Residential Project Information Guide & Application Instructions Fee Schedules table. |
| Exempt Permit (Building Code Exempt / Agriculture Exempt) | $15.00 (Building Code Exempt) / $55.00 (Agriculture Exempt) | Yuma County DDS Fee Schedule, Building Related Permits, Exempt Permits. |
Commercial Building Permit (New Construction, Tenant Improvement, Remodel, Multi-Family)
VerifiedRequired for non-residential new construction, remodels, additions, tenant improvements, and change-of-use in unincorporated Yuma County, and also required for residential construction involving multi-family projects of three or more units, apartment buildings, condominiums, and Mobile Home/RV parks. Reviewed under the county's amended 2018 IBC by the DDS Building Safety Division via the same two-step Administrative + Technical Review process as residential permits, with its own published timelines and fee schedule.
Verified 2026-07-07 · Source
Requirements
- Required for all non-residential new construction, remodels, additions, tenant improvements, and change-of-use, and for residential multi-family projects of 3+ units, apartment buildings, condominiums, and MH/RV parks
- Two-step review: Administrative Review then Technical Review, verifying compliance with Building Safety (ICC codes), Engineering (PWS I & II), Flood Control (PWS III, Floodplain Regulations), Environmental Health, and MH & RV Park Plan Review (Zoning) as applicable
- Apply online through the county's Permit Application Center (https://yumacountyaz.portal.opengov.com/) or in person at 2351 West 26th Street, Yuma
- Administrative Review Building Safety checklist: two (2) site plans scaled on 8.5x11 (one if submitted electronically) and one (1) set of construction documents in any legible format
- Expedited Review is available, not to exceed 10 business days, for qualifying projects
Required documents
- RequiredCommercial Permit GuideYuma County DDS guide covering the commercial permitting process, checklists, timelines, and fee schedule; available at https://www.yumacountyaz.gov/government/development-services/permit-process/commercial-permit/commercial-permit-guide
- RequiredScaled Site Plan (8.5 x 11)Two (2) copies required (one if submitted electronically) per the Administrative Review Building Safety checklist
- RequiredConstruction DocumentsOne (1) set, any legible format, per the Administrative Review Building Safety checklist
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Fee (valuation-based, Table 1-A) | $310.00 (as published in the current Commercial Permit Guide's fee schedules table) | Yuma County Commercial Permit Guide, fee schedules table; underlying valuation-based Table 1-A brackets are Attachment #3 to the county's DDS Fee Schedule document. |
| Building Plan Review Fee | 65% of the building permit fee, per set of plan review | Yuma County DDS Fee Schedule, Category 1 (Plan Reviews). |
| Grading Fee | $260.00 | Yuma County Commercial Permit Guide, fee schedules table. |
| Floodplain Use Permit Fee (Commercial or Industrial Facility) | $260.00 | Yuma County DDS Fee Schedule, Floodplain Use Permit Fees; confirmed in the Commercial Permit Guide's fee schedules table. |
| Conventional Sewage/Septic Plan Review Fee (Commercial, single unit) | $515.00 (2-5 units: $335.00 under the general DDS fee schedule; the Commercial Permit Guide's own summary table lists $515.00 for 'Conventional Plan Review Fee') | Yuma County DDS Fee Schedule, Sewage Disposal Commercial Plan Review Fees, cross-checked against the Commercial Permit Guide fee schedules table. |
| Alternative Sewage System Plan Review Fee (Commercial) | $150.00 (Commercial Permit Guide summary) / $515.00 for full Wisconsin Mound or Evapotranspiration Bed review under the general DDS fee schedule | Discrepancy noted between the Commercial Permit Guide's abbreviated fee table ($150.00) and the DDS Fee Schedule's detailed Alternative Sewage System Plan Review Fees table ($515.00 commercial); Show full citationHideDiscrepancy noted between the Commercial Permit Guide's abbreviated fee table ($150.00) and the DDS Fee Schedule's detailed Alternative Sewage System Plan Review Fees table ($515.00 commercial); both are county-published documents, so this record reports both governing figures rather than picking one arbitrarily. |
| Water Well Permit Fee | $100.00 (paid to the Arizona Department of Water Resources, ADWR) | Yuma County Commercial Permit Guide, fee schedules table. |
Electrical, Plumbing & Mechanical Permit
Required for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical installation, alteration, or repair work in unincorporated Yuma County — including new residential solar photovoltaic installation, A/C relocation/replacement, water heater replacement, and sewer line repair outside the public right-of-way — administered by the DDS Building Safety Division and often issued via the county's Over-the-Counter Permits track for qualifying minor projects.
Reviewed 2026-07-07 · Source
Requirements
- Building Permit Fees, per the DDS Fee Schedule, expressly include plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work: 'the fee for each permit shall be as set forth and detailed in Attachments #1 through #6' (Attachment #4 Table No. 1-1 Plumbing Permit Fees; Attachment #5 Table No. 3A Electrical Permit Fees; Attachment #6 Section 106.5.2 Mechanical Permit Fees)
- Over-the-Counter (minor project) permits are available for: Service Clearance; Water Heater Replacement; A/C Relocation/Replacement; Window Replacement; Sewer Line Repair not in public right-of-way; Utilities not in public right-of-way; Residential Solar/PV Installation — using the county's dedicated Submittal Guide & Application
- Water heater replacement and permanently-wired light fixture additions require a permit in unincorporated Yuma County (this is a difference from some neighboring jurisdictions that exempt water heater replacement)
- A licensed contractor must be used for any work requiring a license under the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC); owners may self-perform many minor projects but must follow applicable regulations
- Electric or gas clearance (turning utilities back on) requires a permit for the underlying work; for commercial projects a licensed contractor must be retained, and a building inspector must verify the work meets minimum standards before clearance
- Apply online through the county's Permit Application Center (https://yumacountyaz.portal.opengov.com/) or in person using the Over-the-Counter Submittal Guide & Application
Required documents
- RequiredOver the Counter Permits — Submittal Guide & ApplicationCovers Service Clearance, Water Heater Replacement, A/C Relocation/Replacement, Window Replacement, Sewer Line Repair (not in public R.O.W.), Utilities (not in public R.O.W.), and Residential Solar/PV Installation; available at https://www.yumacountyaz.gov/home/showdocument?id=26429
- OptionalArizona ROC Contractor License CopyA copy of the contractor's current AZ Registrar of Contractors license is required on file for any licensed-contractor-performed work
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical/Plumbing/Mechanical Permit Fees (Attachments #4, #5, #6 to the DDS Fee Schedule) | Per Table No. 1-1 (Plumbing, per the locally amended Uniform Plumbing Code edition then in force), Table No. 3A (Electrical, per the locally amended National Electric Code edition then in force), and Section 106.5.2 (Mechanical, per the locally amended Uniform Mechanical Code edition then in force) | Yuma County DDS Fee Schedule, Category 2 (Permitting), Attachments #4-#6. Show full citationHideYuma County DDS Fee Schedule, Category 2 (Permitting), Attachments #4-#6. The Fee Schedule document references these attachments by table/section number, but the underlying per-item dollar tables are not available as readable text on the live site; the base Building Permit Fee ($310.00, per the current Residential/Commercial Permit Guides) is the confirmed governing base figure that these trade permits are billed alongside. |
| Plan Review Fee (when plan review required) | 65% of the building permit fee, per set of plan review | Yuma County DDS Fee Schedule, Category 1 (Plan Reviews) — applies uniformly across Building, Plumbing, Electrical, and Mechanical permits requiring plan review. |
| Permit Revision Fee | $15.00 | Yuma County DDS Fee Schedule, Building Related Permits. |
Manufactured Home Installation / Set-Up Permit
VerifiedRequired whenever a manufactured home is installed or reinstalled on a manufactured home park lot, an approved subdivision, or a private parcel in unincorporated Yuma County. The permit represents the county's approval of the installation and ensures the home meets minimum standards set by the Arizona Department of Housing, Office of Manufactured Housing. A licensed contractor must obtain the set-up permit; fees are set by the state's published schedule, not a county flat fee.
Verified 2026-07-07 · Source
Requirements
- Required for any placement, installation, or reinstallation of a manufactured home in a manufactured home park, an approved subdivision, or a private parcel
- A licensed contractor is required to obtain the manufactured home set-up permit
- Placement on the lot before permit issuance is prohibited — the permit must be obtained first
- Applicant must confirm the parcel is properly zoned for a manufactured home (call the Planning and Zoning Division, (928) 817-5161, and speak with the Planner on Duty)
- If the property is within an airport noise zone, the applicant must provide a copy of the manufacturer's invoice listing special noise-attenuation equipment or a sound test by a licensed acoustical engineer ('Noise Abatement Requirement')
- An Ad Valorem Tax Number must be obtained from the Yuma County Assessor's Office (410 South Maiden Lane, Yuma) by presenting the home's title, confirming all applicable taxes have been paid
- Owner may dig their own utility pit for the home, subject to prior DDS Building Safety approval of the pit design
- Apply through DDS Customer Service at 2351 West 26th Street, Yuma, or through the county's Permit Application Center
Required documents
- RequiredManufactured Home Set-Up Permit ApplicationSubmitted through DDS Customer Service, 2351 West 26th Street, Yuma, or the online Permit Application Center
- RequiredAd Valorem Tax NumberIssued by the Yuma County Assessor's Office upon presentation of the home's title
- OptionalManufacturer's Invoice or Acoustical Sound Test (if in an airport noise zone)Documents special noise-attenuation equipment or an acoustical engineer's sound test; required only for parcels within a designated noise zone
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Manufactured Home Placement Permit | Per State of Arizona schedule (set by the Arizona Department of Housing, Office of Manufactured Housing) — not a fixed Yuma County dollar amount | Yuma County DDS Fee Schedule, Building Related Permits, 'Manufactured Home Placement Permit — Per state schedule.' The fee covers the permit and up to two on-site inspections; Show full citationHideYuma County DDS Fee Schedule, Building Related Permits, 'Manufactured Home Placement Permit — Per state schedule.' The fee covers the permit and up to two on-site inspections; additional fees apply if the home does not pass inspection after two attempts. Source: Yuma County Building Safety FAQ, 'Manufactured Home Permit Fees, how are they calculated and paid?' |
| Manufactured Home Pit Permit | $55.00 | Yuma County DDS Fee Schedule, Building Related Permits. |
Encroachment / Driveway Permit
VerifiedRequired to access a paved county road right-of-way from a new driveway (protects the pavement edge with a driveway apron), and more broadly for any work performed within Yuma County road right-of-way (utility crossings, culverts, curb/gutter, special events, etc.). Administered by the DDS Engineering Division. New homes, mobile homes, or buildings must construct a driveway prior to occupancy unless a driveway apron already exists at the site.
Verified 2026-07-23 · Source
Requirements
- Required to access a paved county road via a new driveway; not required if a driveway apron already exists at the site
- Required more broadly for any construction activity within the county road right-of-way (utility lines, culverts, curb & gutter, sidewalks, special events, survey monuments, etc.), per the detailed Encroachment Permit Fees Detail Charges schedule
- New homes, mobile homes, or other buildings must construct a driveway before occupancy is granted
- Driveway requirements depend on whether the parcel's access is off a paved or maintained county right-of-way; specific standards are published in Public Works Standards Volume I
- Mandatory minimum insurance coverage while working under an Encroachment Permit: bodily injury $500,000 per person / $1,000,000 more than one person; property damage $500,000 per occurrence (or $1,000,000 excess liability)
- 'After the Fact' permits (work performed without an approved permit) are charged double the normal fee
- Apply/inquire through the DDS Engineering Department, 2351 West 26th Street, Yuma; (928) 817-5123
Required documents
- RequiredEncroachment Permit Information Guide & Application PacketAvailable at https://www.yumacountyaz.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/49341/637825105621570000
- OptionalResidential Driveway @ Corner Lot Template / Mid-Block TemplateSample drawings for driveway placement at corner lots and mid-block locations; available via the county's Building Permits resources page
- RequiredCertificate of InsuranceEvidencing the mandatory minimum bodily-injury and property-damage coverage while working under the encroachment permit
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Base Encroachment Permit Processing Charge | $25.00 each | Yuma County DDS Fee Schedule, Encroachment Permit Fees Detail Charges. |
| Driveway | $135.00 each | Yuma County DDS Fee Schedule, Encroachment Permit Fees Detail Charges. |
| Concrete curb & gutter / Combination Curb, Gutter & Sidewalk | $0.20/L.F. (curb & gutter) / $0.31/L.F. (combination) | Yuma County DDS Fee Schedule, Encroachment Permit Fees Detail Charges. |
| All After the Fact Permits (work performed without an approved permit) | Double the normal fee | Yuma County DDS Fee Schedule, Encroachment Permit Fees Detail Charges. |
| Request for Appeal (Engineering-related) | $265.00 | Yuma County DDS Fee Schedule, Encroachment Permit Fees Detail Charges. |
Residential Solar / Photovoltaic (PV) Installation Permit
Unincorporated Yuma County treats residential solar/PV installation as one of the Department of Development Services' Over-the-Counter (OTC) minor-project permit categories, alongside service clearance, water heater replacement, and A/C relocation/replacement — processed at the counter via the county's OTC Submittal Guide & Application rather than the full multi-week Residential Permit Guide review track. No distinct flat or per-watt solar fee line was found published separately from the general Building Permit Fee (Table No. 1-A, valuation-based) and Electrical Permit Fee (Table No. 3A) that this OTC permit is billed under (same fee attachments cited in the electrical-plumbing-mechanical-permit entry). Arizona's statewide solar-permitting statute, A.R.S. § 11-323, independently caps what the county may charge and constrains what the county may require on plans.
Reviewed 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- Residential Solar/PV Installation is one of the explicitly listed Over-the-Counter (OTC) minor-project permit categories in Yuma County DDS's OTC Submittal Guide & Application, alongside Service Clearance, Water Heater Replacement, A/C Relocation/Replacement, Window Replacement, and Sewer Line Repair (not in public R.O.W.)
- Per A.R.S. § 11-323 (statewide, applies to every Arizona county including Yuma): construction plans must show the location of the photovoltaic system and mounting details; electrical diagrams (one-line or three-line) are required and may be satisfied through a qualified online/third-party platform; the county may not require a professional engineer's stamp on a single-family system's plans unless the county determines it is necessary and provides a written explanation
- Per A.R.S. § 11-323, any building/permit fee the county assesses for a solar construction permit must be attributable to and defray/cover the actual expense of the service for which it is charged, may not exceed actual cost, and the county must provide a written itemized cost breakdown to the applicant upon request
- A licensed contractor (Arizona Registrar of Contractors) is required for work requiring a license; a copy of the contractor's current ROC license must be on file
- Apply online through the county's Permit Application Center (https://yumacountyaz.portal.opengov.com/) or in person using the OTC Submittal Guide & Application
Required documents
- RequiredOver the Counter Permits — Submittal Guide & ApplicationLists Residential Solar/PV Installation as one of the OTC minor-project categories; available at https://www.yumacountyaz.gov/home/showdocument?id=26429
- RequiredElectrical Diagram (one-line or three-line)Required per A.R.S. § 11-323; may be satisfied through a qualified online design platform rather than a custom-drafted diagram
- OptionalArizona ROC Contractor License CopyRequired on file for licensed-contractor-performed work
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building/Electrical Permit Fee (OTC, solar/PV installation) | Per the general valuation-based Building Permit Fee (Table No. 1-A) and Electrical Permit Fee (Table No. 3A) — no distinct flat solar-specific fee line found published | Yuma County DDS Fee Schedule, Attachments #3 and #5; Show full citationHideYuma County DDS Fee Schedule, Attachments #3 and #5; same fee mechanism documented in the electrical-plumbing-mechanical-permit entry. Statutorily constrained by A.R.S. § 11-323: the fee must be attributable to and defray/cover only the county's actual cost of the permitting service, may not exceed actual cost, and an itemized cost breakdown must be provided to the applicant on request. |
| Permit Revision Fee | $15.00 | Yuma County DDS Fee Schedule, Building Related Permits |
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station / EVSE Permit
Unincorporated Yuma County has no distinct EV charger/EVSE permit application or fee line. EV charging station circuit installation is billed and reviewed as ordinary electrical work under the county's existing Electrical, Plumbing & Mechanical Permit (P/E/M Permit), the same permit type used for other electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work in the county, per Attachment #5 (Table No. 3A Electrical Permit Fees) of the DDS Fee Schedule. The county's Over the Counter Permits Submittal Guide & Application lists its minor-project categories -- Service Clearance, Water Heater Replacement, A/C Relocation/Replacement, Window Replacement, Sewer Line Repair, Utilities, and Residential Solar/PV Installation -- and contains no electric-vehicle, EV charger, or EVSE category, so there is no dedicated minor-project pathway for EV chargers either.
Reviewed 2026-07-20 · Source
Requirements
- No standalone EV charger/EVSE permit application exists; EV charging station circuit work is permitted through the county's standard Electrical, Plumbing & Mechanical Permit (P/E/M Permit)
- Building Permit Fees, per the DDS Fee Schedule, expressly cover electrical work: 'the fee for each permit shall be as set forth and detailed in Attachments #1 through #6' (Attachment #5, Table No. 3A Electrical Permit Fees)
- The county's Over the Counter Permits Submittal Guide & Application -- which covers Service Clearance, Water Heater Replacement, A/C Relocation/Replacement, Window Replacement, Sewer Line Repair (not in public R.O.W.), Utilities (not in public R.O.W.), and Residential Solar/PV Installation -- does NOT list EV chargers/EVSE among its minor-project categories, so a standard (not over-the-counter) electrical permit process applies unless county staff direct otherwise at intake
- A licensed contractor under the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) must be used for licensed work; owners may self-perform many minor electrical projects but must follow applicable regulations
- Apply online through the county's Permit Application Center (yumacountyaz.portal.opengov.com) or in person at the DDS Building Safety Division
Required documents
- RequiredElectrical, Plumbing & Mechanical Permit ApplicationSame P/E/M application used for other electrical work; no EV-specific application exists, and the EV charger category is absent from the county's Over-the-Counter minor-project list
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Permit Fees (EV charger/EVSE circuit) | Per Table No. 3A (Electrical), per the locally amended National Electric Code edition then in force | Yuma County DDS Fee Schedule, Category 2 (Permitting): "Building Permit Fees (including plumbing, electrical and mechanical): the fee for each permit shall be as set forth and detailed in Attachments… Show full citationHideYuma County DDS Fee Schedule, Category 2 (Permitting): "Building Permit Fees (including plumbing, electrical and mechanical): the fee for each permit shall be as set forth and detailed in Attachments #1 through #6" -- "Attachment #5 - Table No. 3A - Electrical Permit Fees 1996 National Electric Code." The live DDS Fee Schedule PDF (yumacountyaz.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/28926/636228368161800000), a 12-page document dated 2017 (Published Time header: Thu, 16 Feb 2017), references Attachment #5/Table 3A by name only and does not embed the table's actual per-item dollar figures on the page itself; the table exists only as a separate, unlinked attachment file not discoverable via county site search. No EV-specific line exists within it regardless. Note that Yuma County itself (as opposed to the City of Yuma) is not hosted on either Municode or American Legal Publishing at all, so the amlegal.com Electrical Code link cited below (codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/yuma) points to the wrong jurisdiction's code and should not be relied on for the county's fee table. Confirm the exact fee with DDS Building Safety Division, (928) 817-5000. |
| Plan Review Fee (when plan review required) | 65% of the building permit fee, per set of plan review | Yuma County DDS Fee Schedule, Category 1 (Plan Reviews) — applies uniformly across Building, Plumbing, Electrical, and Mechanical permits requiring plan review |
Sign Permit
A sign permit issued by the Chief Building Official is required before any sign is erected, re-erected, constructed, altered, or maintained in unincorporated Yuma County, under Article VIII (Signs) of the Yuma County Zoning Ordinance. A separate permit is required for each sign, and for signage added to an existing freestanding structure. 'Sign' is one of the project types the county's Building Safety division lists under Project Guide and Applications. Signs under 20 square feet (and not exceeding 8 feet in height or width), window signs, copy changes, and signs not visible from a public right-of-way are exempt.
Reviewed 2026-07-07 · Source
Requirements
- Zoning Ordinance Sec. 800.06: no sign shall be erected, re-erected, constructed, altered, or maintained except as provided by the ordinance and after a permit has been issued by the Chief Building Official; a SEPARATE permit is required for each sign, and for signage added to an existing freestanding structure
- Sec. 800.07: application shall be made in writing on forms furnished by the Planning and Zoning Division, and shall contain the legal description of the property and the name and address of the owner and of the sign contractor or erector; the Building Official may require plans or other pertinent information, and standard plans may be filed with the Building Official
- Sec. 800.02: all signs shall meet the standards of construction, maintenance, permit and inspection procedures set forth in the latest edition of the Yuma County Comprehensive Building and Safety Code, which is incorporated into the sign regulations by reference
- Sec. 800.08: all freestanding and off-site signs must have the permit number and date of issue permanently affixed in a conspicuous place, and the owner or authorized agent must keep those identification numbers legible
- Sec. 800.03: no sign may be located in or project over any public right-of-way except those approved by encroachment permit, and no sign may be erected within future public rights-of-way or setback lines established in Section 1104; no sign may be attached to a utility pole, stovepipe, gutter drain or fire escape, nor impair access to the roof; no off-site sign may be attached to, supported by, or constructed through any part of a building
- Sec. 800.04: signs may be illuminated or non-illuminated, but illumination must be neither intermittent nor flashing nor varying in intensity, and must comply with the Outdoor Lighting Section (Sec. 1109.00) of the Zoning Ordinance
- Sec. 800.05: no sign may be erected or maintained at or near an intersection so as to obstruct free and clear vision, or where it may be confused with an authorized traffic sign/signal or with a device mounted on a law enforcement or fire protection vehicle, or that uses STOP, LOOK, DANGER or similar wording in a way that misleads or confuses traffic (see also Sec. 1101 sight distance)
- Sec. 800.06 EXEMPTIONS — no sign permit required for: changing the advertising copy or message on a painted or printed sign only; painting, repainting, or cleaning of an advertising structure or changing its message (unless size is altered or a structural change is made); a sign under twenty (20) square feet that does not exceed eight feet (8') in height or width; window signs; all temporary signs delineated in Section 810; changing plastic sign faces in a sign that is not changing the business activity; and signs not visible from a public right-of-way
- Sec. 623.07(B) of the Zoning Ordinance separately requires that whenever the use of an existing building, structure or premises changes, all outdoor lighting — including sign illumination — be reviewed and made to comply with Section 623.00
- Per Zoning Ordinance Sec. 1201.02, it is unlawful to perform any work without the required permits under the Building, Fire, Mechanical, Electrical and/or Plumbing Codes adopted by the Yuma County Board of Supervisors — an illuminated sign's electrical work falls under the adopted 2020 NEC
Required documents
- RequiredSign permit application (forms furnished by the Planning and Zoning Division)Zoning Ordinance Sec. 800.07 directs applicants to forms furnished by the Planning and Zoning Division. Yuma County lists 'Sign' among the project types covered by its Project Guide and Applications on the Building Safety page (https://www.yumacountyaz.gov/government/development-services/divisions/building-safety); the county's Resources & Forms page publishes four project submittal packets (Commercial/Industrial/MH & RV Park, Over the Counter, Residential, Subdivision) with no standalone sign form, so obtain the current sign form directly from DDS at (928) 817-5000
- RequiredLegal description of the property and owner / sign contractor informationRequired content of the written application per Zoning Ordinance Sec. 800.07
- OptionalPlans or other pertinent informationThe Building Official may require plans or other pertinent information where, in his/her opinion, it is necessary to ensure compliance with the ordinance; standard plans may be filed with the Building Official (Sec. 800.07)
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sign permit fee | Not published as a distinct line item | The Yuma County Department of Development Services Fee Schedule (the county's only adopted DDS fee schedule, published at https://www.yumacountyaz.gov/government/development-services/fee-schedule)… Show full citationHideThe Yuma County Department of Development Services Fee Schedule (the county's only adopted DDS fee schedule, published at https://www.yumacountyaz.gov/government/development-services/fee-schedule) was read page by page from 170-dpi renders and contains no sign permit line in any of its six sections. Zoning Ordinance Sec. 800.02 routes signs through the permit procedures of the Yuma County Comprehensive Building and Safety Code, whose Building Permit Fees are 'as set forth and detailed in Attachments #1 through #6' — Attachment #3 being Table No. 1A, Building Permit Fees, 1997 Uniform Building Code (valuation-based), with valuation for unit cost taken from the most current September/October edition of the Building Standards Magazine, updated annually. No sign figure is asserted here; call DDS at (928) 817-5000 for a project-specific quote. |
| Building Plan Review Fee | 65% of the building permit fee as shown in Table 1-A of the 1997 Uniform Building Code, per set of plan review | Yuma County DDS Fee Schedule, Section 1 PLAN REVIEWS (page 1 of 12, read from a 170-dpi render). Applies wherever a sign permit requires plan review under Sec. 800.07. |
| Operating Without Approved and Valid Permit | Twice original permit fee assessed | Yuma County DDS Fee Schedule, Miscellaneous Permits (page 6 of 12, read from a 170-dpi render). Expressly stated to apply to 'all type permits issued by DDS.' |
Fire Permit (Fire Code Construction and Operational Permits)
Yuma County is an exception to the Arizona county-fire-district pattern: it adopts and enforces its own fire code for unincorporated territory rather than relegating fire review to an independent fire district. The Yuma County Board of Supervisors adopted the 2024 International Fire Code by Ordinance No. 2026-02 on May 4, 2026, effective 12:01 a.m. June 8, 2026, and expressly directed the Yuma County Department of Development Services to enforce it. DDS charges its own Fire Code Plan Review fee, Fire Permit, and Annual Fire Permit, runs its own fire inspections (it publishes 'Fire Pre Inspection' and 'Deficiencies Found During Fire Inspections' brochures), maintains a county Fire Code Advisory Board, and publishes its own fire-related construction policies.
Reviewed 2026-07-07 · Source
Requirements
- The 2024 International Fire Code is part of the Yuma County Comprehensive Building Safety Code, adopted by Yuma County Ordinance No. 2026-02 (Board of Supervisors, May 4, 2026, Item No. ZF1; recorded 05/15/2026 as document 2026-12402), effective 12:01 a.m. June 8, 2026, replacing the previously adopted 2003 International Fire Code
- Ordinance No. 2026-02 directs the Yuma County Department of Development Services to enforce the fire code requirements as set forth in A.R.S. §11-861, as applicable to and enforceable by Yuma County
- Zoning Ordinance Sec. 1201.02: it is unlawful to perform any work without the required permits under the provisions of the Building, Fire, Mechanical, Electrical and/or Plumbing Codes adopted by the Yuma County Board of Supervisors
- Fire code plan review is a distinct, separately-priced review step in the DDS Fee Schedule's Plan Reviews section, alongside Building Plan Review and Consultant Building Plan Review
- Where different sections of the Comprehensive Building Safety Code and other codes of the jurisdiction specify different materials, methods of construction, or other requirements, the more restrictive governs; where a general requirement conflicts with a specific requirement, the specific requirement applies (Ordinance No. 2026-02 recitals)
- Fees stated inside the referenced model codes do not apply — Yuma County has a statutorily adopted DDS fee schedule and Ordinance No. 2026-02 states that fees mentioned in the referenced codes shall not apply
- Three copies of the 2024 International Fire Code are on file in the Office of the County Clerk and are declared public records, ordered to remain on file with the Clerk of the Board
- Violation of the adopted code is a Class 2 Misdemeanor, with each day the illegal erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration, maintenance or use continues constituting a separate offense
- County fire-related construction policies published by DDS Building Safety apply in addition to the code: Dry Hydrants and Construction Standards; Fire Department Apparatus Access Roadway; Fire Department Connection (FDC); Fire Resistant Construction Requirements for Awning Structures; and Water Requirements for Manual Firefighting during Construction
- Commercial/industrial/MH & RV Park project applications must state how water for manual fire support will be provided (Commercial Project Information Guide & Application, item 15 / application field 14)
Required documents
- OptionalYuma County Ordinance No. 2026-02 — 2024 International Fire Code adoptionBoard of Supervisors ordinance amending the Yuma County Comprehensive Building Safety Code to update the 2003 International Fire Code to the 2024 International Fire Code; adopted May 4, 2026, effective June 8, 2026. Available at https://www.yumacountyaz.gov/government/county-administrator/ordinances
- OptionalCommercial / Industrial / MH & RV Park Project Information Guide & ApplicationCounty project packet for commercial work; requires the applicant to state how water for manual fire support will be provided. Available from https://www.yumacountyaz.gov/government/development-services/forms
- OptionalFire Department Apparatus Access Roadway policyYuma County Building Safety policy, published at https://www.yumacountyaz.gov/government/development-services/laws-guidelines/building-safety-policies
- OptionalFire Department Connection (FDC) policyYuma County Building Safety policy, published at https://www.yumacountyaz.gov/government/development-services/laws-guidelines/building-safety-policies
- OptionalWater Requirements for Manual Firefighting during Construction policyYuma County Building Safety policy, published at https://www.yumacountyaz.gov/government/development-services/laws-guidelines/building-safety-policies
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Code Plan Review | $50.00 | Yuma County DDS Fee Schedule, Section 1 PLAN REVIEWS (page 1 of 12), listed immediately after Building Plan Review Fees and Consultant Building Plan Review Fees. Show full citationHideYuma County DDS Fee Schedule, Section 1 PLAN REVIEWS (page 1 of 12), listed immediately after Building Plan Review Fees and Consultant Building Plan Review Fees. Read the figures from the page as published rather than a copy-paste. Source: https://www.yumacountyaz.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/28926/636228368161800000 |
| Fire Permit | $110.00 | Yuma County DDS Fee Schedule, Miscellaneous Permits (page 6 of 12) — read from a 170-dpi page render. This is a Yuma County fee charged by the county's own Department of Development Services, not a fire-district fee. |
| Annual Fire Permit | $50.00 | Yuma County DDS Fee Schedule, Miscellaneous Permits (page 6 of 12) — read from a 170-dpi page render. Listed directly beneath the Fire Permit line. |
| Operating Without Approved and Valid Permit | Twice original permit fee assessed | Yuma County DDS Fee Schedule, Miscellaneous Permits (page 6 of 12, read from render) — expressly applies to 'all type permits issued by DDS,' which includes fire permits. |
Change of Use / New Certificate of Occupancy
Changing the use of any building or other structure in unincorporated Yuma County requires a building permit from the zoning inspector before the new use begins, under Section 1201.01 of the Yuma County Zoning Ordinance (which codifies A.R.S. Title 11, Chapter 6, Article 2). The Department of Development Services then issues a new Certificate of Occupancy — a statement signed by the County Building Official setting forth that the building, structure or use complies with the Zoning Ordinance and may be used for the purposes stated. The county's adopted fee schedule prices this specific service by the hour rather than as a flat fee.
Reviewed 2026-07-07 · Source
Requirements
- Zoning Ordinance Sec. 1201.01: it is unlawful to erect, construct, reconstruct, alter or CHANGE THE USE of any building or other structure within a zoning district covered by the ordinance without first obtaining a building permit from the inspector
- For that purpose the applicant shall provide the zoning inspector with a sketch of the proposed construction containing sufficient information for the enforcement of the zoning ordinance
- The inspector shall issue the permit when it appears that the proposed erection, construction, reconstruction, alteration or use fully conforms to the zoning ordinance; in any other case, the inspector shall withhold the permit
- No permit is required for repairs or improvements of a value not exceeding five hundred dollars ($500) (Sec. 1201.01); separately, Sec. 1201.00 requires a building permit for any construction of a building or addition exceeding a cost of one thousand dollars ($1,000)
- A Certificate of Occupancy is defined by the Zoning Ordinance as a statement signed by the County Building Official, or their designee, setting forth that a building, structure, or use complies with the Zoning Ordinance and that the same may be used for the purposes stated therein
- Sec. 623.07(B): whenever the use of any existing building, structure, or premises is changed to a different use, all outdoor lighting shall be reviewed and made to comply with all provisions of Section 623.00 (Outdoor Lighting Regulations)
- Zoning must permit the proposed use: Article X limits nonconforming uses — an existing nonconforming use may not be changed to another nonconforming use (Sec. 1003.00), a nonconforming use changed to a conforming use may not revert (Sec. 1005.00), and a change of use or addition of new uses constitutes a use intensification and is not permitted (Sec. 1008.00)
- If a contractor is employed for construction exceeding $10,000, a building permit may not be issued unless the contractor holds a valid privilege tax license under A.R.S. Title 42, Chapter 5, Article 1 (Sec. 1201.00(B))
- The permitting process is the county's standard two-step Administrative Review then Technical Review; incomplete applications are returned in their entirety without further action
- Sec. 1201.02: it is unlawful to perform any work without the required permits under the Building, Fire, Mechanical, Electrical and/or Plumbing Codes adopted by the Yuma County Board of Supervisors — a change of use that triggers construction work also triggers those trade permits
- On issuance of the certificate of occupancy or certificate of completion, the county notifies the County Assessor and the Arizona Department of Revenue in writing or electronically with the permit number, parcel number, issue date and completion date (Sec. 1201.00(C))
Required documents
- RequiredSketch of the proposed constructionRequired by Zoning Ordinance Sec. 1201.01 — must contain sufficient information for the enforcement of the zoning ordinance
- OptionalCommercial / Industrial / MH & RV Park Project Information Guide & ApplicationThe county project packet used where a change of use involves commercial or industrial premises; available from https://www.yumacountyaz.gov/government/development-services/forms
- OptionalProject Assessment RequestCounty form for a pre-submittal assessment of a proposed project; available from https://www.yumacountyaz.gov/government/development-services/forms
- OptionalYuma County Zoning OrdinanceGoverning ordinance — Sec. 1201.01 (change of use permit requirement), the Certificate of Occupancy definition in Article II, Sec. 623.07(B) (outdoor lighting on change of use), and Article X (nonconforming uses). Available from https://www.yumacountyaz.gov/government/development-services/laws-guidelines
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Change of Use Issuance of New Certificate of Occupancy | $70.00 per hour with 1/2 hour minimum | Yuma County DDS Fee Schedule, Section 6 DDS GENERAL SERVICE & MISCELLANEOUS FEES (page 8 of 12). Show full citationHideYuma County DDS Fee Schedule, Section 6 DDS GENERAL SERVICE & MISCELLANEOUS FEES (page 8 of 12). The rate is $70.00 per hour with a 1/2 hour minimum. Read the figures from that page as laid out rather than from a copy-paste: its text layer is misaligned by one row and pairs this label with the Bad Check Fee's value ('$15.00 x 2 (bank charge only)'). Source: https://www.yumacountyaz.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/28926/636228368161800000 |
| Temporary Certificate of Occupancy | $70.00 | Yuma County DDS Fee Schedule, Section 6 DDS GENERAL SERVICE & MISCELLANEOUS FEES (page 10 of 12) — read from a 170-dpi page render. |
| Building Permit Fee (where the change of use involves construction) | Valuation-based per Table No. 1A, Building Permit Fees, 1997 Uniform Building Code (Attachment #3 to the Fee Schedule), with valuation for unit cost based on the most current September/October edition of the Building Standards Magazine (updated annually) | Yuma County DDS Fee Schedule, Section 2 PERMITTING (page 2 of 12): 'Building Permit Fees (including plumbing, electrical and mechanical): the fee for each permit shall be as set forth and detailed in Attachments #1 through #6.' |
| Building Plan Review Fee | 65% of the building permit fee as shown in Table 1-A of the 1997 Uniform Building Code, per set of plan review | Yuma County DDS Fee Schedule, Section 1 PLAN REVIEWS (page 1 of 12, read from a 170-dpi render). |
| Operating Without Approved and Valid Permit | Twice original permit fee assessed | Yuma County DDS Fee Schedule, Miscellaneous Permits (page 6 of 12, read from render) — applies to all types of permits issued by DDS. |
Sources & verification
Key facts verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-07-07.
Fee schedules
Applications & forms
Checklists & handouts
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 Yuma County building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.