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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for La Paz County
A building permit is required for all construction in unincorporated La Paz County. Demolition permits, grading permits (under 2018 IBC Appendix J unless exempt), and placement permits for manufactured homes, park models, containers, and RVs are also required.
- Exempt Certain low sidewalks and driveways
- Exempt Painting and papering
- Exempt Tiling and cabinet/countertop installation
- Exempt Temporary stage sets
- Exempt Certain shade cloth structures
- Exempt Certain window awnings
Note: Permit exemptions do not authorize violations of other laws or ordinances. Confirm edge cases with the Building and Safety Department before proceeding.
- Completed building permit application
- Site plan and building plans
- Contractor information (if applicable)
- Septic or water/wastewater documentation (if applicable)
- Floodplain materials (if applicable)
- Grading and drainage plans (if triggered)
- Utility plans (if applicable)
- Soils reports (if required)
- Structural reports (if required)
- Building code
- 2018 IRC, IBC, IPC, IMC, IFC, IFGC, IPMC, International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, International Existing Building Code, and 2020 National Electrical Code.
Source: La Paz County Community Development - GIS, Building and Safety Department ↗
Application process
Typical processing: Processing times vary by project type; applicants should contact the Building and Safety Department for specific timelines.
- 01 Download the building permit application and relevant checklists from the county website.
- 02 Prepare a complete application with site plan and building plans for most projects.
- 03 Include contractor information if applicable, and supporting approvals (septic, water/wastewater, floodplain, grading/drainage, utility plans, soils reports, structural reports) as triggered by the project.
- 04 Submit all materials to La Paz County Community Development.
- 05 County staff reviews completeness and compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- 06 Pay permit fees after approval.
- 07 Post the permit on-site and ensure the site remains accessible for inspections.
- 08 Request inspections for each required phase at least 24 hours in advance.
- 09 Complete all required inspections; Building Inspector may issue a stop-work order if construction departs from approved plans.
Typical processing time: Processing times vary by project type; applicants should contact the Building and Safety Department for specific timelines.
Source: La Paz County Community Development - GIS, Building and Safety Department ↗
Fee schedule
Effective 2024
Manufactured-home placement permit fee increased from $650 to $700 effective August 5, 2025.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2024) before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- (928) 669-6138 (phone)
- comdev@lapaz.gov (email)
- Scheduling deadline
- Inspection requests should be submitted at least 24 hours in advance.
Source: La Paz County Community Development - GIS, Building and Safety Department ↗
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated La Paz County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated La Paz County, AZ? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated La Paz County, AZ? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated La Paz County, AZ? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated La Paz County, AZ? ▸
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated La Paz County, AZ? ▸
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated La Paz County, AZ? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with La Paz County Community Development - GIS, Building and Safety Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.